bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and electrochemical synthesis, structure, photoluminescent properties, and biological activity of 4‐methyl‐N‐[2‐[(Z)‐2‐(2‐pyridyl)alkyliminomethyl]phenyl]benzenesulfamide zinc(II) complexes
Authors: Burlov Anatolii S. , Vlasenko Valery G. , Koshchienko Yurii V. , Makarova Nadezhda I. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Kolodina Alexandra A. , Garnovskii Dmitrii A. , Zubenko Alexander A. , Drobin Yurii D. , Trigub Alexander L. , Metelitsa Anatolii V.
Published: November 2019

A series of Zn(II) complexes of the tridentate azomethine ligands, condensation products of 2‐(N‐tosylamino)benzaldehyde and 2‐aminoalkylpyridines, were synthesized by chemical and electrochemical methods. All compounds were characterized on the basis of C, H, N elemental analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, UV–Vis, and photoluminescence studies. The local atomic structures of complexes were determined from analysis of extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure of Zn K‐edges. The molecular structure of chloro‐{4‐methyl‐N‐[2‐[(Z)‐2‐pyridyl)ethyliminomethyl]phenyl]benzenesulfamide}zinc(II) was determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The fluorescence spectra show that these complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide solutions at room temperature emit bright blue luminescence at 435–461 nm with fluorescence quantum yields in the range of 0.20–0.31. The assignment and the nature of the bands in experimental UV–Vis spectra of complexes were analyzed using time‐dependent density functional theory calculations B3LYP/6‐31G(d). The azomethines and complexes of zinc have been screened for their antibacterial, protistocidal, and fungistatic activities against Penicillium italicum, Colpoda steinii, Escherichia coli 078, and Staphylococcus aureus P‐209, and the results are compared with the activity of furazolidone, chloroquine, and Fundazol.
Human impacts on the endangered fan mussel,Pinna nobilis
Authors: Öndes Fikret , Kaiser Michel J. , Güçlüsoy Harun
Published: November 2019

Pinna nobilisis a sensitive and vulnerable species and is hence considered a good indicator of anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems.

This study provides novel data on the density and distribution of endangeredP. nobilison the Turkish coasts. Threats to the status ofP. nobilis, including by‐catch and illegal collection, were assessed, as was the general awareness of people about the endangered status of fan mussels.

The data sources consisted of direct observations from diving surveys and the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers and scuba‐divers.

Results demonstrated that the density ofP. nobilissignificantly changed with environmental parameters, such as depth, and among different sampling areas. The number of damaged individuals was lowest in the areas that were distant from human influences such as ports and tourist beaches. The density estimations ofP. nobilisacross a wide geographic area around the Turkish coasts revealed that the density of fan mussels was highest around western coasts in comparison with southern coasts.

Fishers and divers indicated that the population of this species has decreased during the last decade. The main causes of this decline were suggested to be the impacts of fishing gear, poaching, pollution, and boat anchoring. The highest volume of by‐catch was estimated to be taken by trawls. In general, the knowledge and local awareness of the conservation importance and status of fan mussels was poor.

The study has identified those areas where fan mussels occur at a high density, and hence may indicate areas for possible conservation protection status. Second, areas exposed to the illegal harvesting of fan mussels were highlighted. Societal concern would benefit from educational activities to raise awareness of the ecological importance and conservation needs for fan mussels in Turkey.
Discovery of Ubonodin, an Antimicrobial Lasso Peptide Active against Members of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex
Authors: Cheung‐Lee Wai Ling , Parry Madison E. , Zong Chuhan , Cartagena Alexis Jaramillo , Darst Seth A. , Connell Nancy D. , Russo Riccardo , Link A. James
Published: November 2019

We report the heterologous expression, structure, and antimicrobial activity of a lasso peptide, ubonodin, encoded in the genome of Burkholderia ubonensis. The topology of ubonodin is unprecedented amongst lasso peptides, with 18 of its 28 amino acids found in the mechanically bonded loop segment. Ubonodin inhibits RNA polymerase in vitro and has potent antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic members of the Burkholderia genus, most notably B. cepacia and B. multivorans, causative agents of lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Magmaris very late in‐scaffold restenosis: Has the “black boxes” nightmare come back?
Authors: Bayón Jeremías , Santás‐Álvarez Melisa , Ocaranza‐Sánchez Raymundo , González‐Juanatey Carlos
Published: November 2019

Magnesium Bioresorbable Scaffold (Magmaris, Biotronik) is a device with promising outcomes at 24 months of follow up. Previous studies with first generation, everolimus‐eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (Absorb, Abbott) showed that very late restenosis seems to be attributed to pure intrascaffold tissue growth but very late. Magmaris very late restenosis has not been previously published, probably because of the 95% of resorption at 12 months. We present in‐scaffold very late restenosis within Magmaris, with Optical Coherence Tomography, highlighting mechanism of degradation and in scaffold “neo‐tissue” growth.
Synergistic Pd/Cu Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Wu Yue , Huo Xiaohong , Zhang Wanbin
Published: November 2019

Synergistic Pd/Cu catalysis has been utilized in the Sonogashira reaction since 1975. However, this strategy has not received much attention from the organic chemist community until recently. Synergistic Pd/Cu catalysis is becoming a proficient method for the development of catalytic reactions, including several new and efficient cross‐coupling reactions. Additionally, several challenging asymmetric reactions, including stereodivergent synthesis, have been discovered by the combined use of a chiral metal catalyst and a second achiral metal catalyst or two chiral metal catalysts. This review provides an overview of this field, with the aims of highlighting both the development of synergistic Pd/Cu catalysis in organic synthesis and the reaction mechanisms involved in this research area.
Range‐free intersecting chord‐based geometric localization scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Das Tisan , Khilar Pabitra Mohan , Swain Rakesh Ranjan
Published: November 2019

Recent advancement in wireless sensor network has contributed greatly to the emerging of low‐cost, low‐powered sensor nodes. Even though deployment of large‐scale wireless sensor network became easier, as the power consumption rate of individual sensor nodes is restricted to prolong the battery lifetime of sensor nodes, hence the heavy computation capability is also restricted. Localization of an individual sensor node in a large‐scale geographic area is an integral part of collecting information captured by the sensor network. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most popular methods of localization of mobile terminals; however, the use of this technology in wireless sensor node greatly depletes battery life. Therefore, a novel idea is coined to use few GPS‐enabled sensor nodes, also known as anchor nodes, in the wireless sensor network in a well‐distributed manner. Distances between anchor nodes are measured, and various localization techniques utilize this information. A novel localization scheme Intersecting Chord‐Based Geometric Localization Scheme (ICBGLS) is proposed here, which loosely follows geometric constraint‐based algorithm. Simulation of the proposed scheme is carried out for various communication ranges, beacon broadcasting interval, and anchor node traversal techniques using Omnet++ framework along with INET framework. The performance of the proposed algorithm (ICBGLS), Ssu scheme, Xiao scheme, and Geometric Constraint‐Based (GCB) scheme is evaluated, and the result shows the fact that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing localization algorithms in terms of average localization error. The proposed algorithm is executed in a real‐time indoor environment using Arduino Uno R3 and shows a significant reduction in average localization time than GCB scheme and similar to that of the SSU scheme and Xiao scheme.
Silver(I) and Nickel(II) Complexes with Oxygen‐ or Nitrogen‐Functionalized NHC Ditopic Ligands and Catalytic Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Ren Xiaoyu , Wesolek Marcel , Bailly Corinne , Karmazin Lydia , Braunstein Pierre
Published: November 2019

Potentially bidentate ditopic ligands containing a N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donor associated with an ether or an amine have been prepared and coordinated to NiII centers. The influence of the length of the alkyl chain, –(CH2)2– or –(CH2)3– connecting the ether or the amine group to the heterocycle was examined. In the analogous AgI complexes [Ag{Im(Dipp)(C3OMe)‐κ1CNHC}2]Cl (8), 9 and 10, in the neutral NiII complexes with a C3 spacer trans‐[NiCl2{Im(Dipp)(C3OMe)‐κ1CNHC}2] (5a), 6, and 7, and in the cationic cis‐[Ni{Im(Dipp)(C3OMe)‐κ1CNHC}2(NCMe)2](PF6)2 (15) and cis‐[Ni{Im(Mes)(C3OMe)‐κ1CNHC}2(NCMe)2](PF6)2 (16), the ligand is monodentate. [(ImH)(Dipp)(C3OMe)][NiX3{Im(Dipp)(C3OMe)‐κ1CNHC}] (14a, X = Cl) and (14b, X = Br) are rare examples of complexes of the type [NiX3(NHC)]–. For comparison, [NiBr2{(Im)(Dipp)(C2NMe2)‐κ2,CNHC,Namine}] (24) and [NiBr2{(Im)(Dipp)(C3NMe2)‐κ2,CNHC,Namine}] (25) contain a six‐ or a seven‐membered κ2CNHC,Namine chelate, respectively. Various NiII complexes were evaluated as precatalysts for ethylene oligomerization. The structures of the carbene (Dipp)(C3OMe)imidazole‐ylidene (4) and of the complexes 5a, 7, 8, [(ImH)(Dipp)(C3OMe)]2[NiCl4] (11a), [(ImH)(Dipp)(C3OMe)]2[NiBr4] (11b), [(ImH)(Me)(C3OMe)]2[NiCl4] (13), 14b, 16·NCMe, [Im(H){C(Me)(=NDipp)}(C3OMe)]2 [NiCl4] (18), [AgCl{Im[C(Me)=NDipp](C3OMe)}‐κ1CNHC] (19), [AgCl{Im(Dipp)(C3NMe2)‐κ1CNHC}] (23), 24, 25 and trans‐[NiCl2{Im(Dipp){CH2CH2C(O)OEt}}2] were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction.
Design and Synthesis of Ligand‐Tag Exchangeable Photoaffinity Probe Utilizing Nosyl Chemistry
Authors: Saaidin Aimi Suhaily , Murai Yuta , Ishikawa Takuya , Monde Kenji
Published: November 2019

Construction of a fluorophore or high‐sensitive mass tag on target molecules would promise the facile analysis in photoaffinity labeling. A novel 2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl (nosyl; Ns) diazirine, which exhibits bifunctional properties for efficient photoaffinity labeling, was designed. This strategy highlights the simplicity of the chemical probe and its ability to install identification tags via Meisenheimer complex by SNAr after photo‐labelling. Herein, in this study, we synthesized new Ns diazirine and demonstrated further studies in terms of photoactivation and SNAr reaction in aqueous condition.
Determination of binding constants of multiple charged cyclodextrin complexes by ACE using uncorrected and ionic strength corrected actual mobilities of the species involved
Authors: Sázelová Petra , Koval Dušan , Severa Lukáš , Teplý Filip , Vigh Gyula , Kašička Václav
Published: November 2019

In this study, the apparent binding constants and limiting mobilities of the multiply charged complexes of the Δ− and Λ−enantiomers of Ru(II)‐ and Fe(II)‐polypyridyl associates ([Ru(2,2′‐bipyridine)3]2+, [Ru(1,10‐phenanthroline)3]2+, and [Fe(1,10‐phenanthroline)3]2+) with single‐isomer 2,3‐diacetylated‐6‐sulfated‐cyclodextrins (CDs) (12Ac‐6S‐α‐CD, 14Ac‐7S‐β‐CD, and 16Ac‐8S‐γ‐CD) were determined by ACE using uncorrected and ionic strength corrected actual mobilities of the species involved. Two limiting models were tested for the ionic strength correction of the actual mobilities based on an empirical relation for the ionic strength correction of multivalent ionic species. In model 1, the nominal values of the charge numbers (zS,nom) and analytical concentrations (cS,nom) of the above CD selectors in the BGEs were applied for calculation of the BGE ionic strength, as usual. In model 2, the CD selectors were considered as singly charged species (zS = −1) with |zS,nom|‐times higher concentrations in the BGE than their analytical concentrations (cS = |zS,nom| × cS,nom) in the calculation of the BGE ionic strength. In all three cases–with uncorrected actual mobilities as well as with actual mobilities corrected according to the two limiting models–the measured effective mobilities of the above enantiomers fit well the theoretical curves of their mobility dependences on the CD selectors concentrations in the BGE, with high average coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.9890–0.9995). Nevertheless, the best physico‐chemically meaningful values of the apparent binding constants and the limiting mobilities of the enantiomer‐CDs complexes with low RSDs were obtained using the actual mobilities of the species involved corrected according to model 2.
Theoretical, numerical, and experimental analysis of effective extraction radius of coalbed methane boreholes by a gas seepage model based on defined criteria
Authors: Xu Hao , Wang Gang , yang Guo Yang , Chang Bo , Hu Yanwei , Fan Jiuyuan
Published: November 2019

The effective extraction radius of borehole is the main parameter for determining the design and layout for coalbed methane extraction. This paper is aimed at the problem that the criteria and calculation methods for the effective extraction radius of coal seams are not comprehensive. With Wudong Coal Mine in China taken as an example, the critical gas pressure (0.441 MPa) for the calculation of effective extraction radius is first defined. Next, the gas seepage unit model around the borehole is developed, and the theoretical mathematical expression to calculate the effective extraction radius is derived. Then, the numerical simulation of gas extraction is carried out through a computational fluid dynamics program, and the effective extraction radius is obtained numerically. Furthermore, the influence of original gas pressure, borehole diameter, and negative pressure of gas extraction on gas extraction is analyzed. Finally, the results from the theoretical calculation and numerical simulation are validated by the field engineering measurement and the average relative error is small (less than 10%). The results indicate that the effective extraction radius has a linear relationship with the extraction time. Moreover, it is found that the original gas pressure is the main factor affecting the effective extraction radius and the effective extraction radius is proportional to the borehole diameter and negative pressure through analysis. Therefore, the above findings can provide a theoretical basis for determining parameters such as borehole spacing and extraction time of gas extraction in coal mines.
Study of smoke movement characteristics in tunnel fires in high‐altitude areas
Authors: Yan Guanfeng , Wang Mingnian , Yu Li , Tian Yuan , Guo Xiaohan
Published: November 2019

Understanding smoke temperature distributions and transport characteristics is of great importance to control and exhaust thermal‐driven smoke. However, previous studies have focused on this problem in plain areas, whereas ambient pressure decreases as elevation increases. This study investigates the influence of ambient pressure on the hot gas temperature distribution and movement characteristics in a tunnel fire. A series of numerical simulations are carried out in a vehicle tunnel with various heat release rates (HRRs) and ambient pressures. The results show that the maximum temperature and longitudinal temperature distribution under the tunnel ceiling increase with decreasing ambient pressure due to less heat loss caused by lower air density. In addition, the vertical temperatures of the smoke are slightly higher under lower ambient pressure, and this phenomenon makes the smoke spread slightly faster while the smoke layer thickness remains nearly the same under different ambient pressures. The results can provide a reference for tunnel lining design and ventilation arrangements in high‐altitude areas.
Study on metabolites of Bacillus producing soy sauce‐like aroma in Jiang‐flavor Chinese spirits
Authors: Zhao Xingxiu , Liu Yuanhao , Shu Li , He Yiguo
Published: November 2019

Jiang‐flavor Chinese spirits are one of the four basic liquor types in China. It has thousands of years of history in China and is widely enjoyed because of its unique flavor and broad application. Although Jiang‐flavor Chinese spirits have a unique soy sauce flavor, the associated key compounds and production mechanism remain unknown. To investigate this process, soy sauce flavor‐producing strains were obtained, and their metabolites were evaluated. Using wheat as the fermentation medium, we observed changes in total acid, amino nitrogen, and reducing sugar in three strains of Bacillus cerberus with high yield of tetramethylpyrazine during the fermentation process. The results showed that total acid and amino nitrogen contents increased and reducing sugars decreased in a time‐dependent manner. Additionally, detection of volatile compounds via solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry that total pyrazine content reached 43.175%, 50.461%, and 45.955% in wheat fermentation medium fermented by strains Q1, Q2, and Q5, respectively, suggesting that this important flavor compound might be related to the flavor of soy sauce. Moreover, we found that fermentation time was an important factor in soy sauce flavor, as volatile compounds were detected at different times by the three strains, with pyrazines not detected before 48 hr and peaking at 50.461% after 144 hr. These results indicated that strain Q2 exhibited optimal fermenting performance and might be useful for fermentation of Jiang‐flavor Chinese spirits.
Gender differences in the interaction effect of community resources and attitudes toward seeking professional help on posttraumatic stress, depression, and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Shigemoto Yuki , Banks Amanda , Boxley Bridgett
Published: November 2019

The current study examined the gender differences in the interaction effect of community resources and attitudes toward seeking professional help in predicting posttraumatic stress, depression, and posttraumatic growth for female and male survivors of Hurricane Harvey. Participants were 413 adults who reported directly experiencing Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall on August 26, 2017. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants approximately 16 months after the hurricane via an online survey. Among men, significant interaction effects of community resources and attitudes toward seeking help on posttraumatic stress, depression, and posttraumatic growth were found even after statistically controlling for age, educational attainment, income, marital status, and racial minority status. Among women, no interaction effects were found. Women with open attitudes toward seeking psychological treatment experienced higher posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth, and higher resources were positively associated with growth. The current study raises important implications on gender differences on community resources and attitudes toward seeking professional help after a hurricane.
Prenatal sonographic appearance of laryngeal atresia: A case report
Authors: Yu Florrie , Leung Ky
Published: November 2019

Detailed assessment of the larynx is not easy because of its complex structures and the associated technical difficulties. We performed sonography in multiple planes to assess the laryngeal anatomy and movements of a fetus with laryngeal atresia. The distended trachea ended abruptly with an echogenic non‐structured larynx which showed shallow rapid “flutter‐like” movements and up and down but not adduction‐ abduction movements during swallowing. Shadowing from the chin could be reduced by scanning through fluid in the oral cavity or between the transverse processes of vertebrae in a coronal plane.
An Ore‐type condition for large k‐factor and disjoint perfect matchings
Authors: Lu Hongliang , Ning Bo
Published: November 2019

Win conjectured that a graph on vertices contains disjoint perfect matchings, if the degree sum of any two nonadjacent vertices is at least , where is even and . In this paper, we prove that Win's conjecture is true for , where is sufficiently large. To show this result, we prove a theorem on ‐factor in a graph under some Ore‐type condition. Our main tools include Tutte's ‐factor theorem, the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker theorem on convex optimization and the solution to the long‐standing 1‐factor decomposition conjecture.
Sequentially embeddable graphs
Authors: Autry Jackson , O'Neill Christopher
Published: November 2019

We call a (not necessarily planar) embedding of a graph in the plane sequential if its vertices lie in and the line segments between adjacent vertices contain no interior integer points. In this note, we prove (a) a graph has a sequential embedding if and only if is 4‐colorable and (b) if is planar, then has a sequential planar embedding.
Neurocomputational Changes in Inhibitory Control Associated With Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Authors: Harlé Katia M. , Spadoni Andrea D. , Norman Sonya B. , Simmons Alan N.
Published: November 2019

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with inhibitory control dysfunction that extends beyond difficulties inhibiting trauma‐related intrusions. Inhibitory learning has been proposed as a potential mechanism of change underlying the effectiveness of extinction‐based therapies such as prolonged exposure (PE), a first‐line treatment for PTSD. To identify neurocognitive markers of change in inhibitory learning associated with PE, we applied a Bayesian learning model to the analysis of neuroimaging data collected during an inhibitory control task, both before and after PE treatment. Veterans (N = 20) with combat‐related PTSD completed a stop‐signal task (SST) while undergoing fMRI at time points immediately before and after PE treatment. Participants exhibited a small, significant improvement in performance on the SST, as demonstrated by longer reaction times and improved inhibition accuracy. Amplitude of neural activation associated with a signed prediction error (SPE; i.e., the discrepancy between actual outcome and model‐based expectation of needing to stop) in the right caudate decreased from baseline to posttreatment assessment. Change in model‐based activation was modulated by performance accuracy, with a decrease in positive SPE activation observed on successful trials, d = 0.79, and a reduction in negative SPE activation on error trials, d = 0.74. The decrease in SPE‐related activation on successful stop trials was correlated with PTSD symptom reduction. These results are consistent with the notion that PE may help broadly strengthen inhibitory learning and the development of more accurate model‐based predictions, which may thus facilitate change in cognitions in response to trauma‐related cues and help reduce PTSD symptoms.
Anticonsumption beyond consumers: The role of small organic producers in environmentally oriented anticonsumption
Authors: Dalmoro Marlon , de Matos Celso A. , de Barcellos Marcia D.
Published: November 2019

Recent studies recognize that environmentally oriented anticonsumption gives power to individuals who are willing to express their environmental concerns. Yet, it goes beyond consumers’ decisions and should also include producers’ practices and discourses. In this study, we explore the food system context and the emergence of organic food as a more sustainable and healthy food production mode to describe the role of organic farmers in building social and material arrangements against conventional food production and consumption. Our empirical study involved an interpretative approach based on 29 interviews with Brazilian organic farmers and experts in organic production. The findings indicate that farmers explore two different discursive mechanisms to build arguments that support the hegemonic and conventional food production system. Farmers also perform two sets of supporting practices that allow the construction of an alternative approach to food production and consumption. We conclude that farmers’ discourses and practices build an alternative food system, enabling conventional food anticonsumption. This study contributes to the literature of anticonsumption by expanding the traditional consumer‐centric perspective through the inclusion of the producer perspective.
Upregulation of DKK3 by miR‐483‐3p plays an important role in the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer mediated by black raspberry anthocyanins
Authors: Guo Jun , Yang Zhe , Zhou Hongrui , Yue Jiaxin , Mu Teng , Zhang Qiuhua , Bi Xiuli
Published: November 2019

It is reported that black raspberry (BRB) anthocyanins could act as a potential chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanism by which BRB anthocyanins inhibits the carcinogenesis of CRC cells has not been elucidated. The abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) that target important tumor suppressor genes is usually associated with CRC development. In this study, we explored whether BRB anthocyanins could affect the expression of certain miRNAs in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced CRC mouse model and human CRC cell lines. miRNA microarray analysis was used to determine the differences in miRNA expression between AOM/DSS‐induced mice fed with a diet supplemented without or with BRB anthocyanins. The expression of one particular miRNA, miR‐483‐3p, was found to decrease dramatically in AOM/DSS‐induced mice that were fed with a diet supplemented with BRB anthocyanins. Subsequent quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses showed that the reduced expression of miR‐483‐3p was accompanied by an increased expression of Dickkopf 3 (DKK3), a potential target of miR‐483‐3p as predicted by bioinformatic analysis. The protein and messenger RNA levels of DKK3 were significantly upregulated when the miR‐483‐3p level was reduced by a miR‐483‐3p‐specific inhibitor, suggesting that DKK3 might be the target gene of miR‐483‐3p. In addition, the downstream factors of the DKK3 signaling pathway, which included Wnt/β‐catenin, also played a role in the miR‐483‐3p‐mediated anticancer effect of BRB anthocyanins. Thus, miR‐483‐3p might be a potential target in BRB anthocyanin‐mediated prevention of CRC.
Triple diffusion encoding MRI predicts intra‐axonal and extra‐axonal diffusion tensors in white matter
Authors: Ramanna Sudhir , Moss Hunter G. , McKinnon Emilie T. , Yacoub Essa , Helpern Joseph A. , Jensen Jens H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate how triple diffusion encoding (TDE) MRI can be applied to separately estimate the intra‐axonal and extra‐axonal diffusion tensors in white matter (WM).

Methods

Using a TDE pulse sequence with an axially symmetric b‐matrix, diffusion MRI data were acquired at 3T for 3 healthy adults with an axial b‐value of 4000 s/mm2, a radial b‐value of 307 s/mm2, and 64 diffusion encoding directions. This acquisition was then repeated with the radial b‐value set to 0. A previously proposed theory was applied to these data in order to estimate the intra‐axonal diffusivity and axonal water fraction for each WM voxel. Conventional single diffusion encoding data were also obtained with b‐values of 1000 and 2000 s/mm2, which provided additional information sufficient for determining both the intra‐axonal and extra‐axonal diffusion tensors.

Results

From the TDE data, the average intra‐axonal diffusivity in WM was found to be 2.24 ± 0.18 µm2/ms, and the average axonal water fraction was found to be 0.60 ± 0.11. From the 2 diffusion tensors, average WM values were estimated for several compartment‐specific diffusion parameters. In particular, the extra‐axonal mean diffusivity was 1.09 ± 0.19 µm2/ms, the intra‐axonal fractional anisotropy was 0.50 ± 0.14, and the extra‐axonal fractional anisotropy was 0.23 ± 0.13.

Conclusion

By using a simple TDE pulse sequence with an axially symmetric b‐matrix, the diffusion tensors for the intra‐axonal and extra‐axonal spaces can be separately estimated in adult WM. This allows one to determine compartment‐specific diffusion properties for these 2 water pools.
Accelerated 129Xe MRI morphometry of terminal airspace enlargement: Feasibility in volunteers and those with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Ouriadov Alexei , Guo Fumin , McCormack David G. , Parraga Grace
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Multi‐b diffusion‐weighted hyperpolarized inhaled‐gas MRI provides imaging biomarkers of terminal airspace enlargement including ADC and mean linear intercept (Lm), but clinical translation has been limited because image acquisition requires relatively long or multiple breath‐holds that are not well‐tolerated by patients. Therefore, we aimed to accelerate single breath‐hold 3D multi‐b diffusion‐weighted 129Xe MRI, using k‐space undersampling in imaging direction using a different undersampling pattern for different b‐values combined with the stretched exponential model to generate maps of ventilation, apparent transverse relaxation time constant (), ADC, and Lm values in a single, short breath‐hold; accelerated and non‐accelerated measurements were directly compared.

Methods

We evaluated multi‐b (0, 12, 20, 30, and 45.5 s/cm2) diffusion‐weighted 129Xe /ADC/morphometry estimates using acceleration factor (AF = 1 and 7) and multi‐breath sampling in 3 volunteers (HV), and 6 participants with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Results

For the HV subgroup, mean differences of 5%, 2%, and 8% were observed between fully sampled and undersampled k‐space for ADC, Lm, and values, respectively. For the AATD subgroup, mean differences were 9%, 6%, and 12% between fully sampled and undersampled k‐space for ADC, Lm and values, respectively. Although mean differences of 1% and 4.5% were observed between accelerated and multi‐breath sampled ADC and Lm values, respectively, mean ADC/Lm estimates were not significantly different from corresponding mean ADCM/LmM or mean ADCA/LmA estimates (all P > 0.60 , A = undersampled and M = multi‐breath sampled).

Conclusions

Accelerated multi‐b diffusion‐weighted 129Xe MRI is feasible at AF = 7 for generating pulmonary ADC and Lm in AATD and normal lung.
Assessing the feasibility of hyperpolarized 129Xe multiple‐breath washout MRI in pediatric cystic fibrosis
Authors: Couch Marcus J. , Morgado Felipe , Kanhere Nikhil , Kowalik Krzysztof , Rayment Jonathan H. , Ratjen Felix , Santyr Giles
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of hyperpolarized 129Xe multiple‐breath washout MRI in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) participants with preserved lung function. Fractional ventilation (r), defined as the fractional gas replacement per breath, was mapped using 2 signal models: (1) constant T1 and (2) variable T1 as a function of the hyperpolarized gas washout.

Methods

A total of 17 pediatric participants were recruited (mean age 11.7 ± 2.8 years), including 7 children with clinically stable CF and 10 aged‐matched healthy controls. Pulmonary function tests were performed, including spirometry, to measure the forced expiratory volume in 1 second and nitrogen multiple‐breath washout to measure the lung clearance index. Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI was performed during consecutive breaths of air following a single 129Xe inhalation, and fractional ventilation maps were calculated.

Results

The forced expiratory volume in 1 second was similar in both groups (P = .32), but there was a statistically significant difference in lung clearance index between healthy and CF participants (P = .001). With variable T1 modeling, CF participants had a mean r of 0.44 ± 0.08 and healthy participants had a mean r of 0.37 ± 0.12 (P = .20). With constant T1 modeling, CF participants had a mean r′ of 0.48 ± 0.08, and healthy participants had a mean r′ of 0.43 ± 0.12 (P = .32). Therefore, assuming a constant T1 leads to a relative bias in r of 15.1% ± 6.4% and 20.8% ± 7.4% for CF and healthy participants, respectively (P = .12).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that hyperpolarized 129Xe multiple‐breath washout imaging is feasible in pediatric participants with CF, and inclusion of variable T1 modeling reduces bias in the fractional ventilation measurements.
Systematic review of the prevalence, symptomatology and management options of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Polat Dunya Cansu , Tulek Zeliha , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Haslam Collette , Panicker Jalesh N.
Published: November 2019

Aims

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is highly prevalent in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), however little is known about treatment options. The aim of this paper is to review the prevalence, symptomatology, and management options of sexual dysfunction in women with MS.

Methods

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, PEDro, Database of International Rehabilitation Research, Occupational Therapy Systematic Evaluation of Evidence, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Current Controlled Trials databases were searched. No limitations were placed on the date. A critical appraisal of the literature on SD in women with MS was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Two reviewers screened and extracted data. Study quality was evaluated using a standardized tool.

Results

A search of 12 databases identified 61 relevant studies (33 observational, 14 case‐control, 4 follow up, 10 interventional). Significant variability in the prevalence of SD and questionnaires used to evaluate SD were observed. The most commonly reported sexual difficulties were problems with desire, arousal, and orgasm. Different demographics and MS‐related characteristics were found to contribute to SD. Few studies have evaluated interventions for treating SD, and bias was high because of the weak quality of trial designs.

Conclusions

SD in women with MS is multidimensional, comparable in prevalence with other neurological disorders and increases with advancing disease. Studies evaluating practical strategies and pharmacological interventions are few, and properly designed trials using MS‐specific validated outcome measures of SD are required to inform evidence‐based treatment options for this high impact MS‐related dysfunction.
Valuing happiness predicts higher well‐being: The moderating role of acceptance
Authors: Zhao Yitong , Wang Qing , Wang Jingyi
Published: November 2019

Recent research has found that individual tendencies to pursue positive hedonic states, defined as Valuing Happiness (VH), might bring about negative well‐being outcomes. However, there lacked consistent evidence to support VH's paradoxical effects beyond European American contexts. The current study aimed to investigate how VH influences individual well‐being within a highly interdependent culture, and additionally, the moderating role of acceptance in their relationship. We surveyed 266 participants online to assess their levels of VH, acceptance (a facet of dispositional mindfulness), well‐being (indicated by life satisfaction, hedonic balance, and psychological well‐being), and depression symptoms. Results showed that VH positively predicted life satisfaction and positive affect in a Chinese sample, even controlling for age. Moreover, the interaction between VH and acceptance was significant for psychological well‐being. VH had a stronger effect on well‐being for people who were low in acceptance than for those who were high in acceptance. These findings suggest that being motivated by happiness values might enhance well‐being in an interdependent context, particularly for those who were less likely to accept their internal experiences. Implications were discussed in light of the motivational processes involved in individual happiness pursuits.
Insights into plasma‐assisted polymerization at atmospheric pressure by spectroscopic diagnostics
Authors: Barletta Federica , Leys Christophe , Colombo Vittorio , Gherardi Matteo , Britun Nikolay , Snyders Rony , Nikiforov Anton
Published: November 2019

In the present work, a polydiagnostic study of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet specifically designed for the deposition of coatings by using an Ar/tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) mixture is undertaken. Both passive and active diagnostic methods are utilized to shed light on the complexity of gas‐phase mechanisms of precursor fragmentation. A detailed characterization is performed by (fast imaging) optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to clarify the spatial–temporal behavior of excited species. The influence of the TEOS admixture on gas temperature is studied by OES and Rayleigh scattering techniques. The evolution of streamers and their influence on radical formation in the treatment zone is also discussed.
Diaphragmatic electromyography in preterm infants: The influence of electrode positioning
Authors: van Leuteren Ruud W. , Bekhuis Robin E. , de Waal Cornelia G. , de Jongh Frans H. , van Kaam Anton H. , Hutten Gerard J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of changing electrode positions on vital signs and respiratory effort parameters measured with transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm (dEMG) in preterm infants.

Methods

In this observational study, simultaneous dEMG measurements were performed at the standard position and at one alternative electrode position (randomly assigned to lateral, superior, medial, inferior to the standard placement, or dorsal). The activity of the diaphragm was measured for 1 hour at both positions. Main outcome measures were the agreement in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and percentage difference in dEMG parameters of respiratory effort (peak and tonic activity, amplitude, area under the curve, and frequency content) between the standard and alternative electrode positions.

Results

Thirty clinically stable preterm infants (gestational age 30.1 ± 3.0 weeks) with either no or noninvasive respiratory support were included. Agreement in HR was excellent at all positions (ICC > 0.95) while RR agreement showed more diversity (ICC range 0.40‐0.86). Mixed modeling of dEMG parameters revealed that medial and inferior placement measured the weakest signals (median 75.5% and 64.5% lower dEMG amplitude). Lateral electrode placement showed the highest similarity to standard positioning (median 23.5% lower amplitude).

Conclusion

Measuring HR showed high similarity at all positions. However, registration of RR and respiratory effort is clearly influenced by the electrode position. Electrodes in the same transversal plane as the diaphragm, and at sufficient distance from each other, provide the best agreement with the standard positioning.
The effects of high‐frequency chest compression on end‐tidal CO2
Authors: Weiner Gabriel A. , Forno Erick , Weiner Daniel J.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

High‐frequency chest compression (HFCC) is used for airway clearance, but may have other effects. We sought to determine if HFCC provides augmented ventilation.

Methods

During treatment, capnometry was measured with the HFCC vest set to 6‐20 Hz. End‐tidal CO2 (etCO2) was compared using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Twenty‐four measurements were obtained from 15 subjects with mean age 15.2 ± 2.5 years and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted 70 ± 23. EtCO2 decreased with HFCC at 6 Hz when compared with baseline (P < .001), with small changes with increasing oscillation frequency. Change in etCO2 was not predicted by FEV1, body mass index, age, or sex.

Conclusions

While HFCC has been shown to be a suitable method of airway clearance, investigators have failed to demonstrate differences between techniques. Assessment of these methodologies will become important as new airway clearance devices are proposed. Other outcome measures (besides FEV1) may be needed to assess effects of airway clearance, and we propose that physiologic measures might be one such measure which deserves further exploration.
Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and safety of cetuximab with cisplatin/carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumor: Result from phase II studies
Authors: Perez Raymond P. , Chen Eric , Thaddeus Beck J. , Shirai Keisuke , Neil Hayes David , Shen Tong , Baldwin John R. , Bryant Katherine B. , He Shuang , Chin Steve
Published: November 2019

The pharmacokinetics and potential drug–drug interactions between cetuximab and cisplatin or carboplatin from two studies (JXBA and JXBB) were evaluated. These studies were multicenter, open‐label phase II trials designed to evaluate the drug–drug interactions between cetuximab (400 mg m−2 initial dose) and cisplatin (JXBA; 100 mg m−2) or carboplatin (JXBB; area under the curve [AUC] = 5 mg × min mL−1) with or without 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Concentrations of cetuximab, cisplatin and carboplatin were determined using analytical methods. The safety and tolerability of cetuximab in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin was also determined in all treated patients. The JXBA study showed that cetuximab serum concentrations were similar when cetuximab was administered alone or in combination with cisplatin. The Cmax, tmax and overall AUC for the cetuximab group (194 µg mL−1, 2.0 hour, 14 900 µg × h mL−1) and the cetuximab and cisplatin combination group (192 µg mL−1, 1.99 hour, 16 300 µg × h mL−1) were similar. The JXBB study showed that mean cetuximab serum concentrations were similar when cetuximab was administered alone or in combination with carboplatin. The Cmax, tmax and overall AUC for the cetuximab group (199 µg mL−1, 1.15 hour, 17 200 µg × h mL−1) and the cetuximab and carboplatin combination group (199 µg mL−1, 3.17 h, 16 800 µg × h mL−1) were similar. Both studies showed that the safety profile was consistent with known side effects of cetuximab, platinum–based therapies and 5‐FU. There was no clinically relevant change in cetuximab pharmacokinetics when it was administered in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin.
Emitting/Sensitizing Ions Spatially Separated Lanthanide Nanocrystals for Visualizing Tumors Simultaneously through Up‐ and Down‐Conversion Near‐Infrared II Luminescence In Vivo
Authors: Li Yingying , Zhang Peisen , Ning Haoran , Zeng Jianfeng , Hou Yi , Jing Lihong , Liu Chunyan , Gao Mingyuan
Published: November 2019

Near‐infrared lights have received increasing attention regarding imaging applications owing to their large tissue penetration depth, high spatial resolution, and outstanding signal‐to‐noise ratio, particularly those falling in the second near‐infrared window (NIR II) of biological tissues. Rare earth nanoparticles containing Er3+ ions are promising candidates to show up‐conversion luminescence in the first near‐infrared window (NIR I) and down‐conversion luminescence in NIR II as well. However, synthesizing particles with small size and high NIR II luminescence quantum yield (QY) remains challenging. Er3+ ions are herein innovatively combined with Yb3+ ions in a NaErF4@NaYbF4 core/shell manner instead of being codoped into NaLnF4 matrices, to maximize the concentration of Er3+ in the emitting core. After further surface coating, NaErF4@NaYbF4@NaYF4 core/shell/shell particles are obtained. Spectroscopy studies are carried out to show the synergistic impacts of the intermediate NaYbF4 layer and the outer NaYF4 shell. Finally, NaErF4@NaYbF4@NaYF4 nanoparticles of 30 nm with NIR II luminescence QY up to 18.7% at room temperature are obtained. After covalently attaching folic acid on the particle surface, tumor‐specific nanoprobes are obtained for simultaneously visualizing both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tumor xenografts in vivo. The ultrahigh QY of down‐conversion emission also allows for visualization of the biodistribution of folate receptors.
Placental gas exchange during amniotic carbon dioxide insufflation in sheep
Authors: Amberg B. J. , DeKoninck P. L. J. , Kashyap A. J. , Skinner S. M. , Rodgers K. A. , McGillick E. V. , Deprest J. A. , Hooper S. B. , Crossley K. J. , Hodges R. J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Insufflation of the amniotic cavity with carbon dioxide (CO2) is used clinically to improve visibility during complex fetoscopic surgery. Insufflation with heated, humidified CO2 has recently been shown to reduce fetal hypercapnia and acidosis in sheep, compared with use of cold and dry CO2, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether differences in placental CO2 and oxygen (O2) exchange during insufflation with heated and humidified vs cold and dry CO2 could explain these findings.

Methods

Thirteen fetal lambs at 105 days of gestation (term, 146 days) were exteriorized partially, via a midline laparotomy and hysterotomy, and instrumented with an umbilical artery catheter, an umbilical vein catheter and a common umbilical vein flow probe. Arterial and venous catheters and flow probes were also inserted into the maternal uterine circulation. Six ewes were insufflated with cold, dry CO2 (22°C; 0–5% humidity) and seven with heated, humidified CO2 (40°C; 95–100% humidity) at 15 mmHg for 180 min. Blood‐flow recordings and paired arterial and venous blood gases were sampled from uterine and umbilical vessels. Rates of placental CO2 and O2 exchange were calculated.

Results

After 180 min of insufflation, fetal survival was 33% (2/6) using cold, dry CO2 and 71% (5/7) using heated, humidified CO2. By 120 min, fetuses insufflated with heated, humidified CO2 had lower arterial CO2 levels and higher arterial pH compared to those insufflated with cold, dry gas. Insufflation decreased significantly placental gas exchange in both groups, as measured by rates of both (i) fetal CO2 clearance and O2 uptake and (ii) maternal O2 delivery and CO2 uptake from the fetal compartment.

Conclusions

Lower arterial CO2 and higher pH levels in fetuses insufflated with heated and humidified, compared to cold and dry, CO2 could not be explained by differences in placental gas exchange. Instead, heated and humidified insufflation appeared to reduce fetal CO2 absorption from the uterus, supporting its use in preference to cold, dry CO2. © 2019 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Energy decay estimates for a two‐dimensional coupled wave‐plate system with localized frictional damping
Authors: Guo Ya‐Ping , Wang Jun‐Min , Zhao Dong‐Xia
Published: November 2019

This paper is devoted to the energy decay estimates for the two‐dimensional coupled wave‐plate system with local frictional damping in a bounded domain. The frictional damping is only distributed in the part of the plate's or wave's domain, and the other is stabilized by the transmission through the interface of the plate's and wave's domains. Using the frequency domain approach and the multiplier technique, we show respectively that the energy of the system decays polynomially under some geometric condition when the frictional damping only acts on the part of the plate, and the energy of the system is exponentially stable when the frictional damping acts only on the other part of the wave.
Handling Languaging During Empirical Research: Ethnography as Action in and Across Time and Physical-Virtual Sites
Authors: Bagga-Gupta Sangeeta , Messina Dahlberg Giulia , Gynne Annaliina
Published: November 2019

This chapter builds upon data from different multi-sited ethnographic projects that have been conducted and are ongoing in different geopolitical and digital spaces. This chapter is framed within sociocultural, dialogical and decolonial perspectives which highlight that learning is a situated and distributed process where communication is collaboratively achieved. In these traditions, while the rich potentials and dimensions of human communication in concert with intellectual and material tools are recognized, attention in analysis has tended to be dominated over the decades by an “oral language bias”. The findings presented in this chapter raise epistemological and pragmatic challenges related to the very doing of ethnographic fieldwork and illustrate some closely related theoretical and methodological issues, specifically in settings where linguistic heterogeneity is the norm.