bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiphase batch process monitoring based on higher‐order cumulant analysis
Authors: Chang Peng , Qiao Junfei , Lu Ruiwei , Zhang Xiangyu
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a two‐step phase partitioning strategy is proposed. Firstly, the number of phases is automatically determined according to the intra‐class and inter‐class similarity of feature space data, thus avoiding excessive manual intervention. Secondly, the phases are partitioned by step‐wise adding the kernel entropy extended load matrix (KEELM), avoiding the wrong division of phases caused by unstable state of working condition conversion. A process monitoring model based on multiway kernel entropy independent component analysis (MKEICA) is constructed in each sub‐phase to deal with complex batch processes with nonlinear and non‐Gaussian properties. A new statistics index based on the idea of high order cumulant analysis (HCA) is constructed in each sub‐phase for process monitoring. Compared with the traditional second‐order statistics, it can obtain high‐order statistical information. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the penicillin simulation platform process and compared with the traditional multiway kernel independent components analysis (MKICA) and HCA methods to verify the effectiveness of the method that is mentioned above.
Photochemistry in Huelva: Light for Triggering, Controlling, and Monitoring Chemical Processes
Authors: Pischel Uwe
Published: September 2019

Uwe Pischel
is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Huelva (Spain) and Group Leader at the Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry (CIQSO). He is a current member of the ChemPhotoChem Editorial Board.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of solid papillary carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Sakuma Takahiko , Mori Mikiko , Nonogaki Ikue
Published: September 2019

We report a case of solid papillary carcinoma (SPC) of the breast, of which the cytologic findings of the nipple discharge and the fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the pathology of the resected tumour are described in detail. Imaging studies demonstrated an intra‐ductal tumour of the breast, which seemed responsible for the bloody nipple discharge. The cytologic features of the nipple discharge and the FNA targeted to the intra‐ductal tumour suggested low‐grade carcinoma. Additional findings of mucin production and rosette‐formation (possibly neuroendocrine differentiation) indicated SPC as a major differential diagnosis. Histologically, the lesion consisted of mainly ductal proliferation of low‐grade carcinoma associated with prominent rosette formation within the tumour and mucin production. Permeation of mucin with cancer cell clusters into the adjacent adipose tissue was also noted. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells, especially those forming rosettes, were partially positive for CD56. Histological diagnosis was SPC with invasion. SPC is a rare tumour, and its cytologic and pathologic features have only been sporadically reported. Our case was unique in that there was a good correlation between cytologic and histologic findings. The cytologic findings that are important to predict the histologic diagnosis are emphasized. A brief review of the relevant literature is also included.
Functional analysis of rare variants of GATA4 identified in Chinese patients with congenital heart defect
Authors: Zhao Zhengshan , Zhan Yongkun , Chen Weicheng , Ma Xiaojing , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying
Published: September 2019

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, affecting approximately 0.8% of live births. The transcription factor GATA4 has been known to play a key role in cardiac development. In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing in nine unrelated CHD patients and found two rare deleterious missense variants in the GATA4 gene (c.C487T,p.P163S and c.C1223A,p.P408Q) (ExAC <0.001 and CADD >15) in three cases that were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, these two variants were screened for in an additional 226 patients with CHD and 206 healthy controls by Sanger sequencing, and no variants were observed. These two variants were predicted to be damaging to protein function using a functional prediction program. Co‐IP indicated that both of the GATA4 variants (P163S and P408Q) blocked heterodimer formation between GATA4 and ZFPM2 protein. Immunofluorescence showed that the two GATA4 variants diminished the colocalization formation between GATA4 and ZFPM2 protein compared to that of WT protein. These findings indicate that the two rare variants of GATA4 might disturb its interaction with ZFPM2 and influence corresponding downstream gene activity, suggesting that the GATA4 variants may be associated with the pathogenesis of CHD.
Negative Emission Energy Production Technologies: A Techno‐Economic and Life Cycle Analyses Review
Authors: Li Wenqin , Wright Mark M.
Published: September 2019

Negative emission technologies (NETs) are of growing importance for society to meet the atmospheric carbon levels required to maintain global temperatures under sustainable limits. A wide range of NETs have been proposed, but there are limited NET assessments that integrate life cycle analysis (LCA) and techno‐economic analysis (TEA). This Review gathers NET TEA/LCA findings and compares their costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Eight different NET‐producing transportation fuels and power‐generation technologies are considered: anaerobic digestion (lignocellulosic), fermentation, torrefaction, combustion, fast pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction. Most of these technologies sequester carbon either as carbon dioxide or as biochar. Some are carbon negative by virtue of avoided or displaced emissions. Overall, results indicate that NET energy production costs range between $20 and $80 GJ−1 and have emissions from −400 to 100 kg CO2,eq GJ−1. These results suggest that there are potential tradeoffs to consider when developing NETs. These results also show that future TEA/LCA studies of NETs are needed to decrease their uncertainty and improve their technology readiness level.
Molten Salts–Assisted Fabrication of Fe, S, and N Co‐Doped Carbon as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst
Authors: Lv Mengyao , Fan Fenghui , Pan Longhai , Shen Hangjia , Pervaiz Erum , Wang Jiacheng , Yang Minghui , Wang Jun
Published: September 2019

Fabrication of an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is the key to an efficient and fast electrocatalytic process in a fuel cell for energy conversion. A reasonable strategy for the synthesis of electrocatalysts is one of the most promising ways for developing precious metal‐free ORR catalysts. Herein, the synthesis of a highly active Fe3O4‐based catalyst using a facile molten salts method is proposed. The electrocatalytic analysis shows superior ORR performance with an admirable half‐wave potential (E1/2 = 0.83 V), comparable with the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. In contrast, primary Zn–air battery, using synthesized Fe,S–N–C as an air‐cathode, displays an open‐circuit potential of 1.44 V and a high power density of 84.3 mW cm−2.
Reply to “Do not de‐escalate oncology care in oropharyngeal cancer routinely”
Authors: Ilmarinen Taru , Keski‐Säntti Harri T. , Markkanen‐Leppänen Mari L. , Haapaniemi Aaro , Tapiovaara Laura , Atula Timo , Bäck Leif
Published: September 2019

See article on page 143–144, in this issue
Recent progress in graphene‐based electrodes for flexible batteries
Authors: Dai Chunlong , Sun Guoqiang , Hu Linyu , Xiao Yukun , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: September 2019

The emerging flexible electronic devices have stimulated the development of flexible batteries, in which flexible electrodes are indispensable components. Graphene, known for its excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, can be used as an ideal flexible substrate. Recently, many efforts have been devoted to graphene‐based electrodes for flexible batteries. Herein, this review summarizes recent advances in the development of graphene‐based electrodes for various flexible batteries, including metal‐ion batteries (ions of Li, Na, Zn, Al, etc.), lithium‐sulfur batteries, and metal‐air batteries (Li‐ and Zn‐air batteries). Besides, major challenges and future developments of flexible batteries are also discussed.

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Promotion through external magnetic field of osteogenic differentiation potential in adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: Design of polyurethane/poly(lactic) acid sponges doped with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Marycz Krzysztof , Alicka Michalina , Kornicka‐Garbowska Katarzyna , Polnar Joanna , Lis‐Bartos Anna , Wiglusz Rafał J. , Roecken Michael , Nedelec Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2019

Recently, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have gathered special attention in regenerative medicine. Owing to their magnetic and bioactive properties, IONPs are utilized in the fabrication of novel biomaterials. Yet, there was no report regarding thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer doped with IONPs on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Thus the objectives of presented study was to: (a) fabricate magnetic TPU + PLA sponges doped with iron (III) oxide Fe2O3 nanoparticles; (b) investigate the effects of biomaterial and its exposition to static magnetic field (MF) on osteogenic differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). TPU + PLA sponges were prepared using solvent casting technique while incorporation of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles was performed with solution cast method. RT‐PCR was applied to evaluate expression of osteogenic‐related genes and integrin's in cells cultured on fabricated materials with or without the stimulation of static MF. MF stimulation enhanced the expression of osteopontin and collagen type I while decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 in tested magnetic materials—TPU + PLA/1% Fe2O3 and TPU + PLA/5% Fe2O3. Therefore, TPU + PLA sponges doped with IONPs and exposure to MF resulted in improved osteogenic differentiation of ASC.
Model‐Based Comparison of Dose‐Response Profiles of Tofacitinib in Japanese Versus Western Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Suzuki Misaki , Shoji Satoshi , Miyoshi So , Krishnaswami Sriram
Published: September 2019

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this analysis was to characterize the relationship between tofacitinib dose and efficacy, as measured by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response rates, and to compare this between Japanese and Western patients with RA. Efficacy data were pooled from 2 double‐blind, dose‐ranging phase 2 studies of tofacitinib monotherapy 1‐15 mg twice daily in patients with RA with an inadequate response to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). NCT00550446 was carried out in mostly Western patients and NCT00687193 in Japanese patients. ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates in week 12 were analyzed using maximum drug effect (Emax) models on the logit domain. Both studies showed a dose‐response for each end point, supporting the efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with inadequate response to DMARDs. Study‐specific differences in Emax were noted, whereas potency (dose providing half the maximum effect [ED50]) was similar across studies. After adjustment for study differences in Emax by calculating the fractions of the maximum placebo‐adjusted proportion of ACR responses, the estimated locations for the 5‐ and 10‐mg twice‐daily doses on the dose‐response curves were similar for the 2 patient populations: ACR20, ACR50, andACR70 mean fractional responses for 5 and 10 mg twice daily were 0.78, 0.43, 0.32 and 0.90, 0.69, and 0.56, respectively, for the Japanese study and 0.54, 0.41, and 0.22 and 0.73, 0.61, and 0.40, respectively, for the Western study. This analysis therefore supports the rationale for the same dosing regimen in Japanese patients as in Western patients from an efficacy perspective.
Utility of PhaSeal, a closed‐system drug transfer device, in facilitating vial sharing to reduce waste and assist in medication cost savings
Authors: Siderov Jim
Published: September 2019

Background

The cost of cancer care is rising. With the soaring costs of cancer treatment, strategies to minimise medication wastage have become more important.

Aim

This study evaluated cost savings associated with a centralised pharmacy aseptic service using the closed‐system drug transfer device PhaSeal (Becton, Dickinson and Company, North Ryde, NSW, Australia) for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in a large teaching hospital.

Methods

Two scenarios for the preparation of mAb were evaluated retrospectively over a 24‐month period. All doses prepared by pharmacy in 2016 and 2017 were reviewed. In Scenario 1, costs were determined for mAb prepared by the centralised pharmacy aseptic service using PhaSeal. In Scenario 2, each individual dose was reviewed to determine the minimum number of vials that needed to be prepared, with any residual vial contents disposed of.

Results

In all, 8291 preparations were reviewed. The medication costs savings over the 24‐month period was A$1 259 394. The cost of PhaSeal in the preparation of the 8291 items equates to A$207 275.

Conclusion

Centralising aseptic preparation of mAbs together with the utilisation of PhaSeal to allow vial sharing in a large teaching hospital resulted in savings of A$526 059 per year by significantly minimising medication wastage.
Cultivation and growth dynamics of endophytic fungi in a solid culture medium based on sugar beet pulp
Authors: Vázquez‐de‐Aldana Beatriz R , Cuesta María José , Zabalgogeazcoa Iñigo
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

The production of mycelium from endophytic fungi is of interest for applications ranging from inoculants and biofertilizers for crop production to fermentations for enzyme and metabolite production. The purpose of this study was to test the capacity of a solid growth medium based on beet pulp for growing different strains of endophytes.

RESULTS

The ergosterol content of inoculated medium was measured to estimate fungal growth. Several parameters related to the preparation of the growth medium, such as water content, calcium salts and incubation time, were evaluated. The greatest fungal biomass production was observed in a medium prepared with a 1:2 (beet pulp:water) ratio, containing calcium sulfate and carbonate. Strains belonging to different fungal species grew well in the growth medium finally selected, producing yields ranging from 50 to 500 g mycelium per kilogram of dry culture, after 22–27 days. Cultures containing up to 400 g beet pulp grew successfully, and could be scaled up.

CONCLUSION

A solid culture medium based on beet pulp supported the growth of diverse taxa of fungal endophytes. Both the water and calcium salt content of the growth medium affected the efficiency of mycelium production. Considering these factors, beet pulp medium was an excellent endophyte cultivation medium because of the high yield of fungal biomass observed, together with its ease of handling and scaling‐up production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of glucose‐derived carbon‐decorated magnetic microspheres for extraction of bisphenols from water and tea drinks
Authors: Lian Lili , Jiang Xinhao , Lv Jinyi , Bai Fengkun , Zhu Bo , Lou Dawei
Published: September 2019

Glucose‐derived carbon‐decorated magnetic microspheres were synthesized by an easy hydrothermal carbonization method and used as a high‐efficiency adsorbent to extract bisphenols in water and tea drinks. The as‐prepared carbon‐decorated magnetic microspheres had a well‐defined core–shell structure with a shell thickness of about 5 nm. The microspheres possessed high saturation magnetization at 60.8 emu/g and excellent chemical stability in aqueous solution. The experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, including extraction time, pH, adsorbent dosage, desorption solvents, desorption time, and solution volume were evaluated. Electrostatic and π–π interactions were the major driving forces during extraction. Overall, a new magnetic solid‐phase extraction method of determining bisphenols was developed on the basis of as‐prepared magnetic microspheres. The method had a wide linear range, low limits of detection (0.03–0.10 µg/L), and high recoveries (85.4–104.6%).
Exploiting the aiming beam to increase the safety of laser lithotripsy: Experimental evaluation of light reflection and fluorescence
Authors: Lange Birgit , Cordes Jens , Brinkmann Ralf
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

In Holmium laser lithotripsy, usually, the surgeon is guided by a visible beam superimposing the infrared (IR) treatment radiation. It has been shown that a green aiming beam excites stone autofluorescence. This fluorescence signal can be used for calculi detection to check the correct fiber position before triggering the IR laser, thus preventing damage to soft tissue and application devices. However, also the directly reflected green light from the fiber tip gives valuable information on fiber position and its surface condition.

Materials and Methods

An external fiber‐fiber‐coupling‐box (fiber core diameter 365 µm) for pulsed holmium laser radiation (2.1 µm) was set up containing a green diode laser module (520 nm, average power on the sample <0.5 mW) and optics and detectors for measuring the reflected light of this aiming beam as well as the fluorescence excited with it. Measurements were done via a lock‐in technique with more than 20 human calculi samples and porcine calix in vitro. After the implementation of automatic data storage signals during ongoing in vitro lithotripsy procedures were recorded with the fiber positioned on tissue, stone, or in/on medical equipment (working channel of an endoscope, stone retrieval basket).

Results

Stone fluorescence signals measured were a factor of 7 to >100 higher than those of tissue. Stone fluorescence was detectable in “non‐contact mode” with a linear signal decrease over a distance up to ~1 mm in front of the fiber tip (core diameter 365 µm) and with severely damaged fibers (max. decrease: 75% with pinched off fiber). Reflection signals of the fiber tip surface in air and water surrounding decreased significantly when the fiber was damaged; measured ratios of intact to damaged fiber found in the air were (5–17):1 and in water (1.6–3.7):1. Surfaces in front of the fiber aggravated the evaluation of fiber condition due to reflections but enabled to detect, for example, the working channel of a flexible endoscope in combination with the (missing) fluorescence signal.

Conclusions

Autofluorescence induced by a green aiming beam can be exploited for stone detection in laser lithotripsy. A reflection measurement can give further information on fiber condition and position. Implementing this kind of safety features for an automatic block of IR laser emission in case of weak or missing fluorescence and un‐normal reflections can assist the surgeon by avoiding tissue perforation, and damage to medical devices such as endoscopes. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave photonic filtering based on optical carrier suppression modulation
Authors: Umar Faizan , Mirza Jawad , Ghafoor Salman
Published: September 2019

Microwave photonic filters have the advantages of wide tunability, low loss, and ease of reconfiguration. In this article, we propose a simple and cost‐efficient technique for the implementation of microwave photonic filter through simulations. This technique for the implementation of microwave photonic filter is employing a multiwavelength source and dispersive fiber. The multiwavelengths have been generated by employing optical carrier suppression based modulation. It has been shown that the free spectral range (FSR) of the filter may be tuned from 4.26 to 3.55 GHz by simply varying the frequency of the RF sinusoidal signal being used for modulation from 25 to 30 GHz, respectively. Furthermore, the bandwidth of the filter may be tuned by varying the number of filter taps.
A simple filtering lumped impedance transformer with controllable center frequency and bandwidth for complex load
Authors: Lan Bozhang , Guo Chenjiang , Ding Jun
Published: September 2019

A simple complex impedance transformer with tunable center frequency and bandwidth that feature bandpass filtering capability for the operative band is proposed in this article. The basic principle of this design is the utilization of resonators, which can introduce transmission poles and zeros into the response. Thus, by controlling the resonant frequency through varactors, the desired function is obtained. The tuning range of the center frequency is 300 to 600 MHz and the bandwidth is 40 to 80 MHz and 80 to 130 MHz at its lower cutoff frequency (means that the left edge of passband keeps stable) and upper cutoff frequency (means that the right edge of passband keeps stable), respectively. Good agreement can be observed between simulated and measured results.
Modelling interprovincial migration in China from 1995 to 2015 based on an eigenvector spatial filtering negative binomial model
Authors: Gu Hengyu , Liu Ziliang , Shen Tiyan , Meng Xin
Published: September 2019

Interregional migration is a key issue affecting China's future pattern of urbanisation and regional development. In response to the phenomenon of network autocorrelation (NA) commonly found in migration networks, this paper combines eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) with a negative binomial gravity model based on four‐stage panel data derived from censuses and population sampling surveys, and it analyses the factors that influenced China's interprovincial migration from 1995 to 2015. The results showed that (a) there is a significant spatial spillover effect in the interprovincial migration network. ESF can effectively capture NA in the data to reduce the model's estimation bias. The top 1.4% eigenvectors can extract high NA. (b) There is overdispersion in the interprovincial migration flows. A negative binomial regression gravity model is more appropriate for estimating the driving mechanism for migration than other models. (c) As with the initial variables of the gravity model, population size still exerts a great impact on both outflows and inflows. After considering the influence of NA, the effect of spatial distance is weakening. Additionally, economic, employment, social security, and educational factors are the main forces that are shaping the pattern of interprovincial migration. If the regional unemployment rate and average wages increase by 1%, the outflows and inflows increase by 0.351% and 0.502%, respectively; the coefficient of regional sex ratio at origin is also high, which has a close relationship with the migration motivations and gender differences in the employment market.
Modulation of precipitation by a mesoscale gravity wave in northern Italy: Detection and analysis
Authors: Richiardone Renzo , Manfrin Massimiliano , Ferrarese Silvia , Campistron Bernard , Klaus Vladislav
Published: September 2019

A 6 h event of increased and gravity‐wave modulated stratiform rain with a period of approximately 1 h is described and two wave generation mechanisms (geostrophic adjustment and shear instability) are investigated. The predictions of a linear stability analysis of the flow (an unstable mode of about 100 km wavelength originating from the shear instability of the tropospheric jet and propagating in a duct encompassing almost the entire troposphere) are shown to agree very well with the measurements from a microbarometer network and wind‐profiler soundings.
Ammonium Chloride Assisted Microwave Mediated Domino Multicomponent Reaction: An Efficient and Sustainable Synthesis of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐imines under Solvent Free Condition
Authors: Hussen Abdulkadir Shube , Bagchi Sourav , Sharma Anuj
Published: September 2019

A novel multicomponent synthesis of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐imines starting from simple and readily available inputs is described. Herein, we report efficient and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of biologically significant scaffolds from readily available starting materials such as 2‐amino benzonitrile, triethyl orthoformate and mainly aniline derivatives under metal and solvent‐free conditions. Owing to its operational simplicity, step and resource economy and broad substrate scope, this robust methodology is appealing with respect to the previous research findings in this area.
Synthesis of β‐FeOOH and Photophenton Catalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Wu Ying , Han Caiqin
Published: September 2019

Spindle‐shaped β‐FeOOH was successfully synthesized via an improved hydrothermal synthesis with FeCl3⋅6H2O and NaH2PO4⋅2H2O as the raw materials. The morphology and structure of samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of phosphate buffer solution(PBS) added were systematically investigated during hydrothermal synthesis process. Results indicated that the concentration of phosphate ions played a critical role on morphology and crystallinity of samples. In order to study the catalytic activity of β‐FeOOH under visible light irradiation, the absorbance of RhB solution under different conditions were measured by UV/Visible spectrophotometer(UV/Vis), and the degradation rates of Rhodamine B(RhB) under the irradiation of visible light were calculated. It was found that the Photophenton reaction could enhance catalytic activity of β‐FeOOH efficiently, and the degradation rate of RhB under visible light irradiation for 24h could reach 95%. The results have a promising prospect in wastewater treatment process.
Facile Synthesis, Structural Activity Relationship, Molecular Modeling and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of New Urea Derivatives with Incorporated Isoxazole and Thiazole Moieties as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Sroor Farid M. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: September 2019

A new series of isoxazolyl and thiazolyl urea derivatives was synthesized, fully characterized and evaluated in vitro as anticancer agents. The chemistry involves a facile protocol for the preparation of urea derivatives 12–22 through the reaction of isocyanates (p‐tolylsulfonyl isocyanate, p‐tolyl isocyanate, benzoyl isocyanate and ethylisocyanate) 8–11 with the corresponding aminoisoxazoles and aminothiazoles 2, 3, 6 and 7. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds 12–22 were evaluated using human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549), cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), and breast cancer cell line (MCF7). All novel compounds (except compounds 12, 17, and 18) were potential cytotoxic against lung cancer as it displayed IC50s less than the reference drug (5‐Fluro uracil (5FU)). All tested compounds (except 15 and 19) showed strong inhibition of breast cancer cell line even much better than the 5FU. The tested compounds were less cytotoxic against cervical cancer except compounds 16, 19, 20, and 21. The molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds against the three different proteins Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), cyclin dependent kinase‐2 (CDK2), and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL2) that are major proteins involved in pathogenesis of cancer were discussed. The molecular‐docking analyses revealed that compounds 13, 14 and 20 were the best docked ligand compared to reference docked ligands against the tested targeted proteins. In conclusion, the urea derivatives 13 and 14 were the most promising compounds with lowest IC50s against the tested cancer cell lines, and they displayed the lowest binding energies, critical hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the molecular targets compared to other tested compounds.
Synthesis, Photophysical Property and Antibacterial Activity of Rhodamine B Decorated, Mesitylene Cored and Methylene p‐Phenoxy Bridged Dendrimers
Authors: Savithri Jothinathan Sathiya , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: September 2019

Rhodamine B decorated, mesitylene cored and methylene p‐phenoxy bridged dendrimers 1–3 were synthesized upto second generation in good yield by divergent methodology. The intensity of the UV‐Visible absorption and emission band increases on increasing the number of the dendritic wedges. The antibacterial activity of the dendrimer 3 was found to be better than the lower generation dendrimers 1 and 2 against both the gram positive and gram negative bacteria such as B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.
Metal Oxides Derived from Modified Hydromagnesite: Evaluation of Their Catalytic Activity in the Synthesis of Ethyl Biodiesel
Authors: Guebara Pamela F. , Perrone Olavo M. , Siqueira Marcos R. , Mancini Marcelo , Da‐Silva Roberto , Gomes Eleni , Boscolo Mauricio
Published: September 2019

Biofuels are already part of the energy matrix in many countries because of their environmental and economic benefits. Ethyl biodiesel can be produced by various processes, the main one being transesterification of triglyceraldehydes and ethanol. The current technological challenge is to develop efficient heterogeneous catalysts, at low cost, non‐polluting and recyclable to be used in this process. In this context, hydromagnesites Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2⋅4H2O modified with different cations (Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu 2+, Ba2+) and synthesized by co‐precipitation are used as precursors of catalytic oxides calcined at 600 °C. The biodiesel synthesis was conducted at 120 °C for 12 h using 20% (w/w) of catalyst per mass of soybean oil and the ratio 1:20 (mol/mol) of soybean oil/ethanol. The alkyl esters formed were quantified by Gas Chromatography‐Flame Ionization Detection (GC‐FID). The transesterification reaction catalyzed by the reference oxide had a yield of 40%, whereas the best yield (80%) came from the hydromagnesite modified with 20% of Ca2+ which also had the highest basicity/acidity ratio. After use in three reaction cycles, the catalyst with 20% Ca2+ had no significant reduction in efficiency when it was washed with acetone and recalcined at 600 °C, while the untreated catalyst only had a yield of 42%, showing the need for effective reconditioning.
Evaluation of Relationship Between Crystallization Structure and Thermal‐Mechanical Performance of PLA with MCC Addition
Authors: Wen Huiying , Wang Yali , Wang Di , de Claville Christiansen Jesper , Yu Donghong , Jiang Shichun , Chen Chunxia
Published: September 2019

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposite with 1 wt % microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) addition were prepared by melt‐mixed method using torque rheometer and annealed under different isothermal conditions. The morphology, crystallization behaviors, thermal and dynamic‐mechanical properties were evaluated by techniques of polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Nucleus density, crystallization rate and crystallinity (Xc) of PLA matrix were significantly increased by addition of MCC. It was found that MCC could improve the activity of PLA segments at low crystallization temperature (Tc), and the stability of segments in crystal lattice was also enhanced at high Tc. DSC and XRD analysis supported that MCC contributed to the transformation of α’ form into α form in PLA during annealing. The temperature range in which α crystal form appeared for pure PLA was 125 to 135 °C and it was enlarged from 105 to 145 °C for PLA with MCC addition. The Avrami exponent (n) and crystallization rate constant (k) for MCC/PLA decreased and increased respectively, supporting that the time dimension in nucleation mode was inhibited and crystallization kinetics was improved. MCC/PLA showed an increased stiffness and the highest value of storage modulus (E’) was 52 GPa at Tc of 125 °C, which is basically consistent with the condition of maximum Xc. DMA analysis supported that at high Tc, the addition of MCC greatly increased the crystallization ability of PLA and the elasticity and toughness were also improved.
Synthesis of Various N‐heterocycles Using the Ugi Four‐Center Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Mohammadkhani Leyla , Heravi Majid M
Published: September 2019

Ugi four‐center three‐component reaction (U‐4 C‐3CR) as actually an important development of the well‐known Ugi four‐component reaction (U‐4CR). In U‐4 C‐3CR, one of the components is bifunctional, reducing the components of U‐4CR to three components. This review aims to provide the application of U‐4 C‐3CR in the synthesis of different N‐heterocyclic compounds with four‐, five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered rings as well as fused heterocycles.
Highly Lithium Adsorption Capacities of H1.6Mn1.6O4 Ion‐Sieve by Ordered Array Structure
Authors: Qian Fangren , Guo Min , Qian Zhiqiang , Li Quan , Wu Zhijian , Liu Zhong
Published: September 2019

Spinel‐structured Li1.6Mn1.6O4 (LMO) has received wide attention as ion sieve for the recovery of lithium from aqueous lithium resources. In this work, the branched‐like LMO particles were prepared via calcinating orthorhombic LiMnO2. After extracting of Li+ in hydrochloric acid, the branched‐like H1.6Mn1.6O4 (HMO) was obtained. During the preparing process, the structure, morphologies of LMO and HMO were characterized by XRD and SEM. The results indicated that HMO maintained the spinel and ordered array structure, which was beneficial to the lithium uptake behavior. Compared to normal HMO nanoparticles, the Li+ adsorption capacity of HMO by order array branched‐like structure can reach to 43.8 mg/g while rod‐like was 35 mg/g (CLi: 150 mg/L, pH 11, T: 25°C). The adsorption behaviors were well simulated by the pseudo‐second‐order and the Langmuir models. The reusability of the HMO implies that the branched‐like HMO is a potential adsorbent for Li+ recovery from aqueous lithium resources.
Construction of Tetrahydrospiro[carbazole‐1,2′‐indenes] and Dihydrospiro[carbazole‐1,3′‐indolines] via NH4I Promoted Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Sun Jing , Yang Ren‐Yin , Zhan Shao‐Cong , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: September 2019

NH4I promoted three‐component reaction of indole, acetophenones and 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indanediones in toluene at 120 °C afforded cis‐2,4‐diaryl‐substituted dihydrospiro[carbazole‐1,2′‐indene]‐1′,3′‐diones in good yields. Under same reaction conditions, NH4I promoted three‐component reaction of indole, acetophenones and (2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)malononitriles gave dihydrospiro[carbazole‐1,3′‐indolines] in moderate to good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The reaction mechanism included sequential generation of 3‐alkenylindole, Diels‐Alder reaction and aromatization process.
Efficient Sensing of Trinitrotoluene Using a Photoluminescent Benzo[a]fluorenone Derivative
Authors: Mandal Mou , Balamurugan Rengarajan
Published: September 2019

Herein, we have presented a simple organic compound, benzo[a]fluorenone, as a highly fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) in solution phase with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 4 nM. This probe is more sensitive towards TNT than 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT) and picric acid (PA). The photophysical studies revealed that it is static quenching through a ground state interaction between TNT and the title compound.
Implantable Organic Electronic Ion Pump Enables ABA Hormone Delivery for Control of Stomata in an Intact Tobacco Plant
Authors: Bernacka‐Wojcik Iwona , Huerta Miriam , Tybrandt Klas , Karady Michal , Mulla Mohammad Yusuf , Poxson David J. , Gabrielsson Erik O. , Ljung Karin , Simon Daniel T. , Berggren Magnus , Stavrinidou Eleni
Published: September 2019

Electronic control of biological processes with bioelectronic devices holds promise for sophisticated regulation of physiology, for gaining fundamental understanding of biological systems, providing new therapeutic solutions, and digitally mediating adaptations of organisms to external factors. The organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) provides a unique means for electronically‐controlled, flow‐free delivery of ions, and biomolecules at cellular scale. Here, a miniaturized OEIP device based on glass capillary fibers (c‐OEIP) is implanted in a biological organism. The capillary form factor at the sub‐100 µm scale of the device enables it to be implanted in soft tissue, while its hyperbranched polyelectrolyte channel and addressing protocol allows efficient delivery of a large aromatic molecule. In the first example of an implantable bioelectronic device in plants, the c‐OEIP readily penetrates the leaf of an intact tobacco plant with no significant wound response (evaluated up to 24 h) and effectively delivers the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) into the leaf apoplast. OEIP‐mediated delivery of ABA, the phytohormone that regulates plant's tolerance to stress, induces closure of stomata, the microscopic pores in leaf's epidermis that play a vital role in photosynthesis and transpiration. Efficient and localized ABA delivery reveals previously unreported kinetics of ABA‐induced signal propagation.
Bolometric Effect in Bi2O2Se Photodetectors
Authors: Yang Hang , Tan Congwei , Deng Chuyun , Zhang Renyan , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhang Xiangzhe , Hu Yuze , Guo Xiaoxiao , Wang Guang , Jiang Tian , Zhang Yi , Peng Gang , Peng Hailin , Zhang Xueao , Qin Shiqiao
Published: September 2019

Bi2O2Se is emerging as a photosensitive functional material for optoelectronics, and its photodetection mechanism is mostly considered to be a photoconductive regime in previous reports. Here, the bolometric effect is discovered in Bi2O2Se photodetectors. The coexistence of photoconductive effect and bolometric effect is generally observed in multiwavelength photoresponse measurements and then confirmed with microscale local heating experiments. The unique photoresponse of Bi2O2Se photodetectors may arise from a change of hot electrons during temperature rises instead of photoexcited holes and electrons. Direct proof of the bolometric effect is achieved by real‐time temperature tracking of Bi2O2Se photodetectors under time evolution after light excitation. Moreover, the Bi2O2Se bolometer shows a high temperature coefficient of resistance (−1.6% K−1), high bolometric coefficient (−31 nA K−1), and high bolometric responsivity (>320 A W−1). These findings offer a new approach to develop bolometric photodetectors based on Bi2O2Se layered materials.
MAPbI3 Self‐Recrystallization Induced Performance Improvement for Oxygen‐Containing Functional Groups Decorated Carbon Nanotube‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Jie , Chen Ti , Xu Tangliang , Chang Jia-Yaw , Waki Keiko
Published: September 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted a lot of interest because of their high efficiency and low cost. However, in commercial applications, standard PSCs suffer from low stability of the cell components, including the hole transportation material (HTM). Owing to their characteristics of high chemical stability, hydrophobicity, and high conductivity, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be an alternative electrode to use to form HTM‐free PSCs. Enhancing the interaction with perovskite is vital not only for photovoltaic performance but also for the stability of CNT‐based PSCs. Herein, oxygen‐containing functional groups are introduced into CNTs via acid treatment to enhance the chemical interactions with perovskite. The self‐recrystallization ability of the perovskite material is discovered; its morphology shows significant improvement after long‐term storage. Results show that acid oxidization of CNTs enable the self‐recrystallization characteristics of MAPbI3‐induced interfacial improvement, such that even with a dispersed initial photovoltaic performance, through storage in an ambient medium with relative humidity of 20–50%, the PSCs possess better interface contact, which results in lower charge transfer resistance, higher photovoltaic performance, and stability. As a result, PSCs with an initial power conversion efficiency range of 3.21–7.89% finally converge to within the range of 9.54–12.14% after long‐term storage.
Simulating wind power forecast error distributions for spatially aggregated wind power plants
Authors: Miettinen Jari , Holttinen Hannele , Hodge Bri‐Mathias
Published: September 2019

Dispersion and aggregation of wind power plants lower the uncertainty of wind power by reducing wind power forecasting errors. Using quantitative methods, this paper studies the dispersion's impact on the uncertainty of the aggregated wind power production. A method to simulate day‐ahead forecast error distributions at different dispersion and forecasting skill scenarios is presented. The proposed method models the uncertainty of wind power forecasting on an annual basis and at different levels of production. As a result, the uncertainty in the forecasting of spatially dispersed wind power plants is modelled using two continuous distributions: Laplace and beta distribution. The analysis shows that even the production level uncertainty can be modelled in various dispersion and forecasting skill scenarios. The model for aggregated forecast error distributions requires only four variables: capacity‐weighted distance of the total wind power plant fleet, mean of the site‐specific mean absolute errors (MAEs), number of aggregated wind power plants, and the mean variability of the elevations from the proximities of the aggregated wind power plants. The results are especially promising when the number of aggregated wind power plants exceeds five, the terrain complexity is low or moderate, and the aggregation region is large. This is demonstrated through a case study for Texas, United States.
The role of RNA G‐quadruplexes in human diseases and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Kharel Prakash , Balaratnam Sumirtha , Beals Nathan , Basu Soumitra
Published: September 2019

G‐quadruplexes (GQs) are four‐stranded secondary structures formed by G‐rich nucleic acid sequence(s). DNA GQs are present abundantly in the genome and affect a wide range of processes associated with DNA. Recent studies show that RNA GQs are present in different transcripts, including coding and noncoding areas of mRNA, telomeric RNA as well as in other premature and mature noncoding RNAs. When present at specific locations within the RNAs, GQs play important roles in key biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression and telomere homeostasis. RNA GQs regulate pre‐mRNA processing, such as splicing and polyadenylation. Evidently, among other processes, RNA GQs also control mRNA translation, miRNA and piRNA biogenesis, and RNA localization. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA GQs mainly involve binding to RNA binding protein that modulate GQ conformation or serve as an entity in recruiting additional protein regulators to act as a block element to the processing machinery. Here we provide an overview of the ever‐increasing number of discoveries revealing the role of RNA GQs in biology and their relevance in human diseases and therapeutics.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Exact and asymptotic bending analysis of microbeams under different boundary conditions using stress‐derived nonlocal integral model
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Qiang , Qing Hai , Gao Cun‐Fa
Published: September 2019

Eringen's nonlocal differential elasticity is widely applied to model nano‐ and micro‐structures, although previous studies have shown some inconsistences, e.g., the nonlocal parameter maybe has no effect on the deflection of Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams subjected to some kinds of boundary and loading conditions. In this paper, the static bending analysis of Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams is performed with the application of stress‐driven nonlocal integral model. The Fredholm type integral constitutive equations of the first kind are transformed to Volterra integral equations of the first kind through simply adjusting the limit of integrals, and the general solutions to the deflection as well as bending moment and so on are derived and obtained explicitly through solving the integro‐differential governing equations with the Laplace transformation. Exact solutions are derived explicitly for different loading and boundary conditions, especially for the paradoxical beam problem while using nonlocal differential model. The analytical and asymptotic expressions of the beam deflections obtained in this paper are validated against to those existing analytical and numerical results in literature. It is clearly established that, with the application of the stress‐driven nonlocal integral model, a consistent toughening effect can be obtained for both Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams.
Constraints on 3- and 4-loop β-functions in a general four-dimensional Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Poole Colin , Thomsen Anders Eller
Published: September 2019

Abstract

The β-functions of marginal couplings are known to be closely related to the A-function through Osborn’s equation, derived using the local renormalization group. It is possible to derive strong constraints on the β-functions by parametrizing the terms in Osborn’s equation as polynomials in the couplings, then eliminating unknown Ã and T

IJ
coefficients. In this paper we extend this program to completely general gauge theories with arbitrarily many Abelian and non-Abelian factors. We detail the computational strategy used to extract consistency conditions on β-functions, and discuss our automation of the procedure. Finally, we implement the procedure up to 4-, 3-, and 2-loops for the gauge, Yukawa and quartic couplings respectively, corresponding to the present forefront of general β-function computations. We find an extensive collection of highly non-trivial constraints, and argue that they constitute an useful supplement to traditional perturbative computations; as a corollary, we present the complete 3-loop gauge β-function of a general QFT in the

$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

M
S

¯

scheme, including kinetic mixing.
Can conventional DWI accurately assess the size of endometrial cancer?
Authors: Song Yanfang , Shang Hua , Ma Yumei , Li Xiaodong , Jiang Jingwen , Geng Zuojun , Shang Juan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To compare T2-weighted image (T2WI) and conventional Diffusion-weighted image (cDWI) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for sensitivity of qualitative diagnosis and accuracy of tumor size (TS) measurement in endometrial cancer (EC). Meanwhile, the effect of the lesion size itself and tumor grade on the ability of T2WI and cDWI of TS assessment was explored. Ultimately, the reason of deviation on size evaluation was studied.

Materials and methods

34 patients with EC were enrolled. They were all treated with radical hysterectomy and performed MR examinations before operation. Firstly, the sensitivity of T2WI alone and T2WI–DWI in qualitative diagnosis of EC were compared according to pathology. Secondly, TS on T2WI and cDWI described with longitudinal (LD) and horizontal diameter (HD) were compared to macroscopic surgical specimen (MSS) quantitatively in the entire lesions and the subgroup lesions which grouped by postoperative tumor size itself and tumor grade. Thirdly, the discrepancy of mean ADC values (ADC mean) and range ADC values (ADC range) between different zones of EC were explored.

Results

For qualitative diagnosis, the sensitivity of T2WI–DWI (97%) was higher than T2WI alone (85%) (p = 0.046).For TS estimation, no significant difference (PLD = 0.579; PHD = 0.261) was observed between T2WI (LDT2WI = 3.90 cm; HDT2WI = 2.88 cm) and MSS (LD = 4.00 cm; HD = 3.06 cm), whereas TS of cDWI (LDDWI = 3.01 cm; HDDWI = 2.54 cm) were smaller than MSS (PLD = 0.002; PHD = 0.002) in all lesions. In subgroup of tumor with G1 (grade 1) and small lesion (defined as maximum diameter < 3 cm), both T2WI and cDWI were not significantly different from MSS; In subgroup of tumor with G2 + 3 (grade 2 and grade 3) and big lesion (maximum diameter ≥ 3 cm), T2WI matched well with MSS still, but DWI lost accuracy significantly. The result of ADC values between different zones of tumor showed ADC mean of EC rose from central zone to peripheral zone of tumor gradually and ADC range widened gradually.

Conclusion

cDWI can detect EC very sensitively. The TS on cDWI was smaller than the fact for the ECs with G2/3 and big size. The TS of T2WI was in accordance with the actual size for all ECs. The heterogeneity may be responsible for the inaccuracy of cDWI.