bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ultrasound‐assisted sample preparation method of carbonatite rock for determination of rare earth elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Gatiboni Thais L. , Iop Gabrielle D. , Diehl Lisarb O. , Flores Erico M.M. , Muller Edson I. , Mello Paola A. 
Published: January 2020

RationaleA method for the determination of rare earth elements in carbonatite rocks by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was developed.MethodsAn alkaline rock, carbonatite, was submitted to ultrasound‐assisted extraction (USAE) using an ultrasound bath, a cup horn system or an ultrasound probe. The main USAE parameters were evaluated, such as extraction time (1 to 30 min), extraction temperature (20 to 100°C) and ultrasound amplitude (10 to 100%). For ICP‐MS, a desolvation system (APEX‐Q) was used to reduce interference in lanthanide determination. To evaluate if the effect of ultrasound improved extraction, experiments were carried out using magnetic stirring (500 rpm) for comparison.ResultsThe temperature and ultrasound amplitude optimized for the method were 70°C and 40%, respectively, using dilute nitric acid (3% v/v). Quantitative analyte recoveries were obtained using an ultrasound bath (25 kHz/100 W) which allowed for the simultaneous extraction of twelve replicates.ConclusionsAll the results obtained with the use of ultrasound systems were better than those obtained with mechanical stirring. The extracts were suitable for ICP‐MS analysis and the results were in agreement with those obtained by the reference method (using wet acid digestion). Based on the results, the use of USAE can be considered an alternative method for sample preparation of carbonatite rocks, under milder conditions, for further ICP‐MS analysis.
Towards Visible LED Illumination: ZnO‐ZnS Nanocomposite Particles
Authors: Schmitt Michael , Dietlin Celine , Lalevée Jacques 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNowadays photo semiconductors such as ZnO are one of the driving forces of humanity towards economically and ecological safe life. Such semiconductors are used in solar applications and for light emission but also multiple investigations using the material as photocatalysts (water‐splitting), or as photo initiators were published. The combination of the inorganic material with an organic matrix leads to possible interesting hybrid materials. One drawback for ZnO and other photo semiconductors is the short UV wavelength (in the UV−range) which is necessary to photoactivation. We will present the possibility of modified ZnS‐ZnO nanocomposites being reactive towards visible light for example 406 nm LED illumination. Therefore, the particles are used as initiators for free radical polymerization. The simply to handle experimental preparation procedure of the sulphur containing ≈10 nm particles is described in this work for the first time.
Binary Chiral Nanoparticles Exhibit Amplified Optical Activity and Enhanced Refractive Index Sensitivity
Authors: Yang Lin , Nandi Proloy , Ma Yicong , Liu Junjun , Mirsaidov Utkur , Huang Zhifeng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMetallic chiral nanoparticles (CNPs) with a nominal helical pitch (P) of sub‐10 nm contain inherent chirality and are promisingly applied to diverse prominent enantiomer‐related applications. However, the sub‐wavelength P physically results in weak optical activity (OA) to prohibit the development of these applications. Herein, a facile method to amplify the CNPs' OA by alloying the host CNPs with metals through a three‐step layer‐by‐layer glancing angle deposition (GLAD) method is devised. Promoted by the GLAD‐induced heating effect, the solute metallic atoms diffuse into the host CNPs to create binary alloy CNPs. Chiral alloying not only induces the plasmonic OA of the diffused solute and the created alloys but also amplifies that of the host CNPs, generally occurring for alloying Ag CNPs with diverse metals (including Cu, Au, Al, and Fe) and alloying Cu CNPs with Ag. Furthermore, the chiral alloying leads to an enhancement of refractive index sensitivity of the CNPs. The alloy CNPs with amplified plasmonic OA pave the way for potentially developing important chirality‐related applications in the fields of heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis, enantiodifferentiation, enantioseparation, biosensing, and bioimaging.
Chemometric applications in fire debris analysis
Authors: Sigman Michael E. , Williams Mary R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractChemometric applications related to the analysis of ignitable liquids (ILs) and fire debris samples have evolved over the last 30 years. Most older papers focused on the use of chemometrics for classification of ILs by manufacturer, grade or into classes defined by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standard test method ASTM E1618. More recently, chemometric studies in fire debris analysis have focused on estimating the strength of the evidence in the form of a likelihood ratio (LR). The progression of chemometric methods from simple classification tasks to the calculation of LRs and statements of evidentiary value has implications across all disciplines of forensic science. Most of the data analyzed by chemometric methods in forensic fire debris analysis come from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, although several studies have examined data from head space‐mass spectrometry and other sensors. Retention time alignment is a challenge that must be addressed if chemometric methods are intended to have interlaboratory applicability. Several of the reports reviewed here rely on data representations that avoid retention time alignment issues. Attempts to apply chemometric methods to the analysis of ILs and fire debris samples has for the most part been an academic exercise and the results have not made their way into accredited forensic laboratories and established protocols. The chemometric methods are well‐founded in statistical principles and they can provide a means of strengthening forensic fire debris analysis in the future.This article is categorized under:Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fire Debris AnalysisForensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace EvidenceForensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Presentation and Evaluation of Forensic Science Output
Is tomorrow’s car appealing today? Ethical issues and user attitudes beyond automation
Authors: Vrščaj Darja , Nyholm Sven , Verbong Geert P. J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe literature on ethics and user attitudes towards AVs discusses user concerns in relation to automation; however, we show that there are additional relevant issues at stake. To assess adolescents’ attitudes regarding the ‘car of the future’ as presented by car manufacturers, we conducted two studies with over 400 participants altogether. We used a mixed methods approach in which we combined qualitative and quantitative methods. In the first study, our respondents appeared to be more concerned about other aspects of AVs than automation. Instead, their most commonly raised concerns were the extensive use of AI, recommender systems, and related issues of autonomy, invasiveness and personal privacy. The second study confirmed that several AV impacts were negatively perceived. The responses were, however, ambivalent. This confirms previous research on AV attitudes. On one hand, the AV features were perceived as useful, while on the other hand, their impacts were negatively assessed. We followed theoretical insights form futures studies and responsible research and innovation, which helped to identify that there are additional user concerns than what has been previously discussed in the literature on public attitudes and ethics of AVs, as well what has been envisioned by car manufactures.
Secondary somatosensory cortex of primates: beyond body maps, toward conscious self-in-the-world maps
Authors: Bretas Rafael V. , Taoka Miki , Suzuki Hiroaki , Iriki Atsushi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent human imaging studies have revealed the involvement of the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) in processes that require high-level information integration, such as self-consciousness, social relations, whole body representation, and metaphorical extrapolations. These functions are far beyond its known role in the formation of body maps (even in their most complex forms), requiring the integration of different information modalities in addition to somatosensory information. However, no evidence of such complex processing seems to have been detected at the neuronal level in animal experiments, which would constitute a major discrepancy between human and non-human animals. This article scrutinizes this gap, introducing experimental evidence of human and non-human primates’ SII functions set in context with their evolutionary significance and mechanisms, functionally situating the human SII as a primate brain. Based on the presented data, a new concept of a somatocentric holistic self is proposed, represented as a more comprehensive body-in-the-world map in the primate SII, taking into account evolutionary aspects that characterize the human SII and its implication in the emergence of self-consciousness. Finally, the idea of projection is introduced from the viewpoint of cognitive science, providing a logical explanation to bridge this gap between observed behavior and neurophysiological data.
Macroscopic characteristics facilitate identification of common Antarctic glass sponges (Porifera, Hexactinellida, Rossellidae)
Authors: Federwisch Luisa , Janussen Dorte , Richter Claudio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGlass sponges (Porifera, Hexactinellida) are conspicuous habitat-forming members of many Antarctic shelf communities. Despite their ecological importance, in-situ species identification remains problematic as it is traditionally based on microscopic analysis of spicules. External morphological features, in contrast, have largely been disregarded, so that different species have been mislabeled or lumped together when their identification was based on image material. In this paper, we provide a straight-forward guideline for in-situ identification of the most common rossellid sponges of the Antarctic shelf based on macroscopic characteristics. To determine diagnostic macroscopic characteristics of Anoxycalyx (Scolymastra) joubini and eight Rossella species, we combined examination of trawl-collected specimens, previous species descriptions and in-situ image material from the eastern Weddell Sea. Our study revealed that the smooth-walled species A. joubini, R. nuda and R. vanhoeffeni, previously often mixed up, can be distinguished by the form of their basal spicule tuft, their surface structure and their overall body form. The previously synonymized species R. racovitzae and R. podagrosa can be distinguished by their markedly different habitus. Based on our results, the so-called ‘R. racovitzae budding type’ in fact refers to R. podagrosa which occurs regularly in the eastern Weddell Sea. The species R. villosa, R. levis, R. fibulata and R. antarctica can be distinguished by the appearance of their conules, protruding spicules and overall body form. We conclude that macroscopic characteristics are helpful means for identification of Antarctic rossellid sponge species. This approach enables species-specific quantitative studies of Antarctic glass sponge grounds based on increasingly used non-invasive imaging technology.
The relationship between glucose homeostasis status and prostate size in aging Chinese males with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Wu Y. , Ding Y. , Cao Q. F. , Qian S. B. , Wang C. , Duan H. Q. , Gu J. , Shen H. B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPurposeIncreasing evidence shows that many metabolic factors are involved in the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We aimed to assess the relationship between the status of glucose homeostasis and prostate size in aging Chinese males undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for BPH.MethodsA total of 1006 medical records of BPH patients undergoing TURP were reviewed. Prostate size was measured by transrectal ultrasound. Annual total prostate (TP) and transitional zone (TZ) growth rates were calculated. According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, the patients were categorized as normoglycemic, prediabetic, or diabetic. Levels of glucose homeostasis and other variables were considered independent variables in an effort to evaluate any potential correlations using non-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted regression models.ResultsA total of 659 individuals were included in the study. BPH patients < 70 years old and ≥ 70 years old in the normoglycemic group had a stable prostate growth rate. The change in prostate size in those younger than 70 years, however, was faster in the prediabetic and diabetic group. Further analysis revealed that abnormal glucose homeostasis was positively correlated with prostate size. In those younger than 70 years, compared with the normal glucose group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for TP and TZ enlargement in the prediabetic group was 2.27 (95%CI 1.29–4.00) and 3.19 (95%CI 1.78–5.72), respectively, and the adjusted ORs were 4.74 (95%CI 2.18–10.30) and 6.16 (95%CI 2.70–14.06), respectively, for men with diabetes. However there was no significant difference among men aged ≥ 70 years.ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing TURP, the prostate volume and growth rate were affected by different status of glucose homeostasis. Hyperglycemia may play an important role in prostate growth.
Slingshot homolog-1 expression is a poor prognostic factor of pT1 bladder urothelial carcinoma after transurethral resection
Authors: Luo Qiang , Liu Yanxia , Zhao Hu , Guo Peng , Wang Qianwen , Li Wenjun , Li Gang , Wu Bin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective
Slingshot homolog-1 (SSH-1) shows an important role in the occurrence and development in various tumors. While, the expression and prognostic implications of SSH-1 in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) remain unclear and thus were addressed in this study.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on tissue microarrays composed of 624 bladder UC specimens after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) to detect SSH-1 expression. The clinic-pathological features were compared between SSH-1( +) and SSH-1(−) subgroups. The Kaplan–Meier curve with log-rank test and univariate/multivariate Cox regression model with stepwise backward elimination methods were performed for survival analyses.

Results
In this study, 359 (57.53%) specimens were detected with SSH-1 expression. SSH-1 positivity was significantly associated with higher pathological grade (p = 0.020), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.006), tumor recurrence (p < 0.001) and progression (p < 0.001) in bladder UC. Besides, SSH-1 positivity predicted a shorter overall survival (OS, p = 0.024), recurrence-free survival (RFS, p < 0.001), progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.002) and cancer-specific survival (CSS, p = 0.047). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that tumor size (p = 0.007), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.003), recurrence (p < 0.001), progression (p < 0.001) and SSH-1 expression (p = 0.015) were predictors of poor prognosis in bladder UC patients.

Conclusions
SSH-1 expression was associated with undesirable clinic-pathological characteristics and poor post-operative prognosis in bladder UC patients. SSH-1 might play an important role in bladder UC and serve as a promising predictor of oncological outcomes in patients with bladder UC.
Suizidalität bei Krebspatienten
Authors: Rabe A. , van Oorschot B. , Jentschke E. 
Published: January 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Diagnose Krebs und ihre Behandlung kann eine große Belastung für die Betroffenen darstellen. Neben körperlichen Beschwerden kann auch die Psyche in Mitleidenschaft gezogen werden. Fehlt es an entsprechenden Bewältigungsstrategien, kann der selbstbestimmte Tod als einziger Ausweg erscheinen.

Ziel und Fragestellung
Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit zur Suizidalität bei Krebspatienten befasst sich mit einem Thema, das in der Forschung und Praxis in Deutschland nur wenig Aufmerksamkeit findet.

Material und Methoden
Eine themenbezogene Literaturrecherche stellt die Basis der Arbeit dar.

Ergebnisse
Todeswünsche unter Krebspatienten sind nicht selten und können Suizidgedanken/-absichten beinhalten. Psychische Beschwerden, insbesondere Hoffnungslosigkeit und Depression, sind ernstzunehmende Risikofaktoren. Das Erkennen einer hohen psychischen Belastung/von Todeswünschen ist ein wichtiger Aspekt für die Suizidprävention. Für die Praxis empfiehlt sich zunächst die Verwendung von Fragebögen. Bei auffälligen Werten muss die Suizidalität proaktiv in einem persönlichen Gespräch exploriert werden. Betroffene sind meist ambivalent bezüglich ihrer Entscheidung für oder gegen das Leben. Dies stellt eine große Chance für Interventionen dar.

Schlussfolgerungen
Suizidalität kann verhindert werden, wenn die hohe Belastung erkannt wird. Bereits das Gespräch zwischen Arzt und Patient über Todeswünsche kann eine erste Entlastung darstellen.
Convergence analysis of a Lasserre hierarchy of upper bounds for polynomial minimization on the sphere
Authors: de Klerk Etienne , Laurent Monique 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe study the convergence rate of a hierarchy of upper bounds for polynomial minimization problems, proposed by Lasserre (SIAM J Optim 21(3):864–885, 2011), for the special case when the feasible set is the unit (hyper)sphere. The upper bound at level $$r \in {\mathbb {N}}$$

r
∈
N

of the hierarchy is defined as the minimal expected value of the polynomial over all probability distributions on the sphere, when the probability density function is a sum-of-squares polynomial of degree at most 2r with respect to the surface measure. We show that the rate of convergence is $$O(1/r^2)$$

O
(
1
/

r
2

)

and we give a class of polynomials of any positive degree for which this rate is tight. In addition, we explore the implications for the related rate of convergence for the generalized problem of moments on the sphere.
Predicting the potential distribution of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation in New Zealand, using maximum entropy-based ecological niche modelling
Authors: Raghavan R. K. , Heath A. C. G. , Lawrence K. E. , Ganta R. R. , Peterson A. T. , Pomroy W. E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough currently exotic to New Zealand, the potential geographic distribution ofAmblyomma americanum(L.), the lone star tick, was modelled using maximum entropy (MaxEnt). The MaxEnt model was calibrated across the native range ofA. americanumin North America using present-day climatic conditions and occurrence data from museum collections. The resulting model was then projected onto New Zealand using both present-day and future climates modelled under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 (low) and RCP 8.5 (high). Three sets of WorldClim bioclimatic variables were chosen using the jackknife method and tested in MaxEnt using different combinations of model feature class functions and regularization multiplier values. The preferred model was selected based on partial receiver operating characteristic tests, the omission rate and the lowest Akaike information criterion. The final model had four bioclimatic variables, Annual Mean Temperature (BIO1), Annual Precipitation (BIO12), Precipitation Seasonality (BIO15) and Precipitation of Driest Quarter (BIO17), and the projected New Zealand distribution was broadly similar to that ofHaemaphysalis longicornisNeumann, New Zealand’s only livestock tick, but with a more extensive predicted suitability. The climate change predictions for the year 2050 under both low and high RCP scenarios projected only moderate increases in habitat suitability along the mountain valleys in the South Island. In conclusion, this analysis shows that given the opportunity and licenseA. americanumcould and would successfully establish in New Zealand and could provide another vector for theileriosis organisms.
Thermal properties of polyurethane-based composites modified with chitosan for biomedical applications
Authors: Szlachta Monika , Ordon Klaudia , Nowicka Katarzyna , Pielichowska Kinga 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe thermal properties of chitosan and hydroxyapatite (HAp)-crosslinked polyurethanes (PU) prepared in a two-step bulk polymerization were investigated. Synthesis of PU was carried out using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 and dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. Various molar ratios of chitosan and 1,4-butanediol were applied, and the effects of incorporating different HAp amounts and the chitosan-to-BDO ratio were studied. It was found that the thermal properties of PU materials depend on polysaccharides and bioceramics load, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The glass transition temperature increases with increasing chitosan fraction. Similarly, the onset temperature of degradation increased with chitosan addition. On the other hand, the presence of ceramics did not show a significant impact on the thermal properties of PU composites. Successful polymerization and chain extension of the isocyanate groups with hydroxyl moieties from chitosan and HAp were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy.
Abundance and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas isolated from the water of three carp ponds
Authors: Zdanowicz Marta , Mudryk Zbigniew Jan , Perliński Piotr 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAbundance and antibiotic resistance of bacteria of the genus Aeromonas isolated from the water of three carp ponds were studied. The number of those bacteria differed between the studied ponds, sites and season. The results of the present study showed that planktonic Aeromonas inhabiting those ponds strongly differed in the resistance level to tested antibiotics. These microorganisms were the most resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin and penicillin. However, all isolates Aeromonas were susceptible to gentamycin and streptomycin. Majority of bacterial strains were characterized by resistance to 4–6 of the 12 antibiotics tested. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics depended on their chemical structure. Aeromonas strains isolated from the studied ponds were the most resistant to β-lactam and lincosamides antibiotics, while the most susceptible to aminoglycosides, chloramphenicols and fluoroquinolones.