bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top-down and bottom-up controls on an herbivore on a native and introduced plant in a tropical agricultural landscape
Authors: Despland Emma , Santacruz Paola G.
Published: March 2020

The recent introduction in a tropical agricultural environment of a weedy open-habitat plant (Solanum myriacanthum) and subsequent host range expansion of a common forest-edge butterfly (Mechanitis menapis) onto that plant provides an opportunity to examine reconfiguration of tritrophic networks in human-impacted landscapes. The objectives of this study were (1) determine if the caterpillars on the exotic host are more or less limited by plant defenses (bottom-up forces) and if they experience enemy release (decrease of top-down pressure) and (2) define how anthropic open pasture habitat influences the herbivore’s tritrophic niche. Field and laboratory monitoring of larval survival and performance on a native (Solanum acerifolium) host plant and the exotic (S. myriacanthum) host plant were conducted in the Mindo Valley, Ecuador. Plant physical defenses were also measured. Results showed that larval mortality was mostly top-down on S. acerifolium, linked to parasitism, but mostly bottom-up on S. myriacanthum, possibly linked to observed increased plant defenses. Thus, in the absence of co-evolved relationships, herbivores on the exotic host experienced little top-down regulation, but stronger bottom-up pressures from plant defenses. These findings provide a rare empirical example of enemy-free space as a mechanism underlying host-range expansion. S. myriacanthum was less colonized in open pastures than in semi-shaded habitats (forest edges, thickets): fewer eggs were found, suggesting limited dispersal of adult butterflies into the harsh open environments, and the survival rate of first instar larvae was lower than on semi-shaded plants, likely linked to the stronger defenses of sun-grown leaves. These findings show how environmental conditions modulate the rewiring of trophic networks in heavily impacted landscapes, and limit a biocontrol by a native herbivore on an invasive plant in open habitats.
Nucleation and Growth of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanoparticles
Authors: Enright Michael J. , Ritchhart Andrew , Cossairt Brandi M.
Published: March 2020

Solution‐phase syntheses of semiconductor nanoparticles provide a versatile and scalable approach to obtain nanomaterials with desirable structure and function. The most common mechanism invoked to explain the nucleation and growth of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals is the LaMer model, an extension of classical nucleation theory. This model is widely used to conceptualize the conversion of molecular precursors into nanoparticles, and is characterized by three stages: monomer buildup, nucleation, and particle growth. Each of these stages represents a fundamental aspect of nanoparticle synthesis, and each has been widely studied over the past several decades. One of the core successes of this model has been the prediction of the “burst nucleation” method, which has enabled the synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles in many material systems. Increasingly, however, it has become apparent that many chemical systems do not follow classical nucleation theory, but rather grow via nonclassical cluster‐mediated or aggregative growth processes. Regardless of the nucleation mechanism, highly monodisperse semiconductor nanoparticles can be obtained through kinetic size focusing or digestive ripening. Kinetic size focusing occurs during the nanoparticle growth phase when monomer concentration is high and smaller particles grow faster than their larger counterparts, enabling the smaller particles to “catch up” in size to give a more monodisperse ensemble. Digestive ripening, on the other hand, is a postsynthetic strategy where additional ligand is provided to the system to etch larger particles and redistribute monomer to smaller particles to get a more uniform sample. Beyond the synthesis of spherical colloidal nanoparticles, procedures can be modified to achieve a range of anisotropic structures including 1D nanorods and 2D nanosheets. Seeded and templated growth strategies can lend additional synthetic flexibility to more easily access a range of complex architectures. Continued innovation in synthetic methods and mechanistic understanding will pave the way for technological translation and lasting impact across applications from biological imaging to catalysis and many other next‐generation technologies.
Dose deviations induced by respiratory motion for radiotherapy of lung tumors: Impact of CT reconstruction, plan complexity, and fraction size
Authors: Sande Erlend P. S. , Acosta Roa Ana M. , Hellebust Taran P.
Published: March 2020

A thorax phantom was used to assess radiotherapy dose deviations induced by respiratory motion of the target volume. Both intensity modulated and static, non‐modulated treatment plans were planned on CT scans of the phantom. The plans were optimized using various CT reconstructions, to investigate whether they had an impact on robustness to target motion during delivery. During irradiation, the target was programmed to simulate respiration‐induced motion of a lung tumor, using both patient‐specific and sinusoidal motion patterns in three dimensions. Dose was measured in the center of the target using an ion chamber. Differences between reference measurements with a stationary target and dynamic measurements were assessed. Possible correlations between plan complexity metrics and measured dose deviations were investigated. The maximum observed motion‐induced dose differences were 7.8% and 4.5% for single 2 Gy and 15 Gy fractions, respectively. The measurements performed with the largest target motion amplitude in the superior–inferior direction yielded the largest dosimetric deviations. For 2 Gy fractionation schemes, the summed dose deviation after 33 fractions is likely to be less than 2%. Measured motion‐induced dose deviations were significantly larger for one CT reconstruction compared to all the others. Static, non‐modulated plans showed superior robustness to target motion during delivery. Moderate correlations between the modulation complexity score applied to VMAT (MCSv) and measured dose deviations were found for 15 Gy SBRT treatment plans. Correlations between other plan complexity metrics and measured dose deviations were not found.
Armoring LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Cathode with Reliable Fluorinated Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Interphase Layer toward Durable High Rate Battery
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Weimin , Zhang Quanhai , Yang Guangzhi , Zheng Jianming , Tang Wei , Xu Qunjie , Lai Chunyan , Yang Junhe , Peng Chengxin
Published: March 2020

Ternary layered oxide materials have attracted extensive attention as a promising cathode candidate for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. However, the undesirable electrochemical degradation at the electrode–electrolyte interface definitively shortens the battery service life. An effective and viable approach is proposed for improving the cycling stability of the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode using lithium difluorophosphate (LiPO2F2) paired with fuoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as co‐additives into conventional electrolytes. It is found that the co‐additives can greatly reduce the interface charge transfer impedance and significantly extend the life span of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2//Li (NMC//Li) batteries. The developed cathode demonstrates exceptional capacity retention of 88.7% and remains structural integrity at a high current of 5C after 500 cycles. Fundamental mechanism study indicates a dense, stable fluorinated organic–inorganic hybrid cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) film derived from LiPO2F2 in conjunction with FEC additives on the surface of NMC cathode material, which significantly suppresses the decomposition of electrolyte and mitigates the dissolution of transition metal ions. The interfacial engineering of the electrode materials stabilized by the additives manipulation provides valuable guidance for the development of advanced cathode materials.
Controllable Growth of High‐Quality Inorganic Perovskite Microplate Arrays for Functional Optoelectronics
Authors: Gu Zhenkun , Zhou Zhonghao , Huang Zhandong , Wang Kang , Cai Zheren , Hu Xiaotian , Li Lihong , Li Mingzhu , Zhao Yong Sheng , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2020

Inorganic perovskite single crystals have emerged as promising vapor‐phase processable structures for optoelectronic devices. However, because of material lattice mismatch and uncontrolled nucleation, vapor‐phase methods have been restricted to random distribution of single crystals that are difficult to perform for integrated device arrays. Herein, an effective strategy to control the vapor‐phase growth of high‐quality cesium lead bromide perovskite (CsPbBr3) microplate arrays with uniform morphology as well as controlled location and size is reported. By introducing perovskite seeds on substrates, intractable lattice mismatches and random nucleation barriers are surpassed, and the epitaxial growth of perovskite crystals is accurately controlled. It is further demonstrated that CsPbBr3 microplate arrays can be monolithically integrated on substrates for the fabrication of high‐performance lasers and photodetectors. This strategy provides a facile approach to fabricate high‐quality CsPbBr3 microplates with controllable size and location, which offers new opportunities for the scalable production of integrated optoelectronic devices.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Intracellular Protection of Natural Killer Cells Avoids Cryoinjury and Retains Potent Antitumor Functions
Authors: Yao Xue , Jovevski Joshua J. , Todd Michaela F. , Xu Rui , Li Yining , Wang Jiao , Matosevic Sandro
Published: March 2020

The ability of natural killer (NK) cells to mediate potent antitumor immunity in clinical adoptive transfer settings relies, in large part, on their ability to retain cytotoxic function following cryopreservation. To avoid potential systemic toxicities associated with infusions of NK cells into patients in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), interest in alternative cryoprotective agents (CPAs) with improved safety profiles has grown. Despite the development of various sugars, amino acids, polyols, and polyampholytes as cryoprotectants, their ability to promote protection from intracellular cryodamage is limited because they mostly act outside of the cell. Though ways to shuttle cryoprotectants intracellularly exist, NK cells' high aversity to manipulation and freezing has meant they are highly understudied as targets for the development of new cryopreservation approaches. Here, the first example of a safe and efficient platform for the intracellular delivery of non‐DMSO CPAs to NK cells is presented. Biocompatible chitosan‐based nanoparticles are engineered to mediate the efficient DMSO‐free cryopreservation of NK cells. NK cells cryopreserved in this way retain potent cytotoxic, degranulation, and cytokine production functions against tumor targets. This not only represents the first example of delivering nanoparticles to NK cells, but illustrates the clinical potential in manufacturing safer allogeneic adoptive immunotherapies “off the shelf.”
Factors associated with physical injury or police involvement during incidents of workplace violence in hospitals: Findings from the first year of California's new standard
Authors: Odes Rachel , Hong OiSaeng , Harrison Robert , Chapman Susan
Published: March 2020

Background

Workplace violence in healthcare settings is known to be a costly and often underreported problem. In California, hospitals are required to report incidents of violence towards workers to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) using an online reporting system that went into effect in 2017.

Methods

Reports submitted to CalOSHA from July 2017 to September 2018 pursuant to this new requirement were analyzed using descriptive methods and logistic regression.

Results

Four hundred eight hospitals submitted reports using the new incident reporting system. Behavioral health units had 1.82 times the odds of the reported incident resulting in physical injury compared to inpatient medical units, and investor‐owned facilities had 2.43 times the odds of the reported incident resulting in physical injury compared to city or county‐owned facilities. Inpatient and behavioral health units had significantly reduced odds of a reported incident resulting in police involvement when compared to other locations within the hospital.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that protections for healthcare workers deserve ongoing attention from stakeholders and legislators and provide insight into how healthcare facilities report incidents of violence towards workers.
Mandibular symphyseal fusion in fossil primates: Insights from correlated patterns of jaw shape and masticatory function in living primates
Authors: Knigge Ryan P. , Vinyard Christopher J. , McNulty Kieran P.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Variation in primate masticatory form and function has been extensively researched through both morphological and experimental studies. As a result, symphyseal fusion in different primate clades has been linked to either the recruitment of vertically directed balancing‐side muscle force, the timing and recruitment of transversely directed forces, or both. This study investigates the relationship between jaw muscle activity patterns and morphology in extant primates to make inferences about masticatory function in extinct primates, with implications for understanding the evolution of symphyseal fusion.

Materials and methods

Three‐dimensional mandibular landmark data were collected for 31 extant primates and nine fossil anthropoids and subfossil lemur species. Published electromyography (EMG) data were available for nine of the extant primate species. Partial least squares analysis and phylogenetic partial least squares analysis were used to identify relationships between EMG and jaw shape data and evaluate variation in jaw morphology.

Results

Primates with partial and complete symphyseal fusion exhibit shape‐function patterns associated with the wishboning motor pattern and loading regime, in contrast to shape‐function patterns of primates with unfused jaws. All fossil primates examined (except Apidium) exhibit jaw morphologies suggestive of the wishboning motor pattern demonstrated in living anthropoids and indriids.

Discussion

Partial fusion in Catopithecus, similar to indriids and some subfossil lemurs, may be sufficient to resist, or transfer, some amounts of transversely directed balancing‐side muscle force at the symphysis, representing a transition to greater reliance on transverse jaw movement during mastication. Furthermore, possible functional convergences in physiological patterns during chewing (i.e., Archaeolemur) are identified.
Diffuse midline glioma in the spinal cord with rapid respiratory deterioration
Authors: Kamidani Ryo , Okada Hideshi , Yasuda Ryu , Yoshida Takahiro , Kusuzawa Keigo , Ichihashi Masahiro , Kakino Yoshinori , Oiwa Hideaki , Kitagawa Yuichiro , Fukuta Tetsuya , Suzuki Kodai , Okamoto Haruka , Miyake Takahito , Tachi Masahito , Kanda Norihide , Iwai Chizuo , Shiba Masato , Yamada Noriaki , Nozawa Satoshi , Nakayama Noriyuki , Doi Tomoaki , Fushimi Kazunari , Yano Hirohito , Tomita Hiroyuki , Yoshida Shozo , Iwama Toru , Ogura Shinji
Published: March 2020

Background

Neurogenic acute respiratory failure is usually caused by either infection or vascular insufficiency. We report the case of a patient who developed acute respiratory failure secondary to a spinal tumor.

Case Presentation

A 32‐year‐old man, presenting with numbness and muscle weakness in his legs for 2 weeks, was transferred to our hospital with worsening quadriplegia and development of respiratory symptoms. We carried out emergent spinal decompression and initiated steroid pulse therapy, with no resolution of symptoms; a tumor incision biopsy after contrast cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intraspinal tumor with a pathological diagnosis of World Health Organization grade IV glioma. The patient developed bradycardia, severe sepsis, status epilepticus, and cardiopulmonary arrest due to hypoxemia and was treated with chemoradiotherapy under mechanical ventilation. He was later transferred to another hospital for subacute care.

Conclusion

Acute respiratory failure caused by spinal tumors is uncommon. However, acute care practitioners should be mindful of neoplastic lesions as a potential cause.
Forming and stripping of the wall film and the influence on gas–liquid separation
Authors: Yuan Shuxia , Fan Yuguang , Chen Bing , Li Jingming , Gao Lin , Zhang Shuo
Published: March 2020

The paper aims to investigate re‐entrainment mechanisms of wall films. The computational fluid dynamics method was adopted to study the gas–liquid separation process considering the wall film model. The interaction between the droplets and gas was solved by Euler–Lagrange method, whereas the forming and stripping of the wall film was studied by Eulerian wall film model. The results reveal that superficial velocity affects the re‐entrainment significantly, and there is a critical superficial velocity determining the occurrence of wall film stripping. According to this work, the critical velocity for air continuous phase is 11.2 m/s. It is found that the discrete phase content and droplet size have no effect on film thickness but affect the separation efficiency. The molecular viscosity and the density of continuous phase affect the Eulerian wall film on two aspects. First, the critical stripping velocity decreases with the increase in molecular viscosity. Second, the film average thickness and separation efficiency decrease with the increase in the product of viscosity and density of the continuous phase. Because the high velocity causes some unsteady of the results, the bulk velocities lower than 20 m/s are recommended. The development of re‐entrainment mechanism provides a good understanding of inertia separation.
Surface modification of nanocrystalline cellulose and its application in natural rubber composites
Authors: Jiang Weihui , Shen Peiyao , Yi Jinglin , Li Lin , Wu Chaojia , Gu Ju
Published: March 2020

As a biopolymer with high mechanical strength, nanocellulose was generally considered as a green filler for reinforcing polymer. In this study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) isolated from softwood pulp was successfully modified by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTMAB), a cationic surfactant, and the modified nanocrystalline cellulose (m‐NCC) was used to reinforce natural rubber (NR). In this composite architecture, it was found that when the filler content was 5 or 10 phr, the surface modification of NCC improved the dispersion state of NCC in NR matrix and the interfacial interaction between NR and NCC. Therefore, the NR/m‐NCC composites exhibited outstanding mechanical properties, and its tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength was increased by 132.8, 20, and 66.1%, respectively, compared to pristine NR composites. Besides, the modified NCC could accelerate the vulcanization and improve wet‐skid resistance and aging resistance of NR composites. It is envisioned that the modified NCC has the potential to be generalized to manufacturing other polymer matrix composites strengthened with nanocellulose.
Determination of tylosin in milk samples by poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐based molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Garza Montelongo Elisa , Sánchez Anguiano María G. , Blanco Jerez Leonor M. , Pereira Ulloa Eduardo D. , Rivas Quiroz Bernabé L. , Elizondo Martínez Perla
Published: March 2020

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐based molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized, and their recognition capability was evaluated. Adsorption isotherm was described by the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity of MIPTy reached 172.4 mg g−1 in water at pH 6.2. A recognition coefficient of 1.17 was obtained. A solid‐phase extraction cartridge was manufactured and its behavior was evaluated for tylosin extraction from aqueous and milk samples. An off‐line SPE‐UV method was applied. An acceptable linearity was obtained in the range of 1–20 μg ml−1 and the average recovery at three spike levels in milk samples was higher than 92%. The limit of quantification was 2.6 × 10−2 μg ml−1. The manufactured SPE cartridge has a great potential for clean‐up processes in complex media. The cartridge offers a fast and sensitive option to the existing sorbents for extracting this drug from milk samples.
Curing behavior of a UV‐curable inkjet ink: Distinction between surface‐cure and deep‐cure performance
Authors: Simon Jonas , Langenscheidt Andreas
Published: March 2020

Safety requirements and the need of low‐migration UV inks have received increasing attention in the packaging industry. Crucial for the development and design of low‐migration UV inkjet inks for migration‐sensitive applications is the polymerization degree. In this study, curing‐behavior of a black, high purity packaging ink (HPP‐ink) was monitored using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. UV irradiation of HPP‐ink led to changes in specific absorption bands of the FTIR spectra due to crosslinking reaction of double bonds. Changes in absorptions bands at 1,408 and 1,321 cm−1 permitted the determination of CC conversion of acrylic and vinyl double bond, independently of one another. In addition, a method was developed which allows the investigation of surface‐cure and deep‐cure behavior, separately.
Using viscoelastic modeling and molecular dynamics based simulations to characterize polymer natural fiber composites
Authors: Prasad Krishnamurthy , Nikzad Mostafa , Sbarski Igor
Published: March 2020

The potential for polymer natural fiber composites for manufacturing storage units for products with high ethanol content is explored. The influence of ethanol diffusion into the microstructure of the storage unit on its long‐term mechanical (specifically creep compliance) and viscoelastic properties are measured. Burger's model for polymer viscoelasticity is used to predict durability and other fundamental properties of the composite based on the creep compliance trends. Properties such as the Maxwell moduli and Maxwell viscosities are then modeled as a function of net ethanol uptake and the concentration of natural fiber dispersed phase. Later, a combination of classical molecular dynamics (MD) and semi empirical modeling is used to predict the trends in ethanol diffusion coefficient as a function of temperature and natural fiber concentration. The most efficacious models for this purpose and the ways and means of further improving the simulation accuracy are discussed.
Q‐learning for noise covariance adaptation in extended KALMAN filter
Authors: Xiong Kai , Wei Chunling , Zhang Haoyu
Published: March 2020

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is a widely used method in navigation applications. The EKF suffers from noise covariance uncertainty, potentially causing it to perform poorly in practice. This paper attempts to suppress the unfavorable effect of the noise covariance uncertainty to the EKF in the framework of reinforcement learning. The proposed state estimation algorithm combines the EKF and a Q‐learning method, where a covariance adaptation strategy is designed based on the Q‐values, leading to a gradual improvement in the estimation performance. The resultant algorithm is called the Q‐learning extended Kalman filter (QLEKF), which is less sensitive to the noise covariance uncertainty. To evaluate the estimation error behavior in nonlinear uncertain systems, the stability of the filtering algorithm is investigated. A numerical simulation for spacecraft autonomous navigation is implemented to demonstrate the efficiency of the QLEKF. It is shown that the presented algorithm outperforms a traditional EKF and an adaptive extended Kalman filter (AEKF) in estimation accuracy.
Amine‐ and Amide‐Functionalized Mesoporous Carbons: A Strategy for Improving Sulfur/Host Interactions in Li–S Batteries
Authors: Fretz Samuel J. , Agostini Marco , Jankowski Piotr , Johansson Patrik , Matic Aleksandar , Palmqvist Anders E. C.
Published: March 2020

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are of great interest due to their potentially high energy density, but the low electronic conductivity of both the sulfur (S8) cathode active material and the final discharge product lithium sulfide (Li2S) require the use of a conductive host. Usually made of relatively hydrophobic carbon, such hosts are typically ill‐suited to retain polar discharge products such as the intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPs) and the final Li2S. Herein, we propose a route to increase the sulfur utilization by functionalizing the surface of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK3 with polar groups. These derivatized CMK3 materials are made using a simple two‐step procedure of bromomethylation and subsequent nucleophilic substitution with amine or amide nucleophiles. We demonstrate that, compared to the unfunctionalized control, these modified CMK3 surfaces have considerably larger binding energies with LiPs and Li2S, which are proposed to aid the electrochemical conversion between S8 and Li2S by keeping the LiPs species in close proximity to the carbon surface during Li–S battery cycling. As a result, the functionalized cathodes exhibit significantly improved specific capacities relative to their unmodified precursor.
Preparation and characterization of selenium‐decorated graphene quantum dots with high afterglow for application in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Roeinfard M. , Zahedifar M. , Darroudi M. , Khorsand Zak A. , Sadeghi E.
Published: March 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) was synthesized using a simple, rapid and affordable method and decorated with selenium at different molar ratios for the first time to obtain an efficient sample for use in photodynamic therapy. Surface modification of GQDs was carried out using polyethylene glycol (PEG) for conjugation with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Synthesized GQDs (Se: 0.3%) at 180°C had an emission spectrum that fairly coincided with the absorption profile of PpIX. A relative decrease of about 62.48% in the emission intensity of anthracene was recorded under illumination with UVC light in the presence of GQDs (Se: 0.3%) and the reduction for clung GQDs (Se: 0.3%) and PpIX during 90 min was about 70.68%. Singlet oxygen (1O2) generation was examined using a chemical method that showed significant enhancement in decomposition rate constant in clung GQDs–PEG–PpIX compared with GQDs and PpIX alone. Afterglow over 600 s showed that GQDs (Se: 0.3%) could be effective for near skin and even deep tumours.
A novel RP‐HPLC refractive index detector method development and validation for determination of trace‐level alcohols (un‐sulfated) in sodium lauryl sulfate raw material
Authors: Katakam Lakshmi Narasimha Rao , Dongala Thirupathi
Published: March 2020

The main aim of the study is to develop and validate a simple and rapid liquid chromatographic analytical method for simultaneous determination of trace level of un‐sulfated alcohol impurities in sodium lauryl sulfate using high‐performance liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector. The chromatographic separation was achieved using flow rate of 3.0 ml/min with a Waters Symmetry C18(150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column and 50°C as a column temperature. The mobile phase comprised milliQ water and acetonitrile in the ratio of 30:70 v/v respectively. The detection was performed using a refractive index detector at a sensitivity of 64. The resolutions amongn‐decanol,n‐dodecanol,n‐tetradecanol,n‐hexadecanol, andn‐heptadecanol were found to be >4. Regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient for the stated compounds of >0.999. The validated HPLC method was utilized effectively for the estimation of un‐sulfated alcohols in quality control labs for commercial release of sodium lauryl sulfate.
Construction and application of the student satisfaction evaluation system for the extracurricular education services in colleges
Authors: Xue Lin , Cho Yuh‐Jen , He Wei , Yao LiuJing , Zou WenTong
Published: March 2020

By defining the related concepts of students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services in colleges, we used the SERVQUAL standard scale for reference and constructed a comprehensive indicator system for evaluating students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services through the preliminary selection and optimized selection of relevant indicators. After weighting indicators on the basis of analytic hierarchy process, entropy weight method, CRITIC and combination weighting method, we further employed the grey relational analysis method to construct a comprehensive model for evaluating students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services in colleges, and tested its practicability with the case of Minjiang University. The good collaboration between various elements, such as multi‐stakeholder participation and information network design, can significantly contribute to the in‐depth application and promotion of this comprehensive evaluation model.
First‐line crizotinib versus platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy in patients with advanced ROS1‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shen Lan , Qiang Tan , Li Ziming , Ding Ding , Yu Yongfeng , Lu Shun
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved crizotinib for advanced ROS1‐rearranged (ROS1+) non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients due to a single‐arm study PROFILE 1001. However, there is no direct comparison between crizotinib and platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

Clinical data of advanced ROS1+NSCLC patients treated with first‐line crizotinib or platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy between August 2010 and December 2017 were analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients were eligible, including 30 (39.0%) in the crizotinib group and 47 (61.0%) in the platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy group. The median follow‐up was 28.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2‐39.0). The objective response rate (ORR) of crizotinib (86.7%, 95% CI: 73.3‐96.7) was higher than that of platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy (44.7%, 95% CI: 29.8‐57.4, P < .001). The disease control rate (DCR) was 96.7% (95% CI: 90.0‐100) in the crizotinib group and 85.1% (95% CI: 74.5‐95.7) in the chemotherapy group (P = .140). Significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS) was observed in the patients treated with crizotinib (18.4 months, 95% CI: 6.4‐30.3) versus platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy (8.6 months, 95% CI: 6.9‐10.3, P < .001). Overall survival (OS) was also compared between the two groups and no significant difference was seen (Not reach vs 28.4 months [95% CI: 20.7‐36.0], P = .176). Notably, a total of 37 patients have treatment crossover after the failure of first‐line treatment. Among those patients, difference in OS was not statistically significant between seven patients who have given first‐line crizotinib (38.6 months, 95% CI: 0‐81.0) and 30 patients who have given platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy initially (32.8 months, 95% CI: 11.9‐53.8, P = .805).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that first‐line crizotinib had higher ORR and longer PFS than platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy in patients with advanced ROS1+NSCLC, but the differences were not observed for OS.
Three New Butenolides from the Green Alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata
Authors: Li Dai‐Chun , Yang Yan , Zhang Bing , Liao Xiao‐Jian , Jiang Zhi‐Hui , Xu Shi‐Hai , Zhao Bing‐Xin
Published: March 2020

Three new butenolides, caulerpalide A and a pair of enantiomers, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B, together with seven known compounds, have been isolated from the green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata. All these structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configurations of caulerpalide A, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B were elucidated by the method of ECD calculation. This is the first separation of butenolides from the algae of genus Caulerpa. Additionally, the antibacterial activities of the nine isolated compounds were also evaluated.
Polyphenolic profiles, antioxidant, and in vitro anticancer activities of the seeds of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars
Authors: Stikić Radmila I. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Jovanović Zorica B. , Gašić Uroš M. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Djordjević Nataša Z. , Savić Sladjana K. , Czekus Borisz G. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

Quinoa is considered to be a “natural functional food” due to a lot of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health by helping prevent the risks of different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the health‐promoting characteristics of Puno and Titicaca quinoa seeds grown in Serbia by assessing their phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and potential anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells.

Findings

Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the seeds of both cultivars, but their profile and concentration of individual phenolic compounds differed. Cytotoxic activities were present in both cultivars, whereas the pronounced concentration and time‐dependent effects were more expressed in Puno extracts.

Conclusions

The extracts of the seeds of both cultivars are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and with high antioxidant activities. Potent anticancer activity against the human colorectal cancer was expressed in both investigated cultivars.

Significance and novelty

The study confirmed the health benefit potential of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars, grown in Serbia. These results are the first to demonstrate a potent anticancer activity of quinoa seed extract against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT‐116, as well as the presence of 7 new phenolic and flavonoid compounds.
Alkali Metal Cation Incorporation in Conductive TiO2 Nanoflakes with Improved Photoelectrochemical H2 Generation
Authors: Khorashadizade Elham , Mohajernia Shiva , Hejazi Seyedsina , Mehdipour Hamid , Naseri Naimeh , Moradlou Omran , Liu Ning , Moshfegh Alireza Z. , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2020

In this research, we investigate the effect of alkali metal cations including Li, Na and Cs in hydrothermal solution on the morphology, stability, and photoactivity of nanostructured TiO2 nanoflakes as a photoanode. The TiO2 nanoflakes are formed through hydrothermal treatment of Ti foil in 1.0 M LiOH, NaOH or CsOH at 100 °C for 3 h. By subsequent thermal reduction of the structure in an optimized Ar/H2 environment, conductive TiO2 nanoflakes were formed. The reduction treatment remarkably improves the photocurrent density of the TiO2 nanoflakes and has the highest impact on the sample treated in the NaOH alkali solution. For the nanoflakes produced in NaOH alkali solution, the bandgap is shifted to a lower value and the structure shows the most stable morphology after thermal treatment compared to nanoflakes formed in other alkali solutions. Such reduced hydrothermally treated nanoflakes formed in NaOH can generate a photocurrent density of approximately 1 mA/cm−2 vs. Ag/AgCl in 1.0 M KOH solution, which is six times higher than for pristine TiO2.
Ti/Pt−Pd‐Based Nanocomposite: Effects of Metal Oxides on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Fortunato Guilherme V. , Cardoso Eduardo S. F. , Martini Bibiana K. , Maia Gilberto
Published: March 2020

Over the last few years, there has been an intensive search for stable and highly active electrocatalysts, which are intended to be applied in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) preferably without the use of noble metals or with the application of a very small quantity of these metals in the process. Electrocatalysts that satisfy these conditions can be composed of Ti and other metals, supported or not by carbonaceous materials. The present work reports the application of synthesized three‐dimensional Ti/Pt−Pd nanoparticles with highly rough surfaces supported on graphene nanoribbons (Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR nanocomposite) by a single one‐pot reaction, and applied in ORR. Unlike the effect of strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI), which favors electrons transfer from the metal support to the catalyst, the mechanism employed in this study favored the transfer of electrons from the catalyst to the metal support; in other words, the mechanism led to the oxidation of Pt and Pd. Pt, which exhibited Pt−Pd type alloy features, was found to be more externally distributed at the rough surface of the metallic structures. Additionally, Ti, which presented oxide features, was found to be even more externally distributed at the surface of Pt−Pd on non‐electrochemically and electrochemically stabilized Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR nanocomposite electrodes. Since all these metals have great amounts of different oxides (i. e. are highly oxidized), the oxides are found to be energetically responsible for the improvement in ORR electrocatalytic activity and stability of Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR/GC electrodes in comparison with the ORR responses for PtC TKK/GC and Pt−Pd/GNR/GC modified electrodes. To Ti‐containing catalysts, the high activity is attributable to enhancing the intrinsic activity and the high selectivity to 4‐electron ORR is due to the fact that presence of Ti contributes to oxygen‐binding energy of these nanocomposites shifts toward more positive values (weakening oxygen bonding).
Counter‐ion insertion of chloride in Mn3O4 as cathode for dual‐ion batteries: A new mechanism of electrosynthesis for reversible anion storage
Authors: Jiang Heng , Ji Xiulei
Published: March 2020

Irreversible reductive insertion of Zn2+ transforms Mn3O4 such that the resulting Zn0.2Mn3O4 exhibits highly reversible storage properties of chloride ions, thus rendering Zn0.2Mn3O4 an excellent cathode of aqueous dual‐ion batteries. With Zn2+ trapped, Zn0.2Mn3O4 delivers the chloride‐storage capacity over 200 mAh/g at an average potential of 1.6 V vs Zn2+/Zn by reversibly forming a new ionic compound equivalent to Zn0.2Mn3O4Cl1.7. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance results suggest chloride as the primary charge carrier in the reversible oxidative anion insertion. The Mn3O4 anion‐hosting cathode couples with Zn metal anode in a full‐cell dual‐ion battery, demonstrating stable cycling in practical pouch cells with an energy density of 150 Wh/kg based on the mass of both electrodes.
Binding and Release of FeIII Complexes from Glucan Particles for the Delivery of T1 MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Patel Akanksha , Asik Didar , Snyder Eric M. , Dilillo Alexandra E. , Cullen Paul J. , Morrow Janet R.
Published: March 2020

Yeast‐derived β‐glucan particles (GPs) are a class of microcarriers under development for the delivery of drugs and imaging agents to immune‐system cells for theranostic approaches. However, the encapsulation of hydrophilic imaging agents in the porous GPs is challenging. Here, we show that the unique coordination chemistry of FeIII‐based macrocyclic T1 MRI contrast agents permits facile encapsulation in GPs. Remarkably, GPs labeled with the simple FeIII complexes are stable under physiologically relevant conditions, despite the absence of amphiphilic groups. In contrast to the free FeIII coordination complex, the labeled FeIII‐GPs have lowered T1 relaxivity and act as a silenced form of the contrast agent. Addition of a fluorescent tag to the FeIII complex produces a bimodal agent to further enable tracking of the nanoparticles and to monitor release. Treatment of the iron‐labeled GPs with a maltol chelator or with mildly acidic conditions releases the intact iron complex and restores enhanced T1 relaxation of the water protons.
Cyclic Silylselenides: Convenient Selenium Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Charvot Jaroslav , Pokorný Daniel , Zazpe Raul , Krumpolec Richard , Pavliňák David , Hromádko Luděk , Přikryl Jan , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Klikar Milan , Jelínková Veronika , Macak Jan M. , Bureš Filip
Published: March 2020

Three cyclic silylselenides were prepared in a straightforward manner. Property tuning has been achieved by varying the ring size and the number of embedded selenium atoms. All silylselenides possess improved resistance towards moisture and oxidation as well as high thermal robustness and sufficient volatility with almost zero residues. The six‐membered diselenide proved to be particularly superior Se precursors for atomic layer deposition and allowed facile preparation of MoSe2 layers. Their structure and composition have been investigated by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy revealing vertically aligned flaky shaped nanosheets.
NaNO3‐Promoted Mesoporous MgO for High‐Capacity CO2 Capture from Simulated Flue Gas with Isothermal Regeneration
Authors: Park Sang Jae , Kim Youngjo , Jones Christopher W.
Published: March 2020

NaNO3‐promoted MgO composite materials have been prepared and their ability to sorb CO2 at a concentration relevant to CO2 capture from flue gas is explored. The uptake kinetics and capacities of sorbents of different NaNO3/MgO ratios are measured at intermediate temperatures of 230–300 °C. The sorbent with a NaNO3/MgO ratio of 0.10 has the highest 12 h sorption capacity among sorbents with different NaNO3 loadings, and the highest sorption capacity of 11.2 mmol
 g−1 is observed at 260 °C. Intriguingly, an induction period is observed in the initial stage of CO2 sorption. In situ XRD analysis, in situ FTIR spectroscopy, and a comparison of the CO2 sorption behavior under simulated flue gas conditions in comparison to prior studies employing pure CO2 indicated that the sorption of CO2 occurred through nucleation of MgCO3 crystallites in the material. The data indicate that the concentration of CO2 within the molten medium of NaNO3, which is affected by both the solubility of CO2 in molten NaNO3 and the partial pressure of CO2 in the surrounding atmosphere, has a critical impact on the length of the induction period. A partially desorbed sample after sorption of CO2 displays much‐improved sorption kinetics in the next cycle and was able to sorb and desorb CO2 over multiple cycles at isothermal conditions by simply switching the feed gas from CO2 to inert gas.
Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features and the risk of malignancy in The Bethesda System for the Reporting of Thyroid Cytopathology
Authors: Elliott Range Danielle , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara”
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The Bethesda System for the Reporting of Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is used to categorize and diagnose thyroid nodules by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Each category in TBSRTC is associated with an estimated risk of malignancy (ROM). A subset of noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (niEFVPTC) was reclassified as a nonmalignant tumor: noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP). We studied the impact of this reclassification on the reported ROM in TBSRTC.

Material and Methods

We searched our institutional files for thyroid FNAB with surgical follow‐up. ROM for each TBSRTC category was calculated. Subsequently, cases of niEFVPTC were reviewed and reclassified as NIFTP, if appropriate. ROM for each category was then recalculated after the reclassification.

Results

Twenty‐six NIFTP were identified; the corresponding FNABs were distributed among all six TBSRTC categories. The majority of NIFTP FNAB were in the AUS/FLUS and suspicious for malignancy (SUSP) categories, 12 (46.2%) and 8 (30.8%), respectively. While the ROM changed for all diagnostic categories, the greatest change in ROM after reclassification was seen in these two categories. Absolute ROM for AUS/FLUS decreased from 25.0% to 21.0% and SUSP, from 71.7% to 58.3%, changes that were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The reclassification of niEFVPTC to NIFTP has significantly impacted the ROM in the TBSRTC at our institution. While there was a decrease in ROM for all categories, the greatest reduction to ROM was in the categories of AUS/FLUS and FN. These changes to the ROM should help guide surgical approach moving forward.
Prenatal antidepressant exposures and gastrointestinal complaints in childhood: A gut–brain axis connection?
Authors: Salisbury Amy L. , Papandonatos George D. , Stroud Laura R. , Smith Alicia K. , Brennan Patricia A.
Published: March 2020

Selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (collectively, SRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant agents for the treatment of depression in pregnancy. SRIs affect maternal and placental serotonin signaling, which might impact fetal brain development. Alterations in serotonin signaling might also impact the developing gut–brain axis (GBA) via alterations in the fetal enteric nervous system (ENS). Emerging evidence suggests that gestational SRI exposure may be associated with offspring gastrointestinal problems. However, prospective human studies of the effects of fetal SRI exposure on the ENS and function are absent in the literature. In this paper we present data demonstrating significant associations between prenatal SRI exposure and children's gastrointestinal (GI) problems in two well‐characterized, prospective cohorts of preschool and later childhood individuals. The results support the hypothesis that prenatal SRI exposure can increase the risk for childhood GI difficulties. Further research is warranted on the potential SRI‐induced changes to the child gut including the role of the microbiome and the GBA in the development of GI problems.
Direct and indirect effects of climate change‐amplified pulse heat stress events on coral reef fish communities
Authors: Magel Jennifer M. T. , Dimoff Sean A. , Baum Julia K.
Published: March 2020

Climate change‐amplified temperature anomalies pose an imminent threat to coral reef ecosystems. While much focus has been placed on the effects of heat stress on scleractinian corals—including bleaching, mortality, and loss of reef structural complexity—and many studies have documented changes to reef fish communities arising indirectly from shifts in benthic composition, the direct impacts of heat stress on reef fish are much less well understood. Here, we quantify the direct and indirect effects of heat stress on reef fishes, using underwater visual censuses of coral reef fish communities conducted before, during, and after the 2015–2016 El Niño‐induced global coral bleaching event. Surveys took place at the epicenter of this event, at 16 sites on Kiritimati (Republic of Kiribati; central equatorial Pacific) spanning across a gradient of local human disturbance. We expected that heat stress would have both direct and indirect negative effects on the reef fish community, with direct effects resulting from physiological stress during the event and indirect effects manifesting afterward as a consequence of coral mortality, and that the ability of fish communities to recover following the heat stress would depend on levels of local human disturbance. We found that total reef fish biomass and abundance declined by >50% during heat stress, likely as a result of vertical migration of fish to cooler waters. One year after the cessation of heat stress, however, total biomass, abundance, and species richness had recovered to, or even exceeded, pre‐heat stress levels. However, the biomass of corallivores declined by over 70% following severe coral loss, and reefs exposed to higher levels of local human disturbance showed impaired recovery following the heat stress. These findings enhance understanding of the projected impacts of climate change‐associated marine heatwaves on reef fishes, and highlight the interacting effects of local and global stressors on this vital component of coral reef ecosystems.