bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterozygosity at neutral and immune loci is not associated with neonatal mortality due to microbial infection in Antarctic fur seals
Authors: Litzke Vivienne , Ottensmann Meinolf , Forcada Jaume , Heitzmann Louise , Ivan Hoffman Joseph 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNumerous studies have reported correlations between the heterozygosity of genetic markers and fitness. These heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs) play a central role in evolutionary and conservation biology, yet their mechanistic basis remains open to debate. For example, fitness associations have been widely reported at both neutral and functional loci, yet few studies have directly compared the two, making it difficult to gauge the relative contributions of genome‐wide inbreeding and specific functional genes to fitness. Here, we compared the effects of neutral and immune gene heterozygosity on death from bacterial infection in Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups. We specifically developed a panel of 13 microsatellites from expressed immune genes and genotyped these together with 48 neutral loci in 234 individuals, comprising 39 pups that were classified at necropsy as having most likely died of bacterial infection together with a five times larger matched sample of healthy surviving pups. Identity disequilibrium quantified from the neutral markers was positive and significant, indicative of variance in inbreeding within the study population. However, multilocus heterozygosity did not differ significantly between healthy and infected pups at either class of marker, and little evidence was found for fitness associations at individual loci. These results support a previous study of Antarctic fur seals that found no effects of heterozygosity at nine neutral microsatellites on neonatal survival and thereby help to refine our understanding of how HFCs vary across the life cycle. Given that nonsignificant HFCs are underreported in the literature, we also hope that our study will contribute toward a more balanced understanding of the wider importance of this phenomenon.
Morphometric convergence among European sand gobies in freshwater (Gobiiformes: Gobionellidae)
Authors: Thacker Christine E. , Gkenas Christos 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe five genera of sand gobies inhabit the seas and freshwaters of Europe and western Asia and occupy habitats ranging from fully marine to exclusively freshwater. In this study, we use geometric morphometrics to quantify body shape among sand gobies, in order to investigate how shape has evolved and how it is related to habitat. We also compare body shape between preserved museum specimens and fresh specimens, to determine whether or not fixation and storage in ethanol introduce detectable bias. We confirm that the fixed specimens exhibit significant shape changes as compared to fresh specimens, and so, we perform the bulk of our analyses exclusively on fixed specimens. We find that Economidichthys, Orsinigobius, and Pomatoschistus occupy distinct regions of morphospace. Knipowitschia and Ninnigobius have intermediate forms that overlap with Pomatoschistus and Orsinigobius, but not Economidichthys. This pattern is also in rough accordance with their habitats: Pomatoschistus is fully marine, Economidichthys fully freshwater, and the others fresh with some brackish tolerance. We augment a recent phylogeny of sand gobies with data for P. quagga and interpret morphometric shape change on that tree. We then evaluate convergence in form among disparate lineages of freshwater species by constructing a phylomorphospace and applying pattern‐based (convevol) measures of convergence. We find that freshwater taxa occupy a mostly separate region of morphospace from marine taxa and exhibit significant convergence in form. Freshwater taxa are characterized by relatively larger heads and stockier bodies than their marine relatives, potentially due to a common pattern of heterochronic size reduction.
Association between vildagliptin and risk of angioedema, foot ulcers, skin lesions, hepatic toxicity, and serious infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A European multidatabase, noninterventional, postauthorization safety study
Authors: Williams Rachael , Kothny Wolfgang , Serban Carmen , Lopez‐Leon Sandra , de Vries Frank , Schlienger Raymond 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis noninterventional, multidatabase, analytical cohort study explored whether vildagliptin is associated with an increased risk of specific safety events of interest, namely angioedema, foot ulcers, or skin lesions, adverse hepatic events, or serious infections compared with other noninsulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs) using real‐world data from five European electronic healthcare databases.DesignPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years on NIAD treatment were included between January 2005 and June 2014. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes of interest were estimated using negative binomial regression.PatientsApproximately 2.8% of the included patients (n = 738 054) used vildagliptin at any time during the study, with an average follow‐up time of 1.4 years.ResultsThe adjusted IRRs (vildagliptin vs. other NIADs) were in the range of 0.87‐3.71 (angioedema), 0.73‐1.19 (foot ulcers), 0.37‐1.18 (skin lesions), 0.24‐1.14 (composite of foot ulcer or skin lesions), 0.29‐0.55 (serious hepatic events), and 0.59‐1.04 (serious infections), with no lower bound of the 95% CIs > 1.ConclusionsOverall, there was no increased risk of the events of interest in association with vildagliptin use compared with other NIADs.
Comparative analysis of fractional order PI and integer order PI based controller for hybrid standalone wind energy conversion system
Authors: Jain Anjana , Saravanakumar Rajendran 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive analysis of fractional order proportional integral (FOPI) and integer order proportional integral (IOPI) controllers for voltage and frequency control of a variable speed hybrid standalone wind energy conversion system. Variations in wind velocity and load introduce the changes in terminal voltage and frequency. This can be controlled by an appropriate controller with satisfactory response. In this work, FOPI controller is proposed for controlling the terminal voltage and frequency. Dual second order generalized integral phase locked loop (DSOGI‐PLL) is utilized to track the system frequency. Fractional‐order controller is implemented for voltage source converter, which makes it robust due to their fractional characteristics. FOPI (PIλ) provides an additional degree of freedom (λ), along with proportional gain (Kp) and integral gain (Ki). The robustness of the controller is validated through simulations in MATLAB/simulink and its performance is compared with IOPI under various operating conditions. The results show that, FOPI based controller is able to maintain the terminal voltage and frequency constant with improved transient response in comparison to IOPI. Finally, performance assessment of the controllers is carried out using performance metrics.
Current research on high‐energy ionizing radiation for wastewater treatment and material synthesis
Authors: Jiang Lei , Iwahashi Hitoshi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHigh‐energy ionizing radiation (HEIR) can be a powerful tool for wastewater treatment and material synthesis in industry owing to its strong ionization ability. However, deficiencies in research data have limited the further use of the HEIR method. This review discusses the research data accumulated within the past 10 years for the application of gamma irradiation, X‐rays, and ion and electron beams. Each section contains a discussion on the effective HEIR doses and possible available mechanisms. This article reviews the most recent information and highlights issues for future investigation, for the purpose of promoting the full use of HEIR technology in industry.
Re‐carbonation by recycling NaOH‐dissolved ethanol solution for carbon dioxide fixation
Authors: Han Sang‐Jun , Han Dae‐Yu , Wee Jung‐Ho 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRe‐carbonation is investigated using NaOH‐dissolved ethanol. Five hundred mL of recycled filtrates is obtained from a previous carbonation in which 3 g of NaOH has been replenished and dissolved. CO2 is physically absorbed at each re‐carbonation, and the amount decreases with increasing numbers of re‐carbonation repetitions. However, the amount of CO2 chemically absorbed that was consumed in the production of precipitates, such as sodium ethyl carbonates (SEC) and NaHCO3, slightly increases. This is due to the slight water that accumulates with repeated re‐carbonation, which increases the generation of NaHCO3 and the reaction time. The amount of precipitates and SEC composition decrease from the initial carbonation to the 22nd re‐carbonation, and the amount of CO2 fixed in the precipitates is calculated as a maximum of 0.92 g of CO2/g of NaOH at the initial carbonation, which then decreases linearly to 0.56 g of CO2/g of NaOH at the 22nd re‐carbonation. However, 3.16 g of NaHCO3 precipitates is repeatedly obtained from the 23rd re‐carbonation, maintaining an ethanol concentration of 90.33 wt.%. Thus, 0.55 g of CO2/g of NaOH is fixed in this region. Therefore, CO2 can be fixed in the SEC and NaHCO3 precipitates via re‐carbonation using NaOH‐dissolved ethanol.
The influence of sapphire substrate silicon carbide sludge on structural properties of metakaolin‐based geopolymers
Authors: Lo Kang‐Wei , Lin Kae‐Long , Cheng Ta‐Wui , Zhang Bo‐Xuan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study investigated a geopolymerization system focused on the effects of the solid‐to‐liquid ratio (S/L) were ranging from 0.4 to 1.0, which produces geopolymers with various silicon carbide sludge (SCS) replacement levels (0–40 wt. %). The results indicated that the silicon carbide sludge metakaolin‐based (SCSMB) geopolymers increased S/L ratios from 0.8 to 1.0, reducing initial and final setting times. Flexural strength of SCSMB geopolymers of the SL ratio of 0.4 increased rapidly from 1.31 to 1.70 MPa during the early stage of curing (1–14 days). For SCSMB geopolymers with 10–40% SCS replacement, peak of SiOSi bonds for geopolymers at 524 cm−1 shifted to a higher wavenumber of 527 cm−1. 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that SCSMB geopolymer with an SCS replacement ratio of 10% increased S/L ratios from 0.8 to 1.0 (56 days) and increased the fractions of Q4(3Al; 38.2%–38.4%), Q4(2Al; 28.7%–31.7%), and Q4(1Al; 13.7%–14.6%). Moreover, the peak in 29Si NMR spectra shifted to the right side (higher frequency), indicating that an increased number of aluminum tetrahedrons coordinated with silicon tetrahedrons. SCSMB geopolymers with 10% SCS replacement and an S/L ratio of 1.0 yielded highly favorable mechanical characteristics and microstructure.
New magnetic Co3O4/Fe3O4 doped polyaniline nanocomposite for the effective and rapid removal of nitrate ions from ground water samples
Authors: Esmaeili Bidhendi Mehdi , Asadi Zeinab , Bozorgian Alireza , Shahhoseini Ahmad , Gabris Mohammad Ali , Shahabuddin Syed , Khanam Rashmin , Saidur Rahman 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the present study, a new nanocomposite of iron/cobalt oxides and magnetic nanoparticle doped with polyaniline (PANI‐Co
3O
4@MNPs) was synthesized and subsequently, evaluated for its potential in decontaminating nitrate ions from ground water. Various important parameters such as pH, mass dosage, adsorption time, initial concentration, and temperature were experimentally investigated. The important surface and chemical properties of PANI‐Co
3O
4@MNPs, such as surface morphology and roughness, composition and chemical structure were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. Finally, the removal of nitrate was assessed using kinetic, adsorption isotherm, and thermodynamic studies to investigate the underlying mechanism of the removal process. Maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 68.96 mg/g for nitrate ions at pH 6, adsorbent dosage 60 mg within 60 min. The kinetic studies and the adsorption isotherms have been well fitted using pseudo first and the Freundlich models respectively whereas the thermodynamic parameters have been described in terms of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy which showed a negative value signifying that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Enhancement of fire retardancy properties of glass fibre–reinforced polyesters composites
Authors: de Freitas Rocha Monique Amaro , Landesmann Alexandre , da Silva Ribeiro Simone Pereira , Martins Raíssa Carvalho 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the fire retardancy properties of glass fibre–reinforced polyester (GFRP) composites with bisphenol‐A vinylester and isophthalic polyester as matrices and low electrical conductivity E‐glass fibres as reinforcement. The fire protection systems tested were alumina trihydrate (ATH), decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDE), and antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). A mass loss cone calorimeter was used to obtain the properties of heat release rate (HRR), peak HRR, total heat released, total mass loss, time to ignition, and time of combustion. Moreover, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and glow‐wire tests were also performed. The fire tests were carried out in order to investigate if the combination of ATH and DBDE could have “additive,” “antagonistic,” or “synergistic” effects on the flame retardant properties of the GFRP studied in this work. In addition, the influence of the ATH content variation on flame retardant properties was also evaluated. The results indicate that the sole addition of ATH at 47.7 phr could lead to the complete inhibition of the composites ignition, while the materials containing DBDE exhibit ignition and flame propagation in the cone calorimeter test.
Long‐Term Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HCV Patients Treated With Direct Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Kanwal Fasiha , Kramer Jennifer R. , Asch Steven M. , Cao Yumei , Li Liang , El‐Serag Hashem B. 
Published: June 2019

Sustained virologic response (SVR) after direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) holds promise for reducing hepatocellular cancer (HCC). DAAs have recently been available long enough to estimate the long‐term risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who achieved SVR with DAAs from 129 Veterans Health Administration hospitals between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, with follow‐up through September 30, 2018. We calculated the overall and quarterly HCC incidence rates. We examined the effect of demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors and the decline or increase of FIB‐4 and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) on HCC risk. Among the 18,076 patients with SVR, 544 incident cases of HCC were diagnosed during the mean 2.9 years of follow‐up. The cumulative 1, 2, and 3‐year risks of HCC were 1.1%, 1.9% and 2.8%, respectively. Cirrhosis was strongly associated with HCC risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 4.13, 95% confidence interval = 3.34‐5.11). The quarterly incidence rate of HCC remained stable between 1.00 and 1.23/100 person‐years (PY) and 1.5 to 2.3/100 PY in patients with cirrhosis. The risk of HCC was the highest in patients who had persistently high FIB‐4/APRI and both with and without cirrhosis. HCC risk fell in patients with cirrhosis who experienced a decrease of FIB‐4/APRI scores yet remained higher than the accepted threshold for HCC surveillance. HCC risk was also higher in patients with alcohol use, older age, and infection with HCV genotype 3. Most patients treated at an early stage of liver fibrosis had a stable low risk. Conclusion: Patients successfully treated with DAAs and at risk of HCC did not regress after 3.6 years of follow‐up. HCC risk remained above the accepted thresholds for surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. These data have important implications for HCC surveillance in cured HCV patients.
A review of pregnancy apps freely available in the Google Play Store
Authors: Brown Hannah M. , Bucher Tamara , Collins Clare E. , Rollo Megan E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIssue addressedSmartphone apps have emerged as a mode for provision of information to women during pregnancy. More apps are available for pregnancy than for any other medical topic. This review aimed to assess the quality of Android pregnancy apps, including pregnancy‐specific nutrition information.MethodsA keyword search was conducted in the Google Play Store followed by the screening of app title, app store description and the downloaded app. To be included, apps needed to be free, in English, aimed at pregnant women and contain nutrition information. App quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the presence of nutrition topics was reported.ResultsA total of 76 apps were included in the analysis. Mean overall MARS quality score was 3.52 (max 5; SD: 0.58) (“1” = inadequate and “5” = excellent). The functionality subscale scored the highest (mean 4.06) and information scored the lowest (mean 3.23). The median number of pregnancy‐specific nutrition topics per app was four (range: 0‐6), with the most common related to caffeine consumption (n = 55, 72% of apps) and fish intake (n = 53, 69%), although the quality and quantity of nutrition information varied greatly between apps.ConclusionsAlthough there are a large number of pregnancy apps available, few are of high quality and most contain only a small number of pregnancy‐focused nutrition topics. It is important to be aware of the limitations of current apps in providing dietary advice during this key life stage.So what?The current review does not support the use of freely available android apps currently on the market as an appropriate nutrition resource for pregnant women.
Determinants of individual healthcare expenditure: A cross‐sectional analysis in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Nakovics Meike Irene , Brenner Stephan , Robyn Paul Jacob , Tapsoba Ludovic Deo Gracias , De Allegri Manuela 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIntroductionOverwhelming evidence suggests that out‐of‐pocket expenditures (OOPEs) hamper access to care and impose a heavy economic burden across sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Still, current user fee reduction and removal policies often target specific groups and services, leaving large sections of the population exposed to OOPE.MethodsTo estimate the magnitude and the determinants of OOPE for curative services in Burkina Faso, we used data from a household survey conducted in 24 districts between October 2013 and March 2014 (n = 7844). Given a context of medical pluralism, we purposely focused on total OOPE irrespective of type of care sought. We used a two‐part regression model to estimate determinants of OOPE.ResultsNearly 60% of those who reported an illness episode incurred a positive expenditure, with an average amount of 9362.52 FRS CFA per episode (1 USD = 577.94 FRS CFA). The first model revealed that the probability of incurring a positive OOPE was positively associated with perceived illness severity (P < .001), hospitalization (P < .001), and negatively associated with age (P = .026), distance (P = .060), and poorest wealth quintile (P = .054). The second model revealed that the magnitude of OOPE was positively associated with age (P = .087), education (P = .025), being household head (P = .015), having a chronic comorbidity (P = .025), perceived illness severity (P = .029), and hospitalization (P < .001) and negatively associated with symptoms unlikely to lead to adverse outcomes if not attended to in time (P = .056).ConclusionOur findings indicate that OOPEs remain a problem in Burkina Faso and that broader spectrum policy reforms are urgently needed to ensure adequate financial protection.
Conducting depression screenings in a community pharmacy: A pilot comparison of methods
Authors: Ballou Jordan M. , Chapman April R. , Roark Angie M. , Huie Cathy H. , McKee Jerry , Marciniak Macary W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundDepression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Routine screening of all adult patients for depression is recommended, but current screening rates are in the single digits. Community pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers, making them uniquely positioned to screen patients for depression and, when necessary, refer patients to local health care providers.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare methods for administration of a depression screening tool in an independent, community pharmacy.MethodsFifty Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) depression screening questionnaires were distributed to participants through each of three different methods: (1) as a bag stuffer with written instructions at prescription pick‐up, (2) personal ask with verbal instructions at prescription drop‐off, or (3) one‐on‐one conversation with the pharmacist at prescription pick‐up or during a previously scheduled medication therapy management appointment.ResultsThere was a difference in the participation rate among each of the three methods: 1/50 in the bag stuffer group, 36/50 in the personal ask group, and 40/50 in the interview group. Of the 77 participants, 18 required referral for additional treatment. Of the participants surveyed, 93% indicated that offering depression screening in a community pharmacy was a valuable service. The average amount of time spent with each participant was approximately 4 minutes.ConclusionAdministration of the PHQ‐9 screening tool that involved direct pharmacist intervention elicited a higher response from participants than bag stuffers and may be an effective strategy to engage patients in a conversation regarding their mental health.
In situ forming gelatin/hyaluronic acid hydrogel for tissue sealing and hemostasis
Authors: Luo Jing‐Wan , Liu Chang , Wu Jing‐Heng , Zhao Dan‐Hui , Lin Long‐Xiang , Fan Hai‐Ming , Sun Yu‐Long 
Published: June 2019

AbstractFibrin glue has been widely used as a surgical sealing and hemostatic agent. Its application is restricted due to poor tissue adhesion and low mechanical strength. To develop better tissue sealant and hemostatic agent, this study prepared the injectable hydrogels by chemically cross‐linking gelatin (G) with or without hyaluronic acid (HA) in situ at a mild condition. The rheological analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling, proteolytic degradation, biocompatibility, tissue sealing, and hemostatic ability of the hydrogels were investigated. It was found that the chemical cross‐linking rapidly formed in both self‐crosslinking gelatin (sc‐G) and gelatin/hyaluronate acid (G/HA) hydrogels. The hydrogels could be degraded by trypsin and had a desirable biocompatibility. The tissue sealing ability of the hydrogels was superior to fibrin glue. Furthermore, the G/HA hydrogel had similar hemostatic performance as fibrin glue, and was better than that of gelatin hydrogel. The results in the study indicated that the G/HA hydrogel could be used in clinic as a tissue sealant or surgical hemostat.