bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An adaptive algorithm for high‐dimensional integrals on heterogeneous CPU‐GPU systems
Authors: Laccetti Giuliano , Lapegna Marco , Mele Valeria , Montella Raffaele 
Published: August 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we introduce an adaptive procedure for the numerical computation of a high‐dimensional integrals on HPC systems with heterogeneous nodes composed of multi‐core CPU and GPU devices. To this aim, we have integrated together two different approaches: a first one is in charge of a fair workload among the threads running on the multi‐core CPU, while a second one is in charge of an efficient execution of the computational kernels on the GPU. We tested the resulting algorithm on several test functions on a system where the nodes are provided with two Intel ten‐core CPU and one NVIDIA GPU device.
Temperature‐dependent Shape Changes of Ice Nanoclusters on Ag(100)
Authors: Bakradze Georgijs , Morgenstern Karina 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe investigate the influence of the annealing temperature on the evolution of the ice nanoclusters’ geometry by means of low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The clusters, grown at 110 K on Ag(100), gradually increase in height and their shape becomes more compact during annealing at 120 K, 125 K, and 130 K. The increase in height indicates an upward mass transport and reflects a stronger water‐water than water‐surface bonding. The change in shape, quantitatively expressed as an increase in fractal dimension, is driven by a reduction of the total energy of the step edge. The significant changes in geometry induced by a relatively mild temperature increase underline the importance of temperature for the shape and all properties influenced by this shape of hydrogen‐bonded clusters of water ice.
Branched‐Chain Polyamine Found in Hyperthermophiles Induces Unique Temperature‐Dependent Structural Changes in Genome‐Size DNA
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Fukuda Wakao , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Fujiwara Shinsuke , Imanaka Tadayuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. K. Yoshikawa (Doshisha Univ.), Prof. T. Higuchi (Nagoya City Univ.), Prof. S. Fujiwara (Kwasei‐Gakuin Univ.) and Prof. T. Imanaka (Ritsumeikan Univ.). The image shows that at 80°C, multiple nano‐loops are generated along a strand of large DNA in the presence of a branched‐chain polyamine found in a hyperthermophilic archaeon living near the boiling point of water. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201800396.
Maturation of Breathing‐Related Inhibitory Neurotransmission in the Medulla Oblongata of the Embryonic and Perinatal Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Pickett Kaci L. , Stein Paxton S. , Vincen‐Brown Michael A. , Pilarski Jason Q. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe medullary portion of the embryonic zebra finch hindbrain was isolated and superfused with physiologically relevant artificial cerebral spinal fluid. This in vitro preparation produced uninterrupted rhythmic episodes of neural activity via cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) from embryonic day 4 (E4) through hatching on E14. Cranial nerve IX carries motor activity to the glottis during the inspiratory phase of breathing, and we focused on the role of synaptic inhibition during the embryonic and perinatal maturation of this branchiomotor outflow. We show that spontaneous neural activity (SNA) is first observed on E4 and temporally transforms as the embryo ages. To start, SNA is dependent on the excitatory actions of GABAA and glycine. As the embryo continues to develop, GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission take on a modulatory role, albeit an excitatory one, through E10. After that, data show that GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission switches to a phenotype consistent with inhibition, coincident with the onset of functional breathing. We also report that the inhibitory action of GABAergic and glycinergic receptor gating is not necessary for the spontaneous generation of branchiomotor motor rhythms in these birds near hatching. This is the first report focusing on the development of central breathing‐related inhibitory neurotransmission in birds during the entire period of embryogenesis.
Postmortem tissue distribution of morphine and its metabolites in a series of heroin‐related deaths
Authors: Maskell Peter D. , Wilson Nathan E. , Seetohul L. Nitin , Crichton Megan L. , Beer Lewis J. , Drummond Gail , De Paoli Giorgia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe abuse of heroin (diamorphine) and heroin‐related deaths are increasing around the world. The interpretation of the toxicological results from suspected heroin‐related deaths is notoriously difficult, especially in cases where there may be limited samples. To help forensic practitioners with heroin interpretation, we determined the concentration of morphine (M), morphine‐3‐glucuronide (M3G), and morphine‐6‐glucuronide (M6G) in blood (femoral and cardiac), brain (thalamus), liver (deep right lobe), bone marrow (sternum), skeletal muscle (psoas), and vitreous humor in 44 heroin‐related deaths. The presence of 6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM) in any of the postmortem samples was used as confirmation of heroin use. Quantitation was carried out using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method with solid‐phase extraction. We also determined the presence of papaverine, noscapine and codeine in the samples, substances often found in illicit heroin and that may help determine illicit heroin use. The results of this study show that vitreous is the best sample to detect 6‐MAM (100% of cases), and thus heroin use. The results of the M, M3G, and M6G quantitation in this study allow a degree of interpretation when samples are limited. However in some cases it may not be possible to determine heroin/morphine use as in four cases in muscle (three cases in bone marrow) no morphine, M3G, or M6G were detected, even though they were detected in other case samples. As always, postmortem cases of suspected morphine/heroin intoxication should be interpreted with care and with as much case knowledge as possible.
Label‐free Voltammetric Immunosensor for Prostate Specific Antigen Detection
Authors: Oliveira Nélia , Costa‐Rama Estefanía , Viswanathan Subramanian , Delerue‐Matos Cristina , Pereira Lourdes , Morais Simone 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis work describes a sensitive voltammetric immunosensor for label‐free electroanalysis of the prostate specific antigen (PSA), the main biomarker of prostate cancer. A gold electrode was firstly modified with the optimum self‐assembled monolayer (SAM), 1,6‐hexanedithiol, followed by the subsequent adsorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and, then, the monoclonal antibody to recognize PSA was immobilized. The influence of the most significant experimental variables (SAM type and incubation time, AuNPs deposition, antibody concentration and bovine serum albumin immobilization) on the biosensor response was studied by microscopy and voltammetry techniques. The electroanalytical detection was based on the interaction between PSA antibody and PSA via square‐wave voltammetry using ferrocyanide/ferricyanide as electrochemical redox indicator. Using the proposed immunosensor, PSA was specifically detected within the linear range between 0.2 and 200 ng mL−1 with 0.01 ng mL−1 as limit of detection. The immunosensor allows accurate, reproducible and sensitive (22.7 % reduction mL ng−1) detection in a concentration range useful for clinical purposes.
Application of a Polypyrrole/Carboxy Methyl Cellulose Ion Imprinted Polymer in the Electrochemical Detection of Mercury in Water
Authors: Velempini Tarisai , Pillay Kriveshini , Mbianda Xavier Y. , Arotiba Omotayo A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSulphur containing carboxy methyl ion imprinted polymers (S‐IIPs) were applied as an electrode modifier for the electrochemical detection of Hg(II). A bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by electro‐polymerizing a layer of pyrrole and then drop coating with S‐IIPs. The bare GCE, GCE/polypyrrole (GCE/PPy), GCE/polyprrole/non‐ion imprinted polymers (GCE/PPy/NIPs) and the GCE/polypyrrole/sulphur ion imprinted polymers (GCE/PPy/S‐IIPs) electrodes were characterised with Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS). The square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) optimised conditions for the GCE/PPy/S‐IIPs were: a pH of 3, deposition potential of −1.0 V, pre‐concentration time of 60 s and 0.1 M HCl supporting electrolyte. The developed ion imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor was applied in the detection of Hg(II) in water. A detection limit of 0.1 μg L−1 was calculated within a concentration range of 20–800 μg L−1. The sensor was selective in the presence of interfering ions and method was validated with inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) using real water and standard water samples.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Flame Retardant Additives for Lithium Ion Batteries – I. Safety, Chemical and Electrochemical Stabilities
Authors: Dagger Tim , Rad Babak R. , Schappacher Falko M. , Winter Martin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWithin this 1st part of a comparative study, flame retardant electrolyte additives (FRs), as candidates for lithium ion battery electrolytes, from four different phosphorous‐containing molecule classes, are investigated. The five FRs (tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFP), tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphite (TTFPi), bis(2,2,2 trifluoroethyl)methylphosphonate (TFMP), (ethoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) and (phenoxy)pentafluoro‐cyclotriphosphazene (FPPN)) are investigated in a comparative manner to conclude structure‐property relationships according to their self‐extinguishing time (SET), onset temperature of the thermal runaway, chemical and electrochemical stability. SET experiments using standard electrolyte (1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate : dimethyl carbonate 1 : 1 wt%) confirm high reproducibility of the used SET device. The results reveal a strong dependency of the ignition time on the SET. Therefore it is suggested, to investigate the SET for various ignition times. All FR additives remain chemically stable for weeks after added to the standard electrolyte during storage (approved by nuclear magnetic resonance). Cyclophosphazenes show superior results concerning their first time of inflammation and thermal electrolyte stability (approved by adiabatic reaction calorimetry). All additives show partial electrolyte decomposition only during the first charge in voltammetric experiments.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Flame Retardant Additives for Lithium Ion Batteries – II. Full Cell Cycling and Postmortem Analyses
Authors: Dagger Tim , Niehoff Philip , Lürenbaum Constantin , Schappacher Falko M. , Winter Martin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWithin this 2nd part of a comparative study five flame retardant additives (FRs) as candidates for lithium ion battery (LIB) electrolytes are evaluated in terms of their electrochemical performance in order to investigate performance differences and their long‐term stability. FRs from four different phosphorus‐containing molecule classes, (namely tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFP), tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphite (TTFPi), bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)methylphosphonate (TFMP), (ethoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (PFPN), (phenoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (FPPN)) are investigated using MCMB graphite anode/NMC111 cathode full cells and cycled up to 501 times. A major part of the investigations focuses on the effect of different FRs on the first cycle performance, the raising additional resistance, the rate capability and the self‐discharge behavior of the cells. It is shown that the addition of fluorinated cyclophosphazenes (PFPN and FPPN) provides the best electrochemical performance among the evaluated additives. Postmortem investigations by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy further validate the decomposition of TFP and TTFPi during prolonged cycling, thus explaining the detrimental impact on electrochemical performance. Hence, these additives are not suitable for application in LIB in terms of safety enhancement. In contrast, TFMP, PFPN and FPPN improve the electrolyte stability. The formation of typical decomposition products (e. g. dimethyl‐2,5‐dioxahexanedicarboxylate) that indicate severe electrolyte degradation, is avoided by using these additives.
Neonicotinoid insecticide hydrolysis and photolysis: Rates and residual toxicity
Authors: Todey Stephen A. , Fallon Ann M. , Arnold William A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Neonicotinoid insecticides are the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide. Concern has grown over their widespread environmental presence and potential unintended adverse effects. The present study examined hydrolysis and photolysis reaction rates of neonicotinoids and assessed any residual toxicity of reaction products. Hydrolysis rates were tested between pH 4 and 10 and found to be base-catalyzed. Experiments revealed a nonelementary rate law for hydrolysis, with the hydroxide concentration raised to a power of 0.55 ± 0.09, which has implications for accurate prediction of environmental half-lives. Divalent metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) and minerals (kaolinite, goethite, TiO2) had no effect on hydrolysis rates. The hydrolysis rate in a natural water, however, was slower than that predicted by buffered experiments. Nitenpyram, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin reacted via direct photolysis in both ultrapure and natural waters, with average quantum yields of 0.024 ± 0.001, 0.0105 ± 0.0002, 0.0140 ± 0.0002, and 0.0101 ± 0.0001, respectively. Acetamiprid primarily underwent indirect photolysis by reaction with OH· (1.7 ± [0.2] × 109 M−1 s−1). For all compounds, the urea derivative was the most commonly detected product in both hydrolysis and photolysis experiments. Using mosquito (Culex pipiens) larvae, no residual toxicity of reaction products was observed. Results indicate long environmental half-lives for the tested neonicotinoids, which may help to explain their ubiquitous presence in environmental matrices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2797–2809. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC
Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticdes photolyze and hydrolyze to form urea-derivatives, which do not retain toxicity when tested on mosquito larvae.
Neoproterozoic arc volcanic rocks of the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt, South China: Implications for the collision between the North and South Wuyi blocks
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhao Xilin , Zhang Yanjie , Xing Guangfu , Xu Mincheng , Liu Huan 
Published: August 2018

Numerous volcanic–sedimentary rocks of the Wanquan and Gaiyang groups are found throughout the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt, South China. However, detailed studies on the tectonic evolution of the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt have been limited by the lack of systematic previous research linking these volcanic–sedimentary rocks. This study presents a systematic petrological, geochronological, and geochemical study of meta‐volcanic rocks from the Louqian Formation in Mingxi County, China. Zircons from these rocks were analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and yielded a U–Pb weighted mean age of 734.7 ± 3.3 Ma. The SiO2 contents of the meta‐volcanic rocks range from 59.91 to 73.47 wt.%, and they have high Al2O3 and Na2O + K2O contents (13.17–18.80 and 6.73–11.19 wt.%, respectively), and low CaO, MgO, and FeOT contents. All samples are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Ba, Rb, and K) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti, and P). Marked negative Eu anomalies are similar to those in arc igneous rocks. Based on regional geological data and previous studies, we propose that the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt formed in an active continental margin environment from 825 to 696 Ma. Island arc magmatism was caused by the oceanic crust subduction, which contributed to the formation of an intermediate–silicic volcanic belt along the Nanping–Ninghua continental margin that was active until 696 Ma. The North and South Wuyi blocks did not assembly to form a unified Wuyi Block before 696 Ma, and there is no unified pre‐Nanhua crystalline basement present in the Cathaysia Block.
Treatment of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with a long‐term once‐weekly regimen of oral azithromycin: Results from the phase II MALT—A trial
Authors: Lagler Heimo , Kiesewetter Barbara , Dolak Werner , Obermueller Markus , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Lukas Julius , Neuper Ortrun , Lamm Wolfgang W. , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Raderer Markus 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe macrolide clarithromycin has been reported as active for therapy of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Pharmacokinetic properties, however, require continuous daily intake over a prolonged period of time. As the macrolide azithromycin is characterized by a long half‐life as well as potential antineoplastic activity in vitro, we have performed a phase II trial of long‐term once‐weekly oral azithromycin for treatment of MALT lymphoma. In a 2‐stage‐design, 16 patients (10 f/6 m) with histologically verified and measurable MALT lymphoma were included in the first phase of the trial, which could be expanded to a maximum of 46 patients depending on remissions in the first phase. Patients were given oral azithromycin 1500 mg once‐weekly 4 times a month, and restaging was performed after 3 and 6 months. Two patients had gastric and 14 extragastric MALT lymphoma; 12/16 patients were treatment‐naive and received azithromycin as first line treatment. Tolerance of this regimen was excellent, and 14/16 patients received 6 months of treatment as scheduled, while 1 patient each discontinued after 4 (progressive disease) and 1 cycle (personal reasons), respectively. The most commonly observed side effects were mild nausea (n = 8) and diarrhea (n = 4). Efficacy, however, was low as only 4/16 patients (25%) responded, with 2 complete and 2 partial remissions, 9 patients (56%) had stable disease, and 3 patients 19%) were rated as progressive disease. As the predefined activity of more than 7/16 patients responding was not reached, the study was stopped after 16 patients. Although long‐term once‐weekly oral azithromycin showed some antilymphoma activity, the response rate was below the predefined threshold of interest. However, based on our data, one cannot rule out suboptimal dosing in our study; attempts to study azithromycin at a different mode of application might be warranted in the future.
Patients' satisfaction and public and private sectors' health care service quality in Pakistan: Application of grey decision analysis approaches
Authors: Javed Saad Ahmed , Liu Sifeng , Mahmoudi Amin , Nawaz Muhammad 
Published: August 2018

SummaryPurposeThe study aims to evaluate the comprehensive relationship between patient satisfaction and five dimensions of health care service quality in Pakistani public/private health care sectors, using a novel grey relational analysis (GRA) models and the Hurwicz criteria of decision making under uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from private and public health care facilities of Pakistan through an improved SERVQUAL instrument. Deng's GRA, absolute GRA, and the second synthetic GRA models were applied to address the problem under study.FindingsGrey relational analysis models revealed that reliability and responsiveness are most strongly predicting patient satisfaction in public and private health care sectors, respectively. The Hurwicz criteria showed that patients are more likely to be satisfied from private health care facilities.Limitations/implicationsLimitations of SERVQUAL model are also the limitations of the study; eg, the study suggests that because of the absence of “cost,” which is a key quality indicator of Pakistani public sector health care facilities, the model was unable to comprehensively evaluate the health care situation in light of the observations of price‐focused Pakistani patients. The study recommends tailoring of SERVQUAL model for the resource‐scant and underdeveloped countries where people's evaluation of the quality of the hospitals is likely to be influenced by the price of services.Originality/valueThe study is a pioneer in health care evaluation of public and private sectors of Lahore and Rawalpindi while using GRA models, in general, and the second synthetic GRA model, in particular. It presents an alternative method to the statistical way of analyzing data by successfully demonstrating the use of grey methods, which can make reasonable decisions even through small samples.
The toxicity of ZnO nanomaterials to HepG2 cells: the influence of size and shape of particles
Authors: Yan Dejian , Long Jimin , Liu Jikai , Cao Yi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the possible role of physicochemical properties in determining the toxicity of ZnO nanomaterials (NMs) is crucial for the safe use of ZnO‐based materials. In this study, we synthesized four types of ZnO NMs, and characterized them as ZnO nanorods (NRs; length 400‐500 nm, diameter 150‐200 nm), ZnO Mini‐NRs (length 50‐100 nm, diameter 15‐20 nm), amorphous ZnO microspheres (a‐ZnO MS) and crystalline ZnO MS (c‐ZnO MS; the a/c‐ZnO MS are nanoflowers with an extensive growth of sheet‐like structures). ZnO NMs and ZnO Mini‐NRs were significantly more cytotoxic than a/c‐ZnO MS, and this trend was similar in both HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species was only modestly induced by c‐ZnO MS, whereas intracellular Zn ions were dose‐dependently increased in HepG2 cells by the exposure of all types of ZnO NMs. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker DDIT3 was induced following an order of ZnO NRs > a‐ZnO MS > c‐ZnO MS > ZnO Mini‐NRs, and the apoptosis gene CASP12 was induced following an order of a‐ZnO MS > ZnO NRs > c‐ZnO MS > ZnO Mini‐NRs. Combined, these results suggested that ZnO NM‐induced cytotoxicity and expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐apoptosis genes could be influenced by the size and shape of ZnO NMs.
Effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells delivered through a graft vessel in patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure: An echocardiographic study of left ventricular dyssynchrony
Authors: Qi Zhi , Liu Sheng , Duan Fujian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesSeveral trials are investigating the delivery of stem cells to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was the echocardiographic evaluation of the effectiveness of isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) delivered through the graft vessels to improve left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure.Methods42 patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to either the CABG only group (n = 18) or the CABG with BMMNC graft group (n = 24group). We used 2D strain imaging to measure the absolute difference in time‐to‐peak radial strain between the earliest and the latest activated segments on LV short‐axis images at the apical (RSTa), at the mitral annulus (RSTb), and at the papillary muscle (RSTm) level.ResultsThe effective rate of LV dyssynchrony improvement was significantly higher in the CABG + BMMNC than in the CABG only group (RSTb: 91.7% vs 50%, P < .05; RSTm: 78.6% vs 35.7%, P < .05; RSTa: 92.3% vs 50%, P < .05). The deterioration rate of LV synchrony was significantly lower in the CABG + BMMNC than in the CABG only group for RSTb (8.3% vs 70%, P < .05;) and RSTm (0 vs 50%, P < .05), but not for RSTa (18.2% vs 37.5%, P > .05).ConclusionsCombining CABG with BMMNC delivering provided a better improvement of left ventricular dyssynchrony than CABG only.