bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of a low-cost single-channel myoelectric-interface three-dimensional hand prosthesis
Authors: Ku Inhoe , Lee Gordon K. , Park Chan Yong , Lee Janghyuk , Jeong Euicheol
Published: July 2019

Background Prosthetic hands with a myoelectric interface have recently received interest within the broader category of hand prostheses, but their high cost is a major barrier to use. Modern three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has enabled more widespread development and cost-effectiveness in the field of prostheses. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of a low-cost 3D-printed myoelectric-interface prosthetic hand on patients’ daily life.

Methods A prospective review of all upper-arm transradial amputation amputees who used 3D-printed myoelectric interface prostheses (Mark V) between January 2016 and August 2017 was conducted. The functional outcomes of prosthesis usage over a 3-month follow-up period were measured using a validated method (Orthotics Prosthetics User Survey–Upper Extremity Functional Status [OPUS-UEFS]). In addition, the correlation between the length of the amputated radius and changes in OPUS-UEFS scores was analyzed.

Results Ten patients were included in the study. After use of the 3D-printed myoelectric single electromyography channel prosthesis for 3 months, the average OPUS-UEFS score significantly increased from 45.50 to 60.10. The Spearman correlation coefficient (r) of the correlation between radius length and OPUS-UEFS at the 3rd month of prosthetic use was 0.815.

Conclusions This low-cost 3D-printed myoelectric-interface prosthetic hand with a single reliable myoelectrical signal shows the potential to positively impact amputees’ quality of life through daily usage. The emergence of a low-cost 3D-printed myoelectric prosthesis could lead to new market trends, with such a device gaining popularity via reduced production costs and increased market demand.
Microbial taxonomical composition in spruce phyllosphere, but not community functional structure, varies by geographical location
Authors: Li Yunshi , Wu Xiukun , Wang Wanfu , Wang Minghao , Zhao Changming , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu , Zhang Wei , Li Shiweng , Zhou Huaizhe , Wu Minghui , Yang Ruiqi , Zhang Gaosen
Published: July 2019

Previous studies indicate that the plant phenotypic traits eventually shape its microbiota due to the community assembly based on the functional types. If so, the distance-related variations of microbial communities are mostly only in taxonomical composition due to the different seeds pool, and there is no difference in microbial community functional structure if the location associated factors would not cause phenotypical variations in plants. We test this hypothesis by investigating the phyllospheric microbial community from five species of spruce (Piceaspp.) trees that planted similarly but at three different locations. Results indicated that the geographical location affected microbial taxonomical compositions and had no effect on the community functional structure. In fact, this actually leads to a spurious difference in the microbial community. Our findings suggest that, within similar host plants, the phyllosphere microbial communities with differing taxonomical compositions might be functionally similar.
Optimization of Batch Cultivation of Chlorella sp. Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ezeani Sandra E. , Abu Gideon O.
Published: July 2019

Optimal biomass production from microalgae using the NPK 20:20:20 medium; a relatively cheaper and locally available medium has been identified as an important factor in the large-scale algal biomass production. In this study, various concentrations (0.3-0.7 g/l) of NPK 20:20:20 were considered as the source of nitrogen in the growth medium for Chlorella sp. Four independent parameters in algae culture (nitrogen concentration, pH, inoculum size and duration of the experiment at varying ranges were studied for maximum biomass and chlorophyll production. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) procedure result that nitrogen concentration and pH level are the dominant factors affecting biomass and chlorophyll production. Maximum biomass was achieved at 0.5 g/l N and 8.5 pH value. Higher N (0.8 g/l) and lower N (0.3 g/l) had minimal effect on biomass and chlorophyll production. There was a linear relationship between chlorophyll and biomass production while the residual nitrogen had an inverse relationship with biomass production. Nitrogen concentration and pH were shown to be limiting factors under the conditions of the study. The inoculum size and duration of the experiment had a minimal effect on biomass production.
P5CS expression study in a new family with ALDH18A1‐associated hereditary spastic paraplegia SPG9
Authors: Magini Pamela , Marco‐Marin Clara , Escamilla‐Honrubia Juan M. , Martinelli Diego , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Faravelli Francesca , Forzano Francesca , Seri Marco , Rubio Vicente , Panza Emanuele
Published: July 2019

In 2015–2016, we and others reported ALDH18A1 mutations causing dominant (SPG9A) or recessive (SPG9B) spastic paraplegia. In vitro production of the ALDH18A1 product, Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), appeared necessary for cracking SPG9 disease‐causing mechanisms. We now describe a baculovirus–insect cell system that yields mgs of pure human P5CS and that has proven highly valuable with two novel P5CS mutations reported here in new SPG9B patients. We conclude that both mutations are disease‐causing, that SPG9B associates with partial P5CS deficiency and that it is clinically more severe than SPG9A, as reflected in onset age, disability, cognitive status, growth, and dysmorphic traits.
RB agrees to pay U.S. $1.4 billion for avoiding prosecution over Suboxone marketing scheme; Indivior trial next year
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2019

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group, previously Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, former owner of Indivior, and maker of Suboxone, has agreed to pay the U.S. government $1.4 billion in exchange for not being prosecuted for marketing of the medication. In 2014, Reckitt Benckiser spun off Indivior, and the two companies are no longer connected. A separate trial will proceed against Indivior starting in May 2020.
Benchmarking to the Gold Standard: Hyaluronan‐Oxime Hydrogels Recapitulate Xenograft Models with In Vitro Breast Cancer Spheroid Culture
Authors: Baker Alexander E. G. , Bahlmann Laura C. , Tam Roger Y. , Liu Jeffrey C. , Ganesh Ahil N. , Mitrousis Nikolaos , Marcellus Richard , Spears Melanie , Bartlett John M. S. , Cescon David W. , Bader Gary D. , Shoichet Molly S.
Published: July 2019

Many 3D in vitro models induce breast cancer spheroid formation; however, this alone does not recapitulate the complex in vivo phenotype. To effectively screen therapeutics, it is urgently needed to validate in vitro cancer spheroid models against the gold standard of xenografts. A new oxime‐crosslinked hyaluronan (HA) hydrogel is designed, manipulating gelation rate and mechanical properties to grow breast cancer spheroids in 3D. This HA‐oxime breast cancer model maintains the gene expression profile most similar to that of tumor xenografts based on a pan‐cancer gene expression profile (comprising 730 genes) of three different human breast cancer subtypes compared to Matrigel or conventional 2D culture. Differences in gene expression between breast cancer cultures in HA‐oxime versus Matrigel or 2D are confirmed for 12 canonical pathways by gene set variation analysis. Importantly, drug response is dependent on the culture method. Breast cancer cells respond better to the Rac inhibitor (EHT‐1864) and the PI3K inhibitor (AZD6482) when cultured in HA‐oxime versus Matrigel. This study demonstrates the superiority of an HA‐based hydrogel as a platform for in vitro breast cancer culture of both primary, patient‐derived cells and cell lines, and provides a hydrogel culture model that closely matches that in vivo.
Late‐Stage 18F‐Difluoromethyl Labeling of N‐Heteroaromatics with High Molar Activity for PET Imaging
Authors: Trump Laura , Lemos Agostinho , Lallemand Bénédicte , Pasau Patrick , Mercier Joël , Lemaire Christian , Luxen André , Genicot Christophe
Published: July 2019

Despite a growing interest in CHF2 in medicinal chemistry, there is a lack of efficient methods for the insertion of CHF18F into druglike compounds. Herein described is a photoredox flow reaction for 18F‐difluoromethylation of N‐heteroaromatics that are widely used in medicinal chemistry. Following the two‐step synthesis for a new 18F‐difluoromethylation reagent, the photoredox reaction is completed within two minutes and proceeds by C−H activation, circumventing the need for pre‐functionalization of the substrate. The method is operationally simple and affords straightforward access to radiolabeled N‐heteroaromatics with high molar activity suitable for biological in vivo studies and clinical application.
Rational Design of Specific Recognition Molecules for Simultaneously Monitoring of Endogenous Polysulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Dong Hui , Zhou Qi , Zhang Limin , Tian Yang
Published: July 2019

A biosensor was created for the simultaneous monitoring of endogenous H2Sn and H2S in mouse brains and exploring their roles in activation of the TRPA1 channel under two types of brain disease models: ischemia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on DFT calculations and electrochemical measurements, two probes, 3,4‐bis((2‐fluoro‐5‐nitrobenzoyl)oxy)‐benzoic acid (MPS‐1) and N‐(4‐(2,5‐dinitrophenoxy) phenyl)‐5‐(1, 2‐dithiolan‐3‐yl)pentanamide (MHS‐1), were synthesized for specific recognition of H2Sn and H2S. Through co‐assembly of the two probes at the mesoporous gold film with good anti‐biofouling ability and electrocatalytic activity, this microsensor showed high selectivity for H2Sn and H2S against potential biological interferences. The biosensor can simultaneously determine the concentration of H2Sn from 0.2 to 50 μm, as well as that of H2S from 0.2 to 40 μm. The expression of TRPA1 protein positively correlated with levels of H2Sn under both ischemia and AD.
Replacing Mg2+ by Fe2+ for RNA‐Cleaving DNAzymes
Authors: Moon Woohyun J. , Liu Juewen
Published: July 2019

It has been proposed that Mg2+ and Fe2+ are very similar in interacting with ribozymes and some protein‐based enzymes, but their activities with DNAzymes have yet to be studied. Here, the activity of Fe2+ as cofactor for a few RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes is investigated. 17E is a well‐studied DNAzyme that is active in the presence of many different divalent metal ions; it is highly active with Fe2+ with an apparent Kd of 29.7±2.3 μm and a kobs of 1.12±0.11 min−1 in the presence of 1 mm Fe2+ at pH 7.5. Fe2+ has 21‐fold higher activity than Mg2+. Six different DNAzymes are then tested, and only the DNAzymes active with Mg2+ (17E, 8–17, and E5) are active with Fe2+. Fe2+ has 25 and one‐ to twofold higher activity than Mg2+ for the 8–17 and E5 DNAzymes, respectively. In pH>7 buffer and in presence of air, 1 mm Fe2+ results in a nonspecific degradation of the DNA strand due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cleavage reactions in anoxic environment and antioxidant ascorbate can be used to overcome the effect of oxidation. The findings provide insights for potential DNAzyme catalysis in the early Earth, and they further support the similarity between Mg2+ and Fe2+ in enzyme catalysis.
Lipopolysaccharide inhibits GPR120 expression in macrophages via Toll‐like receptor 4 and p38 MAPK activation
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Yan , Fu Hui , Liang Xiang‐Yan , Zhang Bi‐Lin , Wei Lan‐Lan , Zhu Juan‐Xia , Chen Ming‐Wei , Zhao Yu‐Feng
Published: July 2019

Free fatty acid receptor G protein‐coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is highly expressed in macrophages and was reported to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated cytokine expression. Under inflammation, macrophages exhibit striking functional changes, but changes in GPR120 expression and signaling are not known. In this study, the effects of LPS treatment on macrophage GPR120 expression and activation were investigated. The results showed that LPS inhibited GPR120 expression in mouse macrophage cell line Ana‐1 cells. Moreover, LPS treatment inhibited GPR120 expression in mouse alveolar macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of LPS on GPR120 expression was blocked by Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor TAK242 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor LY222820, but not by ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125. LPS‐induced inhibition of GPR120 expression was not attenuated by GPR120 agonists TUG891 and GW9508. TUG891 inhibited the phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages, and LPS treatment counteracted the effects of TUG891 on phagocytosis. These results indicate that pretreatment with LPS inhibits GPR120 expression and activation in macrophages. It is suggested that LPS‐induced inhibition of GPR120 expression is a reaction enhancing the LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory response of macrophages.
Imine‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks as Photocatalysts for Metal Free Oxidation Processes under Visible Light Conditions
Authors: Jiménez‐Almarza Alicia , López‐Magano Alberto , Marzo Leyre , Cabrera Silvia , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén , Alemán José
Published: July 2019

Photochemistry of extended polyimine COF structures with laminar, spherical and 3D architectures has been examined. We show that these materials, composed by undecorated phenyl rings and imine fragments, can act as photocatalyts in oxidative transformations, being the crystalline laminar material the most active photocatalyst. The sulfoxidation reaction proceeds with good yields for a large variety of different sulfides. This process was carried out under visible light conditions (20 W), ethanol/H2O as solvent, and the heterogeneous porous material can be recycled up to 9 times. The crystallinity favours the behavior as photocatalyst of laminar and spherical COFs whereas any particular effect on the 3D material activity was observed. Sulfoxidation reaction mainly proceeds through an energy transfer mechanism using crystalline laminar material. In addition, these materials as photocatalysts were used for the oxidation of phenyl boronic acid into phenol.
Peroxygenase‐Catalysed Epoxidation of Styrene Derivatives in Neat Reaction Media
Authors: Rauch Marine C. R. , Tieves Florian , Paul Caroline E. , Arends Isabel W. C. E. , Alcalde Miguel , Hollmann Frank
Published: July 2019

Biocatalytic oxyfunctionalisation reactions are traditionally conducted in aqueous media limiting their production yield. Here we report the application of a peroxygenase in neat reaction conditions reaching product concentrations of up to 360 mM.
Using MARRVEL v1.2 for Bioinformatics Analysis of Human Genes and Variant Pathogenicity
Authors: Wang Julia , Mao Dongxue , Fazal Fatima , Kim Seon‐Young , Yamamoto Shinya , Bellen Hugo , Liu Zhandong
Published: July 2019

One of the greatest challenges in the bioinformatic analysis of human sequencing data is identifying which variants are pathogenic. Numerous databases and tools have been generated to address this difficulty. However, these many useful data and tools are broadly dispersed, requiring users to search for their variants of interest through human genetic databases, variant function prediction tools, and model organism databases. To solve this problem, we collected data and observed workflows of human geneticists, clinicians, and model organism researchers to carefully select and display valuable information that facilitates the evaluation of whether a variant is likely to be pathogenic. This program, Model organism Aggregated Resources for Rare Variant ExpLoration (MARRVEL) v1.2, allows users to collect relevant data from 27 public sources for further efficient bioinformatic analysis of the pathogenicity of human variants. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Coupled Dynamics of Anode and Cathode in Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Nogueira Jéssica A. , Krischer Katharina , Varela Hamilton
Published: July 2019

An external reference electrode was used to monitor individually the evolution of the anodic and cathodic potentials during the stationary as well as oscillatory operation of a Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell (DFAFC) and a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). Besides evidencing the large activation loss in both cells, we were able to observe how the oscillatory operation of such devices affects their cathodes. In fact, cathodic oscillations synchronized with the cell voltage dynamics were observed, hitherto never reported on fuel cells. We have addressed these phenomena taking into account two main coupling processes: through the proton concentration and a global coupling stemming from the control mode (potentiostatic or galvanostatic).
Tunable Acid‐Base Bifunction of Hierarchical Aluminum‐Rich Zeolites for the One‐Pot Tandem Deacetalization‐Henry Reaction
Authors: Suttipat Duangkamon , Yutthalekha Thittaya , Wannapakdee Wannaruedee , Dugkhuntod Pannida , Wetchasat Piraya , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: July 2019

The development of bifunctional catalysts is important in the synthesis of materials for multiple sequential reactions in one‐pot tandem catalytic processes. In this context, a dealuminated acid‐base bifunctional catalyst with a hierarchical aluminum‐rich faujasite structure (zeolite Y) has been successfully prepared by the solid‐state dealumination of NaX nanosheets with ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS). The characteristic properties of catalysts were examined by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 physisorption technique, ICP‐OES, NH3‐TPD, CO2‐TPD, 27Al NMR, 29Si NMR, Al K‐edge XANES, and Pyridine‐FTIR. The materials exhibit a superior catalytic performance for one‐pot tandem catalysis, for example, the synthesis of trans‐β‐nitrostyrene with a yield close to 100 % in a tandem deacetalization‐Henry reaction of benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal with nitromethane. The high catalytic performance is attributed to the facile transfer of bulky molecules between acid and basic sites in the presence of hierarchical structures.
Nested case‐control data analysis using weighted conditional logistic regression in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study: A novel approach
Authors: Lee Hye‐Seung , Lynch Kristian F. , Krischer Jeffrey P. ,   the TEDDY Study Group
Published: July 2019

Background

A nested case‐control (NCC) design within a prospective cohort study can realize substantial benefits for biomarker studies. In this context, it is natural to consider the sample availability in the selection of controls to minimize data loss when implementing the design. However, this violates the randomness required for selection, and it leads to biased analyses. An inverse probability weighting may improve the analysis, but the current approach using weighted Cox regression fails to maintain the benefits of NCC design.

Methods

This paper introduces weighted conditional logistic regression. We illustrate our proposed analysis using data recently investigated in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY). Considering the potential data loss, the TEDDY NCC design was moderately selective in its selection of controls. A data‐driven simulation study was performed to present the bias correction when a nonrandom control selection was ignored in the analysis.

Results

The TEDDY data analysis showed that the standard analysis using conditional logistic regression estimated the parameter: −0.015 (−0.023, −0.007). The biased estimate using Cox regression was −0.011 (95% confidence interval: −0.019, −0.003). Weighted Cox regression estimated −0.013 (−0.026, 0.0004). The proposed weighted conditional logistic regression estimated −0.020 (−0.033, −0.007), showing a stronger negative effect size than the one using conditional logistic regression. The simulation study also showed that the standard estimate of β ignoring the nonrandom control selection tends to be greater than the true β (ie, positive relative biases).

Conclusion

Weighted conditional logistic regression can enhance the analysis by offering flexibility in the selection of controls, while maintaining the matching.
microclimUS: hourly estimates of historical microclimates for the United States of America with example applications
Authors: Kearney Michael R.
Published: July 2019

Microclimatic data are required for many problems in pure and applied ecology. This data includes aboveground convective and radiative conditions as well as soil temperature and moisture. In cold regions, the connection between above‐ and belowground microclimates via snow cover is also critically important. Here I describe a data set of hourly microclimates for the continental United States, simulated from the years 1979 to 2017 across a grid of 2,287 locations approximately 60 km apart. The data were generated with the NicheMapR microclimate model, driven by 0.04° gridded daily meteorological forcing data (air temperature, wind speed, humidity, solar radiation, air pressure, and rainfall). The aboveground microclimate variables include horizontal plane solar radiation, solar zenith angle, sky temperature (from which downwelling longwave radiation can be computed), air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed at 1 and 200 cm height, and snow depth. The belowground variables include soil temperature, pore humidity, soil moisture, and soil water potential for 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 100, and 200 cm belowground. The computations are for four shade levels (0%, 50%, 75%, and 90%). The predictions are validated against detailed soil temperature, soil moisture, and snow observations and show enhanced performance over existing microclimatic data for the United States. The data set can be used for a wide variety of applications, including the computation of heat and water budgets of organisms, the potential for vegetation growth, and the computation of stress and growth indices. The use of daily forcing data also allows assessments of the consequences of extreme events including heat waves and drought. Example applications are provided for computing plant growth potential, lizard egg development and body temperature, and mammalian energy and water requirements. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
Detection of Edible Plant Oil Adulteration by Triacylglycerol Profiles Using an Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Source and MS3 Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xiupin , Li Peiwu , Liu Xia , Liu Youqian , Zhang Qi , Zhang Liangxiao , Matthäus Bertrand
Published: July 2019

An adulteration of high‐price oil has been an important concern in agri‐food fraud problems. Triacylglycerols are the main components of edible plant oils, which play an important role as target for adulteration detections. The objective is to evaluate the utility of triacylglycerol profiles in the detection of adulteration in high priced oils. An effective method is established to detect adulteration of high priced oils based on triacylglycerol profiles and chemometrics. Triacylglycerol profiles of edible oils are analyzed by an APCI‐MS3‐IT‐MS. All triacylglycerol compounds are quantified by normalization of the chromatographic peak area in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode based on MS3 fragment ion pairs, which are used to eliminate interference from the isobaric species of triacylglycerol. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and random forest (RF) classification algorithm indicated that peanut, soybean, sesame, sunflower seed, and linseed oils are completely classified into five groups based on their triacylglycerol profiles. Finally, a recursive support vector machine (R‐SVM) discriminant model is established, which can successfully identify adulteration of high priced oil with cheaper edible oils at a concentration of as low as 4% with an accuracy of 93.7%.

Practical Applications: The triacylglycerol profiles of edible plant oils are analyzed by RPLC‐APCI‐IT‐MS. The SRM scan mode based on MS3 fragment ion pairs can eliminate interference of triacylglycerol isomers. The discriminant model for adulterated high‐price oils is established by R‐SVM. HCA, and RF can classify the five kinds of edible plant oil.

The triacylglycerol of five edible plant oils is analyzed by RPLC‐APCI‐MS3‐IT‐MS. The triacylglycerol data matrix is submitted using unsupervised (HCA) and supervised (RF) chemometric methods to classify five kinds of edible plant oil. A discriminant model established with the R‐SVM can be used to identify adulterated linseed oil samples (≥4%) with an accuracy of 93.7%.
Synthesis of Benzoacridines and Benzophenanthridines by Regioselective Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions Followed by Acid‐Mediated Cycloisomerizations
Authors: Janke Sophie , Boldt Sebastian , Ghazargan Karapet , Ehlers Peter , Villinger Alexander , Langer Peter
Published: July 2019

A convenient synthesis of various benzoacridines and benzophenanthridines from readily available dihalogenated quinolines is reported. The synthesis is based on regioselective Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions followed by Brønsted acid‐mediated cycloisomerization. The developed methodology is highly modular and allows the construction of various ring systems and substitution patterns in high yields. The optical and electrochemical properties of selected derivatives were investigated.
Capacity‐based inelastic displacement spectra for reinforced concrete bridge columns
Authors: Wang Ping‐Hsiung , Chang Kuo‐Chun , Ou Yu‐Chen
Published: July 2019

Capacity‐based inelastic displacement spectra that comprise an inelastic displacement ratio (CR) spectrum and the corresponding damage index (DI) spectrum are proposed in this study to aid seismic design and evaluation of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges. Nonlinear time history analyses of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems are conducted using a versatile smooth hysteretic model when subjected to far‐field and near‐fault ground motions. It is demonstrated that the Park and Ang damage index can be a good indicator for assessing the actual visible damage condition of columns regardless of its loading history, providing a better insight into the seismic performance of bridges. The computed spectra for near‐fault (NF) ground motions show that as the magnitude of pulse period ranges increases from NF1 (0.5‐2.5 seconds) to NF2 (2.5‐5.5 seconds), the spectral ordinates of the CR and DI spectra increase moderately. In contrast, the computed spectra do not show much difference between NF2 and NF3 (5.5‐10.5 seconds) when the period of vibration Tn≤ 1.5 seconds, after which the spectral ordinates of NF3 tend to increase obviously, whereas those of NF2 decrease with increasing Tn. Moreover, when relative strength ratio R = 5.0, nearly all of the practical design scenarios could not survive NF3. On the basis of the computed spectra, CR and DI formulae are presented as a function of Tn, R, and various design parameters for far‐field and near‐fault ground motions. Finally, an application of the proposed spectra to the performance‐based seismic design of RC bridges is presented using DI as the performance objective.
Interaction of dimethyl carbonate with anilines in the presence of potassium methylate: Kinetics and the role of the base
Authors: Mantrov Sergey N. , Gordeev Dmitry A. , Dashkin Ratmir R. , Nefedov Pavel A. , Seferyan Mary A.
Published: July 2019

The kinetic patterns of the reaction between dimethyl carbonate and anilines in the presence of a potassium methylate as a catalyst were studied. The mechanism of aminolysis was clarified, which includes the detachment of the proton from the amino group of aniline and the subsequent attack of the resulting anion on the carbonyl group of dimethyl carbonate. It is shown that when the reaction occurs in the dimethyl carbonate‐methanol 3:1 system, the process can be described as an irreversible first‐order reaction in the aniline though the target reaction is complicated by side interaction between potassium methylate and dimethyl carbonate. The rate constants of the target reaction with substituted anilines and of the side reaction in the temperature range of 70‐90°C were determined. It is shown that the influence of the substituent on the reaction rate is described by the Hammett equation, with the constant of the reaction series being positive and the best correlation being achieved for Ïƒ‐scale. The results obtained are consistent with the proposed mechanism of the reaction and are explained by the facilitation of the aniline deprotonation with increasing acceptor properties of the substituent. Effective activation energies for the reaction of various anilines with dimethyl carbonate are found.
Robust 3D Bloch‐Siegert based mapping using multi‐echo general linear modeling
Authors: Corbin Nadège , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Malik Shaihan J. , Callaghan Martina F.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Quantitative MRI applications, such as mapping the T1 time of tissue, puts high demands on the accuracy and precision of transmit field () estimation. A candidate approach to satisfy these requirements exploits the difference in phase induced by the Bloch‐Siegert frequency shift (BSS) of 2 acquisitions with opposite off‐resonance frequency radiofrequency pulses. Interleaving these radiofrequency pulses ensures robustness to motion and scanner drifts; however, here we demonstrate that doing so also introduces a bias in the estimates.

Theory and Methods

It is shown here by means of simulation and experiments that the amplitude of the error depends on MR pulse sequence parameters, such as repetition time and radiofrequency spoiling increment, but more problematically, on the intrinsic properties, T1 and T2, of the investigated tissue. To solve these problems, a new approach to BSS‐based estimation that uses a multi‐echo acquisition and a general linear model to estimate the correct BSS‐induced phase is presented.

Results

In line with simulations, phantom and in vivo experiments confirmed that the general linear model‐based method removed the dependency on tissue properties and pulse sequence settings.

Conclusion

The general linear model‐based method is recommended as a more accurate approach to BSS‐based mapping.
Is voluntary pelvic floor muscles contraction important for sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders?
Authors: Grzybowska Magdalena E. , Wydra Dariusz G.
Published: July 2019

Aims

To investigate relationships between pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and sexual function (SF) in sexually active (SA) and not‐SA (NSA) women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD).

Methods

In 350 women with PFD: 173 (49.4%) SA, 177 (50.6%) NSA, Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)‐Quantification, PFM tone, and strength were evaluated. Transperineal ultrasound (TPS) measured genital hiatus (GH) diameter, bladder neck (BN) movement. Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA‐Revised (PISQ‐IR), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used. SA women were dichotomized according to muscle strength (weak/strong) and tone (normal/hypoactive).

Results

FSFI scores reflected sexual dysfunction in 63.5% SA women. 32.2% partnered NSA stated PFD the reason for sexual inactivity. NSA women had higher POP stages and hypoactive PFM rates compared to SA: 72 (40.7%) vs 52 (30.1%), P = .04. TPS GH diameter did not differ between SA and NSA at rest, contraction, and did not correlate with SF. BN length was longer in SA at rest (15.0 ± 7.0 vs 13.1 ± 9.4, P = .03) and contraction (19.7 ± 7.0 vs 16.7 ± 10.2, P = .006); 30 (8.6%) subjects depressed BN during contraction. GH change at contraction correlated with Oxford Grading Scale (rps = 0.41; P < .001), and was smaller in women with nonfunctioning vs normal/underactive PFM (P < .001). Women with hypoactive PFM had lower SF in PISQ‐IR Global quality and FSFI Desire domains vs normal tone. BN length at rest, contraction, and total mobility correlated with several PISQ‐IR and FSFI domains.

Conclusions

In SA women with PFD, lower rates of hypoactive PFM tone were found. The ability to contract PFM did not influence SF. Greater mobility of BN correlated with lower SF.
Domestic Food Waste Derived Porous Carbon for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Packiyalakshmi Parameswaran , Chandrasekhar Bongu , Kalaiselvi Nallathamby
Published: July 2019

Interconnected microporous and heteroatom containing bio‐carbon, derived from universal household waste i. e. cooked rice has been investigated as an anode material for lithium and sodium‐ion batteries. Cooked rice derived carbon (CRC), prepared by an economically viable carbonization process, bestowed with the presence of nitrogen atom due to the bacillus cereus bacteria is chemically activated with KOH at different temperatures such as 800, 850 and 900° C. Among the prepared samples, CRC‐900 anode delivers an exceptionally high progressive capacity of ≈1000 mAh g‐1 at 100 mA g−1 for 100 cycles and reasonable capacity of 169 mAh g−1 for 1000 cycles. Further, CRC‐900 anode demonstrates high rate performance by delivering 260 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 in LIBs and an acceptable capacity of 78 mAh g−1 in SIBs at 2 A g−1condition. CRC is found to contain micro and meso‐porous structure along with high surface area (1899 m2 g−1) to endorse its suitability to this extend as an anode for LIBs and SIBs. The study illustrates the exploitation of waste‐to‐wealth attempt with an ultimate aim of recommending CRC as a potential anode for energy storage applications on the basis of low cost, cheap, eco‐benign electrode obtained from biodegradable cooked rice.
Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Containing Bridged N‐Sulfonic Acid Groups: Promotion of the Synthesis of N,N’‐Diarylformamidines, Benzoxazoles, Benzothiazoles and Benzimidazoles
Authors: Haghighat Mahdieh , Golshekan Mostafa , Shirini Farhad
Published: July 2019

In this study, the successful synthesis of periodic mesoporous organosilica containing bridged N‐sulfonic acid groups (SA‐PMO) is demonstrated. The formation and morphology of the reagent were confirmed by N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms and pH measurement, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis. After identification, the catalytic activity of this reagent was investigated in the synthesis of N,N’‐diarylformamidines, benzoxazoles, benzothiazoles and benzimidazoles. Eco‐friendly protocol, excellent yields, short reaction times, ease of preparation, reusability of the catalyst and easy isolation of the products are the main advantages of this protocol. The considerable efficiency of the catalyst can be related to its high surface area, large pore volume and high acidity.
Modification of Y‐Zeolite with Zirconium for Enhancing the Active Component Loading: Preparation and Sulfate Adsorption Performance of ZrO(OH)2/Y‐Zeolite
Authors: Ma Hongqin , Zhang Jiasheng , Wang Meijie , Sun Shuai
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, several techniques have been utilized to remove sulfate from industrial sewage. The method using ZrO(OH)2 to adsorb sulfate is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, however, nano‐powdered ZrO(OH)2 is hard to be recycled owing to its great loss in the adsorption process, which brings enormous difficulties to industrial applications. In this research, to prevent adsorbents from losing, Y‐zeolite was modified with zirconium, including the incorporation of zirconium as heteroatoms into zeolite frameworks and ion‐exchange of Zr4+ into the cages of zeolite, and then used as carrier to load ZrO(OH)2 to fabricate adsorbent via the stepwise impregnation treatment. The as‐prepared supported adsorbent ZrO(OH)2/Y‐zeolite has a high SO42− adsorption capacity, a strong adsorption selectivity to SO42− and good adsorption‐regeneration circulation performances. The saturated SO42− adsorption capacity of 284.22 mg/g can be obtained under the following adsorption conditions: SO42− concentration of 10 g/L, the pH value of 1.5, the temperature of 25 °C. After five adsorption‐regeneration circulations, its adsorption capacity has decreased only about 10%. The adsorption‐ desorption of sulfate over ZrO(OH)2/Y‐zeolite adsorbent proceeds according to the ion‐exchange mechanism between sulfate and the surface hydroxyl groups.
Porous Zirconium Hydroxyphosphonoacetate: Catalyst for Conversion of Furfural into Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Liu Chen , Xu Guangzhi , Hu Aiyun , Xie Yongdi , Wang Haijun
Published: July 2019

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of the C=O bond has been considered to be one of the most important processes for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals. In this study, zirconium hydroxyphosphonoacetate (Zr‐HPAA) was synthesized by solvent‐thermal method for the transfer hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol. As expected, the Zr‐HPAA, which comprises P−O‐Zr and C−O‐Zr linkages, shows high activity for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of FF to FA. Besides, the effects of time, temperature, catalyst dosage and solvent on the reaction were investigated in detail, with FF conversion (98%) and FA yield (96%) at 150 °C in 1.5 h. The activation energy (Ea) of the reaction was calculated as 47.04 kJ/mol and the lower activation energy was associated to the high catalytic activity of Zr‐HPAA. It is easy to separate catalyst after the reaction and the catalyst exhibits high activity for at least five reaction cycles.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of Functionalized 4H‐Chromens and Their ADMET, Molecular Docking and Antibacterial Studies
Authors: Kshatriya Rajpratap , Kambale Dayanand , Mali Suraj , Jejurkar Valmik P. , Lokhande Pradeep , Chaudhari Hemchandra K. , Saha Satyajit
Published: July 2019

Highly efficient catalytic one‐pot construction of 3‐acetyl‐4H‐chromene derivatives via a tandem conjugate addition and cyclocondensation using p‐TSA catalyst was achieved within 3–12 hours. The synthesized compounds were submitted to an in silico ADMET screening, to analyze their overall drug score and toxicity risks as well as ligand‐based virtual screening approaches using Swiss Similarity, databases like ZINC, ASINEX, and chEMBL. Molecular docking studies were also performed to understand the possible ligand‐receptor intermolecular interactions as well as their in vitro antibacterial activities were also studied.
Prediction of the Postprandial Blood Sugar Response Estimated by Enzymatic Kinetics of In Vitro Digestive and Fine Molecular Structure ofArtocarpus heterophyllusLam Seed Starch and Several Staple Crop Starches
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Hairu , Wang Xuefei , Zhang Yanjun , Tan Yuehe , Zhang Yutong , Chu Zhong , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2019

Experimental investigation of molecular structure, pasting properties, and post‐prandial blood sugar (PPBS) is performed using the kinetics of in vitro starch hydrolysis on jackfruit seed starch (JFSS), cassava starch (CS), potato starch (PS), maize starch (MS), wheat starch (WS), and rice starch (RS). The results show that JFSS displays smaller and smoother granule morphology, a higher amylose content (27.01%), a greater proportion of B3+ chains (12.83%), and a lower proportion of B1 chains (36.08%) than CS, MS, WS, and RS. JFSS also has higher values for weight‐average molar mass (2.09 × 107 g mol−1), gelatinization temperature (88.15 °C), peak viscosity (3539 cP), final viscosity (5153 cP), and crystallinity (29.39%) than CS, MS, WS, and RS. Due to the above properties, JFSS displays lower values for the equilibrium constant (C∞; 35.80%), kinetic constant (k; 0.62 h−1), hydrolysis index (HI; 41.43), and prediction of postprandial blood sugar (PPBS; 62.45) than the other A‐type starches CS, MS, WS, and RS. Furthermore, the experimental results indicate that JFSS is a middle‐level glucose food group.
Mammary stem cells, where art thou?
Authors: Lu Pengfei , Zhou Tao , Xu Chongshen , Lu Yunzhe
Published: July 2019

Tremendous progress has been made in the field of stem cell biology. This is in part due to the emergence of various vertebrate organs, including the mammary gland, as an amenable model system for adult stem cell studies and remarkable technical advances in single cell technology and modern genetic lineage tracing. In the current review, we summarize the recent progress in mammary gland stem cell biology at both the adult and embryonic stages. We discuss current challenges and controversies, and potentially new and exciting directions for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cell Differentiation and Reversion

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration
Accessibility Issues for Poll Sites and Voters
Authors: Adelson Bruce
Published: July 2019

Polling locations that are accessible to all voters is a cornerstone of elections being free and fair for all voters. Although we often think of accessibility as it relates to voters who have physical disabilities, accessibility can also be related to the comfort that voters feel when entering the place that has been designated for in-person voting. This case discusses these definitions of accessibility and others that have been addressed by legislative action and decisions made by courts in the United States.
QCD 3 on the world sheet
Authors: Bardakci K.
Published: July 2019

Abstract

In this article, we apply the world sheet approach developed in earlier work to QCD in 1+2 dimensions. The starting point is a field theory on the world sheet that reproduces the planar graphs of QCD parametrized by the light cone variables. We study the ground state of this model using a variational approximation, and show that it consists of a set graphs infinitely dense on the world sheet. The energy of this new ground state is lower than that of the empty world sheet, signaling a phase transition. Also, a finite mass is generated in the originally massless theory. Finally, we consider a particular set of time dependent fluctuations about the static ground state configuration, which result in the formation of a string on the world sheet.
Physical projectors for multi-leg helicity amplitudes
Authors: Peraro Tiziano , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We present a method for building physical projector operators for multi-leg helicity amplitudes. For any helicity configuration of the external particles, we define a physical projector which singles out the corresponding helicity amplitude. For processes with more than four external legs, these physical projectors depend on significantly fewer tensor structures and exhibit a remarkable simplicity compared with projector operators defined with traditional approaches. As an example, we present analytic formulas for a complete set of projectors for five-gluon scattering. These have been validated by reproducing known results for five-gluon amplitudes up to one-loop.
Conjugate heat transfer modeling of a turbine vane endwall with thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Yang Xing , Feng Zhenping , Simon Terrence W.
Published: July 2019

Advanced cooling techniques involving internal enhanced heat transfer and external film cooling and thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are employed for gas turbine hot components to reduce metal temperatures and to extend their lifetime. A deeper understanding of the interaction mechanism of these thermal protection methods and the conjugate thermal behaviours of the turbine parts provides valuable guideline for the design stage. In this study, a conjugate heat transfer model of a turbine vane endwall with internal impingement and external film cooling is constructed to document the effects of TBCs on the overall cooling effectiveness using numerical simulations. Experiments on the same model with no TBCs are performed to validate the computational methods. Round and crater holes due to the inclusion of TBCs are investigated as well to address how film-cooling configurations affect the aero-thermal performance of the endwall. Results show that the TBCs have a profound effect in reducing the endwall metal temperatures for both cases. The TBC thermal protection for the endwall is shown to be more significant than the effect of increasing coolant mass flow rate. Although the crater holes have better film cooling performance than the traditional round holes, a slight decrement of overall cooling effectiveness is found for the crater configuration due to more endwall metal surfaces directly exposed to external mainstream flows. Energy loss coefficients at the vane passage exit show a relevant negative impact of adding TBCs on the cascade aerodynamic performance, particularly for the round hole case.
CRITICAL SURFACE CONING DUE TO A LINE SINK IN A VERTICAL DRAIN CONTAINING A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: AL-ALI S. , HOCKING G. C. , FARROW D. E.
Published: July 2019

The withdrawal of water with a free surface through a line sink from a two-dimensional, vertical sand column is considered using the hodograph method and a novel spectral method. Hodograph solutions are presented for slow flow and for critical, limiting steady flows, and these are compared with spectral solutions to the steady problem. The spectral method is then extended to obtain unsteady solutions and hence the evolution of the phreatic surface to the steady solutions when they exist. It is found that for each height of the interface there is a unique critical coning value of flow rate, but also that the value obtained is dependent on the flow history.
The nature of gambling-related harm for adults with health and social care needs: an exploratory study of the views of key informants
Authors: Bramley Stephanie , Norrie Caroline , Manthorpe Jill
Published: July 2019

Aim:

To explore the views of professionals working within health, care and other agencies about harmful gambling among adults with health and social care needs.

Background:

Gambling is increasingly seen as a public health rather than an individual problem. Opportunities to gamble have grown in England in the last decade since the liberalisation of the gambling industry meaning that gambling is widely available, accessible and advertised within society. An estimated two million people in the UK are at risk of developing a gambling problem, some of whom may be adults with health and social care needs.

Methods:

Twenty-three key informants from primary care, social care services and third sector organisations in England were interviewed about their understanding of the risks to adults with health and social care needs from gambling participation.

Findings:

Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) gambling-related harm as a public health problem; (2) identification of groups of adults with health and social care needs who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm; (3) factors potentially impeding the identification of gambling-related harm among adults with health and social care needs and subsequent help-seeking behaviour and (4) calls for professional development activities. Informants reported a perceived lack of awareness of gambling-related harm and a lack of a clear pathway or guidance which they could follow when supporting individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. Interviewees called for professional development activities to improve their knowledge and expertise in this area.