bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dependence of cadmium molecular effects on Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) protamine‐like protein properties
Authors: Piscopo Marina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMussels have a seasonal reproduction and cadmium is a common stressor in estuarine and coastal environments. In previous studies, we have shown that exposure to subtoxic doses of cadmium produced alterations in the properties of winter Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm protamine‐like (PL) proteins. In this study, it was analyzed the possibility that these cadmium effects may be seasonal. Winter and summer mussels were exposed to CdCl2, and it was tested the PL‐proteins for cadmium bioaccumulation, electrophoretic pattern, DNA binding, and potentiality to induce DNA oxidative damage. It was found that cadmium exposure did not produce the same effects on PL‐proteins of summer mussels that were produced on PL‐proteins of winter mussels, that is: cadmium bioaccumulation, alterations in the acetic acid‐urea polyacrylamide gels (AU‐PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐PAGE pattern, a reduced DNA binding affinity and the ability to induce DNA oxidative damage. PL‐proteins from summer mussels, apart from not being affected by all the abovementioned effects of cadmium, also showed a very low DNA binding affinity, independent of cadmium exposure. This study reveals clock‐associated seasonal responses to cadmium in M. galloprovincialis. Understanding the mechanisms through which environmental signals guide biological rhythms is fundamental to understanding the seasonal sensitivity of this bioindicator, to use M. galloprovincialis in appropriate seasonal periods.
Relaxation methods for solving the tensor equation arising from the higher‐order Markov chains
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Li Wen , Vong Seak‐Weng 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we propose several relaxation algorithms for solving the tensor equation arising from the higher‐order Markov chain and the multilinear PageRank. The semi‐symmetrization technique on the original equation is also employed to modify the proposed algorithms. The convergence analysis is given for the proposed algorithms. It is shown that the new algorithms are more efficient than the existing ones by some numerical experiments when relaxation parameters are chosen suitably.
High false‐positive non‐invasive prenatal screening results for sex chromosome abnormalities: Are maternal factors the culprit?
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Qin , Chen Yingping , Shi Ye , Zheng Fangxiu , Liu Jianbing , Yu Bin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the impact of maternal sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) and copy number variation (CNV) on false‐positive results of non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for predicting foetal SCAs.MethodsIn total, 22 844 pregnant women were recruited to undergo NIPS. Pregnant women with high‐risk of SCAs underwent prenatal diagnosis and maternal copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq).ResultsAmong 117 women with high‐risk of SCAs, 72 accepted prenatal diagnosis, 86 accepted maternal CNV‐seq, and 21 had maternal sex chromosome abnormalities. The abnormality rate was significantly higher than women at low‐risk of SCAs (24.42% vs 3.51%). Using a novel parameter cffDNA (ChrX)/cffDNA, when the ratio was greater than 2, all foetuses had normal karyotype, and 75.0% (6/8) had abnormal maternal chromosome X. If the ratio was less than or equal to 2, only 10% (4/40) of the mothers had chromosome X CNV alterations, while 33.3% (13/40) of their foetuses had sex chromosomes CNV abnormalities.ConclusionsApproximately 25% of pregnant women with SCAs predicted by NIPS had sex chromosome abnormalities as determined by CNV‐seq. The ratio of cffDNA (ChrX)/cffDNA can tentatively distinguish the maternal or foetal origin of abnormal cell‐free DNA. In a reanalysis of previous NIPS data, false‐positive results caused by maternal CNV might be elucidated.
EU postmarket surveillance plans for medical devices
Authors: Pane Josep , Francisca Reynold D.C. , Verhamme Katia M.C. , Orozco Marcia , Viroux Hilde , Rebollo Irene , Sturkenboom Miriam C.J.M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeRecent public health safety issues involving medical devices have led to a growing demand to improve the current passive‐reactive postmarket surveillance (PMS) system. Various European Union (EU) national competent authorities have started to focus on strengthening the postmarket risk evaluation. As a consequence, the new EU medical device regulation was published; it includes the concept of a PMS Plan.MethodsThis publication reviewed Annex III Technical Documentation on PMS and Annex XIV Part B: Postmarket clinical follow‐up from the new Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council on medical devices.ResultsThe results of the PMS activities will be described in the PMS plan and will be used to update other related documents. A modular approach to structure the contents of the PMS plan will help to consistently update other PMS information. It is our suggestion that the PMS plan should consist of a PMS plan Core and a PMS plan Supplement. The PMS plan Core document will describe the PMS system, and the PMS plan Supplement will outline the specific activities performed by the manufacturer for a particular medical device.ConclusionsThe PMS plan may serve as a thorough tool for the benefit‐risk evaluation of medical devices. If properly developed and implemented, it will function as a key player in the establishment of a new framework for proactive safety evaluation of medical devices.
Radical Ring‐Opening Polymerization Behavior of 1,1‐Dicyano‐2‐Vinylcyclopropane and Its Copolymerization with 1‐Cyano‐1‐Ester‐2‐Vinylcyclopropane
Authors: Okamoto Shusuke , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTRadical ring‐opening polymerization of 1,1‐dicyano‐2‐vinylcyclopropane1was performed in benzonitrile to find the corresponding homopolymer2soluble in organic solvents was successfully obtained while that in other solvents gave crosslinked and thus insoluble homopolymer. In addition,1underwent radical copolymerization with 1‐cyano‐1‐ester‐2‐vinylcyclopropanes3and4to afford the corresponding copolymers7and8. By increasing the content of the1‐derived unit in the resulting copolymers, the solubility of the copolymers in organic solvents became lower and the residual weights at 600 °C and their glass transition temperatures became higher. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1723–1729
Hybrid‐type strigolactone analogues derived from auxins
Authors: Blanco‐Ania Daniel , Mateman Jurgen J , Hýlová Adéla , Spíchal Lukáš , Debie Luc M , Zwanenburg Binne 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDStrigolactones (SLs) have a vast number of ecological implications because of the broad spectrum of their biological activities. Unfortunately, the limited availability of SLs restricts their applicability for the benefit of humanity and renders synthesis the only option for their production. However, the structural complexity of SLs impedes their economical synthesis, which is unfeasible on a large scale. Synthesis of SL analogues and mimics with a simpler structure, but with retention of bioactivity, is the solution to this problem.RESULTSHere, we present eight new hybrid‐type SL analogues derived from auxin, synthesized via coupling of auxin ester [ethyl 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)acetate] and of ethyl 2‐phenylacetate with four D‐rings (mono‐, two di‐ and trimethylated). The new hybrid‐type SL analogues were bioassayed to assess the germination activity of seeds of the parasitic weeds Striga hermonthica, Orobanche minor and Phelipanche ramosa using the classical method of counting germinated seeds and a colorimetric method. The bioassays revealed that analogues with a natural monomethylated D‐ring had appreciable to good activity towards the three species and were the most active derivatives. By contrast, derivatives with the trimethylated D‐ring showed no activity. The dimethylated derivatives (2,4‐dimethyl and 3,4‐dimethyl) were slightly active, especially towards P. ramosa.CONCLUSIONSNew hybrid‐type analogues derived from auxins have been prepared. These analogues may be attractive as potential suicidal germination agents for parasitic weed control because of their ease of preparation and relevant bioactivity. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A Bayesian control chart for monitoring the ratio of Weibull percentiles
Authors: Erto Pasquale , Lepore Antonio , Palumbo Biagio , Vanacore Amalia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper introduces a new Bayesian control chart to compare two processes by monitoring the ratio of percentiles of two quality characteristics that are assumed to be independent Weibull distributed random variables with the same and stable shape parameter larger than one. The chart analyses the sampling data directly, instead of transforming them in order to comply with the usual normality assumption, as many charts do. A real application in the wood industry and a wide simulation illustrate the features of the chart and its performance, depending on the number of training data, the quality of prior information, and the magnitude of the shift.
Effect of management strategies on reducing negative impacts of climate change on water resources of the Isfahan–Borkhar aquifer using MODFLOW
Authors: Ostad‐Ali‐Askari Kaveh , Ghorbanizadeh Kharazi Hossein , Shayannejad Mohammad , Zareian Mohammad Javad 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecently, many studies have investigated the effect of climate change on groundwater resources in semiarid and arid areas and have shown adverse effects on groundwater recharge and water level. However, only a few studies have shown suitable strategies for reducing these adverse effects. In this study, climate conditions were predicted for the future period of 2020–2044, under the emission scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, for Isfahan–Borkhar aquifer, Isfahan, Iran, using MODFLOW‐2000 (MODFLOW is United States Geological Survey product). Results showed that the average groundwater level of the aquifer would decrease to 13, 15, and 16 m in 2012 to 2044 approximately under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Then, three groundwater sustainability management scenarios were defined that included 10%, 30%, and 50% reduction in groundwater extraction. These strategies simulated the reduced negative effects of climate change on the aquifer. The results showed that decreases in water withdrawal rates of 10%, 30%, and 50% under RCP8.5 scenario (critical scenario) could decrease the mean groundwater level by 14, 11, and 7 m, respectively. The main result of the study showed that 50% reduction in groundwater withdrawal may increase the groundwater levels significantly in order to restore the aquifer sustainability in the study area. In this study, with assuming that the current harvest of wells in the future period is constant, so the results of studies showed that for the aquifer's sustainability management, the water abstraction from the aquifer should reduce up to 50% of the existing wells. Changing the irrigation method from surface to subdroplet irrigation plays an important role in reducing the withdrawal from the aquifer. The results of a study in Iran have shown that the change in the irrigation method from surface to subdroplet irrigation causes a 40% reduction in water use for agriculture.
Anode‐Free Sodium Metal Batteries Based on Nanohybrid Core–Shell Templates
Authors: Lee Min Eui , Lee Seunggon , Choi Jaewon , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Han Seungyong , Yun Young Soo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAnode‐free sodium metal batteries (AF‐SMBs) can deliver high energy and enormous power, but their cycle lives are still insufficient for them to be practical as a power source in modern electronic devices and/or grid systems. In this study, a nanohybrid template based on high aspect‐ratio silver nanofibers and nitrogen‐rich carbon thin layers as a core–shell structure is designed to improve the Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycling performance of AF‐SMBs. The catalytic nanohybrid templates dramatically reduce the voltage overshooting caused by metal nucleation to one‐fifth that of a bare Al foil electrode (≈6 mV vs ≈30 mV), and high average CE values of >99% are achieved over a wide range of current rates from 0.2 to 8 mA cm−2. Moreover, exceptionally long cycle lives for more than 1600 cycles and an additional 1500 cycles are achieved with a highly stable CE of >99.9%. These results show that AF‐SMBs are feasible with the nanohybrid electrode system.
Nanoparticle–Plant Interactions: Two‐Way Traffic
Authors: Khan Mujeebur Rahman , Adam Vojtech , Rizvi Tanveer Fatima , Zhang Baohong , Ahamad Faheem , Jośko Izabela , Zhu Ye , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this Review, an effort is made to discuss the most recent progress and future trend in the two‐way traffic of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles (NPs). One way is the use of plants to synthesize NPs in an environmentally benign manner with a focus on the mechanism and optimization of the synthesis. Another way is the effects of synthetic NPs on plant fate with a focus on the transport mechanisms of NPs within plants as well as NP‐mediated seed germination and plant development. When NPs are in soil, they can be adsorbed at the root surface, followed by their uptake and inter/intracellular movement in the plant tissues. NPs may also be taken up by foliage under aerial deposition, largely through stomata, trichomes, and cuticles, but the exact mode of NP entry into plants is not well documented. The NP–plant interactions may lead to inhibitory or stimulatory effects on seed germination and plant development, depending on NP compositions, concentrations, and plant species. In numerous cases, radiation‐absorbing efficiency, CO2 assimilation capacity, and delay of chloroplast aging have been reported in the plant response to NP treatments, although the mechanisms involved in these processes remain to be studied.
Through the Mirror: The Account of Other Minds in Chinese Yogācāra Buddhism
Authors: Li Jingjing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article proposes a new reading of the mirror analogy presented in the doctrine of Chinese Yogācāra Buddhism. Clerics, such as Xuanzang 玄奘 (602–664) and his protégé Kuiji 窺基 (632–682), articulated this analogy to describe our experience of other minds. In contrast with existing interpretations of this analogy as figurative ways of expressing ideas of projecting and reproducing, I argue that this mirroring experience should be understood as revealing, whereby we perceive other minds through the second-person perspective. This mirroring experience, in its allusion to the collectivity of consciousness, yields the metaphysical explication of mutual interdependence and the prescription of norms for compassionate actions.
May Dyspnea Sensation Influence the Sexual Function in Men With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome? A Prospective Control Study
Authors: Skoczyński Szymon , Nowosielski Krzysztof , Minarowski Łukasz , Brożek Grzegorz , Oraczewska Aleksandra , Glinka Klaudia , Ficek Karolina , Kotulska Beata , Tobiczyk Ewelina , Skomro Robert , Mróz Robert , Barczyk Adam 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Dyspnea sensation is frequently present in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients; however, its possible influence on sexual function and body image has not been well analyzed.

Aims
To evaluate sexual function, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), and body image during sexual activity and its relationship with dyspnea in men with OSA.

Methods
129 men were included in the prospective study, with 61 diagnosed with OSA (cases) and 68 age- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects. Patients were assessed for the severity of heart failure by the New York Heart Association scale and dyspnea by the Visual Analogue Scale. OSA was confirmed by in-laboratory polysomnography.

Main Outcome Measures
International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as a measure of sexual function, body image during sexual activity was assessed by the Body Exposure During Sexual Activity Questionnaire, whereas SD was diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.

Results
The mean age of the studied population was 57.9 ± 10.8 years. Presence of dyspnea interfered with sexual life in 20% of men diagnosed with OSA and with work performance in 33%. Men with OSA had worse scores in IIEF-15 compared with control subjects and higher frequency of sexual distress compared with men with OSA. There were no differences in the rate of SD according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. The presence of OSA worsened the perceived body image during sexual activity. The presence of dyspnea was the only negative factor affecting sexual function in general (IIEF-15 score) and 1 of the factors affecting erectile function and orgasmic function.

Conclusion
In men with OSA, body image is negatively influenced by the presence of OSA. Furthermore, the presence of dyspnea assessed by the New York Heart Association scale impairs sexual function in that group of men.
The Effect of Bupivacaine on the Efficacy of Antibiotic Coating on Penile Implants in Preventing Infection
Authors: Lokeshwar Soum D. , Horodyski Laura , Lahorewala Sarrah S. , Morera Daley S. , Arora Himanshu , Kava Bruce , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
In an effort to reduce dependence on opioids following inflatable penile prosthesis placement, intra-operative soaking of the implant in Bupivacaine (BUP) has been proposed as part of a multimodal approach to pain control. However, no study has shown if the addition of BUP affects the antimicrobial properties of InhibiZone on AMS700 (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) and/or of antibiotic soaked Titan Coloplast (Coloplast Corporation, Minneapolis, MN).

Aim
To determine if BUP alters the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S epidermidis) and Escherichia coli (E coli), common gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial causes of infection, respectively, created by InhibiZone coated AMS and/or by antibiotic-soaked Coloplast implant.

Methods
S epidermidis and E coli were spread on agar plates. After a 30-minute incubation, four AMS with InhibiZone strips treated with sterile saline or BUP (1.25 mg/mL) were placed on a plate. 4 Coloplast strips were dipped in varying routinely used concentrations of Rifampin (0–10 mg/mL) plus Gentamicin (0–1 mg/mL; rifampin and gentamicin (R+G)) solution with or without BUP. The ZOI for AMS with InhibiZone and Coloplast dipped in antibiotic solution was measured using ImageJ software. Normalized ZOI was calculated as (ZOI area/plate area) × 100. Unpaired t-test compared the mean ± SD ZOI between BUP and no BUP groups (n = 4/group).

Outcomes
The primary outcome of the study was the ZOI against E coli and S epidermidis at 24 and 48 hours.

Results
Growth of both S epidermidis and E coli at 24 and 48 hours of incubation was inhibited in both implants and the addition of BUP did not alter the ZOI. Coloplast strips dipped in R+G produced a ZOI in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the ZOI against S epidermidis compared to that of E coli was much wider for both implants.

Clinical Implications
This suggests that the use of BUP does not affect the protective effects of antibiotic dips and can potentially be used during penile prosthesis surgery pending clinical trials.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first study to evaluate the effect of BUP on anti-bacterial dips. As with all in vitro analysis, further research must be done to see if these findings hold true in the clinical setting.

Conclusions
The addition of BUP does not impede the in vitro antibacterial activity of InhibiZone-coated AMS or R+G-soaked Coloplast. Whether these in vitro findings translate to surgical outcomes needs to be evaluated in future preclinical trials.
Fifteen years of phishing: can technology save us?
Authors: Furnell Steven , Millet Kieran , Papadaki Maria 
Published: July 2019

With the first incidents dating back to 2003, phishing has now been a problem for over a decade and a half. Unfortunately, just like malware, it's proven to be the cyber security equivalent of an unwanted genie that we can't put back in the bottle. Despite many efforts to educate users and provide safeguards, people are still falling victim. Although it is a long-established threat, phishing continues to grow and represents a significant issue for individuals and organisations. Steven Furnell, Kieran Millet and Maria Papadaki of the Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research, University of Plymouth, UK, examine the scale of the problem and look at the effectiveness of some of our technology-based defences. And they present the results of a practical assessment of the capabilities of email services to identify and highlight phishing based upon message content.
On the maximisation of control power in low-speed flight
Authors: Campos L. M. B. C. , Marques J. M. G. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThe maximisation of control power is considered for an aircraft with multiple control surfaces, with the force and moment coefficients specified by polynomials of the control surface deflections of degree two. The optimal deflections, which maximise and minimise any force or moment coefficient, are determined subject to constraints on the range of deflection of each control surface. The results are applied to a flying wing configuration to determine: (i/ii) the pitch trim, at the lowest drag for the fastest climb, and at the highest drag for the steepest descent; (iii) the maximum and minimum pitching moment; (iv) the maximum and minimum yaw control power and the fraction needed to compensate an outboard engine failure for several propulsion configurations; (v) the maximum and minimum rolling moment. The optimal use of all control surfaces has significant advantages over using just one, e.g. the range of drag modulation with pitch trim is much wider and the maximum and minimum available control moments larger.
Diagnostic accuracy of eFAST in the trauma patient: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Netherton Stuart , Milenkovic Velimir , Taylor Mark , Davis Philip J. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesPerforming an extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) exam is common practice in the initial assessment of trauma patients. The objective of this study was to systematically review the published literature on diagnostic accuracy of all components of the eFAST exam.MethodsWe searched Medline and Embase from inception through October 2018, for diagnostic studies examining the sensitivity and specificity of the eFAST exam. After removal of duplicates, 767 records remained for screening, of which 119 underwent full text review. Meta-DiSc™ software was used to create pooled sensitivities and specificities for included studies. Study quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUADAS-2) tool.ResultsSeventy-five studies representing 24,350 patients satisfied our selection criteria. Studies were published between 1989 and 2017. Pooled sensitivities and specificities were calculated for the detection of pneumothorax (69% and 99% respectively), pericardial effusion (91% and 94% respectively), and intra-abdominal free fluid (74% and 98% respectively). Sub-group analysis was completed for detection of intra-abdominal free fluid in hypotensive (sensitivity 74% and specificity 95%), adult normotensive (sensitivity 76% and specificity 98%) and pediatric patients (sensitivity 71% and specificity 95%).ConclusionsOur systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that e-FAST is a useful bedside tool for ruling in pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, and intra-abdominal free fluid in the trauma setting. Its usefulness as a rule-out tool is not supported by these results.