bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinitrosyl iron complexes: From molecular electrocatalysts to electrodeposited‐film electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Lu Shan , Chiang Jin‐Cheng , Chiou Tzung‐Wen , Liaw Wen‐Feng
Published: July 2019

Clean and large‐scale production of hydrogen via water splitting triggered by active, robust, and low‐cost electrocatalysts is a promising and sustainable strategy for energy conversion and storage. In this study, a series of four‐coordinated chelating amine‐bound {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) [(L)Fe(NO)2] were synthesized to investigate how the electronic structure of [Fe(NO)2] unit of DNICs was tailored to promote the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) triggered by the homogeneous DNICs' molecular catalysts and the heterogeneous DNIC‐derived electrodeposited‐film electrodes. The electrochemical studies demonstrate that HER onset potentials of those DNICs in neutral sodium sulfate aqueous solution are dependent on their IR ν(NO) stretching frequencies, indicating that the electron‐rich [Fe(NO)2] core modulated by the synergistic cooperation of the electron‐donating ability and steric effect of methyl‐/hydrogen‐substituted diamine‐coordinated ligands, presumably, benefits the formation of metal‐hydride intermediate to reduce the required onset potential. In contrast with homogeneous catalyst retaining its molecular integrity during the catalytic HER process, it is noticed that DNICs [(L)Fe(NO)2] act as the precursor of the active heterogeneous HER catalyst during the electrocatalytic HER process. It is presumed that the intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions among DNICs [(L)Fe(NO)2] may control the particle sizes of DNIC‐derived electrodeposited film to modulate HER efficiency.
Simulation and optimization of Novozym 40086 kinetic resolution of α‐cyclopentylphenylacetic acid enantiomers
Authors: Zhang Panliang , Cheng Qing , Xu Weifeng , Tang Kewen
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Enzymatic resolution of enantiomers by hydrolysis is a popular method, yet most enantiomers have low solubility in the aqueous phase, resulting in low conversion. Notwithstanding this, the simulation and optimization of the reaction process by modelling has been reported only rarely. Thus, PEG was added to the aqueous phase and a mathematical model was established to obtain optimal conditions.

RESULTS

The effects of various parameters were investigated to build an optimized reaction system. The results indicated that temperature and pH had little effect on enantiomeric excess, but they had significant effect on conversion. Conversion was enhanced by 85% with the addition of PEG 400. Kinetic studies showed that pentanol competitively inhibited enzyme activity. A mathematical model was developed, and forward and reverse reactions were taken into consideration. Through simulation and optimization of model, the optimum conditions were obtained as follows: 10 mg mL−1 Novozym 40086, 10 mmol L−1 substrate, 30% PEG 400, temperature 45 °C, pH 6.5 and reaction time 36 h.

CONCLUSION

Chiral resolution of α‐cyclopentylphenylacetic acid enantiomer (CPPA) was achieved by Novozym 40086 enantioselective hydrolysis of the CPPA ester. Under optimum conditions, eep and cs were 95.83% and 88.52%, respectively. The relative errors between predicted values and experimental values were <5%, confirming that the model could accurately predict the enzymatic resolution reaction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation of glucocorticoids in water by dielectric barrier discharge and dielectric barrier discharge combined with calcium peroxide: performance comparison and synergistic effects
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wang Cihao , Huang Keliang , Miruka Andere Clement , Dong Ai , Guo Ying , Zhang Ai
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Degradation of glucocorticoids (GCs), including fluocinolone acetonide (FA), triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and clobetasol propionate (CP), in water by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and DBD combined with calcium peroxide treatment (DBD/CaO2) were investigated. Effects of discharge power, pH, plasma‐working gas and CaO2 dosage were examined during DBD and DBD/CaO2 treatments. The synergistic output from the combination of CaO2 with DBD on •OH concentration, pH, conductivity, CaO2 adsorption and the overall influence on GC removal were assessed. Toxicity variations and feasibility to various water matrices by DBD and DBD/CaO2 treatments also were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

The removal efficiencies of FA, TA and CP achieved were 74%, 70% and 75%, respectively, at 36.68 W over 120 min in air with unadjusted pH (energy yield of 7.47 mg kW−1 h−1). Significant synergistic effects were observed in combining CaO2 with DBD with a CaO2‐concentration‐dependent mechanism. The removal efficiency of FA, TA and CP increased by 7%, 32% and 31%, respectively, by DBD/CaO2 in comparison with DBD alone after 60 min treatments at CaO2 dosage of 0.4 g L−1. In addition, DBD/CaO2 treatment was more effective in controlling toxicity and had better efficacy in various water matrices than DBD alone.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a reference point for the application of DBD and DBD/CaO2 treatments to effectively remove GCs from water. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of a new fully automated transthoracic three‐dimensional echocardiographic software for quantification of left cardiac chamber size and function: Comparison with 3 Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Levy Franck , Iacuzio Laura , Schouver Elie D. , Essayagh Benjamin , Civaia Filippo , Dommerc Carinne , Maréchaux Sylvestre
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of a new fully automated fast three‐dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) software for the simultaneous assessment of left atrial (LA) volumes and LA ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular (LV) volumes, LV mass, and LVEF, and to compare the results obtained with a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) reference.

Methods

We included retrospectively 56 patients (46 men; mean age 63 ± 13 years) in sinus rhythm who had had comprehensive 3D TTE and CMR examinations within 24 hours.

Results

Despite a slight underestimation of LV and LA volumes, LVEF and LAEF were similar using CMR or 3DTTE (58% ± 16% vs 58% ± 12%; P = .65 and 45% ± 14% vs 46% ± 15%; P = .38, respectively) in the total population. Despite significant correlation between TTE and CMR measurements (r = 0.78; P < .001), 3D TTE underestimated LV mass (bias = −27 ± 35 g).

Conclusion

3D TTE using a new‐generation fully automated software is a fast and reproducible imaging modality for simultaneous extensive quantification of left heart chambers size and function in routine practice. Potential underestimation of LA volume and LV mass, and of LVEF in patients with LVEF <50%, should be taken into consideration.
Synthetic Study of Carthamin: Biomimetic Synthesis of Carthamin Model via Peroxidase‐Catalyzed Oxidative Decarboxylation of Its Precursor Model
Authors: Sohtome Takuo , Sato Shingo
Published: July 2019

A chiral carthamin model (3S,3′S)‐1‐[5‐acetyl‐2,6‐diketo‐3‐C‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylcyclohex‐4‐enylidene]‐1′‐[5′‐acetyl‐3′‐C‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐2′,3′,4′‐trihydroxy‐6′‐oxocyclohexa‐1′,4′‐dienyl]methane, in which two cinnamoyl groups were replaced by an acetyl group, was synthesized by the dimerization of (S)‐2‐acetyl‐4‐C‐(per‐O‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl)cyclohexadienone with glyoxylic acid, followed by peroxidase‐catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation and de‐O‐acetylation, or de‐O‐acetylation and peroxidase‐catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation. The corresponding total yields were 12.5% or 17.1% from 3‐C‐(per‐O‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl)phloroacetophenone, and the reaction pathway was identical to the biosynthetic pathway.
ACR guidance document on MR safe practices: Updates and critical information 2019
Authors:   ACR Committee on MR Safety:, Greenberg Todd D. , Hoff Michael N. , Gilk Tobias B. , Jackson Edward F. , Kanal Emanuel , McKinney Alexander M. , Och Joseph G. , Pedrosa Ivan , Rampulla Tina L. , Reeder Scott B. , Rogg Jeffrey M. , Shellock Frank G. , Watson Robert E. , Weinreb Jeffrey C. , Hernandez Dina
Published: July 2019

The need for a guidance document on MR safe practices arose from a growing awareness of the MR environment's potential risks and adverse event reports involving patients, equipment, and personnel. Initially published in 2002, the American College of Radiology White Paper on MR Safety established de facto industry standards for safe and responsible practices in clinical and research MR environments. The most recent version addresses new sources of risk of adverse events, increases awareness of dynamic MR environments, and recommends that those responsible for MR medical director safety undergo annual MR safety training. With regular updates to these guidelines, the latest MR safety concerns can be accounted for to ensure a safer MR environment where dangers are minimized.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:331–338.
A quality audit of MRI knee exams with the implementation of a novel 2‐point DIXON sequence
Authors: Bastian‐Jordan Matthew , Dhupelia Sanjay , McMeniman Morgan , Lanham Matthew , Hislop‐Jambrich Jacqueline
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on diagnostic image quality and acquisition time utilising a DIXON sequence to replace two standard proton density (PD) fat saturation (FS) sequences in routine magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation of the knee.

Methods

Thirty‐one consecutive patients referred for an MR examination of the knee were examined using the routine departmental protocol along with the addition of a DIXON sequence. The sequences were all evaluated by a senior radiologist and feedback provided via both written and scored responses. The sequences were then repackaged for two additional reviewers with the sagittal PD FS (Chemical Shift Selective Fat Saturation or CHESS) and sagittal PD removed and replaced with the DIXON (fat suppressed and in‐phase, respectively) sequence equivalents. Scored and written responses were tabled and reviewed to assess the suitability of sequence replacement.

Results

The DIXON‐based images were judged as being comparable replacements for the sagittal PD fat sat and PD sequences. There was no report of any loss in diagnostic confidence across the 31 patients (total of 32 knees) with a time saving of just over 10% gained. The most common issues raised affecting image quality, though not affecting diagnostic attributes, were patient motion and a minor chemical shift artefact.

Conclusion

The use of the DIXON technique in place of the PD sequences was of equivalent diagnostic quality with’good’ to ‘outstanding’ fat suppression observed for the majority of cases using the DIXON sequence with an incremental time saving obtained.
Guilt in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Active Duty Military Personnel
Authors: McLean Carmen P. , Zandberg Laurie , Brown Lily , Zang Yinyin , Benhamou Kathy , Dondanville Katherine A. , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Litz Brett T. , Mintz Jim , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L. , Foa Edna B. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: July 2019

The current study examined the role of trauma‐related guilt on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom change during prolonged exposure therapy (PE) as well as the efficacy of PE in reducing three dimensions of guilt (responsibility, wrongdoing, and lack of justification) during treatment. Participants were 331 active duty U.S. military personnel seeking treatment for PTSD who were randomized to one of four groups: massed PE (10 sessions delivered over 2 weeks), spaced PE (10 sessions delivered over 8 weeks), present‐centered therapy (PCT; 10 sessions delivered over 8 weeks), or minimal contact control (MCC; weekly therapist phone check‐in for 4 weeks). The results showed that baseline guilt did not predict reductions in PTSD symptoms for spaced PE or for PCT, ps = .178–.387, ds = −0.02–0.07. Treatment condition (massed PE vs. MCC; spaced PE vs. PCT) did not moderate reductions in guilt for spaced PE versus PCT. Guilt decreased significantly over treatment in all groups, p < .001 to p = .038, ds = −0.19 to –0.42, except concerning justification in the spaced PE and PCT groups, p = .140, d = −0.10. The findings suggest that guilt may be reduced significantly following active PTSD treatment and attention control and that PTSD recovery is not impacted by baseline levels of trauma‐related guilt in military personnel with PTSD, although reported levels of guilt were low to moderate in this sample.
Converting forests into rubber plantations weakened the soil CH4 sink in tropical uplands
Authors: Lang Rong , Goldberg Stefanie , Blagodatsky Sergey , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Harrison Rhett D. , Xu Jianchu , Cadisch Georg
Published: July 2019

Large‐scale conversion of natural forest to rubber plantations has taken place for decades in Southeast Asia, help to make it a deforestation hot spot. Besides negative changes in biodiversity, ecosystem water, and carbon budgets, converting forests to plantations often reduced CH4 uptake by soils. The latter process, which might be partly responsible for resumed increase in the growth rate of CH4 atmospheric concentrations since 2006, has not been adequately investigated. We measured soil surface CH4 fluxes during 2014 and 2015 in natural forests and rubber plantations of different age and soil textures in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China—a representative area for this type of land‐use change. Natural forest soils were stronger CH4 sinks than rubber soils, with annual CH4 fluxes of −2.41 ± 0.28 and −1.01 ± 0.23 kg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Water‐filled pore space was the main factor explaining the differences between natural forests and rubber plantations, even reverting rubber soils temporarily from CH4 sink into a methane source during the rainy season in older plantations. Soil nitrate content was often lower under rubber plantations. Added as a model covariate, this factor improved explanation power of the CH4 flux—water‐filled pore space regression. Although soils under rubber plantation were more clayey than soils under natural forest, this was not the decisive factor driving higher soil moisture and lower CH4 uptake in rubber soils. Thus, the conversion of forests into rubber plantations exerts a negative impact on the CH4 balance in the tropics and likely contributes to global climate.
Biosynthesis of Jasmonates from Linoleic Acid by the Fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Evidence for a Novel Allene Oxide Cyclase
Authors: Oliw Ernst H. , Hamberg Mats
Published: July 2019

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae (FOT) secretes (+)‐7‐iso‐jasmonoyl‐(S)‐isoleucine ((+)‐JA‐Ile) to the growth medium together with about 10 times less 9,10‐dihydro‐(+)‐7‐iso‐JA‐Ile. Plants and fungi form (+)‐JA‐Ile from 18:3n‐3 via 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (12‐OPDA), which is formed sequentially by 13S‐lipoxygenase, allene oxide synthase (AOS), and allene oxide cyclase (AOC). Plant AOC does not accept linoleic acid (18:2n‐6)‐derived allene oxides and dihydrojasmonates are not commonly found in plants. This raises the question whether 18:2n‐6 serves as the precursor of 9,10‐dihydro‐JA‐Ile in Fusarium, or whether the latter arises by a putative reductase activity operating on the n‐3 double bond of (+)‐JA‐Ile or one of its precursors. Incubation of pentadeuterated (d5) 18:3n‐3 with mycelia led to the formation of d5‐(+)‐JA‐Ile whereas d5‐9,10‐dihydro‐JA‐Ile was not detectable. In contrast, d5‐9,10‐dihydro‐(+)‐JA‐Ile was produced following incubation of [17,17,18,18,18‐2H5]linoleic acid (d5‐18:2n‐6). Furthermore, 9(S),13(S)‐12‐oxophytoenoic acid, the 15,16‐dihydro analog of 12‐OPDA, was formed upon incubation of unlabeled or d5‐18:2n‐6. Appearance of the α‐ketol, 12‐oxo‐13‐hydroxy‐9‐octadecenoic acid following incubation of unlabeled or [13C18]‐labeled 13(S)‐hydroperoxy‐9(Z),11(E)‐octadecadienoic acid confirmed the involvement of AOS and the biosynthesis of the allene oxide 12,13(S)‐epoxy‐9,11‐octadecadienoic acid. The lack of conversion of this allene oxide by AOC in higher plants necessitates the conclusion that the fungal AOC is distinct from the corresponding plant enzyme.
Hall's universal group has ample generic automorphisms
Authors: Song Shichang
Published: July 2019

We show that the automorphism group of Hall's universal locally finite group has ample generics, that is, it admits comeager diagonal conjugacy classes in all dimensions. Consequently, it has the small index property, is not the union of a countable chain of non‐open subgroups, and has the automatic continuity property. Also, we discuss some algebraic and topological properties of the automorphism group of Hall's universal group. For example, we show that every generic automorphism of Hall's universal group is conjugate to all of its powers, and hence has roots of all orders.
Multifunctional Fe(III)‐Binding Polyethers from Hydroxamic Acid‐Based Epoxide Monomers
Authors: Johann Tobias , Kemmer‐Jonas Ulrike , Barent Ramona D. , Frey Holger
Published: July 2019

Multiple hydroxamic acids are introduced at poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via copolymerization of ethylene oxide with a novel epoxide monomer containing a 1,4,2‐dioxazole‐protected hydroxamic acid (HAAGE). AB‐ and ABA‐type di‐ and triblock copolymers as well as statistical copolymers of HAAGE and ethylene oxide are prepared in a molecular weight range between 2600 and 12 000 g mol−1 with low dispersities (Ð < 1.2). Cleavage of the acetal protecting group after the polymerization is achieved by mild acidic treatment, releasing multiple free hydroxamic acids tethered to the polyether backbone. The chelation properties of different polymer architectures (statistical versus diblock and ABA triblock) are investigated and compared with regard to the number and position of hydroxamic acids. Separation of the hydroxamic acid units by at least 5 ethylene glycol monomer units is found to be essential for high Fe(III) binding efficiency, while block copolymers are observed to be the best‐suited architecture for polymer network and hydrogel formation via Fe(III) chelation.
Recent actions suggest prioritization of young students' mental health needs
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2019

State legislative and administrative action on both coasts of the United States is sending a signal that youths are speaking out in unprecedented fashion about mental health needs, and adults in positions of power appear poised to listen and take action.
DSM‐5 personality domains as correlates of non‐suicidal self‐injury severity in an Italian sample of adolescent inpatients with self‐destructive behaviour
Authors: Somma Antonella , Fossati Andrea , Ferrara Mauro , Fantini Fiorella , Galosi Serena , Krueger Robert F. , Markon Kristian E. , Terrinoni Arianna
Published: July 2019

To evaluate the associations between DSM‐5 alternative model of personality disorder dysfunctional personality domains and the clinician's ratings of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) severity, a sample of consecutively admitted Italian adolescent inpatients (N = 100) were administered the Italian translations of the DSM‐5 Clinician Rating Scale‐NSSI (CRS‐NSSI), the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II Personality Disorders, Version 2.0 (SCID‐II) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Bivariate association analyses showed that PID‐5 negative affectivity scores and CDI total score were significantly associated with CRS‐NSSI ratings. PID‐5 negative affectivity score proved to be a significant predictor of the CRS‐NSSI score even when the effect of the CDI total score was held constant. Our results highlighted that specific risk factors for NSSI severity may be identified even among NSSI adolescents. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymeric Micelles Employing Platinum(II) Linker for the Delivery of the Kinase Inhibitor Dactolisib
Authors: Shi Haili , Lou Bo , van Steenbergen Mies J. , Sijbrandi Niels J. , Hennink Wim E. , Kok Robbert J.
Published: July 2019

Polymeric micelles are attractive nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug molecules such as the kinase inhibitor dactolisib. Two different poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(acrylic acid) (PEG‐b‐PAA) block‐copolymers are synthesized, PEG(5400)‐b‐PAA(2000) and PEG(10000)‐b‐PAA(3700), respectively. Polymeric micelles are formed by self‐assembly once dactolisib is conjugated via the ethylenediamine platinum(II) linker (Lx) to the PAA block of the block copolymers. Dactolisib micelles with dactolisib loading content of 17% w/w show good colloidal stability and display sustained release of Lx‐dactolisib over 96 h in PBS at 37 °C, while media containing reagents that compete for platinum coordination (e.g., glutathione (GSH) or dithiothreitol (DTT)) effectuate release of the parent inhibitor dactolisib at similar release rates. Dactolisib/lissamine‐loaded micelles are internalized by human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF‐7) in a dose and time‐dependent manner as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. Dactolisib‐loaded micelles inhibit the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway at low concentrations (400 × 10−9 m) and exhibit potent cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells with IC50 values of 462 ± 46 and 755 ± 75 × 10−9 m for micelles with either short or longer PEG‐b‐PAA block lengths. In conclusion, dactolisib loaded PEG‐b‐PAA micelles are successfully prepared and hold potential for nanomedicine‐based tumor delivery of dactolisib.
Sensitive and Reliable SERS Substrates Based on Hierarchical Nanoparticle Arrays Fabricated by Confined Spheroidization
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Xihua , Fang Jinghuai
Published: July 2019

Substrates with complex and hierarchical nanostructure are widely investigated in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), but it remains challenging to improve the structural uniformity and stability. Herein, a novel method is proposed: confined spheroidization. Unique configurations of hierarchical metallic nanoparticle arrays (HMNA) are successfully fabricated by confined spheroidizing on anodic aluminum oxide templates. By utilizing the confined effect of the holes, a series of large particles inside the hole and small particles arranged on the hole wall are obtained after thermal annealing. The size and distribution of nanoparticles strongly depend on the hole size, the thickness of the hole wall, and the deposition thickness of metal layer. COMSOL simulations demonstrate good SERS activity of the HMNA, with a low detection limit of ≈10−8 m for crystal violet (CV) and the enhancement factor of ≈ 4.97 × 107 at the 1160 cm−1 mode of CV. The relative standard deviation of 6.23% from 59 random spots and a 9.24% signal variation among ten substrates are achieved, showing good SERS signal reproducibility of the HMNA. This simple and low‐cost technique makes it possible to prepare 3D hierarchical ordered micro–nanostructures by one‐step, showing prospect applications in SERS‐based detection and plasmonic materials.
Weighing synthetic polymers of ultra‐high molar mass and polymeric nanomaterials: What can we learn from charge detection mass spectrometry?
Authors: Antoine Rodolphe
Published: July 2019

Advances in soft ionization techniques for mass spectrometry (MS) of polymeric materials make it possible to determine the masses of intact molecular ions exceeding megadaltons. Interfacing MS with separation and fragmentation methods has additionally led to impressive advances in the ability to structurally characterize polymers. Even if the gap to the megadalton range has been bridged by MS for polymers standards, the MS‐based analysis for more complex polymeric materials is still challenging. Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) is a single‐molecule method where the mass and the charge of each ion are directly determined from individual measurements. The entire molecular mass distribution of a polymer sample can be thus accurately measured. Described in this perspective paper is how molecular weight distribution as well as charge distribution can provide new insights into the structural and compositional studies of synthetic polymers and polymeric nanomaterials in the megadalton to gigadalton range of molecular weight. The recent multidimensional CDMS studies involving couplings with separation and dissociation techniques will be presented. And, finally, an outlook for the future avenues of the CDMS technique in the field of synthetic polymers of ultra‐high molar mass and polymeric nanomaterials will be provided.
Silver Nanoparticles Embedded Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite with Enhanced Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Degradation Activities
Authors: Naz Saira , Mansoor Qaisar , Nisar Amjad , Karim Shafqat , Khan Maaz , Ali Ghafar , Rahman Ataur , Ahmad Mashkoor
Published: July 2019

Silver nanoparticles embedded graphene oxide (Ag‐GO) nanocomposite was prepared by one pot synthesis technique. The pristine composite was analyzed via FESEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. The nanocomposite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities with improved biocompatibility. Owing to synergy, Ag‐GO composite inhibits growth and multiplication of the tested bacteria, Escherichia coli and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in the first 2 h and then ceases their growth completely up to 24 h. The cell viability was found to be ∼85% for Ag‐GO doses up to 160 ppm tested with human corneal epithelial cells, which indicates the nontoxic behavior of the composite. Moreover, Ag‐GO nanocomposite exibits enhanced photocatalytic degradation properties for toxic organic dyes. The composite shows 98% degradation of rhodamine B in 24 min, 97% of methylene blue in 14 min and 99% of commercial dye‐AY in 12 min. The photocatalytic efficiency was found to be about five times higher than that of the pure GO. During the photocatalytic process the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated via surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles are responsible for the good bacterial population control as well as for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity. The reusability and recyclability of Ag‐GO nanocomposite suggest its commercial utilization with structural stability and good biocompatibility.
One‐Step Solvothermal Synthesis of BiPO4/Bi2MoO6 Heterostructure with Oxygen Vacancies and Z‐Scheme System for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Chou Xiaoyu , Ye Jin , He Jiahui , Ge Kai , Liu Jiahui , Fu Congcong , Zhou Xuejian , Wang Shuang , Zhang Yue , Yang Yongfang
Published: July 2019

The construction of heterojunction between semiconductor is an effective technology to enhance its photocatalytic activity using solar energy. In this paper, a series of BiPO4/Bi2MoO6 heterostructures with different mole ratio of Mo:P were successfully synthesized via one‐pot solvothermal method. Photocatalytic activity of all samples were investigated by degrading methylene blue (MB) under visible light. Among the catalysts, BMoP‐1‐3 sample with oxygen vacancy has excellent photocatalytic activity due to improving its light harvesting and charge separation by establishment of Z‐scheme system heterostructure, which is 1.65 and 1.22 times that of pure BiPO4 and Bi2MoO6, respectively.
Coassembly of Complementary Peptide Nucleic Acid into Crystalline Structures by Microfluidics
Authors: Arnon Zohar A. , Berger Or , Aizen Ruth , Hannes Korren , Brown Noam , Shimon Linda J. W. , Gazit Ehud
Published: July 2019

The self‐assembly of simple units into well‐ordered supramolecular polymeric structures may give rise to a broad range of desirable attributes. In the field of bionanotechnology, there are two main classes commonly used as building blocks for self‐assembly—amino acids and nucleobases. While protein, peptide, and amino acid building blocks propose broad chemical versatility, the specific Watson–Crick base pairings of nucleic acids allow rational design and precise control over the assembly process. Specifically, artificially synthesized peptide nucleic acids (PNA), short DNA mimics that have an amide backbone, can present a unique set of properties while preserving the specific base pairing of the nucleic acids. The use of complementary building blocks allows the study of supramolecular polymer coassemblies. Here, the coassembly of two paired di‐PNA building blocks provides a new layer of control, as both building blocks are required for the spontaneous assembly to occur. Utilizing a microfluidic system, the growth of the well‐ordered structure can be regulated and monitored. The crystal structure of the formed assemblies display Watson–Crick base pairing with similar distances as those found in typical DNA double helices. Moreover, the crystals exhibit intriguing optical properties that may be implemented in various materials science and nanotechnological applications.
Stem‐group fossils of Symphrasinae shed light on early evolution of Mantispidae (Insecta, Neuroptera)
Authors: Shi Chaofan , Yang Qiang , Winterton Shaun L. , Pang Hong , Ren Dong
Published: July 2019

Two new mantid lacewing genera and species,Archaeosymphrasis pennyigen. et sp. nov. andHabrosymphrasis xiaigen. et sp. nov., are described from mid‐Cretaceous Myanmar amber. Phylogenetic analysis recovered the new genera as stem‐group Symphrasinae, sister to the rest of the subfamily. These represent the oldest fossil record of the subfamily Symphrasinae (Neuroptera, Mantispidae) and illuminate the evolutionary history of Symphrasinae, as well as providing insights into the group's historical biogeography. They also provide new evidence for divergence time estimates of extant mantispid subfamilies.
Ultra‐High‐Speed Non‐Unit Protection and Fault Location for Parallel Transmission Lines Earth Faults
Authors: Mourad Dina , Shehab_Eldin E. H.
Published: July 2019

This article proposes a powerful ultra‐high‐speed technique for earth fault distance protection of double‐circuit power transmission lines. The proposed technique uses the zero and positive sequence of the current signals. The technique presents a discriminating method based on the appearance of zero sequences, the zero sequence magnitude, and the time arrival instants of zero and positive sequence at the relaying point. The suggested technique consists of three stages. Stage 1; the polarity technique, which is designed to detect and classify faults within the protected zone. Stage 2; the ratio technique, which is designed to identify in which circuit the fault is involved. Stage 3; it is employed to calculate the distance of faults. Extensive numbers of simulations were conducted to test the action of the proposed technique. Results show that the technique provides a speed, secure, and dependable protection technique of double‐circuit transmission lines even for remote fault, high resistance fault, and a low inception time fault. They also avoid the unbalanced load‐switching effect and the current transformer (CT) saturation problems. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An assessment of the impact of construction work on fine particulate matter in the University of Jordan: A PIXE study
Authors: Sa'adeh Hanan , Aburugia Sara , Chiari Massimo
Published: July 2019

Aerosol sampling was carried out prior to and during an active construction work at the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan. Elemental characterization for 60 PM2.5 samples was performed by particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) technique at the LABEC laboratory of INFN in Florence, Italy. Twenty three elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, and Pb) were detected, and their concentrations were assessed during three sampling periods, namely, “No Construction,” “Pouring Concrete,” and “Bleaching.” The results showed higher concentrations of soil‐related elements and lower concentrations of anthropogenic‐related elements during construction periods compared with their concentrations before construction. Soil‐related elements showed very low enrichment factor (EF) and high correlation coefficients during all sampling periods. Anthropogenic‐related elements were very much enriched and correlated only during the first sampling period “No Construction.”
Perturbative solutions of $$ \mathcal{N}={1}^{\ast } $$ holography on S4
Authors: Kim Nakwoo , Kim Se-Jin
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We apply the recently proposed perturbative technique to solve the supergravity BPS equations of

$$ \mathcal{N}={1}^{\ast } $$

N
=

1
∗

theories put on S
4. In particular, we have calculated the coefficients of the leading quartic terms exactly, in the expression of the universal part for the holographic free energy as a function of the mass parameters. We also report on the coefficients of higher order terms up to 10th order, which are computed numerically.
Certificate-of-Need Programs Are Associated with a Reduced Incidence, Expenditure, and Rate of Complications with Respect to Knee Arthroscopy in the Medicare Population
Authors: Cancienne Jourdan M. , Browning Robert , Haug Emmanuel , Browne James A. , Werner Brian C.
Published: July 2019

Background

To curb costs at the state level, improve care quality, and promote access to care, certificate-of-need (CON) laws were established in many states in 1974. It is not known how CON regulations have affected the provision of knee arthroscopy, one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in the USA.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to characterize the effects of CON regulations on knee arthroscopy in the national Medicare population by examining trends in procedure volumes, comparing trends in procedure charges, evaluating distribution of procedure volumes between high-, mid-, and low-volume facilities, and comparing adverse event and complication rates after knee arthroscopy between states with and without CON regulations.

Methods

States with CON regulations covering both inpatient and outpatient operating rooms formed the study group ( n = 25 states) and were compared with states without CON laws or laws that did not cover operating rooms during the study period ( n = 20 states). The 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files from 2005 through 2014 were used to compare knee arthroscopy procedure volumes, charges, reimbursements, distribution of procedures based on facility volumes and adverse events between the two groups.

Results

The rate of decrease in the incidence of knee arthroscopy was significantly greater in CON states than that in non-CON states. CON states also had significantly lower charges at all time points, and overall, compared with non-CON states. There were significantly more high- and mid-volume facilities in CON states than in non-CON states, and there were significantly more low-volume facilities in non-CON states than in CON states. Finally, there were significantly higher rates of emergency room visits within 30 days and infection within 6 months in non-CON states than in CON states.

Conclusions

CON regulations appear to have achieved several of their intended goals for knee arthroscopy. Further research is needed to determine if CON regulations affect the quality and sustainability of care provided to patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.
Simulations of Grain Refinement in Various Steels Using the Three-Scale Crystal Plasticity Model
Authors: Frydrych Karol
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the recently developed three-scale crystal plasticity model is applied to simulate microstructural evolution of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels subjected to large plastic strains. It is shown that the model is able to correctly predict both texture and misorientation angle distributions in the materials studied. Moreover, it can correctly capture the grain-refinement kinetics and the influence of the stacking fault energy. Finally, it is confirmed that the 3SCP model is a computationally attractive alternative for reliable modeling of microstructural evolutions in metals and alloys.
Die Rolle seltener Varianten bei häufigen Krankheiten
Authors: Ludwig Kerstin U. , Degenhardt Franziska , Nöthen Markus M.
Published: July 2019

Häufige Krankheiten, die sog. Volkskrankheiten, sind in der Regel multifaktoriell verursacht, d. h. zu ihrer Entwicklung tragen sowohl genetische Faktoren als auch nicht-genetische Umgebungseinflüsse bei. Die geschätzte Gesamterblichkeit (‑heritabilität) reicht von moderat bis vergleichsweise hoch. Die genetische Architektur ist komplex und kann das gesamte allelische Spektrum, von häufigen Varianten mit niedriger Penetranz bis hin zu seltenen Varianten mit höherer Penetranz, sowie alle möglichen Kombinationen umfassen. Während häufige Varianten seit mehreren Jahren mit großem Erfolg durch genomweite Assoziationsstudien (GWAS) identifiziert werden, war bisher die Identifizierung seltener Varianten, insbesondere aufgrund der großen Zahl beitragender Gene, nur begrenzt erfolgreich. Dies ändert sich derzeit dank der Anwendung von Hochdurchsatz-Sequenziertechnologien („next-generation sequencing“, NGS) und der daraus resultierenden zunehmenden Verfügbarkeit von exom- und genomweiten Sequenzdaten großer Kollektive. In diesem Artikel geben wir einen Überblick über die Bedeutung seltener Varianten bei häufigen Erkrankungen sowie den aktuellen Stand in Bezug auf deren Identifizierung mittels NGS. Wir betrachten insbesondere die folgenden Fragen: Bei welchen häufigen Krankheiten ist ein Beitrag seltener Varianten zu erwarten, wie können diese Varianten identifiziert werden, und welches Potenzial bieten seltene Varianten für das Verständnis biologischer Prozesse bzw. für die Translation in die klinische Praxis?
Willingness to Pay for Shrimp with Homegrown by Heroes, Community-Supported Fishery, Best Aquaculture Practices, or Local Attributes
Authors: Soley Graham , Hu Wuyang , Vassalos Michael
Published: July 2019

With the seafood food market endowed with various attributes, consumers may prefer certain certifications over others. By surveying a diverse sample of respondents, this study examines consumer preference for farm-raised shrimp in Kentucky and South Carolina. Respondents’ assessment of certain seafood labels is evaluated using a stated preference survey. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates and various product profiles are generated. Consistent with previous studies, a strong preference for fresh and “local” was found. Furthermore, Homegrown by Heroes was highly valued among participants, as well as Best Aquaculture Practices. Based on WTP estimates for these attributes, marketing and policy recommendations are discussed.
Do Most U.S. Farms Really Lose Money? Taxation and Farm Income Underreporting
Authors: Key Nigel
Published: July 2019

This article explores whether income underreporting for tax purposes can explain why the majority of U.S. farmers earn low or negative net farm income. Using 10 years of U.S. Department of Agriculture farm-level data, the extent of underreporting is estimated by exploiting the fact that farm households face an incentive to underreport farm income that varies with their reported off-farm income. Results indicate that 39% of total farm income is underreported. For large farms, the results imply a substantial discrepancy between reported and earned farm income. For small-scale operations, underreporting reduces but does not eliminate the gap between farm and off-farm wages.
Developing a team science workshop for early-career investigators
Authors: Mayowski Colleen A. , Norman Marie K. , Schenker Yael , Proulx Chelsea N. , Kapoor Wishwa N.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

High impact biomedical research is increasingly conducted by large, transdisciplinary, multisite teams in an increasingly collaborative environment. Thriving in this environment requires robust teamwork skills, which are not acquired automatically in the course of traditional scientific education. Team science skills training does exist, but most is directed at clinical care teams, not research teams, and little is focused on the specific training needs of early-career investigators, whose early team leadership experiences may shape their career trajectories positively or negatively. Our research indicated a need for team science training designed specifically for early-career investigators.

Methods:

To address this need, we designed and delivered a 2-day workshop focused on teaching team science skills to early-career investigators. We operationalized team science competencies, sought the advice of team science experts, and performed a needs assessment composed of a survey and a qualitative study. Through these multiple approaches, we identified and grouped training priorities into three broad training areas and developed four robust, hands-on workshop sessions.

Results:

Attendees comprised 30 pre- and post-doc fellows (TL1) and early-career faculty (KL2 and K12). We assessed impact with a pre- and post-workshop survey adapted from the Team Skills Scale. Results from the pre- and post-test Wilcoxon signed-rank analysis (n = 25) showed statistically significant improvement in team science skills and confidence. Open-ended responses indicated that the workshop focus was appropriate and well targeted to the trainees’ needs.

Conclusions:

Although team science education is still very much in its infancy, these results suggest that training targeted to early-career investigators improves team skills and may foster improved collaboration.
Acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the absence of antimicrobial exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: D’Agata Erika M. C. , Geffert Sara F. , McTavish Rebecca , Wilson Florence , Cameron Chris
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The main risk factor for acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) is antimicrobial exposure, although acquisition can occur in their absence. The aim of this study was to quantify the proportion of patients who acquire ARB without antimicrobial exposure.

Study design:

We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library for publications between January 1, 2000, and July 24, 2017, to identify studies of ARB acquisition in endemic settings. Studies required collection of serial surveillance cultures with acquisition defined as a negative baseline culture and a subsequent positive culture for an ARB, including either multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria or antimicrobial-resistant enterococci. Intervention studies were excluded. For each study, the proportion of patients who acquired an ARB but were not exposed to antimicrobials during the study period was quantified.

Results:

A total of 4,233 citations were identified; 147 underwent full-text review. Of these, 10 studies met inclusion criteria; 7 studies were considered to be at low risk of bias; and 6 studies were conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The overall summary estimate for the proportion of patients who were not exposed to antimicrobials among those who acquired an ARB was 16.6% (95% CI, 7.8%–31.8%; P < .001), ranging from 0% to 57.1%. We observed no heterogeneity in the ICU studies but high heterogeneity among the non-ICU studies.

Conclusion:

In most included studies, a subset of patients acquired an ARB but were not exposed to antimicrobials. Future studies need to address transmission dynamics of ARB acquisition in the absence of antimicrobials.
Gossiping about outsiders: How time-related work stress among collectivistic employees hinders job performance
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul , Azeem Muhammad Umer
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the connection between employees’ experience of time-related work stress and their job performance, with a particular focus on the mediating role of their propensity to engage in negative gossip and the moderating role of their collectivistic orientation. The results based on multisource, three-wave data from employees, their peers, and supervisors in Pakistani organizations show that an important reason that time-related work stress might diminish job performance is that employees expend significant energy discussing their negative evaluations of other organizational members with peers, possibly as a way to protect their self-esteem resources. This mediating role of gossip is also invigorated by employees’ collectivistic orientation. For organizations, this study identifies a key mechanism – informal conversations with peers about the flaws of others in the organization – by which time-related stress prevents employees from allocating sufficient energy to completing their job tasks, and it reveals that this process is more likely among collectivistic employees.
Enhanced postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion during obesity development has a protective role against glucose intolerance induction in rats
Authors: Pinyo Jukkrapong , Hira Tohru , Hara Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that regulates postprandial glycaemic response by enhancing insulin secretion. We previously demonstrated that the postprandial GLP-1 response was enhanced during the development of diet-induced obesity in rats. However, the physiological relevance of the enhanced GLP-1 response remained unclear. We aimed to determine the role of endogenous GLP-1 during obesity development. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given either a control diet or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS, 30 % fat and 40 % sucrose, weight basis) diet with or without continuous administration of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist, exendin (9–39) (Ex9, 100 µg/d), for 5 weeks. Meal tolerance tests (MTT) were performed to assess postprandial glucose, insulin and GLP-1 responses to a liquid diet administration (15 kcal (63 kJ)/10 ml per kg body weight) every 2 weeks. The AUC of postprandial glucose in the HFS group was similar to the control group in both MTT (P = 0·9665 and P = 0·3475, respectively), whereas AUC of postprandial GLP-1 (after 4 weeks,P = 0·0457) and of insulin (after 2 and 4 weeks, P = 0·0486 and P = 0·0110) was higher in the HFS group compared with the control group. In the Ex9 group, AUC of postprandial glucose (P = 0·0297 and P = 0·0486) was higher along with a lower insulin response compared with the HFS group (P = 0·0564 and P = 0·0281). These results suggest that enhancement of the postprandial GLP-1 response during obesity development has a role in maintaining a normal postprandial glycaemic response. Hence, enhancing endogenous GLP-1 secretion by certain materials could be a potential target for prevention of glucose intolerance.
NEW FRAGMENTS FROM RUFUS OF EPHESUS’ON MELANCHOLY(24A–D) ANDON PREFERRING FRESH POPPIES
Authors: Pormann P.E.
Published: July 2019

Rufus of Ephesus (fl.c.a.d.100) wrote a large body of works on a variety of medical topics. Generally speaking, the Arabic tradition is particularly important for the reconstruction of much of his œuvre. In the present article, I am going to present four new fragments of Rufus’On Melancholyand a fragment from an otherwise unknown monographOn Preferring Fresh Poppies. These new fragments provide fascinating new insights into Rufus’ approach to recording case histories.