bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midfacial growth patterns in males from newborn to 5 years old based on computed tomography
Authors: Evteev Andrej , Anikin Anatoliy , Satanin Leonid
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Growth patterns of the human facial skeleton have been of great interest and importance for biological anthropologists, forensic scientists, craniofacial surgeons, and orthopedists. Nevertheless, growth trends of the facial skeleton in infancy and early childhood are still poorly known and clinical CT data have been insufficiently used for studying craniofacial ontogeny. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive quantitative description of human midfacial ontogeny in infancy and early childhood, and to contribute to debates regarding the role of modularity vs. integration in shaping the human face.

Methods

Our dataset includes 146 high resolution clinical CT datasets of males from the 2nd to 6th years of life and 101 dataset of infants (males) in the 1st year of life. Forty landmarks were collected from each 3D reconstructed skull, then 25 linear measurements describing the morphological features of the facial skeleton were calculated. The integration/modularity issue was addressed via comparison of intragroup correlation matrices at different ages.

Results

Growth trends for all the measurements are presented in charts and tables of statistical parameters that can be used as normative data. The midfacial variables display a great diversity of growth patterns. The correlation structure of the measurements is different at different ages.

Conclusions

Variables commonly assigned to the same unit of the facial skeleton can exhibit rather different growth trends, but some measurements display seemingly coordinated patterns of growth change. The level of interindividual variation of most measurements is stable after the second half of the first year of life.
Pigment and Binder Concentrations in Modern Paint Samples Determined by IR and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wiesinger Rita , Pagnin Laura , Anghelone Marta , Moretto Ligia M. , Orsega Emilio F. , Schreiner Manfred
Published: April 2018

Knowledge of the techniques employed by artists, such as the composition of the paints, colour palette, and painting style, is of crucial importance not only to attribute works of art to the workshop or artist but also to develop strategies and measures for the conservation and restoration of the art. While much research has been devoted to investigating the composition of an artist's materials from a qualitative point of view, little effort has been made in terms of quantitative analyses. This study aims to quantify the relative concentrations of binders (acrylic and alkyd) and inorganic pigments in different paint samples by IR and Raman spectroscopies. To perform this quantitative evaluation, reference samples of known concentrations were prepared to obtain calibration plots. In a further step, the quantification method was verified by additional test samples and commercially available paint tubes. The results obtained confirm that the quantitative method developed for IR and Raman spectroscopy is able to efficiently determine different pigment and binder concentrations of paint samples with high accuracy.
Oxidation of Naphthalene with a Manganese(IV) Bis(hydroxo) Complex in the Presence of Acid
Authors: Jeong Donghyun , Yan James J. , Noh Hyeonju , Hedman Britt , Hodgson Keith O. , Solomon Edward I. , Cho Jaeheung
Published: April 2018

Naphthalene oxidation with metal–oxygen intermediates is a difficult reaction in environmental and biological chemistry. Herein, we report that a MnIV bis(hydroxo) complex, which was fully characterized by various physicochemical methods, such as ESI‐MS, UV/Vis, and EPR analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and XAS, can be employed for the oxidation of naphthalene in the presence of acid to afford 1,4‐naphthoquinone. Redox titration of the MnIV bis(hydroxo) complex gave a one‐electron reduction potential of 1.09 V, which is the most positive potential for all reported nonheme MnIV bis(hydroxo) species as well as MnIV oxo analogues. Kinetic studies, including kinetic isotope effect analysis, suggest that the naphthalene oxidation occurs through a rate‐determining electron transfer process.
Traversing Steric Limitations by Cooperative Lewis Base/Palladium Catalysis: An Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Branched Esters Using 2‐Substituted Allyl Electrophiles
Authors: Schwarz Kevin J. , Pearson Colin M. , Cintron‐Rosado Gabriel A. , Liu Peng , Snaddon Thomas N.
Published: April 2018

Cooperative catalysis enables the direct enantioselective α‐allylation of linear prochiral esters with 2‐substituted allyl electrophiles. Critical to the successful development of the method was the recognition that metal‐centered reactivity and the source of enantiocontrol are independent. This feature is unique to simultaneous catalysis events and permits logical tuning of the supporting ligands without compromising enantioselectivity.
A Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective γ‐Boryl Substitution of Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Alkenes: Synthesis of Enantioenriched γ,γ‐gem‐Difluoroallylboronates
Authors: Kojima Ryoto , Akiyama Sota , Ito Hajime
Published: April 2018

The first catalytic enantioselective γ‐boryl substitution of CF3‐substituted alkenes is reported. A series of CF3‐substituted alkenes was treated with a diboron reagent in the presence of a copper(I)/Josiphos catalyst to afford the corresponding optically active γ,γ‐gem‐difluoroallylboronates in high enantioselectivity. The thus obtained products could be readily converted into the corresponding difluoromethylene‐containing homoallylic alcohols using highly stereospecific allylation reactions.
Controlled Nucleation and Controlled Growth for Size Predicable Synthesis of Nanoscale Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A General and Scalable Approach
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Gang , Cheng Qian , Yu Yun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: April 2018

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) are promising porous nanomaterials for diverse applications, such as catalysis, imaging, functional membranes, and drug delivery. At the nanoscale, the size of materials is critical for their properties and utility. Herein, a straightforward and convenient strategy is developed for size precisely controlled synthesis of nanoMOFs. Unlike other approaches, this strategy can directly give nanoMOFs of predicable sizes within a wide range without the time consuming trial‐and‐error process and without the addition of additives. In this approach, the preciseness of size control is ensured by the separated and controlled nucleation and growth. The size controlled synthesis of 9 kinds of most widely studied nanoMOFs confirms the versatility of this strategy. More importantly, this approach can be utilized for scale‐up synthesis of nanoMOFs with the same precise size control.
Indanol‐Based Chiral Organoiodine Catalysts for Enantioselective Hydrative Dearomatization
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Shimazaki Yuto , Omatsu Yamato , Maruoka Keiji
Published: April 2018

Rapid development in the last decade has rendered chiral organoiodine(I/III) catalysis a reliable methodology in asymmetric catalysis. However, due to the severely limited numbers of effective organoiodine catalysts, many reactions still give low to modest enantioselectivity. We report herein a solution to this issue through the introduction of a pivotal indanol scaffold to the catalyst design. Our catalyst architecture exhibits the advantage of high modularity and thereby expedites catalyst optimization. The catalyst was optimized for the challenging and highly sought‐after hydrative dearomatization of 2‐substituted phenols at the 4‐position.
A Bio‐inspired Cu4O4 Cubane: Effective Molecular Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Jiang Xin , Li Jian , Yang Bing , Wei Xiang‐Zhu , Dong Bo‐Wei , Kao Yi , Huang Mao‐Yong , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: April 2018

Inspired by the cubic Mn4CaO5 cluster of natural oxygen‐evolving complex in Photosystem II, tetrametallic molecular water oxidation catalysts, especially M4O4 cubane‐like clusters (M=transition metals), have aroused great interest in developing highly active and robust catalysts for water oxidation. Among these M4O4 clusters, however, copper‐based molecular catalysts are poorly understood. Now, bio‐inspired Cu4O4 cubanes are presented as effective molecular catalysts for electrocatalytic water oxidation in aqueous solution (pH 12). The exceptional catalytic activity is manifested with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 267 s−1 for [(LGly‐Cu)4] at 1.70 V and 105 s−1 for [(LGlu‐Cu)4] at 1.56 V. Electrochemical and spectroscopic study revealed a successive two‐electron transfer process in the Cu4O4 cubanes to form high‐valent CuIII and CuIIIO. intermediates during the catalysis.
Diverse meta‐C−H Functionalization of Arenes across Different Linker Lengths
Authors: Jayarajan Ramasamy , Das Jayabrata , Bag Sukdev , Chowdhury Rajdip , Maiti Debabrata
Published: April 2018

Arenes containing conformationally flexible long alkyl chains have been successfully functionalized at the meta‐position. Good to excellent meta selectivity is achieved for systems with up to 20 atoms between the target C−H bond and the coordinating heteroatom of the directing group. The palladium‐catalyzed functionalization reactions include alkylation, cyanation, olefination, and acetoxylation. The meta selectivity is exclusively governed by the design of flexible pyrimidine‐based scaffolds.
Stable Copper(I)‐Mediated Base Pairing in DNA
Authors: Jash Biswarup , Müller Jens
Published: April 2018

A GNA (glycol nucleic acid) functionalized nucleoside analogue containing the artificial nucleobase 1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (P) was used to form a copper(I)‐mediated base pair within a DNA duplex. The geometrical constraints imposed by the artificial nucleobase play a pivotal role in this unprecedented stabilization of copper(I) in aqueous medium via metal‐mediated base pairing. The formation of the copper(I)‐mediated base pair was investigated by temperature‐dependent UV spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy. The metal‐mediated base pair stabilizes the DNA oligonucleotide duplex by 23 °C. A redox chemistry approach confirmed that this base pair formation was due to the incorporation of copper(I) into the duplex. This first report of a copper(I)‐mediated base pair adds metal‐based diversity to the field and consequently opens up the range of possible applications of metal‐modified nucleic acids.
Low noise ultraviolet photodetector with over 100% enhanced lifetime based on polyfluorene copolymer and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Azadinia Mohsen , Fathollahi Mohammadreza , Ameri Mohsen , Shabani Siyavash , Mohajerani Ezeddin
Published: April 2018

Stability and noise current of a hybrid UV photodetector with inverted planar heterojunction (PHJ) structure indium‐tin‐oxide/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs)/poly[9,9′‐dioctyl‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl]‐copoly[diphenyl‐p‐tolyl‐amine‐4,4′‐diyl] (BFE)/Ag are investigated. ZnO NPs as the acceptor and BFE as the donor were deposited as the active layer. Under UV light illumination, light to dark current ratio of about 102 is observed at a very low bias voltage of −1.5 V. The spectral response of the device is located near UV region with a maximum responsivity of ∼57 mA/W at wavelength of 350 nm. In particular, the prepared device exhibits remarkably higher photoresponse (∼350%) and stability (∼115%) enhancement under ambient condition compared to the reference device. In addition, the presented results show that the noise current of our device with PHJ structure is about an order of magnitude lower than that of commonly used bulk heterojunction system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46533.
Synthesis and characterization of a PAMAM dendrimer‐based superplasticizer and its effect on the properties in cementitious system
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Liao Bing , Nian Fuwei , Zhao Yangyang , Wang Kun , Pang Hao
Published: April 2018

In this work, a polyamidoamine dendrimer‐based polycarboxylic superplasticizer (DPC) with a crosslinked emanative structure was synthesized via simple free radical polymerization. 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were used for structural characterization. The fluidity, rheology behavior, and compressive strength of the cement/DPC samples were investigated in detail. The DPCs performed better dispersion and dispersion maintaining capabilities, stronger water reduction capability, and higher adsorption amounts than the conventional comb‐shaped superplasticizer. The dispersive capacity of the DPC increased with an increasing generation of polyamidoamine dendrimers. Besides, compared with conventional comb‐shaped superplasticizer, the addition of DPC led to a delayed and lowered heat flow peak on the hydration of cement paste at early age of hydration process. Furthermore, compressive strength results showed that the cement/DPC samples performed higher compressive strength than blank cement samples. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46550.
Enhancing Nanos expression via the bacterial TomO protein is a conserved strategy used by the symbiont Wolbachia to fuel germ stem cell maintenance in infected Drosophila females
Authors: Ote Manabu , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: April 2018

The toxic manipulator of oogenesis (TomO) protein has been identified in the wMel strain of Wolbachia that symbioses with the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, as a protein that affects host reproduction. TomO protects germ stem cells (GSCs) from degeneration, which otherwise occurs in ovaries of host females that are mutant for the gene Sex‐lethal (Sxl). We isolated the TomO homologs from wPip, a Wolbachia strain from the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. One of the homologs, TomOwPip1, exerted the GSC rescue activity in fly Sxl mutants when lacking its hydrophobic stretches. The GSC‐rescuing action of the TomOwPip1 variant was ascribable to its abilities to associate with Nanos (nos) mRNA and to enhance Nos protein expression. The analysis of structure–activity relationships with TomO homologs and TomO deletion variants revealed distinct modules in the protein that are each dedicated to different functions, i.e., subcellular localization, nos mRNA binding or Nos expression enhancement. We propose that modular reshuffling is the basis for structural and functional diversification of TomO protein members.
LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of tenofovir, emtricitabine, elvitegravir and rilpivirine in dried blood spots
Authors: Prathipati Pavan Kumar , Mandal Subhra , Destache Christopher J.
Published: April 2018

A simple, short, and rugged LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of tenofovir, emtricitabine, elvitegravir and rilpivirine was developed and validated. Dried blood spots were prepared with 25 μL of spiked whole blood. A 3 mm punch was extracted with methanol containing labeled internal standards. Ten microliters was injected into the LC–MS/MS using isocratic mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (45: 55 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The method was validated in the range of 10–2000 ng/mL for all four analytes. The intra‐assay accuracy (RE) of the method was −4.73–4.78, 1.35–2.89, −8.89 to −0.49 and − 1.40–1.81 for tenofovir, emtricitabine, elvitegravir and rilpivirine, respectively. The inter‐assay accuracy was within ±15% of nominal and precision (CV) was <15%. The hematocrit effect on quantification was nonsignificant at the tested hematocrit levels (35–70%). The dried blood spot method showed good agreement with the plasma method, and hence can be used as an alternative to plasma method.
Defining the width of the normal tibial plateau relative to the distal femur: Critical normative data for identifying pathologic widening in tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Johannsen Adam m. , Cook Austin M. , Gardner Michael J. , Bishop Julius A.
Published: April 2018

Tibial plateau widening in the setting of fracture is an indication for surgical treatment, and restoring width is an important goal of surgery. In order to identify and correct pathological widening, the width of the normal tibial plateau must first be defined. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for the width of the tibial plateau relative to the distal femur to enable surgeons to identify and correct pathological widening in the setting of tibial plateau fracture. Fifty‐one uninjured anteroposterior (AP) knee radiographs and 11 XR and CT scans of lateral tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The distances measured included maximal distal femoral width, femoral articular width, tibial articular width, and lateral plateau widening. On average, lateral plateau widening was +0.02 ± 2.03 mm, indicating that the most lateral aspect of the tibial plateau is collinear with the most lateral aspect of the lateral epicondyle of the femur. In the fracture population, average widening was 7.13 ± 3.59 mm on XR and 6.57 ± 3.34 mm on CT, with an absolute difference between XR and CT of 1.19 ± 0.66 mm. In conclusion, this study is the first to define the radiographic anatomy of the proximal tibia quantitatively. In the setting of tibial plateau fracture, residual widening of 2.1 mm could be within normal variation. However, the authors consider widening >2.1 mm pathological. These values can be used for assessing pathological widening of tibial plateau fractures. Clin. Anat. 31:688–692, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the role of two aspects of eWOM in online repurchase intention: An integrated trust–loyalty perspective
Authors: Bulut Zeki Atıl , Karabulut Ali Naci
Published: April 2018

As electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) has become an influential information resource for digital consumers who purchase products, understanding how the 2 ways of eWOM influence consumers' online repurchase intention (ORPI) becomes very pivotal. Despite its importance, there is no study in the literature that examined receiving and participating aspects of eWOM in an integrated perspective. The purpose of this study is to understand how 2 controversial eWOM aspects influence ORPI of consumers. Moreover, this study examines the mediating roles of e‐trust and e‐loyalty in the association between 2 sides of eWOM aspects and ORPI. The results indicated that 2 eWOM receiving factors, eWOM quality and eWOM quantity, have positive influences on e‐trust and ORPI. However, as an eWOM participating factor, the eWOM content has no significant influence on ORPI whereas another participating factor, the eWOM intensity, has the greatest impact on ORPI. Furthermore, the findings illustrate that e‐trust has a complementary mediation effect in the association between 2 receiving eWOM aspects and ORPI; likewise, e‐loyalty has a complementary mediation in the relationship between 2 participating eWOM aspects and ORPI.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Thermally Tailored Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Electrocatalysts Prepared through Plasma Synthesis
Authors: Li Oi Lun , Wada Yuta , Kaneko Amane , Lee Hoonseung , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: April 2018

Although nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts are promising candidates for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs), the role of the nitrogen bonding structure, such as pyridinic‐N, amino‐N, and graphitic‐N, on the ORR activity remains controversial. Furthermore, despite recent progress in tuning the C−N chemical bonding states within the carbon materials by using chemical vapor deposition and post heat treatment, a systematic evaluation of various N moieties remains challenging, owing to the differences in the thermal stabilities of different types of bonds. Herein, we successfully designed a method to tailor pyridinic‐N, amino‐N, and graphitic‐N bonding in N‐doped carbon nanoparticles fabricated through a plasma process combined with post heat treatment. Investigations on the electrochemical performance of the fabricated materials suggested that catalysts with dominant amino‐N exhibited higher current density, where graphitic‐N has a positive effect on the ORR onset potential. This synthetic strategy provides a simple and efficient approach for studying the relationship between the C−N bonding structure and the electrochemical performance of N‐doped carbon catalysts.
BN‐Patterning of Metallic Substrates through Metal Coordination of Decoupled Borazines
Authors: Schwarz Martin , Garnica Manuela , Fasano Francesco , Demitri Nicola , Bonifazi Davide , Auwärter Willi
Published: April 2018

We report on the synthesis of pyridine‐terminated borazine derivatives, their molecular self‐assembly as well as the electronic properties investigated on silver and copper surfaces by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The introduction of pyridine functionalities allows us to achieve distinct supramolecular architectures with control of the interdigitation of the molecules by surface templating. On silver surfaces, the borazine derivatives arrange in a dense‐packed hexagonal structure through van der Waals and H‐bonding interactions, whereas on Cu(111), the molecules undergo metal coordination. The porosity and coordination symmetry of the reticulated structure depends on the stoichiometric ratio between copper adatoms and the borazine ligands, permitting an unusual three‐fold coordinated Cu–pyridyl network. Finally, spectroscopy measurements indicate that the borazine core is electronically decoupled from the metallic substrate. We thus demonstrate that BNC‐containing molecular units can be integrated into stable metal‐coordination architectures on surfaces, opening pathways to patterned, BN‐doped sheets with specific functionalities, for example, regarding the adsorption of polar guest gases.
Divergent Elementoboration: 1,3‐Haloboration versus 1,1‐Carboboration of Propargyl Esters
Authors: Wilkins Lewis C. , Soltani Yashar , Lawson James R. , Slater Ben , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: April 2018

This work showcases the 1,3‐haloboration reaction of alkynes in which boron and chlorine add to propargyl systems in a proposed sequential oxazoliumborate formation with subsequent ring‐opening and chloride migration. In addition, the functionalization of these propargyl esters with dimethyl groups in the propargylic position leads to stark differences in reactivity whereby a formal 1,1‐carboboration prevails to give the 2,2‐dichloro‐3,4‐dihydrodioxaborinine products as an intramolecular chelate. Density functional theory calculations are used to rationalize the distinct carboboration and haloboration pathways. Significantly, this method represents a metal‐free route to highly functionalized compounds in a single step to give structurally complex products.
Involving Synergy of Green Light and Acidic Responses in Control of Unimolecular Multicolor Luminescence
Authors: Zhou Yunyun , Zhu Liangliang
Published: April 2018

Conversion of multicolor luminescence is one of desirable goals in study and development of next‐generation molecular emitters, whereas involving visible light into the control of the above‐mentioned ability has been poorly addressed due to the need of a relatively complicate molecular design. In this work, we present a novel dyad with a linkage of 4‐piperazinyl‐1,8‐naphthalimide and cyanostyryl‐modified azulene moiety, upon which the luminescence signal can be orthogonally controlled by protonation and green light irradiation. The superior features of the protonation induced excited state energy alteration, followed by green light driven photoisomerization led to a progressive luminescent color conversion among blue, yellow and green at the single molecular level. This strategy may bring in novel insights for preparing advanced function‐integrated optoelectronic materials.
Crystallization of a Novel Germanosilicate ECNU‐16 Provides Insights into the Space‐Filling Effect on Zeolite Crystal Symmetry
Authors: Xu Le , Zhang Lin , Li Jian , Muraoka Koki , Peng Fei , Xu Hao , Lin Cong , Gao Zihao , Jiang Jin‐Gang , Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Sun Junliang , Okubo Tatsuya , Wu Peng
Published: April 2018

Synthesis of new zeolites involving organic molecules relies heavily on the trial‐and‐error approach, because it is difficult to interpret the determining effects of organics on zeolite crystal symmetry. Here, the intrinsic relationships among the space‐filling of organics, included volume of channels, and zeolite crystal symmetry, are systematically demonstrated by experimental and computational means. Under controlled conditions, the “dimer” and “monomer” organics of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium selectively direct different, but related, germanosilicates, the ECNU‐16 with a new topology and the existing IM‐16 with the UOS topology, respectively. The comprehensive computational study reveals that the zeolite phase selectivity is determined by the unique space‐filling behavior of the “dimer” and “monomer” organics, which is closely correlated to their rotation freedom, as well as the included volume of host zeolite channels. The elucidation of this crucial space‐filling effect from the fundamental viewpoint will provide new guidelines for the rational design and synthesis of new zeolites in future.
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau successfully treated only with infliximab: A case report
Authors: Kioka Mana , Yu Akitoshi , Tanizaki Hideaki , Kokunai Yasuhito , Kurokawa Teruo , Moriwaki Shinichi
Published: April 2018

A 22‐year‐old man presented with a 2‐month history of rapidly progressing pustular eruptions on the accrual regions of his fingers and toes with local arthralgia and severe nail destruction. A histological examination revealed parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis and elongation of the rete ridges of the epidermis with exocytosis of neutrophils forming spongiform pustules of Kogoj. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH). ACH, a variant of pustular psoriasis, is often resistant to various topical treatments, and the patient experienced prominent decline in his quality of life. Therefore, we decided to use infliximab in the present case. After the fourth administration of infliximab alone, the patient's digital arthralgia and pustular eruptions disappeared completely, and the long‐term administration of infliximab drastically reduced all of the patient's symptoms of ACH, including the nail lesions without any adverse events or recurrence. Our findings suggest that ACH shares a disease spectrum with plaque‐type and pustular psoriasis. In addition, biologic agents such as a tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor are useful for treating patients with ACH just as those with psoriasis and may even be used alone.
Facile Synthesis of Palladium‐Nanoparticle‐Embedded N‐Doped Carbon Fibers for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Shim Kyubin , Wang Zhong‐Li , Mou Tasnima Haque , Bando Yoshio , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Kim Jeonghun , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kim Jung Ho
Published: April 2018

In recent years, there have been many studies on metal/carbon hybrid materials for electrochemical applications. However, reducing the metal content in catalysts is still a challenge. Here, a facile synthesis of palladium (Pd) nanoparticle‐embedded N‐doped carbon fibers (Pd/N‐C) through electropolymerization and reduction methods is demonstrated. The as‐prepared Pd/N‐C contains only 1.5 wt % Pd. Under optimal conditions, bisphenol A is detected by using amperometry in two dynamic ranges from 0.1 to 10 μm and from 10 to 200 μm, and the obtained correlation coefficients are close to 0.9836 and 0.9987, respectively. The detection limit (DL) for bisphenol A is determined to be 29.44 (±0.77) nm.
Construction of Bifunctional Co/H‐ZSM‐5 Catalysts for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Stearic Acid to Diesel‐Range Alkanes
Authors: Wu Guangjun , Zhang Nan , Dai Weili , Guan Naijia , Li Landong
Published: April 2018

Bifunctional Co/H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites were prepared by a surface organometallic chemistry grafting route, namely, by the stoichiometric reaction between cobaltocene and the Brønsted acid sites in zeolites. The catalyst was applied to a model reaction of the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of stearic acid (SA). The cobalt species existed in the form of isolated Co2+ ions at the exchange positions after grafting, transformed to CoO species on the surface of the zeolite, stabilized inside the zeolite channels upon calcination in air, and finally reduced by hydrogen to homogeneous clusters of metallic cobalt species approximately 1.5 nm in size. During this process, the Brønsted acid sites of the H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites were preserved with a slightly reduced acid strength. The as‐prepared bifunctional catalyst exhibited an approximately 16 times higher activity for the hydrodeoxygenation of SA (2.11 gSA gcat−1 h−1) than the reference catalyst (0.13 gSA gcat−1 h−1) prepared by solid‐state ion exchange and a high C18/C17 ratio of approximately 24. The remarkable hydrodeoxygenation performance of the bifunctional Co/H‐ZSM‐5 was owed to the effective synergy between the uniformed metallic cobalt clusters and the Brønsted acid sites in H‐ZSM‐5. The simplified reaction network and kinetics of the SA hydrodeoxygenation catalyzed by the as‐prepared bifunctional Co/H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites were also investigated.
Modelling the effect of divertor closure on detachment onset in DIII‐D with the SOLPS code
Authors: Casali L. , Sang C. , Moser A.L. , Covele B.M. , Guo H.Y. , Samuell C.
Published: April 2018

SOLPS modelling has shown that divertor plasma detachment occurs at a lower upstream separatrix density in the more closed DIII‐D upper divertor than the open lower divertor, demonstrating the utility of the divertor closure in widening the range of acceptable densities for adequate heat handling. To achieve reduced heat flux and erosion at the plasma‐facing components, future devices will need to operate in at least partially detached divertor conditions . Two‐dimensional fluid plasma models coupled to Monte Carlo neutral transport simulations, such as SOLPS, have been widely used to predict the onset of detachment. In modelling the DIII‐D discharges, the cross‐field transport coefficients are constrained to reproduce the experimental upstream profiles. The closed divertor has been modelled with the same input parameters of the open divertor, allowing a direct comparison of the target conditions in both geometries. SOLPS simulations indicate that a higher molecular density correlates strongly with lower electron temperatures. The increased closure of the upper divertor improves the trapping of neutrals, thereby reducing the power density deposited at the target and facilitating detachment, in agreement with experimental observations.
A Review of Subscore Estimation Methods
Authors: Fu Jianbin , Qu Yanxuan
Published: April 2018

Various subscore estimation methods that use auxiliary information to improve subscore accuracy and stability have been developed. This report provides a review of various subscore estimation methods described in the literature. The methodology of each method is described, then research studies on these subscore estimation methods are summarized. Comments on the methods and suggestions for future areas of research are provided, and preliminary guidelines for using subscore estimation methods in practice are recommended.
Discovering cortical sulcal folding patterns in neonates using large‐scale dataset
Authors: Meng Yu , Li Gang , Wang Li , Lin Weili , Gilmore John H , Shen Dinggang
Published: April 2018

The folding of the human cerebral cortex is highly complex and variable across individuals, but certain common major patterns of cortical folding do exist. Mining such common patterns of cortical folding is of great importance in understanding the inter‐individual variability of cortical folding and their relationship with cognitive functions and brain disorders. As primary cortical folds are mainly genetically influenced and are well established at term birth, neonates with minimal exposure to the complicated postnatal environmental influences are ideal candidates for mining the major patterns of cortical folding. In this paper, we propose a sulcal‐pit‐based method to discover the major sulcal patterns of cortical folding. In our method, first, the sulcal pattern is characterized by the spatial distribution of sulcal pits, which are the locally deepest points in cortical sulci. Since deep sulcal pits are genetically related, relatively consistent across individuals, and also stable during brain development, they are well suited for representing and characterizing the sulcal patterns. Then, the similarity between the distributions of sulcal pits is measured from the spatial, geometrical, and topological points of view. Next, a comprehensive similarity matrix is constructed for the whole dataset by adaptively fusing these measurements together, thus capturing both their common and complementary information. Finally, leveraging the similarity matrix, a hierarchical affinity propagation algorithm is used to group similar sulcal folding patterns together. The proposed method has been applied to 677 neonatal brains, and revealed multiple distinct and meaningful sulcal patterns in the central sulcus, superior temporal sulcus, and cingulate sulcus.
Collaborate across silos: Perceived barriers to integration of care for the elderly from the perspectives of service providers
Authors: Lau Janice Ying‐Chui , Wong Eliza Lai‐Yi , Chung Roger Y. , Law Stephen C.K. , Threapleton Diane , Kiang Nicole , Chau Patsy , Wong Samuel Y.S. , Woo Jean , Yeoh Eng‐Kiong
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To examine the barriers that hinder collaboration between health care and social care services and to report recommendations for effective collaboration to meet the growing support and care needs of our ageing population.

Methods

Data for this qualitative study were obtained from interviews with 7 key informants (n = 42) and 22 focus groups (n = 117) consisting of service providers who were from the health care or social care sectors and supporting elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases or long‐term care needs. Data collection was conducted from 2015 to 2016. The data were analysed using an inductive approach on the basis of thematic analysis.

Findings

Qualitative analysis reviewed a number of factors that play a significant role in setting up barriers at the operational level, including fragmentation and lack of sustainability of discharge programmes provided by non‐governmental organisations, lack of capacity of homes for the elderly, limitation of time and resources, and variation of roles in supporting end‐of‐life care decisions between the medical and social sectors. Other barriers are those of communication to be found at the structural level and perceptual ones that exist between professionals. Of these, perceptual barriers affect attitudes and create mistrust and interprofessional stereotypes and a hierarchy between the health care and social care sectors.

Conclusion

Health care and social care service providers recognise the need for collaborative work to enhance continuity of care and ageing in place; however, their efforts are hindered by the identified barriers that need to be dealt with in practical terms and by a change of policy.
Serum carbohydrate antigen 153 and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Peng You‐Fan , Lin Hao , Han Man‐Man , Li Ling
Published: April 2018

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between serum carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 184 patients with T2DM were included, and renal function was assessed by the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula adjusted coefficient of the Chinese people.

Results

Serum CA153 concentrations were positively correlated with blood glucose (BG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r = .204, P = .005; r = .165, P = .025) in patients with T2DM. There was a negative correlation between serum CA153 and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = −.229, P = .002) in whole patients with T2DM; similarly, the correlations were observed in both women and men (r = −.228, P = .028 for women, r = −.231, P = .028 for men). Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that serum CA153 was still significantly correlated with estimated GFR (beta = −0.286, P < .001).

Conclusions

Serum CA153 is negatively correlated with estimated GFR in patients with T2DM, and serum CA153 may be a potentially useful clinical biomarker to assess renal function in the study population.
Foliar anatomy and microscopy of six Brazilian species of Baccharis (Asteraceae)
Authors: Budel J. M. , Raman V. , Monteiro L. M. , Almeida V. P. , Bobek V. B. , Heiden G. , Takeda I. J. M. , Khan I. A.
Published: April 2018

We report for the first time the presence of cluster crystals of calcium oxalate within the glandular trichomes and oil bodies in the mesophyll for Baccharis species. Moreover, the comparative leaf anatomy and micro‐morphology of six species of Baccharis, namely B. illinita, B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla is investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The studied species exhibited differences in their leaf anatomical features such as the morphology of the cuticle, type and occurrence of the stomata, presence or absence of glandular trichomes, shape of the flagelliform trichomes, and the arrangement of the mesophyll tissues. These differences can be helpful in the species identification and classification and could represent informative characters for the reconstruction of the evolution of the genus.
Nutrition Therapy in Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Units: An International Comparison Study
Authors: Ridley Emma J. , Peake Sandra L. , Jarvis Matthew , Deane Adam M. , Lange Kylie , Davies Andrew R. , Chapman Marianne , Heyland Daren
Published: April 2018

Background

The Augmented Versus Routine Approach to Giving Energy Trial (TARGET) is the largest blinded enteral nutrition (EN) intervention trial evaluating energy delivery to be conducted in the critically ill. To determine the external validity of TARGET results, nutrition practices in intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) are described and compared with international practices.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for the International Nutrition Surveys, 2007–2013. Data are presented as mean (SD).

Results

A total of 17,154 patients (ANZ: n = 2776 vs international n = 14,378) from 923 ICUs (146 and 777, respectively) were included. EN was the most common route of feeding (ANZ: 85%, n = 2365 patients vs international: 84%, n = 12,034; P = .258), and EN concentration was also similar (<1.25 kcal/mL ANZ: 70%, n = 12,396 vs international: 65%, n = 56,891 administrations; P < .001). Protein delivery was substantially below the estimated prescriptions but similar between the regions (0.6 [0.4] g/kg/day vs 0.6 [0.4] g/kg/day; P = .849). Patients in ANZ received slightly more energy (1133 [572] vs 948[536] kcal/day; P < .001), possibly because more energy was prescribed (1947 [348] vs 1747 [376] kcal/day; P < .001), nutrition protocols were more commonly used (98% vs 75%; P < .001) and included recommendations for therapies such as prokinetic agents (87% vs 51%, n = 399; P < .001) and small bowel feeding (62% vs 40%; P < .001) when compared with international ICUs.

Conclusions

Key elements of nutrition practice are similar in ANZ and international ICUs. These data can be used to determine the external validity and relevance of TARGET results.
Targeted Full Energy and Protein Delivery in Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (FEED Trial)
Authors: Fetterplace Kate , Deane Adam M. , Tierney Audrey , Beach Lisa J. , Knight Laura D. , Presneill Jeffrey , Rechnitzer Thomas , Forsyth Adrienne , Gill Benjamin M. T. , Mourtzakis Marina , MacIsaac Christopher
Published: April 2018

Background

International guidelines recommend greater protein delivery to critically ill patients than they currently receive. This pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to determine whether a volume‐target enteral protocol with supplemental protein delivered greater amounts of protein and energy to critically ill patients compared with standard care.

Methods

Sixty participants received either the intervention (volume‐based protocol, with protein supplementation) or standard nutrition care (hourly‐rate‐based protocol, without protein supplementation) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Coprimary outcomes were average daily protein and energy delivery. Secondary outcomes included change in quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT, ultrasound) and malnutrition (subjective global assessment) at ICU discharge.

Results

Mean (SD) protein and energy delivery per day from nutrition therapy for the intervention were 1.2 (0.30) g/kg and 21 (5.2) kcal/kg compared with 0.75 (0.11) g/kg and 18 (2.7) kcal/kg for standard care. The mean difference between groups in protein and energy delivery per day was 0.45 g/kg (95% CI, 0.33–0.56; P < .001) and 2.8 kcal/kg (95% CI, 0.67–4.9, P = .01). Muscle loss (QMLT) at discharge was attenuated by 0.22 cm (95% CI, 0.06–0.38, P = .01) in patients receiving the intervention compared with standard care. The number of malnourished patients was fewer in the intervention [2 (7%) vs 8 (28%); P = .04]. Mortality and duration of admission were similar between groups.

Conclusions

A high‐protein volume‐based protocol with protein supplementation delivered greater amounts of protein and energy. This intervention was associated with attenuation of QMLT loss and reduced prevalence of malnutrition at ICU discharge.
Synthesis and Assessment of a CO2‐Switchable Foaming Agent Used in Drilling Fluids for Underbalanced Drilling
Authors: Su Junlin , Dong Wenxin , Zhou Sulin , Deng Mingyi
Published: April 2018

In underbalanced drilling, a switchable foam fluid is essential to reduce the drilling cost. A switchable foaming agent was synthesized by carbonyl–amine condensation and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the tolerable temperature limit of the surfactant was 128 °C. The effectiveness of CO2/N2 switching was confirmed by analysis of the electrical conductivity and surface tension. Utilizing the foaming agent, 3 different foam systems (unstable, stable, and hard) were designed for drilling after formula optimization. Experimentally, the self‐circulation indicated that the foaming fluids still maintained great foaming performance even after multiple cycles. The experiment also indicated that the suspension of the foam systems was 50–90 times that of water and had a significant resistance to salts (NaCl, CaCl2). Besides, the foam systems found that the suitable foaming temperature was 40–100 °C and that the hard foam system could maintain the foaming performance up to 120 °C. In the oil resistance experiment, the foaming ability of the foam systems decreased obviously above a kerosene content of 5% (w/v), whereas a certain foaming performance still could be ensured below 10% kerosene.
Effects of Polyether Surfactants on Dynamic Interfacial Tension of Betaine Solutions against Crude Oil
Authors: Ruan Chong‐Yu , Zhang Guo‐Shan , Zhou Zhao‐Hui , Zhang Qun , Situ Wei‐Xian , Zhang Lei , Zhu Yan , Zhang Lu
Published: April 2018

The dynamic interfacial tension (IFT) of betaine and betaine/polyether‐nonionic surfactant‐mixed systems against hydrocarbons, kerosene, and crude oil–water was studied using a spinning‐drop tensiometer. The influence of average molecular weight of polyether‐nonionic surfactants on IFT of mixed solutions was investigated. On the basis of the experimental results, one can find that it is difficult to reach the ultralow IFT value for betaine solution against hydrocarbon and kerosene because of the mismatch between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. After purification, kerosene still contains a small amount of carboxyl groups, which can exert a synergistic effect on surfactants resulting in a lower IFT. The IFT of betaine and mixtures against Daqing crude oil can reach an ultralow value because of the mixed adsorption of surfactant and petroleum soap molecules. For mixed solutions, with the increasing concentration of added polyether, the decrease of petroleum soaps at the oil–water interface results in the destruction of synergistic effects.
Development of middle size full in‐cell LCD module for PC with IGZO
Authors: Hata Masayuki , Tanaka Kohei , Watanabe Takuya , Noma Mikihiro , Tagawa Akira , Yoshida Keisuke , Yamamoto Kaoru , Nagata Kosuke , Miyazaki Shinichi , Kitagawa Daiji
Published: April 2018

We developed the world's first middle size full in‐cell LCD for PC with IGZO technology. We evaluated a new Gate driver In Panel structure with latch circuit and confirmed that there were no problems with display and touch panel performance. Furthermore, we did a feasibility study of higher display resolutions and larger size panels, which showed future possibilities.
Nitrogen fixation rates diagnosed from diurnal changes in elemental stoichiometry
Authors: Follett Christopher L. , White Angelicque E. , Wilson Samuel T. , Follows Michael J.
Published: April 2018

The carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C, N, and P, respectively) composition and elemental ratios were measured in the 20–200 μm size fraction during July 2015 in the surface waters of an anticyclonic eddy encountered north of Hawaii in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The observed particulate N : P ratio fluctuated by approximately a factor of two over the diel cycle. We present a simple mathematical argument connecting this change to a rate of biological nitrogen fixation, and calculate the nitrogen fixation rate to be ≥ 13 nmol L−1 d−1 for this size class. This value is higher than simultaneous bottle‐incubation based rates measured with isotopic tracers, yet is consistent with historic rate measurements from the region. As confirmation of our methods, diurnal changes in C : N : P of laboratory cultures of the diazotrophic genus Trichodesmium were measured. In the laboratory, we show that estimates of nitrogen fixation from stoichiometric time series are equivalent to those derived directly from mass balance. The disparity between nitrogen fixation rates derived from tracer measurements and particulate stoichiometry in the field suggests that large diazotrophs may be underestimated in small volume (∼ 4 L) bottle incubations as a result of either spatial heterogeneity or vertical migration of large cells. Otherwise, processes other than diazotrophy must cause the observed changes in stoichiometry. This approach represents a novel and scalable means of quantifying in situ nitrogen fixation rates from diurnal changes in size‐fractionated stoichiometry. We also infer carbon fixation, growth rates, and phosphorus uptake in the 20–200 μm size class.
Calculation of turbulent dissipation rate with acoustic Doppler velocimeter
Authors: Huang Chuan Jiang , Ma Hongyu , Guo Jingsong , Dai Dejun , Qiao Fangli
Published: April 2018

Turbulent dissipation rates are calculated from an acoustic Doppler velocimeter by fitting the measured wavenumber spectrum to a universal turbulence spectrum. A combination of the Butterworth filter and empirical model decomposition is employed to reduce Doppler noise and high‐frequency fluctuations. Different from the classical inertial subrange dissipation method fitting to the Kolmogorov − 5/3 slope, we propose the method here which can make longer available spectrum bands. We analyzed 408 bursts with turbulent dissipation rates ranging from 10−8 to 10−5 W kg−1 as measured in the coastal ocean of the South China Sea and found for all of these bursts, features of the clean spectrum can be resolved to the dissipation range of turbulence, in which about 15% bursts can be resolved to the Kolmogorov wavenumber, and 51% to 1/2 Kolmogorov wavenumber. Comparisons of this method with the inertial subrange method indicated that its estimated turbulent dissipation rates were somewhat smaller than those from the inertial subrange method in most of the bursts. Their ratios had a mean value of 0.77, which is typical for oceanic turbulence measurements.