bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones using Methanol as Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier
Authors: Garg Nidhi , Paira Soumen , Sundararaju Basker
Published: March 2020

Herein, we demonstrate an efficient protocol for transfer hydrogenation of ketones using methanol as practical and useful liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) under Ir(III) catalysis. Various ketones, including electron‐rich/electron‐poor aromatic ketones, heteroaromatic and aliphatic ketones, have been efficiently reduced into their corresponding alcohols. Chemoselective reduction of ketones was established in the presence of various other reducible functional groups under mild conditions.
Partially Graphitized Iron−Carbon Hybrid Composite as an Electrochemical Supercapacitor Material
Authors: Manippady Sai Rashmi , Singh Ashish , Rout Chandra Sekhar , Samal Akshaya Kumar , Saxena Manav
Published: March 2020

The conversion of biomass into valuable carbon composites as an efficient non‐precious energy storage electrode material has elicited extensive research interest. An as‐synthesized partially graphitized iron oxide‐carbon composite material (Fe3O4/Fe3C@C) shows excellent properties as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications. X‐ray diffraction analysis, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis are used to study the structural, compositional and surface areal properties. The electrode material shows a specific surface area of 827.4 m2/g. Owing to the synergistic effect of the graphitic layers with iron oxide/carbide, Fe3O4/Fe3C@C hybrid electrode materials display a high performance when used in supercapacitors, with an excellent capacity of 878 F/g at a current density of 5 A/g (3‐electrode) and 211.6 F/g at a current density of 0.4 A/g (2‐electrode) in 6 M KOH electrolyte with good cyclic stability.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐Assisted Exfoliation of Graphite and Its Use in Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene Composites
Authors: Gentiluomo Silvia , Thorat Sanjay B. , Del Río Castillo Antonio Esau , Toth Peter S. , Panda Jaya Kumar , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: March 2020

One of the applications of graphene in which its scalable production is of utmost importance is the development of polymer composites. Among the techniques used to produce graphene flakes, the liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE) of graphite stands out due to its versatility and scalability. However, solvents suitable for the LPE process are generally toxic and have a high boiling point, making the processing challenging. The use of low boiling point solvents could be convenient for the processing, due to the easiness of their removal. In this study, the use of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a stabilizing agent is proposed for the production of graphene flakes in a low boiling point solvent, that is, acetone. The graphene dispersions produced in the mixture acetone‐PMMA have higher concentration, +175 %, and contain a higher percentage of few‐layer graphene flakes (<5 layers), that is, +60 %, compared to the dispersions prepared in acetone. The as‐produced graphene dispersions are used to develop graphene/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene composites. The mechanical properties of the pristine polymer are improved, that is, +22 % in the Young's modulus, by adding 0.01 wt. % of graphene flakes. Moreover, a decrease of ≈20 % in the oxygen permeability is obtained by using 0.1 wt. % of graphene flakes filler, compared to the unloaded matrix.
Unique β‐Turn Peptoid Structures and Their Application as Asymmetric Catalysts
Authors: Darapaneni Chandra Mohan , Ghosh Pritam , Ghosh Totan , Maayan Galia
Published: March 2020

Peptoids, N‐substituted glycine oligomers, represent an important class of peptidomimetics that can fold into three‐dimensional structures in solution. Most of the folded peptoid structures, however, resemble helices, and this can limit their applications, specifically in asymmetric catalysis. In this work, for the first time, unique examples of pyrrolidine‐based β‐turn‐like peptoids are described and characterized, both in the solid state, by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, and in solution, by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Furthermore, their highly efficient and enantioselective catalytic activity for the production of γ‐nitro aldehydes by asymmetric Michael reaction in water was demonstrated. The structural properties and DFT‐D3 calculations of the new β‐turn‐like peptoids, as well as catalytic and spectroscopic studies on designed pyrrolidine‐based helical peptoids, suggest that the β‐turn structure plays a key role in the stereoselectivity of the catalytic reaction.
Enantioselective 1,3‐Dipolar [6+4] Cycloaddition of Pyrylium Ions and Fulvenes towards Cyclooctanoids
Authors: McLeod David , Cherubini‐Celli Alessio , Sivasothirajah Nisanhi , McCulley Christina H. , Christensen Mette Louise , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: March 2020

Organocatalytic enantioselective 1,3‐dipolar [6+4] cycloadditions of pyrylium ion intermediates with fulvenes promoted by a chiral primary amine catalyst have been developed to proceed in moderate to good yields and high enantioselectivities. The resultant chiral bicyclo[6.3.0]undecane scaffold containing a transannular bridging ether is densely functionalised providing a rigid scaffold for further manipulations. Computational studies give important insights into the role of the primary amine catalyst. Analysis of the reaction shows that the catalytic reaction proceeds in a step‐wise manner and rationalises the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. Several stereoselective complexity‐generating transformations, facilitated by the diverse functional groups and transannular bridge, are presented, highlighting the versatility of the core towards a number of the cyclooctanoid natural products.
Oxygen Reduction and Evolution on Ni‐modified Co3O4(1 1 1) Cathodes for Zn–Air Batteries: A Combined Surface Science and Electrochemical Model Study
Authors: Buchner Florian , Eckardt Markus , Böhler Timo , Kim Jihyun , Gerlach Jasmin , Schnaidt Johannes , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: March 2020

The performance of structurally and chemically well‐defined Ni‐free and Ni‐modified single‐crystalline Co3O4(1 1 1) thin‐film electrodes in the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) was investigated in a combined surface science and electrochemistry approach. Pure and Ni‐modified Co3O4(1 1 1) film electrodes were prepared and characterized under ultrahigh‐vacuum conditions by scanning tunneling microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Both Ni decoration (by post‐deposition of Ni) and Ni doping (by simultaneous vapor deposition of Ni, Co, and O2) induced distinct differences in the base cyclic voltammograms in 0.5 m KOH at potentials higher than 0.7 V compared with Co3O4(1 1 1) electrodes. Also, all oxide film electrodes showed a higher overpotential for the ORR but a lower one for the OER than polycrystalline Pt. Ni modification significantly improved the ORR current densities by increasing the electrical conductivity, whereas the OER onset of approximately 1.47 VRHE (RHE: reversible hydrogen electrode) at 0.1 mA cm−2 was almost unchanged.
Tailored Gas Adsorption Properties of Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for Gas Separation and Storage
Authors: Kretzschmar Ansgar , Selmert Victor , Weinrich Henning , Kungl Hans , Tempel Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: March 2020

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) derived from electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were investigated with respect to their gas adsorption properties. By employing CO2 adsorption measurements, it is shown that the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the fibers can be tailored by means of the applied carbonization temperature. General pore properties of the CNFs were identified by Ar adsorption measurements, whereas CO2 adsorption measurements provided information about the ultramicroporosity, adsorption energies, and adsorption capacities. Ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivities under practically relevant conditions were determined by evaluation of single‐component data for N2 and CO2. Especially for low carbonization temperatures, the CNFs exhibit very good low‐pressure adsorption performance and excellent CO2/N2 IAST selectivities of 350 at 20 mbar and 132 at 1 bar, which are attributed to a molecular‐sieve effect in very narrow slit pores. These IAST selectivities are some of the highest values for carbon materials reported in the literature so far and the highest IAST selectivities for as‐prepared, non‐post‐treated carbon ever.
Compatibility of a Gaseous Dielectric with Al, Ag, and Cu and Gas‐Phase Synthesis of a New N‐Acylamidine Copper Complex
Authors: Kessler Florian , Sarfert‐Gast Wiebke , Kuhlmann Laura , Ise Martin , Heinemann Frank W.
Published: March 2020

Herein we describe the compatibility of 2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropane nitrile, an insulating gas for gas‐insulated equipment, with aluminum, silver and copper. In an autoclave metal samples, oxygen, the gaseous 2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropane nitrile and a small amount of water were mixed at elevated pressure and heated up to 225 °C for several weeks. When Cu was present a multi‐step gas phase reaction occurred, and single crystals of a copper complex were isolated. The square planar copper(II) complex contains two perfluorinated N‐acylamidine ligands. The structure of the complex was obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Synthesis of Heterocyclic Systems Starting from Carbonyl and Carboxyl Functionalized Nitro Compounds by One‐Pot Processes
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro
Published: March 2020

One‐pot processes are nowadays considered as one of the main synthetic approaches aimed to minimize the waste production and the energy consumption according to the green chemistry principles. In particular, the use of easily accessible polyfunctionalized starting materials permits the preparation of complex targets in very straightforward and simple ways. In this review, uses of carbonyl and carboxyl functionalized nitro derivatives, such as β‐nitro acrylates, β‐nitro enones, and protected β‐nitro ketones, as profitable building blocks of the most important nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur containing heterocyclic systems are summarized.
Inkjet Printed Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube Sensor for the Detection of Lead in Drinking Water
Authors: Rahm Connor E. , Torres‐Canas Fernando , Gupta Pankaj , Poulin Philippe , Alvarez Noe T.
Published: March 2020

Electroanalytical methods can be used for the reliable detection of the toxic heavy metal lead in drinking water samples. Inkjet printed electrodes have potential for the rapid and affordable assessment of drinking water. Researchers have shown the electrochemical sensing applicability of inkjet printed electrodes. In this work, Pb2+ was detected using an inkjet printed multi‐walled carbon nanotube (IJP‐MW‐CNT) electrode with silver tracks printed underneath. The silver tracks provide the sensor with the conductivity needed for sensitive measurements. MW‐CNT were dispersed in water using bile salts as a surfactant to prepare the ink. The IJP‐MW‐CNT electrode was used as the working electrode with a platinum wire and Ag/AgCl as auxiliary and reference electrode, respectively. The electrodes performance was optimized in 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH=4.3) and had two linear ranges of 5 to 20 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 38 nA/ppb and 20 to 50 ppb (R2=0.98) with a sensitivity of 15 nA/ppb and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 ppb for Pb2+. The analytical applicability of electrode was determined by constructing a calibration curve in an unaltered drinking water sample (i. e.) Cincinnati tap water with two linear ranges of 15 to 40 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 1.5 nA/ppb and 40 to 70 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 3.5 nA/ppb and a LOD of 1.0 ppb for Pb2+. Effects of copper and cadmium as potential interferents are reported.
Assessing Benthic Bioaccumulation of Polychlorinated Dioxins/Furans and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Lower Passaic River (NJ, USA) Based on In Situ Passive Sampling
Authors: Khairy Mohammed A. , Lohmann Rainer
Published: March 2020

Passive sampling has emerged as a promising tool to assess the presence of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) in water, sediment, and biota, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Previous work evaluated the ability of passive samplers to predict the bioavailability of sedimentary HOCs mostly in the laboratory, often for marine organisms. The present study assessed the use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to derive freely dissolved concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in porewater in situ versus ex situ and in river water. An LDPE-based multisampler system was deployed at 4 locations along the lower Passaic River (NJ, USA) in sediment and the water column, where sediment and benthic species samples were also collected. Good agreement was generally observed for PCDD/F and PCB concentrations comparing in situ and ex situ approaches (within 0.30–39%). Significant linear relationships were derived between log LDPE–based and log lipid–based concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The in situ multisampler system showed promise to derive HOC concentrations in porewater and river water and to predict the bioaccumulation potential of HOCs in benthic biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1174–1185. © 2020 SETAC
Late Pleistocene shelf‐edge delta clinoforms along the rift margin of the northern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Li Ang , Cai Feng , Wu Nengyou , Li Qing , Yan Guijing , Sun Yunbao , Dong Gang , Luo Di
Published: March 2020

Sedimentological study into the architecture of continental margins reveals its importance in predicting the partition of sediment budget between the shelf and the deep‐water settings. The sediment delivery towards the deep‐water basin during sea‐level lowstands can be hindered along rift margins. Here we use a 2D seismic survey from the northern Okinawa Trough to identify a set of clinoform seismic units elongating along the western slope, where the rifting activity occurred later than the late Pleistocene. The clinoform units are interpreted as a shelf‐margin delta complex based on the following observations: (a) the sediments clearly prograde across the eroded paleo‐shelf on the dip‐oriented sections; (b) there is some negative relief along two extensively traceable reflections, indicating the probable existence of paleo‐channels working as the potential pathways of sediment delivery for the shelf‐margin deposits; and (c) an eroded surface is easily recognized in the seismic data, possibly marking the sea‐level lowstand during which the shelf‐margin delta formed. The oxygen isotopes of the core QZ01 are taken as a proxy for the variation of the relative sea level and indicate its fast fluctuation in the past 180 kyr. We interpret how the shelf‐margin delta evolved during the late Pleistocene and propose that the subsidence and the rift faulting lead to the starvation of sediments near the shelf edge. As a result, there could be more sediments depositing along the active rift margin, while few of them would be transported to the deep‐water basin and re‐deposit as turbidites.
Relational ownership, institutional context, and internationalization of state‐owned enterprises: When and how are multinational co‐owners a plus?
Authors: Mariotti Sergio , Marzano Riccardo
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

We investigate when and how a foreign multinational enterprise by acting as a relational co‐owner helps the internationalization of hybrid state‐owned enterprises. We merge the “liability of stateness” and the “government as strategist” perspectives with an institutional context‐based approach. We claim that the effect of multinational enterprise relational co‐ownership is contingent on the countries' institutional settings. It is positive at lower levels of both institutional coordination (as a measure of variety of capitalism) and government effectiveness. This effect is mitigated as coordination and government effectiveness increase. Further, a comparison between hybrid state‐owned and private‐owned enterprises shows that the magnitude of the contribution by foreign relational co‐owners to internationalization is also moderated by institutional variables.

Managerial Summary

Opportunities and challenges for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) to expand their activities abroad and to climb the rankings of the world‐class multinational corporations have been emerging. However, these enterprises often lack the experience required for internationalization and suffer from the inward‐looking orientation and political interferences of their national governments. This is especially true when governments are ineffective in getting things done, and the local institutions limit their role to sustaining a positive regulatory internal market, but with no strategy to promote multinational state‐owned players. Under these conditions, the co‐ownership with a foreign proactive industrial partner can be an effective strategy for SOEs to overcome the difficulties in entering foreign markets.
Impact of b‐value on estimates of apparent fibre density
Authors: Genc Sila , Tax Chantal M. W. , Raven Erika P. , Chamberland Maxime , Parker Greg D. , Jones Derek K.
Published: March 2020

Recent advances in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) analysis techniques have improved our understanding of fibre‐specific variations in white matter microstructure. Increasingly, studies are adopting multi‐shell dMRI acquisitions to improve the robustness of dMRI‐based inferences. However, the impact of b‐value choice on the estimation of dMRI measures such as apparent fibre density (AFD) derived from spherical deconvolution is not known. Here, we investigate the impact of b‐value sampling scheme on estimates of AFD. First, we performed simulations to assess the correspondence between AFD and simulated intra‐axonal signal fraction across multiple b‐value sampling schemes. We then studied the impact of sampling scheme on the relationship between AFD and age in a developmental population (n = 78) aged 8–18 (mean = 12.4, SD = 2.9 years) using hierarchical clustering and whole brain fixel‐based analyses. Multi‐shell dMRI data were collected at 3.0T using ultra‐strong gradients (300 mT/m), using 6 diffusion‐weighted shells ranging from b = 0 to 6,000 s/mm2. Simulations revealed that the correspondence between estimated AFD and simulated intra‐axonal signal fraction was improved with high b‐value shells due to increased suppression of the extra‐axonal signal. These results were supported by in vivo data, as sensitivity to developmental age‐relationships was improved with increasing b‐value (b = 6,000 s/mm2, median R2 = .34; b = 4,000 s/mm2, median R2 = .29; b = 2,400 s/mm2, median R2 = .21; b = 1,200 s/mm2, median R2 = .17) in a tract‐specific fashion. Overall, estimates of AFD and age‐related microstructural development were better characterised at high diffusion‐weightings due to improved correspondence with intra‐axonal properties.
Volumetric medical image compression using inter‐slice correlation switched prediction approach
Authors: Sharma Urvashi , Sood Meenakshi , Puthooran Emjee
Published: March 2020

With the advancement in medical data acquisition and telemedicine systems, image compression has become an important tool for image handling, as the tremendous amount of data generated in medical field needs to be stored and transmitted effectively. Volumetric MRI and CT images comprise a set of image slices that are correlated to each other. The prediction of the pixels in a slice depends not only upon the spatial information of the slice, but also the inter‐slice information to achieve compression. This article proposes an inter‐slice correlation switched predictor (ICSP) with block adaptive arithmetic encoding (BAAE) technique for 3D medical image data. The proposed ICSP exploits both inter‐slice and intra‐slice redundancies from the volumetric images efficiently. Novelty of the proposed technique is in selecting the correlation coefficient threshold (Tϒ) for switching of ICSP. Resolution independent gradient edge detector (RIGED) at optimal prediction threshold value is proposed for intra‐slice prediction. Use of RIGED, which is modality and resolution independent, brings the novelty and improved performance for 3D prediction of volumetric images. BAAE is employed for encoding of prediction error image to resulting in higher compression efficiency. The proposed technique is also extended for higher bit depth volumetric medical images (16‐bit depth) presenting significant compression gain of 3D images. The performance of the proposed technique is compared with the state‐of‐the art techniques in terms of bits per pixel (BPP) for 8‐bit depth and was found to be 31.21%, 27.55%, 21.89%, and 2.39% better than the JPEG‐2000, CALIC, JPEG‐LS, M‐CALIC, and 3D‐CALIC respectively. The proposed technique is 11.86%, 8.56%, 7.97%, 6.80%, and 4.86% better than the M‐CALIC, 3D CALIC, JPEG‐2000, JPEG‐LS and CALIC respectively for 16‐bit depth image datasets. The average value of compression ratio for 8‐bit and 16‐bit image dataset is obtained as 3.70 and 3.11 respectively by the proposed technique.
Intensified acidophilic bioleaching of multi‐metals from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) of spent mobile phones
Authors: Erust Ceren , Akcil Ata , Tuncuk Aysenur , Panda Sandeep
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are a resource containing a wide array of metals and are of great importance because their metal concentration is much greater than that in the ores. Previous studies have been devoted mostly to copper (Cu) bioleaching from WPCBs because it has the highest proportion ( ∼ 10–30%) of all their component metallic elements. The present study focused on an intensified mixed meso‐acidophilic bacterial leaching of multi‐metals from WPCBs of spent mobile phones, with the system operating under high oxido‐reductive potentials (HORPs). Inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) characterization indicated the WCPB sample had recoverable contents of Cu, aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) which were targeted for bioleaching.

RESULTS

Shake flask optimization studies, under HORP >750 mV indicated dissolutions of 98.1% Cu, 55.9% Al, 79.5% Ni and 66.9% Zn under optimized conditions of 9 g L–1 iron [Fe (II)], 10% pulp density, initial pH 1.8 and 10% (v/v) as initial inoculum. Under these conditions, at ORP >650 mV, 97.3% Cu, 55.8% Al, 79.3% Ni and 66.8% Zn were achieved in bench‐scale (1 L) bioreactor systems without any significant reduction in efficiency (compared to shake flasks) after 8 days of operation.

CONCLUSION

Variations in co‐relatable parameters, such as pH, ORP and Fe (II) concentrations, indicated that these parameters significantly contributed to metal leaching. Operating the system under high and controlled ORPs is a faster and more efficient way to leach multi‐metals from WPCBs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Localized delivery of ibuprofen via a bilayer delivery system (BiLDS) for supraspinatus tendon healing in a rat model
Authors: Taylor Brittany L. , Kim Dong Hwa , Huegel Julianne , Raja Harina A. , Burkholder Sophie J. , Weiss Stephanie N. , Nuss Courtney A. , Soslowsky Louis J. , Mauck Robert L. , Kuntz Andrew F. , Bernstein Joseph
Published: March 2020

The high prevalence of tendon retear following rotator cuff repair motivates the development of new therapeutics to promote improved tendon healing. Controlled delivery of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs to the repair site via an implanted scaffold is a promising option for modulating inflammation in the healing environment. Furthermore, biodegradable nanofibrous delivery systems offer an optimized architecture and surface area for cellular attachment, proliferation, and infiltration while releasing soluble factors to promote tendon regeneration. To this end, we developed a bilayer delivery system (BiLDS) for localized and controlled release of ibuprofen (IBP) to temporally mitigate inflammation and enhance tendon remodeling following surgical repair by promoting organized tissue formation. In vitro evaluation confirmed the delayed and sustained release of IBP from Labrafil‐modified poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid microspheres within sintered poly(ε‐caprolactone) electrospun scaffolds. Biocompatibility of the BiLDS was demonstrated with primary Achilles tendon cells in vitro. Implantation of the IBP‐releasing BiLDS at the repair site in a rat rotator cuff injury and repair model led to decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrotic factor‐α, and increased anti‐inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor‐β1. The BiLDS remained intact for mechanical reinforcement and recovered the tendon structural properties by 8 weeks. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of a novel biocompatible nanofibrous BiLDS for localized and tailored delivery of IBP to mitigate tendon inflammation and improve repair outcomes. Future studies are required to define the mechanical implications of an optimized BiLDS in a rat model beyond 8 weeks or in a larger animal model.
Meta‐Analysis of Associations Between Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis Genes and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sheerin Christina M. , Lind Mackenzie J. , Bountress Kaitlin E. , Marraccini Marisa E. , Amstadter Ananda B. , Bacanu Silviu‐Alin , Nugent Nicole R.
Published: March 2020

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis has been of interest in attempts to identify genetic vulnerability for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although numerous HPA‐axis genes have been implicated in candidate gene studies, the findings are mixed and interpretation is limited by study design and methodological inconsistencies. To address these inconsistencies in the PTSD candidate gene literature, we conducted meta‐analyses of HPA‐related genes from both a traditional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)–level analysis and a gene‐level analysis, using novel methods aggregating markers in the same gene. Database searches (PubMed and PsycINFO) identified 24 unique articles examining six HPA‐axis genes in PTSD; analyses were conducted on four genes (ADCYAP1R1, CRHR1, FKBP5, NR3C1) that met study eligibility criteria (original research, human subjects, main effect association study of selected genes, PTSD as an outcome, trauma‐exposed control group) and had sufficient data and number of studies for use in meta‐analysis, within 20 unique articles. Findings from SNP‐level analyses indicated that two variants (rs9296158 in FKBP5 and rs258747 in NR3C1) were nominally associated with PTSD, ps = .001 and .001, respectively, following multiple testing correction. At the gene level, significant relations between PTSD and both NR3C1 and FKBP5 were detected and robust to sensitivity analyses. Although study limitations exist (e.g., varied outcomes, inability to test moderators), taken together, these results provide support for FKBP5 and NR3C1 in risk for PTSD. Overall, this work highlights the utility of meta‐analyses in resolving discrepancies in the literature and the value of adopting gene‐level approaches to investigate the etiology of PTSD.
Effects of Narrative Exposure Therapy on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Insomnia in Traumatized North Korean Refugee Youth
Authors: Park Jinme K. , Park Jinah , Elbert Thomas , Kim Seog Ju
Published: March 2020

Refugees affected by multiple traumatic stressors are at high risk for developing trauma‐related mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and insomnia, which is sometimes overlooked. The present study examined the effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy (NET) on trauma‐related symptoms in a sample of North Korean refugee youth. We focused on sleep patterns in addition to changes in symptom severity for PTSD, depression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. North Korean refugee youth (N = 20) with PTSD were assigned to either an NET‐based treatment group or a control group, which consisted of treatment as usual (TAU). There were clinically significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms for the NET group, Hedges’ g = 3.6, but not the TAU group. The change in diagnostic status for PTSD was more notable for participants in the NET group compared to the TAU group. Of note, NET also produced a significant improvement in insomnia symptoms and sleep quality, Hedges’ g = 2.1. The substantial recovery regarding overall posttraumatic symptoms in the NET group was observed 2 weeks after the end of treatment and remained stable at 6‐month follow‐up. The results of the present study suggest that NET may be a treatment option for traumatized North Korean refugee youth and may also be effective for the treatment of sleep problems that arise from traumatic experiences.
Positive Emotion Dysregulation Among Community Individuals: The Role of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Weiss Nicole H. , Contractor Ateka A. , Forkus Shannon R. , Goncharenko Svetlana , Raudales Alexa M.
Published: March 2020

Existing literature has provided support for an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion dysregulation. However, few studies have examined the relation between PTSD and emotion dysregulation that stems from positive emotions. Moreover, the role of trauma exposure, per se, on positive emotion dysregulation is unknown. Addressing these limitations, the current study compared levels of positive emotion dysregulation among (a) individuals without trauma exposure, (b) trauma‐exposed individuals without probable PTSD, and (c) trauma‐exposed individuals with probable PTSD. Participants were 400 community‐dwelling individuals (M age = 43.76 years, 68.6% female; 24.2% Asian, 23.7% Black, 24.5% Hispanic, 27.6% White). Lower levels of positive emotion dysregulation were found among trauma‐exposed participants without probable PTSD compared to trauma‐exposed participants with probable PTSD, ds = 0.66–0.73, and unexposed participants, ds = 0.58–0.64. The present findings suggest the potential protective role of low levels of positive emotion dysregulation following trauma exposure. If replicated in longitudinal studies, these results may indicate the utility of enhancing skills for regulating positive emotions among individuals at risk for trauma exposure.
Identifying Change Targets for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Suicidal and Self‐Injuring Women With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Harned Melanie S. , Fitzpatrick Skye , Schmidt Sara C.
Published: March 2020

Research on psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly focused on understanding not only which treatments work but why and for whom they work. The present pilot study evaluated the temporal relations between five hypothesized change targets—posttraumatic cognitions, guilt, shame, general emotion dysregulation, and experiential avoidance—and PTSD severity among women with PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and recent suicidal and/or self‐injurious behaviors. Participants (N = 26) were randomized to receive 1 year of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with or without the DBT prolonged exposure (DBT PE) protocol for PTSD. Potential change targets and PTSD were assessed at 4‐month intervals during treatment and at 3‐month posttreatment follow‐up. Time‐lagged mixed‐effects models indicated that between‐person differences in all change targets except guilt were associated with more severe PTSD, η2s = .32–.55, and, except for general emotion dysregulation, slowed the rate of change in PTSD severity over time, η2s = .20–.39. In DBT but not in DBT + DBT PE, individuals with higher levels of guilt and experiential avoidance relative to their own average had more severe PTSD at the next assessment point, η2s = .12–.25. The associations between the proposed change targets and PTSD severity were not bidirectional, except for general emotion dysregulation, η2 = .50; and posttraumatic cognitions, η2 = .06. These preliminary findings suggest that trauma‐related cognitions, shame, and guilt, as well as problems regulating them, may be important change targets for improving PTSD in this patient population.
The effects of romantic motives on numerical preferences
Authors: Kim Aekyoung
Published: March 2020

The current research considers whether romantic pair‐bond motivations influence numerical preferences. Across cultures and throughout history, the number “2” has been symbolic of a romantic pair bond. We propose that reminders of romance lead people to prefer the number “2” and other associated even numbers. A series of studies demonstrate that romantic motives—goals related to forming a romantic pair‐bond—increase preference for the number “2” and other numbers of its parity (i.e., even vs. odd numbers) as well as marketing stimuli featuring even (vs. odd) numbers. This effect is specific to romantic motives and does not occur for motives related to other social relationships, such as work relationships, kinship, and friendship. Consistent with the motivational perspective, the desire to form a romantic relationship statistically mediates the effect of romantic cues on preference for even numbers. Subsequently, the effect of romantic motives on preference for even (vs. odd) numbers are suppressed when the focal goal has been already achieved (i.e., having a romantic relationship) or when an individual endorses a promiscuous lifestyle (i.e., having multiple partners simultaneously).
An SDG Galerkin structure‐preserving scheme for the Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger equation
Authors: Wang Jialing , Wang Yushun
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we use the Galerkin weak form to construct a structure‐preserving scheme for Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger equation and analyze its conservative and convergent properties. We first discretize the underlying equation in space direction via a selected finite element method, and the Hamiltonian partial differential equation can be casted into Hamiltonian ordinary differential equations based on the weak form of the system afterwards. Then, the resulted ordinary differential equations are solved by the symmetric discrete gradient method, which yields a charge‐preserving and energy‐preserving scheme. Moreover, the numerical solution of the proposed scheme is proved to be bounded in the discrete
norm and convergent with the convergence order of
in the discrete
norm without any grid ratio restrictions, where
and
are space and time step, respectively. Numerical experiments conducted last to verify the theoretical analysis.
Multi‐institution validation of a new high spatial resolution diode array for SRS and SBRT plan pretreatment quality assurance
Authors: Rose Mark S. , Tirpak Lena , Van Casteren Kristin , Zack Jeff , Simon Tom , Schoenfeld Andreas , Simon William
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The SRS MapCHECK®, a recently developed patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) tool for end‐to‐end testing of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), was evaluated in a multi‐institution study and compared with radiochromic film.

Methods

The SRS MapCHECK was used to collect data on 84 SBRT or SRS PSQA plans/fields at nine institutions on treatment delivery devices (TDD) manufactured by Varian and Elekta. PSQA plans from five different treatment planning software (TPS) were selected and executed on TDDs operating at beam energies of 6 and 10 MV with and without a flattening filter. The patient plans were all VMAT except for ten conformal arc therapy fields. The plans were selected to encompass a range of size and tumor sites including brain, lung, spine, abdomen, ear, pancreas, and liver. Corresponding radiochromic film data was acquired in 50 plans/fields. Results were evaluated using gamma analysis with absolute dose criterion of 3% global dose‐difference (DD) and 1 mm distance‐to‐agreement (DTA).

Results

The mean 3% DD/1 mm DTA Gamma pass rate of SRS MapCHECK in comparison to film was 95.9%, whereas comparison of SRS MapCHECK to the treatment planning software was 94.7%. 80% of SRS MapCHECK comparisons against film exceed 95% pass rate, and about 30% of SRS MapCHECK comparisons against film exceed 99% pass rate. To maintain good agreement between SRS MapCHECK and film or TPS, authors recommend avoiding plans with a modified modulation complexity score (MMCS) <0.1 arbitrary units (a.u.). In the examples presented, this coincides with avoiding plans with a mu/dose limit of >3 µ/cGy.

Conclusions

Stereotactic radiosurgery MapCHECK has been validated for PSQA for a variety of clinical SRS/SBRT plans in a wide range of treatment delivery conditions. The SRS MapCHECK comparison with film demonstrates near‐equivalence for analysis of patient‐specific QA deliveries comprised of small field measurements.
Deletion of BAF250a affects oocyte epigenetic modifications and embryonic development
Authors: Zhou Qian , Meng Qing‐Ren , Meng Tie‐Gang , He Qi‐Long , Zhao Zheng‐Hui , Li Qian‐Nan , Lei Wen‐Long , Liu Shu‐Zhen , Schatten Heide , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: March 2020

BRG1‐associated factor 250a (BAF250a) is a component of the SWI/SNF adenosine triphosphate‐dependent chromatin remodeling complex, which has been shown to control chromatin structure and transcription. BAF250a was reported to be a key component of the gene regulatory machinery in embryonic stem cells controlling self‐renewal, differentiation, and cell lineage decisions. Here we constructed Baf250aF/F;Gdf9‐cre (Baf250aCKO) mice to specifically delete BAF250a in oocytes to investigate the role of maternal BAF250a in female germ cells and embryo development. Our results showed that BAF250a deletion did not affect folliculogenesis, ovulation, and fertilization, but it caused late embryonic death. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, histone modification, and nucleosome remodeling were perturbed in Baf250aCKO MII oocytes. We showed that covalent histone modifications such as H3K27me3 and H3K27ac were also significantly affected in oocytes, which may reduce oocyte quality and lead to birth defects. In addition, the DNA methylation level of Igf2r, Snrpn, and Peg3 differentially methylated regions was decreased in Baf250aCKO oocytes. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of Igf2r and Snrpn were significantly increased. The mRNA expression level of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3l, and Uhrf1 was decreased, and the protein expression in these genes was also reduced, which might be the cause for impaired imprinting establishment. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BAF250a plays an important role in oocyte transcription regulation, epigenetic modifications, and embryo development.
Fish Diversity, Endemism, Threats, and Conservation in the Jinsha River Basin (Upper Yangtze River), China
Authors: Liu Han , Guo Chuanbo , Qu Xiao , Xiong Fangyuan , Paukert Craig P. , Chen Yushun , Su Wei
Published: March 2020

The Jinsha River, which comprises the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, has among the highest freshwater fish biodiversity and endemism in China, but these characteristics have rarely been quantitatively evaluated at the basin scale. We used fish presence–absence data collected from the entire Jinsha River basin (JRB) from 1964 to 2017 to determine patterns in fish biodiversity. In total, 229 freshwater fish species from 9 orders, 26 families, and 110 genera were recorded. Of these species, 161 were endemic to China, with 94 species being endemic to the Yangtze River basin, and 39 species were threatened. Fish species richness was higher in the downstream river reaches and was higher in the main stem than in the tributaries. Overfishing, water pollution, and dam construction have been threatening fish diversity in the JRB for several decades. Conservation strategies similar to those used in North America may be applicable to the JRB to help protect native fishes in this important river basin. Such strategies include (1) assessment of several tributaries as fish reserves; (2) regular adjustment of turbine operations during the fish spawning period; and (3) regulation of the many co-occurring human stressors in the JRB.
Demonstration and suppression of respiration‐related artifacts in Bloch–Siegert shift‐based B1+ maps of the human brain
Authors: Oran Omer F. , Klassen L. Martyn , Serrai Hacene , Menon Ravi S.
Published: March 2020

Respiration‐induced movement of the chest wall and internal organs causes temporal B0 variations extending throughout the brain. This study demonstrates that these variations can cause significant artifacts in
maps obtained at 7 T with the Bloch–Siegert shift (BSS)
mapping technique. To suppress these artifacts, a navigator correction scheme was proposed. Two sets of experiments were performed. In the first set of experiments, phase shifts induced by respiration‐related B0 variations were assessed for five subjects at 7 T by using a gradient echo (GRE) sequence without phase‐encoding. In the second set of experiments,
maps were acquired using a GRE‐based BSS pulse sequence with navigator echoes. For this set, the measurements were consecutively repeated 16 times for the same imaging slice. These measurements were averaged to obtain the reference
map. Due to the periodicity of respiration‐related phase shifts, their effect on the reference
map was assumed to be negligible through averaging. The individual
maps of the 16 repetitions were calculated with and without using the proposed navigator scheme. These maps were compared with the
reference map. The peak‐to‐peak value of respiration‐related phase shifts varied between subjects. Without navigator correction, the interquartile range of percentage error in
varied between 4.0% and 8.3% among subjects. When the proposed navigator scheme was used, these numbers were reduced to 2.5% and 2.9%, indicating an improvement in the precision of GRE‐based BSS
mapping at high magnetic fields.
Enteral and Parenteral Order Writing Survey—A Collaborative Evaluation Between the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Dietitians in Nutrition Support Dietetics Practice Group and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Dietetics Practice Section
Authors: Peterson Sarah , Dobak Stephanie , Phillips Wendy , Malone Ainsley , Ireton‐Jones Carol , Haney Amanda , Rybicki Mary , Guenter Peggi
Published: March 2020

Introduction

In 2014 and 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services authorized nutrition‐related ordering privileges for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in hospital and long‐term care settings, respectively. Despite this practice advancement, information describing current parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) ordering practices is lacking. Dietitians in Nutrition Support, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Dietetics Practice Section of the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) utilized a survey to describe PN and EN ordering practices among RDNs in the United States.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was utilized to describe RDN PN and EN ordering privileges. Respondents were asked to describe PN and EN ordering privileges, primary practice setting, primary patient population served, nutrition specialty certification, highest degree earned, career length, and if applicable, the nature of prior denials for ordering privileges or reasons for not applying for ordering privileges.

Results

Seven hundred two RDNs completed the survey (12% response rate), with 664 RDNs providing complete data. The majority of respondents (n = 558) cared for adult/geriatric patients. Among this subset, 47% had no PN ordering privileges; 14% could order and sign PN; 28% could order PN with provider cosignature; 10% could order partial PN with provider cosignature. Nineteen percent of RDNs had no EN ordering privileges; 37% could order and sign EN; 44% could order EN with provider cosignature. RDNs with ordering privileges were more likely to have a nutrition specialty certification and work in an academic or community hospital setting.

Conclusion

PN and EN ordering privileges are varied because of institution and state requirements. Future research describing the outcomes associated with RDN ordering privileges is needed. This paper has been approved by the Academy's Research, International, and Scientific Affairs team and Council on Research and the ASPEN Board of Directors. This article has been co‐published with permission in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article.
A hybrid modified grey wolf optimization‐sine cosine algorithm‐based power system stabilizer parameter tuning in a multimachine power system
Authors: Devarapalli Ramesh , Bhattacharyya Biplab
Published: March 2020

Damping of low‐frequency oscillations due to the unpredictable perturbations of a power network has always been a challenging task. In an interconnected power network, power system stabilizers (PSSs) are in practice to damp out these low‐frequency oscillations by providing a necessary control signal to the automatic voltage regulator unit based on the deviation in generator speed/power output. This article proposes a novel approach of hybrid modified grey wolf optimization‐sine cosine algorithm for tuning the parameters of PSS of an interconnected multimachine power system. The optimal parameter tuning of PSS with the proposed algorithm is achieved by considering a multiobjective function comprises of improving the damping and eigenvalue characteristics of the consolidated multimachine system. A benchmark model of two area four machine system is adopted to investigate the performance achieved with the proposed algorithm in the simultaneous damping of the local and interarea mode of oscillations in a multimachine power system. The system study has been carried out under a self‐clearing fault condition, and the detailed analysis is presented by analyzing the eigenvalues, and their corresponding natural frequencies, damping ratios. The damping nature achieved for the system states under system uncertainties with the proposed algorithm is also presented. The performance obtained from the proposed hybrid algorithm has been compared with the standalone and state‐of‐the‐art optimization methods.
Fabrication of chitosan/collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffolds with encapsulated Cissus quadrangularis extract
Authors: Thongtham Nareerat , Chai‐in Poowadon , Unger Onuma , Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Suwantong Orawan
Published: March 2020

Here, we demonstrated the fabrication of a composite scaffold (chitosan [CS], collagen [Col], and hydroxyapatite [HA]) with the incorporation of encapsulated Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extract for tissue engineering applications. First, the crude extract of CQ loaded nanoparticles were synthesized via double emulsion technique using polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as oil and aqueous phases, respectively. Both PCL (20, 40, and 80 mg/mL) and PVA (0.5%, 1%, and 3% w/v) concentrations were varied to determine the optimum concentrations for CQ‐loaded nanoparticle preparation. The CQ‐loaded PCL nanoparticles (CQ‐PCL NPs), prepared with 20 mg/mL PCL and 0.5% (w/v) PVA, exhibited the smallest size of 334.22 ± 43.21 nm with 95.54 ± 1.49% encapsulation efficiency. Then, the CQ‐PCL NPs were incorporated into the CS/Col/HA scaffolds. These scaffolds were also studied for their ultrastructure, pore sizes, chemical composition, compressive modulus, water swelling, weight loss, and biocompatibility. The results showed that the addition of CQ‐PCL NPs into the scaffolds did not dramatically alter the ultrastructure and properties of the scaffolds, compared to CS/Col/HA scaffolds alone. However, incorporation of CQ‐PCL NPs in the scaffolds improved the release profile of CQ by preventing the initial burst release and prolonging the release rate of CQ. In addition, the CQ‐PCL NPs‐loaded CS/Col/HA scaffolds supported the attachment and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells.