bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiphase chemistry in the troposphere: It all starts … and ends … with gases
Authors: Finlayson‐Pitts Barbara J.
Published: June 2019

When the phenomena of smog and acid deposition were first recognized, it was largely gas phase chemists and photochemists who leapt into the fray to untangle the sources and chemistry involved. Over time, the importance of multiphase chemistry was recognized, as illustrated in a dramatic manner with the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole which is driven by heterogeneous chemistry on polar stratospheric clouds. Since then, it has become clear that multiphase chemistry is central to both the lower and upper atmosphere and that this deeply intertwines interactions between the gas and condensed phases in the atmosphere. As a result, it can be argued that multiphase atmospheric chemistry begins … and ends… with gases. This paper is based on the 2018 Polanyi Medal award presentation at the 25th International Symposium on Gas Kinetics & Related Phenomena and traces research carried out in the author's laboratory on multiphase chemistry over a number of decades. While a great deal has been learned about these processes, they remain one of the areas of greatest uncertainty in understanding atmospheric composition, air quality, chemistry, and climate change.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch extract and powder as an eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel: A comparison study
Authors: Haris Nur Izzah Nabilah , Sobri Shafreeza , Yusof Yus Aniza , Kassim Norazila
Published: June 2019

A comparison study in terms of inhibition performance between oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) extract and OPEFB powder against mild steel corrosion in 1 M hydrochloric acid was evaluated using weight loss technique and adsorption isotherms. OPEFB extract and powder were prepared at various concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% (v/v) and dosages of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 g, respectively. The results showed that OPEFB extract achieved higher inhibition efficiency (IE) at high concentration and short immersion time compared to OPEFB powder. Despite having lower IE, OPEFB powder seemed to have better behavior; 6.6% IE increment at longer immersion time, gradual release of active compounds and stronger adsorption capacity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray studies confirmed the presence of active compounds in OPEFB extract and powder that is responsible for inhibition. Thermodynamic study revealed that both OPEFB extract and powder obeyed Langmuir isotherm and worked through physical adsorption. Overall, OPEFB powder is concluded to have better performance as corrosion inhibitor compared with OPEFB extract.
Long‐term atmospheric corrosion rates of hot dip galvanised steel and zinc‐aluminium‐magnesium coated steel
Authors: Thierry Dominique , LeBozec Nathalie , Le Gac Anne , Persson Dan
Published: June 2019

Zn coated steel (Z) and ZnAlMg coated steel (ZM3.7/3 = Zn–Al (3.7 wt.%)‐Mg (3.0 wt.%)) have been exposed for 6 years at twelve different weathering sites world wide. The mass loss of the coatings have been measured after 1, 2, 4, and 6 years exposure. From the results, it is shown that ZM3.7/3 had always a better corrosion performance compared to Z. The ratio of performance after 6 years of exposure varied from about 1.4 to 4.4 with a mean value of 2.8. At temperate marine sites (e.g., temperature between 9–20°C) with low to moderate SO
2 pollution a good relationship was observed between the relative performance of ZM3.7/3 and the corrosion rate of Z. It was thus concluded that ZM3.7/3 has a better relative performance in harsh environments. The corrosion performance of ZM3.7/3 was shown to be connected to the formation of protective corrosion products.
Preservation, rejuvenation, or confusion? Changing package designs for heritage brands
Authors: Orth Ulrich R. , Rose Gregory M. , Merchant Altaf
Published: June 2019

Updating a brand's packaging presents a challenge, especially for heritage brands. This study examines how and when continuity in visual package design influences brand heritage perceptions. A pre‐study uses focus groups to corroborate evidence for the constructs and processes involved. Three experiments show that lower continuity designs create confusion, which in turn damages a brand's heritage identity. Study 1a provides initial evidence for the process and demonstrates that effects occur regardless of prior brand usage. Study 1b replicates the mediating role of confusion with two different product categories, controlling for brand attachment. Study 1c rules out alternative mediating processes through other emotions. Employing a quasiexperimental design involving ten brands, Study 2 demonstrates that a brand's mascot can buffer against detrimental effects of low design continuity on confusion and consequent perceptions of brand heritage and purchase intention while controlling for brand familiarity and need for cognition. Together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of consumer responses to changes in package design and heritage brands.
Spectrum of Movement Disorders in Patients With Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Lenka Abhishek , Kamat Anuja , Mittal Shivam Om
Published: June 2019

Background

West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that is recognized as one of the common causes of arboviral neurological disease in the world. WNV infections usually manifest with constitutional symptoms such as fever, fatigue, myalgia, rash, arthralgia, and headache. Neuroinvasive WNV infections are characterized by signs and symptoms suggestive of meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. In addition, many patients with neuroinvasive WNV infection develop a wide range of movement disorders. This article aims to comprehensively review the spectrum and natural course of the movement disorders observed in patients with neuroinvasive WNV infections.

Methods

A literature search was performed in March 2019 (in PubMed and EMBASE) to identify articles for this review.

Results

Movement disorders observed in the context of WNV infections include tremor, opsoclonus–myoclonus, parkinsonism, myoclonus, ataxia, and chorea. Most often, these movement disorders resolve within a few weeks to months with an indolent course. The commonly observed tremor phenotypes include action tremor of the upper extremities (bilateral > unilateral). Tremor in patients with West Nile meningitis subsides earlier than that in patients with West Nile encephalitis/acute flaccid paralysis. Opsoclonus–myoclonus in WNV infections responds well to intravenous immunoglobulins/plasmapheresis/corticosteroids. Parkinsonism has been reported to be mild in nature and usually lasts for a few weeks to months in the majority of the patients.

Conclusion

A wide spectrum of movement disorders is observed in neuroinvasive WNV infections. Longitudinal studies are warranted to obtain better insights into the natural course of these movement disorders.
Utility of the Movement Disorders Society Criteria for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Ali Farwa , Botha Hugo , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

When the 2017 Movement Disorders Society Criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy is applied, patients may appear to have multiple phenotypes. The maximum allocation extinction rules were developed to provide a consistent method for applying the criteria and reaching a single diagnostic label. In this study, we apply both to a neuropathologic cohort of progressive supranuclear palsy and other parkinsonian conditions.

Methods

An autopsy cohort of 54 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 56 patients with other neuropathologic diseases was selected. Clinical data were retrospectively abstracted, and the diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy were applied. All possible phenotypes applicable were listed and maximum allocation extinction rules were applied to assess reduction in the number of phenotypes ascribed per patient.

Results

In the progressive supranuclear palsy group, 52 patients met the criteria for multiple phenotypes, with an average of 7 phenotypes per patient. In the nonprogressive supranuclear palsy group, all 56 patients had features of more than one phenotype, up to 3 per patient. After application of maximum allocation extinction rules, the majority of the patients in both groups had a single predominant phenotype. Freezing of gait, supranuclear gaze palsy, and frontal behavioral syndrome were more common in the progressive supranuclear palsy group.

Conclusions

The diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy identify many clinical features, thereby leading to assignment of multiple phenotypes per patient. We demonstrate that the maximum allocation extinction rules can effectively lead to a single consensus phenotype, maintaining a uniform diagnostic label for clinical and research applications.
Roles of the M4 acetylcholine receptor in the basal ganglia and the treatment of movement disorders
Authors: Moehle Mark S. , Conn P. Jeffrey
Published: June 2019

Acetylcholine (ACh) released from cholinergic interneurons acting through nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the striatum have been thought to be central for the potent cholinergic regulation of basal ganglia activity and motor behaviors. ACh activation of mAChRs has multiple actions to oppose dopamine (DA) release, signaling, and related motor behaviors and has led to the idea that a delicate balance of DA and mAChR signaling in the striatum is critical for maintaining normal motor function. Consistent with this, mAChR antagonists have efficacy in reducing motor symptoms in diseases where DA release or signaling is diminished, such as in Parkinson's disease and dystonia, but are limited in their utility because of severe adverse effects. Recent breakthroughs in understanding both the anatomical sites of action of ACh and the mAChR subtypes involved in regulating basal ganglia function reveal that the M4 subtype plays a central role in regulating DA signaling and release in the basal ganglia. These findings have raised the possibility that sources of ACh outside of the striatum can regulate motor activity and that M4 activity is a potent regulator of motor dysfunction. We discuss how M4 activity regulates DA release and signaling, the potential sources of ACh that can regulate M4 activity, and the implications of targeting M4 activity for the treatment of the motor symptoms in movement disorders. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chromosomal aberrations in pregnancy and fetal loss: Insight on the effect of consanguinity, review of 1625 cases
Authors: Najafi Kimia , Gholami Soheila , Moshtagh Azadeh , Bazrgar Masood , Sadatian Neda , Abbasi Golemaryam , Rostami Parvin , Khalili Soheila , Babanejad Mojgan , Nourmohammadi Bahareh , Faramarzi Garous Negin , Najmabadi Hossein , Kariminejad Roxana
Published: June 2019

Background

Pregnancy loss affects 10%–15% of pregnancies and is caused by several factors, maternal and fetal. Most common cause is chromosomal aneuploidy and has traditionally been detected by karyotyping product of conception and/or fetal tissue. In recent years, array comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) has been used because of its higher detection and lower failure rates.

Methods

DNA was extracted from 1625 products of abortion or fetal tissue. In 1,104 cases both quantitative fluorescent‐polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) and a‐CGH, and in 521 cases only a‐CGH, was performed.

Results

The detection rate using QF‐PCR and a‐CGH is 20% compared to 12.7%, overall, and 15.7%, excluding failed samples, by karyotypes in our center. QF‐PCR and a‐CGH failed in 1.9% of cases, while the failure rate for karyotypes was 20.1%. The difference of detection and failure rates is significant (p‐value < 0.001 and p‐value < 0.001 respectively). Unexpectedly we also found a significant difference in frequency of imbalances in related versus unrelated couples. (χ2 = 11.4926, p‐value < 0.001).

Conclusion

It is highly likely that the pregnancy loss in consanguineous couples is caused by other genetic and immune mechanisms. It is plausible that, through the same mechanism by which single gene disorders have a higher prevalence of manifesting disease in consanguineous couples, they can cause lethal genetic disorders leading to pregnancy loss and intra‐uterine fetal death (IUFD) in these couples. Our findings suggest that this is a matter for further study as it will greatly influence the approach to counseling and managing consanguineous couples with pregnancy loss.
Weak shock waves and its interaction with characteristic shocks in polyatomic gas
Authors: Zeidan Dia , Bira Bibekananda
Published: June 2019

We present Lie symmetry analysis for investigating the shock‐wave structure of hyperbolic differential equations of polyatomic gases. With the application of symmetry analysis, we derive particular exact group invariant solutions for the governing system of partial differential equations (PDEs). In the next step, the evolutionary behavior of weak shock along with the characteristic shock and their interaction is investigated. Finally, the amplitudes of reflected wave, transmitted wave, and the jump in shock acceleration influenced by the incident wave after interaction are evaluated for the considered system of equations.
Concurrent quantification of magnetic nanoparticles temperature and relaxation time
Authors: Shi Yipeng , Weaver John B.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The harmonic spectrum of the magnetization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the presence of an applied magnetic field can be used to characterize the properties of the microenvironment of the MNPs. The change in temperature and relaxation time has been measured by varying the magnetic field amplitudes or frequency to obtain the harmonic spectrum. However, scaling estimates of temperature or relaxation time are poor if both change simultaneously. In this work, we show that scaling over both the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field allows both the temperature and relaxation to be estimated simultaneously.

Methods

The scaling methods previously used to measure temperature and relaxation times individually have been expanded to two dimensions allowing both parameters to be estimated simultaneously. Samples with different temperature and relaxation times were measured using a magnetic nanoparticle spectrometer to verify this two‐dimensional scaling method. Simulations were also carried out for a range of nanoparticle sizes, and the best particle sizes were estimated for this two‐dimensional method.

Results

The two‐dimensional scaling method achieved a mean error of 0.83% for relaxation time by considering the temperature variation as well as relaxation time changes. The temperature and viscosity of the MNPs were measured simultaneously with the mean error of 1.03°C and 0.011 mPas. For monodisperse particles with Brownian relaxation, simulation showed that core radius of 16 nm and hydrodynamic radius of 23 nm had best accuracy for the scaling method.

Conclusions

The two‐dimensional scaling method allows both temperature and relaxation time to be estimated simultaneously. The measurement accuracy can be improved by combining information in ratios and phases of the magnetic harmonics of the magnetization and by choosing the optimal particle sizes.
Discrete element analysis of the influence of bolt pattern and spacing on the force‐displacement response of bolted steel mesh
Authors: Xu Cong , Tannant Dwayne D. , Zheng Wenbo
Published: June 2019

Steel wire mesh held by a pattern of bolts can be used to stabilize a rock slope. Knowledge of the force‐displacement response of steel mesh is essential in the design of this support system. Laboratory tests have been used to test mesh that is held to rigid steel frames. These testing conditions differ from how steel mesh is held in the field by bolts. The existing laboratory test data may underestimate the deformation and overestimate the load‐bearing capacity of the steel mesh. This paper focuses on the response of the high tensile strength steel mesh held by commonly used bolt patterns. Discrete element models were used to study the force‐displacement response of the steel mesh pinned by bolts. The influences of different bolt patterns and varying ratios of bolt spacing on the effectiveness of steel wire mesh were analyzed. Relationships between the resistance force of steel mesh and bolt density at various mesh deformations were developed. These relationships can help engineers choose the bolt spacing and provide an estimate of the resistance force that a steel mesh can mobilize at a desired deformation limit for a given bolt pattern.
Film‐ and ointment‐based delivery systems for the transdermal delivery of TNP‐470
Authors: Abramov Eva , Schwob Ouri , Benny Ofra
Published: June 2019

Pathological angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, is responsible for a broad range of neovascular‐related systemic diseases. One of the first antiangiogenic compounds tested in clinical trials against cancer was TNP‐470. Despite promising activity the injectable drug showed poor plasma stability and caused adverse side effects in high doses lead to termination of the trials. In our current work, we introduce the development of a transdermal delivery systems for controlled release of TNP‐470. Such formulation can potentially reduce toxicity due to controlled continuous dosing and improve stability by avoiding gastrointestinal first pass metabolism. Although transdermal delivery is a very challenging route for drug administration due to the low permeability of the skin, here we present a successful development of two different drug delivery systems, film and ointment for dermal application of TNP‐470. Chitosan film had high loading capacity of up to 50% w/w of TNP‐470 compared with 10% maximum loading in hydrocarbon ointment. A detailed step‐by‐step development of TNP‐470 films, from the initial solvent screening to final optimized formulation, is presented. Ex vivo skin permeation studies demonstrated a superior release of the drug from the film formulation compared with the ointment. Furthermore, histological test of the skin confirmed ointment safety showing no evidence of skin tissues damage. Our results present novel, promising, controlled release drug delivery systems with improved stability, efficacy, and safety profile of TNP‐470 via transdermal route.
Adverse drug event patterns experienced by patients with diabetes: A diary study in primary care
Authors: Denig Petra , van Puijenbroek Eugène P. , Soliman Nashwa , Mol Peter G. M. , de Vries Sieta T.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Little is known about adverse drug events (ADEs) experienced over time during chronic drug use. The purpose of this study was to assess ADE patterns experienced by patients with diabetes.

Methods

Patients who received an oral glucose‐lowering drug completed a daily diary for 13 weeks. The diary asked for experienced symptoms and whether patients related these symptoms to any drug they used. Summaries of Product Characteristics were used to check whether the ADEs were known adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of the drugs used. Patterns of weekly occurring ADEs were assessed with descriptive statistics.

Results

We included 78 patients. Almost half of them reported at least one ADE (N = 36; 46%). In total, 80 ADEs were reported. Of these ADEs, 71 (90%) were known ADRs. ADEs lasted less than 1 week in 27 cases (34%) and between 2 and 12 weeks in 15 cases (19%). The remaining ADEs fluctuated (16 cases; 20%) or persisted (22 cases; 28%) during the entire study period.

Conclusions

ADEs experienced by patients with diabetes can fluctuate or persist over long periods of drug use.
Does smoking abstinence predict cancer patients' quality of life over time?
Authors: Martínez Úrsula , Brandon Karen O. , Sutton Steven K. , Brandon Thomas H. , Simmons Vani N.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Smoking cessation improves quality of life (QOL) in the general population. However, there is limited information on the role of smoking status on QOL among cancer patients. Moreover, previous studies tended to analyze smoking status dichotomously and at a single point in time, potentially reducing the strength of the relation between smoking cessation and QOL. This study examined the association of smoking abstinence and QOL over time, including depression, pain, and fatigue in patients with a wide variety of cancers.

Methods

Participants were 332 cancer patients (eg, gynecologic, breast, thoracic, head and neck, and genitourinary) who had been abstinent for at least 24 hours. Days abstinent and QOL were assessed at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months later. Latent growth curve models examined if days abstinent was associated with QOL at each assessment. Baseline demographics (eg, sex and income) and smoking history variables (eg, nicotine dependence) were used as time‐invariant covariates.

Results

The final model for each QOL component had good‐to‐excellent fit. More days abstinent was associated with lower depression at all follow‐ups and with lower fatigue at 12 months but was not associated with pain.

Conclusions

QOL was better among patients who quit smoking for longer periods. Findings suggest different timelines, with smoking abstinence most immediately associated with lower depression, followed by lower fatigue. Although pain decreased over time, it was not associated with length of smoking abstinence. Results reinforce the relationship between sustained smoking cessation and QOL, which should be communicated to patients.
Plants to the fore: Noticing plants in designed environments
Authors: Nyberg Eva , Hipkiss Anna Maria , Sanders Dawn
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Educational experiences where the ecological and social significance of plants is the main focus are crucial tools to help us to overcome “plant blindness” and challenge “zoocentric” views. By examining how student teachers respond to two different educational environments; one where animals are in the foreground, and another where plants take center stage, we conclude that for plants to be noticed in animal‐rich environments, they need to be prominent in the design of spaces with information about them displayed clearly. This work will help inform the design and creation of tools that will enhance and develop plant science education.

Summary

Plants are not only essential for human health and well‐being, but are fundamental to life on Earth. Despite their central importance in sustaining life on this planet, many humans do not notice plants to the same extent as they do animals, a phenomenon described as “plant blindness”. Research indicates that multimodal and sensoric experiences might be significant tools for bringing about a shift away from plant blindness toward recognizing plants and their importance for life on Earth.

This study seeks to explore the affordances of sensory‐rich indoor environments in two different settings; one where living animals are in the foreground (a science center), and one where living plants are in the fore (a greenhouse in a botanical garden). The participants in this study were elementary school student teachers. Data were collected through individual questionnaires that examined the student teachers' experiences visiting the two sites.

The student teachers' answers are rich in aesthetic expressions, both regarding the animals and plants mentioned and regarding the environments studied.  There is a dominance of animal references at the science center and a dominance of plant references from the botanical garden.

In order for plants to be noticed in animal‐rich environments, they need to be foregrounded in the design of spaces and information about them clearly exposed to human view.
Inflammation‐associated pathologies in a case of prostate schistosomiasis: Implications for a causal role in prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Peiffer Lauren B. , Poynton Sarah L. , Ernst Sarah E. , Hicks Jessica L. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Sfanos Karen S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Urogenital infection with Schistosoma haematobium is a risk factor for the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. The pathophysiology is thought to be mediated in part by inflammation, cellular damage, and bladder regeneration induced by the parasitic infection. Herein, we report an unusual case of schistosomiasis of the prostate that was found concurrent with prostate adenocarcinoma in a radical prostatectomy specimen from a man in the United States.

Methods

The infecting Schistosoma species was characterized via histomorphology and acid‐fast stain. The concurrent Gleason score 6 prostate cancer was assessed for ETS transcription factor ERG (ERG), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p27, and p53 status using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cellular proliferation and the presence of intermediate cells in prostatic atrophy were assessed via immunostaining for Ki67 and CK903, respectively.

Results

Histomorphology and acid‐fast stain of the infecting species were consistent with S. haematobium. We classified the Gleason score 6 prostate adenocarcinoma via IHC as ERG positive, PTEN intact, p27 intact, and without p53 nuclear accumulation. The prostatic epithelium immediately adjacent to the schistosomiasis‐related granulomatous inflammation was atrophic and accompanied by increased cellular proliferation and the presence of intermediate cells. Upon literature review, we determined that prostate schistosomiasis is associated with a young age of prostate cancer diagnosis and highly aggressive prostate cancer.

Conclusions

This is a rare case of prostate schistosomiasis in the United States; however, prostate schistosomiasis occurs frequently in endemic areas. The patient had traveled to a Schistosoma‐endemic region, which was the likely location of exposure to the parasite. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of proliferative inflammatory atrophy and intermediate cells with schistosomiasis of the prostate. We propose that prostate schistosomiasis may be considered as a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer in geographic regions where Schistosoma species are endemic.
Perspective: service‐based business models to incentivize the efficient use of pesticides in crop protection
Authors: Chappell Thomas M , Magarey Roger D , Kurtz Ryan W , Trexler Christina M , Pallipparambil Godshen R , Hain Ernie F
Published: June 2019

Several problems limit the productivity and acceptance of crop protection, including pesticide overuse, pesticide resistance, poor adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), declining funding for research and extension, and inefficiencies of scale. We discuss the proposition that alternative business models for crop protection can address these problems by incentivizing and benefiting from efficiency of pesticide use. Currently, business models are not linked to the adoption of IPM and are sometimes at odds with IPM practices. We explore a business model based on the provision of pest management adequacy through services rather than the sale of pesticide products. Specifically, we advocate for establishment of crop protection adequacy standards that would allow a market system to maximize efficiency. Changing some of the relationships between agricultural companies and producers from one based on products to one based on services is an idea worthy of debate and evaluation for improving the efficiency of pest management. Contemporary information technology enhancing monitoring and coordination warrants attention in this debate. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Customized 2D Structures for High Throughput Electromigration Measurements
Authors: Ravandi Saeedeh , Zenger Tobias , Eibelhuber Martin , Hassel Achim Walter , Mardare Andrei Ionut
Published: June 2019

Customized 2D wires are designed for high throughput electromigration testing on model Al and Cu thin films. Two direct writing approaches for defining the 2D wires are compared with photolithography. Electromigration effects on Al and Cu thin films are studied on 2D wires obtained applying both methods. A self‐developed four‐point probe is used to apply current through the test wires while measuring the potential drop along the wires. Photolithography is selected as the main method to outline the wires in order to have reproducible results in a high throughput manner. The errors of electromigration assessment are empirically evaluated by analyzing the data scattering for a large number of measured 2D wires. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) is performed on the photoresist removal solution before and after the lift‐off process. No traces of metallic elements are detected in both cases confirming the proposed mechanism.
Electronic Transport and Magnetic Properties of Co/SiO2Magnetic Nanocomposites
Authors: Radchenko Mykhailo , Lashkarev Georgii , Baibara Oleksii , Bugaiova Maryna , Stelmakh Yaroslav , Krushynska Larysa , Foltyn Marek , Knoff Wojciech , Story Tomasz , Nedelko Natalia , Ślawska‐Waniewska Anna
Published: June 2019

Electric, thermoelectric, and magnetic properties of the magnetic nanocomposite (MNC) Co/SiO2consisting of nanometer‐size Co nanoparticles embedded in SiO2dielectric matrix have been studied. MNC is obtained in the form of (0.8–2.3) μm thick films with Co concentration 31.7–65.4 at.% by the electron beam physical vapor deposition method on polycrystalline Al2O3substrates. The temperature dependence of the resistivity follows the Mott law. The negative magnetothermoelectric power discovered in MNC Co/SiO2can be explained by hopping conductivity through the magnetic localization centers in the SiO2matrix or chemical interaction of Co with Si and O2, which results in a mixture of CoSi (ferromagnetic) and CoO (antiferromagnetic) phases. As the cobalt concentration increases, the particle size increases and the interparticle distances decrease. This is confirmed by the magnetic behavior of the sample with high Co concentration, which is dominated by large Co nanoparticles and strong interparticle magnetic interactions.
Rutin attenuates vancomycin‐induced renal tubular cell apoptosis via suppression of apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress
Authors: Qu Shaoqi , Dai Cunchun , Guo Hui , Wang Cuncai , Hao Zhihui , Tang Qihe , Wang Haixia , Zhang Yanping
Published: June 2019

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic widely used to treat infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, nephrotoxicity is a major adverse side effect, and the development of effective nephroprotective agents remains a priority in antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the cell protective effects of the flavonol glycoside rutin against vancomycin‐induced toxicity. Vancomycin added to porcine renal tubular LLC‐PK1 cells caused an increase of production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and subsequent apoptotic cell death. Pretreatment of LLC‐PK1 cells with rutin at 5, 10, and 20 μM for 2 hr prior to 2‐mM vancomycin exposure for 24 hr significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Rutin pretreatment also protected cells from vancomycin‐induced caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and subsequent apoptosis. This study demonstrates a protective effect of rutin and suggests that rutin coadministration is an alternative therapy for treatment of vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity.
Electric properties of molecules confined by the spherical harmonic potential
Authors: Chołuj Marta , Bartkowiak Wojciech
Published: June 2019

The harmonic oscillator potential is very often used in quantum chemical studies of electric properties to model the effect of spatial confinement. In the vast majority of works, the harmonic potential of cylindrical symmetry was applied. Thus far, its spherical counterpart was used mainly to describe properties of spatially restricted atomic systems. Therefore, our main goal was to study the molecular electric properties in the presence of the spherically symmetric harmonic oscillator potential and to characterize the impact of the relative position of the considered molecules and spherical confinement on these properties. Moreover, we analyzed how the topology of confining environment affects the dipole moment and (hyper)polarizability, by comparing the results obtained in the spherical and cylindrical harmonic potential. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the position of the molecules relative to the spherical confinement strongly influences their electric properties. The observed trends of changes in the electric properties, caused by increasing the confinement strength, vary significantly. Moreover, it was shown that in the vast majority of cases, significant differences in the values of electric properties, obtained in the cylindrical and spherical confinement of a given strength, occur.
Robust event‐triggered control of second‐order disturbed leader‐follower MASs: A nonsingular finite‐time consensus approach
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Yanling , Liu Hao , Yu Yao , Sun Changyin
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the finite‐time and the prescribed finite‐time event‐triggered consensus tracking problems for second‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) with uncertain disturbances. The prescribed finite‐time event‐triggered consensus of the second‐order disturbed MASs was obtained for the first time and the controller is nonsingular. Furthermore, a new self‐triggered control scheme is presented for the finite‐time consensus tracking, and the continuous communication can be avoided in the triggering condition monitoring. Hence, the finite‐time consensus tracking can be achieved with intermittent communication. Moreover, Zeno behavior is excluded for each follower. The efficiency of the proposed algorithms is verified by numerical simulations.
Robust trajectory tracking control for unmanned tail‐sitters in aggressive flight mode transitions
Authors: Liu Deyuan , Liu Hao , Lewis Frank L.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the trajectory tracking control problem is investigated for a new typical tail‐sitter. A robust hierarchical control method is proposed to achieve aggressive flight mode transitions. The proposed control method results in a composite controller including a translational controller and a rotational controller to control the position and attitude respectively. Continuous aggressive flight mode transitions can be achieved without switching on the coordinate systems or the controller structures. It is proven that the tracking errors of the designed closed‐loop system can converge into a given neighborhood of the origin in a finite time. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Identifying a typology of high schools based on their orientation toward STEM: A latent class analysis of HSLS:09
Authors: Vaval Luronne , Bowers Alex J. , Snodgrass Rangel Virginia
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent that there is a typology of high schools based on their orientation toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as the extent to which school‐level demographic variables and student high school outcomes are associated with subgroup membership in the typology, by analyzing data from a large nationally representative sample of high schools (n = 940) from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) using latent class analysis (LCA). We used a three‐step LCA approach to identify significantly different subgroups of STEM‐oriented high schools, what covariates predict subgroup membership, and how subgroup membership predicts observed distal outcomes. We find that there are four significantly different subgroups of STEM‐oriented high schools based on their principal's perceptions: Abundant (12.3%), Support (23.3%), Bounded (10.1%), and Comprehensive (54.3%). In addition, we find that these subgroups are associated with school demographics, such as the percent of students eligible for free and reduced‐price lunch, school locale, and control (public or private). Subgroup membership is also associated with student outcomes, such as postsecondary program enrollment and intent to pursue a STEM degree.
Measures for evaluation of prognostic improvement under multivariate normality for nested and nonnested models
Authors: Enserro Danielle M. , Demler Olga V. , Pencina Michael J. , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: June 2019

When comparing performances of two risk prediction models, several metrics exist to quantify prognostic improvement, including the change in the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, the Integrated Discrimination Improvement, the Net Reclassification Index at event rate, the change in Standardized Net Benefit, the change in Brier score, and the change in scaled Brier score. We explore the behavior and interrelationships between these metrics under multivariate normality in nested and nonnested model comparisons. We demonstrate that, within the framework of linear discriminant analysis, all six statistics are functions of squared Mahalanobis distance, a robust metric that properly measures discrimination by quantifying the separation between the risk scores of events and nonevents. These relationships are important for overall interpretability and clinical usefulness. Through simulation, we demonstrate that the performance of the theoretical estimators under normality is comparable or superior to empirical estimation methods typically used by investigators. In particular, the theoretical estimators for the Net Reclassification Index and the change in Standardized Net Benefit exhibit less variability in their estimates as compared to their empirically estimated counterparts. Finally, we explore how these metrics behave with potentially nonnormal data by applying these methods in a practical example based on the sex‐specific cardiovascular disease risk models from the Framingham Heart Study. Our findings aim to give greater insight into the behavior of these measures and the connections existing among them and to provide additional estimation methods with less variability for the Net Reclassification Index and the change in Standardized Net Benefit.
Estimation of the adjusted cause‐specific cumulative probability using flexible regression models for the cause‐specific hazards
Authors: Kipourou Dimitra‐Kleio , Charvat Hadrien , Rachet Bernard , Belot Aurélien
Published: June 2019

In competing risks setting, we account for death according to a specific cause and the quantities of interest are usually the cause‐specific hazards (CSHs) and the cause‐specific cumulative probabilities. A cause‐specific cumulative probability can be obtained with a combination of the CSHs or via the subdistribution hazard. Here, we modeled the CSH with flexible hazard‐based regression models using B‐splines for the baseline hazard and time‐dependent (TD) effects. We derived the variance of the cause‐specific cumulative probabilities at the population level using the multivariate delta method and showed how we could easily quantify the impact of a covariate on the cumulative probability scale using covariate‐adjusted cause‐specific cumulative probabilities and their difference. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the performance of this approach in its ability to estimate the cumulative probabilities using different functions for the cause‐specific log baseline hazard and with or without a TD effect. In the scenario with TD effect, we tested both well‐specified and misspecified models. We showed that the flexible regression models perform nearly as well as the nonparametric method, if we allow enough flexibility for the baseline hazards. Moreover, neglecting the TD effect hardly affects the cumulative probabilities estimates of the whole population but impacts them in the various subgroups. We illustrated our approach using data from people diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and provided the R‐code to derive those quantities, as an extension of the R‐package mexhaz.
Rationally Designed Bioinspiredδ‐Amino Valeric Acid Based Hydrogel: One Shot Solution for Drug Delivery and Effluent Management
Authors: Tiwari Priyanka , Basu Anindya , Vij Atul , Bera Siba Prasad , Tiwari Amit K. , Konar Anita Dutt
Published: June 2019

Tailoring peptide hydrogelators with tunable mechanical properties and diversified applicabilities is an eternal pursuit today. Here, we report the rational design approach of a short, simple enantiomeric segment, Boc‐δ‐Ava‐L‐Phe‐OH (HydrogelatorI) Boc‐δ‐Ava‐D‐Phe‐OH (HydrogelatorII) that manifestsβ‐sheet conformation and nanofibrous morphology at supramolecular level. Our hydrogelators have excellent biocompatibility, proteolytic stability, thermoreversibility and self‐healing properties. Remarkably, these Hydrogelators not only demonstrate an unprecedented ability to release the anticancer drugs 5‐Fluoro uracil/curcumin/Doxorubicin at physiological pH and room temperature but also modulates an effective route in successful removal of harmful organic effluents from waste water, with the aptitude to reuse the hydrogelator few times. Interestingly it has been investigated that subtle changes in molecular structure of the gelator, turns the gelator into a nongelator molecule (Boc‐Gaba‐L‐Phe‐OH ;CompoundIII) and (Boc‐Acp‐L‐Phe‐OH ;CompoundIV) supported by MD simulation studies. Overall this study establishes innovative design principles towards the development of advanced functional materials for future drug delivery applications and waste water management.
Two‐Dimensional Exfoliated MoS2 Flakes Integrated with Polyindole for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Choudhary Ram B. , Majumder Mandira , Thakur Anukul K.
Published: June 2019

Materials with sheet like morphology which stores charge through highly reversible redox reactions find numerous application in energy storage. They are advantageous to that of the carbon materials storing charge only electrostatically. Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) has gained significant attention and proves to be expedient attributed to the charge storage in the large surface area as well as in the bulk of the material. The limited conductivity of ion across the layers of the MoS2 can be improved by integrating MoS2 with conducting polymer. Amongst the various conducting polymers, polyindole (PIn) is exceptionally stable attributed to the presence of fused aromatic structure. Integration of MoS2 along with PIn results in the uniform spreading of the polymer eliminating its agglomeration hence, enhancing the active surface area. Presence of PIn in the interlayers can significantly enhance the conductivity of the resulting PIn/MoS2 composite. This work reports the synthesis of PIn/MoS2 composite via. in‐situ oxidative polymerization of indole monomer in the presence of MoS2 showing an enhanced specific capacitance of value 173 F g−1.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative Alkylation of Vinylic Cβ‐H of Enamides with Cyclic Ethers
Authors: Ding Ran , Lu Wang‐Gang , Ci Hao , Mao Yue‐Yuan , Liu Lei
Published: June 2019

A general strategy for the oxidative alkylation of vinylic Cβ‐H bond of enamides catalyzed by copper to prepare structurally diverse ethers was developed. Under standard reaction conditions, various cyclic and acyclic enamides reacted well with cyclic ethers to afford the corresponding multi‐substituted alkene products in good yields. In addition, the coupling products could be converted into useful amino alcohol derivatives. The coupling reaction was considered to follow a mechanism based on radical pathway.
Chemical Dynamics of Back Contact with MoO3 Interfacial Layer in Kesterite Solar Cells: Microstructure Evolution and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Zhang Afei , Zhou Zhengji , Zhou Wenhui , Kou Dongxing , Meng Yuena , Qi Yafang , Yuan Shengjie , Wu Sixin
Published: June 2019

A back contact interface in a kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) photovoltaic device plays an important role in fabricating high quality semiconducting photoactive layers and improving carrier extraction efficiency. However, uncontrolled decomposition reactions between the CZTSSe absorber layer and Mo electrode result in high series resistance and recombination at the back interface. The insertion of high work function MoO3 as an interfacial layer is considered as a promising way to engineer the back contact. This highlights the importance of elucidating the chemistry and dynamics of MoO3 at the Mo/kesterite interface in the CZTSSe annealing process. Herein, A detailed investigation of the elemental diffusion and chemistry of the back contact with the MoO3 intermediate layer during selenization is carried out. The results demonstrate that the presence of the MoO3 interfacial layer largely suppresses the chemical reaction between Mo and CZTSSe in the annealing process, inducing high quality CZTSSe absorbing films with fewer voids and reducing the thickness of MoSe2 from 209 to 84 nm when the optimized thickness of MoO3 is 10 nm. This finally leads to the increase in device efficiency from 9.02% to 10.92%, and the best performance where an efficiency of 11.37% is achieved.
Gender differences in mathematics and science competitions: A systematic review
Authors: Steegh Anneke M. , Höffler Tim N. , Keller Melanie M. , Parchmann Ilka
Published: June 2019

Gendered patterns in mathematics and science interest emerge in early childhood, develop over time, and ultimately reflect advanced course selection in secondary education. During the crucial time adolescents become aware of their strengths and interests and specialize accordingly, they get the opportunity to participate in out‐of‐school learning programs such as mathematics and science competitions. This raises the question whether mathematics and science competitions contribute to gender equity by equally promoting female and male interests. In this article, we present a systematic review on gender differences and the mechanisms explaining success and failure in mathematics and science competitions. On an international level, we found large gender differences regarding participation in all Olympiads with the exception of the biology Olympiad. In fairs and national Olympiads, overall participation rates were not gendered as such, but females preferred biology topics whereas males preferred physics related topics. Male and female achievement in fairs was comparable, but males clearly outperformed female participants at the Olympiads, with the smallest differences in the biology Olympiad. Variables and theoretical frameworks explaining participation and achievement and the role of gender in mathematics and science competitions are discussed. We suggest that gender stereotypes, through their influence on self‐concept and interest, play an important role in the mechanisms resulting in low female participation rates in and beyond mathematics and science competitions (especially in physics and chemistry). The mechanisms we found explaining female representation during a national selection competition might be considered as reflecting those in female mathematics or science careers and could thus serve as food for thought on countering the gender gap in mathematics and science.
DiagonalNet: Confidence diagonal lines for the UAV detection
Authors: Hu Qintao , Duan Qianwen , Mao Yao , Zhou Xi , Zhou Guozhong
Published: June 2019

Due to the maneuverability and small size of the Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the traditional object detection method cannot meet the requirements of detection accuracy and real‐time performance. To address this dilemma, we propose an object detection method by using the improved hourglass network as its backbone network generating the confidence diagonal lines as detection result, and then getting the bounding box through this diagonal line. As a one‐stage method, it has a good real‐time performance. At the same time, due to the good performance of our improved network, its mean average precision performs well. Through experiments with the UAV dataset, compared with faster‐regions‐with‐convolutional‐neural‐network and You only look once (YOLO), we show that the proposed framework can quickly and accurately detect objects. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.