bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomics, Morphoproteomics, and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma and Response to Multiple Experimental Therapies
Authors: Groisberg Roman , Roszik Jason , Conley Anthony P. , Lazar Alexander J. , Portal Daniella E. , Hong David S. , Naing Aung , Herzog Cynthia E. , Somaiah Neeta , Zarzour Maria A. , Patel Shreyaskumar , Brown Robert E. , Subbiah Vivek
Published: March 2020

Overexpression of transcription factor 3 in alveolar soft part sarcoma(ASPS) results in upregulation of cell proliferation pathways. No standard treatment algorithm exists for ASPS; multikinase inhibitors[tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)] and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown clinical benefit. To date, no studies have reported on management strategies or sequencing of therapy. We evaluated ASPS treatment patterns and responses in an experimental therapeutics clinic. Genomic and morphoproteomic analysis was performed to further elucidate novel targets. We retrospectively reviewed patients with ASPS treated on clinical trials. Demographic and clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) profiles were collected. AACR GENIE database was queried to further evaluate aberrations in ASPS. Morphoproteomic analysis was carried out to better define the biology of ASPS with integration of genomic and proteomic findings. Eleven patients with ASPS were identified; 7 received NGS testing and mutations in CDKN2A (n = 1) and hepatocyte growth factor (n = 1) were present. Ten patients were treated with TKIs with stable disease as best response and 4 patients with ICI (three partial responses). Within GENIE, 20 patients were identified harboring 3 called pathogenic mutations. Tumor mutation burden was low in all samples. Morphoproteomic analysis confirmed the expression of phosphorylated c-Met. In addition, fatty acid synthase and phosphorylated-STAT3 were detected in tumor cell cytoplasm and nuclei. Patients with ASPS have a quiescent genome and derive clinical benefit from VEGF-targeting TKIs. Morphoproteomic analysis has provided both additional correlative pathways and angiogenic mechanisms that are targetable for patients with ASPS. Our study suggests that sequential therapy with TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is a reasonable management strategy.
Deciphering the Immunomodulatory Capacity of Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus to Enhance the Immune Response to Breast Cancer
Authors: Umer Brittany A. , Noyce Ryan S. , Franczak Brian C. , Shenouda Mira M. , Kelly Rees G. , Favis Nicole A. , Desaulniers Megan , Baldwin Troy A. , Hitt Mary M. , Evans David H.
Published: March 2020

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that devotes a large portion of its 200 kbp genome to suppressing and manipulating the immune response of its host. Here, we investigated how targeted removal of immunomodulatory genes from the VACV genome impacted immune cells in the tumor microenvironment with the intention of improving the therapeutic efficacy of VACV in breast cancer. We performed a head-to-head comparison of six mutant oncolytic VACVs, each harboring deletions in genes that modulate different cellular pathways, such as nucleotide metabolism, apoptosis, inflammation, and chemokine and interferon signaling. We found that even minor changes to the VACV genome can impact the immune cell compartment in the tumor microenvironment. Viral genome modifications had the capacity to alter lymphocytic and myeloid cell compositions in tumors and spleens, PD-1 expression, and the percentages of virus-targeted and tumor-targeted CD8+ T cells. We observed that while some gene deletions improved responses in the nonimmunogenic 4T1 tumor model, very little therapeutic improvement was seen in the immunogenic HER2/neu TuBo model with the various genome modifications. We observed that the most promising candidate genes for deletion were those that interfere with interferon signaling. Collectively, this research helped focus attention on the pathways that modulate the immune response in the context of VACV oncolytic virotherapy. They also suggest that the greatest benefits to be obtained with these treatments may not always be seen in “hot tumors.”
Inverse Relationship between Plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Shi Xiaosong , Qiu Benfen , Shen Huaying , Feng Sheng , Fu Jinxiang
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the level of soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and its correlation with micro-inflammation and atherosclerosis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: This retrospective study involved 23 healthy subjects (control group), 23 hemodialysis (HD) patients (HD group) and 26 PD patients (PD group). Serum biochemical measurements and sTWEAK assessments were tested. The association between intima-media thickness (IMT) and sTWEAK concentrations was evaluated. Results: The TWEAK level was lower in PD (155.16 ± 3.69 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and the HD group (150.16 ± 7.23 pg/mL, p < 0.001) than that in the control group (193.05 ± 5.36 pg/mL), with no significant difference between the PD group and the HD group. In the PD and HD groups, sTWEAK was significant negatively correlated with CPR, fibrinogen, and white blood cell (p < 0.05). Besides, compared to lower sTWEAK concentration end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (no >161.9 pg/mL), patients who had a higher level of sTWEAK (>161.9 pg/mL) had a lower IMT (0.97 ± 0.04 vs. 0.84 ± 0.03 cm, p = 0.029). After adjusted for sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, duration of dialysis, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and serum glucose, sTWEAK (B = –0.002, r = 0.015) and CRP (B = 0.022, r = 0.015) were independent risk factors for the IMT of ESRD patients. Conclusion: Plasma TWEAK is inversely associated with carotid IMT among patients undergoing HD and PD.
Myofibrillar Myopathy Mimicking Polyneuropathy
Authors: Bourque Pierre R. , Breiner Ari , Warman-Chardon Jodi
Published: March 2020

A 76-year-old man with a 5-year history of gait difficulties was suspected to have length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Electrodiagnostic results pointed to a foot drop of neurogenic etiology, except for the prominence of myotonic discharges on needle EMG. Tests for acquired and genetic causes of polyneuropathy were unrevealing. The patient’s first-degree cousin, with a much different clinical phenotype had been diagnosed with myofibrillar myopathy. Our patient was eventually found to carry the same myotilin c.179C>T p.Ser60Phe mutation. Muscle MRI was helpful in delineating clinically unsuspected involvement of paraspinal and pelvi-femoral muscles, as well as showing marked myopathic fatty infiltration of distal leg muscles. The association of neuropathy and myopathy is a recognized feature of myofibrillar myopathy. In some patients with unexplained foot drop, whole-body muscle MRI and a dedicated genetic mutation testing strategy may help reveal a diagnosis of genetic myopathy.
Activin A Expressed in Rheumatoid Synovial Cells Downregulates TNFα-Induced CXCL10 Expression and Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Kuranobu Tatsuomi , Mokuda Sho , Oi Katsuhiro , Tokunaga Tadahiro , Yukawa Kazutoshi , Kohno Hiroki , Yoshida Yusuke , Hirata Shintaro , Sugiyama Eiji
Published: March 2020

Objective: Activin A is known to be highly expressed in rheumatoid synovium. In the present study, we investigated the effect of inflammatory cytokines on activin A production and its role in rheumatoid inflammation using freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells (fresh-RSC). Methods: Fresh-RSC from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were obtained and stimulated with multiple cytokines for activin A production. Gene expression levels of activin A and inflammatory cytokines were determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure activin A and CXCL10 in culture supernatants. The osteoclasts generated from human peripheral monocytes by RANKL stimulation were identified by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and bone resorption assay using Osteo plate. The expression levels of NFATc1 and cathepsin K, critical intracellular proteins for osteoclastogenesis, were determined by Western blotting. Results: Activin A production in fresh-RSC was markedly enhanced by the synergistic effect of TGF-β1 with inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Activin A inhibited TNFα-induced CXCL10, an important chemoattractant for pathogen-activated T cells and monocytes of osteoclast precursors, but it did not affect the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, activin A directly inhibited the expression of NFATc1 and cathepsin K, as well as osteoclast formation in human samples. Conclusion: Our data indicated that TGF-β1 is involved in the expression of activin A at inflamed joints. Activin A mainly exerts an anti-inflammatory action, which prevents joint damage via the regulation of CXCL10 and osteoclastogenesis.
Mammakarzinom: Adipositas wirkt sich negativ auf das Gesamtüberleben aus
Authors: Banys-Paluchowski Maggie , Fehm Tanja
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis of Chinese women with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 3,380 primary breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2012 were selected and classified as low BMI group (BMI <25.0) and high BMI group (BMI ≥25.0). The follow-up data for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained from 3,178 patients (median follow-up of 58 months). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of BMI on DFS and OS. Results: The high BMI group showed more aggressive pathological features. BMI was negatively associated with OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.66; p=0.012) but not DFS (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94-1.40; p=0.17). Furthermore, when stratified by age, BMI was significantly and negatively associated with OS (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05-1.95; p=0.025) in patients above 50 years of age, but this effect was not detected in younger patients. Conclusion: BMI was an independent prognostic factor of OS in Chinese women with breast cancer, and age might be a mitigating factor. Among patients above 50 years of age, those with a high BMI were at greater risk of poor prognosis compared to individuals with a low BMI.
Nicht kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom bei älteren Patienten: Einfluss von Lobektomie oder sublobärer Resektion auf die Prognose
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: March 2020

Background: We present a critical comparison of lobectomy and sub-lobar resection in elderly patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer using meta-analytical techniques. Methods: A literature search was conducted between the period of December 1997 to March 2019 to identify the comparative studies evaluating 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with either the fixed or random effect models, respectively. Results: Six retrospective studies are included in our meta-analysis for a total of 1205 patients. 843 of the individuals were treated with lobectomy, while 362 were treated with sub-lobar resection. We found no significant difference between the lobectomy and the sub-lobar resection in either of the 1-, 3-, or 5-year survival rates. Conclusions: This study suggests that in elderly individuals with stage I NSCLC, a sub-lobar resection is statistically equivalent to the lobectomy in terms of 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Further large-scale randomized studies are needed to confirm our results.
Prostatakarzinom: Wie die partizipative Entscheidungsfindung die Lebensqualität beeinflusst
Authors: Karger André , Fugmann Dominik
Published: March 2020

Aims: To synthesize the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of shared decision making (SDM) compared to usual care for prostate cancer (PC) treatment. Methods and results: A systematic review of academic (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, PsychINFO, and Scopus) and grey (clinicaltrials.gov, WHO trial search, meta-Register ISRCTN, Google Scholar, opengrey, and ohri.ca) literature, also identified from contacting authors and hand-searching bibliographies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs): 1) comparing SDM to usual care for decisions about PC treatment, 2) conducted in primary or specialized care, 3) fulfilling the key SDM features, and 4) reporting quantitative outcome data. Four RCTs from Canada (n=3) and the USA were included and comprised 1,065 randomized men, most (89.8%) of whom were in PC stage T1-T2. The studies reported 24 outcome measures. In 62.5% study estimates, SDM was similar to usual care at improving patient satisfaction and mood, and at reducing decisional conflict and decisional regret. In 37.5% study estimates, SDM significantly improved knowledge, perception of being informed and patient-perceived quality of life (QoL) at four weeks. There was a dearth of outcome data, particularly on the adherence to treatment and on patient-important and clinically relevant health outcomes such as symptoms and mortality. Conclusion: SDM may positively influence menʼs knowledge and may have a positive but short-term effect on patient-perceived QoL. The (long-term) effects of SDM on patient-related outcomes for decisions about PC treatment are unclear. Future research needs consensus about the interventions and outcomes needed to evaluate SDM and should address the absence of evidence on health outcomes.
The Second Exchange: Ottoman Greeks and the American Deportation State during the 1930s
Authors: Gratien Chris , Pope-Obeda Emily K.
Published: March 2020

After multiple wars, Greece and the newly-founded Republic of Turkey made peace through the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1930 Treaty of Ankara. A critical component of this rapprochement was the mutual exchange of population and property involving the transfer of some two million people. As part of the exchange, Greek Orthodox inhabitants of the Republic of Turkey – with the exception of those who remained in Istanbul as of the Treaty of Ankara – became Greek nationals. This article explores how the agreements between Turkey and Greece indirectly facilitated a ‘second exchange’ involving the deportation of Ottoman-born Greeks from the United States during the 1930s. As the American deportation state grew to deport upwards of 20,000 people at the outset of the Great Depression, groups targeted by stringent immigration quotas such as communities of the former Ottoman Empire were deported in large numbers. The exchange of populations provided a framework for resolving the ambiguous nationalities of Greeks in the US, allowing American diplomats to secure Greek passports for prospective deportees. As we further demonstrate, only the terms of this agreement – not national affinity nor diplomatic relations with the US – could be invoked to secure these passports in a number of cases. When it came to immigration enforcement, how people self-identified in racial, ethnic, religious, or national terms was virtually irrelevant. What mattered was how states identified them.
Latina/o/x Studies and Biblical Studies
Authors: Hidalgo Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2020

This essay introduces Latina/o/x studies for a biblical studies audience. It examines crucial themes that bridge Latina/o/x studies and biblical studies, themes such as identity and difference with special attention to ethnicity and race; also migration with attention to homing, diaspora, transnationalism, and citizenship. The place of Latina/o/x studies in relevant Hebrew Bible and New Testament scholarship on these topics is also discussed. Ultimately this essay argues that Latina/o/x studies’ epistemological commitments to complexity, relationality, particularity, and collaborative knowledge-making can help ground critical interpretive approaches in biblical studies. This essay also imagines a way that biblical studies—capaciously encompassing the study of Jewish and Christian literature in the ancient world as well as Jewish and Christian biblical reception and rejection histories, and the very category of scriptures more broadly—could deepen Latina/o/x studies own thinking about canon formation and history.
Allium nerimaniae (Amaryllidaceae), a new species of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Turkey

Authors: KOÇYİĞİT MINE , KAYA ERDAL
Published: March 2020

Allium nerimaniae from Van (East Anatolia) is described and illustrated. It is compared with the related Allium hirtovaginum according to distinct morphological characteristics. The seed morphology and leaf anatomy of A. nerimaniae and A. hirtovaginum are also presented and discussed. A key for identification of the hairy taxa of sect. Codonoprasum is presented.
Melastoma malabituin (Melastomataceae): a new species from northern Luzon, Philippines

Authors: AGCAOILI JOHN MICHAEL , BARCELONA JULIE F. , PELSER PIETER B.
Published: March 2020

Melastoma malabituin is described and illustrated. This new species is currently only known from the municipalities of San Mariano and Echague, Isabela Province, Luzon, Philippines, where it is found in remnants of secondary lowland forests in the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is characterized by having densely pilose indumentum on young stems and petioles, penicillate trichomes on its hypanthium, and serrulate and ciliate petals with an apical penicillate emergence.
Epidendrum machinense (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae), a new species from Colombia

Authors: RINCÓN-GONZÁLEZ MILTON , ESCALANTE MARÍA FERNANDA
Published: March 2020

A new species of Epidendrum from central Andes of Colombia is described and illustrated. Epidendrum machinense belongs to the Mancum group, Stenoglossum subgroup; being only the third species known to belong to that subgroup. The new species is characterized by having larger plants with respect to its close relatives, bearing 50–80 flowers per inflorescence, the flowers are resupinate due to drooping of the rachis, rather than the twisting of the pedicel; the petals are 3–veined, yellow tinged purple-brown, with completely yellow apices, the lip is white with numerous wine-red spots, 3–lobed, with broadly hamate lateral lobes, and a mid-lobe with a rombic or bifid apex. Information on the species distribution, habitat and phenology, conservation status, and characters that distinguish it from the nearest species are provided, as well as an annotation on resupination in the Stenoglossum subgroup.
New Species and New Records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from India
Authors: KAUR SIMARJIT , GARIMA DEEPTI , PANDHER MANPREET SINGH
Published: March 2020

Chimarra gangtokensis sp. nov. is added as a new species from Sikkim. With this addition of a new species, the genus is represented in India by 53 species. Furthermore, Polyplectropus admin Malicky & Chantaramongkol 1993, Hydropsyche briareus Malicky & Chantaramongkol 2000, Cheumatopsyche globosa (Ulmer 1910), and Cheumatopsyche chryseis Malicky & Chantaramongkol 1997 are reported for the first time from India. Also, Chimarra kailishchandrai Malicky 1997a, Cheumatopsyche bhatrapura Malicky 1979, and Oecetis asmada Malicky 1979 are reported for the first time from North Andaman Island, India.
Effect of Initial Synaptic State on Pattern Classification Accuracy of 3D Vertical Resistive Random Access Memory (VRRAM) Synapses
Authors: Sun Wookyung , Choi Sujin , Kim Bokyung , Shin Hyungsoon
Published: March 2020

Amidst the considerable attention artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted in recent years, a neuromorphic chip that mimics the biological neuron has emerged as a promising technology. Memristor or Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) is widely used to implement a synaptic device.
Recently, 3D vertical RRAM (VRRAM) has become a promising candidate to reducing resistive memory bit cost. This study investigates the operation principle of synapse in 3D VRRAM architecture. In these devices, the classification response current through a vertical pillar is set by applying
a training algorithm to the memristors. The accuracy of neural networks with 3D VRRAM synapses was verified by using the HSPICE simulator to classify the alphabet in 7×7 character images. This simulation demonstrated that 3D VRRAMs are usable as synapses in a neural network system and
that a 3D VRRAM synapse should be designed to consider the initial value of the memristor to prepare the training conditions for high classification accuracy. These results mean that a synaptic circuit using 3D VRRAM will become a key technology for implementing neural computing hardware.
Core Insulator Nanosheet Transistor and Structure Optimization to Improve Gate Electrostatic Characteristics
Authors: Joung Saehoon , Kim SoYoung
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes the core insulator nano-sheet transistor structure for improved electrostatic characteristics by adding an oxidation process to the conventional Nano-sheet field effect transistor process. The additional insulated core improves the drain induced barrier lowering
and the subthreshold slope properties by enhancing the gate controllability. The major advantage of the proposed structure is that it can be fabricated using the conventional nano-sheet field effect transistor process by simply adding another oxidation step. We compared the performance of
our proposed device to that of FinFET and nano-sheet field effect transistor at sub 3 nm node using technology computer-aided design simulation. An optimal device structure including the oxide thickness and channel stacking is suggested with consideration for drive current, leakage and electrostatic
characteristics.
Analysis of Organic Light-Emitting Diode SPICE Models with Constant or Voltage-Dependent Components
Authors: Choi Yunyeong , Kim Miryeon , Park Jisun , Shin Hyungsoon
Published: March 2020

A simplified OLED SPICE model with two resistors and two capacitors that have constant or voltagedependent (VD) values is proposed. Our model includes physical characteristics such as voltage and frequency dependency and agrees well with measurements. In this paper, we analyze the OLED
frequency dependency effects and RC delay properties by controlling model parameters for DC, AC, and transient conditions. Importantly, we found that a model with constant parameters is simple and is accurate enough. Based on our simulation results, we suggest a new guideline for an OLED SPICE
circuit model and simulation target.
Etch Characteristics of Nanoscale Patterned Magnetic Tunnel Junction Stacks Using Pulse-Modulated Radio Frequency Source Plasma
Authors: Lee Jae Yong , Lim Eun Tack , Ryu Jin Su , Choi Jae Sang , Chung Chee Won
Published: March 2020

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) patterned with 70 × 70 nm2 square arrays were etched in a CH4/O2/Ar gas mixture by pulse-modulated inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICPRIE). A good etch profile of MTJs with etch slope of approximately
82° was achieved by adjusting the on–off duty ratio of the plasma and pulse frequency. Langmuir probe analysis and optical emission spectroscopy confirmed that the balance between the formation of the passivation layer as an etch byproduct and sputtering effect is responsible for
the etch selectivity and etch profile with a high degree of anisotropy. It is concluded that the application of pulse-modulated plasma on ICPRIE can be an effective method to obtain the anisotropic etch profile of nanometer-scale MTJs.
Highly Stretchable Dry Electrode Composited with Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) for Wearable Device
Authors: Beak Dong-Hyun , Jung Hachul , Kwon Dahye , Lee Seung-A , Yoon SongWoo , Kim Young-Jin
Published: March 2020

In this work, we present a highly stretchable dry electrode composited with carbon nanofiber (CNF) for wearable device by simple method. The fabricated electrodes were assembled with snap connector for connect with electric circuit and sticky polymer for improving adhesion strength
on the skin. We evaluated the electrical and mechanical properties depending on the weight % (wt%) and thickness of CNF/elastomer composited stretchable electrode. From the results, the electrical characteristic was improved as increasing concentrations of CNF and their dropping volume. And
we evaluated a stretchability and electromechanical property using with cycling test. Through these tests, we have demonstrated that fabricated dry electrode has outstanding stretchability and durability under stretching condition. Finally, electrocardiogram (ECG) was measured with these electrodes.
The results of ECG measurement showed similar or larger signal that of commercial wet electrode. Consequently, these results are expected to apply as a wearable device such as a bio-signal measurement and strain sensors.
Highly Charge Transport Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Host Materials Based on Benzimidazole-Acridine Derivatives
Authors: Lee Ja Min , Lee Sae Won , Kim Young Sik
Published: March 2020

We designed novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) host molecules for blue electrophosphorescence by combining the electron acceptor benzimidazole (BI) unit and the electron donor acridine derivatives into a single molecular unit based on density functional theory (DFT).
We obtained the energies of the first singlet (S1) and the first triplet (T1) excited states of the TADF materials by performing DFT and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations to the ground state using dependence on charge transfer amounts for the optimal
Hartree-Fock percentage in the exchange-correlation of TD-DFT. Using DFT and TD-DFT calculations, the large separation between the HOMO and LUMO caused a small difference in energy (ΔEST) between the S1 and T1 states. The host molecules retained
high triplet energy and showed great potential for use in blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. The results showed that these molecules are promising TADF host materials because they have a low barrier to hole and electron injection, balanced charge transport for both holes and
electrons, and a small ΔEST.
Blue Fluorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using 11,11-Dimethyl-3-(10-phenylanthracen-9-yl)-11H-Indeno[1,2-b]Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Moon Junyoung , Lee Jinho , Kim Ki Ju , Lee Hakjun , Kim Young Kwan , Yoon Seung Soo
Published: March 2020

In this study, we designed and synthesized two blue fluorescence materials using phenylanthracenesubstituted-indenoquinoline derivatives by Suzuki coupling reaction for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In order to study their electroluminescent properties, we fabricated the OLED
devices using these two materials as emissive layer (EML) with the following sequence: indium-tin-oxide (ITO, 180 nm)/4,4′,4″-tris[2-naphthyl(phenyl)-amino]triphenylamine (2-TNATA, 30 nm)/N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-(2-napthyl)-(1,1′-phenyl)-4,4′-diamine
(NPB, 20 nm)/Blue emitting materials (20 nm)/4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen, 30 nm)/lithium quinolate (Liq, 2 nm)/Al (100 nm). In particular, a device using 11,11-dimethyl-3-(10-phenylanthracen-9-yl)-11H-Indeno[1,2-b]quinoline in emitting layer showed luminous efficiency,
power efficiency, and external quantum efficiency of 2.18 cd/A, 1.10 lm/W, 2.20% at 20 mA/cm2, respectively, with Commission Internationale d’Énclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.11) at 8.0 V.
Diode Parameters and Equivalent Electrical Circuit Model of n-Type Silicon/B-Doped p-Type Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Heterojunctions Manufactured Through Coaxial Arc Plasma Deposition
Authors: Chaleawpong Rawiwan , Promros Nathaporn , Charoenyuenyao Peerasil , Sittimart Phongsaphak , Takeichi Satoshi , Katamune Yūki , Zkria Abdelrahman , Abubakr Eslam , Egiza Mohamed , Ali Ali Mohamed , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

Coaxial arc plasma deposition (CAPD) was employed to manufacture n-type silicon/boron-doped p-type ultrananocrystalline diamond heterojunctions. Measurement and analysis of their dark current density-voltage curve were carried out at room temperature in order to calculate the requisite
junction parameters using the Cheung and Norde approaches. For the calculation based on the Cheung approach, the series resistance (Rs), ideality factor (n) and barrier height (Φb) were 4.58 kΩ, 2.82 and 0.75 eV, respectively. The values
of Rs and Φb were in agreement with those calculated using the Norde approach. Their characteristics for alternative current impedance at different frequency values were measured and analyzed as a function of the voltage (V) values ranging from 0 V
to 0.5 V. Appearance of the real (Z′) and imaginary (Z″) characteristics for all V values presented single semicircles. The centers of the semicircular curves were below the Z′ axis and the diameter of the semicircles decreased with increments
of the V value. The proper equivalent electrical circuit model for the manufactured heterojunction behavior was comprised of Rs combined with the parallel circuit of resistance and constant phase element.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Scaffolds Grafted with Waterborne Polyurethane
Authors: Zo Sunmi , Choi Soonmo , Kim Hyunduk , Shin Eunjoo , Han Sungsoo
Published: March 2020

Bone tissue engineering has been rapidly developed in regenerative medicine field, which aims to induce new functional bone regeneration through the synergistic combination of biomaterials and cells. Porous biomaterials with sufficient mechanical properties and functional impregnating
for bone substitutes have been imposed in the oncoming generation of bone reconstruction. In this study, we fabricated Carboxymethyl chitosan three dimensional (3D) porous scaffold modified with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) through freeze drying technique. In order to check its potential
in bone tissue substitutes, osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) were seeded onto the fabricated scaffolds and then, SEM and proliferation assay were performed. The enhanced proliferation was contributed to 3D macroporous network structure, large surface area, and osteoconductive environments.
Water Soluble Silicon Quantum Dots Grafted with Amoxicillin as a Drug Delivery System
Authors: Ki Dowoo , Sohn Honglae
Published: March 2020

Water soluble silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) are prepared and used for the measurement of the efficiency for the controlled release drug delivery. Amoxicillin, antibiotics, is covalently grafted with Si QDs through a surface derivatization reaction. Si QDs are embedded in hydrogel polymer.
The release of amoxicillin has been measured by using Ultra violet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectrometer. Amoxicillin-embedded hydrogels exhibit a burst release for 1 h, however covalently loaded Amoxi-Si QDs hydrogel composite exhibited very slow release. Absorption analysis reveals that
the Si QDs exhibits a great potential candidate for controlled release of drug. The controlled drugrelease profiles depend on the hydrolysis of amoxicillin from the surface of Si QDs.
Carbon Nanotube-Based Sulfur Cathode with a Mesoporous Carbon-Silica Composite for Long Cycle Life Li–S Batteries
Authors: Park Jong Won , Park Hyean-Yeol , Kang Jukyoung , Kim Seok , Jung Yongju
Published: March 2020

The use of carbon nanotube (CNT) films as a sulfur host is a promising approach to improve the sulfur loading and energy density of Li–S batteries. However, the inability to durably incorporate polysulfides within the cathode structure results in a limited cycle life. Herein,
we propose a CNTbased sulfur cathode with carbon-coated ordered mesoporous silica (c-OMS) to overcome the cycle performance issue. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies on the c-OMS prepared in this work revealed that the wall surface of OMS was evenly coated with an extremely
thin carbon layer. The sulfur-CNT cathode with c-OMS retained a remarkably improved capacity (942 mAh g−1) with excellent cycling stability (91%) after 100 cycles as well as significantly high sulfur utilization in the first cycle compared with the sulfur-CNT cathode with
OMS. This result may stem from the surface property of c-OMS with high chemical affinity towards electrolyte solvents.
Growth Processes and Reductive Desorption Behaviors of 4-Fluorobenzenethiol Self-Assembled Monolayers on Au(111)
Authors: Seong Sicheon , Han Seulki , Son Young Ji , Lee Namgyeong , Lee Gaeun , Hara Masahiko , Noh Jaegeun
Published: March 2020

Growth processes and electrochemical behaviors of 4-fluorobenzenethiol (4-FBT) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) prepared by vapor deposition at 323 K were examined using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). STM imaging revealed that 4-FBT SAMs
at the initial growth stage (deposition for 1 min) were mainly composed of bright molecular aggregates and liquid-like disordered phase. After longer deposition for 3 min, 4-FBT SAMs had three distinct surface features: a few molecular aggregates, small ordered domains, and disordered phase.
These small ordered domains with sizes ranging from 5 to 10 nm had a (4× √3)R30° packing structure. As deposition time increased to 24 h, long-range ordered domains larger than 40 nm were formed on Au(111) surfaces. From this STM study, we demonstrate that phase transitions
of 4-FBT SAMs on Au(111) occur from molecular aggregates to large ordered domains via formation of small ordered domains as deposition time increases. CV measurements showed reductive desorption peaks for 4-FBT SAMs in the range of −638~−648 mV regardless of SAM morphology, suggesting
that S–Au binding strength of 4-FBT SAMs on Au electrodes is a dominant factor for electrochemical stability.
Modification Effects of Nano-CaCO3 on Engineering Performance of Cement Grouts
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Jiang Huangbin , Zhang Guijin
Published: March 2020

Efficacy of added nano-CaCO3 (NC) on engineering performances, including fluidity, initial setting time, bleeding rate and yield stress of cement grouts was investigated in this study. Results showed that the fluidity and bleeding rate for NC-cement (NCC) composite grout
first decreased with increased NC content (i.e., ratio of NC mass to cement mass) and then slightly recovered as the NC content exceeded 2%. The initial setting time was always reduced while the yield stress increased with increased NC content. The microstructure of NCC was analyzed by means
of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the NC can promote the cement hydration, but an excess amount of NC will inhibit the cement hydration and affect the engineering performances of cement grouts. The optimum NC content for modification of cement
grouts was thus 2%.
Synthesis of Hollow Carbon Microspheres with Tunable Shell Numbers for High-Performance Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zeng Guilin , Zhou Wei , Zheng Jialing , Fan Zhanhua , Chen Han
Published: March 2020

In this paper, hollow carbon microspheres (HCMs) with tunable shell numbers were controllably synthesized by the combination of facile hydrothermal method and etching treatment. The microstructure, morphology and electrochemical performance of HCMs were investigated by X-ray photoelectron,
spectra SEM and TEM measurements, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. The size of HCMs was uniform and increased with increasing the number of inner carbon shells. Compared to the single-layer carbon microspheres and double-layer carbon microspheres, threelayer HCMs (TLCs) with
diameters of 310–360 nm exhibited the highest reversible capacity presenting original discharge and charge capacity of 626.04 and 575.68 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C. Moreover, the capacitance retention reached to 360 mAh ·g−1 and charge–discharge
efficiency was still over 97% after 100 cycles. The superior properties of TLCs can be mainly attributed to their unique three-layer hollow structure which can significantly enhance the pore volume and specific surface area, and thus provides more Li-ions reaction sites and larger contact
area between electrodes. Furthermore, the design strategy of HCMs is expected to provide a novel guidance for the design of multi-layer carbon structure with improved electrochemical properties.
Effects of CeO2 on Microstructure and Corrosion Performance of the Coatings Prepared by Pulse Micro Arc Oxidation on AZ31B Mg Alloy
Authors: Qin Lilu , Huang Jiamu , Hao Longlong , Su Jun , Ma Niu , Yin Lingyi
Published: March 2020

To improve corrosion performance of coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloy, the nano-CeO2 additives were included in Na2SiO3 based electrolyte during process of pulse micro arc oxidation (MAO). The MAO-CeO2 coating was successfully prepared to
characterize its structure, micro morphology and composition. The XRD results indicated that MAO-CeO2 coatings were consisted of Mg2SiO4, MgSiO3, MgF2 and CeO2. The intensity of CeO2 peaks increases with increasing
nano-CeO2 particles in electrolyte. The number of cracks on MAO-CeO2 coatings exhibited a V-shaped trend with increase in nano-CeO2 content. Meanwhile, the influence of nano-CeO2 on corrosion behavior of MAO-CeO2 coatings is investigated
by salt spray test and electrochemical measurement. The corrosion current density of coatings presented same trend and corrosion potential is further studied. The MAO-CeO2 coatings formed in electrolyte with 10 g/L nano-CeO2 showed best corrosion performance which has
the lowest corrosion current density of 0.58 nA/cm2 and the highest corrosion potential of - 1269 mVSCE.
Investigation of Alpha-Fetoprotein Antibody Modified Fluorescent Magnetic Probe on HepG2 Cell and Cancer Model Mouse
Authors: Chen Yanfan , Lu Jianghuan , Yang Jie , Hao Kaixuan , Li Min
Published: March 2020

To construct a dual-targeting (magnetic targeting and antibody targeting) multi-functional magnetic fluorescent liposome probe with a good biocompatibility and high specificity for early liver cancerdiagnosis. 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene
glycol)] (DSPE-PEG2000-NH2) and Cyanine7 N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (Cy7-NHS) were measured and reacted for forming DSPE-PEG2000-Cy7. Egg yolk lecithin, cholesterol, DSPE-PEG2000-Cy7 and Fe3O4 were added in orderly into the reaction solution
for synthesis of fluorescent ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) liposome. The Magnetic liposome (MLP) was coupled with Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) polyclonal antibody and the ending AFP antibody modified magnetic liposome was analyzed and studied on human hepatoma cell HepG2 and cancer
model mouse. The fluorescent ferroferric oxide liposome appeared as a sphericalmorphology and they were about 150 nm in mean hydrodynamic diameter with negative charge. The fluorescent magnetic probe had a little toxic effect on hepG2 cells and increased the specificity liver cancer diagnosis
by AFP antibody target imaging in model mouse of liver cancer. In brief, the AFP antibody conjugated fluorescent magnetic probe is a promising multi-functional tool with good biocompatibility and high sensitivity and specificity for clinical cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Photodegradation Activity of Poly(ethylene oxide-b-ε-caprolactone)-Templated Mesoporous TiO2 Coated with Au and Pt
Authors: Chu Wei-Cheng , Kim Jeonghun , Kim Minjun , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Alghamidi Yousef Gamaan , Alzahrani Khalid Ahmed , Yamauchi Yusuke , Malgras Victor , Ku Shiao-Wei
Published: March 2020

Mesoporous TiO2 films are synthesized through evaporation-induced self-assembly using poly(ethylene oxide-b-ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers as a soft-template. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy, we investigate the effect of
the TiO2/PEO-b-PCL ratio on the resulting nanoarchitectonic structure. After sputter-coating Au and Pt layers, these Au/TiO2 and Pt/TiO2 nanocomposite films display drastically enhanced photodegradation of rhodamine 6G under ultraviolet irradiation,
due to the metal films inhibiting the rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers.
Temporal Changes in the Areal Coverage of Daily Extreme Precipitation in the Northeastern United States Using High-Resolution Gridded Data
Authors: DeGaetano Arthur T. , Mooers Griffin , Favata Thomas
Published: March 2020

Time-dependent changes in extreme precipitation occurrence across the northeastern United States are evaluated in terms of areal extent. Using gridded precipitation data for the period from 1950 to 2018, polygons are defined that are based on isohyets corresponding to extreme daily precipitation accumulations. Across the region, areal precipitation is characterized on the basis of the annual and seasonal number of extreme precipitation polygons and the area of the polygons. Using the subset of grid points that correspond to station locations in the northeastern United States, gridded precipitation replicates the observed trends in extreme precipitation based on station observations. Although the number of extreme precipitation polygons does not change significantly through time, there is a marked increase in the area covered by the polygons. The median annual polygon area nearly doubles from 1950 to 2013. Consistent results occur for percentiles other than the median and a range of extreme precipitation amount thresholds, with the most pronounced changes observed in spring and summer. Like trends in station data, outside the northeastern United States trends in extreme precipitation polygon area are negative, particularly in the western United States, or they are not statistically significant. Collectively, the results suggest that the increases in heavy precipitation frequency and amount observed at stations in the northeastern United States are a manifestation of an expansion of the spatial area over which extreme precipitation occurs rather than a change in the number of unique extreme precipitation polygons.
Recent Arctic Ocean Surface Air Temperatures in Atmospheric Reanalyses and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Marquardt Collow Allison B. , Cullather Richard I. , Bosilovich Michael G.
Published: March 2020

Surface air temperatures have recently increased more rapidly in the Arctic than elsewhere in the world, but large uncertainty remains in the time series and trend. Over the data-sparse sea ice zone, the retrospective assimilation of observations in numerical reanalyses has been thought to offer a possible, but challenging, avenue for adequately reproducing the historical time series. Focusing on the central Arctic Ocean, output is analyzed from 12 reanalyses with a specific consideration of two widely used products: the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim, hereafter ERA-I). Among the reanalyses considered, a trend of 0.9 K decade−1 is indicated but with an uncertainty of 6%, and a large spread in mean values. There is a partitioning among those reanalyses that use fractional sea ice cover and those that employ a threshold, which are colder in winter by an average of 2 K but agree more closely with in situ observations. For reanalyses using fractional sea ice cover, discrepancies in the ice fraction in autumn and winter explain most of the differences in air temperature values. A set of experiments using the MERRA-2 background model using MERRA-2 and ERA-I sea ice and sea surface temperature indicates significant effects of boundary condition differences on air temperatures, and a preferential warm bias inherent in the MERRA-2 model sea ice representation. Differences between experiments and reanalyses suggest the available observations apply a significant constraint on reanalysis mean temperatures.
Who Gets the Benefit of the Doubt? Performance Evaluations, Medical Errors, and the Production of Gender Inequality in Emergency Medical Education
Authors: Brewer Alexandra , Osborne Melissa , Mueller Anna S. , O’Connor Daniel M. , Dayal Arjun , Arora Vineet M.
Published: March 2020

Why do women continue to face barriers to success in professions, especially male-dominated ones, despite often outperforming men in similar subjects during schooling? With this study, we draw on role expectations theory to understand how inequality in assessment emerges as individuals transition from student to professional roles. To do this, we leverage the case of medical residency so that we can examine how changes in role expectations shape assessment while holding occupation and organization constant. By analyzing a dataset of 2,765 performance evaluations from a three-year emergency medicine training program, we empirically demonstrate that women and men are reviewed as equally capable at the beginning of residency, when the student role dominates; however, in year three, when the colleague role dominates, men are perceived as outperforming women. Furthermore, when we hold resident performance somewhat constant by comparing feedback to medical errors of similar severity, we find that in the third year of residency, but not the first, women receive more harsh criticism and less supportive feedback than men. Ultimately, this study suggests that role expectations, and the implicit biases they can trigger, matter significantly to the production of gender inequality, even when holding organization, occupation, and resident performance constant.
‘Living at the border of poverty’: How theater actors maintain their calling through narrative identity work
Authors: Cinque Silvia , Nyberg Daniel , Starkey Ken
Published: March 2020

People who have a sense of calling to their work are more inspired, motivated and engaged with what they do. But how is calling constructed and maintained within organizations? More importantly, how do people maintain a sense of calling to their work when this is a source of ongoing material and existential hardships? This article seeks to address these questions by looking at the artistic setting of theater where actors maintain their calling despite their precarious work situation. The study employs a narrative approach to illustrate how three dominant narratives—religious, political and therapeutic—are central in constructing theater work as deeply meaningful. Specifically, each narrative explains how theater actors maintain their calling through different processes of identity work enacted through sacrifice (religious), responsibility (political) and self-care (therapeutic), with corresponding role identities as martyrs (religious), citizens (political) and self-coaches (therapeutic). We contribute to the literature on callings by: (a) showing how different processes of identity work are central to maintaining callings in precarious work situations, (b) exploring the role played by the ‘other’ as an interlocutor in accounting for and maintaining callings, and (c) advancing a theoretical explanation of callings that illustrates how callings contingently emerge as acts of elevation, resistance or resilience within contemporary society.
We Think It's Good Business
Authors: Gallagher Michael A. , Yoder Norman M.
Published: March 2020

Convinced that a well-run vending-stand program is a boon to vocational rehabilitation, the Pennsylvania Office for the Blind conducts a full-scale program that has proved beneficial to the stand operators, to the location owners, and to the patrons.