bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeoylquinic Acids, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase and Tyrosinase Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Six Inula Species from Bulgaria
Authors: Trendafilova Antoaneta , Ivanova Victoria , Rangelov Miroslav , Todorova Milka , Ozek Gulmira , Yur Suleyman , Ozek Temel , Aneva Ina , Veleva Ralitza , Moskova‐Doumanova Veselina , Doumanov Jordan , Topouzova‐Hristova Tanya
Published: March 2020

Chlorogenic (5‐CQA), 1,5‐, 3,5‐, 4,5‐ and 3,4‐dicaffeoylquinic (DCQA) acids were identified and quantified in the methanol extracts of Inula oculus‐christi L., I. bifrons L., I. aschersoniana Janka var. aschersoniana, I. ensifolia L., I. conyza (Griess.) DC. and I. germanica L. by HPLC analysis. The amount of 5‐CQA varied from 5.48 to 28.44 mg/g DE and the highest content was detected in I. ensifolia. 1,5‐DCQA (4.05–55.25 mg/g DE) was the most abundant dicaffeoyl ester of quinic acid followed by 3,5‐DCQA, 4,5‐DCQA and 3,4‐DCQA. The extract of I. ensifolia showed the highest total phenolic content (119.92±0.95 mg GAE/g DE) and exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (69.41±0.55 %). I. bifrons extract was found to be the most active sample against ABTS.+ (TEAC 0.257±0.012 mg/mL) and the best tyrosinase inhibitor. The studied extracts demonstrated a low inhibitory effect towards acetylcholinesterase and possessed low cytotoxicity in concentration range from 10 to 300 μg/mL toward non‐cancer (MDCK II) and cancer (A 549) cells.
Effectiveness of the “new rope coil” composite core Suoh 0.3 guidewire in the management of coronary artery dissections
Authors: Gasparini Gabriele L. , Sanz Sanchez Jorge , Gagnor Andrea , Mazzarotto Pietro
Published: March 2020

Coronary artery dissection is a well‐known complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. In this setting, coronary artery dissection is caused by mechanical injury of the arterial wall. However, dissection may also occur spontaneously. In both situations, an intimal tear or dissection allows blood entering and separating the layers of the coronary arterial wall. Despite percutaneous approach is still the preferred and the quickest way to restore coronary flow, it remains challenging. One of the main reasons for procedural failure is due to the difficult advancement of a guidewire into the true lumen. In such situation, the ideal wire should have a soft tip, high torque control, and excellent flexibility. Assuming that, the “new rope coil” composite core Suoh 0.3 guidewire, with its unique combination of characteristics, could allow better orientation insight into a dissected coronary artery increasing the chance of procedural success. We collected a case series of nine consecutive patients in which the Suoh 0.3 guidewire was able to gain the true lumen distally to a dissected segment.
Which Stereoinductor Is Better for Asymmetric Functionalization of α‐Amino Acids in a Nickel(II) Coordination Environment? Experimental and DFT Considerations
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Aglamazova Olga I. , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Moriwaki Hiroki , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: March 2020

The results of extended comparative investigation of nickel(II) Schiff base complexes (containing various auxiliary chiral moieties) commonly used as a methodological platform for the asymmetric synthesis of tailor‐made α‐amino acids are provided. The following issues are addressed: 1) redox activity (determining the possibility for electrochemically induced reactions); 2) quantitative estimation of the reactivity of deprotonated complexes towards electrophiles; and 3) quantum‐chemical estimation of noncovalent interactions in the metal coordination environment (which shed light on the origin of the stereochemical outcome observed for different stereoinductors). Possible mechanisms that determine the relationship between the stereochemical configuration of a molecule and its electronic structure are discussed. The DFT‐calculated HOMO–LUMO energies and localization, as well as relative energies for the (S)‐ and (R)‐alanine derivatives, that determine the stereoinduction efficiency in thermodynamically controlled reactions in nickel(II) coordination are provided. The computational data are supported by experimental results on the monobenzylation of glycine derivatives.
Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine as an Electron Acceptor to Construct High‐Performance Deep‐Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Negligible Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Zheng Xu‐Hui , Zhao Jue‐Wen , Chen Xiang , Cai Ruoke , Yang Guo‐Xi , Zhu Jie‐Ji , Tang Shan‐Shun , Lin Zhi‐Hong , Tao Si‐Lu , Tong Qing‐Xiao
Published: March 2020

Two novel bipolar deep‐blue fluorescent emitters, IP‐PPI and IP‐DPPI, featuring different lengths of the phenyl bridge, were designed and synthesized, in which imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine (IP) and phenanthroimidazole (PI) were proposed as an electron acceptor and an electron donor, respectively. Both of them exhibit outstanding thermal stability and high emission quantum yields. All the devices based on these two materials showed negligible efficiency roll‐off with increasing current density. Impressively, non‐doped organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on IP‐PPI and IP‐DPPI exhibited external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 4.85 % and 4.74 % with CIE coordinates of (0.153, 0.097) and (0.154, 0.114) at 10000 cd m−2, respectively. In addition, the 40 wt % IP‐PPI doped device maintained a high EQE of 5.23 % with CIE coordinates of (0.154, 0.077) at 10000 cd m−2. The doped device based on 20 wt % IP‐DPPI exhibited a higher deep‐blue electroluminescence (EL) performance with a maximum EQE of up to 6.13 % at CIE of (0.153, 0.078) and maintained an EQE of 5.07 % at 10000 cd m−2. To the best of our knowledge, these performances are among the state‐of‐the art devices with CIEy≤0.08 at a high brightness of 10000 cd m−2. Furthermore, by doping a red phosphorescent dye Ir(MDQ)2 (MDQ=2‐methyldibenzo[f,h]quinoxaline) into the IP‐PPI and IP‐DPPI hosts, high‐performance red phosphorescent OLEDs with EQEs of 20.8 % and 19.1 % were achieved, respectively. This work may provide a new approach for designing highly efficient deep‐blue emitters with negligible roll‐off for OLED applications.
Functionalization of a Single C−F Bond of Trifluoromethylarenes Assisted by an ortho‐Silyl Group Using a Trityl‐Based All‐in‐One Reagent with Ytterbium Triflate Catalyst
Authors: Kim Youngchan , Kanemoto Kazuya , Shimomori Ken , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: March 2020

Catalytic thiolation and azidation of a single C−F bond of trifluoromethylarenes were achieved assisted by an ortho‐silyl group with all‐in‐one reagents to generate a trityl cation and nucleophiles. The reactions catalyzed by ytterbium triflate efficiently afforded a wide variety of difluoromethylenes avoiding the further C−F bond cleavage, by virtue of the mild conditions without the generation of a Brønsted acid.
Alexander von Humboldt als Chemiker
Authors: Gröger Martin , Wurm Katharina
Published: March 2020

Alexander von Humboldt war in zahlreichen Forschungsgebieten aktiv – auch auf dem Gebiet der Chemie. Uns scheint eine unterrichtliche Thematisierung von Humboldts chemischen Forschungsarbeiten für wissenschaftshistorische und wissenschaftstheoretische Betrachtungen, aber auch mit Blick auf aktuelle Bezüge zum Klimawandel sowie eigenständiges kreatives Experimentieren der Lernenden gewinnbringend.
A Novel Route to Synthesize N,N‐Dimethyl Arylmethylamines from Aryl Aldehydes, Hexamethylenetetramine and Hydrogen†
Authors: Ke Zhengang , Yu Bo , Wu Yunyan , Zhao Yanfei , Yang Peng , Guo Shien , Liu Zhimin
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Developing simple and green routes to access valuable chemicals is of significance. Herein, we present a green and novel route to synthesize N,N‐dimethyl arylmethylamines (DAMAs) from hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and aryl aldehydes in the presence of hydrogen, and a series of DAMAs can be obtained in good yields. This approach opens the precedent for HMTA as N,N‐dimethylamine source to synthesize chemicals with N,N‐dimethylamine group, which has promising applications for N‐containing chemicals synthesis.
Boosting Photocatalytic Activity in Cross‐Coupling Reactions by Constructing Pd‐Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Wu Di , Li Zheyue , Qi Zeming , Hu Shanwei , Long Ran , Song Li , Xiong Yujie
Published: March 2020

The design of heterogeneous photocatalysts for organic synthesis has attracted great attention for achieving enhanced catalytic performance under light illumination. However, the effects of photocatalytic processes on organic reactions are quite complicated. In this work, we construct a series of Pd‐oxide heterostructures and then evaluate their catalytic performances on cross‐coupling reactions. The investigation results reveal that the conduction type of the oxide supports critically influences the catalytic efficiency via charge density control of metallic sites. In general, an n‐type semiconductor enhances the catalytic performance while a p‐type reduces the catalytic activity in the presence of suitable illumination conditions. Further investigation on the Pd tetrahedron‐TiO2 nanosheet hybrid structure reveals that Heck reactions take place via a radical intermediate mechanism in the presence of light, leading to a significant increase in the catalytic performance.
Drug Release from Polymer Thin Films and Gel Pellets: Insights from Programmed Microplate Electroanalysis
Authors: Ruff Adrian , Jaikaew Wajee , Khunkaewla Panida , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Schulte Albert
Published: March 2020

Robotic electroanalysis in 24‐well microplates was used to determine Paracetamol (PCT) release from thin films of chitosan and two pH‐sensitive synthetic polymers as well as blends of the polymers with each other and with agarose. Square‐wave voltammograms were recorded automatically in a potential window of 0.35 V–0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl/0.1 M KCl and their evaluation revealed time‐dependent PCT release into acidic and basic media. Comparison of the release profiles showed that pure chitosan layers released PCT quickly in a single‐phase process while liberation from synthetic polymer thin films was slower with a sigmoidal shape at pH 1.2 and pH 8.0 with a maximum release of PCT after approximately 150 and 140 min, respectively. The release profile from thicker agarose films was between those of the thin films. Agarose blended with chitosan or synthetic polymers formed films with biphasic release behavior. Chitosan linearized the initial section of the release profile in chitosan/polymer blends. The automated procedure for release testing offers the advantage of low‐cost, labor‐effective and error‐free data acquisition. The procedure has been validated as a useful microplate assay option for release profile testing.
Identification of seedling resistance to stem rust in advanced wheat lines and varieties from Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Monsif Ur , Gale Sam , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Jin Yue , Marshall David , Whitcher Lynda , Williamson Sharon , Rouse Matthew , Ahmad Javed , Ahmad Gulzar , Shah Irfan Ahmad , Sial Mahboob Ali , Rauf Yahya , Rehman Rattu Atiq Ur , Mirza Javed Iqbal , Ward Rick , Nadeem Majid , Ullah Ghulam , Imtiaz Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Stem rust is a major disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide and new Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) races including TTKSK (Ug99) pose a serious threat to wheat production. The protection of new varieties against Pgt races can be increased by identifying and combining several types of stem rust resistance genes (Sr). We screened a set of 707 wheat lines and cultivars against 11 Pgt races under glass house conditions. Of the tested lines, groups of 99, 513, 289, and 515 exhibited low infection type (IT < 3) to races TTKSK, TRTTF, TTTTF, and RRTTF, respectively. Screening against Pgt races (QFCSC, QTHJC, MCCFC, RCRSC, RKRQC, TPMKC, and QCCSM) showed that most of the tested lines were resistant. These lines were screened with eight DNA markers for the presence of Sr2, Sr9a, Sr24, Sr25, Sr31, Sr36, Sr38, and Sr57 genes. Sr36 was absent from all the tested lines, whereas Sr9a was detected in four lines. The marker Sr2_ger93p predicted the presence of Sr2 in 40 lines, and marker barc71 suggested the presence of Sr24 in 12 lines. Sr25 and Sr38 were present in 13 and 54 lines, respectively. The highest frequency of Sr genes was observed for Sr57 (199 lines) and Sr31 (177 lines). Except for lines carrying Sr25 and/or Sr24 genes, most lines were susceptible to Pgt race TTKSK. Since Ug99 is overcoming Sr genes worldwide, including Sr24 and Sr36, a strategy to pyramid multiple Sr genes in new cultivars should be pursued to achieve a durable control of stem rust. The effectiveness of lines such as NRL0902, 11050, B‐2(RF)‐11, and CCRI‐6, found in the current study and featuring other Sr genes, warrants further investigation to identify the source of their resistance and use it in Pakistan wheat breeding programs.
The fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii plays a limited role in mediating crown rust severity in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Heineck Garett C. , Qiu Yinjie , Ehlke Nancy J. , Watkins Eric
Published: March 2020

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an important turf and forage species that often becomes infected with Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolii, the causal pathogen of crown rust. Disease control through clavicipitaceous endophytes has been proposed as a potential biocontrol. Two field experiments were designed to determine the influence of native Epichloë endophyte infection on natural rust development across a diverse panel of perennial ryegrass germplasm. Experiment 1 used an isogenic population design in which infected (E+) or endophyte‐free (E−) clonal plants were nested within 14 perennial ryegrass entries. Experiment 2 consisted of isofrequent E+ and E− progeny from isogenic parents. Results showed the endophyte had no consistent main effect on crown rust severity among or within entries; however, several isogenic host pairs did show either favorable or antagonistic effects. Despite these sporadic effects, no differences were found between isofrequent family pairs, indicating the presence of a host × endophyte interaction. Genotypic and phenotypic data revealed that endophyte isolates were similar within entry, indicating that host genotype could be responsible for the highly specific endophyte effect on crown rust. The preponderance of host resistance in mediating rust severity was supported by large broad (>.75) and narrow‐sense (.76) heritability estimates. These findings support the conclusion that endophyte infection does not play a substantial role in mediating crown rust severity on a population scale in perennial ryegrass.
Forest dynamics and carbon storage under climate change in a subtropical mountainous region in central China
Authors: Wu Yu , Wang Dongya , Qiao Xiujuan , Jiang Mingxi , Li Qianxi , Gu Zhirong , Liu Feng
Published: March 2020

Climate change has been observed to significantly influence forest growth, community composition, and species distribution ranges. These influences in turn will impose continuous impacts on forest production and carbon (C) storage potential. Forests in the subtropical China that are experiencing rapid regeneration and recovery may suffer multiple threats in the face of future climate change. Understanding how climate change may affect forest C sequestration and species dynamics over time will help formulate better management strategies for maintaining forest productivity and biodiversity. Here, we used a forest landscape model (LANDIS‐II) to evaluate the long‐term effects of current business‐as‐usual (BAU) management and climate projections (current, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 climate scenarios; IPCC representative concentration pathways [RCPs] scenarios) on above‐ and belowground forest C storage and tree species dynamics in the Sangzhi County in the subtropical China. Our simulations showed a fast‐growing period of forest total C in the first 70 yr, regardless of climate regime. Moderate climate change (RCP4.5 climate scenario) increased soil organic carbon (SOC) (12%) and detrital C (16%) but reduced live C (5%), contributing to a slight augment of 3% in forest C storage compared to the control climate, while severe climate change (RCP8.5 climate scenario) decreased SOC (16%), detrital C (27%), and live C (12%), resulting in a dramatic reduction of 14% in forest C storage, primarily because severe warming‐induced water stress restrained species establishment and regeneration in temperature‐sensitive areas like the lower elevations. Meanwhile, nature reserves in the higher elevations could act as “safe islands” by providing suitable conditions for most tree species, but the logging ban caused higher canopy closure, which in turn inhibit the growth and establishment of shade‐intolerant species. The results also highlighted the positive responses of native “warm species” to climate warming and suggest that using them to replace some conventional coniferous plantation tree species would better mitigate the future climate change. Poor performance of the current BAU management in maintaining forest productivity and diversity suggests that new climate‐adapted management strategies should be designed accordingly.
Revising the range of Rocky Mountain tailed frog, Ascaphus montanus, in British Columbia, Canada, using environmental DNA methods
Authors: Hobbs Jared , Adams Ian T. , Round Jessica M. , Goldberg Caren S. , Allison Michael J. , Bergman Lauren C. , Mirabzadeh Ali , Allen Heather , Helbing Caren C.
Published: March 2020

The Rocky Mountain tailed frog, Ascaphus montanus, is a species at‐risk in Canada. Based upon time‐ and area‐constrained physical search surveys completed between 1996 and 2004, its Canadian distribution was defined as occurring in 19 tributaries and reaches within the Yahk and west side Flathead River Basins of British Columbia. We undertook a five‐year (2014–2018 inclusive) environmental DNA (eDNA) survey to reassess the distribution of Rocky Mountain tailed frog, focusing on tributaries proximal to known extant occurrence records. Seventeen days of field sampling were performed over the five‐year period. Targeted qPCR‐based eDNA approaches proved more effective than conventional physical search methods for detecting tailed frogs due to relatively rapid field collection, low cost of filter materials, elimination of observer bias, and higher detection probabilities compared to conventional time‐constrained survey methods. One hundred and forty sites were examined (138 for eDNA plus two visual only). Thirty‐two of the 138 sites (23%) tested positive for Rocky Mountain tailed frog DNA, including from the four extant populations sampled, whereas visual observations occurred at only seven of the sites (5%) during the survey. During the study, we evaluated two tailed frog tests and the mitigation of false negatives through testing for qPCR inhibition and sample degradation, and we demonstrate their utility in evaluating eDNA data quality. These results expand the extant range of Rocky Mountain tailed frog in the Flathead, Wigwam, and Yahk watersheds and add two new watersheds (Moyie and Tepee) by identifying five newly recorded occupied drainages in Canada: Elder Creek, Upper Wigwam River, Tepee Creek, Gilnockie Creek, and Elmer Creek. These data are important to refine and augment wildlife habitat conservation areas for Rocky Mountain tailed frog.
C(sp3)‐H Functionalization of 2‐Methyl Azaarenes: Highly Facile Approach to Aza‐Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Latha Dandugula Sneha , Yaragorla Srinivasarao
Published: March 2020

Quinolines and their derivatives have always been promising leads for drug discovery, material applications and designing new catalysts. In the past decade, C(sp3)‐H functionalization of 2‐methyl azaarenes, particularly 2‐methyl quinolines, has become one of the highly facile synthetic routes for the generation of new chemical libraries of quinolines. In this minireview, we showcase the synthetic endeavors on C(sp3)‐H functionalization of 2‐methyl quinolines.
Natural history of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma: implications on management
Authors: Valstar Matthijs H. , Andreasen Simon , Bhairosing Patrick A. , McGurk Mark
Published: March 2020

Background

Treating recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) aims to reduce risk of malignant transformation (MT) while avoiding facial nerve injury. Our objective was to systematically investigate this natural history of RPA and address the current rational for its treatment.

Methods

The follow‐up data of two nationwide series of PA was pooled with a focus on risk of MT and analyzed against the literature.

Results

The combined nationwide data (n = 9003 PA patients) showed 3.1% with first recurrence of which 6.2% were malignant. In the literature first RPA rate was >7% at 20 years follow‐up. MT occurred in 0% to 7%, and facial nerve damage increased from with each surgery 3% to 16% at first RPA to 18% to 30% at second RPA.

Conclusions

RPA showed a characteristic course with surgery being unreliable and damage to the facial nerve. The risk of MT was low. This might give flexibility towards a more conservative approach of management.
Are arch‐conforming insoles a good fit for diabetic foot? Insole customized design by using finite element analysis
Authors: Niu Jianwei , Liu Jing , Zheng Yanling , Ran Linghua , Chang Zhigang
Published: March 2020

Plantar ulceration is one of the leading complications for diabetic patients. To reduce the risk of plantar ulceration, people with diabetic neuropathy often used custom insoles to offload high pressures from the metatarsal. However, the current custom arch‐conforming insoles, totally contact with the foot, could affect the flow of blood and produce adverse effects on foot ulcers. This study is aimed to propose novel custom insoles for diabetic foot and to make a comparison between the traditional insoles and the proposed one. The novel pressure‐relieving insole is a layered modular insole that includes eight layers of small cushions. The results showed that the current custom insoles would increase the insole volume and squeeze the space available for the foot, and then the constrictive box of the footwear could deteriorate the blood flow of the foot and produce adverse effects on foot ulcers. The novel insoles were found to reduce the peak pressure from 208.86 to 160.02 kPa. High pressure was not observed in the sensitive locations of diabetic foot in this study, and the novel insoles fit diabetic foot better.
The early predictive role of complement C3 and C4 in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhang Lifeng , Qiao Zhenguo , Feng Huang , Shen Jiaqing
Published: March 2020

Objective

The prognostic role of complement C3 and C4 in peripheral blood in early stage of acute pancreatitis (AP) is unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of C3 and C4 in early stage of AP.

Methods

A total of 164 patients were enrolled in this study. The blood samples were collected within 24 hours after AP onset. We compared C3 and C4 levels in patients with different AP severity. The optimal cutoff value for them to predict severe AP (SAP) was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The reduction of C3 and C4 levels was observed. For prediction of MSAP and SAP, the AUC of C3 and C4 levels was 0.695 (95% CI: 0.612‐0.779) and 0.739 (95% CI: 0.657‐0.821). The cutoff value of C3 and C4 levels was 0.705 and 0.145 g/L, with the sensitivity of 0.612 and 0.735, and the specificity of 0.735 and 0.710. For prediction of SAP, the AUC of C3 and C4 levels was 0.749 (95% CI: 0.607‐0.891) and 0.766 (95% CI: 0.596‐0.936). The cutoff value of C3 and C4 levels was 0.400 and 0.125 g/L, with the sensitivity of 0.859 and 0.767, and the specificity of 0.600 and 0.786.

Conclusions

A marked change of complement C3 and C4 was observed in peripheral blood of patients with AP, suggesting the participation of complement system in the early phase of AP. C3 and C4 levels were sensitive and accurate in judging the severity of AP.
Prenatal diagnosis of a de novo tetrasomy 15q24.3‐25.3: Case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Xiaonan , Li Leilei , Zhang Hongguo , Hu Zhuming , Li Linlin , Sun Meiling , Liu Ruizhi
Published: March 2020

Background

Terminal duplication on chromosome 15q is a rare chromosomal variation. Affected individuals show similar features such as growth dysplasia or the development of frontal bossing, body deformities, facial abnormalities, and genitourinary or cardiovascular disorders. However, it is not yet clear whether such 15q repeats lead to identifiable patterns of clinical abnormalities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the prenatal diagnostic results and clinical manifestations of a fetus with 15q duplication and to summarize the literature.

Methods

The case was a fetus at 28 weeks of gestation. The risk of Down syndrome from second‐trimester screening was 1/140. Prenatal ultrasound and amniocentesis were performed, and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was used for genetic analysis.

Results

The fetus had abnormal clinical features, including intracardiac echogenic focus in the left ventricle, an aberrant right subclavian artery, and growth delay. The fetal chromosomal karyotype was 46,XX,15q?,12q?,21pstk+, and CMA revealed a 10.163 Mb duplication at 15q24.3‐q25.3. The couple chose to terminate the pregnancy after careful consideration.

Conclusions

The combination and rational application of cytogenetics technology and molecular genetics technology such as CMA will open up the field of clinical application and provide useful genetic counseling for parents of fetuses carrying such chromosomal duplications.
The effect of a root‐dentin pretreatment technique combining PIPS with MTAD aiming to improve the bond strength of glass fiber post
Authors: Wan Shu , Tan Yujie , Xie Jing , Huang Xiaoyu , Guo Ling
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of MTAD and photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique on the smear layer removal and the bond strength of glass fiber post. Fifty‐five human mandibular premolars were chosen. After root canal therapy and post space preparation, the teeth were equally divided to five groups according to the methods of root‐dentin pretreatment: G1: distilled water (control); G2: 2.5% NaOCl+17% EDTA; G3: MTAD; G4: PIPS; G5: MTAD+PIPS. One sample was randomly selected from each group, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the microscopic morphology of the coronal, middle and apical level of the root‐dentin. The remaining ten samples from each group were glued to glass fiber posts, and the bond strength was assessed by push‐out test. SEM evaluation showed that the most complete smear layer removal was found in MTAD + PIPS group, especially in coronal third. Push‐out test results exhibited that there was a statistically significant interaction between the experimental groups and root canal third (p < .0005). Significant differences could be found among five groups (p < .05): G5 > G4 > G3 > G2 > G1. G5 had the highest bond strength. In conclusion, post space pretreatments with MTAD or PIPS technique can significantly remove smear layer and improve the bond strength of glass fiber post, and combination of them works best.
Potential for phytoremediation of nonylphenol from sewage sludge
Authors: Liu Qingyun , Zhou Zhihong , Zhou Shujie , Lei Yutao , Zhao Kunrong , Zhao Tao , Wu Qitang , Qiu Jinrong
Published: March 2020

Nonylphenol (NP) is considered a major contaminant that must be removed to enable safe and environmentally friendly land application of sewage sludge. Phytoremediation is a technology in which plants are used to remove and/or stabilize organic and inorganic contaminants present in the soil, municipal wastewater, and sewage sludge. In this study, a 391‐d large pot experiment was conducted to remove NP from sewage sludge by phytoremediation using Zea mays L. ‘Yunshi‐5’, Lolium perenne L., and co‐cropping of the two plants. The fate of NP in the soil under the sewage sludge was assessed at the same time. At the end of the experiment, the NP levels in sludge from the various treatments were as follows: control (38.60%) > L. perenne (31.27%) > Z. mays (16.25%) > co‐cropping (15.28%). Degradation followed an availability‐adjusted first‐order kinetics with a decreasing order of half‐lives as follows: control (88.2 d) > L. perenne (87.3 d) > co‐cropping (66.2 d) > Z. mays (59.1 d). The results indicated that Z. mays and co‐cropping could both degrade NP. The concentrations of NP in tissues of different plants differed significantly. The mean bioconcentration factors for Z. mays and L. perenne were 0.16 and 3.69, respectively. Direct removal of NP from sewage sludge by plant uptake was negligible, as was downward movement of NP in the system. Moreover, NP was not detected in soils in any treatments at harvest.
Investigating the abrupt change of tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the Western North Pacific by using different TC genesis indices
Authors: Hsiao Li‐Peng , Tsou Chih‐Hua , Yu Jia‐Yuh
Published: March 2020

The tropical cyclone (TC) genesis indices are used to investigate the abrupt change of TC genesis frequency (TCGF) in the Western North Pacific (WNP) from 1979 to 2014 and to discuss the factors leading to the abrupt change. This study shows that TCGF had an abrupt decrease in 1997, but the popular TC genesis indices used in recent studies do not reflect this feature. An appropriate TC genesis index must consider both thermal and dynamic effects to reflect the TCGF abrupt change in the WNP. We modify the dynamic and thermal effects of the existing indices and propose a new TC genesis index, MoχGPI, which is consistent with the observational abrupt change of TC activity regardless of spatial distribution or time‐series patterns. A budget analysis of MoχGPI is conducted to discuss the individual contribution of large‐scale environmental parameters to the TCGF abrupt change. The results show that the change in relative vorticity (including contributions not only from the environmental relative vorticity, but also a part from the relative vorticity by TCs themself) is the dominant effect leading to the TCGF abrupt change in 1997, followed by the vertical wind shear effect.
Analytical solutions of some nonlinear fractional‐order differential equations by different methods
Authors: Odabasi Meryem , Pinar Zehra , Kocak Huseyin
Published: March 2020

In this work, we investigate exact solutions of some fractional‐order differential equations arising in mathematical physics. We consider the space‐time fractional Kaup‐Kupershmidt, the space‐time fractional Fokas, and the space‐time fractional breaking soliton equations, which have important applications in science and engineering. Exact traveling wave solutions of these equations have been established by different efficient methods.
A robust automated surface‐matching registration method for neuronavigation
Authors: Fan Yifeng , Yao Xufeng , Xu Xiufang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The surface‐matching registration method in the current neuronavigation completes the coarse registration mainly by manually selecting anatomical landmarks, which increases the registration time, makes the automatic registration impossible and sometimes results in mismatch. It may be more practical to use a fast, accurate, and automatic spatial registration method for the patient‐to‐image registration.

Methods

A coarse‐to‐fine spatial registration method to automatically register the patient space to the image space without placing any markers on the head of the patient was proposed. Three‐dimensional (3D) keypoints were extracted by 3D Harris corner detector from the point clouds in the patient and image spaces, and used as input to the 4‐points congruent sets (4PCS) algorithm which automatically registered the keypoints in the patient space with the keypoints in the image space without any assumptions about initial alignment. Coarsely aligned point clouds in the patient and image space were then fine‐registered with a variant of the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. Two experiments were designed based on one phantom and five patients to validate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Results

Keypoints were extracted within 7.0 s with a minimum threshold 0.001. In the phantom experiment, the mean target registration error (TRE) of 15 targets on the surface of the elastic phantom in the five experiments was 1.17 ± 0.04 mm, and the average registration time was 17.4 s. In the clinical experiments, the mean TRE of the targets on the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth patient’s head surface were 1.70 ± 0.32 mm, 1.83 ± 0.38 mm, 1.64 ± 0.3 mm, 1.67 ± 0.35 mm, and 1.72 ± 0.31 mm, respectively, and the average registration time was 21.4 s. Compared with the method only based on the 4PCS and ICP algorithm and the current clinical method, the proposed method has obvious speed advantage while ensuring the registration accuracy.

Conclusions

The proposed method greatly improves the registration speed while guaranteeing the equivalent or higher registration accuracy, and avoids a tedious manual process for the coarse registration.
Evaluating the impact of a multimedia training versus lecture training on attitudes and practices in paediatric nurses in children pain management: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arzani Afsaneh , Valizadeh Sousan , Poorkaremi Samereh , Taheri Ezbarami Zahra , Ghojazadeh Morteza
Published: March 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multimedia training on pain management attitudes and practices of paediatric nurses.

Design

A single‐blind randomized trial.

Methods

Paediatric nurses (N = 120) from a public hospital randomly allocated into two groups, lecturing and multimedia training groups. Nurses in the control group received four one‐hour training sessions. In the intervention group, the same educational content was used as a film with text, audio and animation and presented as a multimedia CD. In both groups, using a questionnaire, we measured pain management attitudes and skills at baseline and then 1 week and 1 month after the training over. Data were analysed in SPSS20 software, and p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean of attitude scores of the lecturing group was 104.74 one week after the study and 109.40 one month later versus 74.72. The above‐mentioned scores in the multimedia group were 112.72 and 115.04, respectively, versus 78.70 (p < .001). Also, the mean scores of nurses' performance in the lecturing group before, 1 week and 1 month after the study were 12.48, 26.60 and 28.22, respectively, versus 12.58, 28.68 and 28.98, in multimedia group; this difference was statistically significant (p < .05).
Explaining challenges of obstetric triage structure: A qualitative study
Authors: Rashidi Fakari Farzaneh , Simbar Masoumeh
Published: March 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explain the challenges of the obstetric triage structure.

Design

The present qualitative research was conducted with directed content analysis approach on 21 members of the triage team and the key informant using purposeful sampling in 2018.

Methods

The method of data collection was semi‐structured interviews. Then, the accuracy and rigour of the qualitative data were examined.

Results

In this study, the most important challenges in the structure of obstetric triage were identified as pattern and standard, equipment, physical space, human resource and triage procedure and process. Correction and revision in the obstetric triage structure is important to provide high‐quality services. Therefore, the quality of the structure can be developed and maintained accounting for the corresponding challenges.
Critical illness epidemiology and mortality risk in pediatric oncology
Authors: RR Pravin , Tan Enrica Ee Kar , Sultana Rehena , Thoon Koh Cheng , Chan Mei‐Yoke , Lee Jan Hau , Wong Judith Ju‐Ming
Published: March 2020

Objective

Pediatric oncology patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at high risk of mortality. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of and the risk factors for mortality in these patients.

Study design

This is a retrospective cohort study including all consecutive PICU oncology admissions from 2011 to 2017. Demographic and clinical risk factors between survivors and nonsurvivors were compared. Both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to quantify the association between 60‐day mortality and admission categories, accounting for other covariates (Pediatric Risk Of Mortality [PRISM] III score and previous bacteremia).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was 60‐day mortality.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age and PRISM III scores of pediatric oncology patients admitted to the PICU were 7 (3, 12) years and 3 (0, 5), respectively. The most common underlying oncological diagnoses were brain tumors (73/200 [36.5%]) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (36/200 [18.0%]). Emergency admissions accounted for approximately half of all admissions (108/200 [54.0%]), including cardiovascular (24/108 [22.2%]), neurology (24/108 [22.2%]), respiratory (22/108 [20.4%]), and “other” indications (38/108 [35.2%]). The overall 60‐day mortality was 35 of 200 (17.5%). Independent risk factors for mortality were emergency respiratory and neurology categories of admission (adjusted hazard ratio[aHR]: 5.62, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.57, 20.19; P = .008 and aHR: 6.96, 95% CI: 2.04, 23.75; P = .002, respectively) and previous bacteremia (aHR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.57, 7.20; P = .002).

Conclusion

Emergency respiratory and neurology admissions and previous bacteremia were independent risk factors for 60‐day mortality for pediatric oncological patients admitted to the PICU.
Pineoblastoma in children less than six years of age: The Head Start I, II, and III experience
Authors: Abdelbaki Mohamed S. , Abu‐Arja Mohammad H. , Davidson Tom B. , Fangusaro Jason R. , Stanek Joseph R. , Dunkel Ira J. , Dhall Girish , Gardner Sharon L. , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: March 2020

Background

We report the outcomes of patients with pineoblastoma and trilateral retinoblastoma syndrome enrolled on the Head Start (HS) I‐III trials.

Methods

Twenty‐three children were enrolled prospectively between 1991 and 2009. Treatment included maximal surgical resection followed by five cycles of intensive chemotherapy and consolidation with marrow‐ablative chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (HDCx/AuHCR). Irradiation following consolidation was reserved for children over six years of age or those with residual tumor at the end of induction.

Results

Median age was 3.12 years (range, 0.44‐5.72). Three patients withdrew from the study treatment and two patients experienced chemotherapy‐related death. Eight patients experienced progressive disease (PD) during induction chemotherapy and did not proceed to HDCx/AuHCR. Ten patients received HDCx/AuHCR; eight experienced PD post‐consolidation. Seven patients received craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with a median dose of 20.7 Gy (range, 18‐36 Gy) with boost(s) (median dose 27 Gy; range, 18‐36 Gy); three received CSI as adjuvant therapy (two post‐HDCx/AuHCR) and four upon progression/recurrence. The five‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 9.7% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.6%‐36.0%) and 13% (95% CI: 4.5%‐37.5%), respectively. Only three patients survived beyond five years. Favorable OS prognostic factors were CSI (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.30 [0.11‐0.86], P = 0.025) and HDCx/AuHCR (HR = 0.40 [0.16‐0.99], P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Within the HS I‐III trials, CSI and HDCx/AuHCR were statistically associated with improved survival. The high PD rate during later induction cycles and following consolidation chemotherapy warrants consideration of fewer induction cycles prior to consolidation and the potential intensification of consolidation with multiple cycles of marrow‐ablative chemotherapy and irradiation.
Solution‐Processed MAPbBr3 and CsPbBr3 Single‐Crystal Detectors with Improved X‐Ray Sensitivity via Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Fan Zhengfang , Liu Jiang , Zuo Wentao , Liu Guoqiang , He Xulin , Luo Kun , Ye Qinyan , Liao Cheng
Published: March 2020

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have been recognized as prospective materials for use in radiation detection application due to their high atomic number, ease of crystal processing, and excellent electronic properties. Herein, solution‐synthesized MAPbBr3 and CsPbBr3 detectors with different structures are constructed. Charge diffusion length and trap density analysis reveal that CsPbBr3 possesses better thermal stability but worse charge‐transport properties than MAPbBr3. To improve the signal current under X‐ray radiation, MoO3 is applied as a hole‐extraction layer to increase hole‐carrier collection. The sensitivity of X‐ray detectors with MoO3 layer can reach up to 2552 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 at an electric field of 45 V cm−1, which is higher than that without the MoO3 layer. It is shown that charge‐transport capability significantly affects the response of the signal current to X‐ray radiation; it also reveals the importance of interface engineering as a means to realize high‐sensitivity X‐ray detectors.
High‐Temperature PIN Diodes Based on Amorphous Hydrogenated Silicon‐Carbon Alloys and Boron‐Doped Diamond Thin Films
Authors: Stuchlikova The Ha , Stuchlik Jiri , Remes Zdenek , Taylor Andrew , Mortet Vincent , Ashcheulov Petr , Gregora Ivan , Krivyakin Grigoriy , Volodin Vladimir
Published: March 2020

Amorphous SiC:H (a‐SiC:H) diode structures with different ratios of Si:C are deposited on transparent conductive boron‐doped diamond‐coated fused silica substrates by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The boron‐doped diamond thin films have been deposited at temperature 720 °C on the fused silica substrates with a Ti grid used to enhance electrical conductivity. The thin‐film structures based on P‐type, Intrinsic and N‐type a‐SiC:H thin films, shortly a‐SiC:H PIN diodes, are characterized by current–voltage measurements under solar simulator illumination. For comparison, the same PIN structures are deposited on fluorine‐doped tin oxide. Before deposition of the diode structures, the surface morphology is studied by scanning electron microscopy, and undoped layers deposited on the quartz substrates are characterized by temperature‐resolved electrical resistivity, optical absorptance, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence.
Losses of fertilizer nitrogen after a winter fertilization in three managed pine plantations of the southeastern United States
Authors: Raymond Jay E. , Fox Thomas R. , Cook Rachel L. , Albaugh Timothy J. , Rubilar Rafael
Published: March 2020

Losses of fertilizer nitrogen (N) were compared between urea and urea treated with the urease inhibitor N‐(n‐Butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (urea + NBPT) after a surface application in winter at three thinned mid‐rotation (age 15–20 years) loblolly pine plantations in Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. Treatments were labeled with15N and applied to open chamber microcosms in January and February 2016. Fifteen days after application, microcosms were removed from the field to determine fertilizer N lost from each microcosm. Losses following fertilization with urea (24% to 50%) were greater (p ≥ .05) at all sites compared to urea + NBPT (12% to 22%). Fertilizer N losses were greater in Florida than in SC and Virginia although N loss following urea fertilization was still 25% in Virginia. The loss of fertilizer N was consistently lower on beds compared to interbeds for both urea (bed = 25%, interbed = 40%) and urea + NBPT (bed = 12%, interbed = 23%). This research highlights the value of using urea + NBPT to reduce fertilizer N losses after a winter application and the greater potential loss in the interbed on wetter sites.
Develop response plan for unsanctioned public gatherings
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — For several years now, as Homecoming, Halloween, and St. Patrick's Day approach, members of the Wilfrid Laurier University community brace themselves for yet another massive, unsanctioned public gathering. It's become a multidimensional problem that's difficult to tame, according to Candice Bean, M.Ed., Residence Life Manager at the university in Ontario, Canada.
Was student‐athlete wrongly disciplined by university?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: March 2020

The plaintiff was a black man who played on a university's intercollegiate football team.
Former student‐activists reflect on their roles in the birth of due process for college students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today's student conduct profession was forever impacted by St. John Dixon, et al. v. Alabama State Board of Education, which grew out of the expulsion of Alabama State students who participated in an off‐campus civil rights sit‐in 60 years ago.
Clinically Approved Carbon Nanoparticles with Oral Administration for Intestinal Radioprotection via Protecting the Small Intestinal Crypt Stem Cells and Maintaining the Balance of Intestinal Flora
Authors: Wang Chengyan , Xie Jiani , Dong Xinghua , Mei Linqiang , Zhao Maoru , Leng Zhengwei , Hu Houxiang , Li Lele , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: March 2020

The exploration of an old drug for new biomedical applications has an absolute predominance in shortening the clinical conversion time of drugs for clinical application. In this work, carbon nanoparticles suspension injection (CNSI), the first clinically approved carbon nanoparticles in China, is explored as a new nano‐radioprotective agent for potent intestinal radioprotection. CNSI shows powerful radioprotective performance in the intestine under oral administration, including efficient free radical scavenging ability, good biosafety, high chemical stability, and relatively long retention time. For example, CNSI shows high reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities, which effectively alleviates the mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA double‐strand breaks to protect the cells against radiation‐induced damage. Most importantly, this efficient ROS scavenging ability greatly helps restrain the apoptosis of the small intestinal epithelial and crypt stem cells, which decreases the damage of the mechanical barrier and thus relieves radiation enteritis. Moreover, CNSI helps remove the free radicals in the intestinal microenvironment and thus maintain the balance of intestinal flora so as to mitigate the radiation enteritis. The finding suggests a new application of clinically approved carbon nanoparticles, which not only promotes the development of new intestinal radioprotector, but also has a great potential for clinical transformation.
A Versatile Toolkit for Controllable and Highly Selective Multifunctionalization of Bacterial Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Mickoleit Frank , Lanzloth Clarissa , Schüler Dirk
Published: March 2020

Their unique material characteristics, i.e. high crystallinity, strong magnetization, uniform shape and size, and the ability to engineer the enveloping membrane in vivo make bacterial magnetosomes highly interesting for many biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this study, a versatile toolkit is developed for the multifunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles in the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, and the use of several abundant magnetosome membrane proteins as anchors for functional moieties is explored. High‐level magnetosome display of cargo proteins enables the generation of engineered nanoparticles with several genetically encoded functionalities, including a core–shell structure, magnetization, two different catalytic activities, fluorescence and the presence of a versatile connector that allows the incorporation into a hydrogel‐based matrix by specific coupling reactions. The resulting reusable magnetic composite demonstrates the high potential of synthetic biology for the production of multifunctional nanomaterials, turning the magnetosome surface into a platform for specific versatile display of functional moieties.