bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Osteogenic Cell Line That Differentiates Into GFP-Tagged Osteocytes and Forms Mineral With a Bone-Like Lacunocanalicular Structure
Authors: Wang Kun , Le Lisa , Chun Brad M , Tiede-Lewis LeAnn M , Shiflett Lora A , Prideaux Matthew , Campos Richard S , Veno Patricia A , Xie Yixia , Dusevich Vladimir , Bonewald Lynda F , Dallas Sarah L
Published: March 2019

Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, were once thought to be inactive, but are now known to have multifunctional roles in bone, including in mechanotransduction, regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast function and phosphate homeostasis. Because osteocytes are embedded in a mineralized matrix and are challenging to study, there is a need for new tools and cell models to understand their biology. We have generated two clonal osteogenic cell lines, OmGFP66 and OmGFP10, by immortalization of primary bone cells from mice expressing a membrane-targeted GFP driven by the Dmp1-promoter. One of these clones, OmGFP66, has unique properties compared with previous osteogenic and osteocyte cell models and forms 3-dimensional mineralized bone-like structures, containing highly dendritic GFP-positive osteocytes, embedded in clearly defined lacunae. Confocal and electron microscopy showed that structurally and morphologically, these bone-like structures resemble bone in vivo, even mimicking the lacunocanalicular ultrastructure and 3D spacing of in vivo osteocytes. In osteogenic conditions, OmGFP66 cells express alkaline phosphatase (ALP), produce a mineralized type I collagen matrix, and constitutively express the early osteocyte marker, E11/gp38. With differentiation they express osteocyte markers, Dmp1, Phex, Mepe, Fgf23, and the mature osteocyte marker, Sost. They also express RankL, Opg, and Hif1α, and show expected osteocyte responses to PTH, including downregulation of Sost, Dmp1, and Opg and upregulation of RankL and E11/gp38. Live cell imaging revealed the dynamic process by which OmGFP66 bone-like structures form, the motile properties of embedding osteocytes and the integration of osteocyte differentiation with mineralization. The OmGFP10 clone showed an osteocyte gene expression profile similar to OmGFP66, but formed less organized bone nodule-like mineral, similar to other osteogenic cell models. Not only do these cell lines provide useful new tools for mechanistic and dynamic studies of osteocyte differentiation, function, and biomineralization, but OmGFP66 cells have the unique property of modeling osteocytes in their natural bone microenvironment. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Highly efficient removal of toxic lead ions from aqueous solutions using a new magnetic metal‐organic framework nanocomposite
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Ali , Masrouri Hassan , Karami Hassan , Andishgar Saeed , Mirbagheri Mehrnaz Alsadat , Pourshamsi Tayebe
Published: March 2019

A magnetic metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite was successfully prepared by a new and green strategy through reasonable design. Magnetic MOF of Fe3O4‐NHSO3H@HKUST‐1 nanocomposite use for removal of lead ions as an environmental pollutant. The experimental results indicated that the nano adsorbent of Fe3O4‐NHSO3H@HKUST‐1 can removed lead ions under optimum operational conditions. The dosage of the nanocomposite, pH of the sample solution, and contact time were obtained to be 10 mg, 7.0, and 90 min, respectively, while the initial concentration of Pb(II) ions of 400 mg/L was used. A kinetic study indicated that a pseudo‐second‐order model agreed well with the experimental data. The isotherm experiments revealed that the Langmuir model attained better fits to the equilibrium data than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for the removal of lead under the optimum operational conditions of pH 7.0 and temperature 25°C was found to be 384.6 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption of lead is spontaneous and endothermic. The magnetic MOF nanocomposite could be recovered easily and reused many times without significant loss of its nano‐adsorbent activity. The proposed method is simple, eco‐friendly, low cost, and efficient in the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions.
Motivating operations and stimulus control
Authors: Edwards Timothy L. , Lotfizadeh Amin D. , Poling Alan
Published: March 2019

The motivating operations concept has generated substantial conceptual analysis and research interest. Following an analysis of how motivating operations affect behavior, one which emphasizes the interactive role of motivating operations and discriminative stimuli, we propose: a) redefining motivating operations as operations that modulate the reinforcing or punishing effectiveness of particular kinds of events and the control of behavior by discriminative stimuli historically relevant to those events, b) dropping the distinction between behavior‐altering and function‐altering effects of motivating operations, and c) reducing or eliminating emphasis on conditioned motivating operations. This reconceptualization of the motivating operations concept is intended to increase its value in predicting and gainfully changing behavior.
Size‐dependent antibacterial activity for laser‐generated silver nanoparticles
Authors: Korshed Peri , Li Lin , Liu Zhu , Mironov Aleksandr , Wang Tao
Published: March 2019

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been used widely for antibacterial applications; however, the effects of their sizes on antibacterial activities and toxicities to human cells, particularly for the laser‐generated Ag NPs, are not fully understood. In this study, sucrose gradient centrifugation was used to separate laser‐generated Ag NPs into different fractions by size. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the size distribution of the Ag NPs, and well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Ag NP fractions against the Escherichia coli. Results showed that the antibacterial effects of laser‐generated Ag NPs inversely correlated to the particle size. Among Ag NP fractions with average sizes ranging 19–47 nm, the 19‐nm Ag NPs presented the highest bactericidal effect. The smaller sized laser Ag NPs also significantly induced the generation of reactive oxygen species when applied to E. coli, compared with that of the larger sized laser Ag NPs. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the different sized laser‐generated Ag NPs were not significantly toxic to the human fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells in a 72‐h in vitro cell culture period. Understanding the size‐dependent functional properties of the laser‐generated Ag NPs helps informing the designs for future applications of the laser‐generated Ag NPs.
An efficient solution for resolving iTRAQ and TMT channel cross‐talk
Authors: Searle Brian C. , Yergey Alfred L.
Published: March 2019

Isobaric tagging reagents such as isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and tandem mass tag (TMT) typically have isotopic impurities that cause significant cross‐talk between channels. Here, we present an efficient solution to compensate for channel cross‐talk using linear algebra and find that it is between 20× and 120× faster than previous methods. We also find that the effects of channel cross‐talk are as important to manage as the effects of ratio compression because of precursor impurities, and we have released an open‐source tool to perform both types of calculations.
Differences in the association of sea surface temperature—precipitating systems over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea during southwest monsoon season
Authors: Saikranthi Kadiri , Radhakrishna Basivi , Thota Narayana Rao , Satheesh Sreedharan K.
Published: March 2019

The intriguing, but complex, association among sea surface temperature (SST) and different types of precipitating systems (deep and shallow) over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea has been elucidated utilizing 16 years of tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM) data. The characteristics and their convective forcing of these two seas are fundamentally different due to differences in SST. At a given SST, the occurrence of deeper (shallow) systems is higher (lower) over the Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea. The occurrence of deeper systems increases with SST over both the seas till 30°C and decreases from 30 to 31°C. On the other hand, the occurrence of shallow systems is independent of SST over the Bay of Bengal while it decreases with rise in SST over the Arabian Sea. The prevalence of weaker convective available potential energy and drier mid‐troposphere over the Arabian Sea than over the Bay of Bengal is detrimental for cloud growth and is responsible for lower occurrence of deep systems and higher occurrence of shallow systems. The differences in mid‐tropospheric dynamics and moisture between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of the Bengal play a major role in the occurrence of deep and shallow systems.
An objective definition of summer monsoon onset in the northwestern maritime continent
Authors: Diong Jeong‐Yik , Tangang Fredolin , Juneng Liew
Published: March 2019

Unlike in other parts of the Asian Monsoon region, the summer monsoon in the Northwestern Maritime Continent (NwMC) is relatively dry. Hence, an objective definition is needed in order to determine the arrival of the dry season in this particular sub‐region. Criteria for the objective definition of summer monsoon onset in the NwMC were defined based on reanalysis data from the National Centers for Environment Prediction (NCEP) and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) databases. Considering the Matsuno‐Gill theoretical relationship between tropical precipitation and low‐level winds, the summer monsoon onset date can be determined objectively based on the commencement of the sustained 850‐hPa zonal winds averaged over the area from 5° to 10°N and from 100° to 115°E. The establishment of steady westerly/southwesterly winds over the NwMC region is consistent with the abrupt shift of rainfall from the equatorial region (5°S–5°N) to areas north of the equator. The onset is also associated with the northeastward propagation of anomalous convection from the western equatorial Indian Ocean on an intraseasonal time scale. In view of its representation of large‐scale circulation and objectiveness, this new monsoon onset index will provide a useful metric with which to predict NwMC summer monsoon onset and for studying the interannual variation in monsoon onset. A simple lead–lag correlation shows the monsoon onset in NwMC has a close relationship with ENSO. Generally an early (late) monsoon onset can be expected when cold (warm) ENSO event occurred in the preceding summer.
Multi‐millennial scale climate variability during MIS 3 and MIS 2 inferred from luminescence dating of coastal sand dunes and buried paleosol sequences in central Chile, 32°S
Authors: García Juan‐Luis , Andrade Belisario , Calderón Mauricio , Lüthgens Christopher
Published: March 2019

The eolian morphostratigraphic archive along the coast of central Chile (∼37–30°S) includes sand dune and buried paleosol sequences that despite their potential as a proxy for past environmental change, remain mostly unstudied north of Patagonia and south of the Atacama Desert core. Here, we present results of a stratigraphic and geochronologic study using the post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence signal stimulated at 225 °C (pIRIR225) of potassium‐rich feldspar that show the timing of past climate variability as evidenced from sand dune/buried paleosol couplets at 32°S. Our record shows that periods of sand dune accumulation during Marine Isotope Stages MIS 6, 4, 3 and 2 occurred within ice ages and associated low sea‐level stands, probably affected by similar to, or drier than, present conditions. Intercalated wetter periods inferred from pedogenesis occurred between 53 ± 4 and 52 ± 3 ka, at some time between 52 ± 3 and 36 ± 2 ka, and at some time between 31 ± 2 and 22 ± 2 ka, and reflect times when the southern westerlies rain belt shifted north. Our data reveal that central Chile experienced multi‐millennial periodicity of westerly precipitation throughout the last glacial period. We provide evidence for a humid local Last Glacial Maximum.
Synthesis and Properties of Quaternary Ammonium Gemini Surfactants with Hydroxyethyl at Head Groups
Authors: Sun Ya , Han Fu , Zhou Yawen , Xu Baocai
Published: March 2019

A series of cationic gemini surfactants CmH2m + 1N+(CH2CH2OH)2(CH2)sN+(CH2CH2OH)2CmH2m + 1 2Br−, referred to as m‐s‐m (OH) (m = 8,10,12, s = 3,4), were prepared by quaternization of dihydroxyethyl tertiary amines with dibromoalkane. The dihydroxyethyl tertiary amines were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of diethanolamine with bromoalkane. The characterization of the m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants was performed using 1H NMR and MS. The surface activities and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution of the m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants were studied using surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface tension and critical micellar concentration of these surfactants in aqueous solution decreased dramatically due to the introduction of hydroxyethyl at the head group. The micelles and/or vesicles formed in the aqueous solution of m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants were strongly dependent upon the lengths of spacer chains and carbon chains. The number of vesicles increases and that of micelles decreases when the lengths of spacer chains and carbon chains increase.
Associations Among Hair Cortisol Concentrations, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Status, and Amygdala Reactivity to Negative Affective Stimuli in Female Police Officers
Authors: van Zuiden Mirjam , Savas Mesut , Koch Saskia B.J. , Nawijn Laura , Staufenbiel Sabine M. , Frijling Jessie L. , Veltman Dick J. , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Olff Miranda
Published: March 2019

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with altered hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis function. Measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) allows retrospective assessment of HPA axis regulation over prolonged periods of time. Currently, research investigating HCC in PTSD remains sparse. Previous cross‐sectional studies have included only civilian populations, although it is known that trauma type moderates associations between PTSD status and HPA axis function. We investigated differences in HCC between trauma‐exposed female police officers with current PTSD (n = 13) and without current and lifetime PTSD (n = 15). To investigate whether HCC was associated with neural correlates of PTSD, we additionally performed exploratory correlational analyses between HCC and amygdala reactivity to negative affective stimuli. We observed significantly lower HCC in participants with PTSD than in participants without PTSD, d = 0.89. Additionally, within participants with PTSD, we observed positive correlations between HCC and right amygdala reactivity to negative affective (vs. happy/neutral) faces, r = .806 (n = 11) and left amygdala reactivity to negative affective (vs. neutral) pictures, r = .663 (n = 10). Additionally, left amygdala reactivity to negative faces was positively correlated with HCC in trauma‐exposed controls, r = .582 (n = 13). This indicates that lower HCC is associated with diminished amygdala differentiation between negative affective and neutral stimuli. Thus, we observed lower HCC in trauma‐exposed noncivilian women with PTSD compared to those without PTSD, which likely reflects prolonged HPA axis dysregulation. Additionally, HCC was associated with hallmark neurobiological correlates of PTSD, providing additional insights into pathophysiological processes in PTSD.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Surgical Approaches to Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility
Authors: Rios Gabriel , Morrison Robert J. , Song Yi , Fernando Shanik J. , Wootten Christopher , Gelbard Alexander , Luo Haoxiang
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a rare and life‐threatening condition in which both vocal folds are fixed, resulting in airway obstruction associated with life‐threatening respiratory compromise. Treatment of BVFI is largely surgical and remains an unsatisfactory compromise between voice, breathing, and swallowing. No comparisons between currently employed techniques currently exist. We sought to employ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to delineate the optimal surgical approach for BVFI.

Methods

Utilizing clinical computed tomography of BVFI subjects, coupled with image analytics employing CFD models and subject pulmonary function data, we compared the airflow features in the baseline pathologic states and changes seen between endoscopic cordotomy, endoscopic suture lateralization, and posterior cricoid expansion.

Results

CFD modeling demonstrated that the greatest airflow velocity occurs through the posterior glottis on inspiration and anterior glottis on expiration in both the normal condition and in BVFI. Glottic airflow velocity and resistance were significantly higher in the BVFI condition compared to normal. Geometric indices (cross‐sectional area of airway) were lower in posterior cricoid expansion surgery when compared to alternate surgical approaches. CFD measures (airflow velocity and resistance) improved with all surgical approaches but were superior with posterior cricoid expansion.

Conclusion

CFD modeling can provide discrete, quantitative assessment of the airflow through the laryngeal inlet, and offers insights into the pathophysiology and changes that occur after surgery for BVFI.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 130:E57–E64, 2020
Evaluating Efficacy of Antimicrobial and Antifouling Materials for Urinary Tract Medical Devices: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Ramstedt Madeleine , Ribeiro Isabel A. C. , Bujdakova Helena , Mergulhão Filipe J. M. , Jordao Luisa , Thomsen Peter , Alm Martin , Burmølle Mette , Vladkova Todorka , Can Fusun , Reches Meital , Riool Martijn , Barros Alexandre , Reis Rui L. , Meaurio Emilio , Kikhney Judith , Moter Annette , Zaat Sebastian A. J. , Sjollema Jelmer
Published: March 2019

In Europe, the mean incidence of urinary tract infections in intensive care units is 1.1 per 1000 patient‐days. Of these cases, catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) account for 98%. In total, CAUTI in hospitals is estimated to give additional health‐care costs of £1–2.5 billion in the United Kingdom alone. This is in sharp contrast to the low cost of urinary catheters and emphasizes the need for innovative products that reduce the incidence rate of CAUTI. Ureteral stents and other urinary‐tract devices suffer similar problems. Antimicrobial strategies are being developed, however, the evaluation of their efficacy is very challenging. This review aims to provide considerations and recommendations covering all relevant aspects of antimicrobial material testing, including surface characterization, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, in vitro and in vivo tests, microbial strain selection, and hydrodynamic conditions, all in the perspective of complying to the complex pathology of device‐associated urinary tract infection. The recommendations should be on the basis of standard assays to be developed which would enable comparisons of results obtained in different research labs both in industry and in academia, as well as provide industry and academia with tools to assess the antimicrobial properties for urinary tract devices in a reliable way.
Major effort to close treatment gap in New York City faces criticism
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2019

When New York City's first lady and mayor announced the comprehensive ThriveNYC mental health initiative in late 2015, observers hailed it as a groundbreaking demonstration of government commitment and a potential national model. In recent months, however, ThriveNYC has been the subject of criticism in the local media and intense scrutiny of funding that some say has generated too little in the way of results.
Temperature‐induced self‐assembly and metal‐ion stabilization of histidine functional block copolymers
Authors: Brisson Emma R. L. , Griffith James C. , Bhaskaran Ayana , Franks George V. , Connal Luke A.
Published: March 2019

Histidine functional block copolymers are thermally self‐assembled into polymer micelles with poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide in the core and the histidine functionality in the corona. The thermally induced self‐assemblies are reversible until treated with Cu2+ ions at 50 °C. Upon treatment with 0.5 equivalents of Cu2+ relative to the histidine moieties, metal‐ion coordination locks the self‐assemblies. The self‐assembly behavior of histidine functional block copolymers is explored at different values of pH using DLS and 1H NMR. Metal‐ion coordination locking of the histidine functional micelles is also explored at different pH values, with stable micelles forming at pH 9, observed by DLS and imaged by atomic force microscopy. The thermal self‐assembly of glycine functional block copolymers at pH 5, 7, and 9 is similar to the histidine functional materials; however, the self‐assemblies do not become stable after the addition of Cu2+, indicating that the imidazole plays a crucial role in metal‐ion coordination that locks the micelles. The reversibility of the histidine‐copper complex locking mechanism is demonstrated by the addition of acid to protonate the imidazole and destabilize the polymer self‐assemblies. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1964–1973
Recyclable helical poly(phenylacetylene)‐supported catalyst for asymmetric aldol reaction in aqueous media
Authors: Zhang Chunhong , Qiu Yuan , Bo Siyuan , Wang Fuqingyun , Wang Yudan , Liu Lijia , Zhou Yanli , Niu Haijun , Dong Hongxing , Satoh Toshifumi
Published: March 2019

A novel one‐handed helical poly(phenylacetylene) bearing L‐hydroxyproline pendants (poly(PA‐P)) was synthesized as an eco‐friendly polymer‐supported catalyst for asymmetric reactions. The helical poly(PA‐P) catalyzed the asymmetric aldol reactions of cyclohexanone with p‐nitrobenzaldehyde, and showed good recyclability and higher enantiomeric excess (ee) in aqueous medias than that in organic medias. The one‐handed helicity of poly(PA‐P) was clearly affected by the water content in the aqueous media. The helical poly(PA‐P) showed the higher enantioselectivity (ee = 99%) than its monomer PA‐P (ee = 54%) in THF/H2O (H2O vol % = 25.0 vol %). After the one‐handed helical structure of poly(PA‐P) was destroyed by grinding treatment, the ee of the reaction clearly decreased from 99 to 49%. These indicate that the one‐handed helical structure of poly(PA‐P) played an important role in the high enantioselectivity of the asymmetric aldol reactions in the aqueous media. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1024–1031
Putative structural rearrangements associated with the interaction of macrocyclic inhibitors with norovirus 3CL protease
Authors: Galasiti Kankanamalage Anushka C. , Weerawarna Pathum M. , Rathnayake Athri D. , Kim Yunjeong , Mehzabeen Nurjahan , Battaile Kevin P. , Lovell Scott , Chang Kyeong‐Ok , Groutas William C.
Published: March 2019

Human noroviruses are the primary cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. The problem is further compounded by the current lack of norovirus‐specific antivirals or vaccines. Noroviruses have a single‐stranded, positive sense 7 to 8 kb RNA genome which encodes a polyprotein precursor that is processed by a virus‐encoded 3C‐like cysteine protease (NV 3CLpro) to generate at least six mature nonstructural proteins. Processing of the polyprotein is essential for virus replication, consequently, NV 3CLpro has emerged as an attractive target for the discovery of norovirus therapeutics and prophylactics. We have recently described the structure‐based design of macrocyclic transition state inhibitors of NV 3CLpro. In order to gain insight and understanding into the interaction of macrocyclic inhibitors with the enzyme, as well as probe the effect of ring size on pharmacological activity and cellular permeability, additional macrocyclic inhibitors were synthesized and high resolution cocrystal structures determined. The results of our studies tentatively suggest that the macrocyclic scaffold may hamper optimal binding to the active site by impeding concerted cross‐talk between the S2 and S4 subsites.
A Bayesian nonparametric causal inference model for synthesizing randomized clinical trial and real‐world evidence
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Rosner Gary L.
Published: March 2019

With the wide availability of various real‐world data (RWD), there is an increasing interest in synthesizing information from both randomized clinical trials and RWD for health‐care decision makings. The task of addressing study‐specific heterogeneities is one of the most difficult challenges in synthesizing data from disparate sources. Bayesian hierarchical models with nonparametric extension provide a powerful and convenient platform that formalizes the information borrowing strength across the sources. In this paper, we propose a propensity score‐based Bayesian nonparametric Dirichlet process mixture model that summarizes subject‐level information from randomized and registry studies to draw inference on the causal treatment effect. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the model performance under different scenarios. In addition, we demonstrate the proposed method using data from a clinical study on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor for treating congestive heart failure.
Synthesis of Sawdust‐based Poly(amidoxime) Ligand for Heavy Metals Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Jianfui Choong , Sarjadi Mohd Sani , Musta Baba , Sarkar Md Shaheen , Rahman Md Lutfor
Published: March 2019

In this study, a copolymer sawdust‐graft‐poly(acrylonitrile) was synthesized by free‐radical initiation reaction and followed by amidoximation reaction with hydroxylamine under alkaline conditions converted into the poly(amidoxime) ligand. The functional group, compositions, and morphology of the resulting synthesized ligand and copolymer were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The poly(amidoxime) ligand was utilized for heavy metal removal from aqueous solution. The synthesized polymeric ligand demonstrated a high affinity for adsorption capacity for copper and iron was 265.5 and 270.1 mg g‐1, respectively. The strong adsorption capacity for lead, zinc, and cobalt were 121.2, 161.7 and 165.4 mg g‐1, respectively. The adsorption data was excellently expressed by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 >0.98) rather than Freundlich. It is suggesting that the surface of ligand is monolayer and homogeneous. The kinetic data have been determined by the first and second order. However, pseudo‐second‐order rate equation was well fit to the presented data. In wastewater purification process, poly(amidoxime) ligand was well removal multiple metal ions that present in the wastewater and the efficiency of removal was reached to 98.78% for copper and 99.14% iron and 90.92% for lead and 92.73% for zinc.
Boron Nitride Quantum Dots Derived from Renewable Lignin
Authors: Zhao Hongran , Ding Jiheng , Ji Dong , Xu Beiyu , Yu Haibin
Published: March 2019

Although numerous attempts have been reported, however, efficient and facile approach about the preparation of boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) is yet to be explored. Here we have developed a biomass‐directed suitable strategy from steam exploded rice straw lignin (SERSL) toward mass production of high‐quality BNQDs with quantum yields (QY) as high as 18.2%. Few‐layered BNQDs have a mean lateral size of several nanometers and a thickness ranging from 0.5 nm to 2 nm as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The BNQDs as‐prepared emit bright and stable blue colors of luminescence under ultraviolet‐light excitation. In addition, the BNQDs also exhibit low cytotoxicity and excellent cellular imaging capability. We believe that these BNQDs probably trigger potentially applications on lightemitting diodes and bioimaging in a green way.
A Click Strategy for the Synthesis of Fluorescent Pyrimidinone‐Triazole Hybrids with CDK2 Selectivity in HeLa and A549 Cell Lines
Authors: Shamsiya Aranhikkal , Damodaran Bahulayan
Published: March 2019

Concise synthesis of a series of fluorescent pyrimidinone‐triazole hybrids is described. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their CDK2 binding affinity based on molecular docking and found to be moderately high score. The molecular docking results were experimentally validated by cytotoxicity evaluation against human cervical cancer cell line HeLa cells and western blot analysis. This new class of CDK2 inhibitors could be promising leads for further drug development as anticancer agents. The molecules also showed fluorescence emission with Stokes shift values up to 187 nm.
8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐Methionine Mixed Ligands Metal Complexes: Preparation and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Qamar Noshab , Sultan Hira , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Azmat Rafia , Naz Raheela , Hameed Abdul , Lateef Mehreen
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this investigation is to synthesize mixed ligand complexes of first, second, and third row transition metals including Cr (III), Mn (II), Fe (III), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and Pb (II) with L1 = 8‐hydroxyquinoline and L2 = DL‐methionine. Newly synthesized metal complexes have been characterized by UV‐Visible, IR, mass spectrometry and micro‐analytical techniques such as conductance measurement, elemental analysis, and melting point. Synthetic mixed complexes were also screened for antioxidant activity.
Template‐Free Synthesis of Mesoporous Tungsten Oxide Nanostructures and Its Application in Photocatalysis and Adsorption Reactions
Authors: Farjood Mehrdad , Zanjanchi M. A.
Published: March 2019

The template‐free synthesis of mesoporous tungsten oxide nanostructure (WO3) via a hydrothermal process is reported in this contribution. The structural properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), FT‐IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), N2‐adsorption‐desorption analysis (BJH), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. It was found that the prepared WO3 possesses a pore diameter about 19 nm and a surface area 67 m2/g. This compound is converted from hexagonal crystalline phase to a triclinic one when heated at the temperatures higher than 250 °C. The photocatalytic activity of WO3 was inspected during the degradation of methylene blue under the irradiation of visible‐light in presence of hydrogen peroxide. Our findings showed that the hexagonal WO3 bare considerably higher photocatalytic activity compared to that of the commercial and the triclinic ones. Therefore, the crystalline phase of WO3 has an obvious effect on its photocatalytic performance. The hexagonal WO3 is capable to adsorb a high concentration of MB within in very short time too.
Design of Exceptional Strong Organosuperbases Based on Iminophosphorane and Azaphosphiridine Derivatives: Harnessing Ring Strain and Aromaticity to Engineer Neutral Superbases
Authors: Saeidian Hamid , Barfinejad Ehsan
Published: March 2019

A new class of non‐ionic organosuperbases was designed using iminophosphorane and azaphosphiridine frameworks, and their gas phase proton affinity (PA) and gas phase basicity (GB) were assessed by using density functional theory computations. The utilized strategy for tailoring the organosuperbases is based on stimulating of ring opening upon protonation bearing substituents which have the ability of positive charge delocalization. After protonation, most of the superbases formed positive aromatic rings (C3H3+ and C7H7+). This strategy led to the design of organobases with exceptional basicity in the range of 1013–1317 kJ mol−1. Five designed organosuperbases show the PA values >1254 kJ mol−1, above the range of a hyperbase. To better comprehend the basicity of the compounds, the aromaticity indices (NICS and HOMA data) associated with the organosuperbases and their corresponding conjugate acids have been calculated and compared with each other.
The effect of perceived appearance judgements on psychological and biological stress processes across adulthood
Authors: Sabik Natalie J. , Geiger Ashley M. , Thoma Myriam V. , Gianferante Danielle , Rohleder Nicolas , Wolf Jutta M.
Published: March 2019

Social self‐preservation theory posits that stress is experienced when an aspect of an individual's identity has the potential to be negatively evaluated. Appearance is a central part of identity; however, little research has examined whether perceived appearance judgements are a source of social‐evaluative stress. In addition, stress may be an explanatory link in the association between appearance perceptions and depressive symptoms. This study examined whether perceived appearance judgements were associated with increased stress and greater depressive symptoms among adults. Study 1 examined the associations between self‐reported appearance judgements and cortisol stress responses in response to a laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) among 71 individuals aged 18–65. Study 2 assessed self‐reported appearance judgements and depressive symptoms among 498 adults ages 18–65 via an online survey data collection. Appearance judgement was associated with a stronger cortisol response, higher self‐reported stress, and greater depressive symptoms. Stress mediated all associations between appearance judgements and depressive symptoms and neither age nor gender moderated these associations. The findings suggest that appearance judgements contribute to psychological and biological stress processes and demonstrated that stress mediated the association between appearance judgements and depressive symptoms.
Workplace telepressure and work–life balance outcomes: The role of work recovery experiences
Authors: Barber Larissa K. , Conlin Amanda L. , Santuzzi Alecia M.
Published: March 2019

Workplace technology has posed some challenges to worker well‐being. This research examined how workplace telepressure—a preoccupation and urge to respond quickly to message‐based communications—is related to work life balance evaluations, as well as how work recovery experiences might explain this relationship. Using an online survey design, Study 1 (N = 254) and Study 2 (N = 409) demonstrated that employees' workplace telepressure negatively related to satisfaction with work–life balance. Study 1 showed that psychological detachment may explain the relationship between workplace telepressure and satisfaction with work–life balance. In Study 2, psychological detachment and control over leisure time explained the relationship between workplace telepressure and global evaluations of work–life balance (satisfaction and effectiveness). Mastery and control experiences explained the relationship between workplace telepressure and work–family enrichment. Lastly, three recovery mechanisms (detachment, relaxation, and control) explained the link between workplace telepressure and work–family conflict. The evidence suggests that workplace telepressure is negatively associated with various employee evaluations of work–life balance, but the role of recovery experiences may depend on how work–life balance is measured.
Molecular Engineering of Simple Carbazole‐Triphenylamine Hole Transporting Materials by Replacing Benzene with Pyridine Unit for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xuepeng , Ma Shuang , Ding Yong , Gao Jing , Liu Xiaolong , Yao Jianxi , Dai Songyuan
Published: March 2019

Four carbazole‐triphenylamine hole transporting materials (HTMs) with a pyridine or benzene on the N of carbazole have been designed and developed. The molecular structures on their photophysical, electrochemical, thermal, as well as photovoltaic properties in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are comprehensively analyzed. It is noted that the pyridine‐contained compounds show bathochromic spectra response, slightly lower HOMO level, and higher thermal stability than their benzene‐contained counterparts. Photoluminescence study indicates that the molecule with a pyridine unit possess better hole extraction properties on the perovskite/HTM interface. When used in PSCs, pyridine‐contained HTMs exhibit higher efficiency and better stability than benzene‐contained HTMs. Moreover, the PSCs based on the pyridine‐contained HTM exhibit a promising power conversion efficiency of 18.45% with good light‐soaking and long‐term stability, which is even better than that of conventional spiro‐OMeTAD under the same conditions. Therefore, the results provide a promising strategy to design and develop novel HTM molecules for efficient and stable PSCs.
Estimation of liquid sterilization using critical voltage under high electric field pulses
Authors: Sato Takunao , Murakami Yuichi , Muramoto Yuji
Published: March 2019

Our article compared the survival ratio obtained using experiments with that calculated using a sterilization mechanism model. We applied high‐voltage pulses to
Escherichia coli
in 1 × 10−3 mol/l NaCl aqueous solutions and estimated the survival ratio in a model of high electric field pulse sterilization. The results show that the survival ratios of
E. coli
decrease with increasing number of pulses, electric field intensity, pulse width, and sample temperature. The experimental results for the survival ratio showed good agreement with values calculated using the sterilization mechanism model. Our study shows that the survival ratio of
E. coli
can be estimated using high electric field pulses. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recurrent bidirectional visual human pose retrieval
Authors: Sun Haitian , Zhang Chao , Akashi Takuya
Published: March 2019

Content‐based image retrieval technique is an essential component under various application scenarios. In this paper, instead of visual similarity defined by colors, shapes, or textures, we aim to retrieve images with respect to the visual similarity defined by the human pose. In our framework, all the poses are derived from images, inspired by the recent development of three‐dimension (3D) human pose reconstruction. Furthermore, to make the retrieval more robust against reconstruction error, we propose a recurrent bidirectional similarity measure called recurrent best‐buddies similarity (RBBS). Specifically, we treat the similarity measure between two visual poses as a distance measure between two point vectors, with each point representing one of the reconstructed 3D human pose candidates. We then recur the similarity measure by the displacement of query. As a justification, we verify the validity of RBBS in a one dimension (1D) Gaussian situation. In experiments, we build an original dataset for the retrieval task. Both the qualitative and quantitative results show the usefulness of our framework; the quantitative results evaluated by mean average precision (MAP or mAP) especially demonstrate that RBBS is improved by 14.13% compared to the most competitive alternative methods. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analytical analysis of the bifurcation behavior of creep groan
Authors: Zhao Xingwei , Gräbner Nils , von Wagner Utz , Hetzler Hartmut
Published: March 2019

Creep groan is one of the low frequency vibration phenomena, which can be observed in automotive disk brakes at low driving speeds [1]. In order to study fundamental mechanisms of creep groan, a model with bristle friction law was set up, for which the bifurcation behavior was studied numerically. A corresponding map reflecting regions with qualitatively different behavior was obtained and compared with experimental results [9–11]. In the work described in this paper, an analytical study based on an approach presented in [13, 14] is proposed as an alternative way to map the bifurcation behavior. The corresponding nonlinear model shows that the system may have three different parameter regions with different types of asymptotically stable solutions, i.e. an equilibrium solution, a stick‐slip limit cycle, and coexistence of them. The stick‐slip limit cycle can be interpreted as the origin of creep groan in a vehicle while the equilibrium solution is the desired non‐vibrating solution. As the regions reflect the risk of generation of creep groan, it can be used to evaluate the robustness of brake systems against creep groan. The analytical study is verified by experimental results.
Advances in engineered trans-acting regulatory RNAs and their application in bacterial genome engineering
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Hafeez Mian Abdul , Ahmed Rais
Published: March 2019

Small noncoding RNAs, a large class of ancient posttranscriptional regulators, are increasingly recognized and utilized as key modulators of gene expression in a broad range of microorganisms. Owing to their small molecular size and the central role of Watson–Crick base pairing in defining their interactions, structure and function, numerous diverse types of trans-acting RNA regulators that are functional at the DNA, mRNA and protein levels have been experimentally characterized. It has become increasingly clear that most small RNAs play critical regulatory roles in many processes and are, therefore, considered to be powerful tools for genetic engineering and synthetic biology. The trans-acting regulatory RNAs accelerate this ability to establish potential framework for genetic engineering and genome-scale engineering, which allows RNA structure characterization, easier to design and model compared to DNA or protein-based systems. In this review, we summarize recent advances in engineered trans-acting regulatory RNAs that are used in bacterial genome-scale engineering and in novel cellular capabilities as well as their implementation in wide range of biotechnological, biological and medical applications.
Violations of dominance in decision-making
Authors: Kourouxous Thomas , Bauer Thomas
Published: March 2019

A key premise underlying most of the economic literature is that rational decision-makers will choose dominant strategies over dominated alternatives. However, prior literature in various disciplines including business, psychology, and economics document a series of phenomena associated with violations of the dominance principle in decision-making. In this comprehensive review, we discuss conditions under which people violate the dominance principle in decision-making. When presenting violations of dominance in empirical and experimental studies, we differentiate between absolute, statewise, and stochastic (first- and second-order) violations of dominance. Furthermore, we categorize the literature by the leading causes for dominance violations: framing, reference points, certainty effects, bounded rationality, and emotional responses.
Semi-analytical flash temperature model for thermoplastic polymer spur gears with consideration of linear thermo-mechanical material characteristics
Authors: Černe Borut , Duhovnik Jože , Tavčar Jože
Published: March 2019

The temperature increase that occurs during running of a polymer gear pair can be divided into two components: the nominal and flash temperatures. The latter denotes the short-term temperature increase that takes place during a gear meshing cycle. A thorough analysis of the flash temperature yields an insight into the heat dissipation process, which also determines the nominal temperature increase. We focus here on the flash component using numerical and analytical computation tools, with which we can obtain realistic predictions of the temperature increase during a gear meshing cycle. The analysis is performed using a decoupled procedure that involves a mechanical finite element analysis, followed by a semi-analytical temperature evaluation method based on the computed mechanical response of the system. With it, we obtain an improved flash temperature model that offers an accurate representation of the real life thermo-mechanical processes taking place at the gear teeth contact interfaces.

Highlights Sliding friction during polymer gear meshing generates dominant part of heat losses. The developed flash temperature model is based on numerical and analytical tools. Meshing kinematics influence considerably the frictional losses and temperature rise. Flash temperature model applicable to any type of spur gear geometry. The model provides necessary groundwork for long term nominal temperature analysis.
Chickens, Feed Grains, or Both: The Mexican Market
Authors: Arnade Carlos , Davis Christopher G.
Published: March 2019

This study connects Mexico’s imports of U.S. broiler meat with its imports of feed products. Two demand systems for Mexico are estimated: a two-stage Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model for broiler meat and a demand for feed derived from a translog cost function representing the production of Mexican chickens. The models are estimated using data from 1997 to 2016. Given a change in policy where Mexico completely replaces U.S. broiler meat imports, the imports of U.S. feed products will increase. If Mexico does not completely replace U.S. imports with domestic broiler production, our model suggests that Mexican imports of U.S. feed fall.
General formalism for a reduced description and modelling of momentum and energy transfer in turbulence
Authors: Cimarelli A. , Abbà A. , Germano M.
Published: March 2019

Based on hierarchies of filter lengths, the large eddy decomposition and the related subgrid stresses are recognized to represent generalized central moments for the study and modelling of the different modes composing turbulence. In particular, the subgrid stresses and the subgrid dissipation are shown to be alternative observables for quantitatively assessing the scale-dependent properties of momentum flux (subgrid stresses) and the energy exchange between the large and small scales (subgrid dissipation). In this work we present a theoretical framework for the study of the subgrid stress and dissipation. Starting from an alternative decomposition of the turbulent stresses, a new formalism for their approximation and understanding is proposed which is based on a tensorial turbulent viscosity. The derived formalism highlights that every decomposition of the turbulent stresses is naturally approximated by a general form of turbulent viscosity tensor based on velocity increments which is then recognized to be a peculiar property of small-scale stresses in turbulence. The analysis in a turbulent channel shows the rich physics of the small-scale stresses which is unveiled by the tensorial formalism and usually missed in scalar approaches. To further exploit the formalism, we also show how it can be used to derive new modelling approaches. The proposed models are based on the second- and third-order inertial properties of the grid element. The basic idea is that the structure of the integration volume for filtering (either implicit or explicit) impacts the anisotropy and inhomogeneity of the filtered-out motions and, hence, this information could be leveraged to improve the prediction of the main unknown features of small-scale turbulence. The formalism provides also a rigorous definition of characteristic lengths for the turbulent stresses, which can be computed in every type of computational elements, thus overcoming the rather elusive definition of filter length commonly employed in more classical models. A preliminary analysis in a turbulent channel shows reasonable results. In order to solve numerical stability issues, a tensorial dynamic procedure for the evolution of the model constants is also developed. The generality of the procedure is such that it can be employed also in more conventional closures.