bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mRNA Transfection into CHO‐Cells Reveals Production Bottlenecks
Authors: Coats Michael T. , Bydlinski Nina , Maresch Daniel , Diendorfer Andreas , Klanert Gerald , Borth Nicole
Published: September 2019

Obtaining highly productive Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐cell clones for the production of therapeutic proteins relies on multiple time‐consuming selection steps. Several CHO‐cell strains with high degrees of genomic and epigenetic variation are available. Each harbor potential advantages and disadvantages for any given product, particularly those considered difficult to express. A simple test system to quickly assess compatibility of cell line and product may therefore prove useful. Transient plasmid transfection falls short of the specific productivities of stable producer cells, making it unsuitable for the elucidation of high specific productivity bottlenecks. The aim of the study is to reach specific productivities approaching those of industrial production cell lines by transfection of in vitro transcribed mRNA. The system is characterized with respect to transfection efficacy (by quantitative PCR) and protein production (by flow cytometry and biolayer interferometry). Fluorescence of intracellular eGFP saturates at higher amounts of mRNA per cell, while the amount of secreted and intracellular EPO‐Fc remain linearly correlated to the amount of mRNA taken up. Nevertheless, MS shows a severe reduction in N‐glycosylation quality. This method allows for rapid elucidation of bottlenecks that would otherwise remain undetected until later during cell line development, giving insight into suitable strategies for preemptive targeted metabolic engineering and host cell line optimization.
Revisit of an unanswered question by pooled analysis of eight cohort studies in Japan: Does cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking have interaction for the risk of esophageal cancer?
Authors: Oze Isao , Charvat Hadrien , Matsuo Keitaro , Ito Hidemi , Tamakoshi Akiko , Nagata Chisato , Wada Keiko , Sugawara Yumi , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Naito Mariko , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimazu Taichi , Mizoue Tetsuya , Tsugane Shoichiro , Inoue Manami
Published: September 2019

Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are two major risk factors for esophageal cancer. Not all, but several of case‐control studies have indicated interaction between the two factors; however, no prospective study has validated this phenomenon to date. Therefore, the interaction between smoking and alcohol drinking is still open‐ended question. To answer this, we conducted a pooled analysis using large‐scale population‐based cohort studies in Japan. Male subjects from eight cohort studies were included. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were both categorized categorically (never/ever), and in the three consumption levels of pack years and ethanol consumption/day. Effects of smoking and drinking in each study were estimated by Cox regression models. The study‐specific results were combined through meta‐analysis to obtain summary effects of hazard ratios (HRs) and measures of interactions at both additive and multiplicative scales. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) from smoking and drinking were obtained using distributions of exposures and fully adjusted HRs. In 162 826 male subjects, 954 esophageal cancer incidences were identified. HRs of ever smoking, ever drinking, and their combination were 2.92 (1.59‐5.36), 2.73 (1.78‐4.18), and 8.86 (4.82‐16.30), respectively. Interaction between cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking was significantly positive on the additive scale, but not significant on the multiplicative scale. The joint effect of smoking and drinking in three levels of evaluation showed a similar significant super‐additive interaction. PAFs from smoking, drinking, and their combination were 55.4%, 61.2%, and 81.4%, respectively. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking had a significant positive additive interaction for esophageal cancer risk.
Chemodiversity and Antiproliferative Activity of the Essential Oil of Schinus molle Growing in Jordan
Authors: Aboalhaija Nour H. , Awwad Oriana , Khalil Enam , Abbassi Reem , Abaza Ismail F. , Afifi Fatma U.
Published: September 2019

The leaves and unripe and fully‐grown fruits of Schinus molle were collected from three geographical regions of Jordan: Amman (the Mediterranean), Madaba (Irano‐Turanean), and Sahab (Saharo‐Arabian). The hydrodistilled volatile oils of fresh and dried leaves and fruits were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The actual composition of the emitted volatiles was determined using Solid Phase Micro‐Extraction (SPME). α‐ and β‐Phellandrenes were the major components in all the analyzed samples. Quantitative differences were observed in the obtained essential oils (0.62–5.25 %). Additionally, cluster analysis was performed. Biologically, the antiproliferative activity of the essential oil, ethanol, and water extracts of the fruits and leaves was screened on Caco2, HCT116, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. The essential oil and ethanol extracts exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibition of cell growth with IC50 ranging between 21 and 65 μg/mL. The water extract did not exhibit any antiproliferative activity against the investigated cell lines.
Comparison of Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Different Botanical Organs of Pinus mugo Growing in Poland
Authors: Lis Anna , Lukas Małgorzata , Mellor Karolina
Published: September 2019

The essential oils from needles, twigs, bark, wood, cones and young shoots of Pinus mugo were analyzed by GC, GC/MS, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. More than 130 compounds were identified. The oils differed in the quantitative composition. The principal components of the oil from twigs with needles were 3‐carene (23.8 %), myrcene (22.3 %), and α‐pinene (10.3 %). The needle oil contained mainly α‐pinene (18.6 %), 3‐carene (11.3 %), and bornyl acetate (8.3 %). The oils from twigs without needles, young shoots, bark, and wood were dominated by 3‐carene (28.6 %, 15.0 %, 18.5 %, and 34.6 %, respectively) and myrcene (23.4 %, 24.0 %, 24.6 %, and 9.4 %, respectively). In the cone oil (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was the main constituent (24.0 %).
Functionalization of Titanium Oxide Cluster Ti17O24(OiC3H7)20 with Catechols: Structures and Ligand‐Exchange Reactivities
Authors: Liu Caiyun , Hu Junyi , Zhu Feng , Zhan Jinhua , Du Lin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: September 2019

The functionalization of Ti17O24(OiC3H7)20 (Ti17) with substituted catechols is studied by using crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, and stopped‐flow kinetics. The knowledges on the number of accessible functionalities, their exact location correlated with their Raman assignment, and the kinetic parameters are acquired. A catecholate ligand binds to a five‐coordinated surface Ti of Ti17 (denoted as Tia site) adopting the mono‐protonated, chelate‐bidentate binding mode, whereas it binds to a six‐coordinated surface‐Ti (denoted as Tib site) adopting the mono‐dentate mode. With low numbers of equivalents of added catechols the Tia sites show higher reactivity than the Tib sites toward functionalization. Two binding modes may co‐exist and equilibrate in solution. Our results also imply that at most eight of the twenty OiC3H7 ligands of Ti17 are exchangeable without damage of the core structure. The kinetic studies point out that the ligand‐exchange reaction is second order and occurs very fast. The current findings are helpful for the controlled functionalization of Ti17 and other Ti oxide clusters, and the further application of them as building blocks in supramolecular chemistry for the assembly of well‐defined organic–inorganic hybrid materials.
Synthesis, resolution, and chiroptical properties of hemicryptophane cage controlling the chirality of propeller arrangement of a C3 triamide unit
Authors: Long Augustin , Jean Marion , Albalat Muriel , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Giorgi Michel , Górecki Marcin , Dutasta Jean‐Pierre , Martinez Alexandre
Published: September 2019

The five‐steps synthesis of a hemicryptophane cage combining a benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide unit and a cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) moiety is described. Chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to resolve the racemic mixture. The absolute configuration of the isolated enantiomers was assigned by comparison of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with the calculated ones. X‐ray molecular structures reveal that the capped benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide unit adopts a structurally chiral conformation in solid state: the chirality of CTV moiety controls the Λ or Δ orientation of the three amides.
Media technology shifts: Exploring millennial consumers' fashion‐information‐ seeking behaviors and motivations
Authors: Jones Aimee , Kang Jiyun
Published: September 2019

There has been an evident decline in the number of subscriptions for traditional media while the digital forms of consumer‐centric media, specifically in the fashion area, including fashion blogs and social media, have ascended to unprecedented popularity for information‐seeking, especially with millennials. Despite the transformation of media consumption patterns, the literature has primarily focused on information givers' perspectives, while it has paid little attention to information seekers' standpoints. Utilizing thematic analysis of qualitative data collected from six focus groups, we found key motivations driving millennials to turn to digital fashion media for their information needs: search autonomy, virtual storage, instant gratification, visual inspiration, gratuitous information, and authenticity. This study provides insight into how to strategically respond to consumers' needs in the current digitalized media environment.
Sociomateriality: Theories, methodology, and practice
Authors: Moura Elton Oliveira de , Bispo Marcelo de Souza
Published: September 2019

This article aims to present the theoretical trends that constitute the notion of sociomateriality in the field of organizational studies and to describe a methodological framework for conducting empirical research in this field. It is a contribution for those interested in understanding and using the sociomateriality approach theoretically and methodologically. The main conclusion is that sociomateriality is a valuable alternative not only for comprehending how the entanglement of human and non‐human actors may produce organizations, their practices, and changes, but also for (re)thinking organizational phenomena both ontologically and methodologically.
This is why I have decided to stop helping you: A theoretical model of help‐giving discontinuity in organizations
Authors: Chou Shih Yung , Ramser Charles , Chang Tree
Published: September 2019

Drawing upon conservation of resources (COR) and attribution theories, we develop a help‐giving discontinuity model. From the COR perspective, we theorize that when help‐giving is perceived to be obligation, prevention‐focused self‐regulation is triggered, which induces help‐giving discontinuity to prevent further loss of resources. Additionally, when a low likelihood of receiving reciprocated help is perceived, prevention‐focused self‐regulation is activated, which induces help‐giving discontinuity due to insufficient replenishment of resources. From the attribution perspective, we propose that a co‐worker's lack of effort and recurrence of the same task‐related issue promote dispositional attributions, which result in help‐giving discontinuity. Our model, therefore, provides an important theoretical base for future research investigating why some employees continuously help others while others do not.
Enforcing trustworthy cloud SLA with witnesses: A game theory–based model using smart contracts
Authors: Zhou Huan , Ouyang Xue , Su Jinshu , de Laat Cees , Zhao Zhiming
Published: September 2019

There lacks trust between the cloud customer and provider to enforce traditional cloud SLA (Service Level Agreement) where the blockchain technique seems a promising solution. However, current explorations still face challenges to prove that the off‐chain SLO (Service Level Objective) violations really happen before recorded into the on‐chain transactions. In this paper, a witness model is proposed implemented with smart contracts to solve this trust issue. The introduced role, “Witness”, gains rewards as an incentive for performing the SLO violation report, and the payoff function is carefully designed in a way that the witness has to tell the truth, for maximizing the rewards. This fact that the witness has to be honest is analyzed and proved using the Nash Equilibrium principle of game theory. For ensuring the chosen witnesses are random and independent, an unbiased selection algorithm is proposed to avoid possible collusions. An auditing mechanism is also introduced to detect potential malicious witnesses. Specifically, we define three types of malicious behaviors and propose quantitative indicators to audit and detect these behaviors. Moreover, experimental studies based on Ethereum blockchain demonstrate the proposed model is feasible, and indicate that the performance, ie, transaction fee, of each interface follows the design expectations.
Lignin@Nafion Membranes Forming Zn Solid–Electrolyte Interfaces Enhance the Cycle Life for Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Du , Manalastas William , Zhang Liping , Chan Jun Jie , Meng Shizhe , Chen Yingqian , Srinivasan Madhavi
Published: September 2019

Metallic zinc is an ideal anode material for rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), taking us beyond the lithium‐ion era. In‐depth understanding of the Zn metal surface is currently required owing to diverse but uncorrelated data about the Zn surface in mild environments. Herein, the surface chemistry of Zn is elucidated and the formation and growth of a zinc layer hydroxide is verified as an effective solid–electrolyte interface (SEI) during stripping/plating in mild electrolyte. The effects of battery separators/membranes on the growth of an effective SEI and deposited Zn are then investigated from the perspectives of structure, morphology, compositions, and interfacial impedance. Nafion‐based membranes enable the formation of a planar SEI, which protects the metal surface and prevents short circuiting. Biomass@Nafion membranes are developed and assessed with a long cycle life of over 400 h compared with below 200 h for physical separators. The mechanism behind this is attributed to interaction between the membranes and Zn2+, which enables reshaping of the Zn2+ coordination in an aqueous medium. Together with the advantages of using the membranes in β‐MnO2|ZnSO4|Zn, our work provides a feasible way to design an effective SEI for advancing the use of Zn anodes in rechargeable ZIBs.
The Effect of Constituent Ratios and Varisized Ammonium Salts on the Performance of Two‐Dimensional Perovskite Materials
Authors: Zheng Haiying , Xu Huifen , Zheng Fangcai , Liu Guozhen , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xu Shendong , Zhang Liying , Pan Xu
Published: September 2019

Two‐dimensional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high moisture resistance are a key topic in the photovoltaic field. However, their lower power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in comparison to 3 D PSCs is still an urgent problem to be solved. It is vital to understand the impact of constituent ratios and ammonium salt sizes on the photovoltaic performance and humidity stability. Based on the formula of (RNH3)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (n=1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11), a series of 2 D perovskites is prepared by introducing varisized ammonium salts of ethylammonium iodide (EAI), propylammonium iodide (PAI), and butylammonium iodide (BAI). The effects of the constituent ratios and varisized ammonium salts on the properties of the 2 D perovskites were studied. 2 D perovskite devices based on larger n and smaller ammonium salt size are found to exhibit better performances. However, the moisture resistance of the 2 D perovskite devices is higher when n is smaller and the ammonium salt size is larger. Therefore, the EA2MA10Pb11I34 (n=11) 2 D perovskite device displays the best photovoltaic performance, with the highest PCE of 16.93 %, whereas BA2MA2Pb3I10 (n=3) 2 D perovskite, with the largest contact angle of 79.8°, can retain over 85 % of the initial PCE after 1440 h aging at 50 % relative humidity. This work indicates the PCE and stability of 2 D perovskites can be conveniently and effectively adjusted by controlling the 2 D constituent ratios and ammonium salt sizes, so as to obtain efficient 2 D PSCs with high stability.
Direct Solution‐Based Synthesis of Na4(B12H12)(B10H10) Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Gigante Angelina , Duchêne Léo , Moury Romain , Pupier Marion , Remhof Arndt , Hagemann Hans
Published: September 2019

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) promise higher power and energy density than batteries based on liquid electrolytes. Recently, a stable 3 V ASSB based on the super ionic conductor (1 mS cm−1 near room temperature) Na4(B12H12)(B10H10) has demonstrated excellent cycling stability. This study concerns the development of a five‐step, scalable, and solution‐based synthesis of Na4(B12H12)(B10H10). The use of a wet chemistry approach allows solution processing with high throughput and addresses the main drawbacks for this technology, specifically, the limited electrode–electrolyte contact and high cost. Moreover, a cost‐efficient synthesis of the expensive precursors Na2B10H10 and Na2B12H12 is also achieved through the same process. The mechanism of the reactions is investigated and two key parameters to tune the kinetics and selectivity are highlighted: the choice of counter cation (tetraethylammonium) and solvent.
Interaction phenomena and effect of higher order dispersion on electron acoustic solitary waves in weakly relativistic regimes
Authors: Alam M S , Talukder M R
Published: September 2019

The interaction phenomena of electron acoustic solitary waves (EASWs) and the higher order correction of Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equations (KdVEs) have investigated in unmagnetized collisionless plasma system consisting of relativistic cold electrons and electron beams, non‐relativistic Maxwellian hot electrons and stationary ions. To understand the physical issues concerned, the two‐sided KdVEs using extended Poincaré‐Lighthill‐Kue (ePLK) method are derived taking the higher order correction into consideration. The analyses reveal that the widths and amplitudes of EASWs (as obtain from KdVEs) are decreasing with plasma parameters. The plasma parameters are responsible for the modification of KdV‐soliton structure. It is found that the narrowness of width and the steepness of dip of the solitons become more pronounced and the electric field behaves like semi‐kink solitons due to the higher order correction of KdVEs. Dip shape rarefactive soliton becomes pronounced by plasma parameters. The phase shifts of EASWs are also enhanced due to the effects of plasma species temperatures and density ratios.
Implementation of an efficient extreme learning machine for node localization in unmanned aerial vehicle assisted wireless sensor networks
Authors: Annepu Visalakshi , Anbazhagan Rajesh
Published: September 2019

Accurate node localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an essential for many networking protocols like clustering, routing, and network map building. The classical localization techniques such as multilateration and optimization‐based least square localization (OLSL) techniques estimate position of unknown node (UN) from the distance measured between all anchor nodes (ANs) and UNs. On the other hand, node localization using fixed terrestrial ANs suffers from poor localization accuracy because the ground to ground (GG) channel link is not reliable. By contrast, the mobile anchor deployed in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provides high localization accuracy through reliable air to ground (AG) channel link. Still, the nonlinear distortion introduced in the wireless channel makes the distance measurement noisy. This noisy distance measurement also limits localization accuracy of classical localization techniques. Hence, the highly nonlinear artificial neural network (ANN) models such as multilayer perceptron (MLP) models can be applied effectively for node localization in UAV‐assisted WSNs. However, the MLP suffers from slow training speed, which limits its usage in real‐time applications. So, the extreme learning machine (ELM) is found to be a better alternative because it works on empirical error minimization theory, and its learning process requires only a single iteration. The detailed simulation analysis supports the proposed ELM localization scheme in terms of both localization accuracy and computational complexity.
Association of diabetes and kidney function according to age and systolic function with the incidence of sudden cardiac death and non‐sudden cardiac death in myocardial infarction survivors with heart failure
Authors: Coiro Stefano , Girerd Nicolas , Sharma Abhinav , Rossignol Patrick , Tritto Isabella , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , McMurray John J.V. , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Dickstein Kenneth , Moss Arthur , Zannad Faiez
Published: September 2019

Aims

An implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 30%, as well as patients with a LVEF ≤ 35% and heart failure symptoms. Diabetes and/or impaired kidney function may confer additional SCD risk. We assessed the association between these two risk factors with SCD and non‐SCD among MI survivors taking account of age and LVEF.

Methods and results

A total of 17 773 patients from the High‐Risk MI Database were evaluated. Overall, diabetes and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, individually and together, conferred a higher risk of SCD [adjusted competing risk: hazard ratio (HR) 1.23, 1.23, and 1.32, respectively; all P < 0.03] and non‐SCD (HR 1.34, 1.52, and 2.13, respectively; all P < 0.0001). Annual SCD rates in patients with LVEF > 35% and with diabetes, impaired kidney function, or both (2.0%, 2.5% and 2.7%, respectively) were comparable to rates observed in patients with LVEF 30–35% but no such risk factors (1.7%). However, these patients had also similarly higher non‐SCD rates, such that the ratio of SCD to non‐SCD was not increased. Importantly, this ratio was mostly dependent on age, with higher overall ratios in youngest subgroups (0.89 in patients < 55 years vs. 0.38 in patients ≥ 75 years), regardless of risk factors.

Conclusion

Although MI survivors with LVEF > 35% with diabetes, impaired kidney function, or both are at increased risk of SCD, the risk of non‐SCD risk is even higher, suggesting an extension of the current indication for an ICD to them is unlikely to be worthwhile. MI survivors with low LVEF and aged < 55 years are likely to have the greatest potential benefit from ICD implantation.
Percutaneous repair or medical treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation: outcomes at 2 years
Authors: Iung Bernard , Armoiry Xavier , Vahanian Alec , Boutitie Florent , Mewton Nathan , Trochu Jean‐Noël , Lefèvre Thierry , Messika‐Zeitoun David , Guerin Patrice , Cormier Bertrand , Brochet Eric , Thibault Hélène , Himbert Dominique , Thivolet Sophie , Leurent Guillaume , Bonnet Guillaume , Donal Erwan , Piriou Nicolas , Piot Christophe , Habib Gilbert , Rouleau Frédéric , Carrié Didier , Nejjari Mohammed , Ohlmann Patrick , Saint Etienne Christophe , Leroux Lionel , Gilard Martine , Samson Géraldine , Rioufol Gilles , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Obadia Jean François ,   on behalf of the MITRA‐FR Investigators
Published: September 2019

Aims

The MITRA‐FR trial showed that among symptomatic patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation, percutaneous repair did not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure at 12 months compared with guideline‐directed medical treatment alone. We report the 24‐month outcome from this trial.

Methods and results

At 37 centres, we randomly assigned 304 symptomatic heart failure patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation (effective regurgitant orifice area >20 mm2 or regurgitant volume >30 mL), and left ventricular ejection fraction between 15% and 40% to undergo percutaneous valve repair plus medical treatment (intervention group, n = 152) or medical treatment alone (control group, n = 152). The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of all‐cause death and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure at 12 months. At 24 months, all‐cause death and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 63.8% of patients (97/152) in the intervention group and 67.1% (102/152) in the control group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–1.34]. All‐cause

mortality occurred in 34.9% of patients (53/152) in the intervention group and 34.2% (52/152) in the control group (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.70–1.50). Unplanned hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 55.9% of patients (85/152) in the intervention group and 61.8% (94/152) in the control group (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.72–1.30).

Conclusions

In patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation, percutaneous repair added to medical treatment did not significantly reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure at 2 years compared with medical treatment alone.
The Fluorine gauche Effect and a Comparison with Other Halogens in 2‐Halofluoroethanes and 2‐Haloethanols
Authors: Martins Francisco A. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: September 2019

While the gauche effect in 1,2‐difluoroethane is widely known as being due to hyperconjugative interactions between σCH electron‐donating orbitals and σ*CF electron‐accepting orbitals, the corresponding 1,2‐dichloro, 1,2‐dibromo, and 1,2‐diiodo derivatives are preferentially in the anti conformation. 2‐Halofluoroethanes (F‐CH2‐CH2‐X) combine a small halogen (fluorine) and a vicinal low‐lying energy antibonding orbital (σ*CX) that activates a stabilizing antiperiplanar σCH → σ*CX electron delocalization, which can induce the gauche effect. On the other hand, σCX orbitals are good electron donors to σ*CF, that would favor an “anti effect”, in addition to traditional interpretations based on steric and electrostatic repulsion. Therefore, a balance of steric, dipolar and hyperconjugative effects drive the conformational equilibrium of these compounds – hyperconjugation was found to explain the gauche effect in some cases, whilst Lewis‐type interactions determine the anti preference in others. The gauche effect takes place in a polar solvent, but not for 1‐fluoro‐2‐iodoethane. According to NMR three‐bond spin‐spin coupling constants, the gauche population increases when fluorine is replaced by a hydroxyl group (except for 2‐fluoroethanol relative to 1,2‐difluoroethane), but this is not primarily due to intramolecular hydrogen bond.
Electrochemical Oxidative Determination and Electrochemical Behavior of 4‐Nitrophenol Based on an Au Electrode Modified with Electro‐polymerized 3,5‐Diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole Film
Authors: Calam Tuğba Tabanlıgil
Published: September 2019

A simple and fast electrochemical method was described and evaluated to determine the hazardous compound, 4‐nitrophenol (4NP). In this work, concentration of 4NP was determined by differential wave voltammetry (DPV). A gold electrode (Au) was modified with 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (35DT). The modified electrode (35DT‐Au) was characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), fouirer transform infrared spektrofotometre (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and DPV. The modified electrode showed more sensitivity towards 4NP compared to unmodified one. A wide linear concentration range from 0.24 to 130.6 μM was obtained for 4NP with a detection limit of 0.09 μM. In the reproducibility and repeatability studies, the relative standard deviation (RSD%) values of the method were obtained as 3.72 % and 2.56 %, respectively, which are acceptable values. This proposed method was successfully used for the analysis of 4NP in lake and tap water samples. Simplicity, sensitivity, selectivity and high efficiency of the proposed method can be used in routine analysis of trace amounts of 4NP in polluted waters.
Improving positioning accuracy based on self‐organizing map (SOM) and inter‐vehicular communication
Authors: Ma Shengjie , Lee Hyukjoon
Published: September 2019

Low‐cost global positioning system (GPS) receivers installed in most vehicles and smart devices typically display tens of meters of error in their location data. A large amount of research effort has been made to increase the positioning accuracy of GPS receivers mostly by reducing errors with the help of auxiliary devices and/or methodologies such as differential GPSs, assisted GPSs, real‐time kinematic positioning, computer vision, etc, which result in a certain amount of cost increase. In this paper, we propose a new cooperative vehicular localization scheme based on vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication. The proposed scheme first estimates the distances between neighboring vehicles using the weighted least square of double difference scheme and uses a novel machine learning technique called constrained self‐organizing map (C‐SOM) with a set of adjusted GPS fixes to generate the final estimates of GPS locations with considerably lower errors. We also propose a new method of presenting training samples to address the issue of convergence failure that arises from the constraints imposed on the inter‐vehicular distances. We present simulation results that demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme over both the conventional SOM and the distributed location estimate algorithm.
Antioxidant Evaluation of Extracts of Pecan NutShell (Carya illinoensis) in Soybean Biodiesel B100
Authors: Amaral Alexandra Aparecida do , Schuster Geciele Caroline , Boschen Nayara Lais , Benvegnú Dalila Moter , Wyzykowski Jair , Pinto Rodrigues Paulo Rogério , Gallina André Lazarin
Published: September 2019

Biodiesel is subject to radical reactions that promote degradation. To decrease the speed of these degradation reactions and increase oxidative stability, either natural or synthetic antioxidants are added to biodiesel. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of extracts of pecan nutshell (Carya illinoensis) as natural antioxidants derived from biomass using water, ethanol, and methanol/water (50/50) as a solvent for extraction. The addition of these antioxidants is performed during the soybean biodiesel washing process in an unconventional manner. The results obtained are statistically analyzed and compared to the control. The induction time (IT) for the biodiesel samples washed with ethanolic extract of pecan nutshell (5 g L−1), aqueous extract of pecan nutshell (12 g L−1) and methanol/water extract of pecan nutshell (12 g L−1), are, respectively, 9.46, 7.60, 7.43 h. The activation energy and the storage time of the biodiesel samples washed with the extracts are also studied. The order of reaction of the oxidation kinetics of biodiesel is first order.
Physical aspects on unsteady MHD‐free convective stagnation point flow of micropolar fluid over a stretching surface
Authors: Anantha Kumar Kempannagari , Sugunamma Vangala , Sandeep Naramgari
Published: September 2019

The unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stagnation point flow of micropolar fluid across a vertical stretching surface with second‐order velocity slip is the main concern of the present paper. The influence of electrical energy, temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity, thermal radiation, Joule heating, and heat sink/source is investigated. The basic partial differential equations are changed into ordinary differential equations with the help of appropriate similarity variables and then solved by the fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta–based shooting technique. The impact of physical parameters on the velocity, microrotation, and temperature as well as friction factor, couple stress, and local Nusselt number is thoroughly explained with the support of graphs and tables. The results divulge that the heat source/sink and thermal radiation parameters have a propensity to enhance the fluid temperature. The distribution of velocity is an increasing function of an electric field and unsteadiness parameter. The numerical results are also compared with the results available in the literature.
Contemporary Issues in Women's Health
Authors: Geary Michael , Chibwesha Carla J. , Stringer Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

Placental growth factor testing for suspected pre‐eclampsia

HPV Vaccination: A global public health priority

Echo trial shows no increased risk of HIV acquisition with hormonal contraception
Individual consumers' trust in B2C automobile e‐commerce in Tanzania: Assessment of the influence of web design and consumer personality
Authors: Masele Juma James , Matama Rogers
Published: September 2019

Trust has often been cited as an important ingredient in any given business. The new trends of dwindling face‐to‐face business transactions necessitate trust in online transactions empirical studies. The purpose of this paper was to empirically contribute findings on the link between the trust facets and online car purchases. From 335 adult individual car buyers in Tanzania, we present the extent of the web design and personality trust dimensions influence on business‐to‐consumer (B2C) e‐commerce car purchases using the multiple regression analysis techniques. This study focused on e‐commerce trust in the context of expensive commodities like a car done from abroad with payments involving international money transfer. The study's findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and extend trust and e‐commerce theories that guide efforts for implementation of course of actions by consumers of expensive products like cars as well as respective car trading companies. This study is not only inclined towards online practical business implications, but also aims at augmenting the theoretical and policy implications, especially taking the trust—B2C perspectives of potential buyers within the sub‐Saharan Africa, which is amid the formal institutional voids that may largely influence adult international business dealing from the sub‐Saharan Africa.
Reducing speech disfluencies during public speaking using brief habit reversal
Authors: Pawlik Brittany , Perrin Christopher J.
Published: September 2019

Recent research has evaluated the effects of brief habit reversal, consisting of either awareness training (AT) and competing response training (Mancuso & Miltenberger, 2016), or AT alone (Spieler & Miltenberger, 2017) in reducing speech disfluencies during public speaking. Although both formats of brief habit reversal reduced rates of speech disfluencies, results suggested that teaching a competing response (CR) may produce better outcomes. We aimed to replicate and extend those studies by evaluating the effects of AT and instructing the use of a CR (a silent pause) on rates of speech disfluencies and CRs during public speaking. Following training, all 4 participants demonstrated a reduction of speech disfluencies, and 1 participant demonstrated moderate levels of CRs when giving a speech in front of both a single experimenter and small audience. For 1 participant, generalized effects were demonstrated when presenting in front of a class.
Increasing compliance with wearing a medical device in children with autism
Authors: Dufour Marie‐Michèle , Lanovaz Marc J.
Published: September 2019

Health professionals often recommend the use of medical devices to assess the health, monitor the well‐being, or improve the quality of life of their patients. Children with autism may present challenges in these situations as their sensory peculiarities may increase refusals to wear such devices. To address this issue, we systematically replicated prior research by examining the effects of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) to increase compliance with wearing a heart rate monitor in 2 children with autism. The intervention increased compliance to 100% for both participants when an edible reinforcer was delivered every 90 s. The results indicate that DRO does not require the implementation of extinction to increase compliance with wearing a medical device. More research is needed to examine whether the reinforcement schedule can be further thinned.
Zingerone induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells and prevents 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene‐induced mammary carcinogenesis in experimental rats
Authors: Gan  Hongyun , Zhang Yaqing , Zhou Qingyun , Zheng Lierui , Xie Xiaofeng , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Mohan Surapaneni Krishna
Published: September 2019

Breast cancer is a prevalent of tumoregenesis in women and reports for the maximum mortality and morbidity in the global. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is the mainly widespread spice and herbal remedies used in the world. Since antique periods, ginger has been used in Greece, India and China for the curing of upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, colds, and headaches. The current work was planned to explore the anticancer properties of zingerone (ZO) toward 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)‐treated mammary carcinogenesis in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats and MCF‐7 mammary cancer cells. The mammary carcinogenesis was produced through a single dosage of DMBA (20 mg/kg bwt) mixed in soya oil (1 mL) administrated intragastrically with a gavage. We found improved concentrations of lipid peroxidation (LOOH and TBARS), carcinoembryonic antigen, lowered levels of enzymatic (CAT, GPx, and SOD), and nonenzymatic (vitamin E, GSH, and vitamin C) antioxidant in mammary tissues and plasma of DMBA‐induced cancer bearing animals. Moreover, augmented concentrations of phase I (Cyt‐b5 and CYP450) and reduced levels of phase II (GR and GST) detoxification microsomal proteins in mammary tissues were noticed. ZO administrations significantly reverted back to all these parameters in this way, showing efficient of anticancer effect. Furthermore, our in vitro study also supported the anticancer effect of the treatment of ZO were noticed loss of cell viability, improved reactive oxygen species formation, and reduced MMP. Furthermore, the status of apoptosis proteins such as Bcl‐2, Bax, and Bid expressions was determined by using Western blot analysis techniques. Overall, these results proposed the anticancer effect of ZO toward DMBA‐induced mammary cancer in SD animals and Michigan cancer foundation‐7 mammary cancer cells.
Identification of bifucosylated glycoforms using low‐energy CID spectra
Authors: Ács András , Turiák Lilla , Révész Ágnes , Vékey Károly , Drahos László
Published: September 2019

We have used tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)‐based analysis of glycopeptides in order to identify the composition and structure of rare glycoforms. The results illustrate utility of low‐energy MS/MS for structure identification. We have shown the presence of bifucosylated and trifucosylated glycoforms in human α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), a major plasma glycoprotein. Fucosylation in the case of AGP always occurs on the antennae; core fucosylation was not observed.
Induction of peripheral blood T follicular helper cells expressing ICOS correlates with antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination
Authors: Xing Mingluan , Feng Yonghui , Yao Jun , Lv Huakun , Chen Yongdi , He Hanqing , Wang Zhifang , Hu Chonggao , Lou Xiaoming
Published: September 2019

T follicular helper (TFH) cells, a critical subset of CD4+ T cells, provide help to B cells during the procession of the humoral immune response in the germinal center (GC) and extrafollicular sites. CXCR5+CD4+ T cells in human circulating blood, referred to herein as peripheral TFH (pTFH) cells, share phenotypes and functional properties with TFH cells in GC. Hepatitis B vaccine protects about 60% of the chronic hepatitis C patients from hepatitis B. The immunological bases that lead to the induction of protective antibody response is not well understood. In the present study, the pTFH cells subsets were determined in 18 healthy controls (anti‐HBs ≥ 100 mIU/mL; HC), 21 nonresponders (anti‐HBs < 10 mIU/mL; NR), and 23 weak responders (10 mIU/mL ≤ anti‐HBs < 100 mIU/mL; WR) of chronic hepatitis patients upon routine hepatitis B vaccination. Though the frequency of the pTFH cell was equivalent in HC, WR, and NR, ICOS+pTFH cells in HC underwent expansion with increased IL‐21 secretion and production of serum anti‐HBs response at 4 weeks after a full course of hepatitis B vaccination. These changes were not shown in both NR and WR. Analysis of ICOS+pTFH cells represents a novel cellular determinant of the hepatitis B vaccine–induced humoral immune response, which may have relevance for design of hepatitis B vaccine.
Impact of Divalent Ions on Heavy Oil Recovery by in situ Emulsification
Authors: Lee Jungin , Babadagli Tayfun , Giesbrecht Russell
Published: September 2019

Many reservoir formation brines are characterized by high salinity and contain high concentrations of divalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These challenging conditions can render the surfactants ineffective during chemical flooding for enhanced heavy oil recovery. Various brine types can have an impact on the stability of emulsions generated with chemicals as chemicals have various resistant levels toward hard divalent ions and salinities. To investigate the impact of brine hardness on heavy oil‐in‐water emulsion stability, glass tube experiments, microscopic visualization and sandpack flooding experiments, and Hele‐Shaw visualization experiments were conducted in this study under low‐salinity/hard‐brine, high‐salinity/hard‐brine conditions using commercial chemicals, which are designed for specific reservoir brine conditions. Recovery results demonstrated that complex colloidal solution introduced in the previous study with silica and Dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) along with screened chemicals from glass tube tests in this study can enhance heavy oil recovery significantly with an addition of low concentration of xanthan gum (Lee and Babadagli 2018). The results confirmed the robustness of the complex colloidal solution formula to enhance oil recovery with low concentration of polymer under any reservoir brine conditions. The study also demonstrates the potential of polymer as an emulsion stabilization additive for enhanced heavy oil recovery by in situ emulsion generation. Polymer effects seemed to be particularly dominant under the low‐salinity conditions than high‐salinity conditions.
Changes in Trauma‐Related Emotions Following Treatment With Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childhood Abuse
Authors: Görg Nora , Böhnke Jan R. , Priebe Kathlen , Rausch Sophie , Wekenmann Stefanie , Ludäscher Petra , Bohus Martin , Kleindienst Nikolaus
Published: September 2019

Dialectical behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (DBT‐PTSD) is a trauma‐focused therapy shown to reduce core PTSD symptoms, such as intrusions, hyperarousal, and avoidance. Preliminary data indicate effects on elevated trauma‐related emotions (e.g., guilt and shame) and possibly radical acceptance of the traumatic event. However, it is unclear if improvements in these variables are significant after controlling for changes in core PTSD symptoms and to what extent nonclinical levels are obtained. In the current study, 42 individuals who met criteria for PTSD after childhood abuse and were participating in a 3‐month residential DBT‐PTSD program were evaluated at the start of the exposure phase of DBT‐PTSD and the end of treatment; a nonclinical sample with a history of childhood abuse was the reference group. Multivariate analyses of variance and multivariate analyses of covariance controlling for change in core PTSD symptoms were used to evaluate changes in several elevated trauma‐related emotions (fear, anger, guilt, shame, disgust, sadness, and helplessness) and in radical acceptance. In a repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance, both elevated trauma‐related emotions and radical acceptance significantly improved during DBT‐PTSD, λ = 0.34, p < .001; η2 = .56; t(40) = −5.66, p < .001, SMD = 0.88, even after controlling for changes in PTSD symptoms, λ = 0.35, p < .001, η2 = .65; Λ = 0.86, p = .018, η2 = .14, respectively. Posttreatment, 31.0% (for acceptance) to 76.2% (for guilt) of participants showed nonclinical levels of the investigated outcomes, suggesting that both trauma‐related emotions and radical acceptance changed after the 3‐month residential DBT‐PTSD program.
CT‐Guided Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression for Lumbar Discogenic Radiculopathy‐Performance of a Novel Combi‐Therapy
Authors: Asafu Adjaye Frimpong George , Aboagye Evans , Asafu‐Adjaye Frimpong Akosua , Coleman Nana Esi , Amankwah Pierre , Quansah Ato
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

On the basis of reported immediate and short‐term excruciating pain by patients in the post‐procedural period of computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) in our clinic, we present our initial clinical experience with a novel combi‐therapy using a combination of CT‐guided PLDD and CT‐guided epidural nerve blocks, which proved effective in managing the pain.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 100 patients who met the criteria for PLDD, underwent treatment for lumbar discogenic radiculopathy between 2014 and 2017. Fifty‐five percent of the patients were males and 45% were females with a mean age of 46.25 years. Ninety‐five patients underwent one level PLDD and five patients two‐level PLDD procedures. CT‐guided epidural nerve block with a combination of Bupivacaine, Lignocaine, and Kenalog was used in a 3× procedure separated by a 1‐week interval. The first nerve block was given the same day, immediately after the PLDD procedure. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain was used during the pre‐procedure and post‐procedure periods.

Results

Among the patients who underwent one level PLDD, 88 had L4–L5 levels, 5 had L5–S1 levels and 2 had L3–L4 levels. L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels were the most common two‐level PLDD locations in seven patients. Five patients in our study subsequently underwent open surgical treatment. All patients reported immediate pain relief, which was sustained after the procedure. The average pre‐procedure VAS score was 7.6 (range from 5 to 8.2) and the VAS score immediately after the procedure was on average 0.5 (ranging from 0 to 2).

Conclusions

Findings from this initial experience using a combi‐therapy of CT‐guided PLDD and CT‐guided epidural nerve block have shown the benefits of this novel approach, offering significant immediate pain relief in the post‐procedural phase, favorable outcomes in the short to mid‐term and a significantly reduced rate of re‐surgery (7%) compared with the use of only CT‐guided PLDD. Lasers Surg Med 00:1–5, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitrogen‐based corrosion inhibitor film study using weight loss and electrochemical methods in static and turbulent conditions
Authors: de Freitas Denise S. , Verdasco Javier Alejandro C. , Lima Lisiane G. , Gonçalves Israel L. M. , Rabelo Rodrigo B. , Poltronieri Olívia C. C. , Ewbank Conrado G. , de Rezende Fabíola C. , Kinouti Lílian
Published: September 2019

There is an increasing demand from oil and gas industry to ensure the integrity of assets and the enviroment in the critical conditions found in presalt wells. This study evaluates new formulations of corrosion inhibitors with different types and alkoxylation degrees of nitrogen‐based inhibitors to assess corrosion behavior of carbon steel (API X65). For these studies, corrosion rates were determined through measurements of weight loss and linear polarization resistance (LPR). In the case of electrochemical measurements, experiments were carried out in a laminar flow and in a turbulent flow regime. All data were collected in the presence of CO2 and CO2/H2S mixtures. The results revealed that corrosion protection of carbon steel critically depends on the nitrogen‐based inhibitor's alkoxylation type and degree as well as the condition to which they are exposed. It was possible to notice that an ethoxylated amine whose inhibition efficiency in the presence of CO2 was about 10%, when exposed to H2S environment at the same temperature showed an efficiency of 86%. It was also observed that the inhibitor with a higher ethoxylation degree presented better efficiencies than the one with a lower degree.