bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycaprolactone (PCL)/alumina and PCL/niobium pentoxide composites: Rheology, crystallization, and mechanical properties
Authors: Sousa Jokderléa C. , Costa Anna Raffaela M. , Lima Juliana C. , Arruda Salim A. , Almeida Yêda M. B. , Canedo Eduardo L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPolymeric polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix composites reinforced with alumina and niobium pentoxide were prepared in a laboratory internal mixer and studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile and impact tests, in addition to the particle distribution in the matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the oxide content on the rheology, crystallization, and mechanical properties of these composites. According to the rheological analysis, the composites were well mixed and the polymer matrix used in the composites can be considered thermally stable during processing. The effect of the fillers on degradation during processing was minimal. DSC analyses indicate that, in general, the increase in the filler content does not change the crystallization temperature, irrespectively of the oxide added. For the niobium pentoxide composites, crystallinity does not appear to be affected by an increase in filler content or cooling rate. Both tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with filler addition while impact strength decreased and Young's modulus was apparently unaffected. There was good distribution of the oxide particles in the polymer matrix.
Numerical and experimental investigation of saturated transverse permeability of 2D woven glass fabrics based on material twins
Authors: Huang Wei , Causse Philippe , Hu Heng , Trochu François 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe transverse permeability of fibrous reinforcement is one of the critical parameters that govern fabrication efficiency and production quality in several liquid composite molding process variants devised to achieve transverse impregnation of fibrous reinforcements. It is difficult to precisely measure and predict the transverse permeability, because it is simultaneously affected by diverse factors, for example, the geometric features of the test mold, nesting between fabric layers, and flow‐induced compaction of the fiber bed. In this article, the saturated transverse permeability of 2D woven glass fabrics is investigated using information provided by mesostructural geometric models reproducing the real textile architecture. These models are created by micro‐CT aided geometric modeling, a recently proposed technique to analyze three‐dimensional images obtained by X‐ray microtomography. They are called “material twins” because they reproduce with assessed accuracy the geometrical configuration of the textile preform, are representative of material variability, and allow performing numerical simulations of flow or mechanical properties. Computer simulations of steady state transverse flows in material twins were carried out to evaluate the transverse permeability and compared to experiments. Issues concerning material variability due to nesting and the accuracy of transverse permeability measurements were considered and discussed. A good agreement was obtained between numerical and experimental values of transverse permeability. Both approaches show a significant influence of the number of layers considered, which can be explained by nesting between adjacent plies. Numerical simulations also illustrate how nesting significantly affects material variability.
Plasticity in metabolism underpins local responses to nitrogen in Arabidopsis thaliana populations
Authors: Pandey Prashant K. , Yu Jing , Omranian Nooshin , Alseekh Saleh , Vaid Neha , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran , Laitinen Roosa A. E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNitrogen (N) is central for plant growth, and metabolic plasticity can provide a strategy to respond to changing N availability. We showed that two local A. thaliana populations exhibited differential plasticity in the compounds of photorespiratory and starch degradation pathways in response to three N conditions. Association of metabolite levels with growth‐related and fitness traits indicated that controlled plasticity in these pathways could contribute to local adaptation and play a role in plant evolution.
Corrigendum on: Plasma induced grafting multiwalled carbon nanotube with Chitosan and its application for removal of UO22+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shao Dadong , Hu Jun , Wang Xiangke 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article corrects the following: Dadong Shao, Jun Hu, Xiangke Wang. Plasma Induced Grafting Multiwalled CarbonNanotube with Chitosan and Its Application for Removal of UO22+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ from Aqueous Solutions. Plasma Process. Polym. 2010, 7, 977–985, DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201000062.
Prostate cancer adverse pathology reclassification in patients undergoing active surveillance in a long‐term follow‐up series
Authors: Fernández‐Conejo Guillermo , Hernández Virginia , Guijarro Ana , de la Peña Enrique , Inés Alberto , Pérez‐Fernández Elia , Llorente Carlos 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundActive surveillance (AS) has become a valid option for patients with a very low risk of prostate cancer (PC) with a widespread application. There are still a few series, with a medium follow‐up longer than 5 years, reporting data on pathological upgrading. The objective is to evaluate the changes in surveillance biopsies of patients with low‐risk PC in a long‐term follow‐up and determine if a longer stay in AS could involve worse pathological findings.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of our institutional database of patients with PC undergoing AS during 2004 to 2018 was performed. The inclusion criteria were prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 10 ng/mL, Gleason grade 1 and T1c/T2a. Patients were assessed by serum PSA level and digital rectal examination at 6‐month intervals. Transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsies were performed during the first year of follow‐up, and every 2 or 3 years thereafter. The pathology details of biopsies were analyzed and compared with the current series on AS.ResultsThree‐hundred nineteen patients undergoing AS were evaluated with a median follow‐up of 5.3 years and a mean age of 67.4 years. Sixty‐three patients did not meet all the criteria to be considered low‐risk PC but were included in the analysis. Overall, 128 patients (40.1%) underwent active treatment (84.7% of them due to pathological progression in surveillance biopsies). The proportion of patients with a reported upgrading ranged between 19.4% and 35.3%, although only the fourth biopsy showed an upgrading proportion of over 30%. Limitations include the retrospective design of the study and the existence of different protocols between other cohorts that make it difficult to compare their results.ConclusionsFor patients who remained in surveillance the percentage of upgrading increased slightly with the time, being more frequent after the third‐surveillance biopsy. These findings support the importance of extending surveillance biopsies for patients who remain candidates for curative treatment.
A successive sampling control chart using multiple dependent state sampling over two successive occasions
Authors: Arshad Asma , Azam Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, successive sampling (SS) mean monitoring control chart is proposed for two successive occasions using multiple dependent state (MDS) sampling and characterized as MDS‐SS control chart. The sample size is selected on the basis of SS for the control statistic in two pairs of the control limits. The average run length is evaluated, and the performance of the proposed concept over the existing SS control chart is presented using a real‐life example. The SS monitoring chart concept is compiled with MDS, and it becomes more sophisticated in detection of warning signs.
Dynamic probability control limits for CUSUM charts for monitoring proportions with time‐varying sample sizes
Authors: Aytaçoğlu Burcu , Woodall William H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe consider the problem of monitoring a proportion with time‐varying sample sizes. Control charts are generally designed by assuming a fixed sample size or a priori knowledge of a sample size probability distribution. Sometimes, it is not possible to know, or accurately estimate, a sample size distribution or the distribution may change over time. An improper assumption for the sample size distribution could lead to undesirable performance of the control chart. To handle this problem, we propose the use of dynamic probability control limits (DPCLs) which are determined successively as the sample sizes become known. The method is based on keeping the conditional probability of a false alarm at a predetermined level given that there has not been any earlier false alarm. The control limits dynamically change, and the in‐control performance of the chart can be controlled at the desired level for any sequence of sample sizes. The simulation results support this result showing that there is no need for any assumption of a sample size distribution with the use of this proposed approach.
A review on epidemiology and impact of human metapneumovirus infections in children using TIAB search strategy on PubMed and PubMed Central articles
Authors: Divarathna Maduja V.M. , Rafeek Rukshan A.M. , Noordeen Faseeha 
Published: December 2019

SummaryAcute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) contribute to morbidity and mortality in children globally. Viruses including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) account for most ARTIs. The virus causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections mostly in young children and contributes to hospitalization of individuals with asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancer. Moreover, hMPV pauses a considerable socio‐economic impact creating a substantial disease burden wherever it has been studied, although hMPV testing is relatively new in many countries. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological aspects including prevalence, disease burden and seasonality of hMPV infections in children in the world. We acquired published data extracted from PubMed and PubMed Central articles using the title and abstract (TIAB)search strategy for the major key words on hMPV infections from 9/54 African, 11/35 American, 20/50 Asian, 2/14 Australian/Oceanian and 20/51 European countries. According to the findings of this review, the prevalence of hMPV infection ranges from 1.1 to 86% in children of less than 5 years of age globally. Presence of many hMPV genotypes (A1, A2, B1, B2) and sub‐genotypes (A2a, A2b, A2c, B2a, B2b) suggests a rapid evolution of the virus with limited influence by time and geography. hMPV infection mostly affects children between 2 to 5 years of age. The virus is active throughout the year in the tropics and epidemics occur during the winter and spring in temperate climates, contributing to a substantial disease burden globally.
Sustainable development in Iran post‐sanction: Embracing green innovation by small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar , Al‐Gamrh Bakr , Gharleghi Behrooz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEmbracing green innovation is one of the most common elements for improving the firm's environmental performance. In a business environment with high level of bureaucratic corruption, companies can easily neglect their environmental accountability. Therefore, strong motivations are needed to prompt or force companies to acknowledge their environmental responsibility. To discover which types of companies embrace green practices, this study explored the association between customer relationship orientation—as a part of the firms' culture—and the adoption of green product and process innovation via a mediator, market‐focused learning. Results from two surveys of 224 small and medium‐sized enterprises in Iran post‐sanction (late 2016 and early 2017) showed that the adoption of green product and process innovation is higher among small and medium‐sized enterprises with customer‐oriented corporate culture. In addition, this research verified that market‐focused learning was an underlying mechanism through which customer‐oriented corporate culture was related to the adoption of green product and process innovation. Accordingly, this study identified the extent to which companies' building a “constant relationship with customers” was a suitable way to identify those companies' going green and showing more environmental accountability in a bureaucratic corrupted environment.
Assessing the prior event rate ratio method via probabilistic bias analysis on a Bayesian network
Authors: Thommes Edward W. , Mahmud Salaheddin M. , Young‐Xu Yinong , Snider Julia Thornton , van Aalst Robertus , Lee Jason K.H. , Halchenko Yuliya , Russo Ellyn , Chit Ayman 
Published: December 2019

Background: Unmeasured confounders are commonplace in observational studies conducted using real‐world data. Prior event rate ratio (PERR) adjustment is a technique shown to perform well in addressing such confounding. However, it has been demonstrated that, in some circumstances, the PERR method actually increases rather than decreases bias. In this work, we seek to better understand the robustness of PERR adjustment.Methods: We begin with a Bayesian network representation of a generalized observational study, which is subject to unmeasured confounding. Previous work evaluating PERR performance used Monte Carlo simulation to calculate joint probabilities of interest within the study population. Here, we instead use a Bayesian networks framework.Results: Using this streamlined analytic approach, we are able to conduct probabilistic bias analysis (PBA) using large numbers of combinations of parameters and thus obtain a comprehensive picture of PERR performance. We apply our methodology to a recent study that used the PERR in evaluating elderly‐specific high‐dose (HD) influenza vaccine in the US Veterans Affairs population. That study obtained an HD relative effectiveness of 25% (95% CI: 2%‐43%) against influenza‐ and pneumonia‐associated hospitalization, relative to standard‐dose influenza vaccine. In this instance, we find that the PERR‐adjusted result is more like to underestimate rather than to overestimate the relative effectiveness of the intervention.Conclusions: Although the PERR is a powerful tool for mitigating the effects of unmeasured confounders, it is not infallible. Here, we develop some general guidance for when a PERR approach is appropriate and when PBA is a safer option.
Extending the Colloidal Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Library to ReS2 Nanosheets for Application in Gas Sensing and Electrocatalysis
Authors: Martín‐García Beatriz , Spirito Davide , Bellani Sebastiano , Prato Mirko , Romano Valentino , Polovitsyn Anatolii , Brescia Rosaria , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Najafi Leyla , Ansaldo Alberto , D'Angelo Giovanna , Pellegrini Vittorio , Krahne Roman , Moreels Iwan , Bonaccorso Francesco 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAmong the large family of transition metal dichalcogenides, recently ReS2 has stood out due to its nearly layer‐independent optoelectronic and physicochemical properties related to its 1T distorted octahedral structure. This structure leads to strong in‐plane anisotropy, and the presence of active sites at its surface makes ReS2 interesting for gas sensing and catalysts applications. However, current fabrication methods use chemical or physical vapor deposition (CVD or PVD) processes that are costly, time‐consuming and complex, therefore limiting its large‐scale production and exploitation. To address this issue, a colloidal synthesis approach is developed, which allows the production of ReS2 at temperatures below 360 °C and with reaction times shorter than 2h. By combining the solution‐based synthesis with surface functionalization strategies, the feasibility of colloidal ReS2 nanosheet films for sensing different gases is demonstrated with highly competitive performance in comparison with devices built with CVD‐grown ReS2 and MoS2. In addition, the integration of the ReS2 nanosheet films in assemblies together with carbon nanotubes allows to fabricate electrodes for electrocatalysis for H2 production in both acid and alkaline conditions. Results from proof‐of‐principle devices show an electrocatalytic overpotential competitive with devices based on ReS2 produced by CVD, and even with MoS2, WS2, and MoSe2 electrocatalysts.
Recent arrivals or established tenants? History of wolf presence influences attitudes toward the carnivore
Authors: Gosling Elizabeth , Bojarska Katarzyna , Gula Roman , Kuehn Ralph 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTHuman dimensions are a critical part of large carnivore conservation. We investigated how the historical presence of wolves (Canis lupus) influences public attitudes toward the carnivore and its management in rural areas of Poland. From March 2016 to March 2017, we used a self‐administered questionnaire to assess attitudes of rural residents (n = 292) and foresters (n = 325) in 6 regions where wolves have either been continuously present, or where they have recently recovered after a period of absence. While we found that attitudes toward wolves were generally neutral or positive, differences in attitudes did exist across target groups and regions with long and short histories of wolf presence. Foresters tended to have more negative attitudes toward wolves than did rural residents, and their attitudes remained stable across regions. In contrast, rural residents from the regions with an uninterrupted history of wolf presence, which also suffer greater rates of livestock depredation, tended to have less positive attitudes than did residents from regions where wolves have recovered more recently. Knowledge of wolves and wildlife value orientations were also positive predictors of attitudes. Negative attitudes among local residents and lower support for wolf conservation in response to wolf attacks on livestock could be a major obstacle for the continued recovery of wolves in Europe. Our results reinforce the need for proactive approaches, involving both information campaigns and actions to mitigate wolf predation on livestock, to maintain local support for wolf conservation. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Concomitant taurine exposure counteracts ethanol-induced changes in locomotor and anxiety-like responses in zebrafish
Authors: Fontana Barbara D. , Duarte Tamie , Müller Talise E. , Canzian Julia , Ziani Paola R. , Mezzomo Nathana J. , Parker Matthew O. , Rosemberg Denis B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTaurine (TAU) is a β-amino sulfonic acid with pleiotropic roles in the brain, including the neuromodulatory activity via GABAergic and glycinergic agonism. This molecule is found at high concentrations in energy drinks and is often mixed with alcohol in beverages. Although TAU has a neuroprotective role in the brain, the putative risks of mixing TAU and EtOH are not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether TAU modulates locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish by using the novel tank and light-dark tests following acute EtOH exposure at anxiogenic and anxiolytic concentrations. Zebrafish were individually exposed to water (control), TAU (42, 150, and 400 mg/L), and EtOH (0.25% (v/v) and 1% (v/v)) both independently and cotreated for 1 h. EtOH 0.25% and TAU produced U-shape anxiolytic-like behavior in the light-dark test, TAU 42 and 400 positively modulated EtOH effects, and TAU 150 exerted a protective effect. All TAU concentrations counteracted EtOH 1%-induced locomotion impairment, as well as the anxiogenic-like behavior. Finally, all TAU concentrations when given independently or cotreated with EtOH 0.25% and 1% decreased the risk assessment of the lit compartment. Principal component analyses revealed that exploration and anxiety-like responses were the main behaviors that contribute to the effects of TAU and EtOH. Overall, we demonstrate that TAU differently modulates EtOH-induced anxiolytic- and anxiogenic-like behaviors depending on the concentration, suggesting a complex mechanism underlying TAU and EtOH interactions.
A Modified AUGIS Delphi Process to Establish Future Research Priorities in Benign Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Wilson Michael S. J. , Vaughan‐Shaw P. , Boyle C. , Yong G. L. , Oglesby S. , Skipworth R. , Lamb P. , Griffiths E. A. T. , Attwood S. E. A. ,   AUGIS
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of our study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine the research priorities amongst benign upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgeons in the United Kingdom.MethodsDelphi methodology may be utilised to develop consensus opinion amongst a group of experts. Members of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland were invited to submit individual research questions via an online survey (phase I). Two rounds of prioritisation by multidisciplinary expert healthcare professionals (phase II and III) were completed to determine a final list of high‐priority research questions.ResultsFour hundred and twenty‐seven questions were submitted in phase I, and 51 with a benign UGI focus were taken forward for prioritisation in phase II. Twenty‐eight questions were ranked in phase III. A final list of 11 high‐priority questions had an emphasis on acute pancreatitis, Barrett's oesophagus and benign biliary disease.ConclusionA modified Delphi process has produced a list of 11 high‐priority research questions in benign UGI surgery. Future studies and awards from funding bodies should reflect this consensus list of prioritised questions in the interest of improving patient care and encouraging collaborative research.
A study of the effects of westerly wind bursts on ENSO based on CESM
Authors: Tan Xiaoxiao , Tang Youmin , Lian Tao , Yao Zhixiong , Li Xiaojing , Chen Dake 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNumerous works have indicated that westerly wind bursts (WWBs) have a significant contribution to the development of El Niño events. However, the simulation of WWBs commonly suffers from large biases in the current generation of coupled general circulation models (CGCMs), limiting our ability to predict El Niño events. In this study, we introduce a WWBs parameterization scheme into the global coupled Community Earth System Model (CESM) to improve the representation of WWBs and to study the impacts of WWBs on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) characteristics. It is found that CESM with the WWBs parameterization scheme can generate more realistic characteristics of WWBs, in particular their location and seasonal variation of occurrence. With the parameterized WWBs, the skewness of the Niño 3 index is increased, in better agreement with observation. Eastern Pacific El Niño and central Pacific El Niño events could be successfully reproduced in the model run with WWBs parameterization. Further diagnoses show that the enhanced horizontal advection in the central Pacific and vertical advection in the eastern Pacific, both of which are triggered by WWBs, are crucial factors responsible for the improvements in ENSO simulation. Clearly, WWBs have important effects on ENSO asymmetry and ENSO diversity.