bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses' attitudes towards diabetes in tertiary care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alhaiti Ali Hassan , Senitan Mohammed , Shanmuganathan Selvanaayagam , Dacosta Cliff , Jones Linda Katherine , Lenon George Binh 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate the attitude and training of nurses in Saudi Arabia towards the care of patients with diabetes.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsData were collected in 2016 from 1,695 participants at the King Fahad Medical City using the Diabetes Attitude Scale version 3.ResultsMost nurses had not received diabetes training. The agreement score of nurses for the requirement of special training for the management of diabetes is high; the survey found that most nurses were aware of the psychological effect of diabetes. However, the low agreement regarding the perception of the seriousness of diabetes among nurses and the valuing of self‐care attributes such as tight control of glycaemic level in patients with diabetes indicates the need for diabetes training.
Accurate Sr isotope determination of human bone and tooth samples by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS: A comment on “Meijer et al., (2019)”
Authors: Lugli Federico 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe in‐situ Sr isotope determination of low‐Sr bioapatites is challenging and requires monitoring several interferences, among others, Ar‐CaPO. In particular, the analysis of human bones and teeth has revealed several pitfalls, which affect the ability to obtain accurate results. In this commentary, I review the data from the paper of Meijer et al. (2019), trying to address some accuracy issues arising, in my opinion, from polyatomic interferences. After a tentative calibration of their data, using the 1/88Sr signal (V−1) as a proxy of the Sr content, the enamel specimens (enamel Ar‐CaPO corrected 87Sr/86Sr ratio = 0.7078 ± 0.0032; mean ± 2σ) are closer to the likely local bioavailable Sr (bone Ar‐CaPO corrected 87Sr/86Sr ratio = 0.7071 ± 0.0011; mean ± 2σ).
Design and Synthesis of Imidazole and Triazole Pyrazoles as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis CYP121A1 Inhibitors
Authors: Kishk Safaa M. , McLean Kirsty J. , Sood Sakshi , Smith Darren , Evans Jack W.D. , Helal Mohamed A. , Gomaa Mohamed S. , Salama Ismail , Mostafa Samia M. , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S. , Levy Colin W. , Munro Andrew W. , Simons Claire 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe emergence of untreatable drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, and the identification of new efficient treatments is urgently needed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytochrome P450 CYP121A1 is a promising drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis owing to its essential role in mycobacterial growth. Using a rational approach, which includes molecular modelling studies, three series of azole pyrazole derivatives were designed through two synthetic pathways. The synthesized compounds were biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity towards M. tuberculosis and their protein binding affinity (KD). Series 3 biarylpyrazole imidazole derivatives were the most effective with the isobutyl (10 f) and tert‐butyl (10 g) compounds displaying optimal activity (MIC 1.562 μg/mL, KD 0.22 μM (10 f) and 4.81 μM (10 g)). The spectroscopic data showed that all the synthesised compounds produced a type II red shift of the heme Soret band indicating either direct binding to heme iron or (where less extensive Soret shifts are observed) putative indirect binding via an interstitial water molecule. Evaluation of biological and physicochemical properties identified the following as requirements for activity: LogP >4, H‐bond acceptors/H‐bond donors 4/0, number of rotatable bonds 5–6, molecular volume >340 Å3, topological polar surface area <40 Å2.
Changes in brain activity after weight loss
Authors: van Opstal A. M. , Wijngaarden M. A. , van der Grond J. , Pijl H. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryObjectivesThe importance of the regulatory role of the brain in directing glucose homeostasis, energy homeostasis, eating behaviour, weight control and obesity is increasingly recognized. Brain activity in (sub)cortical neuronal networks involved in homeostatic control and hedonic responses is generally increased in persons with obesity. Currently, it is not known if these functional changes can be affected by dieting. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether prolonged fasting and/or weight loss influences neuronal brain activity in obese persons.MethodsFourteen participants with obesity were included (two male participants and 12 female participants, body mass index 35.2 ± 1.2 kg m−2). Whole‐brain resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed after an overnight fast, after a prolonged 48‐h fast and after an 8‐week weight loss intervention.ResultsAn 8‐week weight loss intervention decreased BOLD signal in areas of the brain involved in salience, sensory motor and executive control. BOLD signal in these areas correlated with leptin levels and body mass index.ConclusionsWeight loss decreased activity in brain areas involved in feeding behaviour and reward processing. These results indicate that these obesity‐associated alterations in neuronal activity are related to excessive body weight and might change after weight loss.
Renormalization Group Circuits for Weakly Interacting Continuum Field Theories
Authors: Cotler Jordan , Mozaffar M. Reza Mohammadi , Mollabashi Ali , Naseh Ali 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe develop techniques to systematically construct local unitaries which map scale‐invariant, product state wavefunctionals to the ground states of weakly interacting, continuum quantum field theories. More broadly, we devise a “quantum circuit perturbation theory” to construct local unitaries which map between any pair of wavefunctionals which are each Gaussian with arbitrary perturbative corrections. Further, we generalize cMERA to interacting continuum field theories, which requires reworking the existing formalism which is tailored to non‐interacting examples. Our methods enable the systematic perturbative calculation of cMERA circuits for weakly interacting theories, and as a demonstration we compute the 1‐loop cMERA circuit for scalar ϕ4 theory and analyze its properties. In this case, we show that Wilsonian renormalization of the spatial momentum modes is equivalent to a local position space cMERA circuit. This example provides new insights into the connection between position space and momentum space renormalization group methods in quantum field theory. The form of cMERA circuits derived from perturbation theory suggests useful ansatzes for numerical variational calculations.
Linear profiles monitoring in the presence of nonnormal random errors
Authors: Li Chung‐I , Tsai Tzong‐Ru 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProfile monitoring is a technique to test the stability of the relationship between a response variable and explanatory variables over time. The most relevant linear profile monitoring methods have been constructed using the normality assumption. However, the normality assumption could be violated in many quality control applications. In this study, we consider a situation in which the random errors in a linear profile model follow a skew‐normal distribution. The skew‐normal distribution is a generalized version of the normal distribution. A new Shewhart‐type chart and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart, named the ShewhartR and EWMAR charts, respectively, are constructed based on residuals to monitor the parameters of linear profile model. The simulation results show that the multivariate EWMA chart is sensitive to the normality assumption and that the proposed ShewhartR and EWMAR charts have good ability to detect big and small‐to‐moderate process shifts, respectively. An example using photo mask techniques in semiconductor manufacturing is provided to illustrate the applications of the ShewhartR and EWMAR charts.
Results of the first and second British Mass Spectrometry Society interlaboratory studies on ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: McCullough Bryan J. , Hopley Christopher J. 
Published: July 2019

RationaleAs the popularity of ambient ionisation grows, so too does the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations. The British Mass Spectrometry Society Special Interest Group on Ambient Ionisation has carried out two studies into the use of ambient ionisation, the results of which are presented here.MethodsThe first study (study 1) examined the detection and quantitation capabilities of ambient ionisation while the second examined repeatability and robustness. For study 1 participants were sent a range of samples including two calibration sample sets and asked to analyse them. For study 2, two samples containing the same eight‐component mixture were provided (one in solvent, one in matrix); participants were asked to analyse these samples multiple times, over multiple days to allow assessment of repeatability.ResultsStudy 1 showed that small, polar compounds were well detected by the participants while lower polarity compounds were less well detected. For many samples the introduction method appeared to be a significant factor in the observed spectra. The quantitation study gave good results but revealed significant variability. For study 2 the mean repeatabilities were 65% in solvent and 88% in matrix. The inclusion of an internal standard was shown to greatly improve repeatability.ConclusionsAmbient ionisation is capable of ionising a wide range of compounds with good precision and excellent repeatability; however, in order to obtain such data care must be taken with the experimental design. The data can be significantly improved with a well‐chosen internal standard.
Rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds in liquid droplets accompanied by the flash evaporation of solvent below the Leidenfrost temperature
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Rankin‐Turner Stephanie , Hiraoka Kenzo 
Published: July 2019

RationaleThe objective of this work is to study the interaction of methanol droplets with the heated surface for the improved detection of low‐volatility and thermally labile compounds by the flash evaporation that occurs below the Leidenfrost temperature.Methods5 μL solutions of low‐volatility compounds in methanol were introduced into the heated tube. Desorbed analytes were ionized in the sealed atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source by direct current (DC) corona discharge using air as the reagent gas.ResultsThe rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds accompanied by the flash evaporation of methanol solvent was observed in the temperature range of 60–100°C. Linear relationships between the signal intensities and the solute concentrations in the range of 0.01–5 ppm for morphine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine were obtained at 95°C.ConclusionsThe observed rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds below the Leidenfrost temperature would provide useful information in many fields, e.g., the interaction of liquid droplets with heated matter, liquid sample introduction into the injection port of a gas chromatograph, coupling of the flash evaporation with pulse valve operated miniaturized mass spectrometer, etc.
REI: An integrated measure for software reusability
Authors: Zozas Ioannis , Ampatzoglou Apostolos , Bibi Stamatia , Chatzigeorgiou Alexander , Avgeriou Paris , Stamelos Ioannis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo capitalize upon the benefits of software reuse, an efficient selection among candidate reusable assets should be performed in terms of functional fitness and adaptability. The reusability of assets is usually measured through reusability indices. However, these do not capture all facets of reusability, such as structural characteristics, external quality attributes, and documentation. In this paper, we propose a reusability index (REI) as a synthesis of various software metrics and evaluate its ability to quantify reuse, based on IEEE Standard on Software Metrics Validity. The proposed index is compared with existing ones through a case study on 80 reusable open‐source assets. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed index, we performed a pilot study, where real‐world reuse decisions have been compared with decisions imposed by the use of metrics (including REI). The results of the study suggest that the proposed index presents the highest predictive and discriminative power; it is the most consistent in ranking reusable assets and the most strongly correlated to their levels of reuse. The findings of the paper are discussed to understand the most important aspects in reusability assessment (interpretation of results), and interesting implications for research and practice are provided.
Highly Efficient Guanidinium‐Based Quasi 2D Perovskite Solar Cells via a Two‐Step Post‐Treatment Process
Authors: Zhang Yingzhu , Chen Jiehuan , Lian Xiaomei , Qin Minchao , Li Jun , Andersen Thomas Rieks , Lu Xinhui , Wu Gang , Li Hanying , Chen Hongzheng 
Published: July 2019

Abstract2D perovskites with alternating cations in the interlayer space (ACI) have raised increasing interest in the field of layered 2D perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Herein, ACI quasi‐2D PVSCs with a chemical formula of C(NH2)3(CH3NH3)4Pb4I13 (n = 4) are fabricated by an antisolvent method assisted by a novel two‐step post‐treatment process, in which guanidinium thiocyanate (GASCN) and MACl (GA = guanidinium, MA = methylammonium) are utilized as post‐treatment reagents, sequentially. With the first‐step post‐treatment by GASCN, the grain gaps within the perovskite films are dramatically diminished, leading to increased alignment and well‐ordered crystal grains. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the corresponding devices increases by more than 50% (from 8.62% to 13.13%). After the second‐step post‐treatment by MACl, the trap states in the perovskite films are passivated, and as a result the PCE of the PVSCs is further enhanced to 15.27%. This work provides the new method of two‐step post‐treatment for fabrication of high quality 2D PVSC films.
Single Crystal Perovskite Microplate for High‐Order Multiphoton Excitation
Authors: He Huajun , Ma En , Chen Xueyuan , Yang Deren , Chen Banglin , Qian Guodong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSingle crystal perovskite microplates are fundamentally and technologically very important to developing high‐order (n ≥ 3) multiphoton excitation. This study reports the preparation of high‐quality single crystal perovskite microplates through the controlled release of lead ions from the confined species within a metal–organic framework. The resulting free‐standing MAPbBr3 (MA = CH3NH3+) and CsPbBr3 single crystals of rectangular microplates exhibit excellent multiphoton excitation behaviors, as demonstrated in their five‐photon‐excited photoluminescence and three‐photon‐pumped stimulated emission with the threshold of 159 mJ cm−2, providing the promise of exploring high‐quality single crystal perovskite microplates for functional optoelectronic and photonics applications.
Development, testing, and environmental impact assessment of glow‐in‐the‐dark concrete
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Blaisi Nawaf I. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGlow‐in‐the‐dark (GiD) material has the advantage that it can absorb energy in the presence of a light source and emit the absorbed energy in the form of visible light in the absence of external light. The presented research work deals with the development, testing, and environmental impact assessment of GiD‐concrete. New innovative interlocking concrete blocks have been developed which have the ability to GiD without the need of any external power source. The presented GiD‐concrete has the advantage of long‐term durability over using GiD material as emulation. Through experimentation, 20% GiD addition was found to be the optimum dosage for GiD‐concrete. Mechanical tests consisting of strength, skid resistance, thermal cycling, and glow intensity and duration were conducted on the prepared prototypes. In addition, environmental impact assessment and toxicity testing was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) standards and regulations in order to ascertain the effects of GiD material on the environment and human health. Through these experimentations, the durability and safety of the developed material with regard to the real‐world application have been judged. The provided information can be used by engineers and researchers along with regulatory bodies to develop guidelines regarding the application of the newly developed material in infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the developed prototype can be used in a variety of ways to improve safety and living conditions, ranging from bicycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, building basements, walkways, concrete barriers, and curbstones along with other architectural and esthetical applications.
Malmström vacuum or Kielland forceps: which causes more damage to pelvic floor?
Authors: García‐Mejido J. A. , Martín‐Martínez A. , González‐Diaz E. , Fernández‐Fernández C. , Ortega I. , Medina M. , Fernández‐Corona A. , Fernández‐Palacín A. , Sainz J. A. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine whether differences exist in the rate of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion between women who had undergone either Malmström vacuum delivery (MVD) or Kielland forceps delivery (KFD), allowing for potential confounding factors.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of nulliparous women undergoing instrumental delivery using Malmström vacuum extractor or Kielland forceps, at two hospital centers in Spain. Fetal head position (anterior, posterior or transverse) and fetal head station (low or mid) were assessed by ultrasound and digital examination, respectively. Avulsion was defined on tomographic ultrasound imaging as an abnormal insertion of the LAM in the three central slices from the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions.ResultsIn total, 414 patients were included in the study (212 MVD and 202 KFD). We observed a higher rate of LAM avulsion in the KFD group (KFD 49.5% vs MVD 32.5%; P = 0.001). When the results were evaluated according to fetal head position and station, we observed no differences in LAM avulsion. The crude odds ratio (OR) for the difference in avulsion between women in the KFD and MVD groups was 2.03 (95% CI, 1.36–3.03). However, when adjusted for duration of second stage of labor, fetal head circumference and fetal head station, the OR was no longer statistically significant (OR, 2.14 (95% CI, 0.95–4.85); P = 0.068).ConclusionWhen potential confounding factors are taken into account, the rate of LAM avulsion does not differ between women according to whether they have undergone KFD or MVD. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The diversity of water markets: Prospects and perils for the SDG agenda
Authors: O'Donnell Erin L. , Garrick Dustin E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWater markets are used in a wide variety of contexts to (a) increase access to water, and (b) increase water use efficiency by reallocating water to uses with a higher economic value. The global prevalence of water markets may help or hinder achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, making it essential to understand their role in water management. However, an overarching understanding of what water markets are and how they work across different regulatory and geographic contexts is surprisingly elusive. The literature separates water markets based on their formality and the nature of the goods and services being sold (typically either domestic water or agricultural), but growing water scarcity and increasing urban water demands means that agricultural and urban water use can no longer be considered separately. This review brings together two disparate strands of literature on water markets: (a) markets as a tool for re‐allocation between agricultural uses (including both water rights and irrigation services), and (b) urban water markets to expand access to safe water supplies. Based on a review of 148 studies of water markets, this article explores the similarities and differences between urban and agricultural markets across the spectrum of regulatory formality to identify key findings in water market operation and outcomes, including critiques of market function. Bringing together the work on urban and agricultural water markets highlights important lessons on the role water markets can play in achieving SDG 6.This article is categorized under:
Human Water > Value of Water
Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Treatment of anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste using combined processes of anaerobic digestion–complete nitritation–ANAMMOX based on reflux dilution
Authors: Gao Shumei , Ying Su Ying , Xu Jie , Zhao Yongjun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, an anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste with high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen was treated using combined processes of anaerobic digestion (AD), complete nitritation (CN), and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX). The COD and nitrogen removal efficiency of each treatment unit were investigated. The feasibility of using the final treatment effluent to dilute the original wastewater was also discussed. Findings showed that as a pretreatment step, AD resulted in the decline in biodegradability and increase in concentration. CN was successfully and stably achieved for 106 days with an average nitritation rate of 95% by maintaining the dissolved oxygen at 2–3 mg/L and hydraulic retention time of 24 hr under 30 ± 1°C. High and . removal efficiencies of over 88% and 96% were attained in the following ANAMMOX reactor. The reflux of ANAMMOX‐treated effluent for the dilution of raw wastewater or an influent of CN and ANAMMOX ensured the stable operation of the combined system.Practitioner points

Anaerobic digestion effluent of kitchen waste had low COD/ ratio and poor biodegradability.

Stable and efficient nitritation was realized by controlling DO, HRT and TEMP.

High and removal efficiency were obtained by ANAMMOX process.

Average nitrogen removal rate of 0.94 kg N/m3/day were obtained by ANAMMOX.

Reflux dilution with the effluent guaranteed the system's successful operation.
Purine auxotrophy: Possible applications beyond genetic marker
Authors: Kokina Agnese , Ozolina Zane , Liepins Janis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractExploring new drug candidates or drug targets against many illnesses is necessary as “traditional” treatments lose their effectivity. Cancer and sicknesses caused by protozoan parasites are among these diseases. Cell purine metabolism is an important drug target. Theoretically, inhibiting purine metabolism could stop the proliferation of unwanted cells. Purine metabolism is similar across all eukaryotes. However, some medically important organisms or cell lines rely on their host purine metabolism. Protozoans causing malaria, leishmaniasis, or toxoplasmosis are purine auxotrophs. Some cancer forms have also lost the ability to synthesize purines de novo. Budding yeast can serve as an effective model for eukaryotic purine metabolism, and thus, purine auxotrophic strains could be an important tool. In this review, we present the common principles of purine metabolism in eukaryotes, effects of purine starvation in eukaryotic cells, and purine‐starved Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for purine depletion‐elicited metabolic states with applications in evolution studies and pharmacology. Purine auxotrophic yeast strains behave differently when growing in media with sufficient supplementation with adenine or in media depleted of adenine (starvation). In the latter, they undergo cell cycle arrest at G1/G0 and become stress resistant. Importantly, similar effects have also been observed among parasitic protozoans or cancer cells. We consider that studies on metabolic changes caused by purine auxotrophy could reveal new options for parasite or cancer therapy. Further, knowledge on phenotypic changes will improve the use of auxotrophic strains in high‐throughput screening for primary drug candidates.