bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing temperature on pitting behavior and microstructure evolution of hyper‐duplex stainless steel 2707
Authors: Sun Li , Sun Yangting , Liu Yuanyuan , Dai Nianwei , Li Jin , Jiang Yiming
Published: March 2019

Hyper‐duplex stainless steel (HDSS) 2707 is a competitive material for application in extremely caustic environments. In this study, different annealing temperatures ranging from 1020°C to 1200°C were examined by electrochemical tests and microstructure analysis. The microstructure characterization indicated that precipitations were detected when the annealing temperature was below 1050°C and a relatively balanced austenite–ferrite phase structure was obtained at 1100°C. Through electrochemical measurements in NaBr solution, it was revealed that with the increase of temperature the pitting resistance of HDSS 2707 first rose then declined, peaking at 1100°C. The highest critical pitting temperature was about 67°C. In addition, the pitting position shifted from austenite phase to austenite–ferrite boundary and finally to ferrite interior with the annealing temperature increasing, which was in agreement with the pitting resistance equivalent values (PREN) of the two phases.
Well‐posedness and energy decay of solutions to a wave equation with a general boundary control of diffusive type
Authors: Benaissa Abbes , Rafa Said
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study well‐posedness and asymptotic stability of a wave equation with a general boundary control condition of diffusive type. We prove that the system lacks exponential stability. Furthermore, we show an explicit and general decay rate result, using the semigroup theory of linear operators and an estimate on the resolvent of the generator associated with the semigroup.
Detection and geographic distribution of seven facultative endosymbionts in two Rhopalosiphum aphid species
Authors: Guo Jianqing , Liu Xuewei , Poncelet Nicolas , He Kanglai , Francis Frédéric , Wang Zhenying
Published: March 2019

Study of the mutualistic associations between facultative symbionts and aphids are developed only in a few models. That survey on the situation and distribution of the symbionts in a certain area is helpful to obtain clues for the acquisition and spread of them as well as their roles played in host evolution. To understand the infection patterns of seven facultative symbionts (Serratia symbiotica, Hamiltonella defensa, Regiella insecticola, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Wolbachia, and Arsenophonus) in Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), we collected 882 R. maidis samples (37 geographical populations) from China and 585 R. padi samples (32 geographical populations) from China and Europe. Results showed that both species were widely infected with various symbionts and totally 50.8% of R. maidis and 50.1% of R. padi were multi‐infected with targeted symbionts. However, very few Rhopalosiphum aphids were infected with S. symbiotica. The infection frequencies of some symbionts were related to the latitude of collecting sites, suggesting the importance of environmental factors in shaping the geographic distribution of facultative symbionts. Also, R. maidis and R. padi were infected with different H. defensa strains based on phylogenetic analysis which may be determined by host ×symbiont genotype interactions. According to our results, the ubiquitous symbionts may play important roles in the evolution of their host aphid and their impacts on adaptation of R. padi and R. maidis were discussed as well.
Effects of phycocyanin in modulating the intestinal microbiota of mice
Authors: Xie Yuanyuan , Li Wenjun , Zhu Limeng , Zhai Shixiang , Qin Song , Du Zhenning
Published: March 2019

The health‐promoting effects of phycocyanin (PC) have become widely accepted over the last two decades. In this study, we investigated the effects of different doses of PC in modulating the intestinal microbiota and the intestinal barrier in mice. Six‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were treated with PC for 28 days. Fecal samples were collected before and after PC intervention, and the microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing. Bacterial abundance and diversity increased after PC intervention. Saccharolytic bacteria of the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, which can produce butyric acid, increased after PC treatment. The family Rikenellaceae, which contains hydrogen‐producing bacteria, also increased after PC intervention. The PC treatment reduced intestinal permeability and increased the intestinal barrier function, as demonstrated by hematoxylin–eosin staining and reduced serum lipopolysaccharide levels. The modulating effects on the intestinal microbiota were more favorable in the low‐dose PC group.
Increased growth rate and amikacin resistance of Salmonella enteritidis after one‐month spaceflight on China’s Shenzhou‐11 spacecraft
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bai Po , Zhao Xian , Yu Yi , Zhang Xuelin , Li Diangeng , Liu Changting
Published: March 2019

China launched the Tiangong‐2 space laboratory in 2016 and will eventually build a basic space station by the early 2020s. These spaceflight missions require astronauts to stay on the space station for more than 6 months, and they inevitably carry microbes into the space environment. It is known that the space environment affects microbial behavior, including growth rate, biofilm formation, virulence, drug resistance, and metabolism. However, the mechanisms of these alternations have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is beneficial to monitor microorganisms for preventing infections among astronauts in a space environment. Salmonella enteritidis is a Gram‐negative bacterial pathogen that commonly causes acute gastroenteritis in humans. In this study, to better understand the effects of the space environment on S. enteritidis, a S. enteritidis strain was taken into space by the Shenzhou‐11 spacecraft from 17 October 2016 to 18 November 2016, and a ground simulation with similar temperature conditions was simultaneously performed as a control. It was found that the flight strain displayed an increased growth rate, enhanced amikacin resistance, and some metabolism alterations compared with the ground strain. Enrichment analysis of proteome revealed that the increased growth rate might be associated with differentially expressed proteins involved in transmembrane transport and energy production and conversion assembly. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis showed that the amikacin resistance was due to the downregulation of the oppA gene and oligopeptide transporter protein OppA. In conclusion, this study is the first systematic analysis of the phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic variations in S. enteritidis during spaceflight and will provide beneficial insights for future studies on space microbiology.
Silibinin inhibits ultraviolet B radiation‐induced mast cells recruitment and bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression in the skin at early stages in Ptch(+/−) mouse model of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rigby Cindy , Deep Gagan , Jain Anil , Orlicky David J. , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: March 2019

Around 80% of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), still studies evaluating the efficacy of chemopreventive agents during early stage/s of BCC development are lacking. Accordingly, utilizing the well‐established patched (Ptch)+/− mouse model of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation‐induced BCC formation, we excised skin samples from UVB exposed Ptch+/− and Ptch+/+ mice before tumor formation to study the promotion/progression of BCC and to determine the efficacy and target/s of silibinin, a well‐known skin cancer chemopreventive agent. UVB exposure for 1 month increased the number of mast cells in Ptch+/− mice by ~48% (P < 0.05), which was completely inhibited by silibinin. Polymerase chain reaction profiler array analysis of skin samples showed strong molecular differences between Ptch+/+ and Ptch+/− mice which were either unexposed or UVB irradiated+/− silibinin treatment. Most notably, silibinin treatment significant decreased the expression of BMP‐2, Bbc3, PUMA, and Ccnd1 in Ptch+/− mice irradiated with silibinin + UVB. Additional studies showed that silibinin targets UVB‐induced expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) in Ptch+/− mouse skin. Last, our studies found that silibinin strongly attenuates UVB‐induced BMP‐2 expression and DNA damage in Ptch+/− mouse skin ex vivo only after single UVB exposure. Together, our results suggest a possible role of mast cell recruitment and BMP‐2 activation in the early stages of BCC development; these are strongly inhibited by silibinin suggesting its possible chemopreventive efficacy against BCC formation in long‐term UVB exposure regimen.
Pallidal Neurostimulation and Capsulotomy for Malignant Tourette's Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Chencheng , Li Hongxia , Pan Yixin , Jin Haiyan , Sun Bomin , Wu Yiwen , Dianyou Li
Published: March 2019

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Sharp oscillation and nonoscillation tests for delay dynamic equations
Authors: Karpuz Basak
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we give new sufficient conditions for both oscillation and nonoscillation of the delay dynamic equation

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5558:mma5558-math-0001
where
and
satisfy τ(t) ≤ σ(t) for all large t and
. As an important corollary, we obtain the time scale invariant integral condition for nonoscillation:
for all large t. Also, with some examples, we show that newly presented results are sharp.
Predictors of low urinary quality of life in spinal cord injury patients on clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Crescenze Iryna M. , Myers Jeremy B. , Lenherr Sara M. , Elliott Sean P. , Welk Blayne , MPH Diana O'Dell , Qin Yongmei , Presson Angela P. , Stoffel John T. ,   for the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group
Published: March 2019

Objective

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is a preferred method of bladder management for many patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but long‐term adherence is low. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with low urinary quality of life (QoL) in SCI adults performing CIC.

Methods

Over 1.5 years, 1479 adults with SCI were prospectively enrolled through the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group registry, and 753 on CIC with no prior surgeries were included. Injury characteristics, complications, hand function, and Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) were analyzed. The NBSS QoL question (overall satisfaction with urinary function) was dichotomized to generate comparative groups (dissatisfied vs neutral/satisfied).

Results

The cohort was 32.9% female with a median age of 43.2 (18‐86) years, time since the injury of 9.8 (0‐48.2) years, and 69.0% had an injury at T1 or below. Overall 36.1% were dissatisfied with urinary QoL. On multivariable analysis, female gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15‐2.31; P = 0.016), earlier injury (OR, 0.95 per year; 95% CI, 0.93‐0.97; P < 0.001), ≥4 urinary tract infections (UTIs) per year (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.47‐3.81; P = 0.001), and severe bowel dysfunction (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.98; P = 0.035) predicted dissatisfaction. Level of injury, fine motor hand function, and caregiver dependence for CIC were not associated with dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

In a mature SCI cohort, physical disability does not predict dissatisfaction with urinary QoL but severe bowel dysfunction and recurrent UTIs have a significant negative impact. With time the rates of dissatisfaction decline but women continue to be highly dissatisfied on CIC and may benefit from early intervention to minimize the burden of CIC on urinary QoL.
Plasma‐assisted deposition of fungicide containing coatings for encapsulation and protection of maize seeds
Authors: Lo Porto Chiara , Palumbo Fabio , Somma Stefania , Masiello Mario , Moretti Antonio , Fracassi Francesco , Favia Pietro
Published: March 2019

The aim of the research work here reported is to illustrate how to incorporate prothioconazole, a molecule with fungicide action, in plasma‐deposited polymeric coating, encapsulating maize seeds. With this approach, high fungicide effect with a small quantity of chemicals and less pollution of soil and water should be achieved. The fungicide composite coating is composed of three layers: a hydrophilic plasma deposited polymeric layer to increase the wettability of the seed surface; a layer of sprayed prothioconazole aqueous solution; and a hydrophobic plasma deposited barrier layer to limit leaching and mimic the natural seed wettability. The application of the composite coating is found not to interfere with the germination of the seeds, while the percentage of maize crowns infected by Fusarium graminearum was successfully reduced from 94% in the control to none in the coated seeds.
Performance of a novel reusable pediatric pulse oximeter probe
Authors: King Carina , Mvalo Tisungane , Sessions Kristen , Wilson Iain , Walker Isabeau , Zadutsa Beatiwel , Makwenda Charles , Phiri Tambosi , Boyd Nicholas , Bernstein Mike , McCollum Eric D.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To assess the performance of reusable pulse oximeter probe and microprocessor box combinations, of varying price‐points, in the context of a low‐income pediatric setting.

Methods

A prospective, randomized cross‐over study comparing time to biologically plausible oxygen saturation (SpO2) between: (1) Lifebox LB‐01 probe with Masimo Rad‐87 box (L + M) and (2) a weight‐appropriate reusable Masimo probe with Masimo Rad‐87 box (M + M). A post hoc secondary analysis comparison with historical usability testing data with the Lifebox LB‐01 probe and Lifebox V1.5 box (L + L) was also conducted. Participants, children aged 0 to 35 months, were recruited from pediatric wards and outpatient clinics in the central region of Malawi. The primary outcome was time taken to achieve a biologically plausible SpO
2 measurement, compared using t tests for equivalence.

Results

We recruited 572 children. Plausible SpO2 measurements were obtained in less than 1 minute, 71%, 70%, and 63% for the M + M, L + M, and L + L combinations, respectively. A similar pattern was seen for less than 2 minutes, however, this effect disappeared at less than 5 minutes with 96%, 96%, and 95% plausible measurements. Using a ±10 second threshold for equivalence, we found L + M and M + M to be equivalent, but were under‐powered to assess equivalence for L + L.

Conclusions

The novel reusable pediatric Lifebox probe can achieve a quality SpO2 measurement within a pragmatic time range of weight‐appropriate Masimo equivalent probes. Further research, which considers the cost of the devices, is needed to assess the added value of sophisticated motion tolerance software.
Beneficial Influence of Co‐Doping on Thermoelectric Efficiency with Respect to Electronic and Thermal Transport Properties
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Sik , Choo Sung‐sil , Cho Hyun‐jun , Kim Sang‐il
Published: March 2019

Substitutional doping is known to be effective in reducing lattice thermal conductivity in order to enhance the thermoelectric efficiency. However, the effect of co‐doping of two different substituents has not been investigated exclusively. Here, the effect of Ag and Ga co‐doping in p‐type Bi0.42Sb1.58Te3 alloys is examined with respect to the electronic and thermal transport properties, and the results are compared to cases of Ag‐doping and Ga‐doping separately. When the Ag and Ga are individually doped, the Ag‐doping increases the hole concentration, and the Ga‐doping reduces it. When both Ag and Ga are co‐doped, their opposite effects on the carrier concentration cancelled each other while maintaining the optimal concentration of the pristine Bi0.42Sb1.58Te3. An analysis of the lattice thermal conductivity reduction by the Ag and Ga co‐doping confirms that the co‐doping is as effective as the cumulative effect of each single doping. As a result, the co‐doped Bi0.42Sb1.58Te3 alloys have power factors comparable to that of the pristine Bi0.42Sb1.58Te3, and a drastically reduced lattice thermal conductivity owing to cumulative influences from the two independent dopants. Consequently, the co‐doping provides a beneficial effect in enhancing the thermoelectric efficiency by effectively suppressing the lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining high power factors.
Unambiguous Determination of Local Orientations of Polycrystalline CuInSe2 Thin Films via Dictionary‐Based Indexing
Authors: De Graef Marc , Lenthe William C. , Schäfer Norbert , Rissom Thorsten , Abou‐Ras Daniel
Published: March 2019

The present work describes the approach of how to determine local orientations in individual CuInSe2 grains from electron‐backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data, in spite of the very small deviation (0.3%) of the ratio of lattice constants of the tetragonal crystal structure, c/a, from the value in the pseudocubic case, 2. A dictionary‐based indexing algorithm is applied on each EBSD pattern, determining unambiguously the corresponding CuInSe2 crystal orientation of the tetragonal structure. The approach provided in the present work can be used to improve the studies of microstructure–property relationships in various relevant photovoltaic material systems with similar pseudosymmetrical crystal structures, such as kesterite‐type or halide‐perovskite thin films.
Nanosails Showcasing Zn3As2 as an Optoelectronic‐Grade Earth Abundant Semiconductor
Authors: Stutz Elias Z. , Friedl Martin , Burgess Tim , Tan Hark Hoe , Caroff Philippe , Jagadish Chennupati , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna
Published: March 2019

Zn3As2 is a promising earth‐abundant semiconductor material. Its bandgap, around 1 eV, can be tuned across the infrared by alloying and makes this material suited for applications in optoelectronics. Here, we report the crystalline structure and electrical properties of strain‐free Zn3As2 nanosails, grown by metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy. We demonstrate that the crystalline structure is consistent with the P42/nmc () α”‐Zn3As2 metastable phase. Temperature‐dependent Hall effect measurements indicate that the material is degenerately p‐doped with a hole mobility close to 103 cm2 V−1 s−1. Our results display the potential of Zn3As2 nanostructures for next generation energy harvesting and optoelectronic devices.
An EWMA control chart for the multivariate coefficient of variation
Authors: Giner‐Bosch Vicent , Tran Kim Phuc , Castagliola Philippe , Khoo Michael Boon Chong
Published: March 2019

Monitoring the multivariate coefficient of variation over time is a natural choice when the focus is on stabilising the relative variability of a multivariate process, as is the case in a significant number of real situations in engineering, health sciences, and finance, to name but a few areas. However, not many tools are available to practitioners with this aim. This paper introduces a new control chart to monitor the multivariate coefficient of variation through an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) scheme. Concrete methodologies to calculate the limits and evaluate the performance of the chart proposed and determine the optimal values of the chart's parameters are derived based on a theoretical study of the statistic being monitored. Computational experiments reveal that our proposal clearly outperforms existing alternatives, in terms of the average run length to detect an out‐of‐control state. A numerical example is included to show the efficiency of our chart when operating in practice.
Reactive paper spray mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of formaldehyde in facial masks
Authors: Song Wenwen , Wang Yuanchao , Huang Lili , Cheng Heyong , Wu Jun , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: March 2019

Rationale

A reactive paper spray mass spectrometric approach for rapid analysis of formaldehyde (FA) in cosmetics was developed based on an on‐line derivatization reaction between formaldehyde and dansyl hydrazine (DH).

Methods

The whole experimental procedure consists of three simple steps: (1) load the sample (2 μL) onto the paper; (2) add the spray solvent (10 μL DH); (3) apply a high voltage (+4.5 kV) to the sample. We used an internal standard (dansyl amide) to create the analytical calibration curve. The established approach has been successfully applied in the quantitation of FA in facial masks.

Results

Our approach shows good linearity for the FA concentrations between 3 and 300 μg L−1, and the limit of detection is at 0.8 μg L−1. Five brands of facial masks were analyzed by this approach without any sample pretreatment, and the FA contents varied from 0.05 to 2.6 mg L−1 with favorable recoveries achieved between 93.2% and 111.3%.

Conclusions

This established approach presents a solution to rapid quantitation at extremely low cost of consumables and has potential as a simple, sensitive and robust strategy for the direct analysis of FA in cosmetics, food, environmental, and biological samples.
SIMS depth profile analysis of tribological coatings on curved surfaces: Influence of ion impact angle and take‐off angle on ion yield and on the quantitative analysis of chemical composition
Authors: Schiffmann Kirsten Ingolf
Published: March 2019

Quantitative analysis of chemical composition of materials by SIMS depth profiling is challenging due to strong matrix effects. However, by using the MCs+‐cluster method in conjunction with matched standards, a quite good quantification is possible. Another source of errors can be nonflat (curved) surfaces, which is often the case in coated parts of automotive or tool industry (injection needles, plungers, pistons, and drills). In such cases, the impact angle of the ion beam or the take‐off angle of the mass spectrometer can locally differ from that of a flat sample. This has influence on the ion count rates and therefore on the quantification. In this paper, we use the MCs+ method to analyze DLC, W‐DLC, CrN, TiN, TiAlN, and CrAlN coatings with respect to the influence of a tilt of the sample surface to the secondary ion yield and on the quantification of coating stoichiometry. Impact angle and take‐off angle have been varied in a wide range. It was found that ion intensities for nitridic systems vary by up to a factor of 30 when changing the impact angle of the ion beam, while for carbon‐based systems the maximum variation is only a factor of 2. Take‐off angle variations may change ion count rates by a factor of 5 up to 50. As a consequence, a tilt depending error in quantification of chemical composition of coatings may occur, which typically can be in the range of 5% to 20%, while it can increase up to 40% in some cases.
Superhydrophobic Silicone/TiO2–SiO2 Nanorod‐like Composites for Marine Fouling Release Coatings
Authors: Selim Mohamed S. , El‐Safty Sherif A. , Azzam Ahmed M. , Shenashen Mohamed A. , El‐Sockary Maher A. , Abo Elenien Ossama M.
Published: March 2019

For the first time, a superhydrophobic series of silicone/nanorod‐like TiO2–SiO2 core–shell composites was fabricated by solution casting for marine fouling release (FR) coatings. Hydrothermal technique was used to prepare single crystal TiO2 nanorods as a core structure in the diameter regime of 20 nm and preferentially grown in {101} direction. Hybrid nanorod‐like TiO2–SiO2 core–shell nanofillers were synthesized by sol–gel technique with silica shell thickness of 2–5 nm. The structure‐property relationship was investigated by dispersing various nanofiller concentrations in the silicone matrix. Surface non‐wettability properties were investigated using water contact angle (WCA), surface free energy (SFE), and atomic force microscopy. Coating′s photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and microorganisms was also investigated. Selected micro‐ and macro‐fouling strains were used for antifouling assessments in laboratory. The fabricated models were subjected to a rigorous field trial in natural seawater for 6 months in a tropical area. Well‐distributed nanorod‐like TiO2–SiO2 core–shell (0.5 wt.%) exhibited the preferable FR self‐cleaning with WCA of 154° and SFE of 10.45 mN/m.
Electronic Structure of Bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl)squaraine
Authors: Divya Velayudhan V. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: March 2019

The structural and electronic features of bis(4‐dimethylaminophenyl)squaraine (1) has been studied using density functional BLYP/ cc‐pVTZ level of theory. The quinoid character of 1 is correlated to the partial double bond character of C‐NMe2 (1.379 Å) and C−O (1.236 Å) bonds which leads to accumulation of positive charge on NMe2 groups and negative charge on carbonyl oxygen. Further, the diagonal C1 C3 (2.086 Å) and C2 C4 (2.116 Å) distances of the squaric ring indicated a 1,3 type C−C orbital interaction. Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) topographical analysis confirmed the charge separated quadrupolar nature of 1. The MESP minimum, Vmin located at the carbonyl oxygen, −62.5 kcal/mol, confirmed its highly electron rich character arising from the quinoid structure. The electronic structure of 1 revealed from MESP confirmed its quadrupolar nature and suggested the location of positive charge on NMe2 groups. The typically used chemical structure drawing of 1 showing +2 charge on the squaraine ring is inaccurate and misleading. The solvatochromic behaviour of 1 can be attributed to its quadrupolar electronic structure wherein the electron rich carbonyl groups provide room for noncovalent interactions with multiple solvent molecules.
Cobalt Nickel Nitrogen Array as a Easily Eecoverable, Effective Catalyst for Liquid‐Phase Catalytic Reaction with Remarkable Recycled Stability
Authors: Ma Ruyun , Gu Ying , Wu Aiping , Zhou Xiaoguang , Tian Chungui
Published: March 2019

The effective catalysts for the liquid‐phase catalytic (reduction) reaction are constant pursued. Traditional powder catalysts usually suffered from the separation from reaction medium, the aggregation at higher temperature, and poor reused stability, which are not favorable for the practical application. Here, we have shown the cobalt‐nickel nitrides anchored on Nickel foam (NF) as low‐cost catalysts overcoming above disadvantages by taking the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol as model. The conversion can reach to 97.6% after the reaction for 5 minutes at 25 °C, being comparable to most non‐noble metal based catalysts. Notably, the catalyst can be manually separated from reaction medium benefited from anchoring nitrides on macroscopical NF substrate. The anchoring can endow the high stability and avoid loss during separation process, thus is especially favorable to give good recycled ability and to use at higher temperature. Indeed, the catalyst can be used at higher temperature (75 °C) to accelerate dramatically reaction (conversion close to 100% within 20 s). Moreover, the activity can be remained after sequential 20 times of catalytic reaction, which is superior to the catalysts ever reported. The catalyst is promising for the practical catalytic application.
Enhancement of Aqua‐Ammonia Vapor on Proton Conduction for Two Water‐Tolerant Complicated Copper Cluster Compounds
Authors: Guo Kai‐Meng , Li Yi‐Lin , Yu Shi‐Hang , Tang Hua‐Biao , Li Gang
Published: March 2019

By adopting two similar acyl thiourea‐based carboxylate ligands, 2‐(3‐benzoylthioureido)propionic acid (H3BTPA) and 2‐(3‐benzoylthioureido)ethanoic acid (H3BTEA) to react with Cu(OAc)2, respectively, one 2D cluster polymer [CuI6CuII6(BTPA)6(H2O)10]n (1) and one 0D cluster [CuI6CuII6(BTEA)6(H2O)10(DMF)2]⋅6H2O (2) (DMF=N, N‐dimethylformamide) were successfully prepared and structurally characterized. The optimized proton conductivity for 1 is 1.16 × 10−5 S⋅cm−1 under 98% RH and 100 °C, which can be increased to a higher value of 7.70 × 10−4 S⋅cm−1 under aqua‐ammonia vapor from 2.0 M of NH3⋅H2O solution. For 2, the largest proton conductivity of 9.80 × 10−4 S⋅cm−1 could be obtained under aqua‐ammonia vapor. Through PXRD determinations, water and ammonia adsorption measurements, Ea calculations, a clear understanding of their proton conduction mechanisms as well as the enhancement of aqua‐ammonia vapor on the proton conduction has been obtained.
Design of Water Stable 1,3‐Dialkyl‐ 2‐Methyl Imidazolium Basic Ionic Liquids as Reusable Homogeneous Catalysts for Aza‐Michael Reaction in Neat Condition
Authors: Boruah Kabita , Borah Ruli
Published: March 2019

In this study, new members of mono cationic basic ionic liquids were synthesized as water stable viscous liquid consisting of 1, 3‐dialkyl‐2‐methyl imidazolium cation and acetate (or hydroxide) anion. Their structures were determined using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT‐IR and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis displayed maximum stabilities of six ionic liquids up to 260 °C. The UV‐Vis technique was employed to determine their comparable Hammett basicity order. Thermally stable five ionic liquids with less moisture content showed their catalytic activities by formation of 85–97% yields of β‐amino carbonyl compound for the model Aza‐Michael reaction of piperidine and acrylonitrile in neat condition with 2 and 5 mol % of catalysts for 5–15 min at room temperature. The optimized two catalysts [dbIm]OH and [daIm]OAc were reused efficiently with slight loss of activity for four cycles after the 1st run.
Visible‐Light‐Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenolic Compounds Using Bi2S3/Bi2W2O9 Heterostructure Materials as Photocatalyst
Authors: Bhoi Yagna P. , Majhi Dibyananda , Das Krishnendu , Mishra Braja G.
Published: March 2019

In this work, bismuth sulphide (Bi2S3)/bismuth tungstate (Bi2W2O9) heterostructure materials were prepared and studied as photocatalyst for decomposition of phenolic compounds under visible light. The Bi2S3 nanomaterial was deposited over the combustion synthesized Bi2W2O9 material using a hydrothermal procedure. The heterostructures were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis‐DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The presence of crystalline orthorhombic Bi2S3 and Bi2W2O9 phases was confirmed from XRD analysis. Morphologically, the heterostructure materials contained Bi2S3 nano‐rods grown uniformly over Bi2W2O9 micron size plates. The heterostructure materials displayed improved absorption features in visible region and enhanced separation of excitons. The Bi2S3/Bi2W2O9 materials displayed excellent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of phenolic compounds from aqueous sources. Structurally diverse phenol moieties could be mineralized effectively with high efficiency (> 80%) within 2 h. The hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were identified as reactive species for phenol degradation, the formation of which was confirmed from spectroscopic analysis. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of phenol over the Bi2S3/Bi2W2O9 photocatalyst surface was also described.
RbB11O16(OH)2: First Hydroxyl Rubidium Borate with the B‐O 2D Layer Featuring Large Birefringence in the Rb‐B‐O‐H System
Authors: Hu Shuaishuai , Li Shuwei , Su Zhi
Published: March 2019

A new hydroxyl rubidium borate, RbB11O16(OH)2, has been obtained in the sealed system. Its structure consists of a two‐dimensional layered anionic framework, which is composed of the fundamental building block, [B11O18(OH)2]5−. Detailed structural comparison with other hydroxyl rubidium borates indicates that RbB11O16(OH)2 is the first hydroxyl rubidium borate with a B−O layered structure. First‐principle theoretical studies have been conducted to help understand the electronic structure and its optical properties, and the results suggest that RbB11O16(OH)2 can be regarded as the potential birefringent crystal.
A Cut‐and‐Weld Process to 3D Architectures from Multiresponsive Crosslinked Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiong , Guan Song , Zhang Chen , Qu Ting , Wen Wei , Zhao Yongbin , Chen Aihua
Published: March 2019

Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers (CLCPs) have garnered extensive attention in recent years for their significant values in the design of light‐driven soft actuators. However, poor processabilities due to the insoluble and infusible crosslinked networks prevent their practical applications severely. In this study, a weldable azobenzene‐containing CLCP is designed with photo‐ and humidity‐responsive actuations, which enables a cut‐and‐weld process to 3D CLCP architectures. The tensile properties and stability are almost unchanged after welding, much better than those of the films pasted by common adhesive tapes. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of the welding process are clarified on the base of surface hydrogen bonding and further crosslinking. By taking advantage of the cut‐and‐weld process, a 3D “claw” integrated into a robotic arm is realized for grabbing millimeter‐scale objects by remote control. This work enhances significantly not only the processability of CLCP films but also the utilization of leftover pieces, which provides an efficient approach to create functional 3D structures from film precursors for the potential application in the smart materials.
Surface‐Active Properties and Anti‐Microbial Activities of Esterified Maltodextrins
Authors: Pantoa Thidarat , Shompoosang Sirinan , Ploypetchara Thongkorn , Gohtani Shoichi , Udomrati Sunsanee
Published: March 2019

The esterified maltodextrins (EMs) are prepared by enzymatic esterification of maltodextrin DE of 16 with three fatty acids (C‐10, C‐12, and C‐16). Three EMs are maltodextrin decanoate (DE16_D), maltodextrin laurate (DE16_L), and maltodextrin palmitate (DE16_P). Their surface‐active properties and anti‐microbial activities are investigated with various concentrations (0–20% (w/w)). All EMs exhibit surface activity that depends on the chain length of the fatty acid. The anti‐microbial activities of EMs and native maltodextrin are evaluated against Escherichia coli, a Gram‐negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus a Gram‐positive bacterium. DE16_L is the most effective at retarding E. coli growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DE16_L is 5% (w/w). Cell numbers of E. coli tend to decrease as the concentration increases for native maltodextrin, DE16_D, and DE16_L. On the other hand, DE16_P enhances the available cells of E. coli and S. aureus as concentration increases. EMs and native maltodextrin do not clearly retard the growth of S. aureus. This investigation indicates that the chain length of the fatty acid and the concentration of EMs affects their anti‐microbial ability.
Structural and Thermal Properties of Agricultural Mulch Films Based on Native and Oxidized Corn Starch Nanocomposites
Authors: Merino Danila , Gutiérrez Tomy J. , Alvarez Vera A.
Published: March 2019

The current need to put an end to the accumulation of synthetic polymer waste during the cultivation and harvest of food has promoted scientific research for the development of biodegradable agricultural mulch films. Native and oxidized thermoplastic corn starch, with and without the addition of natural and modified bentonite (Bent) with an eco‐friendly natural polymer such as chitosan (CS) are proposed as an alternative for this field. The hydrogen‐bonding interactions affecting the structural and thermal properties of the designed films are followed and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheometry. Results indicate that chemical modification carried out onto starch's structure leads to a reduction in the OH polar groups, which affects their films interaction with nano‐clays and glycerol. Besides, nanocomposites which present an intercalated structure demonstrate less effective intercalation when oxidized starch is used as the matrix. Additionally, a higher degree of crystallinity is observed, which could indicate a lower degree of compatibility between polymer and plasticizer. Thermal characterization confirms that the glass transition temperature of plasticized corn starch increases when oxidation is performed due to the decreased compatibility between the plasticizer agent and the oxidized corn starch.
Concise Review: Reduction of Adverse Cardiac Scarring Facilitates Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liang Jialiang , Huang Wei , Jiang Lin , Paul Christian , Li Xiangnan , Wang Yigang
Published: March 2019

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are an attractive, reliable source for generating functional cardiomyocytes for regeneration of infarcted heart. However, inefficient cell engraftment into host tissue remains a notable challenge to therapeutic success due to mechanical damage or relatively inhospitable microenvironment. Evidence has shown that excessively formed scar tissues around cell delivery sites present as mechanical and biological barriers that inhibit migration and engraftment of implanted cells. In this review, we focus on the functional responses of stem cells and cardiomyocytes during the process of cardiac fibrosis and scar formation. Survival, migration, contraction, and coupling function of implanted cells may be affected by matrix remodeling, inflammatory factors, altered tissue stiffness, and presence of electroactive myofibroblasts in the fibrotic microenvironment. Although paracrine factors from implanted cells can improve cardiac fibrosis, the transient effect is insufficient for complete repair of an infarcted heart. Furthermore, investigation of interactions between implanted cells and fibroblasts including myofibroblasts helps the identification of new targets to optimize the host substrate environment for facilitating cell engraftment and functional integration. Several antifibrotic approaches, including the use of pharmacological agents, gene therapies, microRNAs, and modified biomaterials, can prevent progression of heart failure and have been developed as adjunct therapies for stem cell-based regeneration. Investigation and optimization of new biomaterials is also required to enhance cell engraftment of engineered cardiac tissue and move PSCs from a laboratory setting into translational medicine.
Biomechanical Comparison of Two Pediatric Blade Plate Designs in Proximal Femoral Osteotomies
Authors: Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Swarup Ishaan , Garner Matthew R. , Meyers Kathleen N. , Edobor-Osula Folorunsho , Widmann Roger F. , Scher David M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Blade plates are frequently used for internal fixation following proximal femoral varus rotational osteotomy to treat hip dysplasia in children with cerebral palsy. Recently, cannulated blade plates with the option for a proximal locking screw have demonstrated ease of insertion and low complication rates. Although there are two commonly used blade plates with a proximal screw option, no comparison of their biomechanical profiles has been undertaken.

Questions/Purposes

Our study sought to compare the structural properties under axial loading, as well as the biomechanical contribution of a proximal screw, of two different 90° cannulated blade plates designed for pediatric proximal femurs. Plate A has a hole distal to the blade designed to attach a plate inserter, through which a 3.5-mm non-locking cortical screw could be placed. Plate B has a threaded hole distal to the blade designed to accept a 3.5-mm locking screw.

Methods

Plate A and plate B were inserted into 33 left pediatric synthetic proximal femurs. Axial loading to failure of plate A with and without a proximal screw was compared to that of plate B with and without a proximal screw. An additional 10 samples using plate B, with and without a proximal locking screw, were tested in tension to quantify the effect of the proximal screw on pullout strength.

Results

Plate B failed at a higher axial load than plate A. The addition of a proximal screw did not affect the axial load to failure for either plate. Pullout testing revealed that blade plates fixed with the proximal screw failed in tension at a significantly higher load (856.3 ± 120.9 N) than those without proximal fixation (68.1 ± 9.3 N, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Plate B failed at a higher axial load in biomechanical testing, likely related to differences in its design. The addition of a proximal screw did not increase the axial loading properties of the blade plate construct but did increase the pullout strength by a factor of 12. These results may be used to influence implant selection and post-operative rehabilitation following proximal femoral osteotomies in children.
Liver Resection After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy with Yttrium-90: Safety and Outcomes
Authors: Mafeld Sebastian , Littler Peter , Hayhurst Hannah , Manas Derek , Jackson Ralph , Moir John , French Jeremy
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (Y-90) is an intra-arterial therapy for hepatic malignancy in patients who are unsuitable for surgical resection. This treatment is considered palliative, although some patients can demonstrate a response that is adequate to facilitate surgical resection with curative intent.

Methods

All patients who underwent liver resection post SIRT were reviewed. Data gathered included patient demographics, tumor type, surgical details, and post-operative outcomes.

Results

Twelve patients underwent SIRT followed by liver resection (7 males and 5 females). Pathologies were hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 5), metastatic colorectal cancer (n = 5), and neuroendocrine tumor (n = 2). Lesional response (size, volume, and RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors)) was calculated and where appropriate functional liver remnant (FLR) is presented. Mean FLR increase was 264cm3(range − 123 to 909), and all cases demonstrated a partial response according to RECIST with a mean largest lesion volume reduction of 475cm3(range 14–1632). No post-SIRT complications were noted. Hepatectomy occurred at a mean of 322 days from SIRT treatment. Ninety-day morbidity was 67% (n = 6), complications post-surgery were analyzed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification scale; a total of 15 events occurred in 6 patients. Ninety-day mortality of 11% (n = 1).

Conclusion

In selected cases, liver resection is possible post SIRT. As this can represent a potentially curative option, it is important to reconsider resection in the follow-up of patients undergoing SIRT. Post-operative complications are noted following major and extended liver resection. Therefore, further studies are needed to improve patient selection.
The Impact of the Triple P Seminar Series on Canadian Parents’ Use of Physical Punishment, Non-Physical Punishment and Non-Punitive Responses
Authors: Gonzalez Miriam , Ateah Christine A. , Durrant Joan E. , Feldgaier Steven
Published: March 2019

Physical punishment of children is linked to negative developmental outcomes. The widely used Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) promotes alternative responses to physical punishment. Data on the effectiveness of the Triple P Seminar Series is limited. In this study, Canadian parents’ reports of physical punishment, non-physical punishment, and non-punitive responses were compared before and after they attended the Triple P Seminar Series. Twenty-seven parents of children aged 2 to 6 years attended the Seminar Series and completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measuring the number of times they used various physical punishments, non-physical punishments, and non-punitive responses in the past month. Hypotheses were tested using univariate descriptive analyses, paired samplesttests, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. Parents’ reports of physical punishment decreased on only one of the four physical punishment items (shaking/grabbing) from pre- to post-intervention. Over the course of the Seminar Series, parents became more likely to emphasise rules and to punish their children by taking things away from them. The findings suggest that the Seminar Series has limited effectiveness in reducing physical punishments or increasing non-punitive responses. Further research on this question is needed.
3096 Estimation of the Prevalence of Cesarean Delivery for the Extremely Preterm Fetus in Breech Presentation
Authors: Dangel Alissa , Breeze Janis L , Huggins Gordon , House Michael , Kolandaivelu Kumaran
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Cesarean delivery is typically performed in the extremely preterm period (23 to 28 weeks) when the fetus is in breech presentation to avoid the potential risk of head entrapment by an insufficiently dilated cervix during a vaginal delivery. Assessment of the prevalence of extremely preterm breech cesarean delivery would help to appropriately guide future clinical interventions designed to increase the feasibility of vaginal delivery for this sub-group of patients. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We performed a cross-sectional study of the 2106 U.S. National Vital Statistics birth certificate database to estimate the prevalence of cesarean deliveries performed during the period of gestation from 23 to 28 weeks with a fetus in breech presentation. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: An analysis of the total births in the 2016 registry (3,945,875) was performed. The gestational age was limited to the target range of 23 0/7 to 27 6/7 weeks. Multiple gestation deliveries were excluded. This yielded 16,092 births of which 4,849 were noted to have breech presentation. The proportion of cesarean deliveries performed for singleton breech fetuses at this gestational range was 87% (4,203/4,849). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The probability of undergoing a cesarean delivery for an extremely preterm fetus in breech presentation is notably higher (87%) when compared to an overall cesarean delivery rate of 31.9%. Specific interventions to allow for vaginal delivery in this particular sub-group of the obstetric population would be useful to reduce maternal morbidity by increasing vaginal deliveries. Future work will attempt to address innovative solutions to prevent head entrapment by the cervix in this particular population and ultimately avoid cesarean delivery.
3099 Risk of substance abuse onset in adults diagnosed with epilepsy or migraine
Authors: Jones Stephanie , Korte Jeffrey E. , Wilson Dulaney
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The study investigated whether adults diagnosed with epilepsy or migraine (a neurological disorder with common features to epilepsy) are at increased risk for developing substance abuse disorders following diagnosis compared to (presumably healthy) adults with lower extremity fracture (LEF). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using a subset of surveillance data of hospital admissions, emergency department visits and outpatient visits in South Carolina, USA from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2011. Individuals aged 18 years or older were identified using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision Clinical modification (ICD-9) with a diagnosis of epilepsy (epilepsy-cohort 1; n = 78,547; 52.7% female, mean age [SD] 51.3 years [19.2]), migraine (migraine-cohort 2; n = 121,155; 81.5% female, mean age [SD] 40.0 years [14.5]), or LEF (control cohort; n = 73,911; 55.4% female, mean age [SD] 48.7 years [18.7]). Individuals with substance abuse or dependence diagnosis following epilepsy, migraine, or LEF were identified with ICD-9 codes. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses modelled the time to substance abuse diagnosis comparing epilepsy to LEF and comparing migraine to LEF. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Adjusting for insurance payer, age and sex, adults with epilepsy are diagnosed with substance abuse disorders at 2.5 times the rate of those with LEF [HR 2.54 (2.43, 2.67)] and adults with migraine are diagnosed with substance abuse disorders at 1.10 times the rate of those with LEF [HR 1.10 (1.04, 1.16)]. An interaction between exposure and insurance payer was found with hazard ratios comparing epilepsy to LEF of 4.56, 3.60, and 1.94 within the commercial payer, uninsured and Medicaid strata, respectively. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Compared to adults with LEF, adults with epilepsy had a substantially higher hazard of subsequent substance abuse, while adults with migraine showed a small, but still significant, increased hazard of subsequent substance abuse.