bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium coordination preferences in imidazole‐containing systems revealed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and molecular modeling: Possible cues for the surprising stability of the Ru (III)/tris (hydroxymethyl)‐aminomethane/imidazole complexes
Authors: Kaltashov Igor A. , El Khoury Anton , Ren Chengfeng , Savinov Sergey N.
Published: September 2019

Ruthenium is a platinoid that exhibits a range of unique chemical properties in solution, which are exploited in a variety of applications, including luminescent probes, anticancer therapies, and artificial photosynthesis. This paper focuses on a recently demonstrated ability of this metal in its +3 oxidation state to form highly stable complexes with tris (hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (H2NC(CH2OH)3, Tris‐base or T) and imidazole (Im) ligands, where a single RuIII cation is coordinated by two molecules of each T and Im. High‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) is used to characterize RuIII complexes formed by placing a RuII complex [(NH3)5RuIICl]Cl in a Tris buffer under aerobic conditions. The most abundant ionic species in ESI MS represent mononuclear complexes containing an oxidized form of the metal, ie, [XnRuIIIT2 – 2H]+, where X could be an additional T (n = 1) or NH3 (n = 0‐2). Di‐ and tri‐metal complexes also give rise to a series of abundant ions, with the highest mass ion representing a metal complex with an empirical formula Ru3C24O21N6H66 (interpreted as cyclo(T2RuO)3, a cyclic oxo‐bridged structure, where the coordination sphere of each metal is completed by two T ligands). The empirical formulae of the binuclear species are consistent with the structures representing acyclic fragments of cyclo(T2RuO)3 with addition of various combinations of ammonia and dioxygen as ligands. Addition of histidine in large molar excess to this solution results in complete disassembly of poly‐nuclear complexes and gives rise to a variety of ionic species in the ESI mass spectrum with a general formula [RuIIIHiskTm (NH3)n − 2H]+, where k = 0 to 2, m = 0 to 3, and n = 0 to 4. Ammonia adducts are present for all observed combinations of k and m, except k = m = 2, suggesting that [His2RuIIIT2 − 2H]+ represents a complex with a fully completed coordination sphere. The observed cornucopia of RuIII complexes formed in the presence of histidine is in stark contrast to the previously reported selective reactivity of imidazole, which interacts with the metal by preserving the RuT2 core and giving rise to a single abundant ruthenium complex (represented by [Im2RuIIIT2 − 2H]+ in ESI mass spectra). Surprisingly, the behavior of a hexa‐histidine peptide (HHHHHH) is similar to that of a single imidazole, rather than a single histidine amino acid: The RuT2 core is preserved, with the following ionic species observed in ESI mass spectra: [HHHHHH·(RuIIIT2)m − (3m‐1)H]+ (m = 1‐3). The remarkable selectivity of the imidazole interaction with the RuIIIT2 core is rationalized using energetic considerations at the quantum mechanical level of theory.
In situ conversion monitoring of styrene emulsion polymerization by deconvolution of a single reference band near 1,000 cm−1
Authors: Dropsit E. , Hoppe S. , Chapron D. , Durand A. , Bourson P.
Published: September 2019

Styrene emulsion polymerization was performed in batch reactor using Raman spectroscopy for in situ monitoring of styrene conversion. The variation of the band of trigonal aromatic ring breathing at 1,000 cm−1 was analyzed in detail as a function of monomer conversion (wavenumber, integrated intensity, and half‐width at half‐maximum). The observed variation was described both qualitatively and quantitatively by a model assuming that the overall signal resulted from the addition of two close and distinct Gaussian signals, one originating from the monomer and the other one from the polymer repeat units. A reliable estimation of monomer conversion was obtained using the relative contributions of both components. The results were comparable to those obtained using the ratio of integrated intensities of the band at 1,000 cm−1 (overlapping signals of monomer and polymer) and the band at 1,631 cm−1 (signal specific to monomer). It was shown experimentally that information about monomer conversion could be obtained by applying linear model mixture to a single band of Raman spectrum, which provided an alternative method to the use of a ratio of integrated intensities.
Drag Reduction by Wormlike Micelles of a Biodegradable and Non‐Biodegradable Surfactants
Authors: Rodrigues Roberta K. , Silva Lucas A. S. , Vargas Gabriel G. , Loureiro Bruno V.
Published: September 2019

This study describes the effects of wormlike micelles formed by the commercial surfactants tallowalkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide (Aromox APA‐TW) and oleyl methyl bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ammonium chloride (Ethoquad O/12) as drag reducers. Ethoquad O/12 is immune to degradation by heat and microorganisms. Conversely, Aromox APA‐TW is biodegradable in the environment, and its susceptibility to heat‐induced degradation was previously assessed. This work considers the effects of temperature, salt, and time on the drag‐reduction capacity (in different Reynolds number) of wormlike micelles of these two surfactants. Wormlike micelles formed by Aromox APA‐TW are able to reduce drag at higher temperatures compared to wormlike micelles formed by Ethoquad O/12. However, Aromox APA‐TW can degrade after being heated to 80 °C and also after storage of the wormlike micelle solutions. Ethoquad O/12 does not undergo degradation after being heated or stored. These surfactants have the potential to be used as additives in industrial operations, as the wormlike micelles formed are able to reduce drag in systems with long pumping distances or recirculation, even in solutions with high salt concentrations (brine) and high temperatures.
Nitrogen fertilization rates in a subtropical peach orchard: effects on tree vigor and fruit quality
Authors: Rubio Ames Zilfina , Brecht Jeffrey K , Olmstead Mercy A
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen is a key component of crop production and is commonly related to increases in yield and fruit size. The N fertilization rates used for low‐chill peach cultivars were adapted from other peach production regions, where environmental and soil conditions are different. The growth and production as well as the effect on fruit physical and compositional attributes of two low‐chill peach cultivars – ‘TropicBeauty’ (TB) and ‘UFSharp’ (UFS) – with five different N fertilization rates (0 (N0), 45 (N1), 90 (N2), 179 (N3) and 269 (N4) kg ha−1 applied each year from 2011 to 2017) were examined.

RESULTS

Peach trees under higher N rates had higher pruning weights compared to the lower N0 or N1 rates. Yield was only affected in 2017 for the two cultivars tested. Physical attributes were inconsistently affected by N. Fruit from the higher N rates had lower a* value (more green) than fruit from the trees under low or zero N. While fruit firmness was not affected by N, fruit from trees under zero/low N had higher total soluble solids in some years.

CONCLUSION

Considering that N is recycled in the trees, being retained and reused each season to resume growth, it is important to address peach orchard fertilization based on peach tree N status. The results of this experiment show that an increase in N beyond what is required for tree maintenance does not increase yield. In addition, reducing N does not strongly affect fruit quality, although the color and soluble solids results suggest that lower N rates may advance fruit maturation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Z Score Reference Ranges of Fetal Cardiac Output From 12 to 40 Weeks of Pregnancy
Authors: Luewan Suchaya , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit , Tongsong Theera
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To develop the Z score reference ranges of fetal cardiac output (CO) in healthy fetuses from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low‐risk singleton pregnancies with healthy fetuses between 12 and 40 weeks. The right ventricular cardiac output (RCO), left ventricular cardiac output (LCO), and combined cardiac output (CCO) were measured by 2‐dimensional ultrasound with the Doppler velocity of the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The pregnancies were followed until delivery

Results

The RCO, LCO, and CCO were determined in 700 fetuses. The predictive models of the CO as a function of gestational age (GA) and biparietal diameter were identified, and the Z score reference ranges were constructed. The means and standard deviations of CO on both sides were increased with GA and biparietal diameter as power models. Nomograms for the LCO, RCO, and CCO were established (ie, RCO = 0.000148 × GA4.283034; SD = 0.000131 × GA4.026209; LCO = 0.000514 × GA3.790944; SD = 0.000169 × GA3.815546). The RCO was much more increased than the LCO with advancing GA.

Conclusions

The Z score reference ranges and percentile charts of fetal CO were constructed throughout gestation with a large sample size. This may be helpful in detection of cardiac disorders, especially cardiomyopathy, cardiac anomalies, fetal anemia, and fetal growth restriction.
Kinetics analysis of the isothermal crystallization of Cu55Zr45 metallic glass by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Gao Qian , Jian Zengyun
Published: September 2019

The crystallization kinetics of Cu55Zr45 (at%) glassy alloy is studied under isothermal condition using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The plot of correlation between the crystallized volume fraction α and annealing time t shows a sigmoid‐type curve, which is steeper with higher annealing temperature. Furthermore, in isothermal crystallization condition, local activation energy Eα values, determined using the Arrhenius equation, range from 181.1 to 187.8 kJ/mol, which is nearly a constant. The local Avrami exponent n(α) values, obtained by the Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami equation, which range from 2.2 to 4.0 at different annealing temeperatures, which indicates that the crystallization mechanism is diffusion‐controlled transformation. Moreover, n(α) becomes greater with increasing annealing temperature, which indicates that annealing temperature can affect nucleation rate and growth type.
Drain placement in thyroidectomy is associated with longer hospital stay without preventing hematoma
Authors: Maroun Christopher A. , El Asmar Margueritta , Park So‐Jin , El Asmar Marie Line , Zhu Gangcai , Gourin Christine G. , Fakhry Carole , Dhillon Vaninder , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O. , Mandal Rajarsi
Published: September 2019

Objective

To analyze the effect of drain placement on postoperative hematoma formation and other associated outcomes post–thyroid surgery in a large national cohort.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that analyzed data from the 2016–2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) public use files. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between drain and no drain cohorts.

Results

A total of 11,626 patients were included; 3281 had a drain placed intraoperatively and 8345 did not. Otolaryngologists were 6.98 times more likely to place a drain after thyroidectomy than general surgeons (P < .001), and patients undergoing subtotal or total thyroidectomy were 2.17 times more likely to have a drain placed than if undergoing partial thyroidectomy (P < .001). Drain placement did not reduce hematoma formation on both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted OR = 0.93, P = .696). A slightly larger proportion of patients underwent unplanned intubation postoperatively among those who had a drain placed (0.76% vs. 0.29%, P < .001). Patients who received a drain were on average 4.63 times as likely to remain in the hospital for 2 or more days compared to those who did not receive a drain.

Conclusion

Drain placement did not significantly affect postoperative hematoma formation following thyroidectomy. Drain placement should not be routinely employed in these patients. However, surgeon judgement and intraoperative considerations should be taken into account, as to when to place a drain.

Level of Evidence

N/A

Laryngoscope, 130:1349–1356, 2020
Trauma‐informed care improves management of paradoxical vocal fold movement patients
Authors: Cristel Robert T. , Russell Parker T. , Sims H. Steven
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) has been used by clinicians, primarily pulmonologists, to describe a variety of conditions in which the regulation and coordination of vocal fold movements are part of the explanation of cough or difficulty breathing, mainly paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFM). Prior studies show an intersection of mental health issues, primarily anxiety, and PVFM. We began incorporating mental health screening tools using the Life Events Checklist‐5 (LEC‐5) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for Civilians (PCL‐C) to assess symptomatology that may be related to traumatic life events. We seek to review the utility of these questionnaires for identifying patients who have experienced emotional trauma and use the principles of trauma‐informed care currently lacking for PVFM.

Methods

We incorporated mental health screening tools using the PCL‐C and LEC‐5 for anyone referred to the Chicago Institute for Voice Care for VCD from the pulmonology clinic at our institution. Each patient underwent a comprehensive strobovideolaryngoscopy including provocative maneuvers to provoke paradoxical movements.

Results

A total of 16 subjects were analyzed; of those, seven (43.8%) screened positive for PTSD with the PCL‐C. Overall, 58 traumatic events occurred among the 16 patients, with 31 (61.7%) of the traumatic events occurring in the seven positively screened for PTSD.

Conclusions

Using the PCL‐C and LEC‐5, the principles of trauma‐informed care principles were applied to patients initially referred for VCD who were found to have prior traumatic events. We recommend early mental health screening to establish a multidisciplinary team in PVFM.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:1508–1513, 2020
Intracellular Delivery of Glucose Oxidase for Enhanced Cytotoxicity toward PSMA‐Expressing Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Flynn Nicholas , Ranjan Ashish , Ramsey Joshua D.
Published: September 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) forming enzymes are of significant interest as anticancer agents due to their potent cytotoxicity. A key challenge in their clinical translation is attaining site‐specific delivery and minimizing biodistribution to healthy tissues. Here, complexes composed of the ROS enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX), poly‐l‐lysine‐grafted‐polyethylene glycol (PLL‐g‐PEG), and anti‐prostate specific membrane antigen (anti‐PSMA) monoclonal antibody are synthesized for localized delivery and uptake in prostate cancer cells. Formation of anti‐PSMA‐PLL‐g‐PEG/GOX results in nanoscale complexes ≈30 nm in diameter with a ζ‐potential of 6 mV. The anti‐PSMA‐PLL‐g‐PEG/GOX complexes show significant cytotoxicity (≈60% reduction in cell viability) against PSMA‐expressing LNCaP cells compared to unmodified GOX. Importantly, cytotoxicity in LNCaP cells occurrs concurrently with anti‐PSMA‐PLL‐g‐PEG/GOX uptake and increases in intracellular generation of ROS. These results demonstrate that cytotoxicity of ROS inducing enzymes can be enhanced by intracellular delivery compared to equivalent concentrations of free enzyme, providing a novel means for cancer therapy.
Wavelength‐Selective Folding of Single Polymer Chains with Different Colors of Visible Light
Authors: Frisch Hendrik , Kodura Daniel , Bloesser Fabian R. , Michalek Lukas , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: September 2019

Photochemistry allows chemists to exert control over chemical reactions with spatiotemporal precision. Furthermore, light holds the potential to not only gate when and where but also which reaction takes place. Herein, two photocycloaddition reactions—initiated by different colors of visible light—are utilized to control the intramolecular crosslinking of single polymer chains. Irradiation with blue light (λmax = 470 nm) triggers a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition inducing an initial intramolecular crosslinking reaction, whereas subsequent irradiation with violet light (λmax = 415 nm) induces a [4 + 4] photocycloaddition, fully compacting the dual photoreactive polymer into a single‐chain nanoparticle. Importantly, both crosslinked states are accessible under ultra‐mild conditions requiring nothing but two different colors of visible light. The reported strategy of wavelength‐selective crosslinking degrees provides key potential to be translated into materials applications for the remote control of mechanical properties on the molecular level.
The genetic polymorphisms of ZC3HC1 and SMARCA4 are associated with hypertension risk
Authors: Ma Huijun , He Yongjun , Bai Mei , Zhu Linhao , He Xue , Wang Li , Jin Tianbo
Published: September 2019

Aim

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between genetic variants of ZC3HC1 and SMARCA4 and hypertension risk in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

The Agena MassAssary platform was used to determine the genotypes of eight SNPs in ZC3HC1 and SMARCA4 from 350 hypertension patients and 483 healthy controls. Chi‐squared tests and genetic model were used to evaluate the associations. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. The statistical power of this study was estimated through the Power and Sample Size Calculation online software.

Result

In the genetic model analysis, we identified that the SNP of rs1464890 in ZC3HC1 was associated with a 0.68‐fold decreased risk of hypertension in the codominant model and 0.65‐fold decreased risk in the dominant model. Rs4507692 in ZC3HC1 was associated with a 0.69‐fold decreased risk of hypertension in the codominant model and 0.66‐fold decreased risk in the dominant model. The genotype “G/A‐A/A” of rs11879293 and the genotype “G/T‐T/T” of rs1122608 in SMARCA4 were significantly associated with decreasing the hypertension risk. In addition, the “Ars2242487 Trs1464890 Trs4507692” ZC3HC1 haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of hypertension.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that ZC3HC1 and SMARCA4 polymorphism may conducive to play a protective role against the hypertension risk.
Endurance exercise leads to beneficial molecular and physiological effects in a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Sharp Lydia , Cox Diana C. , Cooper Thomas A.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease caused by expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3' UTR of the Dystrophia Myotonica‐Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene. While multiple organs are affected, more than half of mortality is due to muscle wasting.

Methods

It is unclear whether endurance exercise provides beneficial effects in DM1. Here, we show that a 10‐week treadmill endurance exercise program leads to beneficial effects in the HSALR mouse model of DM1.

Results

Animals that performed treadmill training displayed reduced CUGexp RNA levels, improved splicing abnormalities, an increase in skeletal muscle weight and improved endurance capacity.

Discussion

These results indicate that endurance exercise does not have adverse effects in HSALR animals and contributes to beneficial molecular and physiological outcomes.
An exploratory study of stewardship for Chinese nonprofit organizations
Authors: Li Peiyao , Men Linjuan Rita , Yue Cen April
Published: September 2019

This study examined how Chinese nonprofits practice stewardship and how stewardship principles influence nonprofit–donor relationships and donor retention. Fifteen qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with experienced fundraisers in China. Results showed that Kelly's stewardship principles were applicable in China; Chinese fundraisers practiced stewardship principles of reciprocity, responsibility, reporting, and relationship nurturing to maintain relationships with major gift and annual donors. Besides, practitioners also utilized a variety of communication channels, ranging from face‐to‐face, telephones, emails, to digital shared media such as WeChat and Weibo, in communicating with individual and general public donors. Finally, interviewees also provided evidence on the positive role of quality nonprofit–donor relationships in retaining donors. This study illustrated the current status of nonprofit fundraising practice in China and expanded the explanatory power of the stewardship theory. The findings are implicative for Chinese nonprofits professionals on how to develop their unique stewardship practice in managing relationships with donors.
Preparation of hydrogenated natural rubber with nanomatrix structure
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ha , Do Quoc Viet , Tran Anh Dung , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: September 2019

Hydrogenated deproteinized natural rubber (HDPNR) with nanomatrix structure was prepared through graft‐copolymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene onto HDPNR particle in latex stage. Structural characterization of the resulting materials through nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that acrylonitrile and styrene were grafted onto HDPNR. The weather resistance, thermal properties, mechanical properties, storage modulus, and morphology of the resulting materials were investigated in comparison with those of HDPNR. The obtained result indicated that the graft‐copolymerization of HDPNR with hydrogenation conversion of 60 mol% attained the highest grafting efficiency. Thermal resistance and storage modulus of HDPNR‐graft‐poly (styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (HDPNR‐g‐SAN) were superior compared with those of HDPNR and deproteinized natural rubber. This was attributed to the nanomatrix formed in HDPNR‐g‐SAN, which was confirmed through a transmission electron microscope. Ribbed smoked sheet natural rubber exhibited the outstanding mechanical properties and weather resistance when it was mixed with HDPNR‐g‐SAN.
Inhibition of tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase protects against medial arterial calcification and improves survival probability in the CKD‐MBD mouse model
Authors: Tani Takashi , Fujiwara Megumi , Orimo Hideo , Shimizu Akira , Narisawa Sonoko , Pinkerton Anthony B , Millán José Luis , Tsuruoka Shuichi
Published: September 2019

Medial arterial calcification (MAC) is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an indicator of poor prognosis. Aortic overexpression of tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) accelerates MAC formation. The present study aimed to assess whether a TNAP inhibitor, SBI‐425, protects against MAC and improves survival probability in a CKD‐mineral and bone disorder (MBD) mouse model. CKD‐MBD mice were divided in three groups: vehicle, SBI‐10, and SBI‐30. They were fed a 0.2% adenine and 0.8% phosphorus diet from 14 to 20 weeks of age to induce CKD, followed by a high‐phosphorus (0.2% adenine and 1.8% phosphorus) diet for another 6 weeks. At 14–20 weeks of age, mice in the SBI‐10 and SBI‐30 groups were given 10 and 30 mg/kg SBI‐425 by gavage once a day, respectively, while vehicle‐group mice were given distilled water as vehicle. Control mice were fed a standard chow (0.8% phosphorus) between the ages of 8 and 20 weeks. Computed tomography imaging, histology, and aortic tissue calcium content revealed that, compared to vehicle animals, SBI‐425 nearly halted the formation of MAC. Mice in the control, SBI‐10 and SBI‐30 groups exhibited 100% survival, which was significantly better than vehicle‐treated mice (57.1%). Aortic mRNA expression of Alpl, encoding TNAP, as well as plasma and aortic tissue TNAP activity, were suppressed by SBI‐425 administration, whereas plasma pyrophosphate increased. We conclude that a TNAP inhibitor successfully protected the vasculature from MAC and improved survival rate in a mouse CKD‐MBD model, without causing any adverse effects on normal skeletal formation and residual renal function. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cationic polymerization of n‐hexyloxyallene by using halogen‐bonding organocatalysts
Authors: Takagi Koji , Okamura Kanami
Published: September 2019

The cationic polymerization of n‐hexyloxyallene was investigated by using halogen‐bonding organocatalysts (Cat A–Cat D). Although the neutral catalyst Cat C showed a poor polymerization activity, iodine‐carrying bidentate cationic catalyst Cat A brought about the smooth polymerization giving rise to a polymer with Mn of 2710 under [Cat A]:[IBVE‐HCl]:[monomer] = 10:10:500 in mM concentrations. Judging from the color change of polymerization system and electrospray ionization mass spectra of recovered catalyst, the decomposition of organocatalyst was suggested. When α‐bromodiphenylmethane was used as an initiator, the relatively controlled polymerization proceeded at the low monomer conversion likely due to the weak halogen‐bonding interaction of Cat A with the bromide anion. On the other hand, bromine‐carrying bidentate catalyst Cat D gave low‐molecular‐weight polymers (Mn < 1550) to be less suitable for polymerization. From the 1H‐NMR spectrum, it was found that the 1,2‐polymerization unit and 2,3‐polymerization unit are included in 75:25. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2436–2441
Ethnic differences in barriers to symptomatic presentation in primary care: A survey of women in England
Authors: Williams Emily D. , Whitaker Katriina L. , Piano Marianne , Marlow Laura A.V.
Published: September 2019

Objective

The majority of cancers are diagnosed following a decision to access medical help for symptoms. People from ethnic minority backgrounds have longer patient intervals following identification of cancer symptoms. This study quantified ethnic differences in barriers to symptomatic presentation including culturally specific barriers. Correlates of barriers (eg, migration status, health literacy, and fatalism) were also explored.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 720 White British, Caribbean, African, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women aged 30 to 60 (n = 120/group) was carried out in England. Barrier items were taken from the widely used cancer awareness measure; additional culturally specific barriers to symptomatic presentation were included following qualitative work (11 barriers in total). Migration status, health literacy, and fatalism were included as correlates to help‐seeking barriers.

Results

Ethnic minority women reported a higher number of barriers (P < .001, 2.6‐3.8 more than White British women). Emotional barriers were particularly prominent. Women from ethnic minority groups were more likely to report “praying about a symptom” (P < .001, except Bangladeshi women) and “using traditional remedies” (P < .001, except Caribbean women). Among ethnic minority women, adult migration to the United Kingdom, low health literacy, and high fatalistic beliefs increased likelihood of reporting barriers to symptomatic presentation. For example, women who migrated as adults were more likely to be embarrassed (OR = 1.83; CI, 1.06‐3.15), worry what the GP might find (OR = 1.91; CI, 1.12‐3.26), and be low on body vigilance (OR = 4.44; CI, 2.72‐7.23).

Conclusions

Campaigns addressing barriers to symptomatic presentation among ethnic minority women should be designed to reach low health literacy populations and include messages challenging fatalistic views. These would be valuable for reducing ethnic inequalities in cancer outcomes.
Consequence modeling of major accidents of a real butane storage tank
Authors: Nabhani Nader , Mahmoodi Hossein , Akbarifar Ahmadreza
Published: September 2019

Chemical accidents are going more frequent with increasing industrialization and increased measured handling of large quantities of chemicals. They can cause major life and property losses and environmental impact if proper safety considerations are neglected. This emphasizes the importance of the consequence analysis of the risks involved with the chemical plants. The purpose of this study is to analyze the consequence of major accidents of a case study in a spherical butane tank in the port of Bandar Imam (Iran). In this work, three possible failure scenarios were studied including (a) leakage from the loading line, (b) leakage from the tank manhole (outlet line), (c) rupture in the spherical butane tank in order to model the incidents. The detailed analysis of the results provided essential and important recommendations that should be taken into account including minimum safe distance from the rupture center for different types of fire. The established recommendations of this work can be used for an effective preparedness of people for relevant risks and could be employed to increase the awareness of possible risks and major accidents.
Influence of Isostatic Pressure on the Superconducting Performance of Nb3Al Prepared by Low‐Temperature Sintering
Authors: Zhao Huanhuan , Li Xinhua , Ma Qingshuang , Wen Xin , Du Zunfeng , Ma Zongqing
Published: September 2019

The influence of isostatic sintering pressure on the superconducting performance of Nb3Al prepared by powder metallurgy is investigated. It is found that its superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and critical current density ( Jc) are both improved with the increase in sintering pressure. Specifically, the Tc of the 180 MPa sintered sample reaches nearly 16.2 K, and its Jc is up to 1.1 × 104 A cm−2 (4.2K, 5T), an order of magnitude higher than that of the ambient sintered sample. The Nb/Al in the Nb3Al superconducting phase closer to the stoichiometric ratio of 3:1 in the pressure sintered samples is responsible for the increase in Tc; meanwhile, the reduced sintering micropores, refined grains, and more dislocations in the pressure sintered samples all contribute to the enhancement of their Jc.
A two‐stage phase II clinical trial design with nested criteria for early stopping and efficacy
Authors: DeVeaux Michelle , Kane Michael , Wei Wei , Zelterman Daniel
Published: September 2019

We propose a two‐stage design for a single arm clinical trial with an early stopping rule for futility. This design employs different endpoints to assess early stopping and efficacy. The early stopping rule is based on a criteria determined more quickly than that for efficacy. These separate criteria are also nested in the sense that efficacy is a special case of, but usually not identical to, the early stopping endpoint. The design readily allows for planning in terms of statistical significance, power, expected sample size, and expected duration. This method is illustrated with a phase II design comparing rates of disease progression in elderly patients treated for lung cancer to rates found using a historical control. In this example, the early stopping rule is based on the number of patients who exhibit progression‐free survival (PFS) at 2 months post treatment follow‐up. Efficacy is judged by the number of patients who have PFS at 6 months. We demonstrate our design has expected sample size and power comparable with the Simon two‐stage design but exhibits shorter expected duration under a range of useful parameter values.
Research on meta‐action decomposition and meta‐action unit modeling technology for electromechanical product
Authors: Li Yulong , Zhang Xiaogang , Ran Yan , Zhang Genbao , Wang Yongqin
Published: September 2019

The current decomposition methods are not suitable for electromechanical product; the smallest decomposition units obtained by these methods are static parts or components, which cannot reflect the characteristics of electromechanical product that ‘action determines motion, and motion determines function'. Meta‐action is the smallest action to realize the function of electromechanical product, and it is reasonable to regard meta‐action as the smallest decomposition unit of electromechanical product. Meta‐action unit is the smallest structural unit to ensure the normal operation of meta‐action, and it is also the smallest carrier of electromechanical product quality characteristics. Meta‐action unit modeling technology is the basis of other subsequent research, so it is necessary to study it. In this paper, detailed criteria for meta‐action decomposition and meta‐action unit separation are formulated, and the standardized structural model, symbolized conceptual model, and assembly model of meta‐action unit are also studied, which provide a basis for mechanical, kinematic, and failure mechanism research of electromechanical product. A CNC (computer numerical control) machine tool made in China is taken as an example for meta‐motion decomposition and meta‐action unit modeling, and the results verify the applicability and correctness of the method proposed in this paper. The proposed method is also applicable to other types of electromechanical product.
Analysis of cysteine glutathionylation in hemoglobin of gastric cancer patients using nanoflow liquid chromatography/triple‐stage mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Hauh‐Jyun Candy , Lai Pang‐Yen , Wu Deng‐Chyang
Published: September 2019

Glutathione is an intracellular antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals and detoxifying electrophiles from endogenous and exogenous sources via the free thiol group. Post‐translational glutathionylation at cysteine residues of proteins can affect the structure and cause a functional change of proteins. Protein glutathionylation has been proven to reflect the cellular redox status. Our previous report indicates that the levels of glutathionylation in hemoglobin from peripheral blood of smokers are significantly higher than in nonsmokers. In this study, a nanoflow liquid chromatography/nanospray ionization triple‐stage mass spectrometric (nanoLC/NSI‐MS3) method with a linear ion trap mass spectrometer was employed to quantify glutathionylated peptides in the trypsin digests of hemoglobin from gastric cancer patients. We compare the extent of glutathionylation in hemoglobin from nonsmoking gastric cancer patients with that from nonsmoking healthy adults. Using a carboxymethylated peptide as the reference peptide, the relative quantification of each glutathionylated peptide was measured as the peak area ratio of the modified peptide versus the sum of the peak areas of the modified and the carboxymethylated parent peptide in the selected reaction monitoring chromatograms. Using this method, we found that the extents of glutathionylation at Cys‐104 of the α‐globin and Cys‐93 of β‐globulin hemoglobin from 10 gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those from 14 normal individuals with p values <0.0001. Our results suggest the possibility of using the extent of cysteine glutathionylation at β‐93 of hemoglobin as an oxidative stress biomarker candidate for gastric cancer.
Dams, neoliberalism, and rights: Mainstreaming environmental justice claims
Authors: Kaneti Marina
Published: September 2019

Dams have a contentious reputation. Symbols of independence, progress, and prosperity to some, they are a lived reality of displacement, obliteration of sacred sites, and environmental degradation to others. Given the massive expansion of dam construction in recent years, this article engages in a critical assessment of the institutional limitations to dam opposition and explores alternative venues for anti‐dam mobilization and the voicing of claims to environmental justice. The article argues that a potentially effective means of dam opposition requires the alignment of both environmental justice and rights claims with mainstream societal conversations and government priorities. In order to resonate with a broader community vision of national interests and priorities, anti‐dam opposition also needs to integrate a message of collective duties and responsibilities.
A Phenazine Hydrochloride for the Selective Detection and Removal of Mercury(ІІ) Ions in Water
Authors: Yong Bi‐Rong , Qu Wen‐Juan , Dang Li‐Rong , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Zhang You‐Ming , Wei Tai‐Bao
Published: September 2019

A material that can simultaneously detect and remove toxic heavy metal Hg2+ ions are still needed in urgent. Herein, we report that an efficient, simple and water‐soluble phenazine hydrochloride (DAPH) chemosensor for colorimetric and fluorogenic detection of Hg2+ in pure water. The fluorescent and UV‐vis detection limits for Hg2+ are low. Meanwhile, the chemosensor is able to effectively remove Hg2+ in pure water through inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. A series of experimental results showed that the chemosensor successfully used to real‐time detect and remove toxic heavy metal Hg2+ ions from water via a simple deprotonation and destroyed phenazine‐based hydrochloride π−π stacking interactions. In addition, the fabricated silica gel plates are also demonstrated excellent selectivity towards Hg2+ ion without interfering.
The impact of hiring directors' choice‐supportive bias and escalation of commitment on CEO compensation and dismissal following poor performance: A multimethod study
Authors: Zorn Michelle L. , DeGhetto Kaitlyn , Ketchen David J. , Combs James G.
Published: September 2019

Research Summary

Boards of directors make high‐stake decisions that involve hiring, compensating, and dismissing CEOs. Building on theory about choice‐supportive bias and escalation of commitment, we theorize that “hiring directors” (directors who were present during a CEO's hiring) will display choice‐supportive bias and escalate commitment to poorly performing CEOs. Primary data from 73 directors indicate that directors are indeed biased toward CEOs they help hire. Archival data from S&P 1500 firms reveal that, following poor performance, the number of hiring directors is positively related to the increase in CEO pay and lower likelihood of CEO dismissal. Building on theory about board experience, we also predict and find that more experienced boards reduce the tendency to escalate. Thus, bias among hiring directors can be mitigated via experience.

Managerial Summary

Making a choice such as casting a vote or selecting a restaurant leads people to view their selection favorably even if evidence emerges suggesting it was a bad choice. We examine whether corporate directors fall prey to this choice‐supportive bias when involved in CEO hiring. We found that directors who are part of the hiring process tend to have an overly rosy view of the person selected. Moreover, if the firm is performing poorly, a board with more directors who helped hire the current CEO will tend to increase the CEO's pay more and are less likely to fire the CEO than a board with fewer such directors. This problem is reduced if the board has highly experienced directors among its ranks.
Vertically Aligned Graphene–Carbon Fiber Hybrid Electrodes with Superlong Cycling Stability for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Cherusseri Jayesh , Sambath Kumar Kowsik , Pandey Deepak , Barrios Elizabeth , Thomas Jayan
Published: September 2019

Graphene electrode–based supercapacitors are in high demand due to their superior electrochemical characteristics. A major bottleneck of using the supercapacitors for commercial applications lies in their inferior electrode cycle life. Herein, a simple and facile method to fabricate highly efficient supercapacitor electrodes using pristine graphene sheets vertically stacked and electrically connected to the carbon fibers which can result in vertically aligned graphene–carbon fiber nanostructure is developed. The vertically aligned graphene–carbon fiber electrode prepared by electrophoretic deposition possesses a mesoporous 3D architecture which enabled faster and efficient electrolyte‐ion diffusion with a gravimetric capacitance of 333.3 F g−1 and an areal capacitance of 166 mF cm−2. The electrodes displayed superlong electrochemical cycling stability of more than 100 000 cycles with 100% capacitance retention hence promising for long‐lasting supercapacitors. Apart from the electrochemical double layer charge storage, the oxygen‐containing surface moieties and α‐Ni(OH)2 present on the graphene sheets enhance the charge storage by faradaic reactions. This enables the assembled device to provide an excellent gravimetric energy density of 76 W h kg−1 with a 100% capacitance retention even after 1000 bending cycles. This study opens the door for developing high‐performing flexible graphene electrodes for wearable energy storage applications.
Materials Strategies and Device Architectures of Emerging Power Supply Devices for Implantable Bioelectronics
Authors: Huang Xueying , Wang Liu , Wang Huachun , Zhang Bozhen , Wang Xibo , Stening Rowena Y. Z. , Sheng Xing , Yin Lan
Published: September 2019

Implantable bioelectronics represent an emerging technology that can be integrated into the human body for diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Power supply devices are an essential component of bioelectronics to ensure their robust performance. However, conventional power sources are usually bulky, rigid, and potentially contain hazardous constituent materials. The fact that biological organisms are soft, curvilinear, and have limited accommodation space poses new challenges for power supply systems to minimize the interface mismatch and still offer sufficient power to meet clinical‐grade applications. Here, recent advances in state‐of‐the‐art nonconventional power options for implantable electronics, specifically, miniaturized, flexible, or biodegradable power systems are reviewed. Material strategies and architectural design of a broad array of power devices are discussed, including energy storage systems (batteries and supercapacitors), power devices which harvest sources from the human body (biofuel cells, devices utilizing biopotentials, piezoelectric harvesters, triboelectric devices, and thermoelectric devices), and energy transfer devices which utilize sources in the surrounding environment (ultrasonic energy harvesters, inductive coupling/radiofrequency energy harvesters, and photovoltaic devices). Finally, future challenges and perspectives are given.
Improved Interface Charge Extraction by Double Electron Transport Layers for High‐Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Yanbo , Wu Yanjie , Liu Yue , Chen Cong , Shen Xinyu , Bai Xue , Shi Zhifeng , Yu William W. , Dai Qilin , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2019

Charge extraction by electron transport layers (ETLs) plays a vital role in improving the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, PSCs with four different types of ETLs, such as SnO2, amorphous‐Zn2SnO4 (am‐ZTO), am‐ZTO/SnO2, and SnO2/am‐ZTO, are successfully synthesized. The interface recombination behavior and the charge transport properties of the devices affected by four types of ETLs are systematically investigated. For dual am‐ZTO/SnO2 ETLs, compact am‐ZTO ETL prepared by the pulsed laser deposition method provides a dense physical contact with FTO than the spin coating films, decreasing leakage current and improving charge collection at the interface of ETL/FTO. Moreover, dual am‐ZTO/SnO2 ETLs lead to large free energy difference (ΔG), improving electron injection from perovskite to ETLs. One additional electron pathway from perovskite to am‐ZTO is formed, which can also improve electron injection efficiency. A power conversion efficiency of 20.04% and a stabilized efficiency of 19.17% are achieved for the device based on dual am‐ZTO/SnO2 ETLs. Most importantly, the devices are fabricated at a low temperature of 150 °C, which offers a potential method for large‐scale production of PSCs, and paves the way for the development of flexible PSCs. It is believed that this work provides a strategy to design ETLs via controlling ΔG and interface contact to improve the performance of PSCs.
Loss Analysis in Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Rakocevic Lucija , Mundt Laura E. , Gehlhaar Robert , Merckx Tamara , Aernouts Tom , Schubert Martin C. , Glunz Stefan W. , Poortmans Jef
Published: September 2019

Hybrid metal‐halide perovskite‐based thin‐film photovoltaics (PVs) have the potential to become the next generation of commercialized PV technology with certified power conversion efficiencies reaching 24% on devices having 0.1 cm2 area. Recent efforts in upscaling this technology result in an efficiency of 12.6% for 354 cm2 modules. However, upscaling loss for perovskite‐based PVs is higher than for any other PV technology. In this study, upscaling losses of devices with aperture area 0.1, 4, and 100 cm2 are investigated, with a focus on layer inhomogeneities. Electroluminescence, dark lock‐in thermography, microphotoluminescence spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy are used to analyze and group layer inhomogeneities with a minimal size of 10 μm and to compare loss mechanisms for radial and linear deposition techniques. Analysis results help to identify current processing pitfalls, where understanding and control of perovskite crystal formation plays the crucial role.
DCAV: A software system to evaluate next‐generation cloud data center availability through a friendly graphical interface
Authors: Moreira Andre , Rosendo Daniel , Gomes Demis , Leoni Santos Guto , Silva Leylane , Cani Carolina , Kelner Judith , Sadok Djamel , Gonçalves Glauco , Mehta Amardeep , Wildeman Mattias , Takako Endo Patricia
Published: September 2019

To assess the availability of different data center configurations, understand the main root causes of data center failures and represent its low‐level details, such as subsystem's behavior and their interconnections, we have proposed, in previous works, a set of stochastic models to represent different data center architectures (considering three subsystems: power, cooling, and IT) based on the TIA‐942 standard. In this paper, we propose the Data Center Availability (DCAV), a web‐based software system to allow data center operators to evaluate the availability of their data center infrastructure through a friendly interface, without need of understanding the technical details of the stochastic models. DCAV offers an easy step‐by‐step interface to create and configure a data center model. The main goal of the DCAV system is to abstract low‐level details and modeling complexities, becoming the data center availability analysis a simple and less time‐consuming task.
Service level agreement specification for end‐to‐end IoT application ecosystems
Authors: Alqahtani Awatif , Solaiman Ellis , Patel Pankesh , Dustdar Schahram , Ranjan Rajiv
Published: September 2019

With an ever‐increasing variety and complexity of Internet of Things (IoT) applications delivered by increasing numbers of service providers, there is a growing demand for an automated mechanism that can monitor and regulate the interaction between the parties involved in IoT service provision and delivery. This mechanism needs to take the form of a contract, which, in this context, is referred to as a service level agreement (SLA). As a first step toward SLA monitoring and management, an SLA specification is essential. We believe that current SLA specification formats are unable to accommodate the unique characteristics of the IoT domain, such as its multilayered nature. Therefore, we propose a grammar for a syntactical structure of an SLA specification for IoT. The grammar is built based on a proposed conceptual model that considers the main concepts that can be used to express the requirements for hardware and software components of an IoT application on an end‐to‐end basis. We followed the goal question metric approach to evaluate the generality and expressiveness of the proposed grammar by reviewing its concepts and their predefined lists of vocabularies against two use cases with a considerable number of participants whose research interests are mainly related to IoT. The results of the analysis show that the proposed grammar achieved 91.70% of its generality goal and 93.43% of its expressiveness goal.