bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domino Hydroalkoxylation‐[4+2]‐Cycloaddition for Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Heterocycle‐Fused Chromenes: Rapid Access to the [6‐6‐7‐6] Tetracyclic Core of Cytorhizhins B–D
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Nanda Santosh K. , Fartade Dipak J. , Vishwakarma Dharmendra S.
Published: December 2019

A substrate dependent regio‐ and stereoselective domino hydroalkoxylation‐formal‐[4+2] cycloaddition is described for the facile synthesis of linear as well as spirocyclic 1,4‐heterocycle‐fused chromene ketals. Enantiospecific synthesis of oxazepino chromene derivatives was successfully carried out using chiral pool amino alkynols. The developed hydroalkoxylation cascade offered rapid access to the spirocyclic [6‐6‐7‐6] tetracyclic core of cytorhizhins B–D with correct relative configuration.
Numerical simulation of large wood deposition patterns and responses of bed morphology in a braided river using large wood dynamics model
Authors: Kang Taeun , Kimura Ichiro , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: December 2019

This study discusses the reproducibility of a numerical model for simulating the morphodynamics involved in the transport of large pieces of wood in a braided river, considering the root wad effect and jam formation. The developed numerical model can simulate the behaviour of large pieces of wood using a two‐dimensional depth‐averaged Eulerian flow model that calculates the water flow and bed morphology. A Lagrange‐type wood transport model is used herein, and the applicability of the combined model is discussed through a comparison with obtained experimental results. From the simulation results, we calculate the total braiding index and estimate the deposition patterns of wood pieces for comparison with the experimental results. We then analyse the bed morphology responses and wood deposition patterns in terms of the root wad effect and input supply. Moreover, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed model to predict the large wood dynamics considering the bed morphology. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Li‐insertion into sol‐gel Na0.44MnO2 cathode material for higher structure and electrochemical performance of batteries
Authors: Huynh Le T.N , Vu Tan P. , Nguyen Van H. , Phung Le My.L. , Tran Van M.
Published: December 2019

Stability of electrolyte with higher electrochemical and structural performance is a key aspect for achieving greater longevity of cycle life of battery. In this article, we investigated the electrochemical performance of sol‐gel Na0.44MnO2 (SG‐NMO) as cathode material in lithium batteries within nonaqueous lithium electrolyte. The SG‐NMO was prepared by the two‐step of the sol‐gel method: a transparent gel was obtained by a stirring of precursors (Na2CO3, Mn(CH3COOH)2 and acid citric) at 80°C; then gel was calcinated at 400°C for 6 hours and 800°C for 9 hours in air. The structure and morphology were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD pattern exhibited a high crystallization of orthorhombic phase and SEM images showed the well‐crystalline grains in submicrometric scale. Following charge‐discharge profile and ex‐situ XRDs result, SG‐NMO showed 0.22 ion Na+‐extraction at the end of first cycle and a reversible Li‐migration from second cycle without a phase transition. The specific capacity at rate C/10 was about 180 mAh/g with a capacity retention of 95% upon 50 cycles. Moreover, a good electrochemical performance in rate capability (from C to 3C) indicated a highly kinetic Li‐transportation.
An Andean‐type arc transferred into a Japanese‐type arc at final closure stage of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean in the southernmost of Altaïds
Authors: Tian Zhonghua , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: December 2019

Permian progressive accretion or continental rift is a long‐term debate topic in the final evolution of the Altaïds or the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Beishan orogenic collage in the southernmost part of the CAOB recorded the ultimate closure of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean. In this paper, we present (a) field structural measurements/data or observations and fold geological maps in the Liuyuan Basin, (b) geochronological results to rocks on the Shibanshan arc and in the Liuyuan Basin, and (c) geochronological and regional geological data collected around the Liuyuan area, in order to investigate the tectonic setting and evolution of the Liuyuan Basin, and finally discuss the termination of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean. We notice that (a) rocks cropping out on both sides of the Liuyuan Basin have similar petrological and geochronological feature, which are probably from one ancient terrane, (b) sediments and volcanic rocks in the Liuyuan Basin formed in an arc‐related basin within an extensional deep to semi‐deep water setting or in a limited oceanic basin, and (c) at least two stages of folding could be recognized in the Liuyuan Basin; the age of this progressive deformation was constrained by the maximum depositional age of basinal sediments and undeformed or weakly deformed stitching plutons, which is variable from 275 to 217 Ma; orogenesis therefore was related to arc‐related accretion rather than a rift open‐close process in Late Permian to Early Triassic. Finally, we conclude that (a) the Liuyuan Basin is a back‐arc basin, not a rift basin or lake, (b) final closure of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean was from Late Permian to Triassic, and (3) an Andean‐type arc transferred into a Japanese‐type arc at the final closure of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean in the southernmost part of the CAOB. Last but not the least, we further speculate that eclogites developed in the Shibanshan arc were emplaced to the Beishan orogenic collage via a destroyed back‐arc basin.
Deposition conditions of the Jurassic lacustrine source rocks in the East Fukang Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China: Evidence from major and trace elements
Authors: Qiao Jinqi , Liu Luofu , Shang Xiaoqing
Published: December 2019

The Fukang Sag hosts prolific Jurassic lacustrine source rocks, which include the Badaowan (J1b), Sangonghe (J1s), and Xishanyao (J2x) formations in the Junggar Basin. Depositional conditions were reconstructed based on various major and trace element proxies for the East Fukang Sag during the Jurassic. The palaeowater depth in the sag was shallow and did not display a great change during the deposition of the J1b, J1s, and J2x formations, as indicated by lithological composition and the widespread ripple cross‐beddings. The oxic to dysoxic and fresh‐water conditions were postulated to prevail in the sag during the deposition of these source rocks, as revealed by concentrations of salinity‐ and redox‐sensitive trace elements [i.e., V/Cr, Ni/Co, (Cu+Mo)/Zn, Sr/Ba ratios, and Sr, Mn, Ga contents] derived from the source rocks. The seasonal salinity stratification superposed on preexisting thermal stratification led to the appearance of the chemocline in the J1b Formation. The palaeoclimate regime was humid and warm during the depositions of the J1b and the upper J1s formations, and warmer and drier during the deposition of the lower J1s Formation, but the palaeoclimate gradually became semi‐arid and semi‐cold during the deposition of the upper J2x Formation, as implied by various proxies (i.e., Sr/Cu ratio, C‐value, and CIA value). Despite the fact that the oxic to dysoxic conditions were not conducive for organic matter (OM) preservation, the significantly moderate‐high palaeoproductivity (suggested by, i.e., Ba content and Ba/Al ratio), which was promoted by a suitable supply of nutrient from terrestrial inputs in the shallow water was the controlling factorfor the OM accumulation on the margin of the sag, but the low OM concentration was controlled by the palaeoredox conditions in the central area, which was far from the OM input source [suggested by the relationship between total organic carbon content and stable carbon isotope composition of OM (δ13Corg)]. The analyses based on Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, maceral composition, C/N ratio of isolated kerogen, and δ13Corg value showing the OM was derived from terrestrial higher plants with C3 plants (type III kerogen) are consistent with the palaeoenvironmental analysis.
Wetlandscape hydrologic dynamics driven by shallow groundwater and landscape topography
Authors: Bertassello Leonardo E. , Rao P. Suresh C. , Jawitz James W. , Aubeneau Antoine F. , Botter Gianluca
Published: December 2019

Wetlands play an important role in watershed eco‐hydrology. The occurrence and distribution of wetlands in a landscape are affected by the surface topography and the hydro‐climatic conditions. Here, we propose a minimalist probabilistic approach to describe the dynamic behaviour of wetlandscape attributes, including number of inundated wetlands and the statistical properties of wetland stage, surface area, perimeter, and storage volume. The method relies on two major assumptions: (a) wetland bottom hydrologic resistance is negligible; and (b) groundwater level is parallel to the mean terrain elevation. The approach links the number of inundated wetlands (depressions with water) to the distribution of wetland bottoms and divides, and the position of the shallow water table. We compared the wetlandscape attribute dynamics estimated from the probabilistic approach to those determined from a parsimonious hydrologic model for groundwater‐dominated wetlands. We test the reliability of the assumptions of both models using data from six cypress dome wetlands in the Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Florida. The results of the hydrologic model for groundwater‐dominated wetlands showed that the number of inundated wetlands has a unimodal dependence on the groundwater level, as predicted by the probabilistic approach. The proposed models provide a quantitative basis to understand the physical processes that drive the spatiotemporal hydrologic dynamics in wetlandscapes impacted by shallow groundwater fluctuations. Emergent patterns in wetlandscape hydrologic dynamics are of key importance not only for the conservation of water resources, but also for a wide range of eco‐hydrological services provided by connectivity between wetlands and their surrounding uplands.
Delta Life Cycle Assessment of Regenerative Agriculture in a Sheep Farming System
Authors: Colley Tracey A , Olsen Stig I , Birkved Morten , Hauschild Michael Z
Published: December 2019

Regenerative agriculture is being used by a small number of innovative farmers in Australia and elsewhere, using a range of holistic methods that work with the land and climate, such as short duration time of controlled grazing with long rest periods for the paddock and higher proportions of aboveground biomass, to improve soil health and farm profitability. This paper uses a delta life cycle assessment, focusing only on the differences between regenerative and conventional production systems to assess the potential impact of regenerative agriculture on a full range of midpoint impact categories and end-point areas of protection for an extensive sheep system in Australia. We assess the potential improvement to the water, carbon, and biodiversity footprints of sheep production, and find that regenerative agriculture has the potential to improve environmental performance compared with current industrial agricultural practices. In particular, there seems to be considerable potential to offset a significant proportion of the on-farm climate change impacts through a combination of biosequestration in soils and aboveground biomass and using harvested biomass to offset fossil fuel use. The assessment highlights the need for additional data to confirm the findings and the potential contribution that regenerative agriculture can make to sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:282–290. © 2019 SETAC
Mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic studies of invasive corals Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis
Authors: Carpes Raphael de Mello , Alves Matteus de Assis , Creed Joel Christopher , da Silva Carla Amaral , Hamerski Lidilhone , Garden Simon John , Fleury Beatriz Grosso , Felzenszwalb Israel
Published: December 2019

The high diversity of species in the marine environment gives rise to compounds with unique structural patterns not found as natural products in other systems and with great potential for pharmacological, cosmetic and nutritional use. The genus Tubastraea (Class Anthozoa, Order Scleractinia, Family Dendrophylliidae) is characterized as a hard coral without the presence of zooxanthellae. In species of this genus alkaloids derived from the compound aplysinopsin with pharmacological activity are known. In Brazil T. coccinea and T. tagusensis are characterized as non‐indigenous and invasive and are currently found along the Brazilian coast, from Santa Catarina to Bahia states. This study aims to analyze the mutagenic, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of methanolic and ethanolic extracts from T. coccinea and T. tagusensis collected in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Bacterial reverse mutation assay on the standard strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA104, in vitro micronucleus formation test and colorimetric assays for cytotoxic signals on the cell lines HepG2 and RAW264.7 were used. We also synthesized an oxoaplysinopsin derivate alkaloid (APL01) for comparative purposes. No mutagenic (250; 312.5; 375; 437.5 and 500 μg/plate) or genotoxic (0.05; 0.5; 5.0; 50 and 500 μg/mL) effects were observed in any sample tested for all measured concentrations. Cytotoxic responses were observed for eukaryotic cells in all tested samples at 500 and 5000 μg/mL concentrations. Cytotoxicity found in the WST‐1 assay was independent of the metabolism of substances present in samples compositions. The cytotoxicity observed in the LDH release assay depended on metabolism.
Modeling therapist responses with structured practice enhances facilitative interpersonal skills
Authors: Anderson Timothy , Perlman Matthew R. , McCarrick Shannon M. , McClintock Andrew S.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS) video stimuli were used to develop and test a brief training component of observational modeling with repeated practice. Specifically, this study hypothesized that a brief training of video modeling therapeutic use of interpersonal skills, combined with repeated practice, would result in improved FIS responses (relative to control).

Method

Undergraduates (n = 101) with expressed interest in the helping professions were randomly assigned to Modeled Practice or Control conditions. After a baseline, participants in Modeled Practice observed model responses and then repeatedly practiced different responses, while those in the Control group observed videos comparable in format, but nontherapeutic in content. Participants then gave responses to different simulated clients, which were used to assess hypotheses.

Results

FIS for Modeled Practice was significantly higher than controls in postpractice.

Conclusions

Result provides empirical support for training in practice strategy components and has implications for therapeutic deliberate practice training.
Synthesis and domino reactions of polymethylene‐3‐cyanopyridine‐2(1Н)‐thiones
Authors: Shestopalov Anatoliy M. , Rodinovskaya Lyudmila A. , Zubarev Andrey A. , Nesterov Vladimir N. , Ugrak Bogdan I. , Dutova Tatyana Ya.
Published: December 2019

A new and facile three‐component method was developed for the synthesis of polymethylene‐3‐cyanopyridine‐2(1Н)‐thiones by the domino Knoevenagel → Michael → heterocyclization → dehydrogenation reaction from cycloalkanones, cyanothioacetamide, and polymethoxy‐substituted benzaldehydes. The final dehydrogenation step was found to involve arylidenecyanothioacetamide. The resulting pyridinethiones and 4‐chloroacetoacetic ester were introduced into the domino SN2 → Thorpe‐Ziegler → Guareschi‐Thorpe reaction to synthesize tetracyclic dipyridothiophenes. Starting from these compounds, 8,9‐polymethylenepyranothienodipyridines were also synthesized by the domino Knoevenagel → Michael → hetero‐Thorpe‐Ziegler reaction. Furthermore, a method for the synthesis of thienodipyridine annulated to the steroid skeleton is proposed.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inborn errors of metabolism: A single‐center study
Authors: Tao Jessica , Rupar C. Anthony , Miller Michael R. , Ratko Suzanne , Prasad Chitra
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

There is a paucity of information on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). This study's objective was to evaluate the self‐reported use and perceived effectiveness of CAM in adults and children with IEM.

Methods

Patients aged 0‐70 years and caregivers seen at the London Health Sciences Centre Metabolic Clinic (London, Ontario, Canada) between July 2017 and August 2017 were recruited to complete a questionnaire regarding CAM use to help their IEM diagnosis and perceived effectiveness of these therapies. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics; age, sex, and education level associations among CAM users were tested using the Pearson χ2 test.

Results

Of 50 potential participants, 44 (88%) completed the questionnaire, including 21 adults (6 by caregivers) and 23 children (22 by caregivers). The most common IEM category was Aminoacidopathies and Small Molecule Disorders (50%). Twenty‐seven (61%) participants reported CAM use to help their IEM diagnosis. The most common CAM therapies used were chiropractic manipulation, omega‐3 fatty acids, probiotics, and aromatherapy/essential oils. Most CAM users and caregivers (74%) perceived their CAM therapies as effective overall. Among CAM users, 40% had not discussed CAM use with a health care professional (HCP). CAM use was similar when comparing age, sex and education level.

Conclusions

CAM is commonly used among patients with IEM. The safety and efficacy of CAM therapies for IEM should be further investigated. HCPs and patients should openly discuss CAM use in order to evaluate safety.
Improved quantification of myelin water fraction using joint sparsity of T2* distribution
Authors: Chen Quan , She Huajun , Du Yiping P.
Published: December 2019

Background

Myelin water fraction (MWF) can be quantified with analysis of the T2* distribution, whereas deducing the T2* spectrum from several echoes is an underdetermined and ill‐posed problem.

Purpose

To improve the quantification of myelin water content by using nonnegative jointly sparse (NNJS) optimization.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Nine healthy subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, multiecho gradient echo.

Assessment

The results of NNJS were compared with that of the nonnegative least square (NNLS)‐based algorithms. Simulated models with varied MWF at different noise levels were used to evaluate the accuracy of estimations. In human data, the MWF values of different regions were compared with previous studies and the coefficient of variation (COV) was used to assess the spatial coherence.

Statistical Test

Pairedt‐test.

Results

In simulation, the relative errors of MWF obtained from synthesized data with signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at 500, 200, 150, and 100 were 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, and 0.12 for NNJS, 0.29, 0.43, 0.48, and 0.53 for regularized NNLS (rNNLS), and 0.19, 0.24, 0.25, and 0.26 for spatially‐regularized NNLS (srNNLS). In human data, the mean values of MWF produced by NNJS in different regions were consistent with previous studies. Compared with the NNLS‐based algorithms, lower COVs generated by NNJS were observed in genu, forceps minor, forceps major, and internal capsule, which were 0.44 ± 0.08, 0.48 ± 0.07, 0.46 ± 0.03, and 0.48 ± 0.09 in NNJS, 0.88 ± 0.28, 0.96 ± 0.18, 0.72 ± 0.03, and 0.85 ± 0.15 in rNNLS, and 0.56 ± 0.17, 0.64 ± 0.14, 0.50 ± 0.04 and 0.58 ± 0.13 in srNNLS.

Data Conclusion

Quantitative results of both simulated and human data show that NNJS provides more plausible estimation than the NNLS‐based algorithms. Visual advantages of NNJS in spatial consistency can be confirmed by the comparative COV index. The proposed algorithm might improve the quantification of myelin water content.

Level of Evidence:2

Technical Efficacy:Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:146–158.
Middle to late Pleistocene record of explosive volcanic eruptions in marine sediments offshore Kamchatka (Meiji Rise, NW Pacific)
Authors: Derkachev Alexander N. , Gorbarenko Sergey A. , Ponomareva Vera V. , Portnyagin Maxim V. , Malakhova Galina I. , Liu Yanguang
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the first detailed study of a late Pleistocene marine tephra sequence from the NW Pacific, downwind from the Kamchatka volcanic arc. Sediment core SO201‐2‐40, located on the Meiji Rise ~400 km offshore the peninsula, includes 25 tephras deposited within the last 215 ka. Volcanic glass from the tephras was characterized using single‐shard electron microprobe analysis and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The age of tephras was derived from a new age model based on paleomagnetic and paleoclimate studies. Geochemical correlation of distal tephras to Kamchatkan pyroclastic deposits allowed the identification of tephras from the Karymsky, Gorely, Opala and Shiveluch eruptive centers. Three of these tephras were also correlated to other marine and terrestrial sites and hence are identified as the best markers for the north‐west Pacific region. These are an early Holocene tephra from the Karymsky caldera (~8.7 ka) and two tephras falling into the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 glacial time: an MIS 6.4 tephra from Shiveluch (~141 ka) and the MIS 6.5 Rauchua tephra (~175 ka) from Karymsky. The data presented in this study can be used in paleovolcanological and paleoceanographic reconstructions.
A combined Raman, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction study of thermally treated nesquehonite
Authors: Skliros Vasilios , Tsakiridis Petros , Perraki Maria
Published: December 2019

Nesquehonite synthesized by mixing MgCl2·6H2O and Na2CO3 at T 25°C, was thermally treated at various temperatures (170°C, 200°C, 295°C, 350°C, and 390°C), based on thermal analysis study of raw nesquehonite. The mineral phases formed at each temperature were studied by means of Raman microspectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. After thermal treatment of raw nesquehonite above 295°C, its dominant Raman peak at 1,100 cm−1, which corresponds to the v1 CO32− antisymmetric stretching vibrations, exhibits broadening and upshift of up to 10 cm−1, whereas the Raman peaks at 707 cm−1, at 770 cm−1, at 1,425 cm−1, and at 1,710 cm−1 disappear, and new Raman peaks arise at 1,282 cm−1 and at 1,386 cm−1. The latter have been attributed to the decomposition of HCO3−, in accordance with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study. According to the differential thermal analysis study, water of crystallization is lost in two steps until 295°C; therefore, the phase studied above this temperature corresponds to Mg (HCO3)(OH). The Raman peak at 3,550 cm−1 assigned to the existence of OH−, exhibits weakening after thermal treatment. Our results corroborate a Mg (HCO3)OH·2H2O nesquehonite formula.
Untargeted metabolomic profiling of three Crataegus species (hawthorn) and their in vitro biological activities
Authors: Rocchetti Gabriele , Senizza Biancamaria , Zengin Gokhan , Mahomodally Mohamad Fawzi , Senkardes Ismail , Lobine Devina , Lucini Luigi
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

In this investigation, the chemical and biological profiles of three Turkish Crataegus species (Crataegus orientalis, Crataegus szovitsii and Crataegus tanacetifolia) were studied in order to provide the first comprehensive characterization and their health‐promoting potential. In this respect, polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the Crataegus samples were evaluated by using free‐radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous‐ion chelating, and reducing power assays. The inhibitory activities against α‐glucosidase, amylase, cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)), and tyrosinase were also established.

RESULTS

The untargeted metabolomic approach highlighted the effect of both extraction types and species on the phenolic profiles of different Crateagus tissues (i.e. leaves and twigs). The methanolic extracts showed the maximum radical scavenging and reducing activity in all test systems, whereas for ferrous‐ion chelating assays the decocted and infused extracts showed the highest activity. Only the methanolic extracts were effective against AChE and BChE. The extract tested showed remarkable inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase, whereas all the extracts exhibited modest inhibition against α‐amylase. Overall, the twig extracts of the three species studied showed superior antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of these results, the three Crataegus species can be classified as potent bioresources for high‐value phytochemicals, which warrant further investigations for developing novel nutraceuticals. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of chromatographic peak broadening in supercritical fluid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Pauk Volodymyr , Lemr Karel
Published: December 2019

Multimode ionization source allows for switching between different ionization techniques, for example, electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, within a single analysis. Supercritical fluid chromatography can handle a wide polarity range of substances from hydrophilic to lipophilic in a single run and can undoubtedly benefit from versatility of this ion source. Nevertheless, we observed a significant chromatographic peak broadening effect in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode during supercritical fluid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of volatile flavor compounds with a dual ion source named ESCi (Waters). Surprisingly, this effect was not related to the separation process but was triggered solely by the ion source conditions. Neither of photodiode array detector, electrospray mode nor a dedicated atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source suffered from such a phenomenon. Chromatographic peak profiles of ten test substances obtained with the dual ion source were compared with photodiode array detector data as a reference. The broadening effect was more pronounced for volatile compounds with low polarity. Dependence of peak broadening on the ion source settings was systematically investigated. Tuning of desolvation gas flow and its temperature dramatically reduced peak distortion and increased detection sensitivity.
Endoscopic Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery for Sinonasal Cancer Using an Antibody‐Dye Conjugate
Authors: Hart Zachary P. , Nishio Naoki , Krishnan Giri , Lu Guolan , Zhou Quan , Fakurnejad Shayan , Wormald Peter John , van den Berg Nynke S. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Baik Fred M.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Endoscopic resection of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma has become the standard of care, but challenges remain in obtaining clear resection margins. The current study evaluated the feasibility of endoscopic fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) to improve surgical resection in a human sinus surgical model.

Methods

A fluorescence endoscope optimized for near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence detection was evaluated in a phantom study. Various endoscope diameters (4 and 10 mm) and viewing angles (0, 30, and 45 degrees) were evaluated to determine the sensitivity of the system for IRDye800CW detection at various working distances (1–5 cm). Endoscopic FGS was then validated in a three‐dimensional human sinus surgical model to which squamous cell tumors derived from mice were inserted. Mice had received intravenous panitumumab‐IRDye800CW and upon fluorescence‐guided tumor resection, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and tumor‐to‐background ratio (TBR) were calculated in in situ and ex vivo settings.

Results

A significantly higher fluorescence intensity was found when using the 10‐mm diameter endoscope compared to the 4mm diameter endoscope (P < .001). No significant difference in MFI was found among the viewing angles of the 4‐mm diameter endoscope. Using the human sinus model, the highest MFI and TBR were obtained at a 1‐cm working distance compared to longer working distances.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that clinically acceptable TBRs were obtained with several working distances to discriminate tumor tissue from adjacent normal tissue in a human sinus model, and that endoscopic FGS may have great potential in identifying residual tumor tissue regions during surgery. Laryngoscope, 2019
Corrosion mechanism and behavior of high‐velocity arc‐sprayed Al–Ti–Si–RE coating in a simulated deep sea
Authors: Tong Hui , Wei Shicheng , Wang Qinzhao , Wang Yujiang , Liang Yi , Xu Binshi
Published: December 2019

The corrosion protection of deep‐sea equipment using the economical method of thermal spraying has become a research hotspot. This study investigated the corrosion behavior of high‐velocity arc‐sprayed Al–Ti–Si–RE coating in a simulated deep sea with regard to microstructures, compositions, and electrochemical measurements. Results showed that the Al–Ti–Si–RE coating has excellent corrosion resistance at high hydrostatic pressure (HP). HP plays an important role in the anodic reaction of the coating, whereas dissolved oxygen (DO) mainly affects the cathodic reaction. HP accelerates the dissolution of the coating's passive film, which results in steady corrosion. The amount of corrosion products depends on DO. The corrosion of the self‐sealing coating is inhibited in low DO when steady corrosion is achieved.
Al2O3 eliminating defects in the Al coating by laser cladding to improve corrosion and wear resistance of Mg alloy
Authors: Li Sheng , Yi Laihua , Liu Tongfang , Ji Bo , Yang Cuiming , Zhou Lihong
Published: December 2019

Although Al produces a solid metallurgical bonding with Mg alloy substrates, micropores or crevices in the Al coating can reduce the resistance of Mg alloy to corrosion. In this study, a composite coating with a defect‐free microstructure was prepared on the AZ31 Mg alloy substrate by introducing Al2O3 into the Al matrix via the method of laser cladding. On the one hand, Al2O3 with thermal insulation had a low thermal expansion coefficient and was not very prone to voids during laser melting. On the other hand, Al2O3 particles with a small size acted as the filler in the micropores or crevices. The Al/Al2O3 coating exhibited a smaller current density (2.1 × 10−6 A/cm2) in comparison with those of bare substrate and Al coating (158.4 × 10−6 and 3.1 × 10−6 A/cm2, respectively), which was mainly ascribed to the pore‐free microstructure and high resistance to corrosion of Al2O3 phase. A favorable microhardness value of 95.3 HV was achieved for Al/Al2O3 coating, approximately 1.8 times higher than that of Al coating (52.8 V), which was mainly ascribed to the dispersion hardening of Al2O3 phase. Meanwhile, the Al/Al2O3 coating significantly reduced wear volume from 2.8 mm3/m of Al coating to 0.4 mm3/m, showing great potential for weight reduction applications.
Comparative Studies on Ionic Liquid and Polymer Ionic Liquid Blend for Application in EDLCs
Authors: Tripathi Mukta , Bobade Santosh M. , Gupta Meenal , Kumar Yogesh
Published: December 2019

In the present work, comparative studies on two ion‐conducting materials, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) as ionic liquid (IL) and polymer ionic liquid blend, are reported. For the synthesis of polymer ionic liquid blend system, BMIMCl as ionic liquid, PVDF‐HFP and acetonitrile as a solvent are used. The different polymer ionic liquid blend is prepared by adopting universal solution cast technique and electrolyte sample is optimized mixing IL in the polymer by maintaining ratio 1:4. The impedance plot is observed by LCR Hi‐TESTER. The optimized sample of electrolyte system shows higher ionic conductivity of the order ≈10−3 S cm−1. The Arrhenius behavior is found from the temperature dependence conductivity plot, giving activation energy of Ea ≈ 0.073 eV. The ionic transference number is calculated for IL and optimized polymer ionic liquid blend. Electrical potential window stability is observed for IL and polymer ionic liquid blend. The fabrication of electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) is done by sandwiching ion conducting materials between two carbon electrodes. The specific capacitance of EDLC cell: AC ||(PVDF‐HFP (20 wt%) + (BMIMCl) (80 wt%)|| AC and AC ||BMIMCl|| AC, gives highest capacitance value ≈116.9 and 96.5 mF cm−2 equivalent to single electrode capacitance 54.57 and 52.6 F g−1, respectively, by cyclic voltammetry studies at 1 mV s−1 scan rate.
Application of the ORBEYE three‐dimensional exoscope for microsurgical procedures
Authors: Ahmad Faisal I. , Mericli Alexander F. , DeFazio Michael V. , Chang Edward I. , Hanasono Matthew M. , Pederson William C. , Kaufman Matthew , Selber Jesse C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Advances in digital imaging, screen technology, and optics have led to the development of extracorporeal telescopes, also known as exoscopes, as alternatives to surgical loupes (SLs) and traditional operating microscopes (OMs) for surgical magnification. Theoretical advantages of the exoscope over conventional devices include improved surgeon ergonomics; superior three‐dimensional, high‐definition optics; and greater ease‐of‐use. The ORBEYE exoscope, in particular, has demonstrated early efficacy in the surgical arena. The purpose of this study was to compare the ORBEYE with conventional microscopy.

Methods

In this case–control pilot study, we compared the ORBEYE (n = 22) with conventional microscopy (n = 27) across 49 consecutive microsurgical cases during a 6‐week period. Both visualization methods consisted of breast, and head and neck cases, while the ORBEYE was also used for extremity and lymphedema microsurgical cases. The ORBEYE was utilized during flap dissection and microvascular anastomosis. Baseline demographics, operative time, ischemia time, and intra‐ and postoperative microvascular complications were examined and compared. Attending surgeons completed an ergonomics and performance survey postoperatively comparing the ORBEYE with their previous use of SL/OM using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

There was no difference in operative time (507 ± 132 min vs. 522 ± 139, p = .714), ischemia time (77.9 ± 31.4 min vs. 77.5 ± 36.0, p = .972), or microsurgical complications (0% vs. 4%, p = 1) between the ORBEYE and conventional microscopy groups. In a survey administered immediately postoperatively, surgeons reported favorable ergonomics, excellent image quality, and ease of equipment manipulation using the exoscope.

Conclusions

The ORBEYE is an effective microsurgical tool and may be considered as an alternative to conventional optical magnification technology.
Dynamic analysis of an axially loaded pile embedded in elastic‐poroelasitc layered soil of finite thickness
Authors: Zheng Changjie , Gan Shishun , Kouretzis George , Luan Lubao , Ding Xuanming
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an analytical solution for determining the dynamic characteristics of axially loaded piles embedded in elastic‐poroelastic layered soil of finite thickness. The interface between the elastic and poroelastic soil coincides with the groundwater table level, which is explicitly taken into account in the solution. The pile is modelled as elastic one‐dimensional rod to account for the effect of its dynamic characteristics on the response of the soil‐pile system. The solution is based on Biot's poroelastodynamic theory and the classical elastodynamic theory, which we use to establish the governing equations of the soil and pile. Accordingly, the pile base resistance, shaft reaction, and the complex impedance of soil‐pile system are obtained using the method of Hankel integral transformation. Following the validation of the derived solution, we identify the main parameters affecting the vertical dynamic impedance of the pile via a parametric study. The presented method poses as an efficient alternative for quickly estimating the dynamic characteristics of axially loaded piles, without having to resort to complex numerical analyses.
High mechanical and tribological performance of polyimide nanocomposite reinforced by fluorinated graphene oxide
Authors: Min Chunying , He Zengbao , Liang Hongyu , Liu Dengdeng , Dong Changkun , Song Haojie , Huang Yudong
Published: December 2019

Novel polyimide/fluorinated graphene oxide (PI/FGO) nanocomposites with outstanding mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties were obtained using FGO nanosheets which were successfully fabricated by simple hydrothermal reaction. FGO exhibited distinguished interface adhesion with PI matrix due to covalent bonds, resulting improved mechanical and wear resistance of PI/FGO nanocomposites. Wherein, PI/FGO‐0.5 nanocomposite demonstrated conspicuous tribological performance accompanied with 33.1% decrease of friction coefficient and 80.8% reduction of wear rate compared with pure PI under dry friction. Notably, PI/FGO nanocomposites manifested better wear resistance under seawater than that under dry friction, illustrating its great potentiality as high wear‐resistant material suitable for ocean environment.
Residence Time Distribution and Specific Mechanical Energy in Solid‐State Shear Pulverization: Processing‐Structure‐Property Relationships in a Chilled Extruder
Authors: Onffroy Philip R. , Miu Evan V. , Confer William J. , Darkes‐Burkey Caleb M. , Holler William C. , Wakabayashi Katsuyuki
Published: December 2019

Solid‐state shear pulverization (SSSP) is a continuous polymer processing methodology based on a modified twin‐screw extruder. The unique application of low barrel temperatures and mechanochemistry has contributed to the development of an extensive range of polymer‐based materials, from environmentally responsible polymer blends to nanocomposites, for more than 30 years. The complex processing‐structure‐processing relationships in SSSP can be elucidated by way of integrated, measured covariants that capture the interplay between numerous processing parameters. Residence time distribution and specific mechanical energy are evaluated in a base case polypropylene (PP) study under a full factorial experiment involving screw design, screw speed, and throughput parameters. These factors are in turn correlated to dispersion morphology and thermal property results from a parallel study based on a model PP/carbon black composite. This investigation highlights the tunability of SSSP processing parameters for tailored output with desired purposes and applications. In particular, enhanced residence distribution can be achieved with low screw speed and high throughput settings, leading to high levels of material mixing and shear. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:503–511, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymer supports for the removal and degradation of hazardous organic pollutants: an overview
Authors: Urbano Bruno F , Bustamante Saúl , Palacio Daniel A , Vera Myleidi , Rivas Bernabé L
Published: December 2019

Over the last decades, the presence of highly organic pollutants has increased and become an environmental problem that affects all forms of life. To solve or reduce this problem, multiple strategies have been proposed for the elimination and degradation of organic compounds in aqueous media. This review aims to revise and critically discuss the most recent advances in polymer supports to be used for the adsorption and degradation of organic pollutants. However, the greatest challenge with respect to this issue is the industrial scale‐up of bioremediation processes that allow the removal and degradation of compounds in a continuous and large‐scale manner. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A self‐help intervention for reducing time to diagnosis in Indonesian women with breast cancer symptoms
Authors: Setyowibowo Hari , Hunfeld Joke A. M. , Iskandarsyah Aulia , Yudiana Whisnu , Passchier Jan , Sadarjoen Sawitri S. , Badudu Dharmayanti F. , Suardi Drajat R. , Hof Edith van‘t , Sijbrandij Marit
Published: December 2019

Objective

We investigated the effectiveness of a self‐help intervention named PERANTARA, which aims to improve adherence to diagnostic procedures among women with breast cancer (BC) symptoms to reduce the time to a definitive diagnosis.

Methods

With a cluster randomized crossover design across four hospitals, PERANTARA and treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU only was provided at successive periods in a randomly determined order. The main outcome was the time between the first medical consultation and the definitive diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were BC knowledge, measured by the Breast Cancer Knowledge Test (BCKT); symptoms of anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); quality of life, measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF); and health status, measured by the EQ‐5D‐5L. A linear mixed model analysis was conducted to analyse the outcomes.

Results

We recruited 132 women with BC symptoms from four hospitals; 67 participants were in the intervention group, and 65 participants were in the control group. PERANTARA reduced the time to definitive diagnosis by 13.3 days (M [SD]: 25.90 [23.20] in the intervention group vs 39.29 [35.10] in the control group; mean difference = −13.26, 95% CI = −24.51 to −2.00, P = .02). No significant difference was found between the groups in BC knowledge, symptoms of anxiety, depression, quality of life, or health status.

Conclusions

PERANTARA reduced the time to definitive diagnosis among Indonesian women with BC symptoms. Psychoeducation may be an important addition to regular BC care to prevent undue delays in diagnostic procedures.
Mechanical Deformation–Assisted Fabrication of Plasmonic Nanobowties with Broken Symmetry and Tunable Gaps
Authors: Liu Yue‐Feng , Zhang Runyu , Braun Paul V.
Published: December 2019

A symmetry broken and gap tunable gold nanobowtie array is demonstrated by nanosphere lithography performed on a mechanically uniaxially prestretched elastomeric substrate. Due to symmetry breaking of each nanotriangle with its three neighboring nanotriangles once the uniaxial prestretch is released, the structure exhibits polarization‐dependent optical properties. In addition, the decrease in the gap between adjacent triangles provided by mechanical relaxation of the substrate enhances the electric field enhancement between adjacent triangles, which in turn results in enhanced Raman scattering from molecules present in the gap. Triangle apex‐to‐apex gaps as small as 20 nm are generated using a colloidal crystal formed from 500 nm colloids on at 30% prestretched substrate (gaps formed when an unstretched substrate is used are ≈115 nm).
The effect of l‐carnitine supplementation on serum levels of omentin‐1, visfatin and SFRP5 and glycemic indices in patients with pemphigus vulgaris: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sepandar Farnaz , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Djalali Mahmoud , Mohammadi Hamed , Yaghubi Elham , Fakhri Zahra , Tavakoli Hajar , Ghaedi Ehsan , Keshavarz Ali , Zarei Mahnaz , Shahrbaf Mohammad Amin , Ghandi Narges , Darand Mina , Javanbakht Mohamad Hassan
Published: December 2019

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with potentially fatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of l‐carnitine (LC) on secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 (SFRP5), omentin, visfatin, and glycemic indices in PV patients under corticosteroid treatment. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 52 patients with PV were divided randomly into two groups to receive 2 g of LC or a placebo for 8 weeks. Serum levels of SFRP5, omentin, visfatin, and also glycemic indices were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study. LC supplementation significantly decreased the serum level of visfatin (95% CI [−14.718, −0.877], p = .05) and increased the serum levels of SFRP5 (95%CI [1.637, 11.380], p < .006) and omentin (95% CI [9.014, 65.286], p < .01). However, LC supplementation had no significant effects on the serum levels of glycemic factors such as insulin (95% CI [−1.125, 3.056], p = .426), fasting blood sugar (95% CI [−4.743, 3.642], p = .894), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (95% CI [−0.305, 0.528], p = .729), and quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (95% CI [−0.016, −0.010], p = .81). LC supplementation decreased visfatin serum level and increased omentin‐1 and SFRP5 serum levels in patients with PV. However, it has no significant effect on the serum levels of insulin and glycemic indices.
Linear dependence in Hylleraas configuration‐interaction calculations of He atom
Authors: Zhang Yong Zhi , Gao Ya Chen , Jiao Li Guang , Liu Fang , Ho Yew Kam
Published: December 2019

The explicitly‐correlated basis sets are much easier to be linearly dependent than the product type bases constructed by one‐electron orbitals due to the explicit inclusion of interelectronic coordinates in system wave functions. In this work, we apply Löwdin's canonical orthogonalization method to study the linearly dependent problems arising from the variational calculations based on Hylleraas configuration‐interaction (Hy‐CI) basis functions. Both the ground and excited states of He atom are calculated with increasingly large basis sets. Our results show that the linear dependence in Hy‐CI basis sets can be successfully overcome by employing Löwdin's canonical orthogonalization method, yet without using extended higher‐precision arithmetic in numerical implementations. Therefore, the computational effort can be reduced considerably. It is expected that the present method can be applied to other types of explicitly correlated basis functions.
Stability analysis on networked control systems under double attacks with predictive control
Authors: Yang Hongjiu , Xu Hao , Xia Yuanqing , Zhang Jinhui
Published: December 2019

In this paper, stability of a networked control system under denial‐of‐service and false data injection attacks is analyzed with a predictive control method. To model denial‐of‐service attacks on the forward channel of networked control system, game theory is introduced for obtaining balanced results by denial‐of‐service frequency and duration. Then, measurement outputs of the networked control system are maliciously modified in the feedback channel. Under this double attack strategy, the stability of networked control system with predictive control is analyzed using a switched system method. By comparing three types of attack models, advantages of the double attacks are discussed to illustrate the necessity of this research. A numerical simulation is given to demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed methods on a networked control system under double attacks.