bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reaction Mechanism of Etherification of Rice Straw with Epichlorohydrin in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Li Guanglu , Shang Yan , Wang Yuhong , Wang Linshan , Chao Yuesheng , Qi Yang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWood plastic composites (WPCs) made from plant fibres and plastics have gained more and more attention. Studies have been focused on preparation and mechanical performance of WPCs. While mechanism of chemical modification of cereal straw has rarely been reported. In the present work, rice straw was etherified with epichlorohydrin (EPI) and the mechanism of etherification was investigated. Natural rice straw (NRS) was pretreated with NaOH to move most of hemicellulose and lignin. The alkali treated rice straw (ARS), whose dominant component being cellulose, was etherified with EPI at 120 °C for 1–8 h in toluene with NaOH as catalyst. NRS, ARS and etherified rice straw (ERS) were characterized and analyzed by FT-IR, solid CP/MAS 13C-NMR, elemental analysis and neutral sugar analysis. The etherification reaction was finished within 5 h, and C3H6O units were introduced into the structure of cellulose, leading to the increase of contents of C and H in ERS. The etherification process of ARS in alkaline medium was divided into three stages, during which two hydroxyl groups were replaced by two ether bonds successively, and a new hydroxyl group was formed in the last step. The number of hydroxyl groups in ERS was reduced, and reduction of hydrophilicity of ERS could be expected.
Connectomics-Based Functional Network Alterations in both Depressed Patients with Suicidal Behavior and Healthy Relatives of Suicide Victims
Authors: Wagner Gerd , de la Cruz Feliberto , Köhler Stefanie , Pereira Fabricio , Richard-Devantoy Stéphane , Turecki Gustavo , Bär Karl-Jürgen , Jollant Fabrice 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the neural mechanisms of suicidal behavior is crucial. While regional brain alterations have previously been reported, knowledge about brain functional connectomics is currently limited. Here, we investigated differences in global topologic network properties and local network-based functional organization in both suicide attempters and suicide relatives. Two independent samples of depressed suicide attempters (N = 42), depressed patient controls (N = 43), healthy controls (N = 66) as well as one sample of healthy relatives of suicide victims (N = 16) and relatives of depressed patients (N = 16) were investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging in the resting-state condition. Graph theory analyses were performed. Assortativity, clustering coefficients, global efficiency, and rich-club coefficients were calculated. A network-based statistic approach was finally used to examine functional connectivity matrices. In comparison to healthy controls, both patient groups showed significant reduction in assortativity, and decreased functional connectivity in largely central and posterior brain networks. Suicide attempters only differed from patient controls in terms of higher rich-club coefficients for the highest degree nodes. Compared to patient relatives and healthy controls, suicide relatives showed reduced assortativity, reduced clustering coefficients, increased global efficiency, and increased rich-club coefficients for the highest degree nodes. Suicide relatives also showed reduced functional connectivity in one anterior and one posterior sub-network in comparison to healthy controls, and in a largely anterior brain network in comparison to patient relatives. In conclusion, these results suggest that the vulnerability to suicidal behavior may be associated with heritable deficits in global brain functioning – characterized by weak resilience and poor segregation - and in functional organization with reduced connectivities affecting the ventral and dorsal prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate, thalamus, striatum, and possibly the insula, fusiform gyrus and the cerebellum.
Multiparametric radiobiological assays show that variation of X-ray energy strongly impacts relative biological effectiveness: comparison between 220 kV and 4 MV
Authors: Paget Vincent , Ben Kacem Mariam , Dos Santos Morgane , Benadjaoud Mohamed A. , Soysouvanh Frédéric , Buard Valérie , Georges Tarlet , Vaurijoux Aurélie , Gruel Gaëtan , François Agnès , Guipaud Olivier , Milliat Fabien 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBased on classic clonogenic assay, it is accepted by the scientific community that, whatever the energy, the relative biological effectiveness of X-rays is equal to 1. However, although X-ray beams are widely used in diagnosis, interventional medicine and radiotherapy, comparisons of their energies are scarce. We therefore assessed in vitro the effects of low- and high-energy X-rays using Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by performing clonogenic assay, measuring viability/mortality, counting γ-H2AX foci, studying cell proliferation and cellular senescence by flow cytometry and by performing gene analysis on custom arrays. Taken together, excepted for γ-H2AX foci counts, these experiments systematically show more adverse effects of high energy X-rays, while the relative biological effectiveness of photons is around 1, whatever the quality of the X-ray beam. These results strongly suggest that multiparametric analysis should be considered in support of clonogenic assay.
The stellar host in star-forming low-mass galaxies: Evidence for two classes
Authors: Lumbreras-Calle A. , Méndez-Abreu J. , Muñoz-Tuñón C. 
Published: October 2019

Context.The morphological evolution of star-forming galaxies provides important clues to understand their physical properties, as well as the triggering and quenching mechanisms of star formation.Aims.We analyze the morphology of galaxies hosting star-forming events at low redshift (z <  0.36). We aim at connecting morphology and star-formation properties of low-mass galaxies (median stellar mass ∼108.5 M⊙) beyond the local Universe.Methods.We use a sample of mediumband selected star-forming galaxies from the GOODS-North field. Hαimages for the sample are created combining both spectral energy distribution fits and HST data. Using them, we mask the star forming regions to obtain an unbiased two-dimensional model of the light distribution of the host galaxies. For this purpose we usePHI, a new Bayesian photometric decomposition code. We applied it independently to 7 HST bands, from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared, assuming a Sérsic surface brightness model.Results.Star-forming galaxy hosts show low Sérsic index (with mediann ∼ 0.9), as well as small sizes (medianRe ∼ 1.6 kpc), and negligible change of the parameters with wavelength (except for the axis ratio, which grows with wavelength in 46% of the sample). Using a clustering algorithm, we find two different classes of star-forming galaxies: A more compact, redder, and high-n(class A) and a more extended, bluer and lower-none (class B). This separation holds across all seven bands analyzed. In addition, we find evidence that the first class is more spheroidal-like (according to the distribution of observed axis ratios). We compute the color gradients of the host galaxies finding that 48% of the objects where the analysis could be performed show negative gradients, and only in 5% they are positive.Conclusions.The host component of low-mass star-forming galaxies atz <  0.36 separates into two different classes, similar to what has been found for their higher mass counterparts. The results are consistent with an evolution from class B to class A. Several mechanisms from the literature, like minor and major mergers, and violent disk instability, can explain the physical process behind the likely transition between the classes.
A new model suite to determine the influence of cosmic rays on (exo)planetary atmospheric biosignatures
Authors: Herbst Konstantin , Grenfell John Lee , Sinnhuber Miriam , Rauer Heike , Heber Bernd , Banjac Saša , Scheucher Markus , Schmidt Vanessa , Gebauer Stefanie , Lehmann Ralph , Schreier Franz 
Published: October 2019

Context. The first opportunity to detect indications for life outside of the Solar System may be provided already within the next decade with upcoming missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) and the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (ARIEL) mission, searching for atmospheric biosignatures on planets in the habitable zone of cool K- and M-stars. Nevertheless, their harsh stellar radiation and particle environment could lead to photochemical loss of atmospheric biosignatures.
Aims. We aim to study the influence of cosmic rays on exoplanetary atmospheric biosignatures and the radiation environment considering feedbacks between energetic particle precipitation, climate, atmospheric ionization, neutral and ion chemistry, and secondary particle generation.
Methods. We describe newly combined state-of-the-art modeling tools to study the impact of the radiation and particle environment, in particular of cosmic rays, on atmospheric particle interaction, atmospheric chemistry, and the climate-chemistry coupling in a self-consistent model suite. To this end, models like the Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS), the Exoplanetary Terrestrial Ion Chemistry model (ExoTIC), and the updated coupled climate-chemistry model are combined.
Results. In addition to comparing our results to Earth-bound measurements, we investigate the ozone production and -loss cycles as well as the atmospheric radiation dose profiles during quiescent solar periods and during the strong solar energetic particle event of February 23, 1956. Further, the scenario-dependent terrestrial transit spectra, as seen by the NIR-Spec infrared spectrometer onboard the JWST, are modeled. Amongst others, we find that the comparatively weak solar event drastically increases the spectral signal of HNO3, while significantly suppressing the spectral feature of ozone. Because of the slow recovery after such events, the latter indicates that ozone might not be a good biomarker for planets orbiting stars with high flaring rates.
Controlling the Diffusion of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Kernéis Solen , Lucet Jean-Christophe 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs) is increasing worldwide, with very large variations across countries, microorganisms, and settings. Emerging MDR gram-negative bacteria and fungi raise particular concerns that require improved prevention and control strategies. Vertical approaches are mainly based on screening and contact precautions and/or decolonization of MDRO carriers. On the other hand, horizontal strategies are not pathogen-specific and include standard precautions (i.e., hand hygiene), universal decolonization, antimicrobial stewardship, and environmental cleaning. The impacts of the different strategies vary between MDROs and compliance with control measures, and are intermixed in most infection control programs. Based on historical data, hand hygiene remains the cornerstone to prevent transmission of MDROs in ICUs. In the context of high hand hygiene compliance, screening and contact precautions for carriers seem to have a limited additional effect, particularly for MDR gram-negative bacteria. Studies on skin decolonization with chlorhexidine bathing show conflicting results, impairing its widespread adoption. Selective oral and digestive decontaminations have shown positive impact on clinical outcomes in ICUs with low levels of antibiotic resistance, but raised ecological concerns in high-prevalence settings. Antibiotic stewardship programs have been associated with reductions in antimicrobial use, duration of stay, and costs with no negative impact on mortality and should be widely promoted in ICUs. Whatever the strategy, compliance with the recommended measures is of crucial importance and implementation should rely on behavioral approach and change in the institutional and safety culture.
Risk of Recurrent Bleeding Events in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Vitamin K Antagonists: A Clinical Practice Research Datalink Study
Authors: Alikhan Raza , Lefevre Cinira , Menown Ian , Lister Steven , Bird Alex , You Min , Evans David , Sammon Cormac 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background There is little evidence on how the occurrence of a bleed in individuals on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) impacts the risk of subsequent bleeds, and thromboembolic and ischemic events. Such information would help to inform treatment decisions following bleeds.
Objective To estimate the impact of bleeding events on the risk of subsequent bleeds, venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) among patients initiating VKA treatment for new-onset nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
Methods We conducted an observational cohort study using a linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink—Hospital Episode Statistics dataset. Among a cohort of individuals with NVAF, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding, VTE, stroke, and MI was compared between the period prior to the first bleed and the periods following each subsequent bleed. The rate and cost of general practitioner (GP) consultations, prescriptions, and hospitalizations were also compared across these periods.
Results The risk of clinically relevant bleeding events was observed to be elevated at least twofold in all periods following the first bleeding event. The risk of VTE, stroke, and MI was not found to differ according to the number of clinically relevant bleeding events. The rate and cost of GP consultations, GP prescriptions, and hospitalizations were increased in all periods relative to the period prior to the first bleed.
Conclusions The doubling in the risk of bleeding following the first bleed, taken alongside the stable risk of MI, VTE, and stroke, suggests that the risk–benefit balance for VKA treatment should be reconsidered following the first clinically relevant bleed.
Quasinormal Modes of Modified Gravity (MOG) Black Holes
Authors: Manfredi Luciano , Mureika Jonas , Moffat John 
Published: October 2019

Black holes play a fundamental role in modern physics. These possess characteristic resonant frequencies, called Quasinormal Modes (QNMs), which are important in our understanding of the dynamics of astrophysical black holes. Quasinormal modes are single frequency modes dominating the time evolution of perturbations of systems which are subject to damping, either by internal dissipation or by radiating away energy. Due to the damping, the frequency of a quasinormal mode must be complex, its imaginary part being inversely proportional to the typical damping time. In general relativity, damping occurs even without friction, since energy may be radiated away towards infinity by gravitational waves.
In this thesis, the quasinormal modes for gravitational and electromagnetic perturbations are calculated in a Scalar-Tensor-Vector (STVG) Modified Gravity (MOG) spacetime. This theory is based on an action principle and postulates the existence of a vector field, while elevating the three constants of the theory to scalar fields. In the weak-field approximation, STVG produces a Yukawa-like modification of the gravitational force due to a point source. STVG has been used successfully to explain galaxy rotation curves, the mass profiles of galaxy clusters, gravitational lensing in the Bullet Cluster, and cosmological observations without the need for dark matter.
It is found that for the increasing model parameter α, both the real and imaginary parts of the QNMs decrease compared to those for a Schwarzschild black hole. On the other hand, when taking into account the 1/(1 + α) mass re-scaling factor present in MOG, Im(ω) matches almost identically that of GR, while Re(ω) is higher. These results can be identified in the ringdown phase of massive compact object mergers, and are thus timely in light of the recent gravitational wave detections by LIGO.
A novel approach of decoding EEG four-class motor imagery tasks via scout ESI and CNN
Authors: Hou Yimin , Zhou Lu , Jia Shuyue , Lun Xiangmin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective. To develop and implement a novel approach which combines the technique of scout EEG source imaging (ESI) with convolutional neural network (CNN) for the classification of motor imagery (MI) tasks. Approach. The technique of ESI uses a boundary element method (BEM) and weighted minimum norm estimation (WMNE) to solve the EEG forward and inverse problems, respectively. Ten scouts are then created within the motor cortex to select the region of interest (ROI). We extract features from the time series of scouts using a Morlet wavelet approach. Lastly, CNN is employed for classifying MI tasks. Main results. The overall mean accuracy on the Physionet database reaches 94.5% and the individual accuracy of each task reaches 95.3%, 93.3%, 93.6%, 96% for the left fist, right fist, both fists and both feet, correspondingly, validated using ten-fold cross validation. We report an increase of up to 14.4% for overall classification compared with the competitive results from the state-of-the-art MI classification methods. Then, we add four new subjects to verify the validity of the method and the overall mean accuracy is 92.5%. Furthermore, the global classifier was adapted to single subjects improving the overall mean accuracy to 94.54%. Significance. The combination of scout ESI and CNN enhances BCI performance of decoding EEG four-class MI tasks.
Connecting research infrastructures, scientific and sectorial networks to support integrated management of Mediterranean coastal and rural areas
Authors: Martínez-López Javier , Bergillos Rafael J , Bonet Francisco J , de Vente Joris 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMany Mediterranean coastal areas encounter similar problems and gaps between science, governance, and implementation of sustainable management at local-regional scales. There is often a lack of coordination between management of inland and coastal areas, and a lack of integrated land-sea data and knowledge exchange to support transitions towards sustainable development and synergies between rural and coastal areas. In this paper, we illustrate the main challenges to reach a sustainable development of coastal-rural areas related to data availability, knowledge exchange and governance, which could be tackled by coupling regional and international research infrastructures (RIs) with scientific and stakeholder collaboration networks to facilitate knowledge exchange and co-creation of solutions. We first identified the main challenges in sustainable development of coastal-rural areas followed by a review of major existing RIs, scientific knowledge and collaboration networks that can help support integrated management of Mediterranean coastal zones. Based on this, we developed recommendations for a better integration of RIs and collaboration networks in the management of coastal-rural areas, including (1) the creation of local networks to facilitate periodical meetings between all sectors involved and to connect science and policy actors and (2) setting up local RIs that support the data processing and the use of regional and international RIs by scientists and policy stakeholders.
Projected increase in the spatial extent of contiguous US summer heat waves and associated attributes
Authors: Lyon Bradfield , Barnston Anthony G , Coffel Ethan , Horton Radley M 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves are all expected to increase as the climate warms in response to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. The focus of this study is on another dimension of heat waves, their spatial extent, something that has not been studied systematically by researchers but has important implications for associated impacts. Of particular interest are spatially contiguous heat wave regions, examined here over the conterminous US for the May–September season in both the current climate and climate model projections from the CMIP5 archive (11 models total) using the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 radiative forcing scenarios. Given their myriad impacts, heat waves are defined using multiple temperature variables, one which includes atmospheric moisture. In addition to their spatial extent, several other physical attributes are computed across contiguous heat wave regions, including a proxy for energy use. An estimate of the human population exposed to current and future heat waves is also evaluated. We find that historical climate model simulations, in aggregate, show good fidelity in capturing key characteristics of heat waves in the current climate while projections show a substantial increase in spatial extent and other attributes by mid-century under both scenarios, though generally less for RCP4.5, as expected. Overall, the study presents a framework for examining the behavior, and associated impacts, of a frequently overlooked aspect of heat waves. The projected increases in the spatial extent and other attributes of heat waves reported here provides a new perspective on some of the potential consequences of the continued increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Systematic Literature Review on Evaluation of Quality Management Practices in Palm Oil Supply Chain: The Case of Upstream
Authors: Ghani MFSA , Zahid-Muhamad M , Aziz MFA , Syahlan S 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Malaysia and Indonesia are classified among the world’s leading producers and exporters of palm oil. In previous findings, the palm oil industry is linked together from upstream to downstream and consists of four sub-sectors which are growers, millers, refiners, and oleo chemicals. There are various quality management practices that are currently being implemented in palm oil industry. This research attempts to identify the current quality management practices in palm oil upstream supply chain and to develop an instrument to produce quality palm oil in upstream sector. This paper presents a systematic review on quality management practices in upstream sector and the final selection comprehends 32 articles selected and comprehensively analyzed to assess quality management practices in upstream processes of palm oil supply chain. This study adds value to the current knowledge by extending organizational readiness theories. This study is relevant, practical, and useful to both practitioners and academics by providing a holistic implementation roadmap for the upstream chain to guide the managers to implement quality management practices at the organisational level.