bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Engineering of Porphyrin Coordination on a Carbon Nanotube for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Lidong , Zhang Zhaosheng , Li Meng , Li Qiuhan , Wang Bo , Wang Shuwen , Zhou Huang , Mao Boyang
Published: February 2020

Functionalised porphyrins have attracted considerable attention owing to their ability to coordinate with numerous metal ions. We design and synthesize a novel composite system based on functionalised Pt(II)‐porphyrin and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysis. Rather than qualitatively integrating porphyrin with carbon nanotubes, the optimized Pt(II)‐porphyrin loading and precisely morphology control could be fine‐tuned and quantitatively premeditated by using fluorescence and UV‐vis titration based on the unique π–π interactions behaviour of the porphyrin for the first time. The as‐prepared composites exhibit superior HER catalytic activity with an overpotential of 35 mV for an electrocatalytic current density of j=−10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 32.3 mV dec−1. Moreover, such catalysts do not exhibit observable activity decay after a 1000‐cycle stability test, thus demonstrating their excellent durability. To further reduce Pt loading to achieve cost efficiency, we develop a Pt−Co bimetallic HER catalyst with an ultra‐low platinum content through a straightforward synthesis pathway with high catalytic activity and stability. This study provides a new approach for preparing a highly active and stable HER catalyst, which could potentially be extended to other reactions to improve the utilization efficiency of precious metal catalysts.
Endohedral Plumbaspherenes of the Group 9 Metals: Synthesis, Structure and Properties of the [M@Pb12]3− (M=Co, Rh, Ir) Ions
Authors: Li Ai‐Min , Wang Yi , Downing Domonique O. , Chen Fu , Zavalij Peter , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Eichhorn Bryan W.
Published: February 2020

The icosahedral [M@Pb12]3− (M=Co(1), Rh(2), Ir(3)) cluster ions were prepared from K4Pb9 and Co(dppe)Cl2 (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)/[Rh(PPh3)3Cl]/[Ir(cod)Cl]2 (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene), respectively, in the presence of 18‐crown‐6/ 2,2,2‐cryptand in ethylenediamine/toluene solvent mixtures. The [K(2,2,2‐cryptand)]+ salt of 1 and the [K(18‐crown‐6)]+ salt of 3 were characterized via X‐ray crystallography; the ions 1 and 3 are isostructural and isoelectronic to the [Rh@Pb12]3− (2) ion as well as to the group 10 clusters [M′@Pb12]2− (M′=Ni, Pd, Pt). The ions are all 26‐electron clusters with near perfect icosahedral Ih point symmetry. Clusters 1–3 show record downfield 207Pb NMR chemical shifts due to σ‐aromaticity of the cluster framework. Calculated and observed 207Pb NMR chemical shifts and 207Pb–xM J‐couplings (xM=59Co, 103Rh, 193Ir) are in excellent agreement and DFT analysis shows that the variations of 207Pb NMR chemical shifts for the [M@Pb12]2, 3− ions (M=Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt) are mainly governed by the perpendicularly oriented σ11 component of the chemical shift anisotropy tensor. The laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (LDI‐TOF) mass spectra contain the molecular ions as well as several new gas phase clusters derived from the parents. The DFT‐minimized structures of these ions are described.
Smart Protein‐Based Formulation of Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Toward Oral Delivery of Insulin
Authors: Juère Estelle , Caillard Romain , Marko Doris , Del Favero Giorgia , Kleitz Freddy
Published: February 2020

Oral insulin administration still represents a paramount quest that almost a century of continuous research attempts did not suffice to fulfill. Before pre‐clinical development, oral insulin products have first to be optimized in terms of encapsulation efficiency, protection against proteolysis, and intestinal permeation ability. With the use of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) as an insulin host and together with a protein‐based excipient, succinylated β‐lactoglobulin (BL), pH‐responsive tablets permitted the shielding of insulin from early release/degradation in the stomach and mediated insulin permeation across the intestinal cellular membrane. Following an original in vitro cellular assay based on insulin starvation, direct cellular fluorescent visualization has evidenced how DMSNs could ensure the intestinal cellular transport of insulin.
Development and validation of a multivariable prediction model for the identification of occult lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mermod Maxime , Jourdan Eva‐Francesca , Gupta Ruta , Bongiovanni Massimo , Tolstonog Genrich , Simon Christian , Clark Jonathan , Monnier Yan
Published: February 2020

Background

There have been few recent advances in the identification of occult lymph node metastases (OLNM) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to develop, compare, and validate several machine learning models to predict OLNM in clinically N0 (cN0) OSCC.

Methods

The biomarkers CD31 and PROX1 were combined with relevant histological parameters and evaluated on a training cohort (n = 56) using four different state‐of‐the‐art machine learning models. Next, the optimized models were tested on an external validation cohort (n = 112) of early‐stage (T1‐2 N0) OSCC.

Results

The random forest (RF) model gave the best overall performance (area under the curve = 0.89 [95% CI = 0.8, 0.98]) and accuracy (0.88 [95% CI = 0.8, 0.93]) while maintaining a negative predictive value >95%.

Conclusions

We provide a new clinical decision algorithm incorporating risk stratification by an RF model that could significantly improve the management of patients with early‐stage OSCC.
Fecal Microbiome Distinguishes Alcohol Consumption From Alcoholic Hepatitis But Does Not Discriminate Disease Severity
Authors: Smirnova Ekaterina , Puri Puneet , Muthiah Mark D. , Daitya Kalyani , Brown Robert , Chalasani Naga , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Shah Vijay H. , Gelow Kayla , Siddiqui Mohammed S. , Boyett Sherry , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

The role of the intestinal microbiome in alcoholic hepatitis is not established. The aims of this study were to (1) characterize the fecal microbial ecology associated with alcoholic hepatitis, (2) relate microbiome changes to disease severity, and (3) infer the functional relevance of shifts in microbial ecology.

Approach and Results

The fecal microbiome in patients with moderate alcoholic hepatitis (MAH) or severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) was compared with healthy controls (HCs) and heavy drinking controls (HDCs). Microbial taxa were identified by 16S pyrosequencing. Functional metagenomics was performed using PICRUSt. Fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform. A total of 78 participants (HC, n = 24; HDC, n = 20; MAH, n = 10; SAH, n = 24) were studied. HDC had a distinct signature compared with HC with depletion of Bacteroidetes (46% vs. 26%; P = 0.01). Alcoholic hepatitis was associated with a distinct microbiome signature compared with HDC (area under the curve = 0.826); differential abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Rikenellaceae families were the key contributors to these differences. The beta diversity was significantly different among the groups (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA] P < 0.001). SAH was associated with increased Proteobacteria (SAH 14% vs. HDC 7% and SAH vs. HC 2%, P = 0.20 and 0.01, respectively). Firmicutes abundance declined from HDC to MAH to SAH (63% vs. 53% vs. 48%, respectively; P = 0.09, HDC vs. SAH). Microbial taxa did not distinguish between MAH and SAH (PERMANOVA P = 0.785). SCFAs producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae) were decreased in alcoholic hepatitis, and a similar decrease was observed in fecal SCFAs among alcoholic hepatitis patients.

Conclusions

There are distinct changes in fecal microbiome associated with the development, but not severity, of alcoholic hepatitis.
Uncal apex position varies with normal aging
Authors: Poppenk Jordan ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Human Connectome Project, and Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience
Published: February 2020

The uncal apex is an anatomical landmark frequently used for segmenting the hippocampus into its anterior and posterior segments, a necessary step for computing many measurements of its long axis. It functions well, as it is both local to the hippocampus and easy to identify. However, in spite of widespread use and definition in the EADC‐ADNI Harmonized Hippocampal Protocol (HarP), how the uncal apex is influenced by gross hippocampal changes during normal aging has not been established, nor has the possible impact on measures of anterior hippocampus (aHPC) and posterior hippocampus (pHPC) volume. Here I drew upon three large data sets to describe and confirm these relationships, investigating them in one large data set and replicating my findings in the two others, evaluating a total of 4,434 hippocampi. I found the uncal apex fell in an increasingly more anterior position with increasing age. This age‐related retraction of the uncus began after age 36, with the sharpest effects arising after age 60. This phenomenon exaggerates age‐related aHPC volume decreases while simultaneously underestimating age‐related pHPC volume decreases, a pattern I confirmed by juxtaposing uncal apex and MNI space‐based landmarking. A hippocampally based reference frame was also rendered unstable by age‐related shifts in the posterior extent of the hippocampus. Both the uncal apex and hippocampal reference frame should therefore be used with caution in aging research, or in research involving other demographic or disease factors known to evoke gross changes in the hippocampus. Instead, MNI coordinate‐based heuristics may be appropriate for segmenting the hippocampus in study designs involving such factors. Apex‐based segmentation is still attractive, however, in study designs where advanced age and atrophy are not used as regressors, including investigations into long‐axis effects in healthy young adults. Progress toward localizing functional divisions within the hippocampus is needed to identify best practices for the field.
Changes in the Electrical Charge Accumulation Ability of Nanoporous Activated Carbon under Ultrasonic Radiation Exposure
Authors: Bordun I. , Chabecki P. , Malovanyy M. , Pieshkov T. , Chwastek K.
Published: February 2020

The influence of ultrasonic radiation in the cavitation regime on the structural and electrochemical properties of activated carbon was studied. It was established, as the result of the X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, that the ultrasound treatment causes substantial changes in the atomic and porous structure of the samples. The ultrasound treatment resulted in an increase of the graphitization degree of the carbon material and thus, in an increase of its density. The specific surface area and specific volume of the investigated samples decreased after the ultrasound treatment. The impedance dependencies for the supercapacitors made either from the initial and the modified carbon have been analyzed. The equivalent electrical circuits modelling the Nyquist diagrams have been constructed. De Levie impedance model, modified by series connection of parallel RC‐circuit, was used. It has been shown that ultrasonic radiation changes the Fermi level position by shifts to the energy region with high states density of delocalised electrons. This is the reason for unblocking of the Helmholtz layer capacitance due to the increase in the capacitance of the layer of the space charge region in the carbon material. It was shown that ultrasound treatment allows also controlling successfully the admixture and native defects distribution, existing on material surface and which are responsible for the surface electron states formation.
In Praise of Basic Research as a Vehicle to Practical Applications: Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling to Form Carbon‐Nitrogen Bonds
Authors: Buchwald Stephen L. , Hartwig John F.
Published: February 2020

Two groups′ research initiated to address two very different questions on problems of basic chemical research led, after much effort on catalyst development and studies of reaction mechanism, to the discovery and development of the coupling of amines with aryl halides in a practical fashion.
Maternal postpartum depression is a risk factor for infant emotional variability at 4 months
Authors: Væver Mette Skovgaard , Pedersen Ida Egmose , Smith‐Nielsen Johanne , Tharner Anne
Published: February 2020

Maternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a risk for disruption of mother–infant interaction. Infants of depressed mothers have been found to display less positive, more negative, and neutral affect. Other studies have found that infants of mothers with PPD inhibit both positive and negative affect. In a sample of 28 infants of mothers with PPD and 52 infants of nonclinical mothers, we examined the role of PPD diagnosis and symptoms for infants’ emotional variability, measured as facial expressions, vocal protest, and gaze using microanalysis, during a mother–infant face‐to‐face interaction. PPD symptoms and diagnosis were associated with (a) infants displaying fewer high negative, but more neutral/interest facial affect events, and (b) fewer gaze off events.  PPD diagnosis, but not symptoms, was associated with less infant vocal protest. Total duration of seconds of infant facial affective displays and gaze off was not related to PPD diagnosis or symptoms, suggesting that when infants of depressed mothers display high negative facial affect or gaze off, these expressions are more sustained, indicating lower infant ability to calm down and re‐engage, interpreted as a disturbance in self‐regulation. The findings highlight the importance of not only examining durations, but also frequencies, as the latter may inform infant emotional variability.
In vivo behavior of biomicroconcretes based on α‐tricalcium phosphate and hybrid hydroxyapatite/chitosan granules and sodium alginate
Authors: Zima Aneta , Czechowska Joanna , Szponder Tomasz , Ślósarczyk Anna
Published: February 2020

The current studies provide insights into how predictions based on results of physicochemical and in vitro tests are consistent with the results of in vivo studies. The new biomicroconcrete type materials were obtained by mixing the solid phase, composed of hybrid hydroxyapatite/chitosan granules and highly reactive α‐tricalcium phosphate powder, used as the setting agent. This approach guaranteed a good adhesion of the continuous cement phase to the surface of granules. It has been demonstrated that developed biomicroconcretes are surgically handy, possessed favorable physicochemical and biological properties and can be considered as effective bone implant material. The hierarchical porosity and compressive strength (2–6 MPa) similar to cancellous bone made them suitable for low‐load bearing applications. Despite the fact that final setting times of biomicroconcretes were longer than recommended in the literature (i.e., exceeded 15 min), their short cohesion time allows for a successful implantation in a rabbit femoral defect model. Histological analysis and Raman studies revealed newly formed bone tissues around the sides of implanted materials. Furthermore, the process of neovascularization and reconstruction of the bone tissue, as well as a reverse scaffolding process, was visible. No signs of inflammation or adverse tissue reactions were observed during the experiment.
Twitter impact on a community trauma: An examination of who, what, and why it radiated
Authors: Brown Mary Ellen , Dustman Patricia A. , Barthelemy Juan J.
Published: February 2020

The study examined the radiating impacts of trauma following the officer‐involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Twitter data (#AltonSterling) was collected, filtered, and analyzed using textual and spatial methods. Primary coding encompassed the 30‐day period immediately following the shooting. In general, tweets were not used to convey either facts or neutral information, rather, personal opinions dominated. The immediate responses were largely grounded in fear and/or violence. One particularly illuminating finding was the absence of messaging and silence from local leadership. Social media can be a tool to either provide consolatory messaging to promote healing and health, or to spread inflammatory exchanges that perpetuate community discord, further fracture communities and groups, and elevate the risk of retraumatization. Local organizations need established protocols for using social media proactively in the aftermath of community trauma; social media can be a powerful tool for enhancing community cohesion, recovery, and resilience.
Application of Schiff bases derived from carboxymethylcellulose sodium in the separation of polysaccharides from kelp
Authors: Dai Yunliang , Row Kyung Ho
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

A novel and rapid method for the separation and simultaneous extraction of two types of polysaccharides from kelp was developed using an ultrasonic‐assisted solid–liquid extraction method. Many polysaccharides obtained from diverse plant sources have important properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant and antitumor activities. Edible brown algae contain many bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. As the most common brown alga on the coastal areas of the Korean peninsula, kelp was selected to extract laminarin and fucoidan. Using ethanol as a solvent, the effects of ultrasonic‐assisted solid–liquid extraction on the extraction of polysaccharides from kelp, such as the extraction period, temperature, pH and mass:solvent ratio were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Compared to traditional heating and microwave‐assisted extraction methods, ultrasonic‐assisted solid–liquid extraction produced higher extraction yields in a shorter time. The optimal conditions for the ultrasonic‐assisted solid–liquid extraction supporting the highest recoveries of the two polysaccharides were 40 °C, ethanol as a solvent at pH 6, 40 min and a 1:30 g mL−1 mass:solvent ratio. Under the optimal conditions, the recoveries of fucoidan and laminarin were 94.29% and 88.90%, respectively. The real quantities of fucoidan and laminarin extracted from kelp with synthesized carboxymethylcellulose sodium Schiff bases added to ethanol in the proposed method were 120.7 ± 0.26 and 45.3 ± 0.19 mg g−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic‐assisted solid–liquid extraction not only improved the recoveries of the extraction, but also was an eco‐friendly, efficient and promising alternative method for the simultaneous extraction of polysaccharides from kelp. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and ion transportation investigation of four new [1 + 1] condensed furan and thiophene‐based cycloheterophane amides
Authors: Erkuş Betül , Özcan Hafize , Zaim Ömer
Published: February 2020

Four new macrocyclic compounds with thiophene (L1 and L2) and furan (L3 and L4) rings were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Q‐TOF spectral data. Macrocyclic amides (L1, L2, L3, and L4) were tested for ion transportation with Na+ and K+ ions, and also, antimicrobial activities were investigated against the Gram‐negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Gram‐negative Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Gram‐negative Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Bacillus cereus bacteria, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 for all amides.
An alternative and simple synthesis of [14C]potassium cyanate
Authors: Filer Crist N. , Peng C.T.
Published: February 2020

The one‐step synthesis of [14C]potassium cyanate from [14C]urea is described with product characterization by gravimetric specific activity as well as a novel TLC system. The storage, stability, and repurification of [14C]potassium cyanate are also discussed.
Cognitive function and its relationship with brain structure in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Langbehn Kathleen E. , van der Plas Ellen , Moser David J. , Long Jeffrey D. , Gutmann Laurie , Nopoulos Peggy C.
Published: February 2020

Studies have shown relationships between white matter abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but comprehensive analysis of potential structure–function relationships are lacking. Fifty adult‐onset DM1 individuals (33 female) and 68 unaffected adults (45 female) completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐IV (WAIS‐IV) to determine the levels and patterns of intellectual functioning. Neuroimages were acquired with a 3T scanner and were processed with BrainsTools. Regional brain volumes (regions of interest, ROIs) were adjusted for inter‐scanner variation and intracranial volume. Linear regression models were conducted to assess if group by ROI interaction terms significantly predicted WAIS‐IV composite scores. Models were adjusted for age and sex. The DM1 group had lower Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores than the unaffected group (PRI t(113) = −3.28, p = 0.0014; WMI t(114) = −3.49, p = 0.0007; PSI t(114) = −2.98, p = 0.0035). The group by hippocampus interaction term was significant for both PRI and PSI (PRI (t(111) = −2.82, p = 0.0057; PSI (t(112) = −2.87, p = 0.0049)). There was an inverse association between hippocampal volume and both PRI and PSI in the DM1 group (the higher the volume, the lower the intelligence quotient scores), but no such association was observed in the unaffected group. Enlarged hippocampal volume may underlie some aspects of cognitive dysfunction in adult‐onset DM1, suggesting that increased volume of the hippocampus may be pathological.
Detection of aspirin traces in blood by means of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Adomavičiūtė Sonata , Velička Martynas , Šablinskas Valdas
Published: February 2020

Aspirin being freely available as an over the counter drug has a high overdose risk and can cause severe health symptoms. The methods used in clinics for the detection of such drugs (pharmaceuticals) in bodily fluids are mostly based on liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. These methods are known to be precise; however, they both require long and laborious sample preparation; thus, it takes time to acquire the required information. Because in the case of an overdose, the time has high importance, and faster methods would be beneficial. This work presents an application of a Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopic method for the detection of salicylic acid as a metabolite of aspirin in the blood serum of the patient under examination. In this research, the various colloidal solutions were employed for the preparation of SERS active substrates. The choice of the most efficient colloidal solution and the challenges of collecting SERS spectra of whole blood or its components are discussed. The spectra of both the model and the real‐life blood samples containing metabolite of aspirin were collected with a Fourier transform Raman spectrometer. The analysis of the collected spectra revealed that label‐free SERS can be used for the detection of salicylic acid with concentration down to 3 mM in blood serum corresponding to consumption of at least eight standard pills of aspirin (equivalent to mild toxicity). The proposed diagnostic method could be applied faster than the standard methods and could allow sensitive and fast diagnosis of aspirin consumption in the human blood.
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gettelfinger John D. , Paulk P. Barrett , Schmalbach Cecelia E.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The current landscape of patient safety/quality improvement (PS/QI) research dedicated to Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) has not been established. This systematic review aims to define the breadth and depth of PS/QI research dedicated to OHNS and to identify knowledge gaps as well as potential areas of future study.

Methods

The study protocol was developed a priori using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) process. A computerized Ovid/Medline database search was conducted (January 1, 1965–September 30, 2019). Similar computerized searches were conducted using Cochrane Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Articles were classified by year, subspecialty, PS/QI category, Institute of Medicine (IOM) Crossing the Chasm categories, and World Health Organization (WHO) subclass.

Results

Computerized searches yielded 11,570 eligible articles, 738 (6.4%) of which met otolaryngology PS/QI inclusion criteria; 178 (24.1%) were not specific to any one subspecialty. The most prevalent subspecialty foci were head and neck (29.9%), pediatric otolaryngology (16.9%), and otology/neurotology (11.0%). Studies examining complications or risk factors (32.0%) and outcomes/quality measures (16.3%) were the most common foci. Classification by the IOM included effective care (31.4%), safety (29.9%), and safety/effective care (25.3%). Most research fell into the WHO categories of understanding causes (28.5%) or measuring harm (28.3%).

Conclusion

Most OHNS PS/QI projects (32.0%) focus on reporting complications or risk factors, followed by outcomes/quality measures (16.3%). Knowledges gaps for future research include healthcare disparities, multidisciplinary care, and the WHO category of studies translating evidence into safer care.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:33–40, 2021
3D Printed Fistula Plug: A Novel Bridge to Definitive Reconstruction
Authors: Macielak Robert J. , Ziebarth Michelle T. , Price Daniel L.
Published: February 2020

A case is presented showcasing the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) printing patient‐specific fistula plugs as a bridge therapy to definitive management of pharyngocutaneous fistulae. For this patient, a set of 3D printed fistula plugs was successfully used with low morbidity and positive results in the management of this postoperative issue. Utilizing 3D printed fistula plugs could represent a novel yet safe therapy for patients requiring long‐term management of similar wounds. Further studies are warranted to evaluate implementation of this practice on a widespread scale. Laryngoscope, 131:111–114, 2021
Dual apodization with cross‐correlation combined with robust Capon beamformer applied to ultrasound passive cavitation mapping
Authors: Lu Shukuan , Li Renyan , Zhao Yan , Yu Xianbo , Wang Diya , Wan Mingxi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Passive acoustic mapping (PAM) has received increasing attention in recent years and has an extremely widespread application prospect in real‐time monitoring of ultrasound treatment. When using a diagnostic ultrasound transducer, such as a linear‐array transducer, the initially used time exposure acoustics (TEA) algorithm will produce high‐level artifacts. To address this problem, we recently proposed an enhanced algorithm for linear‐array PAM by introducing dual apodization with the cross‐correlation (DAX) method into TEA. But due to that the delay and sum beamformer used to create RX1 and RX2 is non‐adaptive, the remaining X‐type artifacts cannot be completely suppressed, yielding unsatisfactory image quality. This study aims to propose an improved version by combining DAX and robust Capon beamformer (DAX‐RCB).

Methods

Different from the delay and sum beamformer in the DAX‐TEA algorithm, in the proposed version, the two sets of channel signals from a pair of complementary receive apodizations are beamformed by the RCB method, which may make passive cavitation images much less sensitive to X‐type artifacts. The performance of the DAX‐RCB algorithm is validated by simulations and in vitro experiments and compared with the initially used TEA algorithm and the previous DAX‐TEA and RCB algorithms. Four indexes, including passive energy beam (PEB) size, image signal‐to‐background ratio (ISBR), energy estimation ratio (EER), and computing time, are used to evaluate the algorithm performance.

Results

Consider an example of the 8–8 alternating pattern (a pair of complementary apodizations are obtained by extracting eight elements every eight elements), the experimental results show that the A–6dB area (2D PEB size) of the proposed DAX‐RCB is significantly reduced by 11.0 and 6.8 mm2 when compared with TEA and DAX‐TEA and is not significantly reduced when compared with RCB, the ISBR is significantly improved by 19.6, 10.8, and 5.6 dB compared with TEA, DAX‐TEA, and RCB, and the EER of DAX‐RCB is over 90%. The simulation tests indicate that the DAX‐RCB algorithm is also applicable to the image enhancement in the double‐source scenario and the high‐level noise scenario but at a risk of low energy estimation. The improvement of algorithm performance is accompanied by an increase in the computing time. The proposed DAX‐RCB consumes 113.3%, 29.5%, and 17.8% more time than TEA, DAX‐TEA, and RCB.

Conclusions

The proposed DAX‐RCB can be considered as an effective reconstruction algorithm for passive cavitation mapping and provide an appropriate monitoring means for ultrasound therapy, especially for cavitation‐mediated applications.
Flame retardancy and smoke suppression of silicone foams with microcapsulated aluminum hypophosphite and zinc borate
Authors: Kang Fu‐Ru , Wang Cai‐Ping , Deng Jun , Yang Kun , Ma Li , Pang Qing‐Tao
Published: February 2020

The flame‐retardant microcapsules were successfully fabricated with an aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) core. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to verify that AHP was encapsulated in the microcapsules, and thermogravimetry analysis showed that microencapsulated AHP (MAHP) possessed higher thermal stability than that of AHP. Then, a flame‐retardant and smoke suppression system for silicone foams (SiFs) was obtained through a synergistic effect of MAHP and zinc borate (2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O). The mechanical properties, flame retardance, and smoke suppression of SiFs with MAHP and zinc borate were tested using the tensile test, limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, UL‐94 test, and cone calorimeter test. The mechanical properties indicated that the tensile strength and elongation at break of SiFs could evidently improve with the incorporation of MAHP. Compared with pure SiF, SiF8 with 4.5‐wt% MAHP and 1.5‐wt% zinc borate could achieve an LOI value of 30.7 vol% and an UL‐94 V‐0 rating, the time to ignition amplified almost six times, the peak heat release rate and total heat release were 51.10% and 46.00% less than that of pure SiF, respectively, the fire performance index increased nearly 13 times, and the fire growth index value was only 13.18% of pure SiF. Moreover, the partial substitution of zinc borate imparted a substantial improvement in both flame retardancy and smoke suppression. Especially, the peak smoke production rate and total smoke production of SiF8 were merely 38.46% and 38.84% of pure SiF.
Influence of silane‐modified coconut shell powder on thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Qian Shanhua , Cheng Shuai , Ni Zifeng , Yu Jinghu , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2020

A silane coupling agent (glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, GPTMS) was used to modify coconut shell powder (CSP), and the influence of the modified coconut shell powder (G‐CSP) on the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) was investigated. The thermal stabilities of the G‐CSP‐TPEs were studied using TGA; Young's modulus of the G‐CSP‐TPEs was studied by means of the spherical indentation test and the tensile test, and the tensile test was also used to characterize the tensile strength of the G‐CSP‐TPEs. The results revealed that the specific functional groups of GPTMS were efficiently grafted onto the CSP and that G‐CSP enhanced the thermal stability of the TPEs. Under 8% strain, Young's moduli of 0–7.5 wt% G‐CSP‐TPEs obtained by the spherical indentation test and tensile test were almost equal, while the modulus of 10–15 wt% G‐CSP‐TPEs measured by the latter test was greater than that of the former test. The tensile strength of G‐CSP‐TPEs increased up to a threshold limit (10 wt% G‐CSP), followed by a significant decrease. Micro‐images of the fractured surfaces obtained by SEM indicated that the addition of G‐CSP gradually filled the microvoids in the matrix and enhanced the tensile strength of the composite. As the G‐CSP mass percentage exceeded a threshold limit (>10 wt%), the particles started to agglomerate, resulting in weak interfacial adhesion and inferior mechanical properties. Hence, an optimal amount of reinforcing agent G‐CSP should be added to attain desirable thermal and mechanical properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Gifted education policy and advocacy: Perspectives for school psychologists
Authors: Stephens Kristen R.
Published: February 2020

Education laws and policies serve to guide the way programs and services are implemented in schools. The transition from law or policy to implementation can be fraught with complications that impact the education system across many levels. According to Viennet and Pont (2017), one of the areas that can either hinder or support the transition from policy to practice is “inclusive stakeholder engagement” (p. 3). School psychologists are an important stakeholder in the education system thus they should have familiarity with gifted education policy to ensure students are being served appropriately—both academically and socio‐emotionally. This article will introduce school psychologists to (a) federal and state laws impacting gifted students, (b) the role litigation, due process, and research has in shaping policy, and (c) relevant gifted education policy considerations.
Wolbachia successfully replicate in a newly established horn fly, Haematobia irritansirritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) cell line
Authors: Madhav Mukund , Brown Geoff , Morgan Jess AT , Asgari Sassan , McGraw Elizabeth A , Munderloh Ulrike G , Kurtti Timothy J , James Peter
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Haematobia spp., horn flies (HF) and buffalo flies (BF), are economically important ectoparasites of dairy and beef cattle. Control of these flies relies mainly on treating cattle with chemical insecticides. However, the development of resistance to commonly used compounds is compromising the effectiveness of these treatments and alternative methods of control are required. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria of arthropods that cause various reproductive distortions and fitness effects, making them a potential candidate for use in the biological control of pests. The first step towards this is the establishment and adaptation of xenobiotic infections of Wolbachia in target host cell lines.

RESULTS

Here, we report the successful establishment of a continuous HF cell line (HIE‐18) from embryonic cells and its stable transinfection with Wolbachia strains wAlbB native to mosquitoes, and wMel and wMelPop native to Drosophila melanogaster. HIE‐18 cells were typically round and diploid with ten chromosomes (2n = 10) or tetraploid with 20 chromosomes (4n = 20), with a doubling time of 67.2 h. Wolbachia density decreased significantly in HIE‐18 cells in the first 48 h of infection, possibly due to overexpression of antimicrobial peptides through the Imd immune signalling pathway. However, density recovered after this time and HIE‐18 cell lines stably infected with the three strains of Wolbachia have now each been subcultured more than 50 times as persistently infected lines.

CONCLUSION

The amenability of HF cells to infection with different strains of Wolbachia and the establishment of stable sustaining infections suggest the potential for use of Wolbachia in novel approaches for the control of Haematobia spp. Further, the availability of the HIE‐18 cell line will provide an important resource for the study of genetics, host–parasite interactions and chemical resistance in Haematobia populations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Host plant odours and their recognition by the odourant‐binding proteins of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Wang Zhengbing , Gao Chuanhe , Liu Jiali , Zhou Wenwu , Zeng Xinnian
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is one of the major pests in citrus production because it transmits huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus plants. Odourant‐binding proteins (OBPs) play an important role in the olfactory perception of insects. Revealing the function of DcitOBPs is beneficial to the development of new ACP management strategies.

RESULTS

An analysis of the components of volatiles from the new shoots of six host plant species showed that β‐caryophyllene was the characteristic volatile compound in flushing shoots and the most abundant volatile compound in three of the six tested ACP host plant species. The tissue expression profiles of nine known DcitOBPs were analyzed based on a transcriptome database, and DcitOBP3 and DcitOBP6 exhibited high expression in the antennae of both sexes and the ovipositor of females. The binding ability of two recombinant proteins with eight ligands was studied through competitive binding analysis; the results showed that DcitOBP6 exhibited stronger binding to β‐caryophyllene. Behavioural trials indicated that sexually mature female adults of D. citri were significantly attracted to β‐caryophyllene at concentrations of 0.1 μL mL−1 and 10 μL mL−1. RNAi analysis in female D. citri showed that the reduction of DcitOBP6 transcript abundance led to a decrease in antennae EAG activity and behavioural responses to β‐caryophyllene.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that DcitOBP6 is involved in the perception of an important host plant volatile, β‐caryophyllene, in the ACP, and provide a theoretical foundation for behavioural interference in ACP management.
Comparative Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study on Hexaborides
Authors: Wirth Steffen , Rößler Sahana , Jiao Lin , Ale Crivillero Maria Victoria , Rosa Priscila F. S. , Fisk Zachary
Published: February 2020

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigations on two hexaboride compounds, SmB6 and EuB6, are compared in an effort to provide a comprehensive picture of their surface structural properties. The latter is of particular importance for studying the nature of the surface states in SmB6 by surface‐sensitive tools. Beyond the often encountered atomically rough surface topographies of in situ, low‐temperature cleaved samples, differently reconstructed as well as B‐terminated and, more rarely, rare‐earth terminated areas can be found. With all the different surface topographies observed on both hexaborides, a reliable assignment of the surface terminations is brought forward.
Distinguishing legal and illegal cigarettes by applying paper spray mass spectrometry and chemometric tools
Authors: Jurisch Marina , de Paula Camila Cristina Almeida , Augusti Rodinei
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths around the world. Thus, governments have been trying to reduce the number of active smokers by increasing taxes on products. This scenario creates a new problem by raising the consumption of illegally traded cigarettes, which are often seized and analyzed by police forces.

Methods

Legal and illegal cigarette samples were extracted and analyzed using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS‐MS). The mass spectrometer was set to operate in full‐scan positive ion mode to yield representative chemical profiles of each sample. The results were used to build a chemometric model using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to discriminate between both sets of samples, i.e. legal and illegal.

Results

The PS‐MS procedure was fast, simple and efficient, yielding high‐quality and reproducible mass spectra with a very good signal‐to‐noise ratio. Even though all samples displayed visually indistinguishable mass spectra, the PS‐MS data handled by the PLS‐DA approach furnished a model that reached sample classification with rates of 100% and 80% for the training and validation sets, respectively.

Conclusions

A novel methodology was successfully developed associating the PS‐MS technique with chemometric analysis to differentiate between legal and illegal cigarettes. The PS‐MS technique proved to be adequate for obtaining fingerprints of such types of samples despite high complexity, and a PLS‐DA model was successfully constructed achieving 82.1% accuracy.
Synthetically optimal design of a direct‐drive surface‐mounted permanent magnet in‐wheel motor
Authors: Chen Xianbao , Shu Hongyu , Song Yitong
Published: February 2020

In‐wheel motors (IWMs) are one of the most important key technologies to be used by electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. To meet the limitations of the space within the wheel rim, unsprung mass, and drive without a multispeed transmission, IWMs need to be designed to simultaneously have high torque per volume and power per mass and wide high‐efficiency operation region. In addition, it is obligatory to meet the requirements of torque output capacity, speed capacity, torque ripple, peak efficiency, power output capacity, etc. In this paper, a direct‐drive surface‐mounted permanent magnet in‐wheel motor (DSPMIWM) is synthetically optimized. Above design demands are accounted for simultaneously by selecting some of them as the design objectives and setting the others as constraints. Firstly, simplified design equations of the DSPMIWM, which can reduce the number of design variables, are established. The size parameters of the DSPMIWM are classified by constants, indirect design parameters, and direct design parameters. The direct design parameters are selected as optimal design variables. Then, a synthetically optimal design of the DSPMIWM is executed by employing the Kriging method combined with the Latin Hypercube sampling and Genetic Algorithm. Compared with an existing mature design, the torque per volume, power per mass, and high‐efficiency operation region of the studied IWM are still improved while all constraints are met. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed synthetically optimal design procedure is verified by finite element analysis. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ASK1 inhibition: a therapeutic strategy with multi-system benefits
Authors: Ogier Jacqueline M. , Nayagam Bryony A. , Lockhart Paul J.
Published: February 2020

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38α and β) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1, 2, and 3) are key mediators of the cellular stress response. However, prolonged P38 and JNK signalling is associated with damaging inflammatory responses, reactive oxygen species–induced cell death, and fibrosis in multiple tissues, such as the kidney, liver, central nervous system, and cardiopulmonary systems. These responses are associated with many human diseases, including arthritis, dementia, and multiple organ dysfunctions. Attempts to prevent P38- and JNK-mediated disease using small molecule inhibitors of P38 or JNK have generally been unsuccessful. However, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream regulator of P38 and JNK, has emerged as an alternative drug target for limiting P38- and JNK-mediated disease. Within this review, we compile the evidence that ASK1 mediates damaging cellular responses via prolonged P38 or JNK activation. We discuss the potential benefits of ASK1 inhibition as a therapeutic and summarise the studies that have tested the effects of ASK1 inhibition in cell and animal disease models, in addition to human clinical trials for a variety of disorders.
Labordiagnostik bei chronisch‑entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Hauer Almuthe Christine
Published: February 2020

Die Labordiagnostik hat sowohl im empfohlenen initialen „work up“ bei Verdacht auf eine chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankung (CED) wie auch für das Monitoring des Krankheitsverlaufs und des Therapieansprechens einen klar umrissenen Stellenwert: Mithilfe der „Basislaborparameter“ wie z. B. Blutkörperchensenkungsgeschwindigkeit (BSG) können krankheitsspezifische Aktivitätsindizes erstellt werden, und neue serologische Marker (u. a. ANCA [„antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies“], ASCA [„anti-saccharomyces cerevisiaeantibodies“]) dienen der ergänzenden Differenzierung der CED-Entitäten. Derzeit dürfte das Stuhl-Calprotectin – als am weitreichendsten untersuchter fäkaler Inflammationsmarker – v. a. aufgrund der hohen Sensitivität initial und zur Einschätzung der Krankheitsaktivität der relativ beste Surrogatmarker sein. Nach wie vor ist aber die endoskopisch-histopathologische Evaluierung nicht nur für die Diagnose unabdingbar, sondern auch bezüglich des erklärten Therapieziels des „mucosal healing“, also im Rahmen der präzisen Verlaufsdokumentation. Der Entwicklung weniger invasiver „Biomarker“, die möglichst gut mit dem Schleimhautbefund korrelieren, kommt besondere Bedeutung zu, um die derzeit oft noch notwendige invasive Reevaluierung verringern zu helfen. Wie die Wertigkeit sowohl in der Routine etablierter, aber auch neuer, teils experimentell angewandter serologischer, fäkaler und funktioneller Laborparameter bzw. -tests einzuschätzen ist, und welche diagnostischen Methoden in Erprobung sind, wird im vorliegenden Beitrag erläutert.
Engineering vertically interrogated interferometric sensors for optical label-free biosensing
Authors: Casquel Rafael , Holgado Miguel , Laguna María F. , Hernández Ana L. , Santamaría Beatriz , Lavín Álvaro , Luca Tramarin  , Herreros Pedro
Published: February 2020

In this work, we review the technology of vertically interrogated optical biosensors from the point of view of engineering. Vertical sensors present several advantages in the fabrication processes and in the light coupling systems, compared with other interferometric sensors. Four different interrelated aspects of the design are identified and described: sensing cell design, optical techniques used in the interrogation, fabrication processes, fluidics, and biofunctionalization of the sensing surface. The designer of a vertical sensor should decide carefully which solution to adopt on each aspect prior to finally integrating all the components in a single platform. Complexity, cost, and reliability of this platform will be determined by the decisions taken on each of the design process. We focus on the research and experience acquired by our group during last years in the field of optical biosensors.
The punched-out tissue complex (skin-bone ”imprimatum“) in shots from captive-bolt guns: does it act as a secondary projectile?
Authors: Geisenberger Dorothee , Giorgetti Arianna , Glardon Matthieu , Große Perdekamp Markus , Pollak Stefan , Pircher Rebecca
Published: February 2020

From the first half of the twentieth century to the present day, injuries and fatalities from captive-bolt livestock stunners are a major topic in forensic medicine. The vast majority of cases account for suicides with the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital regions being the most common sites of entrance (in descending order of frequency). Due to the limited length of the bolt, the corresponding wound channel within the braincase is only several centimeters long. It has been a controversial subject for a long time, whether the skin-bone complex punched out by the conically grooved end of the steel rod may act as a “secondary projectile” being propelled beyond the actual path of the bolt. To answer this question, experimental shots from various types of captive bolt-guns were fired to simulants. Video-documentation employing a high-speed motion camera showed that the punched-out pieces of skin and bone did not move further than the bolt. Thus, a secondary extension of the total wound channel could not be observed. However, the suction effect caused by the bolt’s rearward movement may induce a slight retrograde displacement of the skin-bone complex.