bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy‐Metal‐Free Colloidal Semiconductor Nanorods: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Jia Guohua , Pang Yingping , Ning Jiajia , Banin Uri , Ji Botao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractQuasi‐1D colloidal semiconductor nanorods (NRs) are at the forefront of nanoparticle (NP) research owing to their intriguing size‐dependent and shape‐dependent optical and electronic properties. The past decade has witnessed significant advances in both fundamental understanding of the growth mechanisms and applications of these stimulating materials. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art of colloidal semiconductor NRs is reviewed, with special emphasis on heavy‐metal‐free materials. The main growth mechanisms of heavy‐metal‐free colloidal semiconductor NRs are first elaborated, including anisotropic‐controlled growth, oriented attachment, solution–liquid–solid method, and cation exchange. Then, structural engineering and properties of semiconductor NRs are discussed, with a comprehensive overview of core/shell structures, alloying, and doping, as well as semiconductor–metal hybrid nanostructures, followed by highlighted practical applications in terms of photocatalysis, photodetectors, solar cells, and biomedicine. Finally, challenges and future opportunities in this fascinating research area are proposed.
Highly Reactive PTFE/Mg Nanolaminates and Its Combustion Performances
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Long , Shen Jinpeng , Li Zhaoqian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDevelopment of reactive materials with high energetic performances is highly significant owing to the increasing demands for both military and civilian applications. In this work, nanolaminated structure is introduced to construct reactive materials with high reactive properties through periodically stacking fluorine oxidant and metal fuel at sub‐nanometer scale. The exothermic reaction performances and combustion characteristics can be significantly enhanced resulted from the ultra‐high interfacial area and reduced mass diffusion distance at sub‐nanometer scale between fluorine oxidant and metal fuel. The energy output of 2632.1 J g−1 and lower onset reaction temperature of 438 °C are observed for the nanolaminated poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE)/magnesium (Mg). Furthermore, a self‐propagation combustion reaction at the micrometer scale with tunable burn rate can be achieved through controlled thickness of layers. A burn rate model is proposed to illustrate the influence of structural feature on the burn rate of the nanolaminated PTFE/Mg. Based on the above results, a microenergetic device is prepared to demonstrate the practical application of the nanolaminated PTFE/Mg.
Mechanical property and structure of a butadiene rubber composite filled with syndiotactic polybutadiene resin
Authors: Takahashi Yuki , Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTTo obtain a novel resin‐reinforced elastomer, a butadiene rubber composite filled with syndiotactic polybutadiene (SPB) resin [vinyl cis rubber (VCR)] is designed. The VCR is synthesized by two‐step polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene in one pot. The SPB fibril is highly dispersed in a 1,4‐cis polybutadiene rubber (BR) matrix. Increasing the SPB content improves the tensile strength of the VCR. The nanostructure of the VCR is investigated by using a nano‐palpation atomic force microscope. The interfacial region between BR and SPB is detected with an intermediate Young's modulus. In addition, the average Young's modulus of the region combined with the matrix and interfacial shows a good correlation with the Young's modulus obtained from a tensile test. The interfacial region should be one of the key structures to consider the reinforcement mechanism in VCR. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47934.
Using serum placenta growth factor could improve the sensitivity of colorectal cancer screening in fecal occult blood negative population: A multicenter with independent cohort validation study
Authors: Wei Shu‐Chen , Tsao Po‐Nien , Wang Yu‐Ting , Lin Been‐Ren , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Tsai Wen‐Sy , Chen Jinn‐Shiun , Wong Jau‐Min 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Screening for CRC using the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is feasible and useful for decreasing disease‐related mortality; however, its sensitivity and compliance are unsatisfactory.MethodsThis study examined the efficacy of using serum placenta growth factor (PlGF) for a novel CRC screening strategy. To investigate a potential novel screening tool for CRC, we compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the FOBT, serum PlGF, and their combination through an examination of two independent cohorts and validation using the second cohort. All the patients and control group received the colonoscopy and FOBT, the colonoscopy was used as the gold standard for the result.ResultsSerum PlGF levels were significantly increased in CRC patients (16.8 ± 11.4 pg/mL) compared with controls (12.0 ± 11.2 pg/mL). The predictive model that used the serum PlGF level alone was as effective as the FOBT (AUC: 0.60 vs 0.68, P = 0.891), and it had significantly higher sensitivity than the FOBT (0.81 vs 0.39). In addition, we found serum PlGF level has a good value for predicting CRC patients in those FOBT negative populations. Finally, combining serum PlGF level and the FOBT improved the predictive power and demonstrated satisfactory sensitivity (0.71) and specificity (0.71). This result was confirmed and validated in the second independent cohort. Furthermore, no matter the stages (early/advanced) and the location (distal/proximal) of CRC, the efficacy of serum PlGF and the combined model remained quite stable.ConclusionSerum PlGF level is a potential alternative screening tool for CRC, especially for those who are reluctant to stool‐based screening methods and who were tested as negative FOBT. In addition, combining serum PlGF level and the FOBT could increase the power of CRC screening.
Impact of the repositionable Evolut R CoreValve system on the need for a permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Ojeda Soledad , Hidalgo Francisco , Romero Miguel , Mazuelos Francisco , Suárez de Lezo Javier , Martín Ernesto , Lostalo Adrián , Luque Aurora , González Rafael , Fernández Ana , López‐Aguilera José , Segura José , Guerrero Noelia , Pan Manuel 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo compare the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) with the CoreValve and Evolut R prostheses, to evaluate the implantation depth with both types of prostheses, and to study factors predicting the need for PPI.BackgroundThe Evolut R CoreValve can be recaptured and repositioned during deployment, allowing a more precise implantation.MethodsA total of 208 patients treated with CoreValve and 137 patients treated with Evolut R were analyzed. The depth of the prosthesis in the LVOT was measured by angiography in the annular perpendicular view projection after deploymen in all patients.ResultsBaseline conduction abnormalities were comparable between the groups (85/208, 40.9% vs. 53/137, 38.7%; p = 0.69). The mean prosthesis depth was 10.3 ± 8.6 mm in the CoreValve group and 5.5 ± 2.7 mm in the Evolut R group; p < 0.0001. Conduction disturbances after valve implantation were more frequent with the CoreValve (new‐onset left bundle branch block: 93, 44.7% vs. 16, 11.7%; p < 0.05, first‐degree atrioventricular block: 23, 11.1% vs. 5, 3.6%; p < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of PPI was significantly lower with Evolut R (45, 21.6% vs. 15, 10.9%; p = 0.01). The predictors of the need for PPI were the mean depth of the prosthesis (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.21; p < 0.0001) and prior right bundle branch block (OR 10.22, 95% CI: 4.62–22.63; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe recapturable capability of the Evolut R system allowed for higher and precise valve implantation. This fact had an impact on the reduction in the need for PPI.
Membranbrennstoffzellen
Authors: Heinzel Angelika , Beckhaus Peter , Karstedt Jörg 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMit der Entwicklung der als protonenleitenden Elektrolyten geeigneten Polymermembran hat die Membranbrennstoffzelle ihren Siegeszug angetreten und wird inzwischen in verschiedenen Bereichen eingesetzt. Je nach Anwendung werden die Lebensdauer, die Leistungsdichte oder andere Systemaspekte optimiert. Allen gemeinsam ist die Anforderung an die Reduktion der Kosten, die insbesondere im Pkw die entscheidende Rolle spielt. Die Entwicklung der Membranbrennstoffzelle hat mittlerweile einen hohen technischen Stand erreicht, trotzdem bedarf es zur Markteinführung politischer Flankierung. Dies bezieht sich auf die Wasserstoffinfrastruktur für Brennstoffzellenfahrzeuge ebenso wie auf die Förderung der brennstoffzellenbasierten Kraft‐Wärme‐Kopplung.
Going beyond environmental regulations—The influence of firm size on the effect of green practices on corporate financial performance
Authors: Yusof Nor'Aini , Tabassi Amin Akhavan , Esa Muneera 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDespite the various environmental regulations to address the negative effect of construction activities on the environment, the construction sector is still slow to implement green practices (GPs). To encourage construction firms to implement GPs, these firms should be convinced that GPs are a financially viable endeavour. This paper aimed to analyse the influence of GPs on corporate financial performance (CFP) and investigate whether firm size influences that effect. A survey was employed to gather information from Malaysian construction firms, and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings indicate that green supplier management, green subcontractor management, and green project management have significant effects on CFP and that large firms with high levels of green business practices and green project management attained higher CFP than small and medium enterprises. Policymakers and managers should take a flexible approach to boost GPs in the construction industry.
Imaging Flow Cytometry Quantifies Neural Genome Dynamics
Authors: Michel Nadine , Majumdar Usnish B. , Lannigan Joanne , McConnell Michael J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSomatic mosaicism is a common consequence of normal development. DNA repair is simply not perfect, and each cell's genome incurs continuous DNA damage as a consequence of transcription, replication, and other cell biological stressors. Brain somatic mosaicism is particularly noteworthy because the vast majority of an individual's neurons are with that individual for life and neural circuits give rise directly to behavioral phenotypes. Brain somatic mosaicism, now revealed and tractable due to advances in single cell ‘omic approaches, has emerged as an intriguing and unexplored aspect of neuronal diversity. Furthermore, the study of DNA damage during early neurodevelopment, when the rate of mutagenesis is high, is the perfect starting point to understand the origins of brain mosaicism. Flow cytometry is a highly efficient technique to study cell cycle and intracellular proteins of interest, particularly those related to DNA damage, but it lacks the high resolution of microscopy to examine the localization of these proteins. In this study, we outline a novel single‐cell approach to quantify DNA double‐strand break (DNA DSB) dynamics during early human neurodevelopment by applying imaging flow cytometry (IFC) to human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) undergoing neurogenesis. We establish an increase of DNA DSBs by quantifying γH2AX foci in mildly stressed NPCs using various single‐cell approaches in addition to IFC including fluorescent microscopy, conventional flow cytometry, and measuring DNA DSBs with the comet assay. We demonstrate the dose‐dependent sensitive detection of γH2AX foci through IFC and reveal the dynamics of DNA DSBs in proliferating and differentiating neural cells in early neurogenesis. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Water clarity and temperature effects on walleye safe harvest: an empirical test of the safe operating space concept
Authors: Hansen Gretchen J. A. , Winslow Luke A. , Read Jordan S. , Treml Melissa , Schmalz Patrick J. , Carpenter Stephen R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSuccessful management of natural resources requires local action that adapts to larger‐scale environmental changes in order to maintain populations within the safe operating space (SOS) of acceptable conditions. Here, we identify the boundaries of the SOS for a managed freshwater fishery in the first empirical test of the SOS concept applied to management of harvested resources. Walleye (Sander vitreus) are popular sport fish with declining populations in many North American lakes, and understanding the causes of and responding to these changes is a high priority for fisheries management. We evaluated the role of changing water clarity and temperature in the decline of a high‐profile walleye population in Mille Lacs, Minnesota, USA, and estimated safe harvest under changing conditions from 1987 to 2017. Thermal–optical habitat area (TOHA)—the proportion of lake area in which the optimal thermal and optical conditions for walleye overlap—was estimated using a thermodynamic simulation model of daily water temperatures and light conditions. We then used a SOS model to analyze how walleye carrying capacity and safe harvest relate to walleye thermal–optical habitat. Thermal–optical habitat area varied annually and declined over time due to increased water clarity, and maximum safe harvest estimated by the SOS model varied by nearly an order of magnitude. Maximum safe harvest levels of walleye declined with declining TOHA. Walleye harvest exceeded safe harvest estimated by the SOS model in 16 out of the 30 yr of our dataset, and walleye abundance declined following 14 of those years, suggesting that walleye harvest should be managed to accommodate changing habitat conditions. By quantifying harvest trade‐offs associated with loss of walleye habitat, this study provides a framework for managing walleye in the context of ecosystem change.
Optimal operation of cogeneration system coordinated by aggregator for providing the demand and supply regulation capacity
Authors: Nakamura Yuta , Hara Ryoichi , Kita Hiroyuki , Takeda Kiyotaka 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecent growth of renewable energy generations with natural variability, such as photovoltaic generation and wind turbine generation, would make the demand and supply control in a whole power system more difficult, and therefore, alternatives for demand and supply regulation resources would be required. The authors focus on cogeneration system (CGS) as one of regulation resources. In order to procure adequate volume of regulation capability, an aggregator coordinates a number of CGSs efficiently and flexibly considering the wide variety of electricity/thermal demands of CGS owners. This paper proposes a novel optimal operation strategy of CGS coordinated by the aggregator considering the energy balance and operation cost of individual CGS owner. This paper also demonstrates the availability of CGSs for regulation capability by numerical case studies in which the actual consumption profile is employed.
What Works? the Influence of Changing Wastewater Treatment Type, Including Tertiary Granular Activated Charcoal, on Downstream Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity Over Time
Authors: Johnson Andrew C. , Jürgens Monika D. , Edwards François K. , Scarlett Peter M. , Vincent Helen M. , von der Ohe Peter 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The present study reviewed the impacts of wastewater on macroinvertebrates over 4 decades in a United Kingdom lowland river. This involved examining changes in chemicals, temperature, flow, and macroinvertebrate diversity from the 1970s until 2017 for a wastewater-dominated river downstream of Swindon in the United Kingdom (population ~ 220 000). When the wastewater treatment process changed from trickling filter to activated sludge in 1991, biological oxygen demand was nearly halved (90th percentile from 8.1 to 4.6 mg/L), ammonia peaks dropped more than 7-fold (90th percentile from 3.9 to 0.53 mg/L), whereas dissolved oxygen climbed consistently above 60% saturation (10th percentile from 49 to 64%) at a sampling point 2 km downstream of the wastewater treatment plant. A sustained increase in the number of macroinvertebrate species was evident from that point. River flow did not change, temperature rose slightly, and the major metal concentrations declined steadily over most of the monitoring period. Neither the introduction of phosphate stripping in 1999 nor the use of tertiary granular activated charcoal from 2008 to 2014 had strong positive effects on subsequent macroinvertebrate diversity. That the diversity still had not reached the ideal status by 2016 may be related to the modest habitat quality, agricultural pesticides, and limited recolonization potential in the catchment. The results indicate that urban wastewaters, with their chemical pollutants, are today probably not the biggest threat to the macroinvertebrate diversity of multiply stressed lowland rivers in the United Kingdom. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1820–1832. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC
Abstract
Transformation in the fortunes of a macroinvertebrate population in a wastewater dominated river. ASPT = average score per taxon; LOQ = limit of quantification.
Nonattendance rates of scheduled outpatient appointments in a university general hospital
Authors: Giunta Diego Hernan , Alonso Serena Marina 
Published: May 2019

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to estimate nonattendance to scheduled medical ambulatory appointments rates globally and by subgroups.Design and participantsWe designed a retrospective cohort of all adult outpatients over 18 years old who requested at least one scheduled ambulatory medical appointment from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016.SettingHospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is a university general hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It includes an integrated health care network that is formed by two high complexity hospitals and 22 primary care centers.ResultsThe age median was 60.4 years, and 31.33% of the appointments were scheduled by men; 2 526 549 appointments fulfilled selection criteria, belonging to 348 420 patients. The global nonattendance rate was 27.84% (95% CI, 27.79‐27.9). The nonattendance rate to general practitioner appointments was 25.53% (95% CI, 25.42‐25.63); to clinical specialties, 27.78% (95% CI, 27.68‐27.87); and to surgical specialties, 29.31% (95% CI, 29.23‐29.4).ConclusionsBecause of the consistent variability of nonattendance in different settings, it is strongly recommended that local estimates are used in the design of effective interventions to improve adherence with outpatient healthcare scheduled appointments.
Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of celiac and mesenteric arteries in subjects with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ayoola Oluwagbemiga O. , Bolarinwa Rahman A. , Onakpoya Uvie U. , Onwuka Chidiogo C. , Adedeji Tewogbade A. , Afolabi Babalola I. , Onigbinde Stephen O. , Arogundade Fatiu A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVasculopathy, as occurring in sickle cell disease (SCD), can affect celiac and mesenteric arteries and result in stenosis, with elevated peak systolic velocity (PSV) on Doppler ultrasonography. In six subjects with confirmed SCD in steady state, routine Doppler ultrasonographic examination discovered features of celiac artery (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis with CA PSV >200 cm/s (median = 222.8 cm/s; range = 201.5‐427.1 cm/s) and/or SMA PSV >275 cm/s (median 183.2 cm/s; range = 87.8‐289.3 cm/s). Among the six subjects, five had elevated soluble P‐selectin values (median 72.55 ng/mL), while all six (100%) had elevated cystatin C levels (median 4.15 mg/L). Peripheral oxygen saturation was suboptimal in five subjects. All subjects had low hemoglobin concentration levels (median 8.5 g/dL) while four had elevated white blood cell count. Although vaso‐occlusive crises result from microvessel occlusion, these findings at the macrovascular level suggest that SCD patients may also be vulnerable to mesenteric ischemic injury, especially in the setting of anemic heart failure from hemolysis.
Remotely sensed albedo allows the identification of two ecosystem states along aridity gradients in Africa
Authors: Zhao Yanchuang , Wang Xinyuan , Novillo Carlos J. , Arrogante‐Funes Patricia , Vázquez‐Jiménez René , Berdugo Miguel , Maestre Fernando T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEmpirical verification of multiple states in drylands is scarce, impeding the design of indicators to anticipate the onset of desertification. Remote sensing‐derived indicators of ecosystem states are gaining new ground due to the possibilities they bring to be applied inexpensively over large areas. Remotely sensed albedo has been often used to monitor drylands due to its close relationship with ecosystem status and climate. Here, we used a space‐for‐time‐substitution approach to evaluate whether albedo (averaged from 2000 to 2016) can identify multiple ecosystem states in African drylands spanning from the Saharan desert to tropical Africa. By using latent class analysis, we found that albedo showed two states (low and high; the cut‐off level was 0.22 at the shortwave band). Potential analysis revealed that albedo exhibited an abrupt and discontinuous increase with increased aridity (1 − [precipitation/potential evapotranspiration]). The two albedo states co‐occurred along aridity values ranging from 0.72 to 0.78, during which vegetation cover exhibited a rapid, continuous decrease from ~90% to ~50%. At aridity values of 0.75, the low albedo state started to exhibit less attraction than the high albedo state. Low albedo areas beyond this aridity value were considered as vulnerable regions where abrupt shifts in albedo may occur if aridity increases, as forecasted by current climate change models. Our findings indicate that remotely sensed albedo can identify two ecosystem states in African drylands. They support the suitability of albedo indices to inform us about discontinuous responses to aridity experienced by drylands, which can be linked to the onset of land degradation.