bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variance‐based simplex stochastic collocation with model order reduction for high‐dimensional systems
Authors: Giovanis D.G. , Shields M.D. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this work, an adaptive simplex stochastic collocation method is introduced in which sample refinement is informed by variability in the solution of the system. The proposed method is based on the concept of multi‐element stochastic collocation methods and is capable of dealing with very high‐dimensional models whose solutions are expressed as a vector, a matrix, or a tensor. The method leverages random samples to create a multi‐element polynomial chaos surrogate model that incorporates local anisotropy in the refinement, informed by the variance of the estimated solution. This feature makes it beneficial for strongly nonlinear and/or discontinuous problems with correlated non‐Gaussian uncertainties. To solve large systems, a reduced‐order model (ROM) of the high‐dimensional response is identified using singular value decomposition (higher‐order SVD for matrix/tensor solutions) and polynomial chaos is used to interpolate the ROM. The method is applied to several stochastic systems of varying type of response (scalar/vector/matrix) and it shows considerable improvement in performance compared to existing simplex stochastic collocation methods and adaptive sparse grid collocation methods.
Associations of Organizational Justice and Job Characteristics with Work Engagement Among Nurses in Hospitals in China
Authors: Wan Qiaoqin , Zhou Weijiao , Li Zhaoyang , Shang Shaomei 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTWork engagement of nurses has a great effect on their productivity, patient outcomes, and organizational performance. It is important to explore what can be done to facilitate nurse engagement. In this study, we surveyed a total of 1,065 nurses chosen from seven hospitals in China by random cluster sampling to explore the state of nurse engagement and its associations with organizational justice and job characteristics. The mean score for nurse engagement was 3.5 (SD = 1.5) on a 0–6 scale, and in hierarchical multiple regression analyses we found that nurse engagement had statistically significant relationships with the two organizational justice dimensions of distributive justice (β = 0.13, p < .01) and informational justice (β = 0.17, p < .05); and the three job characteristic dimensions of task significance (β = 0.15, p < .01), job feedback (β = 0.10, p < .01), and skill variety (β = .08, p < .05). Hence, work engagement of nurses was not at a high level, and nursing leaders should consider enhancing their engagement through creating motivational job characteristics and improving nurses’ perception of organizational justice.
Weight Trends in Veterans With and Without Diabetes, 2000 to 2014
Authors: Tamas Margery J. , Khakharia Anjali , Rothenberg Richard B. , Phillips Lawrence S. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess weight trends and diabetes prevalence among US veterans.MethodsInformation from the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure Corporate Data Warehouse was used to construct data sets that included demographic data, diabetes status, and weight observations for males and females. Secular and longitudinal trends in mean weight were analyzed.ResultsA total of 4,527,865 patients born from 1915 to 1984 with weight data during 2000 to 2014 were included; 36.8% had diabetes. Mean weight at baseline was higher in men and women with diabetes (97 kg and 88 kg, respectively) than in men and women without diabetes (86 kg and 76 kg, respectively). Mean weight increased from 2000 to 2014 (P < 0.001) at rates of 0.36 kg/y in women without diabetes, 0.28 kg/y in men with diabetes, 0.25 kg/y in men without diabetes, and 0.22 kg/y in women with diabetes. Weight decreased in those born before 1940, was stable in those born between 1940 and 1949, and increased in those born since 1950.ConclusionsAmong contemporary veterans, women without diabetes are gaining weight more rapidly than women with diabetes or men. Younger veterans are gaining weight more rapidly than older veterans. Further efforts are needed to prevent weight gain in veterans, especially among women.
Sorghum stem aerenchyma formation is regulated by SbNAC_D during internode development
Authors: Casto Anna L. , McKinley Brian A. , Yu Ka Man Jasmine , Rooney William L. , Mullet John E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSorghum bicolor is a drought‐resilient C4 grass used for production of grain, forage, sugar, and biomass. Sorghum genotypes capable of accumulating high levels of stem sucrose have solid stems that contain low levels of aerenchyma. The D‐locus on SBI06 modulates the extent of aerenchyma formation in sorghum stems and leaf midribs. A QTL aligned with this locus was identified and fine‐mapped in populations derived from BTx623*IS320c, BTx623*R07007, and BTx623*Standard broomcorn. Analysis of coding polymorphisms in the fine‐mapped D‐locus showed that genotypes that accumulate low levels of aerenchyma encode a truncated NAC transcription factor (Sobic.006G147400, SbNAC_d1), whereas parental lines that accumulate higher levels of stem aerenchyma encode full‐length NAC TFs (SbNAC‐D). During vegetative stem development, aerenchyma levels are low in nonelongated stem internodes, internode growing zones, and nodes. Aerenchyma levels increase in recently elongated internodes starting at the top of the internode near the center of the stem. SbNAC_D was expressed at low levels in nonelongated internodes and internode growing zones and at higher levels in regions of stem internodes that form aerenchyma. SbXCP1, a gene encoding a cysteine protease involved in programmed cell death, was induced in SbNAC_D genotypes in parallel with aerenchyma formation in sorghum stems but not in SbNAC_d1 genotypes. Several sweet sorghum genotypes encode the recessive SbNAC_d1 allele and have low levels of stem aerenchyma. Based on these results, we propose that SbNAC_D is the D‐gene identified by Hilton (1916) and that allelic variation in SbNAC_D modulates the extent of aerenchyma formation in sorghum stems.
Nutrient sink limitation constrains growth in two barley species with contrasting growth strategies
Authors: Burnett Angela C. , Rogers Alistair , Rees Mark , Osborne Colin P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMineral nutrients exert important limitations on plant growth. Growth is limited by the nutrient source when it is constrained by nutrient availability and uptake, which may simultaneously limit investment in photosynthetic proteins, leading to carbon source limitation. However, growth may also be limited by nutrient utilization in sink tissue. The relative importance of these processes is contested, with crop and vegetation models typically assuming source limitations of carbon and mineral nutrients (especially nitrogen). This study compared the importance of source and sink limitation on growth in a slower‐growing wild perennial barley (Hordeum bulbosum) and a faster‐growing domesticated annual barley (Hordeum vulgare), by applying a mineral nutrient treatment and measuring nitrogen uptake, growth, allocation, and carbon partitioning. We found that nitrogen uptake, growth, tillering, shoot allocation, and nitrogen storage were restricted by low nutrient treatments. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that low nutrient levels do not limit growth via carbon acquisition: (a) Carbohydrate storage does not increase at high nutrient levels. (b) Ratio of free amino acids to sucrose increases at high nutrient levels. (c) Shoot allocation increases at high nutrient levels. These data indicate that barley productivity is limited by the capacity for nutrient use in growth. Models must explicitly account for sink processes in order to properly simulate this mineral nutrient limitation of growth.
Impact of electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substituents on the electrochemical and charge transport properties of indacenodithiophene‐based small molecule acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Tahir Mudassir Hussain , Mubashir Tayyaba , Shah Tanveer‐Ul‐Hassan , Mahmood Asif 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuantum mechanism calculations were performed to study the relationship between strength of electron‐donating, electron‐withdrawing groups and electronic, photochemical, charge transport properties. Electron‐donating groups blueshifted the ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectra, while electron‐withdrawing groups redshifted the UV/visible spectra. Inverse relationship observes between Hammett parameter and reorganization energy. Small molecules acceptors with electron‐withdrawing substituents showed higher electron mobility. This study can pave way for experimental chemists to synthesize efficient small molecule acceptors.
Chemical stability enhancement of crown ether grafted sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) fuel cell membrane by cerium ion fixation
Authors: Park Junghwa , Park Yongman , Kim Dukjoon 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTIn operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell or direct methanol fuel cell, ·OH radicals are the major cause for the degradation of polymer electrolyte membrane. In order to enhance its antioxidation stability, cerium ion (Ce3+, CE), an ·OH radical quencher, is introduced to membrane, as it converts the ·OH radicals into inactive chemicals. In this study, aminoethyl‐15‐crown‐5 (CRE) is grafted on the sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) to prevent the migration of CE ions from the membrane for long‐term antioxidation stability, as CRE forms a coordination complex with CE. The chemical and physical structures of the CRE grafted SPAEK are examined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, energy dispersive X‐ray, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering spectroscopy. The physical properties of the CRE grafted SPAEK membrane are investigated and compared with those of the CRE blended and CE blended ones. While the grafting of CRE does not significantly affect the thermal and mechanical and water uptake behaviors of membranes, it leads to a significant improvement of antidegradation effect compared with other blend systems according to Fenton's test. The proton conductivity decreases with addition of CE but its effect is lessened by introduction of CRE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 101–109
Quantification of Calcyclin and Heat Shock Protein 90 in Sera from Women with and without Preeclampsia by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Güzel Coşkun , van den Berg Caroline B. , Duvekot Johannes J. , Stingl Christoph , van den Bosch Thierry P. P. , van der Weiden Marcel , Steegers Eric A. P. , Steegers‐Theunissen Regine P. M. , Luider Theo M. 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe objective of present study is to determine serum levels and placental distribution of two interacting proteins calcyclin and heat shock protein 90 in preeclampsia.Experimental designMaternal serum levels of calcyclin and heat shock protein 90 are compared throughout pregnancy from the first trimester till term among women with preeclampsia (n = 43) and age‐matched normotensive pregnant controls (n = 46). A serum‐based 2D LC‐MS assay using Parallel Reaction Monitoring is applied to quantify both calcyclin and heat shock protein 90.ResultsSerum levels of calcyclin are significantly lower in patients with preeclampsia in the second trimester of pregnancy as compared to controls (p < 0.05). Serum levels of heat shock protein 90 are significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia in the third trimester as compared to controls (p < 0.001).Conclusion and clinical relevanceBoth interacting proteins calcyclin and heat shock protein 90 are notably changed in preeclamptic patients compared to controls. Calcyclin is already decreased before the onset of preeclampsia in the second trimester and HSP90 is strongly increased in the third trimester. This suggests that these proteins may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and ought to be investigated in large cohort studies as molecular biomarkers.
Parsing redox potentials of five ferredoxins found within Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Maiocco Stephanie J. , Arcinas Arthur J. , Booker Squire J. , Elliott Sean J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMost organisms contain multiple soluble protein‐based redox carriers such as members of the ferredoxin (Fd) family, that contain one or more iron–sulfur clusters. The potential redundancy of Fd proteins is poorly understood, particularly in connection to the ability of Fd proteins to deliver reducing equivalents to members of the “radical SAM,” or S‐adenosylmethionine radical enzyme (ARE) superfamily, where the activity of all known AREs requires that an essential iron–sulfur cluster bound by the enzyme be reduced to the catalytically relevant [Fe4S4]1+ oxidation state. As it is still unclear whether a single Fd in a given organism is specific to individual redox partners, we have examined the five Fd proteins found within Thermotoga maritima via direct electrochemistry, to compare them in a side‐by‐side fashion for the first time. While a single [Fe4S4]‐cluster bearing Fd (TM0927) has a potential of −420 mV, the other four 2x[Fe4S4]‐bearing Fds (TM1175, TM1289, TM1533, and TM1815) have potentials that vary significantly, including cases where the two clusters of the same Fd are essentially coincident (e.g., TM1175) and those where the potentials are well separate (TM1815).
Natural language processing‐based assessment of consistency in summaries of product characteristics of generic antimicrobials
Authors: Shimazawa Rumiko , Kano Yoshinobu , Ikeda Masayuki 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo investigate consistency in summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs) of generic antimicrobials, we used natural language processing (NLP) to analyze and compare large amounts of text quantifying consistency between original and generic SmPCs. We manually compared each section of generic and original SmPCs for antimicrobials listed in the electronic Medicines Compendium in the United Kingdom, focusing on omissions and additions of clinically significant information (CSI). Independently, we quantified differences between the original and generic SmPCs using Kachako, a fully automatic NLP platform. Among the 137 antimicrobials listed in the electronic Medicines Compendium, we identified 193 pairs of original and generic antimicrobial SmPCs for the 48 antimicrobials for which generic SmPCs existed. Of these 193 pairs, 157 (81%) were consistent and 36 were inconsistent with the original SmPC. When the cut‐off value of RATE (the index of similarity between two SmPCs) was set at 0.860, our NLP system effectively discriminated consistent generic SmPCs with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 61%. We observed CSI omissions but not additions in the SmPC subsection related to pharmacokinetic properties. CSI additions but not omissions were found in the subsections dealing with therapeutic indications and fertility, pregnancy and lactation. Despite regulatory guidance, we observed substantial inconsistencies in the information in the United Kingdom SmPCs for antimicrobials. NLP technology proved to be a useful tool for checking large numbers of SmPCs for consistency.
The triptolide‐induced apoptosis of osteoclast precursor by degradation of cIAP2 and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of TNF‐transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Shengli , Liu Zhigang , Wang Jingchun , Wang Yifei , Liu Jianhua , Ji Xinying , Wang Xinchun 
Published: November 2018

This study aims to discuss the effect of triptolide (TPL) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the mechanism related to osteoclast precursor (OCP) and osteoclast (OC). TNF‐transgenic RA mice were treated with different doses of TPL by gavage. After the administration was finished, the curative effects were evaluated and compared, and the OCP apoptosis rates, the OC number, and the OC differentiation ability in vitro were detected. Finally, splenocytes of wild‐type mice were cultured in vitro and induced to differentiate into OCP, and the cell apoptosis rate, cIAP2, and apoptotic effectors expression level were detected after cIAP2 overexpression and TPL administration. After TPL administration, the RA symptoms in the TPL groups were all better, the apoptosis rate of OCP was higher, and the amount of OC in vitro were lower than that in the control group (all P < 0.05), and all of the changes in the high‐dose group were more obvious than the low‐dose group. In splenocytes cells cultured in vitro, cIAP2 overexpression could decrease the apoptosis rate of OCPs and increase the OC number, and TPL treatment could down‐regulate the cIAP2 and promote OCP apoptosis and OC reduction. In conclusion, TPL could induce OCP apoptosis and inhibit OC formation to effectively treat RA by mediating cIAP2 degradation.
Using the hybrid gain algorithm to sample data assimilation uncertainty
Authors: Houtekamer Pieter Leopold , Buehner Mark , De La Chevrotière Michèle 
Published: November 2018

At the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC), an ensemble variational (EnVar) data assimilation system is used for the global deterministic prediction system and an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is used for the global ensemble prediction system. These two systems are co‐developed and co‐evolving at the CMC and in this study we explore how to maximize the impact of having two algorithms.Following earlier work at the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), we perform experiments with a pure EnKF and an EnKF system that is recentered on the EnVar solution, as well as with a hybrid gain configuration, in which the EnKF system is recentered on the mean of the EnKF and EnVar analyses. Encouraged by the results of the hybrid gain algorithm, we modify it to leave half of the members unchanged and to recenter the other half on the EnVar analysis. With this multi‐analysis approach, we sample the different design decisions made for the EnKF and EnVar and see corresponding improvements, notably for the stratospheric analysis.An evaluation using humidity‐sensitive radiance channels shows more mixed results of the hybrid gain and multi‐analysis approaches. An investigation of the spread–skill relation showed that the background ensembles were overdispersive for humidity and this issue was resolved by a reduction of the additive error for humidity. This highlights the fact that diagnostic information from two analysis systems can be used to identify where those systems have room for improvement. Finally, for various aspects of data assimilation systems, we weigh the benefits of algorithmic diversity against the corresponding additional development cost.
Enzymatic Reaction Generates Biomimic Nanominerals with Superior Bioactivity
Authors: Jiang Ying‐Ying , Zhou Zi‐Fei , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Chen Fei‐Fei , Lu Bing‐Qiang , Cao Wen‐Tao , Zhang Yong‐Gang , Cai Zheng‐Dong , Chen Feng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn vivo mineralization is a multistep process involving mineral‐protein complexes and various metastable compounds in vertebrates. In this complex process, the minerals produced in the mitochondrial matrix play a critical role in initiating extracellular mineralization. However, the functional mechanisms of the mitochondrial minerals are still a mystery. Herein, an in vitro enzymatic reaction strategy is reported for the generation of biomimic amorphous calcium phosphate (EACP) nanominerals by an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐catalyzed hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a weakly alkalescent aqueous condition (pH 8.0–8.5), which is partially similar to the mitochondrial environment. Significantly, the EACP nanomineral obviously promotes autophagy and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells by activating an AMPK related pathway, and displays a high performance in promoting bone regeneration. These results provide in vitro evidence for the effect of ATP on the formation and stabilization of the mineral in the mineralization process, demonstrating a potential strategy for the preparation of the biomimic mineral for treating bone related diseases.
Leistungsfähigkeit reaktiver Brandschutzsysteme auf Zugstabsystemen und deren Anschlusskonstruktionen
Authors: Häßler Dustin , Häßler Mai , Hothan Sascha , Krüger Simone 
Published: November 2018

AbstractZur brandschutztechnischen Ertüchtigung von Stahlkonstruktionen werden reaktive Brandschutzsysteme aufgrund der geringen Beschichtungsdicken und der profilfolgenden Applikation in zunehmendem Maße eingesetzt. Da die für Zugstabsysteme eingesetzten Bauteile meist eine stark konvex gekrümmte Oberfläche aufweisen und der Anschlussbereich über eine vergleichsweise komplexe Geometrie verfügt, stellt dies besonders hohe Anforderungen an die Leistungsfähigkeit von reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen. Anhand von realmaßstäblichen Brandversuchen wurden das Aufschäumungs‐ und Rissverhalten, der Einfluss der Trockenschichtdicke, die Erwärmung der einzelnen Stahlbauteile sowie der Einfluss der Bauteilorientierung untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine Abnahme der Oberflächenkrümmung oder eine Erhöhung der Massenkonzentration der Stahlbauteile zu einer geringeren Aufheizrate des Stahls führt. Darüber hinaus ist festzustellen, dass die Leistungsfähigkeit des reaktiven Brandschutzsystems von der Bauteilorientierung der Zugstabsysteme beeinflusst wird. Die durchgeführten Brandversuche können zur Entwicklung geeigneter Prüfszenarien für die Beurteilung von reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen auf Zugstabsystemen und deren Anschlusskonstruktionen verwendet werden, wodurch eine Erweiterung des zulassungsbasierten Anwendungsbereichs ermöglicht wird.
Use of HSS and VHSS in steel structures in civil and offshore engineering
Authors: van Es Sjors , Slot Henk , Steenbergen Henri , Maljaars Johan , Pijpers Richard 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn Memoriam of Prof. Dr. Bernt JohanssonThe use of high‐strength steels (HSS, 460 < fy ≤ 700 MPa) and particularly very high‐strength steels (VHSS, fy > 700 MPa) is limited in steel structures in civil and offshore engineering. This is due to a lack of experience in structures made of these materials and a lack of understanding of the structural performance of HSS and VHSS. The main questions that are unanswered concern the topics of static strength, fracture toughness, fatigue, material (in)homogeneity and manufacturing. With regard to the static strength, it is unclear as to whether requirements currently stated in the Eurocodes for the yield‐to‐tensile strength ratio (fy/fu) as well as the Von Mises yield criterion are applicable to structural designs in HSS and VHSS. With regard to fracture toughness, it is unclear as to whether the crack arrest capability of HSS and VHSS is currently sufficiently covered in Eurocode requirements. Furthermore, Eurocode requirements for maximum plate thickness are quite restrictive if they are extrapolated to HSS and VHSS. Other questions relate to the homogeneity of the material. Are HSS and VHSS sufficiently resistant to lamellar tearing and is material testing in different orientations necessary? This study gives an overview of the relevant questions, outlines the requirements in the current Eurocode system, presents answers to these questions where possible and provides a recommended research focus for the coming years.