bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted deep sequencing from multiple sources demonstrates increased NOTCH1 alterations in lung cancer patient plasma
Authors: Liao Yuwei , Ma Zhaokui , Zhang Yu , Li Dan , Lv Dekang , Chen Zhisheng , Li Peiying , AI‐Dherasi Aisha , Zheng Feng , Tian Jichao , Zou Kun , Wang Yue , Wang Dongxia , Cordova Miguel , Zhou Huan , Li Xiuhua , Liu Dan , Yu Ruofei , Zhang Qingzheng , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuehong , Zhang Xia , Li Yulong , Shao Yanyan , Song Luyao , Liu Ruimei , Wang Yichen , Sufiyan Sufiyan , Liu Quentin , Owen Gareth I. , Li Zhiguang , Chen Jun
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Targeted therapies are based on specific gene alterations. Various specimen types have been used to determine gene alterations, however, no systemic comparisons have yet been made. Herein, we assessed alterations in selected cancer‐associated genes across varying sample sites in lung cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

Targeted deep sequencing for 48 tumor‐related genes was applied to 153 samples from 55 lung cancer patients obtained from six sources: Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, pleural effusion supernatant (PES) and pleural effusion cell sediments (PEC), white blood cells (WBCs), oral epithelial cells (OECs), and plasma.

Results

Mutations were detected in 96% (53/55) of the patients and in 83% (40/48) of the selected genes. Each sample type exhibited a characteristic mutational pattern. As anticipated, TP53 was the most affected sequence (54.5% patients), however this was followed by NOTCH1 (36%, across all sample types). EGFR was altered in patient samples at a frequency of 32.7% and KRAS 10.9%. This high EGFR/ low KRAS frequency is in accordance with other TCGA cohorts of Asian origin but differs from the Caucasian population where KRAS is the more dominant mutation. Additionally, 66% (31/47) of PEC samples had copy number variants (CNVs) in at least one gene. Unlike the concurrent loss and gain in most genes, herein NOTCH1 loss was identified in 21% patients, with no gain observed. Based on the relative prevalence of mutations and CNVs, we divided lung cancer patients into SNV‐dominated, CNV‐dominated, and codominated groups.

Conclusions

Our results confirm previous reports that EGFR mutations are more prevalent than KRAS in Chinese lung cancer patients. NOTCH1 gene alterations are more common than previously reported and reveals a role of NOTCH1 modifications in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, genetic material from malignant pleural effusion cell sediments may be a noninvasive manner to identify CNV and participate in treatment decisions.
Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic‐Framework‐Derived CoO/Nitrogen and Sulfur Co‐doped Ultrathin Porous Carbon Nanoplates for Highly Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Chao Shujun , Wu Hongwei , Xia Qingyun , Wang Ge
Published: August 2019

The development of highly efficient and stable non‐noble bifunctional catalysts for overall water electrolysis has attracted considerable attention in recent decades. Owing to appealing chemical and structural properties, two‐dimensional (2D) porous nanocomposites have been considered as the first‐class candidates for water electrolysis. Herein, an effective 2D bifunctional catalyst, CoO‐modified nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped ultrathin porous carbon nanoplates, has been synthesized by pyrolysis of ultrathin [CoII(Tdc)(4,4′‐Bpy)]n (Tdc=thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylate; Bpy=4,4′‐bipyridine) nanoplates at 600 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere (denoted CoO/N‐S‐UPCNPs‐600). CoO/N‐S‐UPCNPs‐600 possesses favorable properties for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), such as a thinner thickness in ultrathin porous carbon nanoplates (UPCNPs), more defects, and a larger specific surface area. As a result, CoO/N‐S‐UPCNPs‐600 exhibits high catalytic activity and stability towards both OER and HER in alkaline medium. Its overpotentials and Tafel slopes are as low as 240 and 110 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and as small as 62 and 94 mV dec−1 for OER and HER, respectively. Furthermore, an alkaline water electrolyzer fabricated with CoO/N‐S‐UPCNPs‐600 as both anodic and cathodic catalysts delivers an attractive cell potential of 1.63 V at 10 mA cm−2 and shows no obvious degradation over 20 h. Therefore, the resultant 2D ultrathin porous nanocomposite is expected to be applied for efficient water electrolysis.
Expanded Porphyrin Contraction: From [22]Triphyrin(6.6.0) to [22]Triphyrin(6.5.0)
Authors: Pacholska‐Dudziak Ewa , Hojniak‐Thyssen Sandra , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: August 2019

An expanded triphyrin containing a bipyrrole moiety and annulene links, namely tetraphenyl‐[22]triphyrin(6.5.0),2, has been synthesized. The synthesis proceeded by a postsynthetic transformation of tetraphenyl‐[22]triphyrin(6.6.0),1, in a metal‐free unexpected and unprecedented ring contraction during column chromatography on alumina. The observed transformation, located at the hydrocarbon chain linking the pyrrole units, formally corresponds to a subtraction of one carbon atom from an annulene circuit. In contrast to the flexible substrate1, the product2is conformationally rigid, and capable of chloride anion binding in its protonated form.
Disulfide‐Containing Detergents (DCDs) for the Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Xue Dongxiang , Xu Tiandan , Wang Huixia , Wu Meng , Yuan Ya , Wang Wei , Tan Qiwen , Zhao Fei , Zhou Fang , Hu Tao , Jiang Zhongxing , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Zhao Suwen , Liu Dongsheng , Wüthrich Kurt , Tao Houchao
Published: August 2019

Disulfide‐containing detergents (DCDs) are introduced, which contain a disulfide bond in the hydrophobic tail. DCDs form smaller micelles than corresponding detergents with linear hydrocarbon chains, while providing good solubilization and reconstitution of membrane proteins. The use of this new class of detergents in structural biology is illustrated with solution NMR spectra of the human G protein‐coupled receptor A2AAR, which is an α‐helical protein, and the β‐barrel protein OmpX from E. coli.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of internal fascicles and microvascular structures of human peripheral nerves
Authors: Yan Liwei , Liu Shouliang , Qi Jian , Zhang Zhongpu , Zhong Jingxiao , Li Qing , Liu Xiaolin , Zhu Qingtang , Yao Zhi , Lu Yao , Gu Liqiang
Published: August 2019

Biofabricated nanostructured and microstructured scaffolds have exhibited great potential for nerve tissue regeneration and functional restoration, and prevascularization and biotransportation within 3D fascicle structures are critical. Unfortunately, an ideal internal fascicle and microvascular model of human peripheral nerves is lacking. In this study, we used microcomputed tomography (microCT) to acquire high‐resolution images of the human sciatic nerve. We propose a novel deep‐learning network technique, called ResNetH3D‐Unet, to segment fascicles and microvascular structures. We reconstructed 3D intraneural fascicles and microvascular topography to quantify the fascicle volume ratio (FVR), microvascular volume ratio (MVR), microvascular to fascicle volume ratio (MFVR), fascicle surface area to volume ratio (FSAVR), and microvascular surface area to volume ratio (MSAVR) of human samples. The frequency distributions of the fascicle diameter, microvascular diameter, and fascicle‐to‐microvasculature distance were analyzed. The obtained microCT analysis and reconstruction provided high‐resolution microstructures of human peripheral nerves. Our proposed ResNetH3D‐Unet method for fascicle and microvasculature segmentation yielded a mean intersection over union (IOU) of 92.1% (approximately 5% higher than the U‐net IOU). The 3D reconstructed model showed that the internal microvasculature runs longitudinally within the internal epineurium and connects to the external vasculature at some points. Analysis of the 3D data indicated a 48.2 ± 3% FVR, 23.7 ± 1.8% MVR, 4.9 ± 0.5% MFVR, 7.26 ± 2.58 mm‐1 FSAVR, and 1.52 ± 0.52 mm‐1 MSAVR. A fascicle diameter of 0.98 mm, microvascular diameter of 0.125 mm, and microvasculature‐to‐fascicle distance of 0.196 mm were most frequent. This study provides fundamental data and structural references for designing bionic scaffolding constructs with 3D microvascular and fascicle distributions.
Balancing Donor‐Acceptor and Dispersion Effects in Heavy Main Group Element π Interactions: Effect of Substituents on the Pnictogen⋅⋅⋅π Arene Interaction
Authors: Krasowska Małgorzata , Fritzsche Ana‐Maria , Mehring Michael , Auer Alexander A.
Published: August 2019

High‐level ab initio calculations using the DLPNO‐CCSD(T) method in conjunction with the local energy decomposition (LED) were performed to investigate the nature of the intermolecular interaction in bismuth trichloride adducts with π arene systems. Special emphasis was put on the effect of substituents in the aromatic ring. For this purpose, benzene derivatives with one or three substituents (R=NO2, CF3, OCHO, OH, and NH2) were chosen and their influence on donor‐acceptor interaction as well as on the overall interaction strength was examined. Local energy decomposition was performed to gain deeper insight into the composition of the interaction. Additionally, the study was extended to the intermolecular adducts of arsenic and antimony trichloride with benzene derivatives having one substituent (R=NO2 and NH2) in order to rationalize trends in the periodic table. The analysis of natural charges and frontier molecular orbitals shows that donor‐acceptor interactions are of π→σ* type and that their strength correlates with charge transfer and orbital energy differences. An analysis of different bonding motifs (Bi⋅⋅⋅π arene, Bi⋅⋅⋅R, and Cl⋅⋅⋅π arene) shows that if dispersion and donor‐acceptor interaction coincide as the donor highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the arene is delocalized over the π system, the M⋅⋅⋅π arene motif is preferred. If the donor HOMO is localized on the substituent, R⋅⋅⋅π arene bonding motifs are preferred. The Cl⋅⋅⋅π arene bonding motif is the least favorable with the lowest overall interaction energy.
Photochemical Flow Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxyazetidines
Authors: Ruggeri Michele , Dombrowski Amanda W. , Djuric Stevan W. , Baxendale I. R.
Published: August 2019

A photo‐flow Norrish–Yang cyclisation has been devised that delivers 3‐hydroxyazetidines in good yields. The high reproducibility and short residence times of the flow process enables easy scaling of the transformation allowing access to these valuable chemical entities at synthetically useful multi‐gram scales. A systematic exploration of the constituent structural components was undertaken allowing an understanding of the reactivity and functional group tolerance of the transformation.
Synthesis of α‐Ketoamides from β‐Ketonitriles and Primary Amines: A Catalyst‐Free Oxidative Decyanation–Amidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Kai , Wang Bin
Published: August 2019

AN oxidative decyanation–amidation of β‐ketonitriles and primary amines readily occurs using hydrogen peroxide sodium carbonate adduct (Na2CO3·1.5H2O2), K2CO3, and 1,4‐dioxane. This reaction affords α‐ketoamides under mild conditions without the need of a catalyst.
Rh‐Catalyzed Aminative Dearomatization of Naphthols with Hydroxylamine‐O‐Sulfonic Acid (HOSA)
Authors: Yi Ji‐Cheng , Wu Zhi‐Jie , You Shu‐Li
Published: August 2019

An efficient Rh‐catalyzed aminative dearomatization of naphthols was achieved. In the presence of Rh2(esp)2 and HOSA as an inexpensive and readily available aminating reagent, a series of unprotected α‐amino‐β‐naphthalenones was afforded in good yields under mild reaction conditions. This reaction features good tolerance of functional groups and multi mmol‐scale reaction.
Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing Molecular Entities Through Fluoride Ring Opening of Oxiranes and Aziridines
Authors: Remete Attila Márió , Kiss Loránd
Published: August 2019

The current minireview highlights the most relevant methodologies for the creation of fluorinated scaffolds accessed through transformations of three‐membered heterocycles (oxiranes and aziridines) involving their opening with various nucleophilic fluorinating agents reported over recent years. The purpose of the review is also to provide an overview of the ring‐opening synthetic practices with fluoride towards different functionalized, fluorine‐containing scaffolds with the focus on regioselectivity/regiocontrol and enantioselectivity including symmetric or unsymmetric monoheterocycles, cycloalkane‐fused oxiranes and aziridines.
Chronopotentiometry as a Sensitive Interfacial Characterisation Tool for Peptide Aptamer Monolayers
Authors: Ilimbi Diane , Buess‐Herman Claudine , Doneux Thomas
Published: August 2019

Constant current chronopotentiometry is employed in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry and ac voltammetry to present in‐depth interfacial characterisations of the adsorption behaviour of a peptide affinity probe (Cys‐p53), of a thiolated hepta(ethylene glycol) (t‐OEG) and of mixed monolayers of these at mercury electrodes. The peptide sequence is derived from the interaction site of the protein p53 with the protein Mdm2. The adsorbed Cys‐p53 peptide is catalytically active towards the hydrogen evolution reaction, giving rise to very intense peaks in chronopotentiometry, whereas the oligo(ethylene glycol) is not. This difference enables one to monitor the presence of the peptide within mixed monolayers. It is shown that in the binary layers, the adsorption of t‐OEG is kinetically favoured while Cys‐p53 is thermodynamically more strongly adsorbed.
Microbial degradation of organic pollutants in groundwater related to underground coal gasification
Authors: Chen Lunjian , Li Congqiang , Xu Bing , Xing Baolin , Yi Guiyun , Huang Guangxu , Zhang Chuanxiang , Liu Jianwei
Published: August 2019

Groundwater pollution is regarded as one of the most serious environmental risks related to underground coal gasification (UCG). In this paper, two kinds of high efficient phenol degrading strains were isolated from activated sludges, which were obtained from coking wastewater and domestic sewage, and were named as JC and WX correspondingly. The isolated bacteria were identified by a combination method of physiological and biochemical analyses and 16SrDNA sequencing. The total organic carbon (TOC) and organic pollutants in gas washing water produced from the UCG model test of lignite were measured by TOC analyzer and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS), and the microbial degradation effect of gas washing water was finally studied by the isolated bacteria. The results reveal that JC and WX bacteria were pseudomonas aeruginosa and achromobacter xylosoxidans, respectively, and that phenolic compounds were the main organic pollutants in gas washing water, taking 95.01 percent of the total organics. The removal of TOC exceeded 72.9%, the degradation efficiency of total organic pollutants (TOM) achieved 79.03% and the degradation efficiency of phenolic compounds could be 98.76% by JC and 99.04% by WX, respectively. Most benzene series (BTEX) could not be degraded by the screened two kinds of bacteria, whereas the concentrations of BETX were increased. Some short‐chain hydrocarbon compounds with low concentrations were also detected in wastewater after microbial degradation.
Outage analysis of underlay cognitive NOMA system with cooperative full duplex relaying
Authors: Bisen Shubham , Babu A.V.
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the outage performance of secondary users (SUs) in underlay cognitive radio–based nonorthogonal multiple access (CR‐NOMA) networks. We consider down link scenario for the secondary network, which consists of a secondary transmitter (ST) and two SUs, ie, a near user and far user. The ST uses NOMA signaling to transfer the information to the down link SUs. A dedicated node is used as the full‐duplex decode‐and‐forward (DF) relay for delivering the message to the far‐user. We derive exact expressions for the outage probabilities experienced by the SUs for full duplex (FD)/half duplex (HD)–based CR‐NOMA networks, in independent, nonidentically distributed Rayleigh fading channels. The maximum transmit power constraint of the secondary nodes and the tolerable interference power constraint at the primary receiver are considered for the analysis. We compare the performance of the proposed FD/HD‐based CR‐NOMA networks against that of a CR network, which use conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) scheme. We establish that the performance of CR‐NOMA network is better as compared to CR‐OMA networks. We then consider finding the optimal location for the FD relay node that minimizes the outage probability of far‐user. We formulate an optimization problem that is solved using genetic algorithm. Numerical results show that optimized relay location significantly improves the outage performance of the far‐user. The analytical results are validated by extensive simulation studies.
An efficient certificateless aggregate signature scheme for the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Hou Yingzhe , Wang Lili , Kumari Saru , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Xiong Hu
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the research of Internet of vehicles (IoV) has received extensive attention. In IoV, vehicles can make intelligent decisions by exchanging the real‐time traffic information between other vehicles and IoV infrastructures, thereby reducing the probability of traffic jams and accidents. Although IoV has many advantages, it is necessary to ensure that the data are not edited, forged, or disclosed during the transmission. Also, the certificateless signature (CLS) seems to be the solution to this problem. While in the high‐intensity data transmission environment, the CLS scheme is inefficient for application. To improve the efficiency, the function of aggregation was introduced into the CLS. The certificateless aggregate signature (CL‐AS) can aggregate multiple signatures into a brief signature, reducing the computational cost and the size of signature. Nevertheless, most of the recent proposed CL‐AS schemes have problems of security or efficiency. In this paper, we presented an advanced efficient CL‐AS scheme with elliptic curve cryptography for the IoV environment. In addition, the proposed scheme uses pseudonyms in communications to prevent vehicles from revealing their identity. We proved the security of our proposal in the random oracle based on computational Diffie‐Hellman assumption. Also, the efficiency analysis and simulation show the superiority of our scheme.
Population genetics of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum in Egypt
Authors: Zaghloul Mohamed S. , Soliman Magda I. , Heikal Yasmin M.
Published: August 2019

Genetic diversity plays an important role in any long term management planning of a species. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has been naturalized in disturbed regions along the Mediterranean coast competing with native plants. The levels and pattern of the genetic variation within and among its populations along Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Forty‐two samples representing nine populations of M. crystallinum were collected. The results showed that %PPB values for a single population ranged from 9.14% to 28.91% with an average of 19.76%. The average of Shannon information index (SI), expected heterozygosity (He) and unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe) values were 0.098, 0.064 and 0.072, respectively. According to AMOVA analysis, 9% of the total genetic structure was attributable to regional divergences and 38% to population differentiation within regions and 53% differences among individuals within populations. Mantel test showed a low correlation (r2= 0.001) between the studied populations. The dendrogram exhibited two clusters of populations which were confirmed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The study concluded that M. crystallinum has lower levels of diversity than other plant species with similar life history characteristics and high genetic differentiation among population.
Reducing the length of clinic visits: A process analysis case report
Authors: Kovach Jamison V. , Akhuli Madhumita
Published: August 2019

Because the University of Houston Student Health Center often had more demand for services than available appointments, the aim of this study was to streamline their clinic visit process. While appointments were scheduled for 20 minutes, the clinic's patient visit cycle time (from check‐in to check‐out) averaged 70 minutes. This report demonstrats how to perform process analysis using failure modes and effects analysis in order to identify the highest priority cause of waste and how to conduct a detailed evaluation of ideas using a prioritization matrix in order to select the best solution to help streamline a process. Analysis of this clinic's visit process identified that patients (mostly international students) asking many questions during their appointment regarding issues not directly related to their care led to long clinic visits. To address this issue, the clinic recruited a team of international students to create a frequently asked questions video with answers, and the final video was then uploaded to the clinic's Facebook page. Comparing before and after the video was posted showed the clinic's average time for a clinic visit was reduced by more than 15%, and it was able to accommodate nearly 100 additional patient visits per month.
Characterization of stable and reactive metabolites of piperine formed on incubation with human liver microsomes
Authors: Praneetha Pammi , Balhara Ankit , Ladumor Mayur K. , Singh Dilip Kumar , Patil Amol , Preethi Jalvadi , Pokharkar Sunil , Deshpande Abhijeet Yashwantrao , Giri Sanjeev , Singh Saranjit
Published: August 2019

Black pepper, though commonly employed as a spice, has many medicinal properties. It consists of volatile oils, alkaloids, pungent resins, etc., of which piperine is a major constituent. Though safe at low doses, piperine causes alteration in the activity of drug metabolising enzymes and transporters at high dose and is known to precipitate liver toxicity. It has a potential to form reactive metabolite(s) (RM) owing to the presence of structural alerts, such as methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP), α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl group (Michael acceptor), and piperidine. The present study was designed to detect and characterize stable and RM(s) of piperine formed on in vitro incubation with human liver microsomes. The investigation of RMs was done with the aid of trapping agents, viz, glutathione (GSH) and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). The samples were analysed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS) using Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap. Full scan MS followed by data‐dependent MS2 (Full MS‐ddMS2) mode was used to establish mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways of protonated piperine and its metabolites. In total, four stable metabolites and their isomers (M1a‐c, M2a‐b, M3a‐c, and M4a‐b) were detected. Their formation involved removal of carbon (3, M1a‐c), hydroxylation (2, M2a‐b), hydroxylation with hydrogenation (3, M3a‐c), and dehydrogenation (2, M4a‐b). Out of these metabolites, M1, M2, and M3 are reported earlier in the literature, but their isomers and two M4 variants are novel. In addition, six novel conjugates of RMs, including three GSH conjugates of m/z 579 and three NAC conjugates of m/z 435, were also observed.
Relation between microRNA‐21, transforming growth factor β and response to treatment among chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Ghazy Amany A. , Osman Eman M. , Rashwan Eman A. , Gaballah Ahmed H. , Mostafa Hanan , Tawfik Salwa
Published: August 2019

Background

Persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and response to antiviral therapy has been shown to be associated with inappropriate levels of cytokines and microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNA levels have been reported to fluctuate during treatment. Thus they could be useful predictors for responses to treatment among HCV infected patients, thereby reducing ineffective treatments.

Aim

The current study aimed to investigate the relation between miRNA‐21 expression profiles, transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) serum levels and response to treatment with the new direct antiviral drugs (sofosbuvir + daclatasvir ± ribavirin), among HCV infected Egyptian patients.

Subjects and Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 50 HCV infected patients (before and after treatment) and 20 healthy volunteers. miRNA expression profiles were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and TGF‐β1 serum levels were measured by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There was a significant increase in serum albumin, platelets count and a significant decrease in liver enzymes, serum bilirubin, and prothrombin time after treatment. Significant reduction of viral load among HCV patients after receiving the treatment was reported. Concomitantly, there was an increase in the relative quantity of miRNA‐21 (P = .001*) and serum levels of TGF‐β1 (
P = .337) among HCV patients after receiving treatment.

Conclusion

Nearly all responders to direct antiviral drugs showed increased levels of both miRNA‐21 and TGF‐β1. This may indicate an interplay between TGF‐β1 and miRNA‐21 during remission or progression of viral infection. Thus miRNA‐21 could be used as promising serum biomarker, for assessment of antiviral treatment efficacy and improvement of fibrosis among chronically infected HCV patients.
Phonon characteristics of Si‐doped InAs grown by gas‐source molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Talwar Devki N. , Lin Hao‐Hsiung , Feng Zhe Chuan
Published: August 2019

Using Raman scattering spectroscopy with 514‐ and 633‐nm light sources, we have studied the phonon characteristics of Si‐doped InAs films grown on (100) n‐type InAs by gas‐source molecular beam epitaxy having charge carrier concentration (n) between 2.26 × 1018 and 1.68 × 1020 cm−3. The unscreened longitudinal optical (LO) phonon is observed near ~238 cm−1 along with two plasmon‐LO‐phonon (PLP) coupled L± modes. With increasing n, the L− mode is downshifted from the LO phonon towards the transverse optical mode frequency. This abnormal behavior is ascribed to the large scattering vector and heavy Landau damping. The L+ mode close to the plasma frequency ωP is also detected in samples with n > 1019 cm−3. The observed unscreened LO mode in the forbidden configuration is attributed to the resonance enhanced scattering induced by surface space charge. Reliable values of charge carrier density and mobility are estimated from the simulated shifts of PLP modes in the low Si‐doped InAs films. At higher doping level, a full‐line shape analysis is desired for assessing accurate values of the transport parameters. In Si‐doped InAs, we appraised the existing experimental data of localized vibrational modes (LVMs) from Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy by exploiting a sophisticated Green's function theory and incorporating lattice relaxation effects around SiIn and SiAs defects for constructing accurate perturbation models. The simulated results of LVMs for several isolated (Td) defects, nearest neighbor pair (C3v), and next‐nearest neighbor complex centers (Cs) are compared, contrasted, and discussed with the experimental data.
High‐pressure Raman spectroscopy of CeOCl: Observation of the isostructural phase transition
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Cheng Ya , Wang Xianlong , Hu Qiwei , Zeng Zhi , He Duanwei , Lei Li
Published: August 2019

High‐pressure structural evolution of CeOCl, a lanthanide oxychloride, was investigated by in situ high‐pressure Raman scattering and first‐principles calculations. We report the novel observation of discontinuities in Raman wavenumber at the pressure of approximately 7 GPa, which are related to an isostructural phase transformation caused by an increase of Bader charge transfer from Ce to Cl and O. In addition, the mode‐Grüneisen parameters (of CeOCl) were given and discussed. This is helpful for us to better understand applications of the Ce‐based compounds.
Geographical discrimination of uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) by principal component analysis
Authors: Sganzerla William Gustavo , Beling Patrícia Carolina , Ferreira Ana Letícia Andrade , Azevedo Mônia Stremel , Ferrareze Jocleita Peruzzo , Komatsu Roberto Akitoshi , Nunes Michael Ramos , de Lima Veeck Ana Paula
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The international marketing of native Brazilian fruits may benefit from research into discrimination between plants with particular properties. Plants with certain characteristics have strong potential for use in agroindustry and for the development of new processed products. In the current study, 12 uvaia plants (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), native to Brazil, were geographically discriminated by chemometric methods, using nutritional composition, physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity data.

RESULTS

Uvaia fruits presented good nutritional value, with a high moisture and carbohydrate content. All fruits presented a pH value lower than 4, being classified as highly acidic, and the total soluble solids (°Brix) ranged between 2.90 and 9.80. Some plants had a higher vitamin C content, and all the plants had a high bioactive compound content (phenolic and flavonoids) and antioxidant capacity in 1,1‐difenil‐2‐picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Hydroethanolic solution was the best extraction solvent tested when compared with water and ethanol. Using principal component analysis, it was possible to discriminate among the plants in five different groups; however, just one group was responsible for higher antioxidant compound content.

CONCLUSION

In this work, 12 native uvaia plants were discriminated by their geographical origin using a chemometric approach. Genetic improvement based on natural selection could be accomplished with some of the plants to improve the quality of uvaia pulp and to develop new cultivars. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening high‐risk populations for colon and rectal cancers
Authors: Healy Mark A. , Thirumurthi Selvi , You Y. Nancy
Published: August 2019

Currently, colorectal cancers accounted for the second‐highest number of cancer deaths in the US. Hereditary syndromes, strong family history, and inflammatory bowel disease are all conditions that confer predisposition risks. In hereditary syndromes, screening must be more frequent and start earlier. With familial risk, screening should depend on the age of cancer onset and number of affected relatives. For inflammatory bowel disease, surveillance should depend on duration, severity, and extent of colitis.
Effects of religious celebrity on destination experience: The case of Pope Francis's visit to Solmoe Shrine
Authors: Kim Bona , Chen Yong
Published: August 2019

A wealth of academic research has been devoted to examining the effects of secular celebrities rather than religious celebrities on individuals' destination experiences at the pilgrimage destination. We aim to investigate the effects of a religious celebrity on how visitors perceive a destination as well as their pilgrimage experience. Our study has shown that the indirect effects of religious celebrity on destination‐related constructs in the context of a pilgrimage site are robust. These results suggest that spirituality is a crucial mediator in shaping travel experience, through which visitors can close the gap between pilgrimage on the spiritual side and their consumption experience on the pilgrimage destination side.
Effects of seasonal upwelling and runoff on water chemistry and growth and survival of native and commercial oysters
Authors: Hollarsmith Jordan A. , Sadowski Jason S. , Picard Manon M. M. , Cheng Brian , Farlin James , Russell Ann , Grosholz Edwin D.
Published: August 2019

The effects of climate change, including ocean acidification and ocean heatwaves, on biological communities in estuaries are often uncertain. Part of the uncertainty is due to the complex suite of environmental factors in addition to acidification and warming that influence the growth of shells and skeletons of many estuarine organisms. The goal of this study was to document spatial and temporal variation in water column properties and to measure the in situ effects on larval and recently settled stages of ecologically important Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) and commercially important Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in a low‐inflow estuary with a Mediterranean climate in Northern California. Our results reveal that seasonal inputs of upwelled or riverine water create important and predictable gradients of carbonate system parameters, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and other variables that influence oyster performance, and that the influence of these gradients is contingent upon the location in the estuary as well as seasonal timing. During upwelling events (dry season), temperature, carbonate chemistry, and DO had the greatest impact on oyster performance. During runoff events (wet season), gradients in salinity, nutrient concentrations, and total alkalinity driven by river discharge were comparatively more important. These results suggest that the spatial importance of carbonate chemistry and temperature are seasonally variable and are two of several other factors that determine oyster performance. We use these results to discuss future impacts on oysters given projected regional changes in the frequency and magnitude of upwelling and precipitation‐driven runoff events.
Phagocytosis by macrophages depends on histamine H2 receptor signaling and scavenger receptor 1
Authors: Fultz Robert , Engevik Melinda A. , Shi Zhongcheng , Hall Anne , Herrmann Beatrice , Ganesh Bhanu P. , Major Angela , Haag Anthony , Mori‐Akiyama Yuko , Versalovic James
Published: August 2019

The histamine H2 receptor (H2R) is a G protein‐coupled receptor that mediates cyclic AMP production, protein kinase A activation, and MAP kinase signaling. In order to explore the multifaceted effects of histamine signaling on immune cells, phagocytosis was evaluated using primary mouse‐derived macrophages. Phagocytosis is initiated by signaling via surface‐bound scavenger receptors and can be regulated by autophagy. Absence of H2R signaling resulted in diminished phagocytosis of live bacteria and synthetic microspheres by primary macrophages from histamine H2 receptor gene (Hrh2)‐deficient mice. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to quantify phagocytosis of phylogenetically diverse bacteria as well as microspheres of defined chemical composition. Autophagy and scavenger receptor gene expression were quantified in macrophages after exposure to Escherichia coli. Expression of the autophagy genes, Becn1 and Atg12, was increased in Hrh2−/− macrophages, indicating upregulation of autophagy pathways. Expression of the Macrophage Scavenger Receptor 1 gene (Msr1) was diminished in Hrh2‐deficient macrophages, supporting the possible importance of histamine signaling in scavenger receptor abundance and macrophage function. Flow cytometry confirmed diminished MSR1 surface abundance in Hrh2−/− macrophages. These data suggest that H2R signaling is required for effective phagocytosis by regulating the process of autophagy and scavenger receptor MSR1 abundance in macrophages.
A mathematical fractional model with nonsingular kernel for thrombin receptor activation in calcium signalling
Authors: Agarwal Ritu , Purohit Sunil D. , Kritika
Published: August 2019

In calcium signalling, activation of receptor is a very significant aspect. To understand the mechanism of calcium signalling, receptors are the important components. The mobilization of intracellular calcium from intracellular stores depends upon binding of agonist to cell surface receptor. Thrombin is chosen as model ligand. In order to understand thrombin receptor activation, we analyze fractional model incorporating derivative of arbitrary order and nonsingular kernel which can precisely describe the effect of memory and can explain the model in better and more efficient manner as compared with fractional operators with singular kernels. The problem has been solved by perturbation iterative method. Using fixed‐point theorem, it is proved that solution of the system will exist and also it will be unique.
Quality of vitrified porcine immature oocytes is improved by coculture with fresh oocytes during in vitro maturation
Authors: Jia Bao‐Yu , Xiang De‐Cai , Zhang Bin , Quan Guo‐Bo , Shao Qing‐Yong , Hong Qiong‐Hua , Wu Guo‐Quan
Published: August 2019

It is essential to enhance the in vitro maturation (IVM) condition for immature oocytes after cryopreservation, particularly if limited numbers of oocytes collected from specific donors. The objective of this study was to determine if quality of vitrified porcine immature oocytes was enhanced by coculturing with fresh oocytes during IVM. To distinguish fresh versus vitrified oocytes, we used two types of coculture systems: (a) transwell two‐chamber coculture; (b) labeling and tracing fresh oocytes with CellTracker™ Green CMFDA during conventional culture. Coculture systems significantly accelerated meiotic progression of vitrified oocytes and significantly increased blastocyst formation rates following parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Reactive oxygen species generation in vitrified oocytes was ameliorated by the coculture conditions, with no significant difference between fresh and vitrified oocytes for intracellular glutathione level. Both coculture systems significantly increased rate of normal mitochondrial distribution in vitrified oocytes, but did not affect fluorescence intensity of mitochondria. The percentage of oocytes with normal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) distribution and ER fluorescence intensity were significantly higher in vitrified oocytes cocultured with fresh oocytes. After 20 hr of IVM, mRNA expression of COX2, HAS2, PTX3, and TNFAIP6 remained significantly higher in cumulus cells derived from vitrified oocytes and coculture systems significantly decreased the expression of these genes. Additionally, coculture methods prevented the reduction of mRNA expression for BMP15, ZAR1, POU5F1, and DNMT3A in vitrified oocytes. In conclusion, oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development of vitrified porcine immature oocytes were significantly improved by fresh oocyte coculture during IVM.
Distributed model predictive control strategies for coordination of electro‐thermal devices in a cooperative energy management concept
Authors: Stoyanova Ivelina , Gümrükcü Erdem , Aragon Gustavo , Hidalgo‐Rodriguez Diego I. , Monti Antonello , Myrzik Johanna
Published: August 2019

This work discusses three promising strategies for the compensation of deviations within the online phase of a cooperative energy management concept. Whereas in the planning phase, hourly schedules for the active electro‐thermal devices are negotiated on a daily basis, the second phase tracks the schedule, including forecast updates, and compensates the deviations. The latter online compensation is realized with a distributed and hierarchical‐distributed model predictive control strategies, which are compared with continuous rescheduling with receding horizon and evaluated in terms of computational and optimization performance and scalability. The optimization is implemented and deployed using an open‐source optimization framework, which automatically manages optimization control, integration of renewable generation and load forecasts, multi‐instantiation and communication over an internet of things communication protocol. We address the case of significant deviations from the day‐ahead forecast and the tracking of an obsolete schedule and suggest a combined method, which combines the advantages of rescheduling and a distributed MPC strategy. The method applies a dynamic threshold to evaluate the deviation trend over time and to decide if compensation is still feasible or if a rescheduling should be triggered. The methods are evaluated based on several performance indicators such as residual deviation, number of switching events and computation and communication requirements and scalability, and offer a methodology for the control design of systems of different dimensions.
Comparison of Iridium(I) Catalysts in Temperature Mediated Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions
Authors: Valero Mégane , Mishra Anurag , Blass Jennifer , Weck Remo , Derdau Volker
Published: August 2019

The reactivity and selectivity of iridium(I) catalysed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reactions can be varied by using wide range of reaction temperatures. Herein, we have done a detailed comparison study with common iridium(I) catalysts (1–6) which will help us to understand and optimize the approaches of either high selectivity or maximum deuterium incorporation. We have demonstrated that the temperature window for these studied iridium(I) catalysts is surprisingly very broad. This principle was further proven in some HIE reactions on complex drug molecules.
A method to prepare gels with controllable morphology through a three‐phase system
Authors: Lu Jiawei , Hu Jiawei , Zhong Zhifeng , Zeng Guangsheng , Zhou Yueyun , Chen Yi
Published: August 2019

Traditional methods for preparing hydrogels with specific morphology need molds with different shapes, which should bring about a complicated process. In order to control the size and morphology of hydrogels conveniently, a new simple synthesis method was advanced to prepare the gels. In this method, the prepolymer solution achieves diffusion in the interface between the upper oil phase and lower hydrogel matrix, which constitutes a three‐phase system, and the morphology of prepared gels was determined by the balanced diffusion status of the prepolymer solution. Hence, through controlling the composition and character of the three different phases in this system, the balanced diffusion status could be adjusted because of the changed interaction acting on the prepolymer solution diffused in the phase interface. The common rule with regards to the resulting morphology of prepared gels was investigated by surface tension analysis. The results prove that this synthetic method is feasible in preparing many kinds of hydrogels with controllable morphology as a common approach.
Safety First!
Authors: Hauschild Dirk , Braam Daniel , Krasnaberski Alexei , Zhang Jennifer
Published: August 2019

The use of Lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles is a proven technology that will be designed into both current and coming generations of cars for a safer and more relaxed driving experience. To enable high‐precision detection of distances from the static and dynamic environment surrounding the cars, the laser beam must be shaped into a light field with a defined field of view. With the new glass diffuser technology from Limo, hot spot‐free light shaping and large illumination fields are combined to fully cover the 360° view with only four lidar systems while allowing operation in even the toughest environmental conditions.
Maleimidophenyl isocyanates as postpolymerization modification agents and their applications in the synthesis of block copolymers
Authors: Takashima Rikito , Kida Jumpei , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: August 2019

The maleimide structure is highly reactive, exemplified by thiol–ene click reactions with thiols and Diels–Alder reactions with furans. Although postpolymerization modifications and macromolecular conjugations involving maleimide units have been widely studied, mostly due to their selectivity and high reactivity, little has been reported on the one‐pot postpolymerization introduction of maleimides in polymer chains. Herein, we report p‐maleimidophenyl isocyanate and its derivatives as modification agents to introduce maleimide moieties by reaction with hydroxy groups into polymer chains. The high reactivity of the resulting modification agents and of the corresponding maleimide structures once inserted in the polymer chains was examined by studying their reaction kinetics. Furthermore, these modification agents were successfully applied to the synthesis of macromonomers for graft polymerization and various block copolymers, with, for example, AB‐type, star‐shaped, and H‐shaped architectures. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2396–2406
Self‐compassion and hope in the context of body image disturbance and distress in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Todorov Natasha , Sherman Kerry A. , Kilby Christopher J. ,   Breast Cancer Network Australia
Published: August 2019

Objective

Greater hope and self‐compassion have individually been associated with lower psychological distress in women with breast cancer. Self‐compassion is also associated with lower body image distress in this population, yet it is unknown whether hope also has this association. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which hope accounts for body image distress and psychological distress in breast cancer survivors alone, and in direct comparison to self‐compassion.

Method

A total of 195 women were recruited from the Breast Cancer Network Australia and completed a cross‐sectional online anonymous questionnaire containing self‐report measures of body image (Body Image Scale), self‐compassion (Self Compassion Scale‐SF), hope (State Hope Scale), psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress; DASS), and demographic/medical questions.

Results

Self‐compassion and hope were inversely correlated with all outcomes. Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that self‐compassion and hope uniquely explained variance in all outcomes with different magnitudes of strength. Comparison of standardised betas indicated (a) Body image distress—self‐compassion (Bstd = −.355) vs hope (Bstd = −.161); (b) Stress—self‐compassion (Bstd = −.562) vs hope (Bstd = −.287); (c) Depression—hope (Bstd = −.447) vs self‐compassion (Bstd = −.374); (d) Anxiety—hope (Bstd = −.406) vs self‐compassion (Bstd = −.249).

Conclusion

The unique contribution of self‐compassion and hope in explaining body image distress and psychological distress suggests that combined, hope‐focused components of therapy may be suitable additions to the growing array of self‐compassion–based psychosocial interventions to address body image and psychological distress concerns of women with breast cancer.
Analysis of the process parameters affecting the bone burring process: An in‐vitro porcine study
Authors: Kusins Jonathan R. , Tutunea‐Fatan O. Remus , Athwal George S. , Ferreira Louis M.
Published: August 2019

Background

A stable bone burring process, which avoids thermal osteonecrosis and minimizes harmful vibrations, is important for certain orthopedic surgical procedures, and especially relevant to robot‐operated bone burring systems.

Methods

An experimental characterization of the effects of several bone burring process parameters was performed. Burring parameters were evaluated by resultant bone temperature, tool vibration, and burring force.

Results

An optimal combination of bone burring parameters produced minimums in both bone temperature (<40°C) and tool vibration (<4 g‐rms). A cylindrical burr, oriented normal to the specimen, resulted in significantly higher temperatures (50.8 ± 6.8°C) compared with a spherical burr (33.5 ± 4.3°C) (P = .008). Regardless of the parameters tested, burring forces were less than 10 N.

Conclusions

The recommended configuration, which minimized both bone temperature and vibrations experimentally, was a 6‐mm spherical burr at 15 000 rpm with a 2 mm/s feed rate.