bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal adsorption ability of a new composite material based on starch strengthened with chemically modified cellulose
Authors: Anghel Narcis , Marius Niculaua , Spiridon Iuliana 
Published: February 2019

Adsorption of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) on a new bioadsorbent based on starch reinforced with modified cellulose with toluene‐diisocyanate has been studied using batch‐adsorption technology. The study was carried out in order to find if this bio material, designed for seedling pots manufacture, is able to act like a barrier between soil pollutants and plants. The influence of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, and salt concentrations was also evaluated. The obtained data were examined using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Optimal results were obtained at pH 5.0, temperature of 25°C, contact time of 120 minutes, and an adsorbent dose of 4 mg/mL. Experimental data along with computed Langmuir parameters show that the adsorption process is favorable, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for lead, zinc, and copper was 66.66, 58.82, and 47.61 mg/g, respectively.
Disparities in the delivery of pediatric oncology nursing care by country income classification: International survey results
Authors: Morrissey Lisa , Lurvey Megan , Sullivan Courtney , Challinor Julia , Forbes Peter W. , Abramovitz Linda , Afungchwi Glenn M. , Hollis Rachel , Day Sara 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn 2014, a task force of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries Nursing Workgroup published six baseline standards to provide a framework for pediatric oncology nursing care in low‐ and lower‐middle income countries (L/LMIC). We conducted an international survey in 2016–2017 to examine the association between country income level and nurses’ resporting of conformity to the standards at their respective institutions.ProcedureData from a cross‐sectional web‐based survey completed by nurses representing 54 countries were analyzed (N = 101). Responses were clustered by relevance to each standard and compared according to the 2017 World Bank–defined country income classification (CIC) of hospitals.ResultsCIC and nurse‐to‐patient ratios in inpatient wards were strongly associated (P < 0.0001). Nurses in L/LMIC prepared chemotherapy more often (P < 0.0001) yet were less likely to have access to personal protective equipment such as nitrile gloves (P = 0.0007) and fluid‐resistant gowns (P = 0.011) than nurses in high‐resource settings. Nurses in L/LMIC were excluded more often from physician/caregiver meetings to discuss treatment options (P = 0.04) and at the time of diagnosis (P = 0.002). Key educational topics were missing from nursing orientation programs across all CICs. An association between CIC and the availability of written policies (P = 0.009) was found.ConclusionsCIC and the ability to conform to pediatric oncology baseline nursing standards were significantly associated in numerous elements of the baseline standards, a likely contributor to suboptimal patient outcomes in L/LMIC. To achieve the goal of high‐quality cancer care for children worldwide, nursing disparities must be addressed.
Complicated pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion or empyema in the 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era
Authors: Díaz‐Conradi Alvaro , Hernández Sergi , García‐García Juan José , Muñoz‐Almagro Carmen , Moraga‐Llop Fernando , Ciruela Pilar , Izquierdo Conchita , Campins Magda , de Sevilla Mariona F. , González‐Peris Sebastià , Uriona Sonia , Martínez‐Osorio Johanna , Solé‐Ribalta Anna , Codina Gemma , Esteva Cristina , Planes Ana María , Soldevila Nuria , Salleras Luis , Domínguez Angela 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThe aim was to analyze the epidemiological, microbiological and clinical characteristics of patients with complicated pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion (PE) or empyema.MethodProspective study in three Catalan hospitals in persons aged <18 years diagnosed with complicated pneumonia with PE or empyema with isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in blood or pleural fluid by culture or real‐time PCR between January 2012 and June 2016. Patients were divided into <2 years and 2‐17 years age groups. Epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical data of patients were compared annually in both groups. PCV13 vaccination coverage increased from 48.2% in 2012 to 74.5% in 2015.ResultsWe included 143 patients. The incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia was 6.83 cases × 10−5 persons/year in cases with PE or empyema and 2.09 cases × 10−5 person‐years in cases without (rate ratio [RR]: 3.27; 2.25‐4.86; P < 0.001). Empyema was more frequent than PE (79.7% vs 20.3%, P < 0.005). Of 143 cases studied, 93 (65.0%, P < 0.001) were diagnosed by real‐time‐PCR, 43 (30.1%) by culture and RT‐PCR and 7 (4.9%) by culture only. PCV13 serotypes were more frequent in complicated than in uncomplicated pneumonia (116/142, 81.7% vs 27/45, 60.0%; P = 0.003), especially serotype 1 (41/142, 28.9% vs 6/45, 13.3%, P : 0.036). From 2012 to 2015 there was a significant reduction in serotype 1 (16/43, 37.2% vs 3/27, 11.1%, P = 0.026), and a trend to an increase in non‐PCV13 serotypes (6/43, 14% vs 9/27, 33.3%, P = 0.054).ConclusionsA directly proportional relationship was observed between the reduction in pneumonia complicated with PE or empyema and a significant reduction in PCV13 serotypes, especially serotype 1, coinciding with increased PCV13 coverage.
Stability of impulsive coupled systems on networks with both multicoupling structure and time‐varying delays
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Sun Zhenyao , Fan Meng , Su Huan 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis paper explores the stability of impulsive coupled systems on networks with both multicoupling structure and time‐varying delays (ICSNMT). The coupling structure can be nonlinear and the time‐varying delays in which can be different, which can well describe more realistic networks. In order to describe this multicoupling structure, we build ICSNMT on a digraph with multiple arcs. Two cases are discussed, ie, (i) the continuous dynamics is stable and (ii) the impulsive dynamics is stable. Then, by means of impulsive differential inequalities with multiple delays and weighted Lyapunov functions method where the weights are closely linked to the network's topological structure, some stability criteria are established. Then, the theoretical results are illustrated by examples of bidirectional associative memory neural networks and coupled modified Chua's circuits, respectively. The numerical simulations are also carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our theoretical findings.
Intra‐spacecraft optical communication solutions using discrete transceiver
Authors: Mughal Muhammad Rizwan , Ali Anwar , Praks Jaan , Reyneri Leonardo M. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe ever‐decreasing size of the small satellites with more demanding payloads has opened new research areas to investigate innovative onboard data‐handling solutions. This paper presents the use of optical intra‐satellite communication using discretely designed transceivers. The transceiver can handle large variations in the received photocurrents and implements filtration against the ambient light. The designed transceiver has been tested with selected optical components including infrared diodes, photo detectors, and optical guides to validate its functionality. The displacement damage testing on selected optical components was performed to validate their suitability for use in space. The experimental communication schemes have been presented for free space as well as glass fiber‐based intra‐spacecraft communication.
Surface characterisation of TiCxN1 − x coatings processed by cathodic arc physical vapour deposition: XPS and XRD analysis
Authors: Siow Ping Chuan , Ghani Jaharah A. , Rizal Muhammad , Jaafar Talib Ria , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah , Che Haron Che Hassan 
Published: February 2019

The properties of titanium carbonitride (TiCN) can be controlled by maintaining the C―N ratio within the coating to a certain level. An experimental study was carried out to vary the composition and properties of TiCN using cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD). The substrate used was tungsten carbide (WC‐6Co), which was prepared in‐house through a powder metallurgy process. In order to form the TiCxN1 − x coatings, titanium (Ti) was used as the cathode, while methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2) gases were used as sources for C and N, respectively. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the composition, chemical state, and bonding structure of the deposited coatings. The results show that the composition, intensity of elements, lattice parameter, and d‐value of TiCxN1 − x coatings were successfully varied by controlling the CH4 fraction (CH4/N2 ratio). With the increase in CH4 fraction, the intensity of C and N within the TiCxN1 − x coatings increased and decreased, respectively. Consequently, the C―Ti and C―N bonds were increased and N―Ti bonds were decreased.
Magnetically Separable Transition Metal Ferrites: Versatile Heterogeneous Nano‐Catalysts for the Synthesis of Diverse Bioactive Heterocycles
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Devi Pooja , Thakur Sheetal , Kumar Aman , Chandel Rajesh , Banerjee Bubun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis review compiles the up to date literatures on the preparations and applications of the transition metal ferrites as an efficient, heterogeneous, magnetically separable nano‐catalyst for the synthesis of diverse bioactive heterocycles.
3D Lattice Engineering of Nanoparticles by DNA Shells
Authors: Ji Min , Ma Ningning , Tian Ye 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the development of structural DNA nanotechnology, DNA has now far exceeded its original function: as a genetic code. It can, in principle, self‐assemble into desired shapes with accurate size. Moreover, it can perform as a functional linker to program other materials by grafting DNA onto these materials. Nanoparticles, both inorganic and organic, can now be programmatically assembled into complex 3D superlattices with high order when guided by DNA. By encoding functions into the as‐assembled nanoparticles, materials with excellent collective effects may be invented. Here, how nanoparticles with different shapes or functions are successfully fabricated into 3D lattices with the help of DNA shells coated on the surface and how scientists can produce desired lattices by design are reviewed. The cases to achieve dynamic superlattices of nanoparticles by affecting the environment where DNA survives are also discussed.
Stimuli‐Directed Colorimetric Interconversion of Helical Polymers Accompanied by a Tunable Self‐Assembly Process
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Quiñoá Emilio , Riguera Ricardo , Freire Félix 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInterconversion between extended and bent structures at the pendant groups of a chiral polyene framework [poly(phenylacetylene) with (R)‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐phenylacetyl)glycine residues linked to 4‐vinylanilines] allows the reversible colorimetric transformation from stretched to compressed helical cis‐transoid polyenic structures through manipulation of the flexible spacer. This transformation generates either organogels (stretched helical form) or nanoparticles (compressed helical form) under the control of polar/low polar stimuli respectively and opens the way to the development of new sensors and stimuli‐sensitive materials based on these concepts.
WSe2 Photovoltaic Device Based on Intramolecular p–n Junction
Authors: Tang Yicheng , Wang Zhen , Wang Peng , Wu Feng , Wang Yueming , Chen Yunfeng , Wang Hailu , Peng Meng , Shan Chongxin , Zhu Zhihong , Qin Shiqiao , Hu Weida 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHigh quality p–n junctions based on 2D layered materials (2DLMs) are urgent to exploit, because of their unique properties such as flexibility, high absorption, and high tunability which may be utilized in next‐generation photovoltaic devices. Based on transfer technology, large amounts of vertical heterojunctions based on 2DLMs are investigated. However, the complicated fabrication process and the inevitable defects at the interfaces greatly limit their application prospects. Here, an in‐plane intramolecular WSe2 p–n junction is realized, in which the n‐type region and p‐type region are chemically doped by polyethyleneimine and electrically doped by the back‐gate, respectively. An ideal factor of 1.66 is achieved, proving the high quality of the p–n junction realized by this method. As a photovoltaic detector, the device possesses a responsivity of 80 mA W−1 (≈20% external quantum efficiency), a specific detectivity of over 1011 Jones and fast response features (200 µs rising time and 16 µs falling time) at zero bias, simultaneously. Moreover, a large open‐circuit voltage of 0.38 V and an external power conversion efficiency of ≈1.4% realized by the device also promises its potential in microcell applications.
Supporting software evolution through feedback on executing/skipping energy tests for proposed source code changes
Authors: Sahin Cagri , Pollock Lori , Clause James 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the increasing use of battery‐powered devices comes the need to test mobile applications for energy consumption and energy issues. Unfortunately, energy testing is expensive because it is a manual, labor‐intensive process that often requires multiple, separate, energy‐measuring devices to collect energy usage data. The high costs of energy testing can negatively affect the planning process of application evolution. For example, developers might be limited in the number of changes they can include in a release because they must conservatively plan to conduct energy testing after each change.In this paper, we present a new approach to provide developers with feedback on executing/skipping energy tests for proposed code changes. Our technique leverages change impact analysis and precomputed API energy usage information. More specifically, for a proposed change, the technique predicts whether energy testing will be required, and if so, which energy tests will need to be run. Such information may allow developers to avoid spending unnecessary time for energy testing and develop an effective application evolution timeline. To investigate the feasibility of our technique, we implemented a prototype for Android applications and conducted three case studies at different granularity levels on 10 Android applications.
Non‐Enzymatic Assembly of a Minimized RNA Polymerase Ribozyme
Authors: Wachowius Falk , Holliger Philipp 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCentral to the “RNA world” hypothesis of the origin of life is the emergence of an RNA catalyst capable of RNA replication. However, possible replicase ribozymes are quite complex and were likely predated by simpler non‐enzymatic replication reactions. The templated polymerisation of phosphorimidazolide (Imp) activated ribonucleotides currently appears as the most tractable route to both generate and replicate short RNA oligomer pools from which a replicase could emerge. Herein we demonstrate the rapid assembly of complex ribozymes from such Imp‐activated RNA fragment pools. Specifically, we show assembly of a newly selected minimal RNA polymerase ribozyme variant (150 nt) by RNA templated ligation of 5’‐2‐methylimidazole‐activated RNA oligomers <30 nucleotides long. Our results provide support for the possibility that complex RNA structures could have emerged from pools of activated RNA oligomers and outlines a path for the transition from non‐enzymatic/chemical to enzymatic RNA replication.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of rigid column to baseplate connection under cyclic loading
Authors: Abdolahzadeh Gholamreza , Shabanian Seyed Mostafa , Tavakol Amirsina 
Published: February 2019

SummaryOne of the most important connections in steel structures is column to the baseplate connection. This kind of connection has a complex nature, due to different behaviors of the constituents, including baseplate, grout, foundation, and anchor bolts. Studying the impact of this connection in general behavior of structure seems to be an essential issue, especially during earthquake, which is more likely to be associated with plastic hinge forming. The main goal of this work is to provide a hybrid modeling for describing hysteresis behavior of column to the baseplate connection. Within hybrid modeling, a mechanical model is accomplished by using neural network model components. Our findings reveal that hybrid models are able to show pinched hysteresis complex behavior of baseplate connections. Also, the proposed hybrid developed model is robust and reliable approaches for predicting behaviors of a recent designed connection.
Effect of aeration and hydraulic loading rate on nitrogen removal by subsurface infiltration systems
Authors: Zheng Fanping , Huang Linli , Pan Jing , Qi Shiyue , Tan Chaoquan , Xiao Lu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of hydraulic loading rate (HLR) on matrix dissolved oxygen (DO), organic matter removal, nitrogen removal, N2O emissions, and the abundances of functional genes participating in nitrogen removal in intermittent aerated mode (IAM) and nonaerated mode (NAM) subsurface infiltration systems (SISs). In contrast to NAM SISs, IAM SISs were able to create aerobic conditions in the upper matrix (above 50 cm depth) and anoxic or anaerobic conditions in the lower matrix (below 80 cm depth). Subsequently, this enhanced the abundance of functional genes related to nitrogen removal. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal performance were significantly higher under IAM SISs than with NAM SISs. Under a HLR of 0.3 m3/(m2 d), the IAM SIS was able to achieve low N2O emissions (12.6 mg/[m2 d]) along with removal efficiencies of 90.5%, 91.4%, and 85.7% for COD, ammonia nitrogen (‐N), and total nitrogen (TN), respectively.Practitioner points

Intermittent aeration successfully realized sequential aerobic and anaerobic conditions at 50 cm depth and at 80 and 110 cm depths of a subsurface infiltration system.

Intermittent aeration reduced N2O emissions and improved hydraulic loading rate and organic matter, nitrogen removal efficiencies.

Intermittent aeration enhanced the abundances of amoA, nxrA, napA, narG, nirS, nirK, qnorB, and nosZ.
Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence determination of Fe in solid powder samples: A quality improvement perspective
Authors: Chavan Trupti A. , Ajith Nicy , Periyamana Sankaran nampoothiri Remya Devi , Swain Kallola Kumar 
Published: February 2019

The various factors affecting energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence determination of iron in solid powder samples were evaluated, to improve the quality of these measurements. Influence of samples/standards preparation and instrumental parameters such as applied voltage to the X‐ray tube, tube output current, and duration of acquisition were assessed, and the optimized instrumental parameters were 12 kV, 200 μA, and 200 s, respectively. Linear dynamic range of the spectrometer was found to be 0.0052 to 5.042 g kg−1. Detection limits of iron in various organic/inorganic samples were found to be 2.5 to 21.9 mg kg−1. The values obtained during the present method were evaluated with neutron activation analysis.
Heterologous co-expression of two β-glucanases and a cellobiose phosphorylase resulted in a significant increase in the cellulolytic activity of the Caldicellulosiruptor bescii exoproteome
Authors: Kim Sun-Ki , Chung Daehwan , Himmel Michael E , Bomble Yannick J , Westpheling Janet 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The ability to deconstruct plant biomass without conventional pretreatment has made members of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor the target of investigation for the consolidated processing of plant lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and bioproducts. To investigate the synergy of enzymes involved and to further improve the ability of C. bescii to degrade cellulose, we introduced CAZymes that act synergistically with the C. bescii exoproteome in vivo and in vitro. We recently demonstrated that the Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1 endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase (GH5) with a family 2 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) increased the activity of C. bescii exoproteome on biomass, presumably acting in concert with CelA. The β-glucanase, GuxA, from A. cellulolyticus is a multi-domain enzyme with strong processive exoglucanase activity, and the cellobiose phosphorylase from Thermotoga maritima catalyzes cellulose degradation acting synergistically with cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases. We identified new chromosomal insertion sites to co-express these enzymes and the resulting strain showed a significant increase in the enzymatic activity of the exoproteome.
Identification of biosynthetic genes for the β-carboline alkaloid kitasetaline and production of the fluorinated derivatives by heterologous expression
Authors: Ueda Shohei , Ikeda Haruo , Namba Takushi , Ikejiri Yukinori , Nishimoto Yuri , Arai Masayoshi , Nihira Takuya , Kitani Shigeru 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
β-Carboline alkaloids exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities and are widely distributed in nature. Genetic information on the biosynthetic mechanism of β-carboline alkaloids has not been accumulated in bacteria, because there are only a few reports on the microbial β-carboline compounds. We previously isolated kitasetaline, a mercapturic acid derivative of a β-carboline compound, from the genetically modified Kitasatospora setae strain and found a plausible biosynthetic gene cluster for kitasetaline. Here, we identified and characterized three kitasetaline (ksl) biosynthetic genes for the formation of the β-carboline core structure and a gene encoding mycothiol-S-conjugate amidase for the modification of the N-acetylcysteine moiety by using heterologous expression. The proposed model of kitasetaline biosynthesis shows unique enzymatic systems for β-carboline alkaloids. In addition, feeding fluorotryptophan to the heterologous Streptomyces hosts expressing the ksl genes led to the generation of unnatural β-carboline alkaloids exerting novel/potentiated bioactivities.
Risk factors for development of obesity in an ethnically diverse CHD population
Authors: Weinreb Scott J. , Pianelli Abigail J. , Tanga Sreyans R. , Parness Ira A. , Shenoy Rajesh U. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesPrevious cross-sectional studies have demonstrated obesity rates in children with CHD and the general paediatric population. We reviewed longitudinal data to identify factors predisposing to the development of obesity in children, hypothesising that age may be an important risk factor for body mass index growth.Study designRetrospective electronic health records were reviewed in all 5–20-year-old CHD patients seen between 2011 and 2015, and in age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-matched controls. Subjects were stratified into aged cohorts of 5–10, 11–15, and 15–20. Annualised change in body mass index percentile (BMI%) over this period was compared using paired Student’s t-test. Linear regression analysis was performed with the CHD population.ResultsA total of 223 CHD and 223 matched controls met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Prevalence of combined overweight/obesity did not differ significantly between the CHD cohort (24.6–25.8%) and matched controls (23.3–29.1%). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference of BMI% change in the age cohort of 5–10 (CHD +4.1%/year, control +1.7%/year, p=0.04), in male sex (CHD +1.8%/year, control −0.3%/year, p=0.01), and status-post surgery (CHD 2.03%/year versus control 0.37%, p=0.02). Linear regression analysis within the CHD subgroup demonstrated that age 5–10 years (+4.80%/year, p<0.001) and status-post surgery (+3.11%/year, p=0.013) were associated with increased BMI% growth.ConclusionsPrevalence rates of overweight/obesity did not differ between children with CHD and general paediatric population over a 5-year period. Longitudinal data suggest that CHD patients in the age cohort 5–10 and status-post surgery may be at increased risk of BMI% growth relative to peers with structurally normal hearts.