bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tb3+ ion concentration on the morphology, structure and photoluminescence of Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+ phosphor obtained using thermal decomposition of sulfate hydrate
Authors: Rodrigues R.V. , Marciniak Ł. , Khan L.U. , Muri E.J.B. , Cruz P.C.M. , Matos J.R. , Strȩk W. , Marins A.A.L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGadolinium oxysulfate doped with terbium (Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+; 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mol%) materials were obtained using thermal decomposition from sulfate hydrate under a dynamic air atmosphere and between 1320–1400 K. The materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric investigations and X‐ray powder diffraction patterns. The Tb2O2SO4 compound was obtained at 1300 K and was used to compare thermal stability and photoluminescence behaviour with that of Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+ (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mol%). Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated the presence of 15% Tb4+ phases within Tb2O2SO4. The materials were excited at 377 nm and displayed green narrow lines with the strongest emission peak at 545.5 nm due to the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+ ions. Brightness of terbium‐activated gadolinium oxysulfate phosphors was enhanced with increase in the concentration of Tb3+. Detailed analysis of spectroscopic properties of materials under investigations revealed efficient Gd2O2SO4 to Tb3+ and Tb3+ to Tb3+ energy transfers. Increase in dopant concentration led to the enhancement of 5D4→7FJ emission intensity and reduction of 5D3→7FJ emission intensity via cross‐relaxation mechanisms. Distribution of particle size was increased by controlling dopant concentration in the host lattice. Obtained results confirmed that these materials could be applied potentially in field emission display devices and light‐emitting diodes.
Examining the behavior of renewable‐energy fund investors
Authors: Marti‐Ballester Carmen‐Pilar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMutual fund investors could contribute to sustainable development by encouraging fund managers to channel their savings into the funding of sustainable energy projects adopted by firms. This study examines whether renewable‐energy investors take into account financial and/or nonfinancial factors when making the decision to invest in a specific fund, comparing their investment behavior with that of black‐energy and conventional investors. To this end, we have gathered information about 4,368 mutual funds (76 renewable‐energy funds, 109 black‐energy funds, and 4,183 conventional mutual funds) from January 2007 to December 2017. For this sample, we adopt a panel‐data approach with Petersen's standard errors clustered by fund and year. Our results indicate that renewable‐energy fund investors are less sensitive to past financial performance than are black‐energy and conventional fund investors, indicating that the former derive their utility from nonfinancial attributes whereas black‐energy investors derive their utility from a conditional multiattribute and conventional fund investors derive their utility from financial attributes.
Patient‐controlled subcutaneous analgesia using sufentainil or morphine in home care treatment in patients with stage III‐IV cancer: A multi‐center randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wan Cheng‐Fu , Meng Qing‐Zhu , Wang Yan‐Wei , Qi Liang , Ai Chang‐Liang , Sui Xin , Song Tao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposePatient‐controlled subcutaneous analgesia (PCSA) with sufentanil is an alternative analgesia strategy in patients with stage III‐IV cancer; however, its efficacy and safety have not been fully investigated.MethodsFrom May 10, 2017 to November 10, 2017, 120 patients with stage III‐IV cancer suffering from moderate to severe pain were prospectively enrolled from six hospitals and randomized to receive PCSA with morphine (control group) or sufentanil (intervention group). Before the PCSA and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 after treatment, the numeric rating scale (NRS) and 36‐item Short Form health survey (SF‐36) were completed for each patient and the side effects were also recorded.RESULTSNo significant differences (P > .05) were observed in the preoperative NRS score and the SF‐36 parameters between the two groups. Patients in the intervention group achieved better pain relief, as indicated by lower NRS scores at days 14 (P = .040), 28 (P < .001), and 56 (P < .001) after PCSA device implantation (vs control group). Furthermore, the patients in the intervention group also achieved a better life quality, as indicated by the physical role, general health, social function body pain, and mental health scores. Finally, the patients receiving sufentanil showed lower levels of nausea and somnolence than those in the control group.ConclusionPCSA with sufentanil achieves better pain control and life quality as well as fewer adverse reactions in stage III‐IV cancer patients with pain and may be a promising pain management in these patients.Trial registrationThis study was registered at chictr.org.cn with the trial number: ChiCTR‐IPR‐17011280.
Hydrocephalus and myelopathy: A rare and challenging case of sarcoidosis and review of literature
Authors: Alfraji Nasam , Douedi Steven , Hossain Mohammad A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNeurological involvement is a rare presentation of sarcoidosis. Physicians should consider sarcoid as a cause of myelitis and hydrocephalus as early management with steroid improves patient survival and reduces long‐term disability.
Synthesis of Molybdenum Pincer Complexes and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitriles
Authors: Leischner Thomas , Spannenberg Anke , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA series of molybdenum(0), (I) and (II) complexes ligated by different PNP and NNN pincer ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. Along with previously described Mo−PNP complexes Mo‐1 and Mo‐2, all prepared compounds were tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitriles to primary amines. Among the applied catalysts, Mo‐1 is particularly well suited for the hydrogenation of electron‐rich benzonitriles. Additionally, two aliphatic nitriles were transformed into the desired products in 80 and 86 %, respectively. Moreover, catalytic intermediate Mo‐1a was isolated and its role in the catalytic cycle was subsequently demonstrated.
Postoperative circulating tumor cells: An early predictor of extrahepatic metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing curative surgical resection
Authors: Sun Yun‐Fan , Wang Peng‐Xiang , Cheng Jian‐Wen , Gong Zi‐Jun , Huang Ao , Zhou Kai‐Qian , Hu Bo , Gao Ping‐Ting , Cao Ya , Qiu Shuang‐Jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Guo Wei , Yang Xin‐Rong 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundPostoperative extrahepatic metastases (EHM) contribute to a grim outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are undergoing curative surgical resection. The current study investigated the clinical value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in predicting EHM after curative surgery.MethodsA total of 197 patients with HCC who were undergoing curative surgical resection were assigned to a retrospective training cohort (144 patients) or a prospective validation cohort (53 patients). The CELLSEARCH system was used for the detection of CTCs prior to surgical resection and 1 month thereafter. The cutoff value of CTCs was estimated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing in a Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsIn the training cohort, EHM was found to be associated with a higher postoperative CTC burden compared with no EHM (mean: 4.33 vs 0.52; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a postoperative CTC count ≥3 as the optimal cutoff value for the prediction of EHM. Patients with a postoperative CTC count ≥3 experienced a higher EHM risk (56.3% vs 5.5%) and a shorter median overall survival (31.25 months vs not reached) (all P < .001). The prognostic significance of a postoperative CTC count ≥3 also applied to patient subgroups with a low EHM risk, such as those with an α‐fetoprotein level ≤400 ng/mL, absence of vascular invasion, well differentiation, and early tumor stage, and its predictive value was retained in patients with a continuous normal α‐fetoprotein level during postoperative follow‐up (all P < .05). The results were confirmed in the validation cohort.ConclusionsA postoperative CTC count ≥3 appears to be a surrogate marker for the prediction of EHM after curative surgical resection of HCC. More careful surveillance should be recommended to patients with a high CTC load to ensure the greater possibility of early interventions for postoperative EHM.
Rapid recovery of tropical forest diversity and structure after shifting cultivation in the Philippines uplands
Authors: Mukul Sharif A. , Herbohn John , Firn Jennifer 
Published: June 2020

AbstractShifting cultivation is a widespread land‐use in the tropics that is considered a major threat to rainforest diversity and structure. In the Philippines, a country with rich biodiversity and high rates of species endemism, shifting cultivation, locally termed as kaingin, is a major land‐use and has been for centuries. Despite the potential impact of shifting cultivation on forests and its importance to many people, it is not clear how biodiversity and forest structure recover after kaingin abandonment in the country, and how well these post‐kaingin secondary forests can complement the old‐growth forests. We investigated parameters of forest diversity and structure along a fallow age gradient in secondary forests regenerating after kaingin abandonment in Leyte Island, the Philippines (elevation range: 445–650 m asl). We first measured the tree diversity and forest structure indices in regenerating secondary forests and old‐growth forest. We then measured the recovery of tree diversity and forest structure parameters in relation to the old‐growth forest. Finally, using linear mixed effect models (LMM), we assessed the effect of different environmental variables on the recovery of forest diversity and structure. We found significantly higher species density in the oldest fallow sites, while Shannon’s index, species evenness, stem number, basal area, and leaf area index were higher in the old‐growth forest. A homogeneous species composition was found across the sites of older fallow age. Multivariate analysis revealed patch size as a strong predictor of tree diversity and forest structure recovery after shifting cultivation. Our study suggests that, secondary forests regenerating after shifting cultivation abandonment can recover rapidly. Although recovery of forest structure was not as rapid as the tree diversity, our older fallow sites contained a similar number of species as the old‐growth forest. Many of these species are also endemic to the Philippines. Novel and emerging ecosystems like tropical secondary forests are of high conservation importance and can act as a refuge for dwindling tropical forest biodiversity.
The impact of acute rosiglitazone on insulin pharmacokinetics at the blood‐brain barrier
Authors: Galindo Demi C. , Banks William A. , Rhea Elizabeth M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionCNS insulin levels are decreased and insulin receptor signalling is dampened in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing CNS insulin levels through a variety of methods has been shown to improve memory. Indeed, medications routinely used to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes are now being repurposed for memory enhancement. CNS insulin is primarily derived from the circulation, by an active transport system at the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). The goal of this study was to determine whether rosiglitazone (RSG), a drug used to improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, could enhance insulin transport at the BBB, as a potential therapeutic for improving memory.MethodsUsing radioactively labelled insulin and the multiple‐time regression analysis technique, we measured the rate of insulin BBB transport and level of vascular binding in mice pretreated with vehicle or 10 µg RSG in the presence or absence of an insulin receptor inhibitor.ResultsAlthough we found acute RSG administration does not affect insulin transport at the BBB, it does restore BBB vascular binding of insulin in an insulin receptor–resistant state.ConclusionsAcute RSG treatment does not alter insulin BBB transport in healthy mice but can restore insulin receptor binding at the BBB in an insulin‐resistant state.
β‐cyclodextrin as Lithium‐ion Diffusion Channel with Enhanced Kinetics for Stable Silicon Anode
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Chen Gen , Zhang Ning , Ma Renzhi , Liu Xiaohe 
Published: June 2020

Silicon (Si) is regarded as a promising anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity. However, the drastic volume change and the continuous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation during the lithiation/delithiation process seriously hinder its practical application as commercial anodes. Herein, macrocyclic beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been designed as the diffusion channel for lithium ions at the molecular scale. The diameter of molecular channel is approximately comparable with the solvated lithium ions, which enables the transport of lithium ions and prevents the penetration of solvent molecules. Moreover, the addition of β‐CD changes the formation behavior of SEI layer and stabilizes the Si nanoparticles. The enhanced electrochemical performances in terms of fast kinetics and improved stability have been achieved. The Si anode with the particularly selected lithium‐ion diffusion channel and stabilized SEI layer exhibits a high reversible capability of 2 562 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g−1, 1 944 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1, and high rate performance. The novel strategy of molecular channel for lithium‐ion diffusion offers new insights into the design of alloy‐typed anode electrodes with high capacity for lithium‐ion batteries.
Within‐ and between‐session reliability of secondary hyperalgesia induced by electrical high‐frequency stimulation
Authors: Cayrol Timothée , Lebleu Julien , Mouraux André , Roussel Nathalie , Pitance Laurent , van den Broeke Emanuel N. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAn increasing number of studies are focusing on secondary hyperalgesia to better understand central sensitization, as this phenomenon may play an important role in persistent pain. Recent studies have shown that, compared to the classical high‐frequency stimulation protocol (HFS) at 100 Hz, a protocol using 42 Hz stimulation induces a more intense and a larger area of secondary hyperalgesia (SH).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the within‐ and between‐session reliability of SH induced by this optimized HFS protocol.MethodsThirty‐two healthy subjects received HFS to their volar forearm in two sessions, separated by at least 2 weeks. SH was assessed by measuring the area size of increased sensitivity to pinprick stimuli after applying HFS, the sensitivity to pinprick stimuli after applying HFS and the change in pinprick sensitivity after versus before HFS. Assessments were made before HFS, and 30, 35 and 40 min after HFS. Relative and absolute reliability were analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (CVs), standard error of means (SEMs) and the minimum detectable changes (MDCs).ResultsThe area of SH showed good to excellent within‐session and between‐session relative reliability (ICCs > 0.80), except for the change in pinprick sensitivity, which showed close to poor between‐session relative reliability (ICC = 0.53). Furthermore, measures of absolute reliability generally demonstrated large between‐subject variability and significant fluctuations across repeated measurements.ConclusionsHFS‐induced hyperalgesia is suitable to discriminate or compare individuals but it may not be sensitive to changes due to an intervention.SignificanceIt is crucial to evaluate central sensitization adequately in humans. This study formally establishes the reliability of secondary hyperalgesia induced by electrical high‐frequency stimulation. The results of this study will improve future studies investigating secondary hyperalgesia in humans.
Perovskite Conversion Coatings as Novel and Simple Approach for Improving Functional Performance of Ferritic Stainless Steel SOFC Interconnects
Authors: Frangini S. , Della Seta L. , Masi A. , Paoletti C. , Bianco M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel type of iron conversion process has been recently developed to produce dense and adherent LaFeO3 perovskite coatings onto ferritic stainless steel surfaces by reaction with La2O3 dissolved in specially‐formulated alkali molten carbonate baths. The major application of LaFeO3 perovskite coatings is for use as electrically conductive and Cr barrier layers for enhancing the functional performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stainless steel interconnects. An overview of the molten salt bath conversion process including the effect of chemical accelerants on structure and morphology of the deposited perovskite coatings is illustrated in this work. Latest results on SOFC coating functional properties obtained in recent European Union (EU) funded projects are also briefly mentioned. In particular, the tight correlation between coating thickness and electrical functional properties in terms of area specific resistance is highlighted here. Although thickness dependency may indicate a mediocre electrical conductivity of LaFeO3 coatings produced by the conversion process, nonetheless very promising ASR results could be obtained in SOFC cathode environments at 700 °C with optimized coating structures and appropriate low coating thickness, thus suggesting a high potential of the conversion process for SOFC interconnect applications.
Characterization of polysulfone/diisopropylamine 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ionic liquid membranes: high pressure gas separation applications
Authors: Khraisheh Majeda , Zadeh Khadija M. , Alkhouzaam Abedalkhader I. , Turki Dorra , Hassan Mohammad K. , Momani Fares Al , Zaidi Syed M. J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMembrane separation is gaining great attention in many applications, especially in gas separation. Polysulfone (PSF) is the most widely studied polymeric membrane material for CO2 in its pure or modified state. Ionic liquids supported membrane technology (SILMs) are now widely applied due to their unique properties at room temperatures. In our previous study, we proved the enhanced ability of ionic liquid enhanced PSF for the separation of CO2 from gas streams. In this study, the dielectric measurements (BDS) extending up to 107 Hz for different concentrations of ionic liquid into PSF matrix, are presented. Thermogravimetric analysis measurement (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis, and the tensile properties of the membranes are studied in order to optimize the efficiency of separating CO2 from CO2/N2 mixture and CO2/CH4. TGA showed that pure PSF is a highly thermostable polymer, of which the 5% weight loss temperature is above 150°C. DSC traces show that the Tg of PSF was 149.5°C and decreases gradually for the composites. This behavior was confirmed with BDS analyses, which also revealed important information about the chain motions dynamics and the fragility index. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracheostomy intervention in intubated COVID positive patients: A survey of current clinical practice among ENT surgeons
Authors: D'Souza Ayman , Simo Ricard , D'Souza Alwyn , Vaz Francis , Prior Andrew , Kanegaonkar Rahul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented need for critical care intervention. Prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation has resulted in the need for tracheostomy in some patients. The purpose of this international survey was to assess optimal timing, technique and outcome for this intervention.MethodsAn online survey was generated. Otorhinolaryngologists from both the United Kingdom and Abroad were polled with regards to their experience of tracheostomy in COVID‐19 positive ventilated patients.ResultsThe survey was completed by 50 respondents from 16 nations. The number of ventilated patients totalled 3403, on average 9.7% required a tracheostomy. This was on average performed on day 14 following intubation. The majority of patients were successfully weaned (mean 7.4 days following tracheostomy).ConclusionThe results of this brief survey suggest that tracheostomy is of benefit in selected patients. There was insufficient data to suggest improved outcomes with either percutaneous vs an open surgical technique.
A serialized classification method for pulmonary nodules based on lightweight cascaded convolutional neural network‐long short‐term memory
Authors: Ni Zihao , Peng Yanjun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractComputer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD) is an effective method to detect lung cancer from computed tomography (CT) scans. The development of artificial neural network makes CAD more accurate in detecting pathological changes. Due to the complexity of the lung environment, the existing neural network training still requires large datasets, excessive time, and memory space. To meet the challenge, we analysis 3D volumes as serialized 2D slices and present a new neural network structure lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN)‐long short‐term memory (LSTM) for lung nodule classification. Our network contains two main components: (a) optimized lightweight CNN layers with tiny parameter space for extracting visual features of serialized 2D images, and (b) LSTM network for learning relevant information among 2D images. In all experiments, we compared the training results of several models and our model achieved an accuracy of 91.78% for lung nodule classification with an AUC of 93%. We used fewer samples and memory space to train the model, and we achieved faster convergence. Finally, we analyzed and discussed the feasibility of migrating this framework to mobile devices. The framework can also be applied to cope with the small amount of training data and the development of mobile health device in future.
An electron density based analysis to establish the electronic adiabaticity of proton coupled electron transfer reactions
Authors: Raucci Umberto , Chiariello Maria Gabriella , Coppola Federico , Perrella Fulvio , Savarese Marika , Ciofini Ilaria , Rega Nadia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractElectrons and protons are the main actors in play in proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, which are fundamental in many biological (i.e., photosynthesis and enzymatic reactions) and electrochemical processes. The mechanism, energetics and kinetics of PCET reactions are strongly controlled by the coupling between the transferred electrons and protons. Concerted PCET reactions are classified according to the electronical adiabaticity degree of the process. To discriminate among different mechanisms, we propose a new analysis based on the use of electron density based indexes. We choose, as test case, the 3‐Methylphenoxyl/phenol system in two different conformations to show how the proposed analysis is a suitable tool to discriminate between the different degree of adiabaticity of PCET processes. The very low computational cost of this procedure is extremely promising to analyze and provide evidences of PCET mechanisms ruling the reactivity of many biological and catalytic systems.