bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Pharmacokinetics of Glasdegib in Patients With Advanced Hematologic Malignancies and Solid Tumors
Authors: Lin Swan , Shaik Naveed , Martinelli Giovanni , Wagner Andrew J. , Cortes Jorge , Ruiz‐Garcia Ana
Published: November 2019

Glasdegib is an inhibitor of the Hedgehog pathway recently approved in the United States for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted to characterize the kinetic behavior of glasdegib and its sources of variability (covariates) by utilizing data from 269 patients with cancer treated with oral glasdegib doses ranging from 5 to 640 mg/d. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was conducted using NONMEM (v.7.3) and Perl‐speaks NONMEM (v.4.2.0). The estimated apparent total clearance, apparent central volume of distribution, and apparent peripheral volume of distribution were 6.27 L/h, 3.32 L, and 279.2 L, respectively. Age, sex, race, and hepatic function were not significant covariates on glasdegib pharmacokinetic parameters. Baseline body weight, percentage bone marrow blasts, creatinine clearance, and use of moderate or strong cytochrome P450 3A inhibitors were statistically significant covariates on apparent total clearance; however, the magnitude of the effects was not considered clinically meaningful.
Functionalization of silica nanoparticles to reduce membrane swelling in CO2 absorption process
Authors: Rosli Aishah , Ahmad Abdul Latif , Low Siew Chun
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Membrane gas absorption (MGA) is an attractive alternative to conventional absorption for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal, but the performance can be severely retarded due to membrane wetting issues. In order to overcome this, silica nanoparticles functionalized with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were added into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane matrix to increase the membrane hydrophobicity and avoid changes in membrane morphology caused by membrane swelling.

RESULTS

The incorporation of LDPE‐functionalized silica inside the membrane enhanced the contact angle and LEPw values from 73.2° to 109.1° and 5.98 bar to 9.25 bar, respectively. These increments indicate an improvement in hydrophobicity for the LDPE‐silica/PVDF composite membrane, thus, enhanced membrane anti‐wetting ability. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and swelling tests indicated that prolonged exposure to amine absorbent caused the serious degradation and swelling of the neat PVDF membrane with surface coated LDPE. By contrast, the wetting effects were insignificant for the LDPE‐silica/PVDF composite membrane, which led to a stable MGA performance using 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol as the reactive absorbent.

CONCLUSION

The ability of the composite membrane to resist wetting, swelling and chemical degradation is attributed to the restriction PVDF chain movement by its intermolecular interactions with LDPE‐functionalized silica. These improvements led to the fabrication of a hydrophobic, chemically stable composite membrane that was able to show a consistent CO2 absorption flux of 8.7 × 10−4 mol m−2 s–1 over 120 h of MGA operation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitive monitoring of riboflavin in commercial multivitamins using poly (chitosan)‐based nanocomposite
Authors: Hassanpour Soodabeh , Saadati Arezoo , Hasanzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2019

The rapid and sensitive determination of riboflavin (RF) is important for the treatment of seborrheic and glossitis dermatitis, sunlight sensitivity, mucosal, and skin disorders. In this work, an electrochemical sensor was developed by electrodes modification using poly (chitosan) to sensitive detection of RF in commercial multivitamin. Electrodeposition of chitosan on the surface of glass carbon electrode was performed using cyclic voltammetry technique in the range of −1 to +1 V. The modified electrode surface morphology was characterized using a high‐resolution field emission scanning electron microscope. The modified electrode was used as an effective electrical interface for the detection of RF using cyclic, differential pulse, and square wave voltammetry techniques. Finally, the sensor was applied to determine RF in commercial multivitamins. In optimum conditions, the linear range for the standard sample of RF and commercial multivitamins 94 to 333μM and 24.6 to 176μM were obtained, respectively. Low limit of quantification (LLOQ) were obtained as 24.6μM.
Prevalence of African Swine Fever in China, 2018‐2019
Authors: Liu Jinling , Liu Bangzuo , Shan Baiqiang , Wei Shu , An Tongqing , Shen Guoshun , Chen Zeliang
Published: November 2019

African swine fever (ASF) has spread widely across China since 2018. It represents a significant threat to the pig production industry, as no treatment or vaccine is available for this disease. In this study, the geographical distribution and epidemiological features of ASF from all endemic regions of China were analyzed. We focused on the epidemiological data from 149 ASF cases among domestic pigs and wild boars, confirmed during 2018‐2019. We found that, in the 1‐year period from August 2018 to July 2019, ASF was reported in most geographical regions of the country, which comprises 31 provinces. The outbreaks were mainly located along the important economic zones and tended to increase southward in general. The southwest region was the most severely affected, with 22% of cases, followed by the Northeast, with 20% of cases. There was no significant difference among other regions. Additionally, the overall mean rate of case‐incidence/fatality was 12.5% and 64%, respectively, in this period and varied significantly different months, with a general trend towards a decrease over time. The highest incidence rate (30.4%) occurred in April‐May 2019, and the highest fatality rate (81.21%) in October‐November 2018, demonstrating the marked seasonality in ASF transmission. Furthermore, anthropogenic effects were a major significant risk factor for the spread of the disease. In summary, this initial epidemiological analysis of ASF provides a global perspective on ASF and facilitates detection of trends and patterns, which will be useful for updating preventive actions at a national level and evaluating their impact on public health.
Serotype‐specific differences in the laboratory parameters among hospitalized children with dengue and genetic diversity of dengue viruses circulating in Tamil Nadu, India during 2017
Authors: Rajesh N. T. , Alagarasu K. , Patil J. A. , Bharathi E. , More A. , Kakade M. B. , Veronika Merlin , Jothilakshmi K. , Shah P. S.
Published: November 2019

In 2017, Tamil Nadu, a southern state, had the second highest number of dengue cases from India. In the present study, the serotype‐specific differences in the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters among hospitalized children with dengue were investigated and molecular characterization of the circulating dengue virus (DENV) serotypes during 2017 in Tamil Nadu was performed. Eighty children with dengue‐like symptoms consecutively admitted to a tertiary care hospital and positive for DENV NS1 antigen were investigated for DENV serotype utilizing a real‐time reverse transcriptase based polymerase chain reaction assay. Complete envelope (E) gene sequencing of the DENV strains was performed. Seventy samples were positive for serotyping (25 DENV‐1, 17 DENV‐2, six DENV‐3, and 22 DENV‐4). DENV‐4 infections were associated with elevated levels of liver enzymes; Alanine aminotransferase (P = .021) and aspartate aminotransferase (P = .001). However, none of the serotype was associated with any specific clinical features and severe dengue. Asian and American/African genotypes of DENV‐1 were cocirculating. The circulating genotype was cosmopolitan for DENV‐2 with multiple lineages, genotype III for DENV‐3 and genotype I for DENV‐4. Unique mutations were present in the 2017 DENV‐4 isolates. The present study suggests the association of DENV‐4 with elevated liver enzymes in children hospitalized for dengue. Further, the study reports the genetic diversity of DENV circulating in Tamil Nadu during 2017. The study calls for continuous monitoring of the circulating serotypes and genotypes at regional level in India which might result in a region wise database useful in predicting future outbreaks.
Diet as connecting factor: Functional brain connectivity in relation to food intake and sucrose tasting, assessed with resting‐state functional MRI in rats
Authors: Roelofs Theresia J. M. , Straathof Milou , van der Toorn Annette , Otte Willem M. , Adan Roger A. H. , Dijkhuizen Rick M.
Published: November 2019

Eating disorders and obesity form a major health problem in Western Society. To be able to provide adequate treatment and prevention, it is necessary to understand the neural mechanisms underlying the development of eating disorders and obesity. Specific brain networks have been shown to be involved in feeding behavior. We therefore hypothesized that functional connectivity in neural networks involved in feeding behavior is dependent on the status of homeostatic energy balance, thus on being hungry or satiated. To test our hypothesis, we measured functional connectivity and amplitudes of neural signals within neural networks in relation to food intake and sucrose tasting in rats. Therefore, 16 male Wistar rats, of which eight were food‐restricted and eight were satiated, underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) at 9.4 T. Subsequently, half of these animals underwent a sucrose tasting procedure followed by a second rs‐fMRI scan. Functional connectivity and amplitude of low‐frequency signal fluctuations were statistically analyzed in a linear mixed model. Although we did not detect a significant effect of food intake on functional connectivity before sucrose tasting, there was a trend toward interaction between group (satiated vs. hungry) and treatment (sucrose tasting). Functional connectivity between feeding‐related regions tended to decrease stronger upon sucrose tasting in satiated rats as compared to food‐restricted rats. Furthermore, rs‐fMRI signal amplitudes decreased stronger upon sucrose tasting in satiated rats, as compared to food‐restricted rats. These findings indicate that food intake and sucrose tasting can affect functional network organization, which may explain the specific patterns in feeding behavior.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) as Predictor for Early Retear and Functional Outcome After Supraspinatus Tendon Repair
Authors: Kunz Pierre , Mick Paul , Gross Sascha , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Zeifang Felix , Weber Marc‐André , Fischer Christian
Published: November 2019

Supraspinatus (SSP) tendon tears represent a common indication for shoulder surgery. Yet, prediction of postoperative function and tendon retear remains challenging and primarily relies on morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based parameters, supported by patients' demographic data like age, gender, and comorbidities. Considering continuously high retear rates, especially in patients with larger tears and negative prognostic factors, improved outcome prediction could be of high clinical value. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enables an assessment of dynamic perfusion of the SSP muscle. As a potential surrogate for muscle vitality, CEUS might reflect functional properties of the SSP and support improved outcome prediction after tendon repair. Fifty patients with isolated SSP tendon tears were prospectively enrolled. Preoperatively, SSP muscle perfusion was quantified by CEUS and conventional morphologic parameters like tear size, fatty infiltration, and tendon retraction were assessed by MRI. At six months follow‐up, shoulder function, tendon integrity, and muscle perfusion were reassessed. The predictive value of preoperative CEUS for postoperative shoulder function and tendon integrity was evaluated. 35 patients entered the statistical analysis. Preoperative CEUS‐based assessment of SSP perfusion significantly correlated with early postoperative shoulder function (Constant, r = 0.48, p < 0.018) and tendon retear (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). CEUS‐based subgroup analysis identified patients with exceptionally high, respectively low risk for tendon retear. CEUS‐based assessment of the SSP seemed to predict early shoulder function and tendon retear after SSP repair and allowed to identify patient subgroups with exceptionally high or low risk for tendon retear. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 38:1150‐1158, 2020
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Modulates Tendon Cells Response in IL‐1β‐Conditioned Environment
Authors: Vinhas Adriana , Rodrigues Márcia T. , Gonçalves Ana I. , Reis Rui L. , Gomes Manuela E.
Published: November 2019

Strategies aiming at controlling and modulating inflammatory cues may offer therapeutic solutions for improving tendon regeneration. This study aims to investigate the modulatory effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the inflammatory profile of human tendon‐derived cells (hTDCs) after supplementation with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). IL‐1β was used to artificially induce inflammatory cues associated with injured tendon environments. The PEMF effect was investigated varying the frequency (5 or 17 Hz), intensity (1.5, 4, or 5 mT), and duty‐cycle (10% or 50%) parameters to which IL‐1β‐treated hTDCs were exposed to. A PEMF actuation with 4 mT, 5 Hz and a 50% duty cycle decreased the production of IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), as well as the expression of TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, COX‐2, MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐3, while IL‐4, IL‐10, and TIMP‐1 expression increased. These results suggest that PEMF stimulation can modulate hTDCs response in an inflammatory environment holding therapeutic potential for tendon regenerative strategies. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:160–172, 2020
Improvement of the oxidative stability of cold‐pressed sesame oil using products from the Maillard reaction of sesame enzymatically hydrolyzed protein and reducing sugars
Authors: Qin Zhao , Han Ya‐Fei , Wang Nan‐Nan , Liu Hua‐Min , Zheng Yong‐Zhan , Wang Xue‐De
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

In recent years, cold‐pressed oils have become more and more popular with consumers. However, their oxidative stability is low. Improving the oxidative stability of cold‐pressed oils will increase their shelf life. Maillard reaction products (MRPs) have been shown to promote the oxidative stability of lipids. In this study, products from the Maillard reaction of reducing sugars and sesame enzymatically hydrolyzed protein (SEHP) were added to cold‐pressed sesame oils to improve their oxidative stability.

RESULTS

Three types of MRPs from reducing sugars (xylose, fructose, and glucose) and SEHP were prepared. Xylose–SEHP MRPs prepared under optimum conditions had the highest antioxidant activities among the three. The optimum conditions for xylose–SEHP were as follows: reaction temperature, 130 °C; reaction time, 180 min; pH, 6.5; and sugar/protein ratio, 10:1. The addition of xylose–SEHP MRPs at a level of 20 g kg−1 could significantly improve the oxidative stability of cold‐pressed sesame oil. Besides, the addition of MRPs reduced the loss of tocopherol. The interaction of MRPs with endogenous antioxidants in the sesame oil (sesamol and tocopherol) was proved by comparison with lard. There was a synergistic increase in antioxidant activity for the combination of MRPs and sesamol and the combination of MRPs and tocopherol.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide evidence that adding certain MRPs can improve the oxidative stability of cold‐pressed sesame oil. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Systematic characterization of flavonoids from Siraitia grosvenorii leaf extract using an integrated strategy of high‐speed counter‐current chromatography combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhu Shihao , He Yingjie , Mo Changming , Wu Changqiao , Zhang Ruiying , Zheng Xueyuan , Tang Qi
Published: November 2019

The chemical constituents of the Siraitia grosvenorii leaf extract were studied. Firstly, high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was applied to the one‐step separation of four compounds from S. grosvenorii leaf extract with the solvent system composed of 0.01% acetic acid water/n‐butanol/n‐hexane/methanol (5:3:1:1, v/v/v/v). In this work, 270 mg of crude sample yielded four compounds, a new kaempferol O‐glycoside derivative, kaempferol 3‐O‐α‐L‐[4‐O‐(4‐carboxy‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutanoyl)]‐rhamnopyranoside‐7‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside, named kaempferitrin A (2.1 mg, 90%), and three known compounds, grosvenorine (3.4 mg, 93%), kaempferitrin (14.4 mg, 99%) and afzelin (4 mg, 98%), and the structures of these compounds were identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Then, ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to illustrate the dominant flavonoids in S. grosvenorii leaf extract. 34 flavonoids including 19 kaempferol O‐glycosides, 4 quercetin O‐glycosides, 6 flavanone derivatives, and 5 polymethoxyflavones, were accurately or tentatively identified by carefully comparing their retention times, UV data, precise masses, the typical fragments of the standards and literature data. Most of these compounds were reported for the first time. This study establishes a foundation for the further development and utilization of S. grosvenorii leaves in future.
Characterization of Adnexal Masses Using Contrast‐Enhanced Subharmonic Imaging: A Pilot Study
Authors: Delaney Lauren J. , Machado Priscilla , Torkzaban Mehnoosh , Lyshchik Andrej , Wessner Corinne E. , Kim Christine , Rosenblum Norman , Richard Scott , Wallace Kirk , Forsberg Flemming
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This pilot study evaluated whether contrast‐enhanced subharmonic imaging (SHI) could be used to characterize adnexal masses before surgical intervention.

Methods

Ten women (with 12 lesions) scheduled for surgery of an ovarian mass underwent an SHI examination of their adnexal region using a modified LOGIQ E9 scanner (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI) with an endocavitary transducer, in which digital clips were acquired by pulse destruction‐replenishment SHI across the lesions. Time‐intensity curves were created offline to quantitatively evaluate SHI parameters (fractional tumor perfusion, peak contrast intensity, time to peak contrast enhancement, and area under the time‐intensity curve), which were compared to pathologic characterizations of the lesions.

Results

Of the 12 masses, 8 were benign, and 4 were malignant. A qualitative analysis of the SHI images by an experienced radiologist resulted in diagnostic accuracy of 70%, compared to 56% without contrast, whereas an inexperienced radiologist improved from 50% to 58% accuracy, demonstrating the benefit of SHI. A quantitative analysis of SHI parameters produced diagnostic accuracy as high as 81%. Peak contrast intensity was significantly greater in malignant than benign masses (mean ± SD, 0.109 ± 0.088 versus 0.046 ± 0.030 arbitrary units; P = .046). Malignant masses also showed significantly greater perfusion than benign masses (24.79% ± 25.34% versus 7.62% ± 6.50%; P = .045). When the radiologist reads were combined with the most predictive quantitative SHI parameter (percent perfusion), diagnostic accuracy improved to 84% for the experienced radiologist and 96% for the novice radiologist.

Conclusions

Results indicate that SHI for presurgical characterization of adnexal masses may improve the determination of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy, albeit based on a small sample size.
Long‐Lasting and Rapid‐Responsive Media for Rewritable Information Storage Based on Low‐Cost N‐Substituted Maleimides Oligomers
Authors: Zhai Congcong , Sun Yipeng , Xu Lin , Azhar Umair , Zhang Yabin , Zong Chuanyong , Zhang Shuxiang
Published: November 2019

Controllable synthesis of high‐performance materials with low‐cost is critical for the development of functional devices. Herein, a series of sequence‐controlled low‐dispersity oligomers with acid–base chromotropic capability via simple copolymerization between N‐substituted maleimides (NMI) and methyldiallylamine (MDAA) are synthesized. The structure and molecular weight of the oligomers are characterized. Owing to the presence of strong electrophilic carbonyl oxygen and imine nitrogen, a rapid‐responsive color switching system is achieved. This change is attributed to the acid/base‐triggered isomerization between enolate state and the enol or keto tautomer via intramolecular proton transfer. More importantly, the color of P(MDAA/NMI) is regulated by the variation of the substituent group of the N‐substituted maleimide. A new type of rewritable paper based on the designed N‐substituted maleimide oligomers is fabricated by a simple spin‐coating process, on which images with high resolution can be acid‐printed and base‐erased for over ten cycles. The writing and erasure times can be as short as 10 s and the legible time can be more than 90 days under ambient conditions. The as‐formed rewritable paper with excellent rewriting performances is low‐cost and easy for large‐scale production and may find more advanced potential applications in memory devices, rewritable labels, an sensors.
The Crank–Nicolson finite spectral element method and numerical simulations for 2D non‐stationary Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Jiang Wenrui
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we first build a semi‐discretized Crank–Nicolson (CN) model about time for the two‐dimensional (2D) non‐stationary Navier–Stokes equations about vorticity–stream functions and discuss the existence, stability, and convergence of the time semi‐discretized CN solutions. And then, we build a fully discretized finite spectral element CN (FSECN) model based on the bilinear trigonometric basic functions on quadrilateral elements for the 2D non‐stationary Navier–Stokes equations about the vorticity–stream functions and discuss the existence, stability, and convergence of the FSECN solutions. Finally, we utilize two sets of numerical experiments to check out the correctness of theoretical consequences.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Overestimates Fat‐Free Mass in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment
Authors: Bell Kirsten Elizabeth , Schmidt Schuyler , Pfeiffer Amanda , Bos Lisa , Earthman Carrie , Russell Caryl , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: November 2019

Background

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used to assess fat‐free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) in breast cancer patients. However, because of the prevalence of overweight, obesity and variable hydration status in these patients, assumptions for existing prediction equations developed in healthy adults may be violated, resulting in inaccurate body composition assessment.

Methods

We measured whole‐body FFM using single‐frequency BIA (50 kHz) and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 48 patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. We applied raw BIA data to 18 previously published FFM prediction equations (FFMBIA) and compared these estimates to DXA (FFMDXA; reference method).

Results

On average, patients were 52 ± 10 (mean ± SD) years of age and overweight (body mass index: 27.5 ± 5.5 kg/m2; body fat by DXA: 40.1% ± 6.6%). Relative to DXA, BIA overestimated FFM by 4.1 ± 3.4 kg (FFMDXA: 42.0 ± 5.9 kg; FFMBIA: 46.1 ± 3.4 kg). Individual equation‐generated predictions of FFMBIA ranged from 39.6 ± 6.7 to 52.2 ± 5.6 kg, with 16 equations overestimating and 2 equations underestimating FFMBIA compared with FFMDXA. Based on equivalence testing, no equation‐generated estimates were equivalent to DXA.

Conclusion

Compared with DXA, BIA overestimated FFM in breast cancer patients during treatment. Although several equations performed better than others, none produced values that aligned closely with DXA. Caution should be used when interpreting BIA measurements in this clinical population, and future studies should develop prediction equations specific to breast cancer patients.
Preparation, Characterization, and Separation Performances of Novel Surface Modified LbL Composite Membranes from Polyelectrolyte Blends and MWCNT
Authors: Arslan Merve , Dönmez Göknur , Ergün Ayça , Okutan Merve , Albayrak Arı Gülşen , Deligöz Hüseyin
Published: November 2019

Here, it was aimed to modify the surface of NF90 with layer by layer (LbL) blended poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)‐chitosan (CHI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with/without functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (fMWCNT) for reverse‐osmosis applications. Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance Dissipation monitoring, it was observed that PAH‐CHI/PAA LbL films grew linearly after a few bilayers and no LbL film degradation occurred during synthetic seawater treatment. Thermal degradation of all LbL blended membranes was similar. NF90 had a heterogeneous surface while the surface of LbL blend membranes exhibited some agglomerations due to the polyelectrolyte (PE) complex formation and fibrillary appearance depending on the use of fMWCNT. [(PAH50‐CHI50/(PAA‐fMWCNT)]30 indicated the highest flux with 14.5 L m2 h−1 at 40 bar. The sodium and chlorine ion rejections were 75% and 87%, respectively, for the same membrane. The use of fMWCNT led to a significant enhancement in flux with a slight decay in ion rejections. On the other hand, chlorine ion rejection of [(PAH50‐CHI50/(PAA‐fMWCNT)]30 decreased by 25% at 40 bar while 60 and 90 bilayers of [(PAH50‐CHI50/(PAA‐fMWCNT)] disintegrated after NaOCl treatment. Briefly, the flux and ion rejections of the LbL blended membranes can be controlled depending on the use of fMWCNT and different PE couples without multilayer decomposition against synthetic seawater. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 341–351, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Carbon Quantum Dots As Antibacterial Photosensitizers and Their Polymer Nanocomposite Applications
Authors: Kováčová Mária , Špitalská Eva , Markovic Zoran , Špitálský Zdenko
Published: November 2019

Carbon quantum dots and their incorporation in various polymer matrices are reviewed. In general, the importance of such polymer nanocomposites in biomedical applications is highlighted. In particular, the physical and antimicrobial properties of carbon quantum dots and their ability to produce reactive oxygen species under certain conditions using the principle of photodynamic therapy are explored. The characterization, preparation, mechanism of action, and use of carbon quantum dots are discussed. The known combinations of polymers and carbon quantum dots and their use in various industries are also described.
Urinary club cell protein 16 (CC16): Utility of its assay during acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Egron Carole , Labbé André , Rochette Emmanuelle , Mulliez Aurélien , Bernard Alfred , Amat Flore
Published: November 2019

Acute bronchiolitis is responsible for high morbidity in infants. Club cell protein 16 kDa (CC16) is a major pneumoprotein secreted by club cells of the bronchial epithelium and eliminated by the renal pathway. CC16 seems to be a biomarker of epithelial damage in asthma. However, its value as a marker of acute bronchiolitis severity and later recurrent wheezing are uncertain, especially the value of its urinary assay for this purpose. A prospective, observational, analytical study was conducted at Clermont‐Ferrand University Hospital to correlate serum CC16 level with clinical severity of bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants aged less than 1 year. We analyzed correlations between serum and urinary CC16, CC16 levels and Wainwright score, immediate morbidity due to bronchiolitis, causal viruses, and recurrent wheezing 1 year after inclusion. In 166 infants, serum CC16 did not correlate with acute bronchiolitis severity (P = .49), but urinary CC16 did (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, urinary CC16 correlated mainly with urinary retinol binding protein (RBP; r = 0.70; P < .001). The logCC16u/logRBPu ratio correlated significantly with severity (P = .02). CC16 levels were not correlated with recurrent wheezing at 1 year. Urinary CC16 could be a useful biomarker in acute bronchiolitis for specific indications. This noninvasive assay would be particularly useful in the young infant population. Several factors must be taken into account in its interpretation, mainly tubular function. Further studies are needed to assess these factors.
Physical therapy musculoskeletal imaging authority: A survey of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Nations
Authors: Mabry Lance M. , Boyles Robert E. , Brismée Jean‐Michel , Agustsson Hilmir , Smoliga James M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Medical evidence largely supports PTs in expanded roles, however, healthcare policy within the United States (USA) typically restricts PTs from ordering musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. It is unknown how MSK imaging policy in the USA compares to other World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) member nations. The primary objective of our study was to investigate the authority of PTs to order MSK imaging. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the authority for PTs to order MSK imaging.

Methods

111 WCPT member nations were surveyed over a 2‐month period on the authority of PTs ordering MSK imaging within their nation. A secondary analysis utilizing a step‐wise binary regression compared member nation demographic statistics to MSK imaging authority.

Results

81 member nations responded to the survey. 31 (38.3%) of member nations reported having some level of PT MSK imaging authority while 50 (61.7%) did not. Member nations with lower per capita healthcare costs were significantly more likely to allow PTs to order MSK imaging (p = 0.02). Those with direct access authority were 7.4 times more likely to authorize PTs to order MSK imaging (p < 0.01). Entry‐level clinical degree and years of entry‐level collegiate credit were not associated with imaging authority.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report MSK imaging policy within the WCPT member nations. While many nations within the WCPT allow PTs to order MSK imaging, the majority of nations still restrict PTs from such practice. Lower per capita healthcare costs and direct access authority were significant predictors of MSK imaging authority, however, causation cannot be established within the confines of this study. Future studies should consider issues such as restrictive policy origin (i.e. governmental vs. institutional), insurance reimbursement (i.e. private vs. public sector policy), and limitations on imaging modality
Slow Quenches in the Band Insulator Described by the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger Model
Authors: Marinček Sara Pia , Mravlje Jernej , Rejec Tomaž
Published: November 2019

The topological properties of the 1D Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model undergoing a slow quench between different topological regimes are studied. Because of dynamically induced breaking of chiral symmetry, the winding number becomes ill defined. It is also demonstrated that its natural generalization based on projections of the band pseudospins onto the plane is not conserved. After a quench from the trivial to the topological regime, the edge states are occupied. The slower the quench, the closer is the state of the propagated system after the quench to the ground state of the final Hamiltonian. The characteristic time scales with the square of the system size.
Influence of Disorder in Scintillating Solid Solutions on Thermalization and Recombination of Electronic Excitations
Authors: Belsky Andrei , Gektin Alexandr , Vasil'ev Andrey N.
Published: November 2019

The spatial distribution of components of substitutional solid solution is nonuniform. This disorder influences optical properties, migration, localization, and recombination of secondary electrons and holes created by high‐energy excitation. The scintillation properties in such systems are studied in terms of fluctuations of the bottom of the conduction band due to the disorder of the substitutional solid solution AxB1 − xC. The simulation of the spatial distribution of the components is performed for different affinities of the components. If the creation of AA (BB) pairs is preferable (high AA affinity), the fluctuations of the bottom of the conduction band can result even in the creation of clusters enriched by AC or BC components. The scattering of hot electrons by the fluctuations of the spatial structure of solid solution at the thermalization stage is discussed. The role of clustering of solid solution in the restriction of migration and recombination of thermalized carriers is analyzed using the model of the geminate recombination of electron–hole pairs. The change of properties of some scintillators (YAG‐LuAG, CeF3‐LaF3, etc.) with concentrations of components is explained on the basis of the considered models.
Quasicrystals and their Approximants in 2D Ternary Oxides
Authors: Förster Stefan , Schenk Sebastian , Maria Zollner Eva , Krahn Oliver , Chiang Cheng-Tien , Schumann Florian O. , Bayat Alireza , Schindler Karl-Michael , Trautmann Martin , Hammer René , Meinel Klaus , Adeagbo Waheed A. , Hergert Wolfram , Ingo Flege Jan , Falta Jens , Ellguth Martin , Tusche Christian , DeBoissieu Marc , Muntwiler Matthias , Greber Thomas , Widdra Wolf
Published: November 2019

2D oxide quasicrystals (OQCs) are recently discovered aperiodic, but well‐ordered oxide interfaces. In this topical review, an introduction to these new thin‐film systems is given. The concept of quasicrystals and their approximants is explained for and derived OQCs and related periodic structures in these 2D oxides. In situ microscopy unravels the high‐temperature formation process of OQCs on Pt(111). The dodecagonal structure is discussed regarding tiling statistics and tiling decoration based on the results of atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and various diffraction techniques. In addition, angle‐resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results prove a metallic character of the 2D oxide.
A Review of the Segmented‐Target Approach to Combinatorial Material Synthesis by Pulsed‐Laser Deposition
Authors: von Wenckstern Holger , Kneiß Max , Hassa Anna , Storm Philipp , Splith Daniel , Grundmann Marius
Published: November 2019

Combinatorial material synthesis has led to a significant acceleration in the optimization of multinary compounds and a more efficient usage of source and substrate materials. Various growth methods, including physical vapor deposition, can be adopted to realize material libraries. Herein, two approaches to combinatorial material synthesis based on ablation of segmented targets during pulsed‐laser deposition are reviewed. For these two processes, either laterally or radially segmented targets are utilized and allow the creation of lateral and vertical composition spreads, respectively. Radially segmented targets can additionally be used to synthesize a discrete binary material library. Both approaches are introduced by calculating the expected material distribution with a simple geometric plasma expansion model. Then, experimentally determined elemental distributions and growth rates are compared to predictions and it is demonstrated that differences between calculated and experimental data contain vital information on the influence of, for example, thermodynamic processes on the growth mechanism.
Rotation Tunable Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO/GaN Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Guangzhao , Tang Wenyi , Geng Lin , Li Yang , Wang Biao , Chang Junli , Yuan Hongkuan
Published: November 2019

Using hybrid density functional calculations, the influence of rotation angles on the photocatalytic performance of 2D ZnO/GaN heterostructures is explored. The results show that the bandgaps and band alignments for ZnO/GaN heterostructures can be tuned by rotation angles. Rotated ZnO/GaN heterostructures are favorable for visible light absorption. Band alignments of different rotated ZnO/GaN heterostructures are severally thermodynamically favorable for spontaneous generation of hydrogen and oxygen with the pH scope of 0–14, 3–14, 2–14, 1–14, 1–14, and 4–14. In addition, the formed built‐in electric field across ZnO/GaN heterostructure interface promotes photogenerated carrier migration and inhibits photogenerated carrier recombination. These factors make rotated ZnO/GaN heterostructures promising for visible light water splitting. The findings pay a new way to design 2D heterostructures used for photocatalytic water splitting.
Estimating the intervention effect in calibration substudies
Authors: Talitman Michal , Gorfine Malka , Steinberg David M.
Published: November 2019

Exposure assessment is often subject to measurement errors. We consider here the analysis of studies aimed at reducing exposure to potential health hazards, in which exposure is the outcome variable. In these studies, the intervention effect may be estimated using either biomarkers or self‐report data, but it is not common to combine these measures of exposure. Bias in the self‐reported measures of exposure is a well‐known fact; however, only few studies attempt to correct it. Recently, Keogh et al addressed this problem, presenting a model for measurement error in this setting and investigating how self‐report and biomarker data can be combined. Keogh et al find the maximum likelihood estimate for the intervention effect in their model via direct numerical maximization of the likelihood. Here, we exploit an alternative presentation of the model that leads us to a closed formula for the MLE and also for its variance, when the number of biomarker replicates is the same for all subjects in the substudy. The variance formula enables efficient design of such intervention studies. When the number of biomarker replicates is not constant, our approach can be used along with the EM‐algorithm to quickly compute the MLE. We compare the MLE to Buonaccorsi's method (Buonaccorsi, 1996) and find that they have similar efficiency when most subjects have biomarker data, but that the MLE has clear advantages when only a small fraction of subjects has biomarker data. This conclusion extends the findings of Keogh et al (2016) and has practical importance for efficiently designing studies.
Baker's Yeast Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions: A New Hope?
Authors: Santra Soumava
Published: November 2019

Baker's yeast was primarily used as a leavening agent in the food processing industry and later as biocatalyst in the brewing industry. Ready availability and low cost has made baker's yeast a primary research object among the scientific community. It is well known to reduce carbonyl groups. Several other simple single step transformations have also been carried out using baker's yeast. Multicomponent reactions are a close fit to the concept of “ideal” synthesis and, in recent years, they have become a rapid platform for the drug discovery process. Due to the promiscuous nature of enzymes, they were not explored as potential biocatalyst for multicomponent reactions. In this review, the application of baker's yeast in multicomponent reactions has been discussed.
Fabrication of a 3,4‐Diaminotoluene Sensor Based on a TiO2 ‐Al2O3Nanocomposite Synthesized by a Fast and Facile Microwave Irradiation Method
Authors: Rakib Riad H. , Hasnat Mohammad A. , Uddin Md. Nizam , Alam M M , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Siddiquey Iqbal Ahmed
Published: November 2019

A fast and facile synthesis of TiO2‐ Al2O3 nanocomposite based on Microwave (MW) irradiation is presented. The nanocomposite development were corroborated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX),and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR)analysis. The XPS analyzed results affirmed that elements on the nanocomposite surface were Al and O. Electrochemical properties of the as prepared TiO2‐Al2O3 nanocomposites were studied thoroughly to determine the sensing activity of the nanocomposites towards 3,4‐Diaminotoluene (3,4‐DAT) which is a harmful or hazardous chemical using I−V method. Selective electrochemical sensor using TiO2‐Al2O3 nanocomposite onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was assembled and the details electrochemical investigation of 3,4‐Diaminotoluene (3,4‐DAT) was developed. It was calibrated using in range of 3,4‐DAT concentration and data were plotted as current versus concentration. Considering the highest linearity (r2=0.99)of calibrated range, the linear dynamic range (1.0 pM∼ 1.0 μM) was found. Employing the slope of calibration curve, the sensitivity (0.5024×103 μAμM−1cm−3) and detection limit (0.19 ± 0.01 pM) were estimated. Besides this, the selective 3,4‐DAT chemical sensor was shown long‐term stability and precious reproducibility with very short response time without any interference effect.
A Facile, Effective Synthesis of Excellent Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Optical Properties
Authors: Shen Shen , Fu Jiajia , Wang Hongbo
Published: November 2019

Carbon dots (CDs) are new fluorescent materials which have been sparked intense research due to their excellent properties, such as ultraviolet (UV) absorption, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, facile synthesis, low cost and tunable photoluminescence. Therefore, CDs appear to be a promising nanomaterials in many fields of application. Here, high quality carbon dots (named a‐CDs, b‐CDs, c‐CDs) were synthesized through a mild, facile hydrothermal method without any further modification using different carbon precursors and surfactants. Through carefully comparing and analyzing the three as‐prepared CDs samples, the c‐CDs exhibited exceptional advantages including high fluorescence intensity and satisfactory chemical stability. Then, the structures, morphologies, optical properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM) in details. Our results verified that one‐step hydrothermal synthesis was a simple, efficient and green process for the preparation of carbon dots. The investigation on the unique characteristics can provide new recognition on the fluorescent carbon dots.
Evaluation of Protic Ionic Liquids Based on Triethanolammonium and Tris(hydroxymethyl)methylammonium Salts as Buffers for 68Ga‐Radiolabelling of PSMA‐HBED‐CC
Authors: Antuganov Dmitrii , Timofeev Vasilii , Timofeeva Ksenija , Antuganova Yulija , Kondratenko Yulia A.
Published: November 2019

Nowadays chemistry of 68Ga‐labelled radiopharmaceuticals is one of the drivers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Buffers solutions for radiolabelling play one of the important roles here. Despite HEPES buffer providing high radiochemical conversions, its use is undesirable due to high toxicity. In this article we report a simple procedure involving usage of aqueous triethanolammonium (TEA) and tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl‐ammonium (TRIS) salts of biologically active carboxylic acids in a process of gallium‐68 complexation with PSMA‐HBED‐CC. These salts provide not only high radiochemical conversions but also are already widely used in biochemistry, molecular biology, agriculture and medicine as drugs of a wide spectrum of action and growth stimulating drugs (Trekrezan™, Chlorokrezacin™).
Removal of Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Ions in Water on a Newly Synthesized Polyhydroquinone/Graphene Nanocomposite Material: Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Mechanism
Authors: Ali Imran , Burakov Alexandr E. , Melezhik Alexandr V. , Babkin Alexandr V. , Burakova Irina V. , Neskomornaya Ms. Elena A. , Galunin Evgeny V. , Tkachev Alexey G. , Kuznetsov Denis V.
Published: November 2019

An effective polyhydroquinone/graphene nanocomposite was developed to remove Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions in water. The composite nanomaterial was characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and thermo‐gravimetry. The surface of the material was heterogeneous with 10–20 nm particle size. The adsorption capacity of Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions were 40.9 and 24.8 μgg−1, respectively. The sorption followed Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and D−Rs models. The process of adsorption was successfully described by pseudo‐second‐order model, thereby indicating the chemical nature of the main adsorption mechanism. Thus, it can be argued that the adsorption proceeded in a mixed‐diffusion mode, with a significant contribution of a large number of high affinity active sites located on the adsorbent surface. The uptake time was 60 and 15 minutes for Cu(II) and Zn(II) at pH 6.0; indicating fast hydro‐friendly nature and making the method applicable to solve water pollution in real life problems. Therefore, the reported method may be used to remove Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions in any water resource.
Ball Milling Produced FeF3‐Containing Nanothermites: Investigations of Its Thermal and Inflaming Properties
Authors: Jiang Aifeng , Xia Debin , Li Mengru , Qiang Liangsheng , Fan Ruiqing , Lin Kaifeng , Yang Yulin
Published: November 2019

Thermites are widely employed in explosives and propellants. However, it is difficult to fabricate nanothermites with low cost, nanoscale size and large production simultaneously. In this work, we employed ball milling process to manufacture varying ratio of FeF3‐containing nanothermites in a large scale. The obtained nanothermites presented excellent stability and were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy. The nanothermites particles could be optimized into nearly spherical shape together with an average diameter of 23.2 nm and a specific surface area of 26.33 m2/g. Moreover, the thermal stabilities, hydrophobicities and combustion properties were also symmetrically investigated via thermogravimetric analysis, hydrophobic angle test and infrared temperature measurement, showing that the vinyltrimethoxysilane covered FeF3‐containing nanothermites displayed similar hydrophobicity, lower initial oxidation temperatureand faster burning rate, respectively, compared to the ball‐milled aluminum nanoparticles.
Luminescence Sensing of Fe3+ and Nitrobenzene by Three Isostructural Ln–MOFs Assembled by a Phenyl‐Dicarboxylate Ligand
Authors: Bai Kai‐Peng , Zhou Li‐Jun , Yang Guo‐Ping , Cao Meng‐Xue , Wang Yao‐Yu
Published: November 2019

Three new 3D isostructural lanthanide MOFs, {[Ln(L)1.5(H2O)2]⋅2H2O⋅2DMF}n (Ln=Gd, Dy and Eu, H2L=4‐(2‐carboxyvinyl)benzoic acid)), were obtained by solvothermal reaction. The three complexes are topologically expressed as the trinodal (2,4,5)‐connected nets. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the three complexes maintained favorable thermal stability at 425 °C. Further, the fluorescence detection tests showed that Eu‐MOF had excellent recognition ability to Fe3+ and small organic nitrobenzene in DMF and other different mixed solutions, with stable crystal skeleton revealed by PXRD date. In addition, the result of the magnetic testing showed that Dy‐MOF had antiferromagnetic properties at 1000 Oe.
Facile Synthesis of Regioisomeric N‐Alkyl Substituted 3‐Methylene‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Stepanova Ekaterina E. , Lukmanova Dzhamilya N. , Kasatkina Svetlana O. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Maslivets Andrey N.
Published: November 2019

Facile and convenient synthetic approaches towards pharmaceutically important regioisomeric N‐alkyl substituted 3‐methylene‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones have been developed. Various approaches to the target compounds were tested and compared. Products having bulky N4‐propyl substituent were found to exist in two forms in solutions due to solvent‐dependent rotational processes in 2‐oxoethylidene moiety, which is of interest for construction of optical, electronic, and other functional materials. The proposed procedures proceed in a highly regioselective manner under mild conditions, and the products are isolated without usage of column chromatography.