bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty of stationary and nonstationary models for rainfall frequency analysis
Authors: Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Charron Christian , St‐Hilaire André 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe development of nonstationary frequency analysis models is gaining popularity in the field of hydro‐climatology. Such models account for nonstationarities related to climate change and climate variability but at the price of added complexity. It has been debated if such models are worth developing considering the increase in uncertainty inherent to more complex models. However, the uncertainty associated to nonstationary models is rarely studied. The objective of this article is to compare the uncertainties in stationary and nonstationary models based on objective criteria. The study is based on observed rainfall data in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where strong nonstationarities were observed. In this study, a nonstationary frequency analysis introducing covariates into the distribution parameters was carried out for total and maximum annual rainfalls observed in the UAE. The generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution was used to model annual maximum rainfalls and the gamma (G) distribution was used to model total annual rainfalls. A number of nonstationary models, using time and climate indices as covariates, were developed and compared to classical stationary frequency analysis models. Two climate oscillation patterns having strong impacts on precipitation in the UAE were selected: the Oceanic Niño Index and the Northern Oscillation Index. Results indicate that the inclusion of a climate oscillation index generally improves the fit of the models to the observed data and the inclusion of two covariates generally provides the overall best fits. Uncertainties of estimated quantiles were assessed with confidence intervals (CIs) computed with the parametric bootstrap method. Results show that for the small sample sizes in this study, the width of the CIs can be very large for extreme nonexceedance probabilities and for the most extreme values of the climate index covariates. The weaknesses of nonstationary models revealed by the bootstrap uncertainties are discussed and words of caution are formulated.
Early Detection of Muscle Weakness and Functional Limitations in the Critically Ill: A Retrospective Evaluation of Bioimpedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Baldwin Claire E. , Fetterplace Kate , Beach Lisa , Kayambu Geetha , Paratz Jennifer , Earthman Carrie , Parry Selina M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe potential for bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to identify muscle weakness and functional limitations in critical illness is unknown; this study aimed to determine association of BIS with strength/function and differences between 3 intensive care units (ICUs).MethodsA retrospective post hoc analysis of BIS, strength, and functional data from adults who required ≥48 hours of mechanical ventilation was conducted. Measures of body composition included the proportion (%) of total body water (TBW), fat mass (FM), and fat‐free mass (FFM). The Medical Research Council sum score (MRC‐ss) and Physical Function in ICU Test–Scored (PFIT‐s) were used for strength and functional assessments. Nonparametric cross‐sectional analyses were done at enrollment (≤48 hours of admission: site‐A, site‐C) and awakening from sedation (site‐A, site‐B). Raw impedance variables including 50‐kHz phase angle (PA) and impedance ratio (IR) were available from site‐A and site‐B.ResultsParticipants were 135 adults (site‐A n=59, site‐B n=33, site‐C n=44), with a median (interquartile range) age of 59 (50–69) years. At enrollment, TBW%, FM%, and FFM% were similar between site‐A and site‐C (P>.05); pooled data were not associated with MRC‐ss at awakening or MRC‐ss/PFIT‐s at ICU discharge. At awakening, there was less TBW%, less FFM%, and greater FM% at site‐B vs site‐A (P≤.001) but no associations with MRC‐ss/PFIT‐s when using pooled data. Trends with pooled data of a lower PA and higher IR being associated with awakening MRC‐ss were confirmed within site‐B (PA ρ=0.70, P≤.001; IR ρ=−0.79, P≤.001).ConclusionSite‐by‐site data suggest that raw impedance variables might be useful for screening weakness and poor function.
Olive tree physiology and chemical composition of fruits are modulated by different deficit irrigation strategies
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandre , Silva Ermelinda , Brito Cátia , Martins Sandra , Pinto Luís , Dinis Lia‐Tânia , Luzio Ana , Martins‐Gomes Carlos , Fernandes‐Silva Anabela , Ribeiro Carlos , Rodrigues M. Ângelo , Moutinho‐Pereira José , Nunes Fernando M. , Correia Carlos M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDCropping practices focusing on agronomic water use efficiency and their impact on quality parameters must be investigated to overcome constraints affecting olive groves. We evaluated the response of olive trees (Olea europaea, cv. ‘Cobrançosa’) to different water regimes: full irrigation (FI, 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)), and three deficit irrigation strategies (DIS) (regulated (RDI, irrigated with 80% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) in phases I and III of fruit growth and 10% of ETc in the pit hardening stage), and two continuous sustained strategies (SDI) – a conventional SDI (27.5% of ETc), and low‐frequency irrigation adopted by the farmer (SDIAF, 21.2% of ETc).RESULTSThe effects of water regimes on the plant water status, photosynthetic performance, metabolite fluctuations and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. All DIS treatments enhanced leaf tissue density; RDI and SDI generally did not affect leaf water status and maintained photosynthetic machinery working properly, and the SDIAF treatment impaired olive tree physiological indicators. The DIS treatments maintained the levels of primary metabolites in leaves, but SDIAF plants showed signs of oxidative stress. Moreover, DIS treatments led to changes in the secondary metabolism, both in leaves and in fruits, with increased total phenolic compounds, ortho‐diphenols, and flavonoid concentration, and higher total antioxidant capacity, as well higher oil content. Phenolic profiles showed the relevance of an early harvest in order to obtain higher oleuropein levels with associated higher health benefits.CONCLUSIONAdequate DIS are essential for sustainable olive growing, as they enhance the competitiveness of the sector in terms of olive production and associated quality parameters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Value and Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound‐Guided Full Core Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Lymphadenopathy: A Retrospective Evaluation of 793 Cases
Authors: Wilczynski Alexandra , Görg Christian , Timmesfeld Nina , Ramaswamy Annette , Neubauer Andreas , Burchert Andreas , Trenker Corinna 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesWhole surgical lymph node excision (SNE) is considered the standard diagnostic method in the primary diagnosis of lymphadenopathy (LA) suspected of malignancy. Ultrasound‐guided full core needle biopsy (UFCNB) offers an alternative method to SNE. This study examined the accuracy of UFCNB in the diagnosis of unexplained LA in 793 cases.MethodsFrom January 2006 to June 2015, a total of 793 cases of LA of unknown origin received a UFCNB. The lymph nodes were located peripherally (68%) or abdominally (32%). The final diagnoses from histopathologic examinations were non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 245), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 53), solid nonlymphocytic lymph node metastases (n = 359), and benign LA (n = 136). The results of the biopsies were retrospectively evaluated with regard to sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy.ResultsIn the total collective of 793 biopsies, the sensitivity of UFCNB was 94.4%; the specificity was 97.8%; and the diagnostic accuracy was 95.0%. In the subgroups, the following results were obtained: non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (sensitivity, 97.2%), Hodgkin lymphoma (sensitivity, 88.7%), metastases (sensitivity, 93.3%), and benign LA (specificity, 97.8%). In 17 cases (2.2%), an additional rebiopsy of the lymph node was needed, and in 85 cases (10.7%), an additional SNE was performed.ConclusionsDue to the diagnostic accuracy of 95.0% in the total collective, UFCNB seems to be an alternative diagnostic procedure to the standard procedure of SNE for LA of unknown origin. A prospective comparative study to definitively clarify the diagnostic value of UFCNB compared to SNE in the unexplained LA is warranted.
Corrosion behaviour of AA2024 aluminium alloy in different tempers in NaCl solution and with the CeCl3 corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Jegdić Bore , Bobić Biljana , Linić Suzana 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe paper analyses the corrosion behaviour of naturally and artificially aged AA2024 alloy in NaCl solution and in the presence of an environment‐friendly corrosion inhibitor, CeCl3. On the basis of the values of polarisation resistance and corrosion current density, the corrosion resistance of the protective inhibitor film is established as well as the general corrosion resistance of this aluminium alloy. Resistance to pit formation is determined based on the difference in pitting and corrosion potentials while resistance to pit growth is determined based on the amount of charge consumed during pit growth. A scanning electron microscope is used to examine the morphology of the pits formed during the pitting corrosion testing, as well as to determine the cerium content on intermetallic particles and the matrix AA2024 alloy. The corrosion behaviour of AA2024 alloy is investigated after different test periods in NaCl solution and in the same solution with the CeCl3 inhibitor. The corrosion resistance of both tempers of AA2024 alloy is more than one order of magnitude higher in the presence of CeCl3. An explanation of the observed differences in the corrosion behaviour of the naturally and artificially aged AA2024 alloy is proposed. Different corrosion behaviour of the alloy after different test periods is also explained.
Versatile, Highly Controlled Synthesis of Hybrid (Meth)acrylate–Polyester–Carbonates and their Exploitation in Tandem Post‐Polymerization–Functionalization
Authors: Pearce Amanda K. , Vasey Catherine E. , Anane‐Adjei Akosua B. , Sodano Federica , Crucitti Valentina Cuzzucoli , Irvine Derek J. , Howdle Steve M. , Alexander Cameron , Taresco Vincenzo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe use of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as a mild catalyst for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of the pharma‐friendly and biodegradable monomer lactide and a functionalizable tert‐butyloxycarbonyl (BOC)‐protected cyclic carbonate is explored. Successful and controlled ROP is demonstrated when employing a series of labile‐ester (bis)(meth)acrylate initiators to produce macromonomers suitable for a range of post‐polymerization modifications. Importantly, the use of DBU ensured retention of the BOC group of the carbonate monomer during the polymerization, thus facilitating the production of highly functionalizable hybrid materials unobtainable using the more reactive triazabicyclodecene (TBD). Subsequently, a variety of short homo‐ and copolymers are synthesized with good control over material properties and final polymer composition. Successful attainment of these short copolymers confirm that DBU can overcome the previously observed limitations of TBD related to its kinetic competition between ROP and transesterification side‐reactions under these reaction conditions. Furthermore, the fidelity of the hydroxyl and (meth)acrylic end groups are maintained as confirmed by a series of secondary tandem reactions. The macromonomers are also utilized in reversible addition−fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization (RAFT) polymerization for the production of amphiphilic block or random copolymers with a hydrophilic comonomer, poly(ethyleneglycol)methacrylate. The amphiphilic copolymers produced via the tandem RAFT reaction demonstrate the ability to self‐assemble into monodisperse nanoparticles in aqueous environments.
Investigation into the Kinetics of n‐Pentyl Methacrylate Radical Polymerization
Authors: Nitschke Annika , Riemann Lara , Kollenbach Leon , Braun Vanessa , Buback Michael , Vana Philipp 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe precise knowledge of rate coefficients is of key importance for the understanding and the application of radical polymerization processes. Propagation rate coefficients, kp, of n‐pentyl methacrylate (PnMA) radical polymerization are measured in bulk and partly in toluene solution over an extended temperature range via pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) in conjunction with size‐exclusion chromatography (PLP–SEC). Rate coefficients, kti,i, for termination of two radicals of chain length i are determined as a function of chain length by single‐pulse PLP in conjunction with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (SP–PLP–EPR). The as‐obtained data that allow for modeling PnMA polymerization kinetics and product properties at moderate degrees of monomer conversion are compared with reported data for several other alkyl methacrylates. A distinct family behavior of this group of monomers is seen.
Soy and Isoflavone Consumption and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials in Humans
Authors: Li Ni , Wu Xiaoting , Zhuang Wen , Xia Lin , Chen Yi , Zhao Rui , Yi Mengshi , Wan Qianyi , Du Liang , Zhou Yong 
Published: October 2019

ScopeTo assess the existing evidence of associations between consumption of soy and isoflavone and multiple health outcomes.Methods and resultsThis is an umbrella review of meta‐analyses and systematic reviews of randomized trials and observational studies in humans. 114 Meta‐analyses and systematic reviews are identified with 43 unique outcomes. Soy and isoflavone consumption seems more beneficial than harmful for a series of health outcomes. Beneficial associations are identified for cancers, cardiovascular disease, gynecological, metabolic, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological, and renal outcomes, particularly in perimenopausal women. Harmful association is only found for gastric cancer (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36) for high intake of miso soup (1–5 cups per day) in male.ConclusionGenerally, soy and isoflavone consumption is more beneficial than harmful. The results herein support promoting soy intake as part of a healthy diet. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm this finding.
A compact triple‐band metamaterial‐inspired antenna for wearable applications
Authors: AlSabbagh Haider M. , Elwi Taha A. , Al‐Naiemy Yahiea , Al‐Rizzo Hussain M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA low‐profile (28 mm × 32 mm × 0.394 mm), metamaterial‐inspired antenna employing an array of 3 × 5 Hilbert‐shaped unit radiators printed on the upper side of a flexible dielectric substrate while the lower side contains a partial‐ground plane and the rest consists of a periodic square‐slotted ground plane is presented for wearable wireless devices covering Long‐Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution‐Advanced (LTE‐A), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) bands. The antenna provides steerable radiation patterns for frequencies ranging from 3.3 to 3.9 GHz and a directive end‐fire radiation in the 5.8 GHz band. At 2.45 GHz, the antenna allows short‐range communications between a wearable sensor and handheld wireless device or a nearby base station. Two prototypes are fabricated; the first using traditional wet etching with copper; the second using inkjet printing with silver nano‐particles (SNPs) as the conducting material. We provide a systematic design procedure and a new physical insight into the operation of the antenna, in particular the end‐fire radiation patterns, which is based on the anisotropic dispersion characteristics of the radiating structure along the length axis leading to different effective electrical length to width ratios within the stopband. The realized gain varies from 0 to 2.5 dBi for frequencies ranging from 3.3 to 3.9 GHz where the 3‐dB beamwidth varies from 110° to 140° and the boresight is steered from 0° to 80°. The maximum realized gain varies from 4.75 to 4.5 dBi over the frequency range from 4.4 to 6 GHz, with slight change in the beamwidth and main lobe direction. Experimental measurements for the SNP prototype are reported in air and on a standard phantom model.
Challenges of human resources management in nursing in Iran: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Valizadeh Leila , Neshat Hanieh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimHealth service providers are appreciated among the vital components in a society wherein nurses are also considered as the main human resources. Thus, examining the existing challenges in managing these human resources through taking correct measures can contribute to identifying the priorities and consequently influence the quality of services provided. This study aims to investigate the challenges of human resources management in nursing from the perspective of professionals in Iran.DesignQualitative content analyses.MethodsPresent study is carried out using purposive sampling conducted on 12 nurses involved in different professional nursing positions. To this end, the participants' perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes were collected via two focus group sessions. Data were collected during Febuary and March 2018.ResultsFrom the perspective of the professionals, the challenges could be observed in a wide variety of human resources management dimensions in nursing such as job analysis, recruitment, as well as development and retention of workforce.
Viscoelastic behaviour of self‐assembling polyurethane and poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Bercea Maria , Gradinaru Luiza Madalina , Plugariu Ioana‐Alexandra , Mandru Mihaela , Tigau Daniel Laurentiu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe rheological behaviour of polyurethane (PU) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was investigated in aqueous solution and the hydrogel state. The dependence of viscosity on polymer concentration is discussed. The formation of supramolecular structures induced by temperature increase or shear conditions was evidenced. In PU solutions, as temperature increases, a self‐assembling process occurs due to hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions determining a thermoreversible hydrogel formation. In creep and recovery tests, the weak PU network presents high elasticity only at low shear stress (below 10 Pa); it recovers only 15%–20% of strain above 40 Pa and the hydrogel structure fails at high shear stress (above 150 Pa). Also, PU hydrogel is not able to recover its structure after being submitted to successive low and high deformations. In PVA solutions, a shear induced aggregation was observed at 37 °C. PVA hydrogels obtained by the freezing–thawing method present high elasticity and stability due to the strong polymer–polymer interactions established between the polymer chains. Physical networks based on PU/PVA mixtures synergistically combine the characteristics of the two polymers, showing high elasticity when a shear stress up to 3000 Pa is applied during the creep test followed by a fast recovery of the hydrogel structure after exhibiting successive levels of deformation (self‐healing ability). Therefore, these hydrogels are suitable materials for tissue engineering applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Role of Physiatry Practice in a Multidisciplinary Breast Tumor Board: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Power Katherine , Martone Patrick , Khanna Ashish , Hluchan Christine M. , Gall Nolan , Wisotzky Eric 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCancer rehabilitation medicine is a growing field in physiatry, but more studies are needed to demonstrate how physiatry can contribute to patient care within the cancer care continuum.ObjectiveTo quantify and describe physiatric participation during a multidisciplinary tumor board for breast cancer patients.DesignA prospective descriptive study.SettingA multidisciplinary breast tumor board at a large academic medical center.ParticipantsFive hundred thirty‐seven breast cancer cases presented at a multidisciplinary breast tumor board.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresThe number of times physiatry actively participated in a multidisciplinary breast tumor board in the categories of referral to physiatry, referral to rehabilitation services, referral to other services, advice given on patients/symptom management, and discussion of available services.ResultsOut of 537 breast cancer cases presented, 221 cases (41.2%) resulted in a physiatry recommendation for referral to either physiatry, rehabilitation services, other services, or advice on patient and symptom management.ConclusionPhysiatry can actively participate in the care of cancer patients during a multidisciplinary breast cancer tumor board.
Transition of the prion protein from a structured cellular form (PrPC) to the infectious scrapie agent (PrPSc)
Authors: Baral Pravas K. , Yin Jiang , Aguzzi Adriano , James Michael N. G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPrion diseases in mammals are caused by a conformational transition of the cellular prion protein from its native conformation (PrPC) to a pathological isoform called “prion protein scrapie” (PrPSc). A molecular level of understanding of this conformational transition will be helpful in unveiling the disease etiology. Experimental structural biological techniques (NMR and X‐ray crystallography) have been used to unravel the atomic level structural information for the prion and its binding partners. More than one hundred three‐dimensional structures of the mammalian prions have been deposited in the protein databank. Structural studies on the prion protein and its structural transitions will deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of prion pathogenesis and will provide valuable guidance for future structure‐based drug discovery endeavors.
Overexpression of an alternative allele of carboxyl/choline esterase 4 (CCE04) of Tetranychus urticae is associated with high levels of resistance to the keto‐enol acaricide spirodiclofen
Authors: Wei Peng , Demaeght Peter , De Schutter Kristof , Grigoraki Linda , Labropoulou Vassiliki , Riga Maria , Vontas John , Nauen Ralf , Dermauw Wannes , Van Leeuwen Thomas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpirodiclofen is an acaricide that targets lipid biosynthesis by inhibiting acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase. Spirodiclofen resistance in spider mites has been previously documented and was associated with overexpression of CYP392E10, a cytochrome P450 mono‐oxygenase that metabolizes spirodiclofen. However, additional mechanisms have been suggested in several studies and a carboxyl/choline esterase gene, CCE04, was shown to be overexpressed in two genetically different strains, SR‐VP and SR‐TK, both exhibiting high spirodiclofen resistance levels.RESULTSWe identified two different CCE04 alleles in both resistant strains, CCE04SR‐VP and CCE04London, with CCE04SR‐VP being highly overexpressed. Isoelectric focusing analysis confirmed the overexpression of a single esterase isozyme, while copy number and random fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that CCE04SR‐VP overexpression was more likely due to selection for the CCE04SR‐VP allele rather than gene amplification. Both CCE04 alleles were functionally expressed using the Pichia expression system. Functional enzyme assays revealed only limited kinetic differences between CCE04 isoforms for model substrates. In addition, inhibition/competition experiments with spirodiclofen suggested a similar interaction with both enzymes, whereas its active metabolite, spirodiclofen enol, did not inhibit enzyme activity.CONCLUSIONOur study suggests that selection with spirodiclofen results in enrichment of a specific allele of CCE04 (CCE04SR‐VP) in two genetically independent strains, which is highly overexpressed. Based on kinetic enzyme data, however, quantitative rather than qualitative differences between CCE04SR‐VP and CCE04London seem more likely to be involved in resistance. Our findings are discussed in the light of a possible spirodiclofen resistance mechanism, with sequestration of spirodiclofen by CCE04SR‐VP being a likely hypothesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry