bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Spectrometry‐Based Quantitative Proteomics of Murine‐Derived Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils
Authors: Geddes‐McAlister Jennifer , Gadjeva Mihaela
Published: August 2019

Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs or neutrophils) are the most abundant leukocyte in humans and represent an essential component of the innate immune system. The ability of neutrophils to initiate an immediate and non‐specific host response against invading microbial species is the key to determining the outcome of infection. Neutrophils produce and secrete a plethora of immunomodulatory proteins, including major granule proteins and cytokines, as well as various enzymes, which regulate adherence, phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and cell survival. Historically, characterization of neutrophils and their roles during infection have relied on genetic and phenotypic analyses, as well as biochemical assays. However, recent advances in mass spectrometry‐based proteomic workflows and technological platforms have supported the comprehensive profiling of neutrophil‐associated immune responses in consideration of cellular factors and secreted proteins. Given the critical role of neutrophils in maintaining and regulating innate immune function, comprehensive profiling of their response to infection is imperative to ensuring host survival. Here, we briefly discuss the role of neutrophils in host‐defense and describe methods to purify neutrophils from murine samples and comprehensively profile their proteomes. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer‐Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Sodium‐Metal Cells with Enhanced Cycling Performance
Authors: Park Myung‐Soo , Woo Hyun‐Sik , Heo Jung‐Moo , Kim Jong‐Man , Thangavel Ranjith , Lee Yun‐Sung , Kim Dong‐Won
Published: August 2019

Sodium batteries have been recognized as a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries. However, the liquid electrolyte used in these batteries has inherent safety problems. Polymer electrolytes have been considered as safer and more reliable electrolyte systems for rechargeable batteries. Herein, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer‐based gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and high elasticity was reported. It had an ambient‐temperature ionic conductivity of 1.5 mS cm−1 and high stretchability, capable of withstanding 610 % strain. Coordination between Na+ ions and polymer chains increased the degree of salt dissociation in the gel polymer electrolyte compared with the liquid electrolyte. An Na/Na3V2(PO4)3 cell assembled with gel polymer electrolyte exhibited good cycling performance in terms of discharge capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability, which was owing to the effective trapping ability of organic solvents in the polymer matrix and uniform flux of sodium ions through the gel polymer electrolyte.
ACDAS: Authenticated controlled data access and sharing scheme for cloud storage
Authors: Tiwari Deepnarayan , Chaturvedi Gayatri K , Gangadharan G. R.
Published: August 2019

Cloud storage services require cost‐effective, scalable, and self‐managed secure data management functionality. Public cloud storage always enforces users to adopt the restricted generic security consideration provided by the cloud service provider. On the contrary, private cloud storage gives users the opportunity to configure a self‐managed and controlled authenticated data security model to control the accessing and sharing of data in a private cloud. However, this introduces several new challenges to data security. One critical issue is how to enable a secure, authenticated data storage model for data access with controlled data accessibility. In this paper, we propose an authenticated controlled data access and sharing scheme called ACDAS to address this issue. In our proposed scheme, we employ a biometric‐based authentication model for secure access to data storage and sharing. To provide flexible data sharing under the control of a data owner, we propose a variant of a proxy reencryption scheme where the cloud server uses a proxy reencryption key and the data owner generates a credential token during decryption to control the accessibility of the users. The security analysis shows that our proposed scheme is resistant to various attacks, including a stolen verifier attack, a replay attack, a password guessing attack, and a stolen mobile device attack. Further, our proposed scheme satisfies the considered security requirements of a data storage and sharing system. The experimental results demonstrate that ACDAS can achieve the security goals together with the practical efficiency of storage, computation, and communication compared with other related schemes.
Capsule network‐based data pruning in wireless sensor networks
Authors: S Umamaheswari
Published: August 2019

The development of the wireless sensor networks (WSN) being deployed among numerous application for its sensing capabilities is increasing at a very fast tread. Its distributed nature and ability to extend communication even to the inaccessible areas beyond communication range that lacks human intervention has made it even more attractive in a wide space of applications. Confined with numerous sensing nodes distributed over a wide area, the WSN incurs certain limitations as it is battery powered. Many developed routing enhancements with power and energy efficiency lacked in achieving the significant improvement in the performance. So, the paper proposes a machine learning system (capsule network) and technique (data pruning) for WSN involved in the real world observations to have knowledge‐based learning from the experience for an intelligent way of handling the dynamic and real environment without the intervention of the humans. The WSN cluster‐based routing aided with capsule network and data pruning proffered in paper enables the WSN to have a prolonged network lifetime, energy efficiency, minimized delay, and enhanced throughput by reducing the energy usage and extending communication within the limited battery availability. The proposed system is validated in the network simulator and compared with the WSN without ML to check for the performance enhancements of the WSN with ML inclusions in terms of quality of service enhancements, network lifetime, packet delivery ratio, and energy to evince the efficacy of the WSN with capsule network‐based data pruning.
Variation in migration pattern, broodstock origin, and family productivity of coho salmon hatchery populations in British Columbia, Canada, derived from parentage‐based tagging
Authors: Beacham Terry D. , Wallace Colin , Jonsen Kim , McIntosh Brenda , Candy John R. , Willis David , Lynch Cheryl , Withler Ruth E.
Published: August 2019

In salmonid parentage‐based tagging (PBT) applications, entire hatchery broodstocks are genotyped, and subsequently, progeny can be nonlethally sampled and assigned back to their parents using parentage analysis, thus identifying their hatchery of origin and brood year (i.e., age). Inter‐ and intrapopulation variability in migration patterns, life history traits, and fishery contributions can be determined from PBT analysis of samples derived from both fisheries and escapements (portion of a salmon population that does not get caught in fisheries and returns to its natal river to spawn). In the current study of southern British Columbia coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations, PBT analysis provided novel information on intrapopulation heterogeneity among males in the total number of progeny identified in fisheries and escapements, the proportion of progeny sampled from fisheries versus escapement, the proportion of two‐year‐old progeny (jacks) produced, and the within‐season return time of progeny. Fishery recoveries of coho salmon revealed heterogeneity in migration patterns among and within populations, with recoveries from north and central coast fisheries distinguishing “northern migrating” from “resident” populations. In northern migrating populations, the mean distance between fishery captures of sibs (brothers and sisters) was significantly less than the mean distance between nonsibs, indicating the possible presence of intrapopulation genetic heterogeneity for migration pattern. Variation among populations in productivity and within populations in fish catchability indicated that population selection and broodstock management can be implemented to optimize harvest benefits from hatcheries. Application of PBT provided valuable information for assessment and management of hatchery‐origin coho salmon in British Columbia.
Drought affects the coordination of belowground and aboveground resource‐related traits in Solidago canadensis in China
Authors: Du Leshan , Liu Haiyan , Guan Wenbin , Li Junmin , Li Junsheng
Published: August 2019

Quantifying patterns of variation and coordination of plant functional traits can help to understand the mechanisms underlying both invasiveness and adaptation of plants. Little is known about the coordinated variations of performance and functional traits of different organs in invasive plants, especially in response to their adaptation to environmental stressors. To identify the responses of the invasive species Solidago canadensis to drought, 180 individuals were randomly collected from 15 populations and 212 ramets were replanted in a greenhouse to investigate both the response and coordination between root and leaf functional traits. Drought significantly decreased plant growth and most of the root and leaf functional traits, that is, root length, surface area, volume and leaf size, number, and mass fraction, except for the root length ratio and root mass fraction. Phenotypic plasticity was higher in root traits than in leaf traits in response to drought, and populations did not differ significantly. The plasticity of most root functional traits, that is, root length (RL), root surface area (RSA), root volume (RV), and root mass fraction (RMF), were significantly positively correlated with biomass between control and drought. However, the opposite was found for leaf functional traits, that is, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area ratio (LAR), and leaf mass fraction (LMF). Drought enhanced the relationship between root and leaf, that is, 26 pairwise root–leaf traits were significantly correlated under drought, while only 15 pairwise root–leaf traits were significantly correlated under control conditions. Significant correlations were found between biomass and all measured functional traits except for leaf size. RV, root length ratio, RMF, total area of leaves, and LMF responded differently to water availability. These responses enable S. canadensis to cope with drought conditions and may help to explain the reason of the vast ecological amplitude of this species.
Development of a classifier system for a continuous environment
Authors: Hayashida Tomohiro , Nishizaki Ichiro , Sekizaki Shinya , Ogasawara Yuki
Published: August 2019

A learning classifier system is an adaptive system that obtains a set of appropriate action rules that adapts to multistep problems by training action rules defined in if‐then form by trial and error process, in a similar framework as reinforcement learning. Because of that the input signals of the classifier system are encoded into binary values, bit strings are often lengthened when dealing with such a problem that the state of the environment continuously changes. A neural network can treat with real values as input signal; however, it cannot be applied to multistep problems. This paper proposes a system that responds to problems such that the state of the environment continuously changes by combining a neural network and a classifier system, and actions are selected from multiple options, so that output can be defined as discrete values. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, this paper conducts several numerical experiments using benchmarks corresponding to multistep problems defined by continuous values.
Highly Fluorescent Pyrido[2,3‐b]indolizine‐10‐Carbonitriles through Pseudo Three‐Component Reactions of N‐(Cyanomethyl)pyridinium Salts
Authors: Sokolova Ekaterina A. , Festa Alexey A. , Golantsov Nikita E. , Lukonina Natalia S. , Ioffe Ilya N. , Varlamov Alexey V. , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: August 2019

An interaction of N‐(cyanomethyl)pyridinium salts with vinamidinium perchlorates or enaminones proceeds as a pseudo‐three component process and results in the formation of 3‐ or 2‐substituted pyrido[2,3‐b]indolizine‐10‐carbonitriles, respectively. Optical properties of these compounds have been evaluated, revealing effective green light emission with fluorescence quantum yields of up to 0.81.
Three‐dimensional turbulent structures at a medium‐sized confluence with and without an ice cover
Authors: Biron Pascale M. , Buffin‐Bélanger Thomas , Martel Nancy
Published: August 2019

River confluences are characterized by a complex mixing zone with three‐dimensional (3D) turbulent structures which have been described as both streamwise‐oriented structures and Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) vertical‐oriented structures. The latter are visible where there is a turbidity difference between the two tributaries, whereas the former are usually derived from mean velocity measurements or numerical simulations. Few field studies recorded turbulent velocity fluctuations at high frequency to investigate these structures, particularly at medium‐sized confluences where logistical constraints make it difficult to use devices such as acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV). This study uses the ice cover present at the confluence of the Mitis and Neigette Rivers in Quebec (Canada) to obtain long‐duration, fixed measurements along the mixing zone. The confluence is also characterized by a marked turbidity difference which allows to investigate the mixing zone dynamics from drone imagery during ice‐free conditions. The aim of the study is to characterize and compare the flow structure in the mixing zone at a medium‐sized (~40 m) river confluence with and without an ice cover. Detailed 3D turbulent velocity measurements were taken under the ice along the mixing plane with an ADV through eight holes at around 20 positions on the vertical. For ice‐free conditions, drone imagery results indicate that large (KH) coherent structures are present, occupying up to 50% of the width of the parent channel. During winter, the ice cover affects velocity profiles by moving the highest velocities towards the centre of the profiles. Large turbulent structures are visible in both the streamwise and lateral velocity components. The strong correlation between these velocity components indicates that KH vortices are the dominating coherent structures in the mixing zone. A spatio‐temporal conceptual model is presented to illustrate the main differences on the 3D flow structure at the river confluence with and without the ice cover. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative effects of quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract ofOtostegia persicaboiss with atorvastatin on atherosclerosis complication in male wistar rats
Authors: Parvin Ali , Yaghmaei Parichehreh , Noureddini Mehdi , Haeri Roohani Sayyed Ali , Aminzadeh Saeed
Published: August 2019

The use of herbal remedies is significantly considered in the atherosclerosis treatment, reduction of fatty elements, and prevention of activity of oxidative stress factors. The present study was conducted on 48 rats in 6 groups. The experimental and sham groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 40 days; and experimental groups were separately treated by atorvastatin, quercetin, and hydroalcoholic extract for 4 weeks. After treatment procedure, some serum factors such as low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Serum levels of LDL, TC, MDA, and ROS were significantly lower in experimental groups than sham group (p < .01). There was a significant decrease in serum MDA levels of these two groups in comparison with the atorvastatin‐treated group (p < .05). Blood pressure parameters were decreased in treated with quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract in comparison with the sham group (p < .05). Quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract similar to atorvastatin could decrease serum lipids [except high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)], oxidative stress factors, aorta contraction, weight gain, and blood pressure. These reagents improved the vascular structure and prevented the plaque formation.
Sediment supply control on the delivery of sediments to deep‐lacustrine environment: A case study from Luanping Basin, northern China
Authors: Jia Haibo , Ji Hancheng , Yu Jifeng , Meng Xiangchao
Published: August 2019

Deep‐water deposits in marine basins have recently received considerable research attention. However, the controls of sediment transported to deep‐lacustrine environments are comparatively understudied. In this study, we utilize field‐based outcrop data to investigate the variability of sediment distribution and its controlling factors in the Lower Cretaceous synrift Xiguayuan Formation in the Luanping Basin. Two fan‐delta systems with variability dominate the measured outcrop sections. At the lithological scale, the ratio of conglomerate to strata in the Xiyuan fan‐delta system is 87%, and the average thickness of individual coarse‐grained layers is ~1 m; the corresponding values in the Caoying fan‐delta system are 52% and 0.4 m. In addition, sand‐rich gravity‐flow deposits are developed in front of the Xiyuan fan delta, whereas mud‐rich mass transport deposits (i.e., sliding block and slumping debris) are found in front of the Caoying fan delta. At the stratigraphical scale, a delta succession in the Xiyuan section characterized by sand‐rich facies from proximal to distal parts is developed in a relatively steep slope setting. In the Caoying section, however, a delta succession characterized by sand‐rich facies in the proximal to middle parts is found in addition to a mud‐rich distal part developed in a gentle slope setting. Differential sediment supply resulted in significant variation in the sediment distribution pattern. In particular, the grain size of the fan‐delta front controls that of the deep‐lacustrine gravity‐flow deposits fed by them. This study highlights the variability of sediment supply and their control on sediment partitioning in continental rift and marine basins.
Early Cretaceous tectonic transition and SW‐ward basin migration in northern Liaodong Peninsula, NE China: Sedimentary, structural, and geochronological constraints
Authors: Kong Ruoyan , Yan Dan‐Ping , Qiu Liang , Wells Michael L. , Wang Anping , Dong Xiaoyu , Mu Hongxu , Gong Ling‐Xiao
Published: August 2019

As the north‐eastern margin of the North China Block, the Liaodong Peninsula has undergone multiple tectonic events during the Mesozoic, as well as simultaneous large‐scale gold mineralization. In this study, we focus on the history of Early Cretaceous basin formation, during the interval of time prior to and during a major extensional tectonic event that is characterized by formation of metamorphic core complexes (MCCs), detachment faults, and half‐graben basins. Two representative Early Cretaceous basins, the Tongyuanpu and Fangjiaweizi basins, expose two parts of the Xiaoling Formation (K1x); these two sequences, K1x1 of the Tongyuanpu Basin and K1x2 of the Fangjiaweizi Basin, were selected for detailed sedimentary and geochronological study. Both the K1x1 and K1x2 are dominated by sedimentary sequences of fluvial facies clastic rocks to volcani‐clastic and volcanic rocks. Clastic and volcanic rock samples, including three samples from the K1x1, four samples from K1x2, and one mafic dyke sample, were analysed for U–Pb on zircon, to constrain the crystallization ages for volcanic units and maximum deposition age (MDA) for clastic units. The zircon U–Pb age results date the K1x1 at ~135–127 Ma, while the K1x2 at ~127–122 Ma. Comparing the detrital zircon age peaks with the main potential source areas, provenance of both the K1x1 and K1x2 units was mainly from igneous rocks in the Liaodong Peninsula. Integrating our observations from the Tongyuanpu and Fangjiaweizi basins with those from other basins in the Liaodong Peninsula, we suggest south‐westward basin migration during the transition from transpressional basin formation to development of back‐arc extension basin. This basin migration responded to the tectonic transition from sinistral strike‐slip motion on the Tan‐Lu Fault to the rollback of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate coinciding with formation of MCCs. This tectonic transition and basin migration is important for understanding the transition from compression to extension in the eastern North China Block during the Early Cretaceous.
The application of audio magnetotelluric for 3D geological mapping in the Gobi Desert area
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Jingping , Chen Chao , Wang Guocan , Liao Qunan , Zhang Xionghua
Published: August 2019

Constructing the strata and bedrocks beneath the overburden for three‐dimensional (3D) geological mapping in the Gobi Desert area is challenging but necessary. Rock resistivity is a key parameter to research the underground media. In the Gobi Desert area, the overburden has low resistivity, while the underlying strata and bedrocks have much higher resistivity in general. These features provide the basic conditions for distinguishing the rocks by their resistivities. The audio magnetotelluric (AMT) method is effective for investigating the electrical structure of most upper crust. Due to minor anthropogenic electromagnetic interference, good data can be easily acquired by reducing the ground resistance and by placing a remote reference station in the Gobi Desert area. WAL analysis and phase tensor method, derived from impedance tensors, can indicate the dimension of a structure, which in turn suggests whether a two‐dimensional or 3D inversion needs to be used. The resistivity distribution obtained via inversion can be translated to lithological units associated with rock resistivity measurement. Combined with borehole constraint, the strata and bedrocks beneath the overburden could be explicitly described. By application of AMT, the Quaternary and Tertiary strata could be divided in the Barkol Basin by a low‐resistivity layer, which was attributed to saturation with salty water. The Eocene and Jurassic strata were distinguished in the Hami Basin by 10‐ and 50‐Ωm contour lines, respectively. In both areas, high‐resistivity bedrocks were clearly depicted.
Atorvastatin induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells via inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Li Li‐Zhong , Zhao Zeng‐Ming , Zhang Li , He Jun , Zhang Ting‐Fen , Guo Jia‐Bin , Yu Lin , Zhao Jun , Yuan Xiao‐Yan , Peng Shuang‐Qing
Published: August 2019

Atorvastatin (ATO) is a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitor widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. However, clinical application is limited by potential hepatotoxicity. Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of cellular antioxidants, and oxidative stress is implicated in statin‐induced liver injury. This study investigated mechanisms of ATO‐induced hepatotoxicity and potential mitigation by Nrf2 signaling. ATO reduced Nrf2 and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase‐2 (SOD2) expression in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. ATO also induced concentration‐dependent HepG2 cell toxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction as evidenced by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Further, ATO induced mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis as indicated by increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, cleaved caspase‐3, mitochondrial cytochrome c release and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining. Tert‐butylhydroquinone enhanced Nrf2 and SOD2 expression, and partially reversed ATO‐induced cytotoxicity, ROS accumulation, MMP reduction, ATP depletion and mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that ATO induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells, at least in part, via inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. Nrf2 pathway activation is a potential prevention for ATO‐induced liver injury.
CoCrMo metal release in metal‐on‐highly crosslinked polyethylene hip implants
Authors: Wang Qiong , Eltit Felipe , Garbuz Donald , Duncan Clive , Masri Bassam , Greidanus Nelson , Wang Rizhi
Published: August 2019

Increasing cases of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs) associated with metal release have been observed in patients with metal‐on‐highly crosslinked polyethylene (MoP) hip implants, the most common design in total hip replacements. Studies have demonstrated the metal release from fretting corrosion at the head–neck junction, but rarely investigated tribocorrosion associated metal release at articulating surfaces in MoP hip implants. The objective of this study is to investigate both tribocorrosion at the articulating surfaces and fretting corrosion at the head–neck junction in CoCrMo femoral heads, as well as their association with metal species released in periprosthetic tissues and body fluids in MoP hip systems. Twenty‐three patients with ALTRs associated with MoP implants were included. Systematic analyses were performed on the wear damage in articulation, corrosion at the head–neck junction and their correlation with degradation products observed in synovial fluid, periprosthetic tissues, and serum. Results showed that tribocorrosion at the articulating surfaces contributed to the elevated concentration of both Co and Cr ions in serum, while fretting corrosion at the head–neck junction mainly released Co ions to serum. Both tribocorrosion at the articulating surfaces and fretting corrosion at the head–neck junction released particles rich in chromium and phosphate, the dominant particles found in synovial fluids and tissues. This study provides strong evidence that tribocorrosion at the articulating surfaces in MoP hip implants could result in significant metal release. This information should be taken into account when studying the mechanisms of ALTRs and developing strategies of preventing metal release in total hip replacements.
Determination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T upper reference limits under the improved selection criteria in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Xin , Han Xiaoxu , Zhao Min , Mu Runqing , Wang Shuo , Yun Ke , Shang Hong
Published: August 2019

Background

There is no common consensus on how to define the reference population for determination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) upper reference limit (URL). This study aimed to establish 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT under both 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria and improved selection criteria for further judging whether two URLs are different.

Methods

Applying the stratified cluster sampling protocol, this study took 1848 apparently healthy subjects in communities of Shenyang China as the screening objects. We first followed 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria using surrogate biomarker for diabetes, myocardial dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and electrocardiogram. Then, we followed improved selection criteria to exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia by physical examination and laboratory screening. Accordingly, 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT were established.

Results

If the 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs‐cTnT male, female, and total were 19 (17‐20) ng/L, 16 (15‐17) ng/L, and 18 (16‐19) ng/L, respectively. If added a single supplementary selection criteria, 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT total reduced to 16 ng/L, 17 ng/L, and 16 ng/L, respectively. If the improved selection criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs‐cTnT male, female, and total were 18 (14‐24) ng/L, 13 (11‐16) ng/L, and 16 (13‐17) ng/L, respectively. The 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT male were higher than those of female in every age group.

Conclusions

Improved selection criteria through questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory screening to further exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia can avoid overestimation of the 99th percentile URL of hs‐cTnT.
Naked Eye Detection of Carbonate, Hydroxide, and Cyanide Ions with 1,4′‐Diazaflavonium Bromides: A Simple Spectrophotometric Method for Cyanide Determination
Authors: Kahriman Nuran , Gün Serhat , Gümrükçüoğlu Abidin , Yaylı Nurettin , Ocak Ümmühan , Ocak Miraç
Published: August 2019

Anion sensor properties of N‐alkyl‐substituted 1,4′‐diazaflavonium bromides in methanol–water were evaluated by UV–vis spectrometry. Pronounced changes were observed in the absorption spectra of all compounds for only OH−, CO32−, and CN− among F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OH−, CO32−, NO3−, PO43−, CN−, SO42−, HSO4−, HCO3−, SCN−, NO2−, and P2O72− ions. Two new absorption bands at 385 and 685 nm accompanying the distinct color change for OH−, CO32−, and CN− ions were observed in case of all compounds. The color changes were from pink to blue for CO32− and OH− ions and from pink to purple for CN− ion. Thanks to the distinct color change, the compounds can be used as selective colorimetric anion sensors. Linear changes of absorbance of N‐heptyl‐substituted compound at 385 nm as a function of the ion concentration were used to determine CN− ion in water samples. Detection and quantification limits of the proposed method were 0.94 and 2.82 mg/L, respectively.
2‐Cyano‐N‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)acetamide in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Synthesis and Antibacterial Screening of Novel Pyrido[1,2‐a]thieno[3,2‐e]pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylate Moieties
Authors: Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Ghozlan Said A. S. , Abdelwahab Hassan M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: August 2019

A novel series of interesting 6,8‐dicyanopyrido[1,2‐a]thieno[3,2‐e]pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylate compounds were prepared via the reaction of readily accessible 2‐cyano‐N‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)acetamide with arylidene malononitriles in pyridine in the presence of piperidine. Biological screening of the tested compounds as antibacterial agents was also studied.
Estimates of the HIV undiagnosed population in Belgium reveals higher prevalence for MSM with foreign nationality and for geographic areas hosting big cities
Authors: Marty Lise , Van Beckhoven Dominique , Ost Cloë , Deblonde Jessika , Costagliola Dominique , Sasse André , Supervie Virginie ,   the HERMETIC Study Group
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Increasing our knowledge on geographic areas and key populations most affected by HIV is essential to improve prevention and care and to ensure a more focused HIV response. Here, we estimated the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infections in Belgium and its distribution across geographic areas and exposure groups.

Methods

We used surveillance data on newly diagnosed HIV cases and a previously developed back‐calculation model to estimate number and prevalence rates (per 10000) of undiagnosed HIV infections by exposure group at national and subnational levels. Belgium consists of three regions: Flanders, Brussels‐Capital Region and Wallonia. We produced estimates for Brussels‐Capital Region and Wallonia. For Flanders, we produced estimates for two sub‐regional areas: the province of Antwerp and the other provinces, because Antwerp is the second largest city after Brussels. Population sizes were determined using data from the Belgian Statistical Office and surveys on sexual behaviour and drug use.

Results

In Belgium, in 2015, an estimated 2818 (95% confidence interval: 2494 to 3208) individuals were living with undiagnosed HIV, that is, 15% of individuals living with HIV. The Brussels‐Capital Region and the province of Antwerp, which host the two biggest cities, accounted for ~60% of the undiagnosed infections, and had the highest undiagnosed prevalence rates per 10000: 12.0 (9.4 to 15.3) and 7.4 (5.6 to 9.8) respectively. Individuals with foreign nationality accounted for 56% of the total number of undiagnosed infections, and were the most affected populations in all areas in terms of undiagnosed prevalence rates. Specifically, men who have sex with men (MSM) with non‐European nationality were the most affected population in the province of Antwerp (853.4 (408.2 to 1641.9) undiagnosed infections per 10000), the Brussels‐Capital Region (543.9 (289.1 to 1019.1)), and the other provinces of Flanders (691.7 (235.5 to 1442.2)), while in Wallonia, it was heterosexual women with Sub‐Saharan African nationality (132.2 (90.6 to 178.5)).

Conclusions

Geographic areas hosting the biggest cities in Belgium accounted for the vast majority of undiagnosed HIV infections and individuals with foreign nationality were the most affected, especially MSM with non‐European nationality. This should be accounted for when tailoring prevention and testing programs. Furthermore, MSM with foreign nationality require more attention in Belgium, and certainly more generally in Europe.
Straddling the Divide Between Practice and Scholarship, Tensions of School Leaders Pursuing a Social Justice Leadership Phd
Authors: Baker A. Minor
Published: August 2019

Educational leadership preparation evolves in response to continuous changes in educational practice in the P‐20 system. The current paper highlights the experiences and insights of educational leaders who attempt to balance the scholarly work of completing a doctoral degree focused on social justice while they simultaneously address the practical challenges of daily school leadership. The experiences of these educational leaders highlight a central tension present in many educational leadership preparation experiences. Specifically, how do school leaders bridge the gap from scholarship to the practical challenges of school leadership while ensuring schools are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve?
Effects of Head Groups on the Aggregation Behavior of Lauryl Monoglucoside Sulfosuccinates in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Yang Xiuquan , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2019

Lauryl monoglucoside sulfosuccinates (LG‐SS) with four different numbers of hydrophilic groups were synthesized by two steps. The surface activity of these surfactants was determined by surface tension measurements. The aggregation behaviors of these surfactants in aqueous solutions were also studied. The results suggested that the micellization process of these surfactants in aqueous solution is spontaneous. The micellar morphology of LG‐SS is spherical. Some parameters such as surface tension, the adsorption efficiency, efficiency of forming micelles, aggregation number, and micelle size increase with the number of hydrophilic groups. However, these parameters decrease when the number of hydrophilic groups and the number of hydrophilic base charges are increased.
Novel sample preparation approaches in gas chromatographic analysis: Promising ideas
Authors: Vyviurska Olga , Špánik Ivan
Published: August 2019

The development of sample preparation procedures is still a dynamic process despite a number of already proposed techniques. The main challenge in this research field is to fully replace classical procedures like liquid‐liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction in gas chromatographic analysis. Some progress has been already achieved for the last 20 years when miniaturized techniques were incorporated in ISO standards. The current review is focused on novel approaches in sample treatment that appeared since 2010. It includes research studies describing non‐conventional instrumental design available to inspire future progress in the field. A combination of a few extraction principles and supporting with additional treatment are the main core suggested for improvement of sample preparation efficiency. This requires good compatibility of extraction media, assessment of multiple experimental parameters, and potential automatization possibilities.
Is a voice‐specific instrument more indicative of stroboscopy results than common clinical queries?
Authors: DeVore Elliana Kirsh , Carroll Thomas L. , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To determine whether the Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) predicts diagnoses made via laryngoscopy/stroboscopy, as compared to common clinical inquiries about vocal characteristics.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from a cohort of 204 consecutive patients newly presenting for ambulatory laryngology evaluation. Each patient completed the VHI‐10 and 16 concurrent mainstream queries about vocal characteristics such as weakness, breathiness, fatiguability, or inability to shout. Using the objective diagnoses made by laryngoscopy/stroboscopy as a gold standard, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were determined.

Results

For unilateral vocal fold paralysis, VHI‐10 scores had an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.68–0.88) and had better discrimination than 12 common clinical queries. At a threshold score of ≥11, VHI‐10 sensitivity was 0.94; at a threshold of ≥31, specificity was 0.91. For laryngeal stenosis, the VHI‐10 score demonstrated moderate discrimination, with an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.56–1.00) and higher discrimination than three common clinical queries. At a threshold score of ≥11, VHI‐10 sensitivity was 1.00; at a threshold of ≥31, specificity was 0.89. Both VHI‐10 scores and common clinical queries had low diagnostic ability for vocal fold paresis, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), paradoxical vocal fold motion, and vocal fold scar or atrophy.

Conclusions

The VHI‐10 score is an effective diagnostic indicator of laryngoscopy/stroboscopy findings of vocal fold paralysis and laryngeal stenosis, performing better than multiple mainstream queries about vocal characteristics. VHI‐10 scores and common clinical queries are limited in their ability to indicate paresis, reflux, paradoxical motion, and vocal fold scar or atrophy.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 130:992–999, 2020
Infection Rates After Microlaryngeal and Open Phonosurgery: The Role of Postoperative Antibiotics
Authors: Roof Scott A. , Ferrandino Rocco M. , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Amato Michael V. , Rubinstein Benjamin J. , Courey Mark S. , Woo Peak
Published: August 2019

Objective

Although it is known that the airway has bacterial contamination that seeds the surgical site during microlaryngeal surgery, literature on the use of postoperative antibiotics is lacking. We performed a retrospective analysis of open phonosurgical and phonomicrosurgical cases at a single institution to assess whether use of postoperative antibiotics impacts the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 228 phonomicrosurgery and 53 open phonosurgery cases performed for benign diseases. Surgeries were performed by two laryngologists between February 2016 and August 2018. The surgeons differ in their postoperative antibiotic regimens: no antibiotics versus a 5‐ to 7‐day postoperative course.

Data collected include demographics, medical comorbidities, type of benign laryngeal disease, and surgical procedure. The primary outcome measure was postoperative infection, defined as the patient requiring a new prescription for antibiotics, an extended course of antibiotics, or any mention of infection at follow‐up/emergency visits within the first month postoperatively.

Results

The overall rate of SSI was 3.1% and 0% for phonomicrosurgery and open phonosurgery cases, respectively. For phonomicrosurgery, there was no difference in the rate of SSI for patients who received or did not receive antibiotics perioperatively: 2.9% versus 3.2% (P = 0.99). Similarly, there was no difference in the infection rate for open phonosurgical cases.

Conclusion

Infection rates after endoscopic and open phonosurgery are low. In this study, we found no evidence to suggest a protective effect associated with postoperative use of antibiotics.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:1128–1131, 2020
Molecular and biochemical basis for the loss of bioluminescence in the dinoflagellateNoctiluca scintillansalong the west coast of the U.S.A.
Authors: Valiadi Martha , de Rond Tristan , Amorim Ana , Gittins John R. , Gubili Chrysoula , Moore Bradley S. , Iglesias‐Rodriguez Maria Debora , Latz Michael I.
Published: August 2019

The globally distributed heterotrophic dinoflagellateNoctiluca scintillans(Macartney) Kofoid & Swezy is well known for its dense blooms and prominent displays of bioluminescence. Intriguingly, along the west coast of the U.S.A., its blooms are not bioluminescent. We investigated the basis for this regional loss of bioluminescence using molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses of isolates from different geographic regions. Several prominent differences were identified in the nonbioluminescent strains: (1) the fused luciferase and luciferin binding protein gene (lcf/lbp) was present but its transcripts were undetectable; (2)lcf/lbpcontained multiple potentially deleterious mutations; (3) the substrate luciferin was absent, based on the lack of luciferin blue autofluorescence and the absence of luciferin‐derived metabolites; (4) although the cells possessed scintillons, the organelles that contain the luminescent chemistry, electron microscopy revealed additional scintillon‐like organelles with an atypical internal structure; and (5) cells isolated from the California coast were 43% smaller than bioluminescent cells from the Gulf of Mexico. Phylogenetic analyses based on large subunit rDNA did not show divergence of the nonbioluminescent population in relation to bioluminescentN. scintillansfrom the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Sea. This study demonstrates that gene silencing and the lack of the luciferin substrate have resulted in the loss of an important dinoflagellate functional trait over large spatial scales in the ocean. As the bioluminescence system of dinoflagellates is well characterized, nonbioluminescentN. scintillansprovide an ideal model to explore the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that lead to intraspecific functional divergence in natural dinoflagellate populations.
Graphene‐dispersed silane compound used as a coating to sense immunity from biofilm formation
Authors: Kanematsu Hideyuki , Nakagawa Ryoichi , Sano Katsuhiko , Barry Dana M. , Ogawa Akiko , Hirai Nobumitsu , Kogo Takeshi , Kuroda Daisuke , Wada Noriyuki , Lee Seung‐Hyo , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu
Published: August 2019

Biofilm is a substance that contains organic polymers. It is derived from bacteria, produces slime and forms on material's surfaces. Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate biofilm formation using several types of sensors. Since biofilm forms easily on graphene, it is possible for graphene to serve as a sensor for biofilm formation. In the past, graphene's sensitivity to biofilm formation was confirmed by using CVD (chemical vapour deposition) graphene and by using the tape‐exfoliation method. However, the CVD method was expensive and required special equipment. On the other hand, the exfoliation method was not so expensive, but the precision and reproducibility for graphene formation were problematic. In this experiment, silane‐based resin, with dispersed graphene, was coated on a substrate. This coated substrate can easily be used as a sensor and is an inexpensive way to promote biofilm formation. Glass was used as the substrate, for which various samples were prepared using different concentrations of dispersed graphene. Biofilms formed on the specimens’ surfaces were analysed by using Raman spectroscopy and the crystal violet staining method. The results showed that biofilm formation capability increased with the concentration of dispersed graphene. We confirmed that the sensitivity was evaluated by the colour value for stained surfaces by crystal violet.
Field opposes new ‘public charge’ rule citing harm to immigrant families
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

Mental health advocates and providers have expressed concern about the Trump administration's new expanded public charge rule announced Aug. 14. The new rule, which includes the use of public assistance programs, would limit the eligibility of low‐income immigrants to federal programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and housing and nutrition programs. This policy change will result in significant harm to the health and welfare of immigrant families, they said.
Peters type polynomials and numbers and their generating functions: Approach with p‐adic integral method
Authors: Simsek Yilmaz
Published: August 2019

The aim of this paper is to introduce and investigate some of the primary generalizations and unifications of the Peters polynomials and numbers by means of convenient generating functions and p‐adic integrals method. Various fundamental properties of these polynomials and numbers involving some explicit series and integral representations in terms of the generalized Stirling numbers, generalized harmonic sums, and some well‐known special numbers and polynomials are presented. By using p‐adic integrals, we construct generating functions for Peters type polynomials and numbers (Apostol‐type Peters numbers and polynomials). By using these functions with their partial derivative eqautions and functional equations, we derive many properties, relations, explicit formulas, and identities including the Apostol‐Bernoulli polynomials, the Apostol‐Euler polynomials, the Boole polynomials, the Bernoulli polynomials, and numbers of the second kind, generalized harmonic sums. A brief revealing and historical information for the Peters type polynomials are given. Some of the formulas given in this article are given critiques and comments between previously well‐known formulas. Finally, two open problems for interpolation functions for Apostol‐type Peters numbers and polynomials are revealed.
Optimal system and approximate solutions of nonlinear dissipative media
Authors: Ruggieri Marianna , Speciale Maria Paola
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the problem of approximate symmetries of a class of nonlinear wave equations with a small nonlinear dissipation has been investigated. In order to compute the first‐order approximate symmetry, we have applied the method that was proposed by Valenti basically based on the expansion of the dependent variables in perturbation series but removing the drawback of the impossibility to work in hierarchy in calculating symmetries. The algebraic structure of the approximate symmetries is discussed, an optimal system of one‐dimensional subalgebras is defined and constructed, and, finally, some invariant solutions corresponding to the resulted symmetries are obtained.
Sensitivity of quantitative relaxometry and susceptibility mapping to microscopic iron distribution
Authors: Colgan Timothy J. , Knobloch Gesine , Reeder Scott B. , Hernando Diego
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Determine the impact of the microscopic spatial distribution of iron on relaxometry and susceptibility‐based estimates of iron concentration.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations and in vitro experiments of erythrocytes were used to create different microscopic distributions of iron. Measuring iron with intact erythrocyte cells created a heterogeneous distribution of iron, whereas lysing erythrocytes was used to create a homogeneous distribution of iron. Multi‐echo spin echo and spoiled gradient echo acquisitions were then used to estimate relaxation parameters ( and ) and susceptibility.

Results

Simulations demonstrate that and measurements depend on the spatial distribution of iron even for the same iron concentration and volume susceptibility. Similarly, in vitro experiments demonstrate that and measurements depend on the microscopic spatial distribution of iron whereas the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) susceptibility estimates reflect iron concentration without sensitivity to spatial distribution.

Conclusions

and for iron quantification depend on the spatial distribution or iron. QSM‐based estimation of iron concentration is insensitive to the microscopic spatial distribution of iron, potentially providing a distribution independent measure of iron concentration.