bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Viscosupplementation: Ultrasound‐ Versus Landmark‐Guided Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lundstrom Zachary T. , Sytsma Terin T. , Greenlund Laura S.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Viscosupplementation, intra‐articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA), for knee osteoarthritis has fallen somewhat out of favor, with studies failing to show consistent benefits in pain reduction. Hyaluronic acid must enter the joint space to be beneficial; however, landmark‐guided injection can be substantially inaccurate, especially in obese patients. We aimed to determine whether ultrasound (US) guidance to ensure needle placement for HA knee injection resulted in improved outcomes as reflected by surgery‐free survival compared to landmark‐guided HA knee injection.

Methods

All community‐dwelling patients in 6 contiguous surrounding counties receiving HA knee injection either by landmark guidance (n = 647) or by US guidance (n = 500) were analyzed for the degree of arthritis, body mass index, follow‐up injection, and subsequent need for knee arthroplasty. A subgroup analysis of obese patients was also performed.

Results

The US‐ and landmark‐guided HA injection cohorts were similar with respect to sex, body mass index, and the degree of arthritis. Of 1147 patients receiving knee HA injection, 462 subsequently underwent knee arthroplasty. Significantly fewer patients in the US‐guided HA injection cohort went to surgery (33.2%) compared to the landmark‐guided cohort (45.8%; P < .001). The subgroup analysis for obese patients showed even larger differences (34.8% versus 51.8%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Knee osteoarthritis treatment by viscosupplementation can be optimized by US guidance, ensuring intra‐articular needle placement. Using an objective surgical outcome, our study shows that rethinking viscosupplementation to ensure intra‐articular delivery improves effectiveness. Patients receiving US‐guided knee HA injection were significantly less likely to undergo subsequent knee arthroplasty than patients receiving landmark‐guided HA injection.
Altered facial muscle innervation pattern in patients with postparetic facial synkinesis
Authors: Raslan Ashraf , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Volk Gerd Fabian
Published: June 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Using surface electrostimulation, we aimed to use facial nerve mapping (FNM) in healthy subjects and patients with postparetic facial synkinesis (PPFS) to define functional facial target regions that can be stimulated selectively.

Study Design

Single‐center prospective cohort study.

Methods

FNM was performed bilaterally in 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with PPFS. Single‐pulse surface FNM started at the main trunk of the facial nerve and followed the peripheral branches in a distal direction. Stimulation started with 0.1 mA and increased in 0.1 mA increments. The procedure was simultaneously video recorded and evaluated offline.

Results

A total of 1,873 spots were stimulated, and 1,875 facial movements were evaluated. The stimulation threshold was higher on the PPFS side (average = 9.8 ± 1.0 mA) compared to the contralateral side (4.1 ± 0.8 mA) for all stimulation sites or compared to healthy subjects (4.1 ± 0.5 mA; all P < .01). In healthy subjects, selective electrostimulation ± one unintended coactivation was possible at all sites in >80% of cases, with the exception of pulling up the corner of the mouth (65%–75%). On the PPFS side, stimulation was possible for puckering lips movements in 60%/75% (selective stimulation ± one coactivation, respectively), blinking in 55%/80%, pulling up the corner of the mouth in 50%/85%, brow raising in 5%/85, and raising the chin in 0%/35% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

FNM mapping for surgical planning and selective electrostimulation of functional facial regions is possible even in patients with PPFS. FNM may be a tool for patient‐specific evaluation and placement of electrodes to stimulate the correct nerve branches in future bionic devices (e.g., for a bionic eye blink).

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 130:E320–E326, 2020
Dynamics of benthic metabolism, O2, and pCO2 in a temperate seagrass meadow
Authors: Berg Peter , Delgard Marie Lise , Polsenaere Pierre , McGlathery Karen J. , Doney Scott C. , Berger Amelie C.
Published: June 2019

Seagrass meadows play an important role in “blue carbon” sequestration and storage, but their dynamic metabolism is not fully understood. In a dense Zostera marina meadow, we measured benthic O2 fluxes by aquatic eddy covariance, water column concentrations of O2, and partial pressures of CO2 (pCO2) over 21 full days during peak growing season in April and June. Seagrass metabolism, derived from the O2 flux, varied markedly between the 2 months as biomass accumulated and water temperature increased from 16°C to 28°C, triggering a twofold increase in respiration and a trophic shift of the seagrass meadow from being a carbon sink to a carbon source. Seagrass metabolism was the major driver of diurnal fluctuations in water column O2 concentration and pCO2, ranging from 173 to 377 μmol L−1 and 193 to 859 ppmv, respectively. This 4.5‐fold variation in pCO2 was observed despite buffering by the carbonate system. Hysteresis in diurnal water column pCO2 vs. O2 concentration was attributed to storage of O2 and CO2 in seagrass tissue, air–water exchange of O2 and CO2, and CO2 storage in surface sediment. There was a ~ 1:1 mol‐to‐mol stoichiometric relationship between diurnal fluctuations in concentrations of O2 and dissolved inorganic carbon. Our measurements showed no stimulation of photosynthesis at high CO2 and low O2 concentrations, even though CO2 reached levels used in IPCC ocean acidification scenarios. This field study does not support the notion that seagrass meadows may be “winners” in future oceans with elevated CO2 concentrations and more frequent temperature extremes.
Transformation of Thioester‐Initiated Star Polymers into Linear Arms via Native Chemical Ligation
Authors: Aksakal Suzan , Aksakal Resat , Becer Caglar Remzi
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of a new class of Cu‐mediated polymerization initiators with thioester functionality is demonstrated and their polymerization kinetics via single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization is reported. From periodic sampling, it is found that thioester‐ or ester‐based initiators can be employed interchangeably, resulting in very similar polymerization rates. Furthermore, a multifunctional thioester initiator is employed for the preparation of a well‐defined four‐arm star‐shaped polymer. It is further shown that the full dissociation of the star polymer into linear arms via native chemical ligation can easily be followed via size exclusion chromatography, as a result of the change in hydrodynamic volume. Finally, the obtained linear polymers are characterized via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry and found to be in good agreement with the expected molecular weight distribution that confirms the successful transformation.
SNCA Rep1 promoter variability influences cognition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ng Adeline S.L. , Tan Yi Jayne , Zhao Yi , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Lu Zhonghao , Ng Ebonne Y.L. , Ng Samuel Y.E. , Chia Nicole S.Y. , Setiawan Fiona , Xu Zheyu , Tay Kay Yaw , Au Wing Lok , Tan Louis C.S. , Tan Eng‐King
Published: June 2019

Background

While the association between alpha‐synuclein gene promoter (Rep1) variability and risk of PD is well established, its association with cognition is unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the association between Rep1 and motor and cognitive outcomes in PD.

Methods

Rep1 allele lengths were determined in 172 PD patients who were grouped into “long” and “short” carriers according to previous methods. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect of Rep1 length on cognitive and motor scores.

Results

Long Rep1 allele carriers had significantly lower MMSE (P = 0.010) and higher UPDRS Part III (P = 0.026) and H & Y (P = 0.008) scores compared to short allele carriers (controlled for age, sex, and disease duration). Interaction analyses of Rep1 with apolipoprotein 4 revealed no significant effect on clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

PD patients carrying long Rep1 alleles are more impaired on cognitive and motor function independent of apolipoprotein 4 genotype. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Transparent dual band Wi‐Fi filter for double glazed energy saving window as a smart network
Authors: Pakdin Mahdi , Ghayekhloo Alireza , Rezaei Pejman , Afsahi Majid
Published: June 2019

A transparent advanced electromagnetic structure is designed to be used in real‐world Wi‐Fi shielding applications. Concentric square loops as frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are analytically presented with the Pyrex glass substrate based on the equivalent electric circuit model. The designed FSS window suppresses signals at both 2.5 and 5 GHz bands, and reflects back to the indoor medium. Visible light transmittance of the studied window is achieved as 87%. Accordingly, other electromagnetic communication links can transfer through the designed filter such as cell phone, and radio. The dependency of the proposed window to polarization and angular variations is examined numerically, which shows stable frequency response at 2.5 GHz and an acceptable one for 5 GHz. As a figure of merit, the proposed structure is a double glazed window with potential application for smart, secure, and energy‐saving buildings. Also, practical considerations regarding the deployment of FSS on window glass and the separation distance between the glass layers have been investigated. A prototype of the proposed design is fabricated and measured that a good agreement between measurement and simulation is demonstrated. Therefore, parametric circuit model analysis, deployment of transparent substrate, thin metallic parts on one layer, secure indoor communications, and energy‐saving are some of the advantages of the proposed window.
Low loss semi‐MIM hybrid plasmonic waveguide with high electric field confinement
Authors: Manzoor Zahra , Mirala Ali , Pak Amin , Panahi Mohammad A.
Published: June 2019

Among different types of plasmonic waveguides that support surface‐plasmon‐polariton (SPP) mode, metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) waveguides have the best electric field confinement in expense of high propagation loss. On the other hand, hybrid plasmonic waveguides (HPWGs) are represented as low loss plasmonic waveguides with moderate confinement. In this work, a new design of HPWG is proposed with higher electric field confinement compare with conventional HPWG by adding lossy spacer layer to the designed HPWG. This modification causes the proposed design be more similar to metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) waveguides but with less propagation loss. The proposed design is called semi‐MIM HPWG and its structure is studied analytically and numerically. Dimensions of the proposed semi‐MIM HPWG is optimized to work at 193.5 THz and the proper stepped taper transition is designed to feed the waveguide by photonic feed lines.
Technical Note: Alternating clinical usage of the integral quality monitor transmission detector
Authors: Kohler Götz , Hanauer Nicolas
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study was the implementation of a method to use the integral quality monitor (IQM) transmission detector for occasional, alternating usage during patient treatment with intensity modulated radiotherapy. Due to attenuation, the transmission detector must be taken into account during the planning process. The proposed workflow is based on determining a dynamic transmission factor (dTF) required to scale the total number of MU of the original radiotherapy (RT) plan. Thus a very similar radiation therapy plan is obtained that can be used with the IQM detector.

Methods

Ten clinically applied volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were delivered at two beam qualities. A dTF is calculated from each RT plan for which a collapsed RT plan was created for verification using a two‐dimensional array with and without the IQM detector. The total number of MU of the original RT plan was scaled by the inverse of the dTF to obtain the modified RT plan for clinical use with the IQM detector. Validation was performed with an electronic three‐dimensional phantom and via gamma analysis using strict criteria of 1%/1 mm.

Results

Except for one outlier, the gamma pass rate between the original RT plan without IQM and the modified RT plan with IQM was always above 99.5%. The variations of the dTF were smaller than 1% for all tested RT plans.

Conclusions

The results show that the proposed workflow can be used clinically. Thus the IQM transmission detector can also be used occasionally for online verification of RT plans.
Comparison of outcomes between single‐incision sling and transobturator sling for treating stress urinary incontinence: A 10‐year prospective study
Authors: Sun Zhijing , Wang Xiuqi , Lang Jinghe , Xu Tao , Zhang Ye , Kang Jia , Mao Meng , Zhu Lan
Published: June 2019

Aims: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of the transobturator sling with the single‐incision sling, for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence at a long‐term follow‐up.

Methods: From October 2008 to October 2010, 94 patients who were enrolled and underwent either TVT‐O, one of standard mid‐urethral sling or TVT‐S, one of single‐incision mini‐sling (SIMS) procedure. The study population was followed until February 2019. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by subjective and objective evaluations and Chinese version questionnaires. Data were analyzed by IBM 23.0 SPSS Statistics. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: At the 10‐year follow‐up, 31(64.6%) TVT‐O patients and 33(71.7%) TVT‐S patients were still available. Objective cure and subjective satisfaction rate were not significantly different for TVT‐O compared with TVT‐S (P >
 0.05). However, TVT‐S showed a greater drop in success from the second to the tenth year compared with TVT‐O (15.1% vs 0% and 9.2% vs 3.2%, respectively). Both groups experienced significantly improved quality of life in the TVT‐O group and in the TVT‐S group (P < 0.05). The total PISQ‐12 scores at 10 years postoperatively of the TVT‐O and TVT‐S groups were 33.4(4.7) compared with 33.6(3.9) before surgery (P = 0.67 > 0.05) and 35.5(5.9) compared with 31.5(6.3) before surgery (P = 0.045 < 0.05).

Conclusions: It is difficult to state that there is superiority of one sling over another sling without a significant difference. But TVT‐O showed superior objective cure and subjective satisfaction rates and a less decline in success during 10 years compared with TVT‐S.
A review: The role of geospatial technology in precision agriculture
Authors: Praveen Bushra , Sharma Pritee
Published: June 2019

Precision agriculture is a forthcoming farming management approach that is modifying the style of people farm. As of now, the accountability is increasing to reduce dependency of harming chemicals in agriculture. Various methods and techniques have been using in agriculture production to make it safer and diminish their harm impacts on environment to make agriculture sustainable. Precision agriculture is important tool to bring successful conclusion. This literature review focuses on geospatial technology can be an effective method in precision agriculture.
Gradual institutional change and media influence: The case of Petrobras in Brazil
Authors: Costa Mayla C. , de Passos Gabriela A. , Ryngelblum Arnaldo L.
Published: June 2019

The media as a social actor emits discourses that reflect in the institutional context, influencing the process of institutionalization of existing practices. One view about the media in organizational studies is that it is a mechanism of organizational complexity reduction, and in this way, it is the focus of the managers' attention to certain aspects of the environment, which has implications for the way that everyday tasks are accomplished in organizations. In this sense, an interest has emerged to understand how the dissemination of information about the acquisition of a refinery in Pasadena, Texas, by Petrobras was the embryo of an international corruption scandal that compromised the organization's image but was also responsible for the emergence of new organizational practices. The data and information used are from secondary sources: the newspapers and magazines with the largest national circulations. The findings reveal that the media sought to influence individuals by elaborating its understanding of the context without being consistently coherent over time. We propose an analytical model of how the media can act in the gradual change of organizational and actors' practices.
Optimisation of artemisinin and scopoletin extraction from Artemisia annua with a new modern pressurised cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction technique
Authors: Zarrelli Armando , Pollio Antonino , Aceto Serena , Romanucci Valeria , Carella Francesca , Stefani Paolo , De Natale Antonino , De Vico Gionata
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Artemisia annua is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family declared therapeutic by the World Health Organisation, in particular for its artemisinin content, an active ingredient at the base of most antimalarial treatments, used every year by over 300 million people. In the last years, owing to low artemisinin content, research of new ways to increase the yield of the plant matrix has led to the use of the total extract taking advantage from the synergic and stabilising effects of the other components.

Objective

In this work we evaluated and compared the content of artemisinin and scopoletin in extracts of A. annua collected in the Campania Region (southern Italy), by two different extraction processes.

Methodology

Artemisia annua plants were extracted by traditional maceration (TM) in hydroalcoholic solution as a mother tincture prepared according to the European Pharmacopeia and by pressurised cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction, a new generation method using the Naviglio extractor.

Results

The results showed that the PCSL extraction technique is more effective than traditional methods in extracting both phytochemicals, up to 15 times more, reducing the extraction times, without using solvents or having risks for the operators, the environment and the users of the extracts.

Conclusion

The Naviglio extractor provides extracts with an artemisinin and scopoletin content eight times higher than the daily therapeutic dose, which should be evaluated for its stability over time and biological properties for possible direct use for therapeutic purposes.
Isolated spina bifida aperta: prenatal ventriculomegaly as an ultrasound prognostic marker
Authors: Giardini Valentina , Verderio Maria , Cozzolino Sabrina , Vergani Patrizia
Published: June 2019

What's already known about this topic?

Ventriculomegaly (VMG) is an indirect, variable, and often late cranial sign of spina bifida aperta (SBA). The exact incidence and pathogenesis are unknown: the association between the level of the spinal defect and VMG is controversial, and the incidence of postnatal shunt placement varies widely in the published literature. Prenatal surgery for SBA improves the outcome for children affected by this condition, but it is associated with maternal complications and prematurity which may impact negatively on cognitive outcome. For this reason, the benefit of in utero closure is still matter of debate, and the selection of optimal candidates remain controversial.

What does this study add?

Early onset ventriculomegaly (VMG) occurring before 24 weeks is significantly associated with high spinal defects and severe VMG at the end of pregnancy. Therefore, it could be an ultrasound prognostic marker for prenatal counselling and an additional criterion in triaging cases for fetal surgery.
Sonologist's characteristics related to a higher quality in fetal nuchal translucency measured in primary antenatal care centers
Authors: Torrent Anna , Manrique Gemma , Gómez‐Castelló Teresa , Baldrich Elisabeth , Cahuana Marc , Manresa Josep M. , Borrell Antoni
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess the quality of nuchal translucency (NT) measurements in primary care and the sonologist's characteristics related with a higher quality.

Methods

The median NT expressed in multiples of the median (MoM) was calculated for each sonologist of 14 participating antenatal primary care centers of the Catalan Institute of Health. A survey to the sonologists was used to establish variables related to higher‐quality measurements.

Results

The median NT MoM obtained in 16 448 NT measurements, performed by 102 sonologists, was 0.94 MoM. NT underestimation was observed in 46% of the sonologists. Underestimation were less frequent among professionals who performed more than 230 ultrasounds per year (26% vs 53%;p = .022), those who completed the online Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) course (22% vs 54%; p = .021), and those who were subject to periodic audits (24% vs 56%; p = .021). Underestimation rate decreased from 60%, to 33% and 14% with the increase of the years of experience from less than 5 years, to 6 to 15 years and more than 15 years of experience, respectively (p = .029).

Conclusions

Higher‐quality measurements were demonstrated in sonologists who performed more ultrasounds per year, those with more years of scanning experience, those who completed the online FMF course, and those periodically audited.
Novel HMGCS2 pathogenic variants in a Chinese family with mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Hu Xuyun , Guo Ruolan , Guo Jun , Li Wei , Qian Suyun , Hao Chanjuan , Liu Jun
Published: June 2019

Importance

Mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) synthase deficiency is a rare and underdiagnosed disorder with fewer than 30 patients reported worldwide. The application of whole‐exome sequencing in patients could improve our understanding of this disorder.

Objective

To identify the genetic causes and evaluate the phenotype of mitochondrial HMG‐CoA synthase deficiency in a pediatric patient with uncommon features that included ketosis and elevated lactate and ammonia.

Methods

The proband was referred to the pediatric intensive care unit of Beijing Children's Hospital and selected for molecular testing with whole‐exome sequencing. Her parents and sibling also underwent sequencing for segregation information.

Results

We identified two novel mutations (c.1347_1351delAGCCT/p.Ala450Profs*7 and c.1201G>T/ p.Glu401*) in the HMG‐CoA synthase‐2 gene (HMGCS2, NM_005518.3) in the proband and her brother. Both variants were classified as pathogenic variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/ Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. Metabolic acidosis in the proband was corrected with continuous renal replacement therapy and she left hospital after 21 days of treatment.

Interpretation

Our results extend the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of HMGCS2 mutation in mitochondrial HMG‐CoA synthase deficiency patients and serve as a reminder for physicians to consider mitochondrial HMG‐CoA synthase deficiency in newborns and children with coma and hypoketotic hypoglycemia after fasting.
Quality improvement in pediatric intensive care: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kourtis Susan A. , Burns Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2019

Importance

Measuring and improving performance is an essential component of any high‐risk industry, including intensive care medicine. We undertook this systematic review to describe the current state of quality improvement efforts in pediatric intensive care medicine.

Objective

To evaluate the quality and rigor of all published literature on quality improvement efforts in the pediatric intensive care unit in the current era.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane for studies that met two broad inclusion criteria: 1) the terms “pediatric critical care” and “quality improvement” and 2) they were completed in the past ten years. In the initial search, we also included academic and professional societies or organizations devoted to providing resources on quality improvement in intensive care medicine. We excluded studies that examined quality improvement processes exclusively for neonatal or adult patients receiving intensive care.

Results

Forty‐nine of 332 identified articles were selected for final review by two reviewers who independently rated the quality of the methodology and rigor of the evidence reported for each study. Of these, 23 studies targeted structural issues, 14 studies targeted process issues, and 12 targeted an outcome as the focus of the intensive care quality improvement effort.

Interpretation

Our review of the published literature on quality improvement efforts in the pediatric intensive care unit in the current era found that 85% of studies were limited in methodology or analysis. Fifteen high‐quality studies are reported here and serve as helpful examples of rigorous research methodology in this domain going forward.
Relationships between crystalline structure and the thermal behavior of poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate): An in situ simultaneous SAXS‐WAXS study
Authors: Stoclet Grégory , Arias Andrea , Yeniad Bahar , De Vos Sicco
Published: June 2019

Poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is an emerging bio‐based polymer with interesting thermal and barrier properties. In this study, the melting behavior of PEF was investigated in situ by means of simultaneous wide and small angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) measurements coupled with DSC measurements. This study gives the first evidence of what happens from a structural point of view during the multiple melting behavior of PEF, which is composed of three distinct events, taking into account the nature of the initial crystalline phase present. The first result is that the α′ form, induced at low crystallization temperature, does not undergo any phase transformation upon heating revealing its stable character. Second, the comparison of the SAXS and WAXS results with the DSC ones showed that the multiple melting behavior observed is attributed to a melting–recrystallization–melting process. Third, this work also definitely shows that the low amplitude melting endotherm observed in the DSC thermograms is ascribed to the melting of secondary crystals. Finally, SAXS‐WAXS results led to the conclusion that the secondary crystals cannot be depicted by the commonly accepted lamellar insertion model. Another microstructural representation of these secondary crystals is proposed. In this model, the secondary crystals consist of bundles of macromolecules, which formed small crystalline entities located between the primary crystalline lamellae stacks. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1667–1677 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of highly pure poly(aryleneethnylene)s using palladium supported on calcium carbonate as an eco‐friendly heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Thavornsin Nopparat , Chamrasboon Pitchaporn , Kiatmongkolkul Pongsathorn , Sakthanasait Ryo , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Wacharasindhu Sumrit
Published: June 2019

Metal catalyst contamination is a major concern in the preparation of polymeric materials. For conjugate polymers, trace amount of metal catalyst is detrimental to the optoelectronic properties. In this work, a method for synthesizing highly pure fluorescent polymers, poly(aryleneethynylene)s (PAEs), was developed using heterogeneous Pd/CaCO3 catalytic system. Polymerization between a variety of aryl diethynes and aryl diiodides or dibromides were achieved using a catalytic amount of Pd/CaCO3, CuI, and PPh3 at 80 °C in good to excellent yields (79–100%). Resulting polymers possess degree of polymerization ranging from 8 to 50 with polydispersity index of 1.5–3.6. Importantly, PAEs from Pd/CaCO3 catalytic system contain considerably lower level of Pd and Cu contamination (1.9 and 3.4 ppm, respectively) than those obtained from classical homogeneous catalyst, Pd(PPh3)4 and PdCl2(PPh3)2 or heterogeneous catalyst Pd/C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1556–1563
UV‐triggered CO2‐responsive behavior of nanofibers and their controlled drug release properties
Authors: Lin Shaojian , Huang Xia , Guo Ronghui , Chen Sheng , Lan Jianwu , Theato Patrick
Published: June 2019

A novel nanofibrous mat featuring an ultraviolet (UV)‐induced CO2‐responsive behavior was fabricated via electrospinning and used as a controlled drug release system. First, a random copolymer for electrospinning, poly(N,N‐diethylaminoethyl acrylamide‐co‐N‐benzylacrylamide‐co‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(2‐nitrobenzyl)‐ethaneamine acrylamide‐co‐4‐acryloyloxy benzophenone) [P(DEEA‐co‐BA‐co‐DMNOBA‐co‐ABP)], was prepared based on pentafluorophenyl esters via an “active ester‐amine” chemistry reaction. Subsequently, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)‐loaded P(DEEA‐co‐BA‐co‐DMNOBA‐co‐ABP) nanofibers were fabricated, yielding a new drug‐loaded nanofibrous mat as a potential wound dressing. These DOX‐loaded nanofibers can respond to UV irradiation and CO2 stimulation. Interestingly, without UV irradiation, the fabricated nanofibers cannot exhibit any responsiveness. Therefore, the majority of the DOX was steadily stored in the nanofibers, even in the presence of CO2. However, upon UV irradiation, the CO2‐responsive behavior of the nanofibers was activated and the prepared nanofibers swelled slightly, resulting in the release of around 42% DOX from the nanofibers. Upon further purging with CO2, the release amount of DOX from the nanofibers could reach up to approximately 85%, followed by the morphological transition from a nanofibrous mat to a porous hydrogel film. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1580–1586
Dwarf‐cashew resistance to whitefly (Aleurodicus cocois) linked to morphological and histochemical characteristics of leaves
Authors: Goiana Elaine SS , Dias‐Pini Nivia S , Muniz Celli R , Soares Arlete A , Alves James C , Vidal‐Neto Francisco C , Bezerra Da Silva Cherre S
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The cashew whitefly (CW), Aleurodicus cocois, is an important pest of cashew in Brazil. The use of resistant plants may be an effective strategy for the control of this pest. In a preliminary assay, we found that dwarf‐cashew clones show different levels of resistance to CW. Here, we hypothesized that such resistance is associated with morphological characteristics of cashew leaves and their content of phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

We determined (i) the attractiveness and suitability for oviposition of five dwarf‐cashew clones towards CW, (ii) the leaf morphology and chemistry of those clones, and (iii) the relationship between leaf characteristics and resistance to CW. In greenhouse multiple‐choice assays, PRO143/7 and CCP76 showed, respectively, the lowest and highest counts of both CW adults and eggs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that PRO143/7 and EMBRAPA51 have, respectively, the highest and lowest numbers of leaf glandular trichomes. We found a negative correlation between number of trichomes in the abaxial surface of cashew leaves and CW oviposition. In addition, confocal microscopy analysis and histochemical tests with ferrous sulfate indicated a higher accumulation of phenolic compounds in the resistant clone PRO143/7 relative to the other clones. Dwarf‐cashew clones did not significantly differ based on the number of leaf epicuticular striations, and the thickness of both leaf lamina and the epidermal layer.

CONCLUSION

The resistance of dwarf‐cashew plants to CW is associated with an elevated number of trichomes and accumulation of high levels of phenolics in leaves. Additionally, the contribution of epicuticular striation density and thickness of leaf lamina/epidermal layer are insignificant. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Three‐Terminal Graphene Nanoribbon Tunable Avalanche Transit Time Sources for Terahertz Power Generation
Authors: Acharyya Aritra
Published: June 2019

Herein, the possibilities of tuning oscillation frequency and power in terahertz (THz) graphene nanoribbon (GNR)‐based avalanche transit time (ATT) sources by introducing a third terminal on their planar structure are discussed. In this regard, a three‐terminal planner impact ATT (IMPATT) structure based on GNR on oxide (SiO2) is proposed. Inherent power combining capabilities of parallel‐connected IMPATT structures are utilized to increase the power output at THz frequencies. Static, high frequency, and noise simulations are carried out using in‐house simulation codes based on self‐consistent quantum drift–diffusion model. Results show that around 0.7–5.3% and 9.0–13.3% modulation of frequency and power output are achievable, respectively, in the GNR IMPATT oscillators operating in the frequency range of 1.0–10.0 THz, respectively, by applying a suitable amount of voltage at the third or controlling terminal; however, the enhancement of noise level at the output is observed to be insignificant as a result of using the active third‐terminal control.
A double exponentially weighted moving average control chart for monitoring COM‐Poisson attributes
Authors: Alevizakos Vasileios , Koukouvinos Christos
Published: June 2019

The Conway‐Maxwell‐Poisson (COM‐Poisson) distribution is a two‐parameter generalization of the Poisson distribution, which can be used for overdispersed or underdispersed count data and also contains the geometric and Bernoulli distributions as special cases. This article presents a double exponentially weighted moving average control chart with steady‐state control limits to monitor COM‐Poisson attributes (regarded as CMP‐DEWMA chart). The performance of the proposed control chart has been evaluated in terms of the average, the median, and the standard deviation of the run‐length distribution. The CMP‐DEWMA control chart is studied not only to detect shifts in each parameter individually but also in both parameters simultaneously. The design parameters of the proposed chart are provided, and through a simulation study, it is shown that the CMP‐DEWMA chart is more effective than the EWMA chart at detecting downward shifts of the process mean. Finally, a real data set is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed chart.
Human reliability analysis for manned submersible diving process based on CREAM and Bayesian network
Authors: Chen Dengkai , Fan Yu , Ye Cong , Zhang Shuai
Published: June 2019

The diving mission of manned submersibles is a long‐term, high‐intensity work that is affected by many factors and is in a narrow confined space. In order to improve the reliability of oceanauts' safe operations, this paper is based on the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM) and the Bayesian network method to study the human errors of the diving mission. First, we construct a Bayesian network framework of the diving process by analyzing the diving steps. Second, the CREAM is applied to calculate the prior probability of each root node's error. Then, the backward reasoning ability of the Bayesian network is used to calculate the posterior probabilities and identify the top few risk nodes. Finally, we obtained the top few risk factors. Among them, we find that the light distribution design in the risk nodes is the more influential risk factor, so a brief design is made on them.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of geometry and stability of small potassium‐iodide KnI (n = 2–6) clusters
Authors: Milovanović Branislav , Milovanović Milan , Veličković Suzana , Veljković Filip , Perić‐Grujić Aleksandra , Jerosimić Stanka
Published: June 2019

Small heterogeneous potassium‐iodide clusters are investigated by means of ab initio electronic structural methods together with experimental production and detection in mass spectrometry. Experiments were done by using Knudsen cell mass spectrometry (KCMS) modification method, which provided simultaneous generating of all KnI0,+1 (n = 2–6) clusters at once. Clusters with more than two potassium atoms are produced for the first time. The lowest lying isomers of those KnI0,+1 (n = 2–6) clusters were found by using a random‐kick procedure. The best description of growth of these clusters is the addition of one potassium atom to a smaller‐neighbor cluster. Subsequently, stability of these species was examined. In spite of general trend of decreasing of binding energies, the closed‐shell species have slightly larger stability with respect to the open‐shell species. Alternation of dissociation energies between closed‐shell and open‐shell clusters is presented. Experimental setup also allows determination of ionization energies of clusters: the obtained values are in the range of 3.46–3.98 eV, which classify these clusters as “superalkali.” For closed‐shell clusters, the theoretical adiabatic ionization energies are close to experimental values, whereas in the case of open‐shell clusters, the vertical ionization energies are those that are close to experimental values.
Simultaneous total analysis of core and polar membrane lipids in archaea by high‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry coupled with heated electrospray ionization
Authors: Horai Shunsuke , Yamauchi Noriaki , Naraoka Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Rationale

Archaea have characteristic membrane lipids including diether and/or tetraether isoprenoidal core lipids with various polar head groups. Since the polar group is removed soon after the end of archaeal activity, the occurrences of core and polar lipids are regarded as dead and active signals, respectively. The core and polar lipids have generally been analyzed separately using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), respectively, coupled with mass spectrometry.

Methods

In this study, simultaneous analyses of core and polar archaeal lipids have been examined using heated electrospray ionization (HESI) by high‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/HRMS).

Results

Both core and intact polar lipids can be analyzed simultaneously by HESI with good sensitivity (sub ng to 100 ng) and separation using a semi‐bore diol column by normal‐phase chromatography. The core lipids eluted firstly to separate archeaol, then glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs), followed by the polar lipids with glycosides and glycophosphates. The relative GDGT composition is identical between HESI and APCI methods.

Conclusions

The simultaneous analysis has the benefit of minimizing sample amount and elution solvent as well as preparation work. The method can also be applied to a compound class fractionation for compound‐specific carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis.
Photocatalytic Behaviors of TiO2 Nanoblets Coated with MoS2 Nanosheets for Solar‐Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhou Fang , Liu Wenjun , Miao Zhilei , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2019

TiO2 nanoblets coated with MoS2 nanosheets, donated as T@M, were successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. In comparison with pristine TiO2 nanoblets, the composite of MoS2 nanosheets could enlarge the spectral response of sunlight. The surface heterostructures of T@M nanocomposite could effectively separate the photogenerated electron‐hole pairs, and greatly inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. The photocatalytic performances of the as‐synthesized products were investigated in contrast by photodegradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, rhodamine B and levofloxacin. Under 350 W Xe lamp irradiating for 2 h, T@M exhibited excellent degradation performance. Interestingly, blue shifts of the dyes’ absorption peaks were observed, which probably attributed to the incomplete products decomposed by as‐absorbed dye molecules on the surface of TiO2 nanoblets. Compared with pure TiO2 nanoblets, T@M has less amount TiO2, higher separation efficiency of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs and better inhibition efficiency of photogenerated carriers’ recombination, leading less blue shift and higher degradation efficiency.
Synthesis and Inhibitory Activity towards Monoamine Oxidase A and B of 8‐Functionalized 3‐Fluoro‐2‐methyl‐benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones
Authors: Jafari Behzad , Jalil Saquib , Zaib Sumera , Safarov Sayfidin , Khalikova Muattar , Ospanov Meirambek , Yelibayeva Nazym , Abilov Zharylkasyn A. , Turmukhanova Mirgul Z. , Kalugin Sergey N. , Ehlers Peter , Iqbal Jamshed , Langer Peter
Published: June 2019

8‐Chloro‐3‐fluoro‐2‐methyl‐benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐one was synthesized and employed in various palladium catalysed cross‐coupling‐reactions, including Suzuki‐Miyaura, Sonogashira and Buchwald‐Hartwig reactions, delivering 8‐aryl‐, 8‐alkynyl‐ and 8‐amino‐3‐fluoro‐2‐methyl‐benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones in good to excellent yields. The synthesized derivatives were analysed for their monoamine oxidase (MAO−A and MAO−B) inhibitory potential. Most of the compounds exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activity towards MAO−A and/or MAO−B. Docking analysis was performed to verify the experimental results. Hence, 8‐substituted‐3‐fluoro‐2‐methyl‐benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones might be potential lead compounds towards novel monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Investigating the factors which impact SPI implementation initiatives in software SMEs—A systematic map and review
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Sangal Amrit Lal
Published: June 2019

Context

For successful initiation of software process improvement (SPI) initiatives in software SMEs, it is vital for the practitioners to have deep understanding of various SPI inhibitors.

Objective

The paper has the following objectives: investigate factors which impact SPI implementation initiatives in software SMEs, synthesize available evidence, identify gaps between existing approaches available in the literature, and to develop the taxonomy of the factors.

Methods

Database search and snowballing procedure are adapted to perform the systematic mapping and review, which includes 105 primary studies published between 2002 and 2018. Also, we reviewed the empirical studies for their rigor and relevance.

Results

A total of 16 inhibitors have been identified and are grouped into PMBOK knowledge areas framework. From the rigor and relevance scores, it is observed that despite the research has been conducted in an industrial context, it lacks rigor (mean = 1.79) and thus hinders the possibility of generalizing the results. This calls for more studies with thorough empirical analysis and validation using adequate statistical tests.

Conclusions

The results can help the practitioners to understand the dynamics of factors, which undermine SPI implementation in software SMEs and also to assist them in the development of effective control and mitigation strategies.
Light‐Driven Sandwich ZnO/TiO2/Pt Janus Micromotors: Schottky Barrier Suppression by Addition of TiO2 Atomic Interface Layers into ZnO/Pt Micromachines Leading to Enhanced Fuel‐Free Propulsion
Authors: Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Villa Katherine , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: June 2019

Conventional binary light‐driven micromotors, based on semiconducting photocatalysts and metal junctions, have mostly shown limited speed and charge separation/transport due to their not well‐designed interfaces. Here ZnO/Pt Janus micromotors with atomically smooth interfaces are introduced, which show fast light‐driven and fuel‐free propulsion (15 body‐length s−1). Furthermore, the speed of ZnO/Pt micromotors is increased by ≈60% with a few atomic amorphous TiO2 photocatalyst interlayers. The new photocatalysts' interfaces, i.e., ZnO/TiO2, provide type II heterojunctions, leading to an increase in the number of electron/hole pairs and then improving the electron transfer to Pt metal. This effective charge separation/transfer results in a faster electrophoretic motion of the novel ternary ZnO/TiO2/Pt micromotors. The concept of the type II heterojunction, which is well known in photocatalysis communities, is used in light‐driven micromotors as a new approach and paves the way for the next‐generation of faster fuel‐free “green” micromotors.
Generic loop effects of new scalars and fermions in b → sℓ+ℓ− and a vector-like 4th generation
Authors: Arnan Pere , Crivellin Andreas , Fedele Marco , Mescia Federico
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In this article we investigate in detail the possibility of accounting for the b → sℓ
+
ℓ
− anomalies via box contributions involving with new scalars and fermions. For this purpose, we first write down the most general Lagrangian which can generate the desired effects and then calculate the generic expressions for all relevant b → s Wilson coefficients. Here we extend previous analysis by allowing that the new particles can also couple to right-handed Standard Model (SM) fermions as preferred by recent b → sℓ
+
ℓ
− data and the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

In the second part of this article we illustrate this generic approach for a UV complete model in which we supplement the Standard Model by a 4th generation of vector-like fermions and a real scalar field. This model allows one to coherently address the observed anomalies in b → sℓ
+
ℓ
− transitions and in a

μ
without violating the bounds from other observables (in particular B

s
−

$$ {\overline{B}}_s $$

B
¯

s

mixing) or LHC searches. In fact, we find that our global fit to this model, after the recent experimental updates, is very good and prefers couplings to right-handed SM fermions, showing the importance of our generic setup and calculation performed in the first part of the article.
Electrodeposition of Composite Ni-TiO2 Coatings from Aqueous Acetate Baths
Authors: Mech Krzysztof
Published: June 2019

In this paper, results concerning electrochemical deposition of Ni-TiO2 composite coatings are presented. The influence of electrode potential, concentration of TiO2 in the electrolyte, as well as the influence of magnetohydrodynamic effect (MHD) on deposition rate, composition, current efficiency, structure, surface states, and coatings surface morphology is described. Electrochemical studies were preceded by thermodynamic analysis of the system. In addition, the electrokinetic potential (ZP) of TiO2 particles in applied electrolyte was determined. Electrodeposited composites contained up to 2.15 wt. pct of TiO2. Depending on the applied electrolysis conditions, the current efficiency recorded up to 31.7 pct for B = 0 T and up to 34.2 for B = 1 T. Electrochemical studies as well as further material characterizations indicated the strong influence of the magnetic field on processes taking place at the electrode surface. Several results indicated that the synthesis process is accompanied by precipitation of nickel hydroxides and nickel hydrides as well as by hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The obtained coatings were also characterized in order to determine their photoelectrochemical properties.