bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blowup of Volterra Integro-Differential Equations and Applications to Semi-Linear Volterra Diffusion Equations
Authors: Yang Zhanwen , Tang Tao , Zhang Jiwei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the blowup of Volterra integro-differential equations (VIDEs) with a dissipative linear term. To overcome the fluctuation of solutions, we establish a Razumikhin-type theorem to verify the unboundedness of solutions. We also introduce leaving-times and arriving-times for the estimation of the spending-times of solutions to ∞. Based on these two typical techniques, the blowup and global existence of solutions to VIDEs with local and global integrable kernels are presented. As applications, the critical exponents of semi-linear Volterra diffusion equations (SLVDEs) on bounded domains with constant kernel are generalized to SLVDEs on bounded domains and ℝN with some local integrable kernels. Moreover, the critical exponents of SLVDEs on both bounded domains and the unbounded domain ℝN are investigated for global integrable kernels.
Itô-Taylor Schemes for Solving Mean-Field Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Sun Yabing , Yang Jie , Zhao Weidong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper is devoted to numerical methods for mean-field stochastic differential equations (MSDEs). We first develop the mean-field Itô formula and mean-field Itô-Taylor expansion. Then based on the new formula and expansion, we propose the Itô-Taylor schemes of strong order γ and weak order η for MSDEs, and theoretically obtain the convergence rate γ of the strong Itô-Taylor scheme, which can be seen as an extension of the well-known fundamental strong convergence theorem to the mean-field SDE setting. Finally some numerical examples are given to verify our theoretical results.
Constraints on post-depositional isotope modifications in East Antarctic firn from analysing temporal changes of isotope profiles
Authors: Münch Thomas , Kipfstuhl Sepp , Freitag Johannes , Meyer Hanno , Laepple Thomas 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The isotopic composition of water in ice sheets is extensively used to infer past climate changes. In low-accumulation regions their interpretation is, however, challenged by poorly constrained effects that may influence the initial isotope signal during and after deposition of the snow. This is reflected in snow-pit isotope data from Kohnen Station, Antarctica, which exhibit a seasonal cycle but also strong interannual variations that contradict local temperature observations. These inconsistencies persist even after averaging many profiles and are thus not explained by local stratigraphic noise. Previous studies have suggested that post-depositional processes may significantly influence the isotopic composition of East Antarctic firn. Here, we investigate the importance of post-depositional processes within the open-porous firn (≳ 10 cm depth) at Kohnen Station by separating spatial from temporal variability. To this end, we analyse 22 isotope profiles obtained from two snow trenches and examine the temporal isotope modifications by comparing the new data with published trench data extracted 2 years earlier. The initial isotope profiles undergo changes over time due to downward advection, firn diffusion and densification in magnitudes consistent with independent estimates. Beyond that, we find further modifications of the original isotope record to be unlikely or small in magnitude (≪ 1 ‰ RMSD). These results show that the discrepancy between local temperatures and isotopes most likely originates from spatially coherent processes prior to or during deposition, such as precipitation intermittency or systematic isotope modifications acting on drifting or loose surface snow.
Mentoring at Girls Write Now
Authors: Bauer-Maglin Nan 
Published: September 2017

Founded in 1998, Girls Write Now (GWN) mentors underserved high school girls from throughout New York City’s five boroughs—over 90% high need and 95% girls of color. GWN runs two programs for mentors and mentees: the Writing & Mentoring and Digital Media Mentoring programs. The Writing & Mentoring program currently has 180 people (90 mentees, 90 mentors) and the Digital Media Mentoring program has 100 people (50 mentees, 50 mentors). This article is about the writing program as that is the one I volunteer for.
A Validated High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Zofenopril Calcium and Hydrochlorothiazide in the Presence of the Hydrochlorothiazide Impurities: Chlorothiazide and Salamide
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R , Fayed Ahmed S , Marzouk Hoda M , Abbas Samah S 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The chromatographic analysis of either process-related impurities or degradation products is very important in the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, a simple, selective, and sensitive HPTLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of zofenopril calcium (ZOF) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in the presence of the HCT impurities: A) chlorothiazide (CT) and B) salamide, in raw materials and in pharmaceutical formulation. The separation was carried out on HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 using ethyl acetate–glacial acetic acid–triethylamine (10 + 0.1 + 0.1, v/v/v) as a developing system. The separated bands were scanned densitometrically at 270 nm. Polynomial equations were used for the regression. Calibration curves were constructed for ZOF, HCT, CT, and salamide in the ranges of 0.5–10, 0.2–4, 0.05–1.4, and 0.05–1.0 μg/band, respectively. Different parameters affecting the suggested method, including developing systems of varying composition/ratios and different detection wavelengths, were studied to achieve the best resolution and precision with good sensitivity. System suitability parameters were also tested. The proposed method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and was successfully applied for the quantification of the studied drugs in their pharmaceutical formulation, with no interference from excipients observed. The results obtained by the developed HPTLC method were compared statistically with those obtained by the reported HPLC method using Student’s t and F ratio tests, and no significant difference was obtained, indicating the ability of the proposed method to be used for routine analysis of drug product.
A Pilot Project for Clinical Pharmacy Services in a Clinic for Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Tjon James , Chen Lori , Pe Michael , Poh Jennifer , Strzelecki Marina 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of the project was to assess the impact of clinical pharmacy services in a clinic for children with medical complexity. Secondary objectives were to identify and characterize the drug-related needs of these patients and to describe and develop the role of a pharmacist in the clinic.

METHODS
This was a prospective descriptive study in which a clinical pharmacist staffed the clinic for children with medical complexity for 11 weeks, from January to March 2011. This allowed for the collection of baseline data, such as patient characteristics and measurements of pharmacist workload and assessment (eg, types of drug therapy problems, medication reconciliation, medication teaching).

RESULTS
A pharmacist participated in 46 clinic visits with 43 patients, identifying a total of 42 drug therapy problems. Of the 42 problems, 35 actual and 7 potential drug problems were identified, resulting in approximately 1 problem per patient. The most common actual problems included “dose too small” (37.1%) and “patient requires a medication for untreated condition” (20%). Common potential problems included “drug interactions” (43%) and “adverse effects” (57%).

CONCLUSIONS
The pilot study demonstrates that children with medical complexity are at high risk for drug therapy problems and the presence of a clinic pharmacist is beneficial in the identification, prevention, and resolution of drug therapy problems, while helping ensure continuity of care in this population.
Factors Associated With Dispensing Dosage Delivery Devices
Authors: Wojewoda Eva , Chou Katherine J. 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES
A potential cause of medication errors in children is imprecise measurements, particularly using household spoons. There are no regulations requiring dispensing dose delivery devices (DDDs) with liquid prescription medications. Local, regional, and national pharmacy practice patterns are largely unknown. This study sought to determine how frequently devices are provided with prescription pediatric liquid medications with instructions for their use at pharmacies in Bronx, New York, and to examine which pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics are associated with reported practices.

METHODS
All pharmacies in Bronx, New York, were identified using an online telephone directory. A telephone survey was administered to the senior-level pharmacist that elicited availability of DDDs, whether pharmacy policy regarding dispensing devices existed, the pharmacist's personal practice of dispensing devices, and years in practice.

RESULTS
In total, 268 pharmacies were contacted; 214 had free DDDs (79.9%) most of the time, 97.8% had them available to buy, and 160 (59.7%) had no policy regarding dispensing devices. Overall, 199 pharmacists (74.3%) routinely dispensed devices, and 195 (73.3%) demonstrated the use of devices. However, 94 pharmacists (35.3%) recommended using a household spoon to measure correct doses at least some of the time. Pharmacists were less likely to give devices as their years in practice increased.

CONCLUSIONS
In our study, many Bronx pharmacies had no policy regarding dispensing DDDs for prescription liquid medications, and dispensing practices varied among pharmacists based on years in practice. If similar trends are found in other areas, standardizing pharmacy policy and pharmacists' practices may decrease morbidity in children due to medication measurement errors.
Decreasing the Time to Oral Antibiotics in a University Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Thompson R. Zachary , Gardner Brian , Carter Thomas , Schadler Aric , Allen Joye , Bailey Abby 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES
To compare time to administration of oral antibiotics in the pediatric emergency department (ED) when antibiotics are stored in the pediatric ED versus when they were dispensed by central pharmacy services within an academic medical center.

METHODS
This was a retrospective review of patients who received a one-time dose of oral antibiotics within the pediatric ED and were subsequently discharged home. Two 3-month time periods were compared to determine the metrics of providing oral antibiotics before and after these medications were stocked in the pediatric ED automated dispensing cabinet (ADC). The primary outcome was to compare the time to administration. Secondary outcomes were to assess wastage of stocked medications and time to ED discharge.

RESULTS
In the ADC time period (n = 74), the median time to administration was 17.5 minutes versus 57 minutes in the central pharmacy time period (n = 34) (p &lt; 0.001). The ED length of stay during the ADC time period was 188.5 minutes versus 228.5 minutes (p = 0.094). 35.4% of doses from the ADC expired resulting in a wholesale acquisition cost of $53.14 wasted.

CONCLUSION
Stocking commonly used oral antibiotics in the pediatric ED led to a significant decrease in the time to medication administration. This decreased time to administration has the potential to lead to improved patient and nursing satisfaction. Routine surveillance is needed after implementation to ensure compliance and to minimize wastage.
Adaptations to different habitats in sexual and asexual populations of parasitoid wasps: a meta-analysis
Authors: Amat Isabelle , van Alphen Jacques J.M. , Kacelnik Alex , Desouhant Emmanuel , Bernstein Carlos 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundCoexistence of sexual and asexual populations remains a key question in evolutionary ecology. We address the question how an asexual and a sexual form of the parasitoidVenturia canescenscan coexist in southern Europe. We test the hypothesis that both forms are adapted to different habitats within their area of distribution. Sexuals inhabit natural environments that are highly unpredictable, and where density of wasps and their hosts is low and patchily distributed. Asexuals instead are common in anthropic environments (e.g., grain stores) where host outbreaks offer periods when egg-load is the main constraint on reproductive output.MethodsWe present a meta-analysis of known adaptations to these habitats. Differences in behavior, physiology and life-history traits between sexual and asexual wasps were standardized in term of effect size (Cohen’sdvalue; Cohen, 1988).ResultsSeeking consilience from the differences between multiple traits, we found that sexuals invest more in longevity at the expense of egg-load, are more mobile, and display higher plasticity in response to thermal variability than asexual counterparts.DiscussionThus, each form has consistent multiple adaptations to the ecological circumstances in the contrasting environments.
Challenging a bioinformatic tool’s ability to detect microbial contaminants usingin silicowhole genome sequencing data
Authors: Olson Nathan D. , Zook Justin M. , Morrow Jayne B. , Lin Nancy J. 
Published: September 2017

High sensitivity methods such as next generation sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are adversely impacted by organismal and DNA contaminants. Current methods for detecting contaminants in microbial materials (genomic DNA and cultures) are not sensitive enough and require either a known or culturable contaminant. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a promising approach for detecting contaminants due to its sensitivity and lack of need fora prioriassumptions about the contaminant. Prior to applying WGS, we must first understand its limitations for detecting contaminants and potential for false positives. Herein we demonstrate and characterize a WGS-based approach to detect organismal contaminants using an existing metagenomic taxonomic classification algorithm. Simulated WGS datasets from ten genera as individuals and binary mixtures of eight organisms at varying ratios were analyzed to evaluate the role of contaminant concentration and taxonomy on detection. For the individual genomes the false positive contaminants reported depended on the genus, withStaphylococcus,Escherichia, andShigellahaving the highest proportion of false positives. For nearly all binary mixtures the contaminant was detected in thein-silicodatasets at the equivalent of 1 in 1,000 cells, thoughF. tularensiswas not detected in any of the simulated contaminant mixtures andY. pestiswas only detected at the equivalent of one in 10 cells. Once a WGS method for detecting contaminants is characterized, it can be applied to evaluate microbial material purity, in efforts to ensure that contaminants are characterized in microbial materials used to validate pathogen detection assays, generate genome assemblies for database submission, and benchmark sequencing methods.
Habitat suitability—density relationship in an endangered woodland species: the case of the Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki)
Authors: Carrascal Luis M. , Moreno Ángel C. , Delgado Alejandro , Suárez Víctor , Trujillo Domingo 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundUnderstanding constraints to the distribution of threatened species may help to ascertain whether there are other suitable sectors for reducing the risks associated with species that are recorded in only one protected locality, and to inform about the suitability of other areas for reintroduction or translocation programs.MethodsWe studied the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic of the Canary Islands restricted to the pine forest of Inagua, the only area where the species has been naturally present as a regular breeder in the last 25 years. A suitability distribution model using occurrences with demographic relevance (i.e., nest locations of successful breeding attempts analysed using boosted classification trees) was built considering orographic, climatic and habitat structure predictors. By means of a standardized survey program we monitored the yearly abundance of the species in 100 sectors since the declaration of Inagua as a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994.ResultsThe variables with the highest relative importance in blue chaffinch habitat preferences were pine height, tree cover, altitude, and rainfall during the driest trimester (July–September). The observed local abundance of the blue chaffinch in Inagua (survey data) was significantly correlated with habitat suitability derived from modelling the location of successful nesting attempts (using linear and quantile regressions). The outcomes of the habitat suitability model were used to quantify the suitability of other natural, historic, pine forests of Gran Canaria. Tamadaba is the forest with most suitable woodland patches for the species. We estimated a population size of 195–430 blue chaffinches in Inagua since 2011 (95% CI), the smallest population size of a woodland passerine in the Western Palearctic.DiscussionHabitat suitability obtained from modelling the location of successful breeding attempts is a good surrogate of the observed local abundance during the reproductive season. The outcomes of these models can be used for the identification of potential areas for the reintroduction of the species in other suitable pine forests and to inform forest management practices.
Comparison of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the serum of hypothyroxinemic and euthyroid dogs
Authors: Lau Grace , Walter Kyla , Kass Philip , Puschner Birgit 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the profile of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 23 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum of domestic canines and whether this was predictive of thyroid hormone status.SamplesSerum samples were collected from 51 client-owned dogs visiting the University of California Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital during 2012 to 2016 for routine appointments. Fifteen dogs were diagnosed with hypothyroxinemia while 36 were euthyroid.ProceduresConcentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in canine serum samples were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the presence/absence of canine hypothyroxinemia and the serum concentration of individual PBDE or PCB congeners.ResultsThe median concentrations of total PBDE and PCB congeners in the hypothyroxinemic group were 660 and 1,371 ng/g lipid, respectively, which were higher than concentrations detected in the control group. However, logistic regression analysis determined that current concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in canines were not significantly associated with hypothyroxinemia. BDE 183 was the only congener showing near significance (p = 0.068).ConclusionsPBDE and PCB congeners were detected in all canine samples confirming ongoing exposure to these pollutants. Because household dogs share the human environment, they may serve as biosentinels of human exposure to these contaminants.
Ultrafast Electron Dynamics at the P‐rich Indium Phosphide/TiO2 Interface
Authors: Diederich Jonathan , Rojas Jennifer Velazquez , Paszuk Agnieszka , Pour Mohammad Amin Zare , Höhn Christian , Alvarado Isaac Azahel Ruiz , Schwarzburg Klaus , Ostheimer David , Eichberger Rainer , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Hannappel Thomas , van de Krol Roel , Friedrich Dennis 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe current efficiency records for generating green hydrogen via solar water splitting are held by indium phosphide (InP)‐based photo‐absorbers, protected by TiO2 layers grown through atomic layer deposition (ALD). InP is also a leading material for photonic integrated circuits and computing, where ultrafast near‐surface behavior is key. A previous study described electronic pathways at the phosphorus‐rich (P‐rich) surface of p‐doped InP(100) using time‐resolved two‐photon photoemission (tr‐2PPE) spectroscopy. Here, the intricate electron pathways of the P‐rich InP surface modified with ALD‐deposited TiO2 are explored. Photoexcited bulk InP electrons migrate through a bulk‐to‐surface transition cluster of states and surface states and inject into the TiO2 conduction band (CB). Energy levels and occupation dynamics of CB states in P‐rich InP and TiO2 adlayers are observed, with discrete states preserved up to 10 nm TiO2 deposition. Thermalization lifetimes of excited electrons > 0.8 eV above the InP conduction band minimum (CBM) are preserved for layer thicknesses up to 2.5 nm. Annealing at 300 °C to achieve crystalline TiO2 reconstructions destroys interfacial states, affecting charge transfer. These observations enable innovative engineering of the P‐rich InP/TiO2 heterointerface, opening new possibilities for studying hot‐carrier extraction, adsorbate effects, surface plasmons, and improving photovoltaic and PEC water‐splitting devices.
Unveiling the Structural and Chemical Evolution of Layered Oxide Cathode for Na‐Ion Batteries Induced by Water Vapor
Authors: Ji Pengxiang , Lei Xincheng , Wang Jun , Han Zhen , Wang Yuhan , Li Yangfan , Ge Mengshu , Zhao Jianxiong , Guo Sijie , Liu Xiaozhi , Wang Xuefeng , Gu Lin , Cao Anmin , Su Dong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNa‐ion batteries (NIBs) have received considerable attention as promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries, particularly for low‐speed electric vehicles and large‐scale energy storage applications. Currently, layered oxide compounds are considered the most important cathode materials for NIBs. However, they suffer from reduced capacity and a shortened lifespan when exposed to water vapor during storage or battery assembly. This article elaborates on the structural and chemical evolution of NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) cathode at the atomic scale in a pure water vapor environment. The Na+/H+ exchange induces the formation of a spinel‐like phase via a multi‐site nucleation mechanism. This transition preferentially occurs either at the cathode surface or along planar defects such as twin boundaries and grain boundaries. Additionally, numerous microcracks perpendicular to <003> direction appear inside NFM grains, further exacerbating the structural deterioration. Upon prolonged exposure to water vapor, NFM grains decompose into a mixture of Na2O and transition metal oxide nanoparticles (FeO, NiO, and MnO), accompanied by the generation of oxygen gas. This research provides a comprehensive atomic‐scale insight into the water vapor instability mechanism of layered oxide cathodes, offering guidance for the design and manufacture of the next generation of water vapor‐tolerant layered oxide cathodes in NIBs.