bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relating Financial Leverage to Corporate Performance: A Case of Cement Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Ivo Makwe Stella , Anyanwaokoro Mike
Published: July 2019

The study evaluated the effect of leverage financing on performance of quoted cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria for the period 2006-2017. There are four (4) cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria studied out of eight (8) manufacturing cement firms. Purposive sampling technique were used in selecting the four (4) cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria out of the eight (8) cement manufacturing firms quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The main objective of the study is to investigate the effect of financial leverage on corporate performance of cement firms in Nigeria. The analytical tool adopted was ordinary least square (OLS) simple and multiple regressions. Findings of the study showed that Debt Ratio and Debt to Equity Ratio has negative insignificant effect on Return on Assets (ROA) of quoted cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria. On the other hand Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) has positive and insignificant effect on return on assets of quoted cement firms in Nigeria. This implies that increase in Debt Ratio and Debt to Equity Ratio decreases ROA, while increase in ICR increases ROA of cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that the corporate managers in Nigeria should be encouraged to use more long term debt in their financing than relying more on short term credits, since increase in ICR increases ROA of cement manufacturing firms in Nigeria.
Bromhexine elevates REP2 expression to stimulate secretion from human primary conjunctiva fornix epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Ling , Yu Li , Li Ning , Wang Yuan , Yang Meina , Peng Yun , Guo Hui , Ye Lin
Published: July 2019

Bromhexine was reported to relieve the symptoms of Sjogren Syndrome at an early stage. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we administered bromhexine at low doses in human primary conjunctival fornix epithelial cells, and found it stimulated MUC5AC secretion and lipid droplet production. Expression of the metabolism‐related gene CHML was also upregulated by bromhexine treatment, and REP2, the protein produced by the CHML gene, was induced. These results suggest that bromhexine is a potential candidate eye drop drug for the treatment of multiple types of dry eye disease, not only limited to the treatment of dry eyes in Sjogren Syndrome.
Plasma proteome in multiple sclerosis disease progression
Authors: Malekzadeh Arjan , Leurs Cyra , van Wieringen Wessel , Steenwijk Martijn D. , Schoonheim Menno M. , Amann Michael , Naegelin Yvonne , Kuhle Jens , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte E.
Published: July 2019

Background

The pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis disease progression remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to identify differences in plasma proteome during different stages of MS disease progression.

Methods

We used a multiplex aptamer proteomics platform (Somalogic) for sensitive detection of 1129 proteins in plasma. MS patients were selected and categorized based on baseline and a 4‐year follow‐up EDSS (delta EDSS) scores; relapse‐onset (RO) slow progression (n = 31), RO with rapid progression (n = 29), primary progressive (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 20). The relation of baseline plasma protein levels with delta EDSS and different MRI progression parameters were assessed using linear regression models.

Results

Regression analyses of plasma proteins with delta EDSS showed six significant associations. Strong associations were found for the proteins LGLAS8 (P = 7.64 × 10−5, q = 0.06), CCL3 (P = 0.0001, q = 0.06), and RGMA (P = 0.0005, q = 0.09). In addition, associations of plasma proteins were found with percentage brain volume for C3 (P = 2,08 × 10−9, q = 1,70 × 10−6), FGF9 (P = 3,42 × 10−9, q = 1,70 × 10−6), and EHMT2 (P = 0.0007, q = 0.01). Most of the significant markers were associated with cell‐cell and cell‐extracellular matrix adhesion, immune system communication, immune system activation, and complement pathways.

Conclusions

Our results revealed eight novel biomarkers related to clinical and radiological progression in MS. These results indicate that changes in immune system, complement pathway and ECM remodeling proteins contribute to MS progression and may therefore be further explored for use in prognosis of MS.
Tunable Chemical and Topographic Patterns Based on Binary Colloidal Crystals (BCCs) to Modulate MG63 Cell Growth
Authors: Diba Farhana Sharmin , Reynolds Nicholas , Thissen Helmut , Wang Peng‐Yuan , Kingshott Peter
Published: July 2019

More effective and diversified surface modification strategies are required for materials used in biomedical engineering. Combining surface modification involving bioactive signals or nonfouling polymers with tunable topography has the potential to meet this need. Here, a method is reported to generate bioactive surfaces having tunable topographies based on self‐assembled binary colloidal crystals (BCCs), where the colloids are premodified with nonfouling molecules or cell adhesive peptides. The BCCs are fabricated from silica (Si) microspheres and polymer nanospheres. The Si microspheres are either modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or with the cell adhesive arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) peptide prior to BCC fabrication. Four types of BCCs are explored in cell studies using MG63 cells. BCC surfaces coupled with PEG or RGD peptides are found to significantly modulate cell adhesion, spreading, and morphology, which is attributed to the combination of BCC topography and the molecules at the particle surface within the BCC. PEG‐modified BCCs are expected to find applications where limited cell adhesion is required, while the RGD‐modified BCCs have the potential for enhancing cell growth on medical devices such as bone implants. More advanced cell biology applications such as controlled stem cell differentiation are also anticipated to find use from BCCs.
PIFA/TEMPO‐Mediated Oxidative Cascade Cyclization of α‐[(β‐Amino)propenoyl]‐Alkylamides: Access to Polysubstituted 3,7‐Dihydrooxazolo[4,5‐c]pyridine‐2,4,6(5H)‐triones
Authors: Yuan Jingwen , Deng Bicheng , Liang Yongjiu , Rao Chitturi Bhujanga , Zhang Rui , Zhao Yanning , Dong Dewen
Published: July 2019

A novel oxidative cascade cyclization of α‐[(β‐amino)propenoyl]‐alkylamides mediated by phenyl iodine (III) bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl piperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) has been described. This unprecedented transformation features mild reaction conditions, simple execution, high chemo‐ and regio‐selectivity, and thereby provides a facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of polysubstituted 3,7‐dihydro‐ oxazolo[4,5‐c]pyridine‐2,4,6‐(5 H)‐triones.

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Electrochemical Dearomatization: Evolution from Chemicals to Traceless Electrons
Authors: Lv Shide , Zhang Guofeng , Chen Jianbin , Gao Wei
Published: July 2019

Dearomatization reactions represent a versatile approach for the preparation of three‐dimensionally (3D) privileged cyclic moieties from simple planar aromatic compounds. However, exogeneous oxidants are required for most of the radical and oxidative dearomatizations. Therefore, sustainable procedures are in high demand, especially those in the absence of external oxidizing reagents. Fortunately, electrolytic dearomatization protocols can fulfill the above requirements due to the manipulation of traceless electrons instead of chemicals during the processes. Nevertheless, sustainable electrochemical dearomative transformations have been far less frequently investigated than the well‐developed chemical dearomatization reactions. Herein, we summarize representative breakthroughs in the electrochemical dearomative transformation of indoles, furans and activated arenes (phenols and anisoles) for the synthesis of complicated skeletons. Hopefully, this interesting “simplicity‐to‐complexity” synthetic logic will inspire more innovations from the electroorganic community.

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Durable Cellulose–Sulfur Composites Derived from Agricultural and Petrochemical Waste
Authors: Lauer Moira K. , Estrada‐Mendoza Tatiana A. , McMillen Colin D. , Chumanov George , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: July 2019

Nature provides a rich panoply of structural motifs comprised of composites whose mechanical properties exceed those of their individual components. The human endeavor to likewise craft value‐added structural materials from underappreciated, sustainably sourced feedstocks remains a formidable challenge. Herein, efforts are made to achieve durable composites by synergistic combination of sulfur and cellulose. Composites are achieved in which bulk sulfur is reinforced by a network of 1–20% by mass cellulose cross‐linked with polysulfide chains. Composites described herein are remeltable and have flexural strength exceeding that of Portland cement. A thorough analysis of these materials has been undertaken through nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. These analyses of both as‐prepared composites and fractionated materials unequivocally validate the formulation of these composites and the separability of the bulk sulfur from the reinforcing polysulfide‐cross‐linked cellulose network. The thermomechanical properties of these recyclable composites portend their tantalizing potential to supplant inherently unsustainable structural elements in numerous commercial applications. Further applications to improve the environmental resistance and flexural strength of Portland cement by treatment with the sulfur–cellulose composites are also discussed.
A Large Scalable and Low‐Cost Sulfur/Nitrogen Dual‐Doped Hard Carbon as the Negative Electrode Material for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yu , Dai Haodong , Wu Lu , Zhou Weibin , He Liang , Wang Weigang , Yan Wenqi , Huang Qinghong , Fu Lijun , Wu Yuping
Published: July 2019

Among the negative electrode materials for potassium ion batteries, carbon is very promising because of its low cost and environmental benignity. However, the relatively low storage capacity and sluggish kinetics still hinder its practical application. Herein, a large scalable sulfur/nitrogen dual‐doped hard carbon is prepared via a facile pyrolysis process with low‐cost sulfur and polyacrylonitrile as precursors. The dual‐doped hard carbon exhibits hierarchical structure, abundant defects, and functional groups. The material delivers a high reversible potassium storage capacity and excellent rate performance. In particular, a high reversible capacity of 213.7 and 144.9 mA h g−1 can be retained over 500 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and 1200 cycles at 3 A g−1, respectively, demonstrating remarkable cycle stability at both low and high rates, superior to the other carbon materials reported for potassium storage, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Structure and kinetics studies suggest that the dual‐doping enhances the potassium diffusion and storage, profiting from the formation of a hierarchical structure, introduction of defects, and generation of increased graphitic and pyridinic N sites. This study demonstrates that a facile and scalable pyrolysis strategy is effective to realize hierarchical structure design and heteroatom doping of carbon, to achieve excellent potassium storage performance.
Operando Visualization of Morphological Dynamics in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Billaud Juliette , Jerjen Iwan , Marone Federica , Ishihara Yuya , Adachi Masaki , Adachi Yoshitaka , Villevieille Claire , Kato Yuki
Published: July 2019

All‐solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are considered as attractive options for next‐generation energy storage owing to the favorable properties (unit transference number and thermal stabilities) of solid electrolytes. However, there are also serious concerns about mechanical deformation of solid electrolytes leading to the degradation of the battery performance. Therefore, understanding the mechanism underlying the electromechanical properties in SSBs is essentially important. Here, 3D and time‐resolved measurements of an all‐solid‐state cell using synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomographic microscopy are shown. The gradient of the electrochemical reaction and the morphological evolution in the composite layer can be clearly observed. Volume expansion/compression of the active material (Sn) is strongly oriented along the thickness of the electrode. While this results in significant deformation (cracking) in the solid electrolyte region, organized cracking patterns depending on the particle size and their arrangements is also found. This study based on operando visualization therefore opens the door toward rational design of particles and electrode morphology for all‐solid‐state batteries.
Constructing Multifunctional Interphase between Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 and Li Metal by Magnetron Sputtering for Highly Stable Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hao Xiaoge , Zhao Qiang , Su Shiming , Zhang Shiqi , Ma Jiabin , Shen Lu , Yu Qipeng , Zhao Liang , Liu Yong , Kang Feiyu , He Yan‐Bing
Published: July 2019

Due to high ionic conductivity and low cost, Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 (LATP) has emerged as a promising solid‐state electrolyte for next‐generation lithium (Li) metal solid‐state batterie with high safety performance and energy density. However, the extremely high impedance and surface instability of LATP with Li metal retard its practical application. Herein, a novel method is proposed to construct an ultrathin ZnO layer that is tightly coated on the LATP pellets, surface (ZnO@LATP) via magnetron sputtering, which in situ reacts with Li to form a low electronic conductivity and multifunctional solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The formed SEI can not only effectively lower the interfacial resistance, but also overcome the side reactions of LATP with the Li metal anode and suppress the Li dendrite growth. Specifically, the interface resistance decreases from 80 554 to 353 Ω and the overpotential reduces from 1 V to 20 mV. As a result, the Li/ZnO@LATP@ZnO/Li symmetric batteries can stably cycle for more than 2000 h without short circuit at 0.05 mA cm−2 and Li/ZnO@LATP/LiFePO4 batteries show excellent cycle stability for 200 cycles at 0.1 C. This work highlights the significance of multifunctional interphase between LATP and Li metal for improvement of interfacial impedance and instability.
Interfacial Charge Field in Hierarchical Yolk–Shell Nanocapsule Enables Efficient Immobilization and Catalysis of Polysulfides Conversion
Authors: Liu Handing , Chen Ziliang , Zhou Lin , Pei Ke , Xu Pingdi , Xin Linshen , Zeng Qingwen , Zhang Jie , Wu Renbing , Fang Fang , Che Renchao , Sun Dalin
Published: July 2019

Inhibiting the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and accelerating their conversion kinetics are crucial for the development of high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, a modified template method is proposed to synthesize the robust yolk–shell sulfur host that is constructed by enveloping dispersive Fe2O3 nanoparticles within Mn3O4 nanosheet‐grafted hollow N‐doped porous carbon capsules (Fe2O3@N‐PC/Mn3O4‐S). When applied as a cathode for Li–S batteries, the as‐prepared Fe2O3@N‐PC/Mn3O4‐S can deliver capacities as high as 1122 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C and 639 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles at 10 C, respectively. Remarkably, even as the areal sulfur loading is increased to 5.1 mg cm−2, the cathode can still maintain a high areal specific capacity of 5.08 mAh cm−2 with a fading rate of only 0.076% per cycle over 100 cycles at 0.1 C. By a further combination analysis of electron holography and electron energy loss spectroscopy, the outstanding performance is revealed to be mainly traced to the oxygen‐vacancy‐induced interfacial charge field, which immobilizes and catalyzes the conversion of lithium polysulfides, assuring low polarization, fleet redox reaction kinetics, and sufficient utilization of sulfur. These new findings may shed light on the dependence of electrochemical performance on the heterostructure of sulfur hosts.
Realizing Interfacial Electronic Interaction within ZnS Quantum Dots/N‐rGO Heterostructures for Efficient Li–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Hui , Xie Keyu , You You , Hou Qian , Zhang Kun , Li Nan , Yu Wei , Loh Kian Ping , Shen Chao , Wei Bingqing
Published: July 2019

With high theoretical energy density, rechargeable metal–gas batteries (e.g., Li–CO2 battery) are considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices. However, their practical applications are hindered by the sluggish reaction kinetics and discharge product accumulation during battery cycling. Currently, the solutions focus on exploration of new catalysts while the thorough understanding of their underlying mechanisms is often ignored. Herein, the interfacial electronic interaction within rationally designed catalysts, ZnS quantum dots/nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (ZnS QDs/N‐rGO) heterostructures, and their effects on transformation and deposition of discharge products in the Li–CO2 battery are revealed. In this work, the interfacial interaction can both enhance the catalytic activities of ZnS QDs/N‐rGO heterostructures and induce the nucleation of discharge products to form a homogeneous Li2CO3/C film with excellent electronic transmission and high electrochemical activities. When the batteries cycle within a cutoff specific capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 at a current density of 400 mA g−1, the cycling performance of the Li–CO2 battery using a ZnS QDs/N‐rGO cathode is over 3 and 9 times than those coupled with a ZnS nanosheets (NST)/N‐rGO cathode and a N‐rGO cathode, respectively. This work provides comprehensive understandings on designing catalysts for Li–CO2 batteries as well as other rechargeable metal–gas batteries.
Navigating Cognitive Dissonance: A Qualitative Content Analysis Exploring Medical Students’ Experiences of Moral Distress in the Emergency Department
Authors: Schrepel Caitlin , Jauregui Joshua , Brown Alisha , Shandro Jamie , Strote Jared
Published: July 2019

Background

As undergraduate medical students are acculturated into clinical practice, they develop a set of refined professional values that impact their decision making. We aimed to use students’ reflective narratives on ethical dilemmas to identify how students experience moral distress while working in the emergency department (ED) to better understand how to support them in the development of their own agency to act ethically.

Methods

Students rotating in our emergency medicine clerkship are required to submit an essay describing an ethical dilemma they encountered. We selected a random sample of these reflective pieces from the 2015 and 2016 academic years and used an exploratory qualitative thematic analytic approach to identify frequently recurring themes. This process was continued until thematic sufficiency was reached.

Results

Two‐hundred essays were coded, and seven unique themes were identified. The moral distress students described in reflective writing narratives stemmed from patient–provider discord, uncertainty, and social injustices. In each case, students were expressing the cognitive dissonance they experienced as they began to reconcile the difference between their perceptions of optimal patient care and the actual care delivered to the patient.

Conclusion

Understanding medical students’ cognitive dissonance in the ED will help educators support their students as they negotiate the differences between preferences and principles while being acculturated into clinical practice. Future work should develop specific interventions to promote educator understanding of learners’ moral distress and to develop novel models of support for learners.
Substance Use Research with Indigenous Communities: Exploring and Extending Foundational Principles of Community Psychology
Authors: Wendt Dennis C. , Hartmann William E. , Allen James , Burack Jacob A. , Charles Billy , D'Amico Elizabeth J. , Dell Colleen A. , Dickerson Daniel L. , Donovan Dennis M. , Gone Joseph P. , O'Connor Roisin M. , Radin Sandra M. , Rasmus Stacy M. , Venner Kamilla L. , Walls Melissa L.
Published: July 2019

Highlights

Indigenous Peoples are concerned with previous experience of substance use research as disempowering.

Community psychology principles may inform ethical community‐driven substance use research.

We explore these principles through seven Indigenous substance use studies across the U.S. and Canada.

Indigenous substance use research reflects, expands, and challenges community psychology principles.

We discuss implications for Indigenous substance use research and community psychology.
Metal‐Catalyzed Dehydration of Primary Amides to Nitriles
Authors: Al‐Huniti Mohammed H. , Croatt Mitchell P.
Published: July 2019

The dehydration of primary amides to generate their respective nitriles is an isohypsic, or redox neutral, method to install a valuable functional group into a molecule. This process has been known for over 175 years, typically using highly reactive dehydrating agents and high temperatures. Recently, transition metal‐catalysis has enabled reactivity under milder reaction conditions, while also tolerating a wide range of functional groups. The removal of water from primary amides is still energetically uphill so a stoichiometric dehydrating agent is required. The dehydrating agents used in recent years can be rather benign, such as acetonitrile to generate acetamide. This Minireview focuses on metal‐catalyzed reactions to convert primary amides into nitriles and is organized based on the dehydrating agent.
Olfactory dysfunction persists after smoking cessation and signals increased cardiovascular risk
Authors: Siegel Jesse K. , Wroblewski Kristen E. , McClintock Martha K. , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Olfaction plays a critical role in health and function in older adults, and impaired sense of smell is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality. Smoking cigarettes causes olfactory impairment, but the mechanism of damage and ability to recover after cessation are unknown. We investigated the relationship between time since quitting and olfactory dysfunction in order to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which smoking damages the olfactory system and to inform patient counseling.

Methods

Using longitudinal data from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (n = 3528 older adults, including 1526 former smokers), we analyzed the association between odor identification performance and time since smoking cessation using multivariate ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for cognition and demographic variables. To test whether vascular disease plays a role, we also assessed the relationship between olfactory decline and incidence of heart attack and heart disease.

Results

Former smokers who quit ≤15 years before testing had significantly impaired olfaction compared to never smokers (p = 0.04), but those who quit >15 years prior did not. Olfactory decline over 5 years showed modest evidence toward predicting increased incidence of heart attack or heart disease (p = 0.08).

Conclusion

Olfactory impairment in smokers persists 15 years after quitting, which is consistent with a vascular mechanism of impairment. Indeed, olfactory decline is a predictor of the development of cardiovascular disease. Taken together, these data suggest that olfactory loss may be a useful sign of underlying vascular pathology. Further investigation of olfactory loss as an early biomarker for cardiovascular disease is warranted.
Electrospinning polyethylene terephthalate/SiO2 nanofiber composite needle felt for enhanced filtration performance
Authors: Guo Yinghe , He Weidong , Liu Jingxian
Published: July 2019

In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofiber membrane fabricated by electrospinning was newly applied to needle‐felt filters. The PET nanofiber membrane was electrospun in an optimal condition. Nanoparticles (SiO2) were used to reduce the fiber diameter. Polyphenylene sulfide needle felt (PPS NF), hot melt adhesive film, and PET nanofiber membrane were compounded into sandwich‐structured composite needle felt (PET/SiO2 NNF) by heat treatment. The dynamic filtration performance of PET/SiO2 NNF was compared with that of PPS NF and polytetrafluoroethylene‐coated needle felt (PTFE CNF). The results showed that PET/SiO2 NNF had a lower rate of increase of pressure drop and a higher dust removal rate. The completion cycle of PET/SiO2 NNF was longer than PPS NF and PTFE CNF, which extended its service life in real applications. The successful synthesis of PET/SiO2 NNF suggested a new method to synthesize an innovative high‐performance needle‐felt filter. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48282.
Electret characteristics of melt‐blown polylactic acid fabrics for air filtration application
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Chen Gangjin , Bhat Gajanan S. , Azari Homeira , Pen Huili
Published: July 2019

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. Melt‐blown PLA electret fabrics have become attractive materials for air filter applications. Its filtration performance mainly depends on the electrostatic effect originating from electrets. How to improve their electret behavior and then to enhance their filtration efficiency has always been challenging. In this article, three melt‐blown PLA fabrics with different morphological or crystal structure are made from different process conditions or ingredient. The electrets are formed by means of corona charging technology. Their crystalline and morphological structure was analyzed, and filtration performance was measured. Their charge‐trapping feature was studied by thermal stimulating discharge technology. The results proved that the air filtration efficiency of three melt‐blown samples improved a lot when electrets were formed. Different crystalline structures of PLA fabrics will result in differences in their electret charge‐trapping feature. The PLA fabrics with semi‐crystalline characteristics display a regular charge‐trapped level distribution and amorphous structure hints the diversity of charge‐trapped levels. The deference in filtration resistance is mainly ascribed to the different fiber diameters and their distributions. More narrow distribution of fiber diameter leads to more compact fabrics and to higher filtration resistance. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48309.
Experimental evaluation of the hydrothermal stability of a silicone/zeolite composite foam for solar adsorption heating and cooling application
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Brancato Vincenza , Frazzica Andrea
Published: July 2019

This article evaluates the hydrothermal and mechanical stability of an adsorbent composite foam based on zeolite silicone for application in adsorption heat pump. The adsorption properties of the fresh composite adsorbents and their morphological features were already presented in previous papers. In the present work, hydrothermal aging of composite foams, at varying SAPO‐34 zeolite contents and under real operating conditions, was carried out in order to verify the stability of the synthetized material. This improvement of knowledge is a key point for the industrial application. This evaluation was successfully performed by means of adsorption measurements and compression test on aged samples, up to 1500 aging cycles. The adsorption properties of composite foams are effective and stable up to the maximum number of cycles of the aging process. Instead, from the mechanical point of view, composite foams with high content of zeolite, aged at long cycles, evidenced a slight stiffening that stimulates mechanical brittle behavior. The composite foam with 67% zeolite filler represents a threshold value beyond which the action of the hydrothermal aging implies a significant loss of flexibility and mechanical integrity, which limits its applicability under typical conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48311.
Improvement of thermal stability and flame retardancy of polypolypropylene composite modified by ZnO and MoO3 nanowires
Authors: Guo Junhong , Liu Guotian , Guo Yongliang , Tian Li , Bao Xuemei , Zhang Xiujun , Yang Baoping , Cui Jinfeng
Published: July 2019

Herein, zinc oxide (ZnO) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanowires were prepared via the hydrothermal method. Then as‐prepared ZnO and MoO3 nanowires were fabricated to form ZnO/MoO3 compound nanostructure. ZnO/MoO3 compounds were incorporated into polypropylene (PP) with various loadings by melt blending. The D‐Optimal mixing design in Design‐Expert software was employed to study the effects of ZnO/MoO3 compound content on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Information on performance of thermal stability and flame retardancy of PP/ZnO/MoO3 nanocomposites was obtained through thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter tests, and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The results reflected that the synthesized ZnO/MoO3 compound possessed high thermal stability and flame retardancy. The addition of 15 wt % ZnO nanowires and 13 wt % MoO3 nanowires increased LOI from 18.2 to 23.0%. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the PP/ZnO/MoO3 nanocomposite decreased by 13.8% and the elongation at break of the PP nanocomposite increased by 20.4% compared with pure PP. Response surface analysis results also indicated that the loading of ZnO/MoO3 compound had an influence on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of PP. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48312.
Switching of optical‐resolution selectivity through the Onsager's reaction field: Chiral recognition of dl‐amino acids by hydrophilic/hydrophobic chitosans
Authors: Sayama Daisuke , Hatanaka Masashi , Miyasaka Makoto
Published: July 2019

Unusual switching of optical‐resolution selectivity in chitosan resins is reported. While in hydrophilic chitosan resins, the l‐form of amino acids are selectively adsorbed, and in hydrophobic chitosan resins, the d‐form was preferred. We found that the adsorption selectivity of the amino acids in the optical‐resolution agents is controlled by the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity or permittivity of the resins, through the Onsager's reaction field. This intriguing selectivity switching is supported by the polarized continuum model calculations. This method provides a promising strategy for switching of optical‐resolution preferences by controlling the permittivity of the resins. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48317.
New results on the robust stability of control systems with a generalized disturbance observer
Authors: Nie Zhuo‐Yun , Wang Qing‐Guo , She Jinhua , Liu Rui‐Juan , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: July 2019

A generalized disturbance observer‐based (GDOB) control system and its robust stability are studied in this paper. One feature of this new GDOB scheme is that an inverse of the nominal plant in the standard DOB is no longer required. Thus, it is applicable to both minimum‐phase (MP) and non‐minimum‐phase (NMP) plants. New conditions for robust stability are derived for two cases: plants with no right half plane (RHP) zero and plants with no RHP pole, which are in a perfect dual form. The duality reveals that the robust stability for a plant with RHP zeros is met when the Q‐filter has a sufficiently large constant. This is fundamentally different from well‐known results for a MP plant. The stability conditions indicate that the robustness against large uncertainties not only can be achieved by a well‐selected Q‐filter, but also by the reduction of mismatch between a compensated plant and a desired model. The obtained stability results provide guidelines for the control system design. This is illustrated by three examples.
A further refinement of procedures addressing food selectivity
Authors: Russo Samantha R. , Croner Jennifer , Smith Samantha , Chirinos Meaghan , Weiss Mary Jane
Published: July 2019

Individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities are more likely than their typically developing peers to be food selective. Evidence‐based treatment packages for food refusal and selectivity include the use of reinforcement, escape extinction, and manipulation of antecedent events . In the current study, the variety of foods consumed by two adolescent males with food selectivity were systematically increased to include a variety of foods across all of the food groups. A changing criterion design was used to systematically increase the expectation of the amount and variety of foods that were consumed.
High aldehyde dehydrogenase activity at diagnosis predicts relapse in patients with t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yang Lu , Chen Wen‐Min , Dao Feng‐Ting , Zhang Yan‐Huan , Wang Ya‐Zhe , Chang Yan , Liu Yan‐Rong , Jiang Qian , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Qin Ya‐Zhen
Published: July 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) is a heterogeneous disease. Although the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), which is indicated by RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 transcript levels, plays a key role in directing treatment, risk stratification needs to be improved, and other markers need to be assessed. A total of 66 t(8;21) AML patients were tested for aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity by flow cytometry at diagnosis, and 52 patients were followed up for a median of 20 (1‐34) months. The median percentage of CD34+ALDH+, CD34+CD38‐ALDH+, and CD34+CD38+ALDH+ cells among nucleated cells were 0.028%, 0.012%, and 0.0070%, respectively. The CD34+ALDH+‐H, CD34+CD38‐ALDH+‐H, and CD34+CD38+ALDH+‐H statuses (the percentage of cells that were higher than the individual cutoffs) were all significantly associated with a lower 2‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) rate in both the whole cohort and adult patients (P = .015, .016, and .049; P = .014, .018, and .032). Patients with < 3‐log reduction in the RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 transcript level after the second consolidation therapy (defined as MRD‐H) had a significantly lower 2‐year RFS rate than patients with ≥ 3‐log reduction (MRD‐L) (P = .017). The CD34+ALDH+ status at diagnosis was then combined with the MRD status. CD34+ALDH+‐L/MRD‐H patients had similar 2‐year RFS rates to both CD34+ALDH+‐L/MRD‐L and CD34+ALDH+‐H/MRD‐L patients (P = .50 and 1.0); and CD34+ALDH+‐H/MRD‐H patients had significantly lower 2‐year RFS rate compared with CD34+ALDH+‐L and/or MRD‐L patients (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis showed that CD34+ALDH+‐H/MRD‐H was an independent adverse prognostic factor for relapse. In conclusion, ALDH status at diagnosis may improve MRD‐based risk stratification in t(8;21) AML, and concurrent high levels of CD34+ALDH+ at diagnosis and MRD predict relapse.
Typical angina in a patient with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Hanson Christopher A. , Ragosta Michael
Published: July 2019

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a well‐reported form of large‐vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its major branches. Cardiac manifestations of TA have been reported and can include typical angina secondary to coronary artery involvement; however, typical angina in the setting normal coronary arteries is uncommon. We describe a case of typical angina in a patient with TA with normal coronary arteries secondary to diastolic hypotension, in the absence of significant aortic regurgitation, likely from poor aortic distensibility and elevated left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure.
C‐terminal Cysteines of CueR Act as Auxiliary Metal Site Ligands upon HgII Binding—A Mechanism To Prevent Transcriptional Activation by Divalent Metal Ions?
Authors: Balogh Ria K. , Gyurcsik Béla , Hunyadi‐Gulyás Éva , Schell Juliana , Thulstrup Peter W. , Hemmingsen Lars , Jancsó Attila
Published: July 2019

Intracellular CuI is controlled by the transcriptional regulator CueR, which effectively discriminates between monovalent and divalent metal ions. It is intriguing that HgII does not activate transcription, as bis‐thiolate metal sites exhibit high affinity for HgII. Here the binding of HgII to CueR and a truncated variant, ΔC7‐CueR, without the last 7 amino acids at the C‐terminus including a conserved CCHH motif is explored. ESI‐MS demonstrates that up to two HgII bind to CueR, while ΔC7‐CueR accommodates only one HgII. 199mHg PAC and UV absorption spectroscopy indicate HgS2 structure at both the functional and the CCHH metal site. However, at sub‐equimolar concentrations of HgII at pH 8.0, the metal binding site displays an equilibrium between HgS2 and HgS3, involving cysteines from both sites. We hypothesize that the C‐terminal CCHH motif provides auxiliary ligands that coordinate to HgII and thereby prevents activation of transcription.
Chalcogen OCF3 Isosteres Modulate Drug Properties without Introducing Inherent Liabilities
Authors: Ghiazza Clément , Billard Thierry , Dickson Callum , Tlili Anis , Gampe Christian M.
Published: July 2019

The synthesis of SCF3 as well as SeCF3 isosteres of two OCF3‐containing drugs was achieved through visible light and copper‐catalyzed processes. Herein, we show that chalcogen replacement modulates physicochemical and ADME properties without introducing intrinsic liabilities. The SCF3 and SeCF3 groups are more lipophilic than their oxygen counterpart; however, microsomal stability is unchanged, indicating that these molecular changes may be beneficial for in vivo half‐life. Enabled by modern synthetic methods, we present the chalcogen‐CF3 groups as potential key players for future fluorinated pharmaceuticals.
Compensatory changes in degenerating spinal motoneurons sustain functional sparing in the SOD1‐G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Giusto Elena , Codrich Marta , de Leo Gioacchino , Francardo Veronica , Coradazzi Marino , Parenti Rosalba , Gulisano Massimo , Vicario Nunzio , Gulino Rosario , Leanza Giampiero
Published: July 2019

Plastic changes have been reported in the SOD1‐G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disorder characterized by progressive motoneuronal loss; however, whether these changes related with the onset and development of motor impairments is still unclear. Here, the functional and anatomical changes taking place in SOD1‐G93A mice and their time course were investigated during ongoing motoneuronal degeneration. Starting from about 4 postnatal weeks, SOD1‐G93A and wild‐type (WT) mice were evaluated in the rotarod test, to be sacrificed at about 12–13 or 19 weeks of age, and their lumbar spinal cords were processed for histo‐ and immunohistochemistry. Compared to age‐matched WT controls, 12 weeks‐old SOD1‐G93A mice exhibited relatively mild or no motor impairments in the rotarod test, in spite of a dramatic (≈60%, as estimated by stereology) loss of choline acetyl‐transferase (ChAT)‐immunoreactive motoneurons which remained virtually unchanged in SOD1‐G93A mice surviving up to 19 weeks. Notably, the functional sparing in SOD1‐G93A mice at 12 weeks was paralleled by a marked ≈50% increase in motoneuron volume and a near‐normal density of acetylcholinesterase‐positive process arborization, which was significantly increased when analyzed as ratio to the decreased number of ChAT‐positive motoneurons. By contrast, at 19 weeks, when motor deficits had become dramatically evident, both measures were found reverted to about 50–60% of control values. Thus, at specific stages during the progression of the disease, robust compensatory events take place in surviving motoneurons of SOD1‐G93A mice, which sustain motor performance, and whose full understanding may highlight a valuable therapeutic opportunity window.
Sustainable development and the rating effects: A strategic categorization approach
Authors: Zeng Guangtao , Xu Yuehua
Published: July 2019

With the increasing call for sustainable development, rating agencies of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) have got a good momentum of development all over the world. Different from past studies that utilize stakeholder theory or information economics in explaining rating effects, this study takes a strategic categorization approach to investigate firm responses to CSP ratings of a newly emerging rating agency. Using a sample of listed firms in Japan, our study finds that compared with firms with moderate CSP rating scores, firms with high or low rating scores are more likely to increase their corporate philanthropic contributions, and such an effect is strengthened when the firms have higher levels of foreign ownership. This study contributes to the literature by enriching our understanding of how the rating of a newly emerging rating agency shapes firms' sustainable activities.
Standardization of Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping for Hematological Malignancies: The FranceFlow Group Experience
Authors: Solly Françoise , Angelot‐Delettre Fanny , Ticchioni Michel , Geneviève Franck , Rambaud Hubert , Baseggio Lucile , Plesa Adriana , Debliquis Agathe , Garnache‐Ottou Francine , Roggy Anne , Campos Lydia , Aanei Carmen , Rosenthal‐Allieri Alessandra , Georget Marie‐Thérèse , Lachot Sébastien , Jacob Marie‐Christine , Robillard Nelly , Wuilleme Soraya , Andre‐Kerneis Elisabeth , Cornet Edouard , Salaun Véronique , Bennami Hind , Lhoumeau Anne‐Catherine , Arnoulet Christine , Jacqmin Hugues , Neyman Nicolas , Latger‐Cannard Véronique , Massin Fredéric , Lainey Elodie , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Costopoulos Myrto , Roussel Mickael , Mayeur‐Rousse Caroline , Eischen Alice , Raggeneau Victoria , Derrieux Coralie , Maurer Maxime , Asnafi Vahid , Trinquand Amélie , Brouzes Chantal , Lhermitte Ludovic
Published: July 2019

Flow cytometry is broadly used for the identification, characterization, and monitoring of hematological malignancies. However, the use of clinical flow cytometry is restricted by its lack of reproducibility across multiple centers. Since 2006, the EuroFlow consortium has been developing a standardized procedure detailing the whole process from instrument settings to data analysis. The FranceFlow group was created in 2010 with the intention to educate participating centers in France about the standardized instrument setting protocol (SOP) developed by the EuroFlow consortium and to organise several rounds of quality controls (QCs) in order to evaluate the feasibility of its application and its results. Here, we report the 5 year experience of the FranceFlow group and the results of the seven QCs of 23 instruments, involving up to 19 centers, in France and in Belgium. The FranceFlow group demonstrates that both the distribution and applicability of the SOP have been successful. Intercenter reproducibility was evaluated using both normal and pathological blood samples. Coefficients of variation (CVs) across the centers were <7% for the percentages of cell subsets and <30% for the median fluorescence intensities (MFIs) of the markers tested. Intracenter reproducibility provided similar results with CVs of <3% for the percentages of the majority of cell subsets, and CVs of <20% for the MFI values for the majority of markers. Altogether, the FranceFlow group show that the 19 participating labs might be considered as one unique laboratory with 23 identical flow cytometers able to reproduce identical results. Therefore, SOP significantly improves reproducibility of clinical flow in hematology and opens new avenues by providing a robust companion diagnostic tool for clinical trials in hematology. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A Modified Injector and Sample Acquisition Protocol Can Improve Data Quality and Reduce Inter‐Instrument Variability of the Helios Mass Cytometer
Authors: Lee Brian H. , Kelly Geoffrey , Bradford Shermineh , Davila Melanie , Guo Xinzheng V. , Amir El‐Ad David , Thrash Emily M. , Solga Michael D. , Lannigan Joanne , Sellers Brian , Candia Julian , Tsang John , Montgomery Ruth R. , Tamaki Stanley J. , Sigdel Tara K. , Sarwal Minnie M. , Lanier Lewis L. , Tian Yuan , Kim Cheryl , Hinz Denise , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro , Rahman Adeeb H.
Published: July 2019

Mass cytometry is a powerful tool for high‐dimensional single cell characterization. Since the introduction of the first commercial CyTOF mass cytometer by DVS Sciences in 2009, mass cytometry technology has matured and become more widely utilized, with sequential platform upgrades designed to address specific limitations and to expand the capabilities of the platform. Fluidigm's third‐generation Helios mass cytometer introduced a number of upgrades over the previous CyTOF2. One of these new features is a modified narrow bore sample injector that generates smaller ion clouds, which is expected to improve sensitivity and throughput. However, following rigorous testing, we find that the narrow‐bore sample injector may have unintended negative consequences on data quality and result in lower median and higher coefficients of variation in many antibody‐associated signal intensities. We describe an alternative Helios acquisition protocol using a wider bore injector, which largely mitigates these data quality issues. We directly compare these two protocols in a multisite study of 10 Helios instruments across 7 institutions and show that the modified protocol improves data quality and reduces interinstrument variability. These findings highlight and address an important source of technical variability in mass cytometry experiments that is of particular relevance in the setting of multicenter studies. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A decision‐making approach for detecting the primary user emulation attack in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Fassi Fihri Wassim , El Ghazi Hassan , Abou El Majd Badr , El Bouanani Faissal
Published: July 2019

Cognitive radio network (CRN) is a promising technology, which enables secondary users to use the free spectrum channels without causing detrimental interference with the primary user (PU). Nevertheless, CRN is subject to numerous cyber attacks that have a negative impact on its performance. Among the CRN attacks, the primary user emulation (PUE) attack is known to be one of the malicious attacks threatening CRN security. Several attacks detection techniques, based on attacker localization, have been investigated in the literature. These techniques include the trilateration, received signal strength indication (RSSI), and network coding approach as well. However, most of these techniques do not consider the uncertainty related to CRN, which can be modeled by a cost function defined as a weighted sum of conditional probabilities. In this paper, a localization technique, relied on a trilateration computation and a Bayesian model, is proposed for PUE position detection purpose under uncertainty conditions assumption. Particularly, the estimation of PUE position is performed through trilateration method based on RSSI at the anchor nodes for the signal coming from either PU or PUE, whereas, the Bayesian decision model, based on a cost function, is involved to check the PU legitimacy. The simulation results show that the decision‐making approach "Security, productivity, Balancing" influences directly the zone of the PUE attack detection.