bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated cartilage and meniscus segmentation of knee MRI with conditional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Gaj Sibaji , Yang Mingrui , Nakamura Kunio , Li Xiaojuan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Fully automatic tissue segmentation is an essential step to translate quantitative MRI techniques to clinical setting. The goal of this study was to develop a novel approach based on the generative adversarial networks for fully automatic segmentation of knee cartilage and meniscus.

Theory and Methods

Defining proper loss function for semantic segmentation to enforce the learning of multiscale spatial constraints in an end‐to‐end training process is an open problem. In this work, we have used the conditional generative adversarial networks to improve segmentation performance of convolutional neural network, such as UNet alone by overcoming the problems caused by pixel‐wise mapping based objective functions, and to capture cartilage features during the training of the network. Furthermore, the Dice coefficient and cross entropy losses were incorporated to the loss functions to improve the model performance. The model was trained and tested on 176, 3D DESS (double‐echo steady‐state) knee images from the Osteoarthritis Initiative data set.

Results

The proposed model provided excellent segmentation performance for cartilages with Dice coefficients ranging from 0.84 in patellar cartilage to 0.91 in lateral tibial cartilage, with an average Dice coefficient of 0.88. For meniscus segmentation, the model achieves 0.89 Dice coefficient for lateral meniscus and 0.87 Dice coefficient for medial meniscus. The results are superior to previously published automatic cartilage and meniscus segmentation methods based on deep learning models such as convolutional neural network.

Conclusion

The proposed UNet‐conditional generative adversarial networks based model demonstrated a fully automated segmentation method with high accuracy for knee cartilage and meniscus.
Effect of personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device for pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Jong Jin , Kim Jung Kwon , Lee Hakmin , Lee Sangchul , Jin Jeong Seong , Kyu Hong Sung , Eun Lee Sang , Byun Seok‐Soo
Published: December 2019

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness of a novel personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device (Anykegel) for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the recovery of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) through a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 84 patients who underwent RARP were randomized either to the intervention group (42) (receiving biofeedback‐PFMT using a novel device in addition to verbal and written instruction) or to the control group (42). Patients were evaluated 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. Incontinence severity was measured by the 24‐hour pad test. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire were also assessed.

Results

The intervention group showed a significantly smaller volume of urine loss at the 1‐month follow‐up than the control group on a 24‐hour pad test (71.0 g vs 120.8 g; P = .028). However, from the 2‐month follow‐up visit, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In addition, in the 1‐month follow‐up data of the IPSS‐total score, the intervention group demonstrated significantly favorable changes from baseline with improved scores compared to the control group (0.25 ± 9.15 vs −3.81 ± 8.98; P = .046). Regarding the IIEF‐5 score changes, no significant differences were reported throughout the study periods.

Conclusions

The personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device for PFMT offers a significant positive effect on the recovery of PPI after RARP, especially in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, patients can be offered more convenience through performing the regular exercise at any place with ease.
Fidelity of a peer‐led asthma self‐management intervention and its attention control in a multisite study of urban adolescents
Authors: Rhee Hyekyun , Grape Annette , Tumiel‐Berhalter Laurene , Wicks Mona , Sloand Elizabeth , Butz Arlene
Published: December 2019

In this paper we compare the fidelity of a Peer‐Led Asthma Self‐Management Program for Adolescents (PLASMA) and its attention control. A randomized controlled trial involving two groups—the PLASMA group and the attention control group—was conducted between 2015 and 2018. Adolescents 12–17 years old (N = 259) in three cities in the United States received asthma self‐management education implemented at a day camp, followed by bi‐monthly, follow‐up contact for 12 months. Thirty‐five peer leaders and six adult educators implemented education sessions for the PLASMA and the attention control groups, respectively. The intervention was the peer‐led delivery of the content instead of the educational content itself. This study compares the extent to which the education sessions and follow‐up contacts were implemented in accordance with the study protocol by the peer and adult educators. Most topics on asthma knowledge and skills (85–95%) were delivered as intended at an adequate pace in both groups. Peer leaders missed more content in the psychosocial domain than adult educators—14% versus 0%, respectively (t = −3.7; p = .010). PLASMA participants reported high content and time fidelity for all education sessions (94% to 97.6%). Greater success in bimonthly follow‐up contacts was reported in the attention control groups, with 4.6 ( ± 1.5) contacts on average compared to 2.6 (±2.02) in the PLASMA groups (t = 9.02; p < .001). Most components of the asthma self‐management program were implemented with high fidelity in both groups. The relatively low fidelity in delivering psychosocial content and performing follow‐up contacts in the PLASMA groups underscores the need for intensive training to enhance peer leaders' competency with managing these aspects of PLASMA to maximize fidelity. Peer leaders can implement asthma self‐management educational components of the intervention with high fidelity similar to adult educators.
Cytomegalovirus disease in a retinoblastoma cohort: The role of preemptive screening
Authors: Han Mi Seon , Choi Eun Hwa , Lee Hoan Jong , Yun Ki Wook , Kang Hyoung Jin , Hong Kyung Taek , Choi Jung Yoon , Shin Hee Young
Published: December 2019

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is underrecognized in children with retinoblastoma. This study investigated rates of CMV infection and disease in this specific population receiving chemotherapy.

Methods

From a cohort of 164 patients with retinoblastoma diagnosed from 2011 to 2018, 107 patients were evaluated for CMV infection determined by antigenemia assay or real‐time PCR. Preemptive CMV screening was implemented in 2013. CMV disease was diagnosed by tissue biopsy, culture, or ophthalmic examination.

Results

Thirty‐seven and 70 patients before and after the screening strategy, respectively, were included. Before screening, 10/37 (27%) were diagnosed with CMV infection during chemotherapy. Among them, 5 (50%) developed CMV disease (hepatitis, pneumonia, and retinitis) and one patient died of CMV pneumonia. During screening, 18/70 (26%) were documented with 36 episodes of CMV infection and 9 patients received 25 preemptive antiviral therapies. Age at chemotherapy tended to be younger in patients with CMV infection, and fewer were seronegative prior to chemotherapy. Patients who started chemotherapy at <12 months of age received preemptive therapies significantly more often than those started at ≥12 months. Two (11%) out of 18 patients with CMV infection developed CMV retinitis and colitis, and there were no fatal cases. Preemptive therapy along with active CMV screening significantly reduced the risk of developing CMV disease, from 14% to 2.9% (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Children with retinoblastoma can experience significant morbidity and even mortality from CMV infection during chemotherapy in Korea. Preemptive screening and appropriate antiviral therapy can reduce the development of CMV disease and subsequent mortality.
Effect of hydrogen functionalization on interfacial behavior of defective‐graphene/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Sun Rui , Li Lili , Zhang Henin , Yang Jie
Published: December 2019

The interfacial debonding between the graphene sheet and the polymer matrix plays a vital role in determining the performance of graphene/polymer nanocomposites. This paper investigates the influence of hydrogen functionalization on interfacial sliding of polymer nanocomposites reinforced by graphene containing defects using molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that the surface‐hydrogenated graphene/epoxy system significantly outperformed the edge‐hydrogenated case in terms of the shear strength due to better interfacial bonding between graphene sheet and epoxy matrix. The presence of defects decreases the shear strength in both surface‐ and edge‐hydrogenated graphene/epoxy nanocomposites. It is also found that increasing the functionalization degree and temperature improves the interfacial shear properties for all tested nanocomposites. The mechanisms of functionalization underlying the interfacial sliding of graphene/epoxy nanocomposites are explored at the nanoscale, indicating that functionalization is an effective way to achieve improved interfacial properties for graphene reinforced nanocomposites.
Mechanisms and Conditions that Affect Phase Inversion Processes. The Case of High‐Impact Polystyrene
Authors: Maffi Juan M. , Casis Natalia , Acuña Pablo , Morales Graciela , Estenoz Diana A.
Published: December 2019

The phase inversion (PI) during the bulk polymerization of the styrene–polybutadiene system (high impact polystyrene manufacturing process) is empirically and theoretically studied in this article. In the experimental work, a series of reactions were performed with benzoyl peroxide as initiator and at temperatures considered of industrial interest (80°C and 90°C), varying also the reactor stirring level. PI was determined by offline viscosity measurements and verified by scanning transmission electron microscopy. The rheological behavior of each reacting system was analyzed and an empirical correlation to predict its apparent viscosity from fundamental reaction parameters was derived. This was achieved successfully for both before and after the PI point. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:491–502, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Understanding Creep Behavior of Semicrystalline Polymer via Coarse‐Grained Modeling
Authors: Wu Chao , Wu Ruidong , Xia Wenjie , Tam Lik‐ho
Published: December 2019

Understanding the deformational and failure behaviors of thermoplastic semicrystalline polymers is crucial due to the practical usages in various engineering applications. Taking isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as a semicrystalline polymer model system, atomistically informed coarse‐grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to investigate the creep behavior of iPP. The simulations reveal that there exists a threshold stress of about 20.0 MPa, above which the maximum strain of iPP within the simulation time span increases dramatically. From the strain‐time analysis, it is observed that the iPP exhibits an initial elastic deformation stage and a subsequent plastic stage at lower stress levels, while a three‐stage creep behavior including a third fracture stage is observed at higher stress levels. Specifically, at lower stress levels, the bonded energy increases continuously as the chains stretch steadily, while the nonbonded energy shows an initial increase followed by a steady decrease due to the interchain sliding. At higher stress levels, both bonded and nonbonded energies change dramatically at the third stage, resulting from accelerated chain stretching, unfolding, sliding, and breaking. This study provides physical insight into the creep behavior of iPP at a fundamental molecular level and highlights the important role of microstructural evolution of chains in the deformation of semicrystalline polymer materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1779–1791
In Situ Dimensional Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticle Clusters during Induction Heating
Authors: Carlton Hayden , Krycka Kathryn , Bleuel Markus , Huitink David
Published: December 2019

The study and fundamental understanding of magnetic nanoparticle induction heating remains critical for the advancement of magnetic hyperthermia technologies. Complete characterization of not only the nanoparticles themselves but their interparticle behavior in a sample matrix is necessary to accurately predict their heating response. Herein, an in situ method for measuring the extent of nanoparticle clustering during induction heating using small‐angle and ultrasmall‐angle neutron scattering facilities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research is described and implemented by comparing two sets of iron oxide nanoparticles with differing structures and magnetic properties. By fitting the scattering profiles to a piecewise model covering a wide Q‐range, the magnitude of nanoparticle clustering during induction heating is quantified. Observations of the low‐Q intensity before and after heating also allow for relative measurement of the cluster volume fraction during heating. The use of this method can prove to be advantageous in both developing more encompassing models to describe magnetic nanoparticle dynamics during heating as well as optimizing nanoparticle synthesis techniques to reduce aggregation during heating.
The ternary complex factor protein ELK1 is an independent prognosticator of disease recurrence in prostate cancer
Authors: Pardy Luke , Rosati Rayna , Soave Claire , Huang Yanfang , Kim Seongho , Ratnam Manohar
Published: December 2019

Background

Both hormone‐sensitive and castration‐ and enzalutamide‐resistant prostate cancers (PCa) depend on the ternary complex factor (TCF) protein ELK1 to serve as a tethering protein for the androgen receptor (AR) to activate a critical set of growth genes. The two sites in ELK1 required for AR binding are conserved in other members of the TCF subfamily, ELK3 and ELK4. Here we examine the potential utility of the three proteins as prognosticators of disease recurrence in PCa.

Methods

Transcriptional activity assays; Retrospective analysis of PCa recurrence using data on 501 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database; Unpaired Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and multiple comparison correction using the Holm's method; Spearman's correlations; Kaplan‐Meier methods; Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses; LASSO‐based penalized Cox regression models; Time‐dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

ELK4 but not ELK3 was coactivated by AR similar to ELK1. Tumor expression of neither ELK3 nor ELK4 was associated with disease‐free survival (DFS). ELK1 was associated with higher clinical T‐stage, pathology T‐stage, Gleason score, prognostic grade, and positive lymph node status. ELK1 was a negative prognosticator of DFS, independent of ELK3, ELK4, clinical T‐stage, pathology T‐stage, prognostic grade, lymph node status, age, and race. Inclusion of ELK1 increased the abilities of the Oncotype DX and Prolaris gene panels to predict disease recurrence, correctly predicting disease recurrence in a unique subset of patients.

Conclusions

ELK1 is a strong, independent prognosticator of disease recurrence in PCa, underscoring its unique role in PCa growth. Inclusion of ELK1 may enhance the utility of currently used prognosticators for clinical decision making in prostate cancer.
MrgX2 is a promiscuous receptor for basic peptides causing mast cell pseudo‐allergic and anaphylactoid reactions
Authors: Grimes Jak , Desai Sapna , Charter Neil W. , Lodge James , Moita Santos Rita , Isidro‐Llobet Albert , Mason Andrew M. , Wu Zining , Wolfe Lawrence A. , Anantharaman Lakshmi , Green Andrew , Bridges Angela M. , Dalmas Wilk Deidre A. , Brown Andrew J.
Published: December 2019

Activation of MrgX2, an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor expressed on mast cells, leads to degranulation and histamine release. Human MrgX2 binds promiscuously to structurally diverse peptides and small molecules that tend to have basic properties (basic secretagogues), resulting in acute histamine‐like adverse drug reactions of injected therapeutic agents. We set out to identify MrgX2 orthologues from other mammalian species used in nonclinical stages of drug development. Previously, the only known orthologue of human MrgX2 was from mouse, encoded by Mrgprb2. MrgX2 genes of rat, dog (beagle), minipig, pig, and Rhesus and cynomolgus monkey were identified by bioinformatic approaches and verified by their ability to mediate calcium mobilization in transfected cells in response to the classical MrgX2 agonist, compound 48/80. The peptide GSK3212448 is an inhibitor of the PRC2 epigenetic regulator that caused profound anaphylactoid reactions upon intravenous infusion to rat. We showed GSK3212448 to be a potent MrgX2 agonist particularly at rat MrgX2. We screened sets of drug‐like molecules and peptides to confirm the highly promiscuous nature of MrgX2. Approximately 20% of drug‐like molecules activated MrgX2 (pEC50 ranging from 4.5 to 6), with the principle determinant being basicity. All peptides tested of net charge +3 or greater exhibited agonist activity, including the cell penetrating peptides polyarginine (acetyl‐Arg9‐amide) and TAT (49‐60), a fragment of HIV‐1 TAT protein. Finally, we showed that the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin, which is associated with clinical pseudo‐allergic reactions known as red man syndrome, is an agonist of MrgX2.
Licochalcone A restrains microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor expression and growth by activating autophagy in melanoma cells via miR‐142‐3p/Rheb/mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Gao Mingmin , Chen Li , Zhou Lijuan , Bian Shengnan , Lv Yongmei
Published: December 2019

Licochalcone A (LCA) was found to possess anticancer effects. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanisms of LCA in melanoma. A375 and B16 melanoma cells were stimulated with LCA, MTT assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Expression of miR‐142‐3p, microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF, which regulates melanin production) and autophagy‐related genes was determined by Real‐time PCR or western blot. The apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and caspase‐3 activity. The roles of miR‐142‐3p and Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) in LCA‐affected cells were investigated by gain‐ and loss‐of functions. LCA inhibited proliferation and MITF expression, but increased apoptosis and autophagy of melanoma cells. Moreover, LCA elevated miR‐142‐3p expression, but decreased its target gene Rheb expression. The effects of LCA on melanoma cells were abrogated by miR‐142‐3p inhibitor or Rheb overexpression. LCA suppressed mTOR signaling activation via Rheb. Additionally, rapamycin (a mTOR antagonist) notably attenuated the effects of Rheb on the autophagy, proliferation, apoptosis, and MITF expression in LCA‐treated melanoma cells. In conclusion, LCA restrained MITF expression and growth by activating autophagy in melanoma cells via miR‐142‐3p/Rheb/mTOR pathway. This study suggested that LCA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for prevention and treatment of melanoma.
Effect of the herbal medicines in obesity and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Payab Moloud , Hasani‐Ranjbar Shirin , Shahbal Nazila , Qorbani Mostafa , Aletaha Azadeh , Haghi‐Aminjan Hamed , Soltani Akbar , Khatami Fatemeh , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Hassani Shokoufeh , Abdollahi Mohammad , Larijani Bagher
Published: December 2019

Obesity is a medical situation in which excess body fat has gathered because of imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In spite of the fact that the variety of studies are available for obesity treatment and management, its “globesity” still remains a big challenge all over the world. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of effective herbal medicines in the management and treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome in human. We systematically searched all relevant clinical trials via Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane database to assess the effects of raw or refined products derived from plants or parts of plants on obesity and metabolic syndrome in overweight and obesity adult subjects. All studies conducted by the end of May 2019 were considered in the systematic review. Data were extracted independently by two experts. The quality assessment was assessed using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. The main outcomes were anthropometric indices and metabolic syndrome components. Pooled effect of herbal medicines on obesity and metabolic syndrome were presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 279 relevant clinical trials were included. Herbals containing green tea, Phaseolus vulgaris, Garcinia cambogia, Nigella sativa, puerh tea, Irvingia gabonensis, and Caralluma fimbriata and their active ingredients were found to be effective in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In addition, C. fimbriata, flaxseed, spinach, and fenugreek were able to reduce appetite.

Meta‐analysis showed that intake of green tea resulted in a significant improvement in weight ([SMD]: −0.75 [−1.18, −0.319]), body mass index ([SMD]: −1.2 [−1.82, −0.57]), waist circumference ([SMD]: −1.71 [−2.66, −0.77]), hip circumference ([SMD]: −0.42 [−1.02, −0.19]), and total cholesterol, ([SMD]: −0.43 [−0.77, −0.09]). In addition, the intake of P. vulgaris and N. sativa resulted in a significant improvement in weight ([SMD]: −0.88, 95 % CI: [−1.13, −0.63]) and triglyceride ([SMD]: −1.67, 95 % CI: [−2.54, −0.79]), respectively. High quality trials are still needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plants in obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Evaluation of the effects of PFAS soil adsorption and transformation in the presence of divalent cations under ambient conditions
Authors: Eberle Michael , Edelman Michael , Denly Elizabeth , Rabah Nidal
Published: December 2019

A bench‐scale study was conducted to evaluate the effect of divalent cations on the adsorption of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) onto soil particles. The study entailed batch testing of a synthetic soil mixture under a range of Epsom salt (soluble magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) concentrations. The synthetic soil was produced using a mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter that then was mixed and saturated with water collected from a PFAS‐impacted water source. The results indicate that variable concentrations of magnesium (divalent cation) had a minor effect on the sorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate with the highest sorption occurring in the strongest solution of Epsom salt. An unanticipated result of the test involved apparent biomediated transformation of polyfluorinated alkylated sulfonates (fluorotelomers or FTS) to perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorononanoic acid. We believe this is the first time the complete transformation of 6:2 FTS to PFHpA has been observed and reported under ambient surface water‐like conditions within 6 months, a relatively short timeframe.
Selective and High‐Performance Electrochemical Sensor for Cadmium Ions Based on Intimate Binary Spinel CoMn2O4 Nanostructures
Authors: Balaji Ramachandran , Renganathan Vengudusamy , Chen Shen‐Ming , Singh Vyoma
Published: December 2019

Due to an exponential increase in the industrialization and processing of raw materials had duly resulted in the rapid contamination of heavy metals in the land and water. For the sustainable ecosystem and high standard human life, an analytical quantification of cadmium in drinking water, chocolates, drinks and other environmental systems is of greater importance. The current public welfare sector is in high demand for the rational design and fabrication of the economical, user friendly and point of care device for the sensing of toxic heavy metal cadmium in water. In combination with high sensing performance, the sensor must also be highly robust, selective and good reproducibility upon detection. With the understanding of the facts, we report a novel and direct electrochemical based sensing of cadmium ions based on CoMn2O4 nanostructures in the water. Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) was employed for the investigation of cadmium ions detection at a lower concentration for the unswerving electrochemical sensing on a CoMn2O4 nanostructure matrix. Since, the LSV works on the unidirectional sweep principle it eliminates the possible interference of other elements during the reverse sweep. This analytical process is very reliable, low cost and ultrasensitive upon others. The fabricated CoMn2O4 nanostructure modified electrode displayed good sensitivity 3.3454 μAμM−1 cm−2 and limit of detection 0.0124 μM with a linear range varying up to 0.1 to 761 μM.
Pyrolysis‐Synthesized g‐C3N4/Nb2O5 Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under White LED Light Irradiation
Authors: Devarayapalli Kamakshaiah Charyulu , Prabhakar Vattikuti Surya Veerendra , Madhukar Sreekanth Thupakula Venkata , Chidanandha Nagajyothi Patnamsetty , Shim Jaesool
Published: December 2019

The design and fabrication of highly active visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts have been received considerable attention in recent years. However, individual component‐based photocatalysts are limited in their use because of the high recombination of photoinduced carriers and poor chemical stability. Herein, the Z‐scheme‐originated photocatalytic activity of in‐situ deposited Nb2O5 NPs on the plane surface of carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets (i. e. CN‐NbO) heterostructures was studied using a simple thermal pyrolysis method. The as‐synthesized photocatalysts distinctly manifested efficient white light‐emitting diode (LED) light irradiation toward organic malachite green (MG) dye degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen generation. The CN‐NbO heterostructure showed a faster degradation rate of the MG dye and a higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate. In addition, the plausible Z‐scheme photocatalytic mechanism for photocatalytic hydrogen production under LED light irradiation was discussed. Photoelectrochemcial studies showed that the superior photoactivity of CN‐NbO heterostructure is mainly a result of the suitable alignment of the band edge positions, which diminish carrier recombination and facilitate efficient interfacial charge transport at their interface. This study provides an ideal method for in‐situ fabrication of novel two dimensional/one dimension‐based photocatalysts with high activity and stable performance for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
N‐Arylation of Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocycles with Cu(II) Complex of 4‐(2,2′:6′,2“‐Terpyridin‐4′‐yl)toluene as a Versatile and Efficient Catalyst
Authors: Sharghi Hashem , Saei Ali Akbari , Aberi Mahdi
Published: December 2019

Copper(II) complex of 4‐(2,2′:6′,2“‐terpyridin‐4′‐yl)toluene(ttpy) was found to be a profitable catalyst for the N‐arylation of a variety of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, such as some kinds of azoles and a secondary aliphatic amine, with aryl halides (iodides, bromides, and chlorides) under moderate conditions. A variety of functionalized aryl halides were tolerated in good to excellent yields by this air stable and low cost Cu(II)‐based catalytic system. Phenyl boronic acid was also used as an alternative to aryl halides to supply aryl moiety.
Thiamine Hydrochloride Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazolidine‐3‐thiones in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Patil Pradeep J. , Salunke Govind D. , Deshmukh Madhukar B. , Hangirgekar Shankar P. , Chandam Dattatray R. , Sankpal Sandeep A.
Published: December 2019

In the present work, the catalytic potential of natural organocatalyst thiamine hydrochloride is explored for the synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazolidine‐3‐thiones in aqueous medium. The reaction of thiosemicarbazides with various substrates viz aryl/ heteroaryl aldehydes, isatins, cyclic and aromatic ketones to obtain corresponding 1,2,4‐triazolidine‐3‐thiones have been successfully demonstrated for the first time. The method proposed in this work addresses the green chemistry principles such as biodegradable catalyst, ambient reaction condition, shorter reaction time, high yield of the products, recyclability of catalyst and high atom economy.
New Theoretical Insights into the Origin of Highly‐Effective Dispersion of Cu‐Based Catalysts As‐Synthesized Using Mg/Zn Doped Malachite as Precursors
Authors: Zheng H. , Narkhede N. , Li Z.
Published: December 2019

The effect of Mg substitution into malachite and Zn doped malachite structure has been precisely modeled and theoretically investigated for energetic, geometrical and electronic properties based on density functional theory. The calculations were carried out by well‐tested code Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package while the Local Density Approximation was applied to describe the exchange‐correlation potential. The Mg substitution added to the structural stability owing to its smallest formation energy and the stability of ‐Cu‐O−Mg‐ bond provides well dispersed Cu species. In addition, Mg offers higher tendency to form more stable structure with Cu than Zn at high substitution ratio of Mg/Cu. The introduction of Mg further increases the net charges of Zn atoms and reduces the covalent characteristic of Zn−O bond. The densities of states supported the strengthening of covalent characteristic of Zn−O and Cu−O while Mg−O exhibited ionic characteristic with increasing Mg/Zn. Our calculations provide fundamental understanding of Cu/Mg/Zn system resulting in effective Cu dispersion and thermodynamically stable activity.
Electron‐Beam‐Driven III‐Nitride Plasmonic Nanolasers in the Deep‐UV and Visible Region
Authors: Tao Tao , Zhi Ting , Liu Bin , Chen Peng , Xie Zili , Zhao Hong , Ren Fangfang , Chen Dunjun , Zheng Youdou , Zhang Rong
Published: December 2019

Plasmonic nanolasers based on wide bandgap semiconductors are presently attracting immense research interests due to the breaking in light diffraction limit and subwavelength mode operation with fast dynamics. However, these plasmonic nanolasers have so far been mostly realized in the visible light ranges, or most are still under optical excitation pumping. In this work, III‐nitride‐based plasmonic nanolasers emitting from the green to the deep‐ultraviolet (UV) region by energetic electron beam injection are reported, and a threshold as low as 8 kW cm−2 is achieved. A fast decay time as short as 123 ps is collected, indicating a strong coupling between excitons and surface plasmon. Both the spatial and temporal coherences are observed, which provide a solid evidence for exciton‐plasmon coupled polariton lasing. Consequently, the achievements in III‐nitride‐based plasmonic nanolaser devices represent a significant step toward practical applications for biological technology, computing systems, and on‐chip optical communication.
A temporal hybrid dynamic integration algorithm strategy for inelastic time history analysis of high‐rise reinforced concrete structures under strong earthquakes
Authors: Ren Zhinan , He Zheng , Qi Zhe
Published: December 2019

A complete earthquake time history analysis (THA) requires a stable, accurate, and efficient dynamic integration algorithm. It is not rare to encounter numerical divergence when some implicit algorithms are used to deal with severe materially or geometrically nonlinearities. For explicit algorithms, computational efficiency is always a major concern. A temporal hybrid dynamic algorithm (THDA) strategy, which is specialized in the inelastic THAs of high‐rise reinforced concrete (RC) structures experiencing severe plasticity development, is developed herein. A preliminary evaluation is carried out on three low‐rise structural models, that is, two frame structures and one wall‐frame structure, for each group of collected implicit algorithms and explicit algorithms. From the evaluation, four alternatives are generated for the subsequent detailed assessment. A general framework for the THDA is proposed and implemented on a finite element analytical platform. The four alternatives are assessed based on their performance on a high‐rise frame core‐tube RC structure. The assessment indicates that the proposed THDA strategy can give rise to a more compatible dynamic integration algorithm for the complete THAs of high‐rise building structures when they are experiencing severe damage. The concerns about the computational stability, accuracy, and efficiency of the dynamic algorithms can be well balanced by the THDA.
Optimal allocation of DSTATCOM considering the uncertainty of photovoltaic systems
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yu Li
Published: December 2019

Rational allocation of the distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) can effectively solve the impact of high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems on an active distribution network. Taking the intermittent output of a PV system into consideration, this paper establishes an optimal allocation model of DSTATCOM, in which active power loss, voltage deviation, and total allocation cost are considered as the objective functions. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is employed to simulate the random output of PV. Moreover, an opportunity constraint is introduced into the optimal model to evaluate the reliability of the allocation scheme. Multiobjective differential evolution gray wolf optimization (MODEGWO) is proposed to determine the optimal location and capacity of the DSTATCOM. A new optimization method integrating MCS, opportunity constraint, and MODEGWO is proposed to deal with the optimal allocation model of DSTATCOM. The proposed method is validated on an IEEE 33‐bus system. Simulation results confirm the rationality and validity of the proposed model. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Increasing electric vehicle hosting capacity and equality for fast charging stations using residential photovoltaics in medium‐ and low‐voltage distribution networks
Authors: Sugihara Hideharu , Funaki Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2019

To achieve broad installation of electric vehicles (EVs), it is important to deploy fast EV charging stations at many points without distribution network reinforcement. This study develops a methodology for evaluating the hosting capacity for fast EV charging loads under medium‐ and low‐voltage (MV and LV) distribution networks with bus‐voltage and line‐current constraints; hence, the promising combination of fast EV charging and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation in distribution networks is analyzed. In particular, on a sunny day, the active power output supplied by rooftop PVs can be used to mitigate the voltage drop problem for end‐use residential customers. On a cloudy day, even though the active power output is smaller, the residual inverter capacities of rooftop PVs can be used to generate reactive power from those systems. In addition, in order to evaluate the spatial equalization of the EV hosting capacity at fast charging stations, an equalization factor of the spatial distribution is proposed, which is obtained as a percentage of the EV hosting capacity in the equally maximized case over that in the simply maximized case. The equalization factor can be improved from approximately 33 to 70% using the active and reactive power outputs from residential rooftop PVs. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of melatonin on bovine sperm characteristics and ultrastructure changes following cryopreservation
Authors: ChaithraShree A. R. , Ingole Shailesh D. , Dighe Vikas D. , Nagvekar Anagha S. , Bharucha Simin V. , Dagli Nilesh R. , Kekan Prakash M. , Kharde Shambhudeo D.
Published: December 2019

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation of semen alters the sperm motion and mobility characteristics, resulting in poor or failure of conception rate after artificial insemination (AI). Melatonin an antioxidant is able to modulate the effect of ROS and prevents spermatozoa by reducing the oxidative stress during freezing process. Eight ejaculates from eight healthy HF bulls diluted with Tris egg yolk glycerol extender were divided into five equal aliquots. The Computer Assisted Semen Analyser (CASA) results showed no significant difference between the control—post‐ thaw samples and melatonin‐treated samples; however, the velocity of spermatozoa with regard to the VAP, VSL showed highest increase in the 0.25 mM MLT‐treated semen followed by 0.1 mM MLT treated semen except for VCL where velocity increased with increase in the concentration of melatonin. The vigour of spermatozoa regard to BCF, STR and LIN recorded highest increase in the 0.25 mM MLT treated semen followed by 0.1 mM MLT‐treated semen except for the ALH where vigour increased with increase in the concentration of melatonin. The electron micrography images illustrated that the addition of 0.1 mM melatonin protected the plasma membrane and acrosome region and maintained the ultrastructure integrity of the cryopreserved spermatozoa when compared to control group, whereas the electron micrography of spermatozoa treated with 0.2 and 0.25 mM melatonin illustrated highest damage to the plasma and acrosome membrane. Thus concluding that inclusion of melatonin to sperm extender can improve the post‐thaw quality of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa.
Blockage effects in wind farms
Authors: Segalini Antonio , Dahlberg Jan‐Åke
Published: December 2019

An experimental study of wind farm blockage has been performed to quantify the velocity decrease that the first row of a wind farm experiences due to the presence of the other turbines downstream. The general perception has been that turbines downstream of the first row are only influenced by the wakes from upstream turbines without any upstream effect. In the present study, an attempt is made to demonstrate the existence of a two‐way coupling between individual turbines and turbines in the wind farm. Several staggered layouts were tested in the wind tunnel experiments by changing the spacing between rows, spacing between turbines in the rows, and the amount of wind turbines involved. The experiments focused on turbines located in the center of the first row as well as the two turbines located in the row edges, usually believed to experience a speedup. The present results show that no speedup is present and that all the turbines in the first row are subjected to a reduced wind speed. This phenomenon has been considered to be due to “global blockage.” An empirical correlation formula between spacing, number of rows, and velocity decrease is proposed to quantify such effect for the center turbine as well as for the turbines at the edges.
Isolation, characterization, and decolorization of Disperse Blue 60 by newly isolated bacterial strains from Kashan textile wastewater
Authors: Seyedi Zeynab Sadat , Jookar Kashi Fereshteh , Zahraei Zohreh
Published: December 2019

Wastewaters are a source of water pollution and the environment. Therefore, the decolorization ability of isolated strains from textile wastewater for Disperse Blue 60 dye was measured. After sampling from different parts of textile waste, four decolorizer strains were isolated. The effects of various factors were evaluated on decolorization. Decolorization ability of strains was measured after incubation up to 72 hr, the range of pH 6–9, different dye concentrations from 50 to 400 mg/L, and different carbon sources. The four newly bacterial strains showed high decolorization ability to dye. The highest decolorization (90%–95%) was observed after 72 hr, pH 7–9, 50 mg/L concentration of dye and glucose as carbon source. According to findings from the present study, the decolorization ability of F52, C43, C19, and C25 strains was 93%, 96%, 100%, and 98.33%, respectively. The phytotoxicity test confirmed the nontoxic effect of the dye decolorization products compared with the toxic Disperse Blue 60 on seeds of Raphanus sativus L. Based on the biochemical characterization and 16s rDNA gene sequencing analysis, the selected bacterial strains were identified as Alishewanella, Halomonas, Jonesia, and Pseudomonas genera. High decolorization ability of the bacterial isolates showed they could effectively use in the biological treatment of wastewater.

Practitioner points

Isolation of powerful and effective strains from Kashan textile wastewater

Increasing of decolorization by improving environmental conditions

Alishewanella, Halomonas, Jonesia, and Pseudomonas genera can be used for biological treatment of wastewater
The Responsible University in Southeast Asia: A Tale of the Transition from an Elite to a Mass Higher Education System
Authors: Berg Laila Nordstrand , Pinheiro Rómulo , Utomo Puguh Prasetya , Nurhayati Pradnika Yunic
Published: December 2019

As is the case in the Nordic countries, universities in Southeast Asia are expected to act in a responsible manner by fostering greater participation in higher education across different social groups and by promoting regional development. To date, however, few studies have investigated such important aspects within the context of emerging economies undergoing considerable political, social and economic changes. Our study setting is Indonesia, a country with large socio-economic asymmetries that is undergoing the historical transition from an elite to a mass higher education system. The chapter provides evidence of the roles played by different types of universities located in specific local settings, in addition to the interplay between policy frameworks at the national and local levels and university policies, strategies and academic initiatives. In so doing, we relate and contrast the findings to the situation across the Nordic countries and provide important lessons and recommendations going forward.
The Modernisation Agenda and University Irresponsibility Repertoires
Authors: Benneworth Paul
Published: December 2019

The recent rise of interest in ideas of the Responsible University needs to be understood as part of a wider rise of interest in responsible behaviour by researchers and innovators, fuelled by a realisation of their powerful positions in knowledge societies. Universities have been transformed in recent decades in ways that have emphasised their private interests, making them increasingly responsible for raising their own revenue to ensure their institutional survival. Universities face continuous dilemmas in deciding which avenues to pursue to ensure their own survival. The rise of universities with these strongly existential private interests may induce behaviour which whilst technically legal breaches societal norms. This chapter asks the research question of ‘under what conditions might university management find themselves breaching public value’, to understand the conditions under which the modern university might behave irresponsibly. The chapter firstly develops a literature framework to propose a set of ‘repertoires of irresponsibility’ in which universities management may find themselves placed in responsibility dilemmas. The chapter then presents three empirical vignettes to identify a set of processes enabling irresponsibility within contemporary higher education. Four factors driving institutional irresponsibility are identified, and these factors are used to propose conceptual and administrative improvements to address these drivers.
Lost in Transition? On the Migration to English Language Research Publications
Authors: Sørensen Mads P. , Young Mitchell , Pedersen Pernille Bak
Published: December 2019

Nordic universities produce a significant and increasing number of research publications in English. This chapter takes a closer look at this development in the context of Denmark, where today around 86% of all research publications are published in English. First, the overall development of English language research publications within all main areas of research in Denmark is examined. Thereafter, the chapter focuses on one of the biggest and most important universities in Denmark, Aarhus University. The chapter shows that all scientific fields in Denmark and at Aarhus University have experienced a radical change in publication language over the last two decades, from Danish and other languages to English. It also shows that it is the Social Sciences and the Humanities that have seen the biggest changes over these years. Via bibliometric counts and interviews with researchers from the areas that have experienced the most significant changes, the chapter analyses the development in publication language from Danish to English along with the meaning and effects of this change. The chapter ends with a discussion of how universities can help battle the negative consequences of the transition to English while at the same time holding on to the benefits of this movement.
Higher Education; For Free, For Everyone, For Real? Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the Responsible University: History and Enacting Rationalities for MOOC Initiatives at Three Swedish Universities
Authors: Barman Linda , McGrath Cormac , Stöhr Christian
Published: December 2019

Large-scale open education initiatives, commonly referred to as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), may be said to offer universities a new form of public outreach, whereby universities can take an active role in educating society and provide affordable pathways to lifelong learning for all. In this chapter, we examine how MOOC initiatives resonate with the notion of the responsible university from the perspective of Swedish higher education. Based on an analysis of notions of intent expressed by three Swedish universities, we reason about the roles that MOOC initiatives may play. Further, we adapt a framework on how public organisations negotiate bounded realities in order to juxtapose discourses that reflect different rationales for the MOOC initiatives at three Swedish universities. As a result, we identify a number of affordances that MOOCs potentially provide, such as access to lifelong learning from higher education institutions to diversified and unprivileged groups, but also how the universities intend to utilise MOOC projects for internal capacity-building related to the digitalisation of education. Currently, potentially conflicting rationalities arise between strong norms of tuition-free, state-funded education and the developing business models of the MOOC platform providers that illustrate a challenge for the Nordic model.
Co-creation with Companies: A Means to Enhance Societal Impact of University Researchers?
Authors: Pulkkinen Kirsi , Hautamäki Antti
Published: December 2019

In this chapter, we explore co-creation as a form of societal interaction of science. We approach co-creation as a goal-oriented form of dynamic interaction aiming at mutual benefit of all parties. As such, we exclude technology transfer and other linear societal interaction forms that follow a closed-model innovation format. We argue that focusing solely on tapping the needs of researchers and ‘pure’ science would lead to ignoring the broader context in which researchers work. An excessive focus on meeting the needs of external stakeholders could jeopardize the preconditions of science. Hence, this chapter explores how researcher-company co-creation can be nurtured in a heavily institutionalized setting, where established rules govern the process of knowledge production and protect research integrity. The co-creation process is analyzed by combining Nonaka’s SECI model and Strober’s interdisciplinary interaction model for knowledge creation. We find that the core of this process lies facilitated dialogue, which is seen as open knowledge sharing between equal participants.