bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amplitude modulation and soliton formation of an intense laser beam interacting with dense quantum plasma: Symbolic simulation analysis
Authors: Das Chinmay , Chandra Swarniv , Ghosh Basudev 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this theoretical study, we investigate the amplitude modulation and envelop soliton formation in a dense plasma when such a plasma interacts with a strong laser beam. We have made use of the symbolic simulation technique to find the modulation instability of an electrostatic wave with higher orders of non‐linearity. We identified the range of wavenumber in which such non‐linearity is important. Furthermore, we have analysed the formation of envelope soliton of waves localized in space. The results obtained here will be helpful in interpreting different phenomena that arise in laser plasma interaction. The importance of the relativistic contribution of streaming particles is discussed alongside the parametric influences experienced by the plasma particles.
Using environmental DNA for detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in natural water
Authors: Spitzen ‐ van der Sluijs Annemarieke , Stark Tariq , DeJean Tony , Verbrugghe Elin , Herder Jelger , Gilbert Maarten , Janse Jöran , Martel An , Pasmans Frank , Valentini Alice 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRapid, early, and reliable detection of invasive pathogenic microorganisms is essential in order to either predict or delineate an outbreak, and monitor appropriate mitigation measures. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans is expanding in Europe, and infection with this fungus may cause massive mortality in urodelans (salamanders and newts). In this study, we designed and validated species‐specific primers and a probe for detection of B. salamandrivorans in water. In a garden pond in close proximity to the B. salamandrivorans index site in the Netherlands, B. salamandrivorans‐infected newts had been detected in 2015 and have been monitored since. In 2016 and 2017, no B. salamandrivorans was detected at this site, but in 2018 B. salamandrivorans flared up in this isolated pond which allowed validation of the technique in situ. We here present the development of an environmental DNA technique that successfully detects B. salamandrivorans DNA in natural waterbodies even at low concentrations. This technique may be further validated to play a role in B. salamandrivorans range delineation and surveillance in both natural waterbodies and in captive collections.
Treatment preferences in fibromyalgia patients: A cross‐sectional web‐based survey
Authors: Valentini Elia , Fetter Eleonora , Orbell Sheina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic approaches to fibromyalgia (FM) are shifting towards a combined multi‐treatment approach to tackle the variety of symptoms experienced in FM. Importantly, little is known about FM patients' attitude towards the available treatments.MethodsA cross‐sectional web survey obtained responses from 464 individuals who satisfied diagnostic criteria for FM. Respondents were asked to report which treatments they adopted in their past, present and intend to adopt in the future. They also rated their level of well‐being, depression, anxiety and pain catastrophizing.ResultsData revealed a predominantly combined multi‐treatment approach in a sample characterized by middle‐aged, Caucasian women. Respondents reported pervasive use of pharmacological therapy but had also adopted non‐pharmacological treatment in the past. Future intentions clustered on alternative treatment or no treatment. Regression analyses revealed that pharmacological treatment in the past was predictive of both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments in the present. However, use of non‐pharmacological treatment in the past was uniquely predictive of its reuse in the present and future. This pattern was also accounted for by individual differences in pain magnification and well‐being in the past.ConclusionsTreatment preferences of FM individuals reveal an ambivalent combination of heavy reliance on pharmacological treatment with lower but consistent reliance on non‐pharmacological treatment for those individuals who used it in the past and present. This finding may inform longitudinal research into the relationship between pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment preference in FM patients, which could in turn inform guidelines for individualized therapeutic plans for clinicians.SignificanceIndividuals with fibromyalgia reported the use of non‐pharmacological and pharmacological treatments in the past but a predominant use of a pharmacological approach overall. Patterns of treatment experienced in the past were differentially related to future preferences. Pharmacological treatment in the past was likely to lead to both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological choices in the present. However, non‐pharmacological treatment in the past was more likely to be chosen again in the present and future, but unlikely to lead to a pharmacological choice.
Direct Determination of Paracetamol in Environmental Samples Using Screen‐printed Carbon/Carbon Nanofibers Sensor – Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Sasal Agnieszka , Tyszczuk‐Rotko Katarzyna , Chojecki Michał , Korona Tatiana , Nosal‐Wiercińska Agnieszka 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe paper describes the first electrochemical method (differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry, DPAdSV) using a screen‐printed sensor with a carbon/carbon nanofibers working electrode (SPCE/CNFs) for the direct determination of low (real) concentrations of paracetamol (PA) in environmental water samples. By applying this sensor together with DPAdSV, two linear PA concentration ranges from 2.0×10−9 to 5.0×10−8 mol L−1 (r=0.9991) and 1.0×10−7–2.0×10−6 mol L−1 ( r=0.9994) were obtained. For the accumulation time of 90 s, the limit of detection was 5.4×10−10 mol L−1. Moreover, the SPCE/CNFs sensor and the DPADSV procedure for PA determination are potentially applicable in field analysis. The process of PA adsorption at the SPCE/CNFs surface was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and theoretical studies. In the theoretical study of the interaction of CNF and PA, the first species was modelled by graphene‐like clusters containing up to 37 rings. It was found that the preferable orientation of PA is parallel to the carbon surface with the binding energy of about −68 kJ/mol calculated by symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). Both the selectivity and the accuracy of the developed sensor for real sample analysis were also investigated using Polish river and sea samples.
Effect of fermentation and postcooking procedure on quality parameters and volatile compounds of beef jerky
Authors: Luo Yulong , Zhao Lihua , Xu Junqiang , Su Lin , Jin Zhimin , Su Rina , Jin Ye 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, jerky samples were prepared from seasoned beef with and without the addition of starter culture. They were then dried or fried and analyzed to identify the quality parameters and volatile flavor compounds. Samples (starter and control) were divided into drying (inoculated‐drying, I‐D; noninoculated‐drying, N‐D) and frying (inoculated‐frying, I‐F; noninoculated‐frying, N‐F) groups. Water activity (aw), lightness (L*), and redness (a*) values were significantly affected (p < .001) by the postcooking procedures (drying or frying). Hardness, chewiness, and resilience were significantly lower in the dried groups than in the fried groups (p < .05). The formation of volatile compounds was affected by cooking treatment, with the highest levels observed in the I‐F group. After frying, the most abundant flavor compounds in the I‐D and N‐D groups were terpenes and sulfur‐containing compounds, followed by aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols. The most common compounds among all groups were acetoin, D‐limonene, anethole, styrene, and tetramethylpyrazine. Overall, the jerky in the I‐F group had the best color and tenderness scores among all groups.
Analyzing situational awareness through public opinion to predict adoption of social distancing amid pandemic COVID‐19
Authors: Qazi Atika , Qazi Javaria , Naseer Khulla , Zeeshan Muhammad , Hardaker Glenn , Maitama Jaafar Zubairu , Haruna Khalid 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCOVID‐19 pandemic has affected over 100 countries in a matter of weeks. People's response toward social distancing in the emerging pandemic is uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the influence of information (formal and informal) sources on situational awareness of the public for adopting health‐protective behaviors such as social distancing. For this purpose, a questionnaire‐based survey was conducted. The hypothesis proposed suggests that adoption of social distancing practices is an outcome of situational awareness which is achieved by the information sources. Results suggest that information sources, formal (P = .001) and informal (P = 0.007) were found to be significantly related to perceived understanding. Findings also indicate that social distancing is significantly influenced by situational awareness, P = .000. It can, therefore, be concluded that an increase in situational awareness in times of public health crisis using formal information sources can significantly increase the adoption of protective health behavior and in turn contain the spread of infectious diseases.
Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) application before anthesis on rachis elongation and berry quality and aroma and flavour compounds inVitis viniferaL. ‘Cabernet Franc’and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Tong , Wu Ming‐Hui , Sun Dan , Li Hui‐Qing , Chen Wei‐Kai , Yang Hang‐Yu , Liu Fan‐Qi , Wang Qiu‐Chen , Wang Yu‐Ya , Wang Jun , He Fei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDGibberellic acid (GA3), a plant‐growth regulator, is often used to obtain enlarged table grape berries and induce seedlessness in them. However, the effects of GA3on rachis elongation and bunch compactness have seldom been reported in wine‐grape production. We assessed the effects of GA3spraying on wine‐grape inflorescences and bunches and their practical implications for viticulture in the Jiaodong Peninsula, China.RESULTSVarious GA3concentrations were sprayed on field‐grownVitis viniferaL. ‘Cabernet Franc’ (CF) and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS) grapevines before anthesis in the Jiaodong Peninsula, China, in 2015 and 2016. Inflorescence length during berry development was measured, and flavonoids and aroma compounds in the fruit were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), respectively. For both cultivars, 50 and 100 mg L−1GA3caused significant elongation of the rachis, whereas there was no significant effect on inflorescence growth and berry seed number. Anthocyanin, flavonol, and flavan‐3‐ol levels in mature berries were not significantly influenced by GA3spraying, whereas C13‐norisoprenoids were modified.CONCLUSIONThe application of 50‐100 mg L−1GA3prior to grapevine anthesis caused elongation of inflorescences and bunches, and eased cluster compactness in CF and CS, and no negative effects were observed on the yield and seed numbers. The concentration and composition of flavonoids and most aroma compounds were not influenced, except that the norisoprenoids were increased by 50 mg L−1GA3applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Minimally invasive microwave ablation provides excellent long‐term outcomes for otherwise inaccessible hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Altman Ariella M. , Coughlan Alexandria , Shukla Dip M. , Schat Robben , Spilseth Benjamin , Marmor Schelomo , Hui Jane Y. C. , Tuttle Todd M. , Jensen Eric H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThermal ablation can be used as a bridge to transplant or with curative intent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report our experience with laparoscopic ablation of HCC in patients deemed inaccessible by the percutaneous approach.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of surgical ablations from 2009 to 2017. Patient demographics, disease and treatment characteristics, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. Kaplan‐Meier modeling was performed for survival and recurrence.ResultsThirty‐three patients were included with a median age of 62 (interquartile range [IQR], 57‐67). Most patients were male (76%) and Caucasian (70%). Ninety‐seven percent had underlying cirrhosis. Median model for end stage liver disease‐sodium was 9.5 (IQR, 8‐12). The median maximal diameter of ablated lesions was 2.6 cm (IQR, 1.8‐3.0). Thirty‐nine lesions were ablated; 97% were completed laparoscopically. The median maximal diameter of the ablation zone was 4.8 cm (IQR, 3.8‐5.7) with a median difference of ablation zone to the tumor of 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.5‐2.75). Twelve patients received additional treatment. Median disease‐free survival was 66.7 months and median follow‐up 42.9 months. Disease recurrence occurred in 13 patients (39%)—systemic recurrence in 6%, intrahepatic recurrence in 27% and local recurrence in 6%.ConclusionLaparoscopic thermal ablation of HCC is safe and provides good oncologic outcomes for otherwise inaccessible tumors.
A Chip‐Scale Oscillation‐Mode Optomechanical Inertial Sensor Near the Thermodynamical Limits
Authors: Huang Yongjun , Flor Flores Jaime Gonzalo , Li Ying , Wang Wenting , Wang Di , Goldberg Noam , Zheng Jiangjun , Yu Mingbin , Lu Ming , Kutzer Michael , Rogers Daniel , Kwong Dim‐Lee , Churchill Layne , Wong Chee Wei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractModern navigation systems integrate the global positioning system (GPS) with an inertial navigation system (INS), which complement each other for correct attitude and velocity determination. The core of the INS integrates accelerometers and gyroscopes used to measure forces and angular rate in the vehicular inertial reference frame. With the help of gyroscopes and by integrating the acceleration to compute velocity and distance, precision and compact accelerometers with sufficient accuracy can provide small‐error location determination. Solid‐state implementations, through coherent readout, can provide a platform for high performance acceleration detection. In contrast to prior accelerometers using piezoelectric or capacitive readout techniques, optical readout provides narrow‐linewidth high‐sensitivity laser detection along with low‐noise resonant optomechanical transduction near the thermodynamical limits. Here an optomechanical inertial sensor with an 8.2 µg Hz−1/2 velocity random walk (VRW) at an acquisition rate of 100 Hz and 50.9 µg bias instability is demonstrated, suitable for applications, such as, inertial navigation, inclination sensing, platform stabilization, and/or wearable device motion detection. Driven into optomechanical sustained‐oscillation, the slot photonic crystal cavity provides radio‐frequency readout of the optically‐driven transduction with an enhanced 625 µg Hz−1 sensitivity. Measuring the optomechanically‐stiffened oscillation shift, instead of the optical transmission shift, provides a 220× VRW enhancement over pre‐oscillation mode detection.
A pilot study to assess the learning environment and use of reliability enhancing work practices in VHA cardiac catheterization laboratories
Authors: Gilmartin Heather M. , Hess Edward , Mueller Candice , Plomondon Mary E. , Waldo Stephen W. , Battaglia Catherine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionA learning health system (LHS) harnesses data and analytics to learn from clinical encounters to implement the best care with high reliability. The 81 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) cardiac catheterization laboratories (cath lab) are a model LHS. The quality and safety of coronary procedures are monitored and reported by the Clinical Assessment, Reporting and Tracking (CART) Program, which has identified variation in care across cath labs. This variation may be due to underappreciated aspects of LHSs, the learning environment and reliability enhancing work practices (REWPs). Learning environments are the educational approaches, context, and settings in which learning occurs. REWPs are the organizational practices found in high reliability organizations. High learning environments and use of REWPs are associated with improved outcomes. This study assessed the learning environments and use of REWPs in VHA cath labs to examine factors supportive of learning and high reliability.MethodsIn 2018, the learning organization survey‐27 and the REWP survey were administered to 732 cath lab staff. Factor analysis and linear models were computed. Unit‐level analyses and site ranking (high, low) were conducted on cath labs with >40% response rate using Bayesian methods.ResultsSurveys from 40% of cath lab staff (n = 294) at 84% of cath labs (n = 68) were included. Learning environment and REWP strengths across cath labs include the presence of training programs, openness to new ideas, and respectful interaction. Learning environment and REWP gaps include lack of structured knowledge transfer (eg, checklists) and low use of forums for improvement. Survey dimensions matched established factor structures and demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's alpha >.76). Unit‐level analyses were conducted for 29 cath labs. One ranked as high and four as low learning environments.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates an approach to assess local learning environments and use of REWPs, providing insights for systems working to become a LHS.
Direct Observation of a Cyclic Vinyl Polymer Prepared by Anionic Polymerization using N‐Heterocyclic Carbene and Subsequent Ring‐Closure without Highly Diluted Conditions
Authors: Naruse Keiji , Takasu Akinori , Higuchi Masahiro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA 1:1 adduct of methyl sorbate (MS) and 1,3‐di‐tert‐butylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (NHCtBu) initiates anionic polymerization of a nonconjugated polar alkene, allyl methacrylate (AMA) in toluene at −20 °C. After the monomer is consumed quantitatively using a bulky aluminum Lewis acid, methylaluminum bis(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenoxide) (MAD), as an additive, successive ring‐closure occurs without highly dilute conditions to give a cyclic poly(AMA) containing α‐terminal MS unit, and an Mn of 8.8 × 103−58.5 × 103 with a narrow molecular dispersity index (Mw/Mn = 1.14–1.37). The lack of a need for dilution is due to the fact that an α‐terminal NHCtBu group is acting as the counter cation for the propagating center in the polymerization. From 1H NMR and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectra, combined with transmittance electron microscope (TEM) observation of a synthesized poly(AMA) with longer alkyl side chains prepared via a thiol‐ene click reaction, it is concluded that once the monomer is consumed, nucleophilic attack at the neighboring methine of the α‐terminal NHCtBu residue by the propagating anionic center causes ring‐closing to cyclic poly(AMA).
Association between early informed diagnosis and survival time in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Su Tong , He Chen , Li Xiaopan , Xiao Lei , He Jingwen , Bai Yonghai , Tang Yunxiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveAs a malignant tumor with high mortality, lung cancer (LC) often causes great trauma to patients, and a series of negative emotions and a heavy psychological burden accompanies poor prognosis. Whether or not to inform the patients of their condition has always been a controversial topic in the medical community. This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between early informed diagnosis and survival time in patients with LC.MethodsA total of 29 825 patients with LC were enrolled between October 2002 and December 2016. The potential factors influencing LC survival were registered, including knowing their cancer diagnosis status, age, gender, pathological type, clinical stage, surgical history, hospital grade, and patient occupation. All participants were followed up every 6 months until June 2017.ResultsIn June 2017, 23.1% of the participants still survived. Their median survival time (MST) was 11.20 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.98‐11.43). Generally, patients that knew their cancer diagnosis had longer MST than those who did not (18.33 months vs 8.77 months, P < .001). By stratified analysis, patients that knew their cancer diagnosis had longer survival time in each subgroup (P < .001, all subgroups). Cox regression analysis showed that knowing their cancer diagnosis was an independent influencing factor for survival in patients with LC (hazard ratio, 0.826; 95% CI, 0.802‐0.851; P < .001).ConclusionsKnowing their cancer diagnosis contributed to longer survival time in patients with LC, providing clear evidence that medical staff and patients' families should fully disclose cancer diagnoses to patients.
A survey of falls in people with dystonia
Authors: Boyce Melani J. , Chang Florence C. F. , Mahant Neil , Fung Victor S. C. , Bradnam Lynley 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveDystonia is a chronic and sometimes progressive neurological disorder causing abnormalities in movement and function. We conducted a preliminary survey to investigate whether people with dystonia experience falls and to identify contributing factors to falls in this population.MethodsAn online survey of people with dystonia was conducted in November 2015. Respondents were asked to complete demographic information, three questionnaires (the Falls Self‐Efficacy Scale International [FES‐I], the Activities‐based Balance Confidence Scale [ABC] and the Functional Disability Questionnaire [FDQ]), and to report any falls sustained during the previous 6 months.ResultsThirty‐nine percent of the 122 respondents reported falling in the previous 6 months and 65% of fallers were diagnosed with dystonia not affecting the lower limbs. Fallers reported lower falls self‐efficacy and balance confidence with higher functional disability. Both falling scales correlated with self‐reported functional disability. Linear regression analysis for falls prediction revealed the variables FES‐I and FDQ accounted for almost 30% of the falls in this dystonia population.ConclusionThis survey indicates that fear of falling and balance confidence are impaired in people with dystonia, possibly impacting on function and falls. Further investigation into balance, function and falls in this population is required.
Nitrogen isotopic analysis of nitrate in aquatic environment using cadmium–hydroxylamine hydrochloride reduction
Authors: Jin Jie , Jiang Shan , Zhang Jing 
Published: April 2020

RationaleThe nitrogen isotopic ratio of nitrate (δ15N‐NO3− value) is a critical parameter for understanding nitrogen biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems. Current approaches to the determination of δ15N‐NO3− values involve time‐intensive handling procedures, the use of toxic chemicals and complicated microbial incubation.MethodsA chemical reduction method for measuring the δ15N‐NO3− values of aquatic samples was established. Nitrate was first quantitatively reduced to nitrite in a column filled with copper‐coated cadmium granules, and the produced nitrite further reduced to nitrous oxide gas with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The nitrogen isotope ratio of the produced nitrous oxide was measured using a continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled with a purge and cryogenic trap system.ResultsThe optimized experimental conditions were: solution acidity, H+ concentration of 0.46 M, pH = 0.34; dosage of hydroxylamine, molar ratio of NH2OH to NO2− of 4; reaction temperature, 45°C; and reaction time, 14–16 h. No salt effect was found for this method. The reproducibility of the δ15N‐NO3− value for the laboratory standard was better than 0.3‰ for long‐term measurements (20 nmol NO3− requirement).ConclusionsThis method provides a reliable approach for the determination of δ15N‐NO3− values at natural abundance. It provides (1) high measurement accuracy, (2) ease of operation, (3) environmental‐friendly procedure (less toxic regents used), and (4) suitability for both freshwater and saline water samples.