bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of the OH+HCl→H2O+Cl reaction: Rate determining roles of stereodynamics and roaming and of quantum tunneling
Authors: Coutinho Nayara D. , Sanches‐Neto Flavio O. , Carvalho‐Silva Valter H. , de Oliveira Heibbe C. B. , Ribeiro Luiz A. , Aquilanti Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

The OH + HCl → H2O + Cl reaction is one of the most studied four‐body systems, extensively investigated by both experimental and theoretical approaches. Here, as a continuation of our previous work on the OH + HBr and OH + HI reactions, which manifest an anti‐Arrhenius behavior that was explained by stereodynamic and roaming effects, we extend the strategy to understand the transition to the sub‐Arrhenius behavior occurring for the HCl case. As previously, we perform first‐principles on‐the‐fly Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics calculations, thermalized at four temperatures (50, 200, 350, and 500 K), but this time we also apply a high‐level transition‐state‐theory, modified to account for tunneling conditions. We find that the theoretical rate constants calculated with Bell tunneling corrections are in good agreement with extensive experimental data available for this reaction in the ample temperature range: (i) simulations show that the roles of molecular orientation in promoting this reaction and of roaming in finding the favorable path are minor than in the HBr and HI cases, and (ii) dominating is the effect of quantum mechanical penetration through the energy barrier along the reaction path on the potential energy surface. The discussion of these results provides clarification of the origin on different non‐Arrhenius mechanisms observed along this series of reactions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, fluorescence imaging, and cytotoxicity studies of a uracil‐based azo derivative and its metal complexes
Authors: Philip Surya , Thomas Preethy Soosan , Mohanan Kochukittan
Published: October 2018

A uracil‐based heterocyclic azo derivative was prepared by coupling diazotized 5‐aminouracil with 2‐naphthol. This ligand, viz., 1‐(2,4‐dioxopyrimidine‐5‐yl)‐azo‐naphth‐2‐ol (HNAP), was used as a precursor for the synthesis of a series of complexes with manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions. Various physicochemical measurements UV–Visible, Infrared (IR), 1H NMR, 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectral studies were employed to characterize the ligand and the metal complexes. The ligand showed good selectivity toward Mn2+ over the other metal ions with a detection limit of 1.36 μM. This probe was used for the confocal fluorescence imaging of Mn2+ ions in Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) cells. The ligand and the metal complexes were tested for their cytotoxicity on the MCF‐7 cell line. It was observed that complexation of HNAP with the metal ions exhibited a promising cytotoxicity.
Lysophosphatidic acid induces the crosstalk between the endovascular human trophoblast and endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Beltrame Jimena S. , Scotti Leopoldina , Sordelli Micaela S. , Cañumil Vanesa A. , Franchi Ana M. , Parborell Fernanda , Ribeiro María L.
Published: October 2018

Spiral artery remodeling at the maternal–fetal interface is crucial for successful pregnancy and requires the interaction between the first trimester trophoblast and the endothelial cells of the maternal vessels. However, the precise mechanism of this dialog has yet to be determined. The current study investigated whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) modulates trophoblast–endothelial crosstalk in vitro. HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cell line (H8) was seeded on top of Geltrex, incubated with LPA or LPA + NS‐398 (selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor), LPA + 1400W (selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) or LPA + IL‐6 neutralizing antibody and assayed for tube formation to model the acquisition of trophoblast endovascular phenotype. The supernatants were collected and used as conditioned media (CM). To test trophoblast–endothelial crosstalk, the endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was incubated with trophoblast CM. The CM from LPA‐induced tubulogenesis stimulated endothelial cells migration and did not modify the apoptosis. Soluble factors derived from cyclooxygenase‐2 and IL‐6 pathways were involved in H8–EA.hy926 interaction under the LPA effect. Moreover, LPA increased the levels of IL‐6 mRNA by cyclooxygenase‐2 pathway in H8 cells. Collectively, LPA promotes trophoblast–endothelial crosstalk in vitro and induces the release of trophoblast soluble factors that stimulate endothelial cells migration without changes in apoptosis. The evidence presented here provides new insights about an active role of LPA as a lipid mediator regulating vascular remodeling at the maternal–fetal interface.
Real‐time detection of breast cancer at the cellular level
Authors: Carver Gary E. , Locknar Sarah A. , Weaver Donald L. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S.
Published: October 2018

Novel optoelectronic instrumentation has been developed for the multispectral imaging of autofluorescence emitted by metabolic fluorophores. The images resolve individual cells while spectra are collected for each pixel in the images. These datacubes are generated at a rate of 10 per second—fast enough for surgical guidance. The data is processed in real time to provide a single color‐coded image to the surgeon. To date, the system has been applied to fresh, ex vivo, human surgical specimens and has distinguished breast cancer from benign tissue. The approach is applicable to in vivo measurements of surgical margins and needle‐based optical biopsies. Ongoing work demonstrates that the system has great potential for translation to a hand‐held probe with high sensitivity and specificity.
PURB is a positive regulator of amino acid‐induced milk synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Huo Nan , Yu Mengmeng , Li Xueying , Zhou Chenjian , Jin Xin , Gao Xuejun
Published: October 2018

Previous studies have implicated that purine‐rich element binding protein B (PURB) is a key regulator of gene transcription and cell physiology. Whether PURB plays a regulatory role in milk synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) is not known. We observed that Met and Leu increased PURB expression and nuclear localization. Overexpression of PURB led to increased milk protein and fat synthesis as well as mTOR and SREBP‐1c expression whereas PURB knockdown had the opposite effects. The PI3K inhibitor wortmannin totally abolished the stimulation of Met and Leu on PURB expression, and we further confirmed that PURB was required for Met and Leu to stimulate mTOR phosphorylation and SREBP‐1c expression. We also demonstrated that PURB binds to the promoters of mTOR and SREBP‐1c, and these bindings were increased by Met and Leu stimulation. In summary, our data reveal that PURB is required for amino acids to stimulate mTOR and SREBP‐1c gene expression, and PURB is a positive regulator of amino acid‐induced PI3K‐regulated milk protein and fat synthesis in BMECs.
Identification of CD28 and PTEN as novel prognostic markers for cervical cancer
Authors: Shen Fujin , Zheng Hongyun , Zhou Limei , Li Wei , Liu Juan , Xu Xuexian
Published: October 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common malignant tumor with poor clinical outcome among women. Identification of novel biomarkers could be beneficial for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CC. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers for the prediction of prognostic status of CC patients, and explore the effect of the corresponding methylated genes in the occurrence and development of CC. The methylation microarray data of CC was extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The methylation genes associated with the prognostic status were identified based on the information of the relapse‐free survival (RFS) of the CC patients. The prognostic gene pairs were further identified. Then, the prognostic signature was identified by the forward search algorithm based on the C‐index method. The results were validated by independent dataset. Finally, the functional analysis was performed on the methylation genes. A total of 276 methylation genes and 2508 gene pairs associated with the prognostic status of the CC were identified. A signature composed of eight methylation gene pairs was obtained to predict the prognostic status of cervical patients. A series of genes that played an important role in the occurrence and development of CC were obtained by the functional enrichment analysis. To summary, a prognostic signature consisting of eight methylation gene pairs was obtained. Of note, the
CD28 and
PTEN gene pair were found to play important roles in the occurrence and development of CC.
CRISPR–Cas9 in genome editing: Its function and medical applications
Authors: Khadempar Saedeh , Familghadakchi Shokoufeh , Motlagh Roozbeh Akbari , Farahani Najmeh , Dashtiahangar Maryam , Rezaei Hamzeh , Gheibi Hayat Seyed Mohammad
Published: October 2018

The targeted genome modification using RNA‐guided nucleases is associated with several advantages such as a rapid, easy, and efficient method that not only provides the manipulation and alteration of genes and functional studies for researchers, but also increases their awareness of the molecular basis of the disease and development of new and targeted therapeutic approaches. Different techniques have been emerged so far as the molecular scissors mediating targeted genome editing including zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator‐like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9). CRISPR–Cas9 is a bacterial immune system against viruses in which the single‐strand RNA‐guided Cas9 nuclease is linked to the targeted complementary sequences to apply changes. The advances made in the transfer, modification, and emergence of specific solutions have led to the creation of different classes of CRISPR–Cas9. Since this robust tool is capable of direct correction of disease‐causing mutations, its ability to treat genetic disorders has attracted the tremendous attention of researchers. Considering the reported cases of nonspecific targeting of Cas9 proteins, many studies focused on enhancing the Cas9 features. In this regard, significant advances have been made in choosing guide RNA, new enzymes and methods for identifying misplaced targeting. Here, we highlighted the history and various direct aspects of CRISPR–Cas9, such as precision in genomic targeting, system transfer and its control over correction events with its applications in future biological studies, and modern treatment of diseases.
MiR‐448‐5p inhibits TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis by targeting Six1 in asthma
Authors: Yang Zhao‐Chuan , Qu Zheng‐Hai , Yi Ming‐Ji , Shan Yan‐Chun , Ran Ni , Xu Lei , Liu Xin‐Jie
Published: October 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small yet versatile gene tuners that regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth and proliferation. The aim of this study was to explore how miR‐448‐5p affects airway remodeling and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐stimulated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting Sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Six1) in asthma. Asthmatic mice models with airway remodeling were induced with ovalbumin solution. MiRNA expression was evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Transfection studies of bronchial epithelial cells were performed to determine the target genes. A luciferase reporter assay system was applied to identify whether Six1 is a target gene of miR‐448‐5p. In the current study, we found that miR‐448‐5p was dramatically decreased in lung tissues of asthmatic mice and TGF‐β1‐stimulated bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, the decreased level of miR‐448‐5p was closely associated with the increased expression of Six1. Overexpression of miR‐448‐5p decreased Six1 expression and, in turn, suppressed TGF‐β1‐mediated EMT and fibrosis. Next, we predicted that Six1 was a potential target gene of miR‐448‐5p and demonstrated that miR‐448‐5p could directly target Six1. An SiRNA targeting Six1 was sufficient to suppress TGF‐β1‐induced EMT and fibrosis in 16HBE cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of Six1 partially reversed the protective effect of miR‐448‐5p on TGF‐β1‐mediated EMT and fibrosis in bronchial epithelial cells. Taken together, the miR‐448‐5p/TGF‐β1/Six1 link may play roles in the progression of EMT and pulmonary fibrosis in asthma.
The role of iron metabolism in cancer therapy focusing on tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Dong Dandan , Zhang Gejing , Yang Jiancheng , Zhao Bin , Wang Shenghang , Wang Luyao , Zhang Ge , Shang Peng
Published: October 2018

Iron is an essential micronutrient in mammalian cells for basic processes such as DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and mitochondrial activity. Macrophages play a vital role in iron metabolism, which is tightly linked to their phagocytosis of senescent and death erythrocytes. It is now recognized that the polarization process of macrophages determines the expression profile of genes associated with iron metabolism. Although iron metabolism is strictly controlled by physiology, cancer has recently been connected with disordered iron metabolism. Moreover, in the environment of cancer, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit an iron release phenotype, which stimulates tumor cell survival and growth. Usually, the abundance of TAMs in the tumor is implicated in poor disease prognosis. Therefore, important attention has been drawn toward the development of tumor immunotherapies targeting these TAMs focussing on iron metabolism and reprogramming polarized phenotypes. Although further systematic research is still required, these efforts are almost certainly valuable in the search for new and effective cancer treatments.
Overexpression of cancer susceptibility candidate 2 inhibited progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Gao Xiang , Du Haijun , Zhang Ruoxi , Li Cong , Wang Hongguang , Xuan Qi , Liu Diangang
Published: October 2018

Objective

Our study was aimed to investigate the effect of cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods

CASC2 expression in tumor tissues and HCC cells was tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. After manipulating the expression of CASC2 in Hep3B and HepG2 cells, cells viability, including proliferation, apoptosis, cell‐cycle distribution, migration, and invasion were examined by colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound‐healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The expression levels of proteins associated with the cell cycle and AKT/mTOR pathway were measured by the western blot. Stably transfected HepG2 cells were used to construct nude mice models, and tumorigenesis was evaluated to investigate the in vivo functions of CASC2 in HCC progression.

Results

In tissues and cells of HCC, decreased CASC2 expressions were confirmed. Overexpression of CASC2 made cell cycle stagnated at G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, the overexpression of CASC2 played significant roles in inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, In vivo experiment indicated that CASC2 restrained the growth of tumors.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that CASC2 promoted cell apoptosis and suppressed cell growth and metastasis in HCC, indicating that CASC2 might be a useful biomarker of HCC.
Overexpressed circ_0067934 acts as an oncogene to facilitate cervical cancer progression via the miR‐545/EIF3C axis
Authors: Hu Chunjie , Wang Yue , Li Ao , Zhang Jin , Xue Fangfang , Zhu Li
Published: October 2018

Circular RNAs were recently identified as a novel type of noncoding RNAs. An increasing number of reports have demonstrated their essential regulatory roles in various biological processes and human diseases, including cancer. However, the role of circRNA in cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unknown. In the current study, we investigated the physiological functions of circ_0067934 during CC development and progression. We found that circ_0067934 was overexpressed in CC tissues and cell lines. Circ_0067934 upregulation was associated with advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in CC patients. Knockdown of circ_0067934 suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of CC cells in vitro. Circ_0067934 loss also inhibited CC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, silencing circ_0067934 increased miR‐545 expression. MiR‐545 repressed EIF3C expression through targeting its 3′‐untranslated region. MiR‐545 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells, whereas restoration of EIF3C could rescue the effects of circ_0067934 knockdown. Taken together, our findings revealed that circ_0067934 promotes CC progression via miR‐545/EIF3C axis. Our study may provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of CC.
Effects of sound elements on growth, viability and protein production yield in Escherichia coli
Authors: Acuña‐González Edgar , Ibarra David , Benavides Jorge
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of sound on biological systems has been addressed previously in the literature. However, most studies addressing this topic focus on the characterization of the effect of frequency on biological systems. In this regard the effect of other soundwave elements has been overlooked. In the present work, the effects of frequency, amplitude, duration, intermittence and pulse – individually and in combination – were tested with Escherichia coli by measuring biomass, viability and recombinant production yield, generating a deeper understanding of the effect of sound on bacterial systems.

RESULTS

Frequency and duration treatments influenced biomass concentration, increasing its value 19% and 44%, respectively, when compared with the standard treatment at time 24 h. However, such treatments showed high variability. Amplitude had a significant effect on biomass viability, doubling the duration of the exponential phase. Concerning protein production, intermittence increased the yield of recombinant protein 1.5 times without the contribution of any other sound element.

CONCLUSIONS

It was established that intermittence and amplitude have a relevant role in protein production yield and viability, respectively. Other sound elements such as frequency and duration seem to have effect on biomass concentration, although a high variability was observed under those treatments. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effect of the sound elements, both individually and in combination, on bacterial systems. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Strong immersion is a well‐quasi‐ordering for semicomplete digraphs
Authors: Barbero Florian , Paul Christophe , Pilipczuk Michał
Published: October 2018

We prove that the strong immersion order is a well‐quasi‐ordering on the class of semicomplete digraphs, thereby strengthening a result of Chudnovsky and Seymour (2011, J. Comb. Theory, Series B, 101, 47–53) that this holds for the class of tournaments.
The effect of traditional slash‐and‐burn agriculture on soil organic matter, nutrient content, and microbiota in tropical ecosystems of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kukla Jaroslav , Whitfeld Timothy , Cajthaml Tomáš , Baldrian Petr , Veselá‐Šimáčková Hana , Novotný Vojtěch , Frouz Jan
Published: October 2018

Slash‐and‐burn agriculture followed by tillage and western style agriculture often lead to loss of soil organic matter and soil degradation. Traditional slash‐and‐burn agriculture affects large areas of land across the tropical zone. However, there are few detailed studies about this practice. To evaluate the effect of traditional slash‐and‐burn agriculture on soil properties (total C, N, P, and C fractions of soil and available P, Ca, Mg, K, NO3, pH, and microbial community biomass and composition), we studied a chronosequence represented by active gardens, abandoned gardens (5–10 years old), secondary forest in abandoned garden sites (20–40 years old), and primary forest with no evidence of cultivation for at least 60 years. No significant differences between individual succession stages were found in total C, N, and P and in C fractions, pH, conductivity, and microbial biomass. In addition, stocks of C, N, and P in the soil did not differ between succession stages. By contrast, the concentration of available P, Ca, Mg, K, and NO3 was highest in active gardens. Litter was absent in active gardens, and the highest amount of litter on the soil surface was found in primary forest. Our results show that traditional slash‐and‐burn agriculture had a strong effect on nutrient availability but no effect on the total CNP stocks and soil C fractions.
Combined photogrammetry and mechanical testing of fired clay brick
Authors: Batinić M. , Galić M. , Trogrlić B. , Divić V. , Racetin I. , Mihanović A.
Published: October 2018

A novel experimental tensile apparatus and testing methodology, developed in order to define necessary material parameters for mathematical formulation of a constitutive model of fired clay brick is presented in this paper. In order to account for irregularities in sample geometry, a photogrammetry workflow for digital 3D reconstruction of samples was conducted, and non‐dimensional coefficients accounting for geometric irregularities of test specimen was introduced. Mechanical tests were carried out on a series of fired clay brick specimens, sampled from brick blocks. Statistically analysed experimental data, corrected with the aforementioned coefficients, yielded modulus of elasticity, Poisson's coefficient, and extreme tensile stress/strain relationships that, were used in the proposed numerical constitutive model.
Hot compression deformation behavior and processing map of Mg–Y–Sr–La(Ce)–Zr biodegradable magnesium alloy
Authors: Liu D. , Liu Z. , Li D. , Pang X.
Published: October 2018

The flow behavior of Mg–4.2Y–1.5Sr‐0.6La(Ce)–0.5Zr biodegradable magnesium alloy was investigated using Gleeble‐1500D thermal simulation test machine at deforming temperature of 350 °C–500 °C, strain rates of 0.001 s‐1–1 s‐1 and the final strain of 60 %. The flow stress constitutive relationship and processing map was established. Meanwhile, the experimental results indicated that flow stress of the Mg–Y–Sr–La(Ce)–Zr alloy increase and then decrease with increase of strain, which is due to work hardening caused by dislocation blocking and softening effects caused by dynamic recrystallization respectively. According to the processing maps and dynamic recrystallization of the alloy, the optimum processing parameters of the alloy are determined with a temperature range of 450 °C–500 °C and strain rate range of 0.006 s‐1–0.009 s‐1.
Influence of gradual replacement of aluminum for copper in FeCrCoNiCu alloys
Authors: Xueqian Y. , Guizhong L. , Yufeng B. , Xintao D. , Jingjie G.
Published: October 2018

AlxFeCrCoNiCu1‐x alloys with multiprincipal elements (x values in a molar ratio of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) are prepared by arc melting. When part of copper in the alloy began to be substituted by aluminum, although the microstructure is still the face centered cubic structure, the hardness of the alloy has drastically decreased. With the increase of replacing copper with aluminum, the hardness of alloy increases slowly, and when x = 0.8, rich aluminum nanoparticle precipitation and “Widmanstatten side plates” appear in the alloy, and the hardness of the alloy is increasing greatly. Finally, when the copper is completely replaced by aluminum, the alloy becomes body centered cubic structure, and the hardness reaches the maximum. In terms of ductility, x = 0∼0.6, alloys exhibit the good ductility, and no fracture occurs within the compression range, but the yield strength is relatively low. When x = 0.8∼1, the ductility of the alloy decreases obviously, and the cleavage fracture appears in the compression range, but the yield strength is greatly improved. Among these alloys, it can be found that these mechanical changes are closely related to changes in microstructure.
lncRNA DRHC inhibits proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma via c‐Myb‐regulated MEK/ERK signaling
Authors: Zhuang Runzhou , Zhang Xuanyu , Lu Di , Wang Jianguo , Zhuo Jianyong , Wei Xuyong , Ling Qi , Xie Haiyang , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: October 2018

Accumulating evidence indicates that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we reported a novel lncRNA, CTC‐505O3 (lncRNA DRHC), that was downregulated in HCC and its low expression was associated with dismal survival. Gain‐of‐function studies indicated that it inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cell lines in vitro. lncRNA DRHC also inhibited tumorigenicity in vivo. In mechanistic experiments, GO analysis based on NGS indicated that MAPK signaling was most affected. The result was confirmed by Western blot and this effect was abolished either by MEK1/2 specific inhibitor Trametinib or ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984. In addition, differences in proliferation and invasion were abrogated by Trametinib. Moreover, we found that lncRNA DRHC interacted with MYBBP1A and modulated MEK/ERK signaling via c‐Myb. Taken together, our findings indicate that the lncRNA DRHC play a key role in HCC progression and may serve as a novel therapeutic target.
Development of a virtual training environment to enhance live cataract surgical training
Authors: Strauss Glenn H. , Gulasy Dennis , Allard Jeremie
Published: October 2018

The world of virtual reality‐based training is gradually reaching into the field of ophthalmology, but the methodology for creating high‐fidelity simulation tools is largely unexplored and slowly catching up with the curve of available technology. This paper explores many of the challenges involved in the development of new technology in the hopes of encouraging research and development.
High‐speed intra‐operative assessment of breast tumour margins by multimodal ultrasound and photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Li Rui , Lan Lu , Xia Yan , Wang Pu , Han Linda K. , Dunnington Gary L. , Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia , Sandusky George E. , Medley Jennifer A. , Crook Susan T. , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: October 2018

Conventional methods for breast tumour margins assessment need a long turnaround time, which may lead to re‐operation for patients undergoing lumpectomy surgeries. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has been shown to visualize adipose tissue in small animals and human breast. Here, we demonstrate a customized multimodal ultrasound and PAT system for intra‐operative breast tumour margins assessment using fresh lumpectomy specimens from 66 patients. The system provides the margin status of the entire excised tissue within 10 min. By subjective reading of three researchers, the results show 85.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 42.0–99.2] sensitivity and 84.6% (95% CI, 53.7–97.3) specificity, 71.4% (95% CI, 30.3–94.9) sensitivity and 92.3% (95% CI, 62.1–99.6) specificity and 100% (95% CI, 56.1–100) sensitivity and 53.9% (95% CI, 26.1–79.6) specificity, respectively, when cross‐correlated with post‐operational histology. Furthermore, a machine learning‐based algorithm is deployed for margin assessment in the challenging ductal carcinoma in situ tissues and achieved 85.5% (95% CI, 75.2–92.2) sensitivity and 90% (95% CI, 79.9–95.5) specificity. Such results present the potential of using multimodal ultrasound and PAT as a high‐speed and accurate method for intra‐operative breast tumour margins evaluation.
A reduced basis approach to large‐scale pseudospectra computation
Authors: Sirković Petar
Published: October 2018

For studying spectral properties of a nonnormal matrix
, information about its spectrum σ(A) alone is usually not enough. Effects of perturbations on σ(A) can be studied by computing ε‐pseudospectra, i.e. the level sets of the resolvent norm function
. The computation of ε‐pseudospectra requires determining the smallest singular values
for all z on a portion of the complex plane. In this work, we propose a reduced basis approach to pseudospectra computation, which provides highly accurate estimates of pseudospectra in the region of interest, in particular, for pseudospectra estimates in isolated parts of the spectrum containing few eigenvalues of A. It incorporates the sampled singular vectors of zI − A for different values of z, and implicitly exploits their smoothness properties. It provides rigorous upper and lower bounds for the pseudospectra in the region of interest. In addition, we propose a domain splitting technique for tackling numerically more challenging examples. We present a comparison of our algorithms to several existing approaches on a number of numerical examples, showing that our approach provides significant improvement in terms of computational time.
Sliding mode control of time‐varying delay Markov jump with quantized output
Authors: Zhang Hainan , Shen Mouquan
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the quantized sliding mode control of Markov jump systems with time‐varying delay. A dynamical adjustment law is explored to quantize the system output. By constructing an observer‐based integral sliding surface, a sliding mode controller is designed to take over the dynamical motion of state estimation and ensure the reachability of sliding surface. A new scaling manner is developed to build the bound between the system output and quantized error. With the help of separation strategies for controller synthesis and general transition probabilities and a lower bound theorem for nonlinear integral terms, a new synthesis method to ensure the required stability and meet the required
performance is proposed in the form of linear matrix inequalities. The validity of the proposed control method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Waging Paperfare: Subverting the Damage of Extractive Capitalism in Kakadu
Authors: Lea Tess , Howey Kirsty , O'Brien Justin
Published: October 2018

Drawing on campaigns waged and administrative burdens managed by the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) in Kakadu National Park to manage the effects of existing uranium mining and further proposed mining, this article draws attention to some of the techniques and coalitions that GAC has created to manage its would‐be managers. It uses the case of monitoring the operations and particularly the rehabilitation of the Ranger Uranium mine and of halting the opening of a second mine, known as Jabiluka, to consider the less conspicuous paperwork battles that take place amid and in the aftermath of these public battles. In considering these contests, we argue that the double valency of holding to account needs to be considered, to avoid dichotomising Indigenous people as either co‐opted by or opposed to administration, a bifurcation which fails to recognize the complexity and inevitability of contemporary Indigenous management regimes. This is neither a celebration of Indigenous counter‐administration, nor a false positing of Aboriginal alternatives to institutionalized worlds. Concluding, we note that when the organizational toil of drawing the locus of power in decision‐making towards Aboriginal interests is made apparent, the notion that there is an alternative to institutionalized forces of settler colonialism, represented by Indigenous resistance, is complicated. We mark this organizational work as evidencing the unrelenting nature of administrative violence under active colonization.
Synthesis and self‐assembly of multiple‐responsive magnetic nanogels
Authors: Yao Haiyang , Li Xueting , Shi Xiaodi , Qiu Gao , Lu Xihua
Published: October 2018

In this paper, temperature and pH‐sensitive interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) nanogels (NGs) were firstly prepared, and magnetic hybrid NGs were made through in‐situ precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ into the IPN NGs. Under the optimized condition, the resulting hybrid NG dispersion with up to 17.3 wt% magnetite was stable, while the size distribution of the NGs is broad due to the formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles outside the NGs. In order to synthesize relatively uniform magnetic NGs, magnetite content was reduced to 8.1 wt% magnetite. The NGs with 8.1 wt% magnetite can quickly self‐assemble into colloidal crystals induced by magnet, while such NGs slowly self‐assembled into colloidal crystals without external magnetic field. Furthermore, the reflection wavelength of the self‐assembled magnetic NGs showed red‐shift with increasing pH and temperature.
High school bystanders motivation and response during bias‐based bullying
Authors: Williams Amanda J. , Banks Courtney S. , Blake Jamilia J.
Published: October 2018

Bias‐based bullying focused on sexual orientation or gender identity in schools has significant negative implications for the academic, social, and emotional well‐being of students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, or who are perceived to behave in gender nonconforming ways. Despite empirical support for the influence of bystander behavior can have on school bullying, information about bystander behavior during bias‐based bullying remains limited. Using a thematic narrative analysis, this study analyzed high school students’ perceptions of bystander behavior in their school. Results suggest bystanders are observed to enact a range of responses that fall into three categories: (a) passive avoidance, (b) victim support, or (c) joining the bullying situation. Furthermore, the motivation of bystanders was described within the themes of (a) fear, (b) individual characteristics, (c) relationships, and (d) personal experience. By drawing from the daily lived experiences of adolescents, the current study offers greater insight into youth perspective on how future strategies could address bias‐based bullying in schools. This study is foundational to increase the ecological validity of efforts to quantify bias‐based bullying.
Attachment and pedagogical relevant practices as elements of a successful alternative school through the narratives of its students
Authors: Amitay Gila , Rahav Giora
Published: October 2018

Affective engagement to school is a precondition for success among at‐risk students who are learning in successful alternative high schools, which provide a second chance for schooling. Attachment is a well‐known main characteristic of successful alternative schools. Yet while research indicated overwhelmingly positive psychosocial outcomes, academic outcomes of alternative schools yield mixed results. The current study investigated the narratives of the students who attend a successful alternative second‐chance arts school. Our main purpose was to refine the main best practices for success as they reflect from students' narratives and to refine a theoretical model to illustrate these practices. The research consisted of 49 semistructured interviews with 36 students from all grade levels and internships of school.The results portray profound accounts of practices that enhance attachment to school and holistic pedagogical practices as two main essential practices, conceived by the interviewees that construct a genuine second chance when the two are intertwined. Enhancing attachment in a variety of methods and applying holistic pedagogical practices reduce school alienation and enhance success as they interact with one another. A theoretical model is presented to display the findings. Theoretical and practical implementations are discussed as essential for future policies regarding at risk youth for dropout.
Unveiling Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a High Performance Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Idris Mustapha B. , Sappani Devaraj
Published: October 2018

Synthesis of mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (MGCN) by soft template method is still challenging and its application as an electrode material for supercapacitor remains unexplored. Herein, we introduce MGCN as an electrode material for supercapacitors. MGCN is synthesized by facile direct carbonization of methylolated surfactant‐polymer composite and bulk graphitic carbon nitride (BGCN) is synthesized under similar condition but in the absence of surfactant. MGCN displays excellent capacitance properties in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte with a specific capacitance as high as 279 F g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A g−1. It also exhibits good rate capability and outstanding cycling stability with excellent coulombic efficiency of 100% over 5000 cycles. This superior capacitive storage performance is attributed to the high surface area, easily accessible mesopores and high pyridinic nitrogen content. High surface area and uniform pores of MGCN provide more active sites for charge storage and reduce diffusion path length for ions while high pyridinic nitrogen enhanced the overall specific capacitance by surface Faradaic reaction.
Hyperbranched Polyurethane‐Supported Pd‐Ag@CQD Nanocomposite: A High Performing Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Bayan Rajarshi , Karak Niranjan
Published: October 2018

Polymer nanocomposites designed especially for catalytic application is a relatively unexplored domain in material chemistry as well as synthetic organic chemistry. The current work strives on crafting high performance hyperbranched polymer nanocomposites with catalytic properties for direct organic transformations. Herein, a bio‐derived aliphatic hyperbranched polyurethane (HPU) was fabricated with bimetallic palladium‐silver‐carbon dot (Pd−Ag@CQD) nanohybrid by in situ polymerization technique. Different compositions of the nanocomposite were prepared by varying the loading of nanohybrid. Analytical techniques like FT‐IR, PXRD, TEM, TGA and DSC were utilized for characterization of the nanocomposites. The bimetallic nanohybrid in unison with carbonaceous CQDs was found to be poly‐dispersed in the HPU matrix. The combination of the bimetallic‐cum‐carbonaceous nanohybrid with HPU provided significant improvement of mechanical properties like tensile strength (2.2 fold), elongation at break (1.19 fold), toughness (3.0 fold) etc. over pristine HPU. The bimetallic nanohybrid‐supported nanocomposites also demonstrated vastly enhanced thermal stability (above 300 °C). The nanocomposites demonstrated loading‐dependent enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties. The HPU‐supported Pd−Ag@CQD nanocomposite displayed exceptional efficiency (100% conversions, 30–60 min) as a robust and recyclable catalyst (upto 10 cycles) for rapid oxidative ipso‐hydroxylation of aryl boronic acids to yield corresponding phenols. The poly‐dispersion of Pd−Ag@CQD in HPU offered multiple nano‐reactive sites, while superior mechanical properties of HPU‐supported bimetallic nanocomposites provided stability, heterogeneity and sustainability. The current catalytic protocol presents a facile route for preparation of phenols and its derivatives and can be suitable for opening up new avenues for large‐scale applications.
Application of Curcumin as Ligand in [Pd(Curc‐H)2] Catalyst for Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation in Heck and Suzuki Coupling Reactions
Authors: Bhange Dattatraya S. , Rasal Nishant K. , Sonawane Rahul B. , Jagtap Sangeeta V.
Published: October 2018

The Pd‐II catalysed C−C bond formation Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions with moderate to excellent yields are reported, using curcumin as ligand, which is extracted from turmeric powder. The application of curcumin based [Pd(Curc‐H)2] catalyst in organic synthesis tested here, is the novelty of this protocol. This novel, highly efficient and simple protocol shows a broad substrate scope for aryl halides, substituted alkenes and phenyl boronic acid as coupling partners.
Base‐Promoted Cycloisomerization for the Synthesis of Indolizines and Related Heterocycles
Authors: Xiao Ke , Zhu Congjun , Lin Maohua , Song Chuanjun , Chang Junbiao
Published: October 2018

The base‐mediated 5‐exo‐dig type cyclization reaction of homopropargyl pyridines for the construction of indolizines has been reported for the first time. A variety of indolizine derivatives could be obtained in moderate to excellent isolated yields by treatment of homopropargyl pryidines with cesium carbonate in DMSO at 100 °C. This strategy could also be adapted to the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinolines and pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrimidines from the corresponding homopropargylquinolines and homopropargylpyrimidines, respectively. The mechanism involves α C−H deprotonation, 5‐exo‐dig cyclization, and isomerization of the exocyclic double bond to provide the heteroaromatic system. The transformation reported herein does not require the aid of transition metal catalysts or halogens, and is thus environmentally friendly.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Amination of Aryl C–H Bonds with Alkylamines via Bidentate Chelation Assistance from 8‐Aminoquinoline Motif at Room Temperature
Authors: Sambasiva Rao Naidu , Manohar Reddy Ganapam , Harihara Sarma Maheswaran
Published: October 2018

We report a novel, versatile method for Cu(I)‐catalyzed direct amination of N‐quinolylbenzocarboxamides at the aryl group with alkylamines at ortho sp2‐C−H bond with assistance from 8‐aminoquinoline motif and for as many as 27 substrate combinations at room temperature under neat conditions in the presence of air without requiring any base or additives.
SMArDT modeling for automotive software testing
Authors: Drave Imke , Hillemacher Steffen , Greifenberg Timo , Kriebel Stefan , Kusmenko Evgeny , Markthaler Matthias , Orth Philipp , Salman Karin Samira , Richenhagen Johannes , Rumpe Bernhard , Schulze Christoph , von Wenckstern Michael , Wortmann Andreas
Published: October 2018

Efficient testing is a crucial prerequisite to engineer reliable automotive software successfully. However, manually deriving test cases from ambiguous textual requirements is costly and error‐prone. Model‐based software engineering captures requirements in structured, comprehensible, and formal models, which enables early consistency checking and verification. Moreover, these models serve as an indispensable basis for automated test case derivation. To facilitate automated test case derivation for automotive software engineering, we conducted a survey with testing experts of the BMW Group and conceived a method to extend the BMW Group's specification method for requirements, design, and test methodology by model‐based test case derivation. Our method is realized for a variant of systems modeling language activity diagrams tailored toward testing automotive software and a model transformation to derive executable test cases. Hereby, we can address many of the surveyed practitioners' challenges and ultimately facilitate quality assurance for automotive software.
On melonic supertensor models
Authors: Chang Chi-Ming , Colin-Ellerin Sean , Rangamani Mukund
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We investigate a class of supersymmetric quantum mechanical theories (with two supercharges) having tensor-valued degrees of freedom which are dominated by melon diagrams in the large N limit. One motivation was to examine the interplay between supersymmetry and melonic dominance and potential implications for building toy models of holography. We find a definite tension between supersymmetry (with dynamical bosons) and melonic dominance in this class of systems. More specifically, our theories attain a low energy non-supersymmetric conformal fixed point. The origin of supersymmetry breaking lies in the need to regularize bosonic and fermionic degrees of freedom independently. We investigate various aspects of the low energy spectrum and also comment on related examples with different numbers of supercharges. Along the way we also derive some technical results for SL(2, ℝ) wavefunctions for fermionic excitations.
The cross anomalous dimension in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Münkler Hagen
Published: October 2018

Abstract

The cross or soft anomalous dimension matrix describes the renormalization of Wilson loops with a self-intersection and is an important object in the study of infrared divergences of scattering amplitudes. In this paper it is studied for the Maldacena-Wilson loop in$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and Euclidean kinematics. We consider both the strong-coupling description in terms of minimal surfaces in AdS5as well as the weak-coupling side up to the two-loop level. In either case, the coefficients of the cross anomalous dimension matrix can be expressed in terms of the cusp anomalous dimension. The strong-coupling description displays a Gross-Ooguri phase transition and we argue that the cross anomalous dimension is an interesting object to study in an integrability-based approach.
Labour Market Participation After Emergency Laparotomy: A Nationwide Cohort Study with Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Thygesen Lau Caspar , Gögenur Ismail
Published: October 2018

Background

Many patients who undergo emergency laparotomy are working, which is a key determinant for an individual’s socio‐economic status and financial security. The objectives of this study were to compare labour market participation and sick leave in a nationwide patient population undergoing non‐malignant emergency resections with a matched reference population.

Methods

This nationwide prospective cohort study included all patients aged 18+ years undergoing emergency laparotomy for non‐malignant disease resulting in intestinal resections, ostomy or drainage at Danish hospitals 2003–2014 and who were active on the labour market (n = 2895). We included a sex‐ and age‐matched reference population (n = 11,422) and followed all persons in nationwide registers. We used survival analyses and logistic regression.

Results

The proportion of people active in the labour market was 85% and 66% 1 and 2 years after surgery compared to 96% and 79% among the reference population. The hazard ratio of dropout was 1.15 (95% CI 1.05–1.25, p = 0.002) among patients compared to reference population. Increased dropout was observed for disability pension (2.58; 2.14–3.11; p < 0.0001), while patients did not have increased rate of age‐related pensions. The proportion on sick leave was 66% the month following surgery compared to 3–4% among references. The proportion decreased thereafter but was higher up to 3 years after surgery.

Conclusions

This nationwide study including all patients undergoing resections demonstrated marked increase in disability pensioning and sick leave after surgery compared to a matched reference group. This supports the need for interventions and programmes during hospital stay and after discharge focusing on labour market participation.
Mediating Solutions to Territorial Civil Wars in Africa: Norms, Interests, and Major Power Leverage
Authors: Duursma Allard
Published: October 2018

This article draws on the concept of “identity interests” to explain why commitment to the territorial integrity norm in the context of African peace processes has persisted over such a long period of time, even as continental and international contexts have changed. One major implication of this commitment to the territorial integrity norm is that third parties involved in peacemaking in Africa have consistently refrained from promoting a negotiated settlement that might pave the way for independence; they have only pushed for a territorial revision in a few instances. The role of major powers has been crucial with regard to the few successful territorial changes in Africa since 1960. An overview of all outcomes of mediation in territorial intrastate conflicts in Africa—as well as seven case studies—support this argument.