bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Liver Transplant Candidates
Authors: Sharpton Suzanne R. , Terrault Norah A. , Posselt Andrew M.
Published: December 2018

Morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg/m2) is a relative contraindication to liver transplantation (LT) at many transplant centers. The safety and efficacy of pre‐LT bariatric surgery in morbidly obese LT candidates is unknown. Herein, we describe a cohort study of morbidly obese LT candidates who failed to achieve adequate weight loss through a medically supervised weight loss program and subsequently underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at our institution. In total, 32 LT candidates with a median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 12 (interquartile range [IQR], 10‐13) underwent SG. All LT candidates had a history of hepatic decompensation, but complications of liver disease were required to be well controlled at the time of SG. Median pre‐SG BMI was 45.0 kg/m2 (IQR, 42.1‐49.0 kg/m2). There were no perioperative deaths or liver‐related morbidity. One patient experienced major perioperative morbidity secondary to a gastric leak, which was managed nonoperatively. Median weight loss at 6 and 12 months after SG was 22.0 kg (IQR, 18.9‐26.8 kg) and 31.0 kg (IQR, 23.6‐50.3 kg), respectively, corresponding to a percentage of excess body weight lost of 33.4% and 52.4%. Within 6 months after SG, 28 (88%) candidates were deemed eligible for LT. Our center’s experience highlights the potential option of SG in morbidly obese LT candidates with advanced liver disease who might otherwise be excluded from pursuing LT.
Monotonicity properties of ‐functions
Authors: Chaubey Sneha , Koutsaki K. Paolina , Zaharescu Alexandru
Published: December 2018

We present some monotonicity results for a class of Dirichlet series generalizing previously known results. The fact that is in that class presents a first example of an arithmetic function for which the associated Dirichlet series is completely monotonic, but not logarithmically completely monotonic. Lastly, we use similar techniques to prove another formulation of the Riemann hypothesis for the L‐function associated to the Ramanujan‐tau function.
Biomolecule Sensor Based on Azlactone‐Modified Hydrogel Films
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Xiaoqian , Herberg Artjom , Kuckling Dirk
Published: December 2018

A 3D hydrogel layer is probed by combining surface plasmon resonance with optical waveguide spectroscopy to detect biomolecules. A template terpolymer P(DMAAm‐co‐DMIAAm‐co‐VDMA) is synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. The terpolymer is then modified with an amino group bearing biotin to enable biomolecular recognition for streptavidin. A hydrogel thin layer is prepared onto a gold surface after spin‐coating and photo‐crosslinking of the modified polymer. Finally, the hydrogel is utilized to quantitatively detect streptavidin by using surface plasmon resonance–optical waveguide spectroscopy measurements.
Evaluation of MYORG mutations as a novel cause of primary familial brain calcification
Authors: Chen You , Fu Feng , Chen Si , Cen Zhidong , Tang Haiyan , Huang Jinxiu , Xie Fei , Zheng Xiaosheng , Yang Dehao , Wang Haotian , Huang Xuerong , Zhang Yun , Zhou Yongji , Liu Jing‐Yu , Luo Wei
Published: December 2018

Background

Very recently, the MYORG gene was identified as a novel causative gene for autosomal‐recessive primary familial brain calcification.

Objective

To investigate the clinical, genetic, and neuroradiological characteristics of primary familial brain calcification patients with biallelic MYORG mutations in China.

Methods

We collected clinical and neuroradiological data of 169 Chinese patients with primary familial brain calcification, including 151 sporadic patients and 18 patients from 13 families compatible with an autosomal‐recessive mode of inheritance. Mutational analysis of MYORG was performed in the cohort.

Results

We identified four, including three novel, MYORG mutations segregating in four families with 5 patients: one nonsense mutation (c.1431C>A, p.Y477*), one missense mutation (c.687G>T, p.W229C), and two nonframeshift indels (c.348_349insCTGGCCTTCCGC, p.116_117insLAFR; c. 428_442delTGCACTTCTTCATCC, p.143_147delLHFFI). The 12‐base‐pair insertion, c.348_349insCTGGCCTTCCGC, was found in either homozygous or heterozygous state in 2 probands of our cohort and another Chinese primary familial brain calcification patient previously reported on in the literature. Haplotype analysis of our patients harboring the insertion indicated a founder effect in the ethnic Han Chinese population. To date, biallelic MYORG mutations have been reported in 17 patients (including our cohort). Most patients were symptomatic (13 of 17; 76.5%), and the most recurrent symptoms were movement disorders (10 of 17; 58.8%), cognitive decline (7 of 17; 41.2%), and cerebellar symptoms (6 of 17; 35.3%). All patients had calcifications on comprehensive cranial CT, most frequently located in the basal ganglia (17 of 17; 100%), cerebellum (17 of 17; 100%), subcortical white matter (14 of 17; 82.4%), and thalamus (13 of 17; 76.5%).

Conclusions

We confirmed MYORG as a novel causative gene for primary familial brain calcification and further expanded the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of MYORG‐related primary familial brain calcification. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Glucocerebrosidase mutations and synucleinopathies: Toward a model of precision medicine
Authors: Blandini Fabio , Cilia Roberto , Cerri Silvia , Pezzoli Gianni , Schapira Anthony H.V. , Mullin Stephen , Lanciego José L.
Published: December 2018

Glucocerebrosidase is a lysosomal enzyme. The characterization of a direct link between mutations in the gene coding for glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) with the development of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies has heightened interest in this enzyme. Although the mechanisms through which glucocerebrosidase regulates the homeostasis of α‐synuclein remains poorly understood, the identification of reduced glucocerebrosidase activity in the brains of patients with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies has paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies directed at enhancing glucocerebrosidase activity and reducing α‐synuclein burden, thereby slowing down or even preventing neuronal death. Here we reviewed the current literature relating to the mechanisms underlying the cross talk between glucocerebrosidase and α‐synuclein, the GBA1 mutation‐associated clinical phenotypes, and ongoing therapeutic approaches targeting glucocerebrosidase. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Breast mass classification in sonography with transfer learning using a deep convolutional neural network and color conversion
Authors: Byra Michal , Galperin Michael , Ojeda‐Fournier Haydee , Olson Linda , O'Boyle Mary , Comstock Christopher , Andre Michael
Published: December 2018

Purpose

We propose a deep learning‐based approach to breast mass classification in sonography and compare it with the assessment of four experienced radiologists employing breast imaging reporting and data system 4th edition lexicon and assessment protocol.

Methods

Several transfer learning techniques are employed to develop classifiers based on a set of 882 ultrasound images of breast masses. Additionally, we introduce the concept of a matching layer. The aim of this layer is to rescale pixel intensities of the grayscale ultrasound images and convert those images to red, green, blue (RGB) to more efficiently utilize the discriminative power of the convolutional neural network pretrained on the ImageNet dataset. We present how this conversion can be determined during fine‐tuning using back‐propagation. Next, we compare the performance of the transfer learning techniques with and without the color conversion. To show the usefulness of our approach, we additionally evaluate it using two publicly available datasets.

Results

Color conversion increased the areas under the receiver operating curve for each transfer learning method. For the better‐performing approach utilizing the fine‐tuning and the matching layer, the area under the curve was equal to 0.936 on a test set of 150 cases. The areas under the curves for the radiologists reading the same set of cases ranged from 0.806 to 0.882. In the case of the two separate datasets, utilizing the proposed approach we achieved areas under the curve of around 0.890.

Conclusions

The concept of the matching layer is generalizable and can be used to improve the overall performance of the transfer learning techniques using deep convolutional neural networks. When fully developed as a clinical tool, the methods proposed in this paper have the potential to help radiologists with breast mass classification in ultrasound.
In Situ Incorporation of Praziquantel in Polymer Microparticles through Suspension Polymerization for Treatment of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Paiva Thamiris , Vieira Lorena , Melo Príamo , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos
Published: December 2018

Schistosomiasis is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Even though this is a common illness among preschool children in poor countries, treatment is carried out mainly through the administration of praziquantel tablets, which has some disadvantages, such as the strong bitter taste. As an alternative to overcome this problem, the development of new encapsulated praziquantel formulations is demanded. For this reason, suspension polymerizations are carried out for the in situ encapsulation of praziquantel into polymer microparticles, using methyl methacrylate (MMA) and cationic compounds (diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, DEAEMA, and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, DMAEMA) as comonomers. This technique allows for the preparation of polymer microparticles with high encapsulation efficiencies (>90%) with characteristic sizes ranging from 0.5 to 1500 µm. Drug release profiles show that praziquantel is released from poly(methyl methacrylate) microparticles slowly due to the existence of strong diffusional resistance. On the other hand, the addition of cationic comonomers renders polymer particles sensitive to pH variations, allowing for faster release of praziquantel in acidic environments, as found in the stomach.
A robust and accurate disturbance damping control design for nonlinear dynamical systems
Authors: Jajarmi Amin , Hajipour Mojtaba , Sajjadi Samaneh Sadat , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2018

The principle result of this paper is the following disturbance rejection control scheme for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems. By using the internal model principle, the problem of disturbance damping control is converted into a nonlinear quadratic regulator (NQR) problem for an undisturbed augmented system. Then, an iterative technique is designed to solve this NQR problem effectively. The proposed iterative method is also extended through the use of a nonlinear model predictive control in an offline framework. In this case and in the presence of unknown disturbances, the Lyapunov stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed. Numerical simulations and comparative results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Optimal control of a delayed SIRC epidemic model with saturated incidence rate
Authors: Li Lele , Sun Caixia , Jia Jianwen
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we present a susceptible‐infected‐recovered cross‐immune (SIRC) epidemic model, which describes Influenza A and analyzes the SIRC epidemic model through the optimal control theory and mathematical analysis. We show the existence of an optimal control pair for the optimal control problem by using Pontryagin's maximum principle with delay and derive the optimality condition. Finally, numerical simulation is carried out to verify our theoretical results.
Mechanical and thermal properties of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene/polylactic acid composites for 3D printing
Authors: Long Haibo , Wu Zhiqiang , Dong Qianqian , Shen Yuting , Zhou Wuyi , Luo Ying , Zhang Chaoqun , Dong Xianming
Published: December 2018

In this article, a kind of degradable composite was prepared from bamboo fiber (BF), poly lactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP). The mechanical and thermal properties were characterized by the universal testing machine, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry. In order to improve the compability between BF and polymer matrix several modification on the surface of BF were explored and compared. Moreover, a compatibilizer (maleated PP) was applied to further increase compatibility between the fiber and matrix. It is found that the thermal stability of BF/PP/PLA composites decreased with the increase of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) content. When 5% MAPP was used the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of composites reached 33.73, 47.18 MPa, and 3.15 KJ/m2, with an increase by 13, 11.7, and 23.5%, respectively, compared with the composites without MAPP. The improvement of mechanical properties is attributed to the fact that irregular grooves and cracks induced by the modification of BF facilitate the infiltration of polymer into fiber due to the strong capillary effect. Furthermore, BF/PP/PLA composites are potential to be used in 3D printing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E247–E260, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Correcting standardized expiratory flows for prematurity in ex‐preterm survivors—Is it necessary?
Authors: Doyle Lex W. , Cheong Jeanie L.Y. , Ranganathan Sarath
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the effect of correcting for prematurity on standardized values for expiratory flow rates for participants from 5 years through to 70 years of age.

Methods

In a theoretical model we assumed starting values for expiratory flows that were expected to give ranges within ±2 SD. Keeping expiratory flows, ethnicity and height constant, we then determined how z scores varied between 5 and 16.9 years, and, with two different fixed values for height and expiratory flows, between 16 and 70 years of ages, for both sexes. In a clinical example, we compared expiratory flows with age both corrected and uncorrected for prematurity between 144 survivors born extremely preterm and 141 term‐born controls at both 8 and 18 years of age.

Results

In the theoretical models, z scores mostly declined through childhood until the late teenage years, and then began to rise through later life. The maximum difference in z‐scores between corrected and uncorrected scores for a participant born 4 months’ preterm would occur in the early teenage years, and for the forced vital capacity would be approximately −0.09 SD wider. In the clinical example not correcting for prematurity resulted in a maximum gap between preterm and term cohorts 0.06 SD wider for the forced vital capacity at 8 years than if age was corrected for prematurity.

Conclusions

Correction for prematurity is not necessary in clinical practice, and is probably not required for research in studies of respiratory airflow through childhood or adulthood.
The penetrating properties of the tumor homing peptide LyP‐1 in model lipid membranes
Authors: Ciobanasu Corina , Dragomir Isabela , Apetrei Aurelia
Published: December 2018

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have the property to cross the plasma membrane and enhance its permeability. CPPs were successfully used to deliver numerous cargoes such as drugs, proteins, nucleic acids, imaging and radiotherapeutic agents, gold and magnetic nanoparticles, or liposomes inside cells. Although CPPs were intensively investigated over the past 20 years, the exact molecular mechanisms of translocation across membranes are still controversial and vary from passive to active mechanisms.

LyP‐1 is a cyclic 9‐amino‐acids homing peptide that specifically binds to p32 receptors overexpressed in tumor cells. tLyP‐1 peptide is the linear truncated form of LyP‐1 and recognizes neuropilin (NRP) receptors expressed in glioma tumor tissue.

Here, we investigate the interaction of the cyclic LyP‐1 peptide and linear truncated tLyP‐1 peptide with model plasma membrane in order to understand their passive, energy‐independent mechanism of uptake. The experiments reveal that internalization of tLyP‐1 peptides depends on membrane lipid composition. Inclusion of negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) or cone‐shaped phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids in the composition of giant unilamellar vesicles facilitates the membrane adsorption and direct penetration but without inducing pore formation in membranes. In contrast, cyclic LyP‐1 peptide mostly accumulates on the membrane, with very low internalization, regardless of the lipid composition. Thus, the linear tLyP‐1 peptide has enhanced penetrating properties compared with the cyclic LyP‐1 peptide. Development of a mutant peptide containing higher number of arginine amino acids and preserving the homing properties of tLyP‐1 may be a solution for new permeable peptides that facilitate the internalization in cells and further the endosomal escape as well.
Review and Comments for the Development of Point Defect‐Controlled CZ‐Si Crystals and Their Application to Future Power Devices
Authors: Hourai Masataka , Nagashima Toru , Nishikawa Hideshi , Sugimura Wataru , Ono Toshiaki , Umeno Shigeru
Published: December 2018

Development of point defect‐controlled Czochralski silicon (CZ‐Si) crystal growth technology by v/G control, i.e., the ratio of growth rate (v) to the axial temperature gradient (G) in the crystal near its melting point, is reviewed and nitrogen‐ and hydrogen‐doping technologies are proposed for 300‐mm magnetic‐field‐applied CZ‐Si (MCZ‐Si) crystals free of grown‐in defects with very low oxygen for application to future silicon power devices such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). Using a hot zone with a uniform G distribution in a crystal radial direction, v/G is maintained by controlling v of around the critical value at which the amount of vacancies is balanced with that of self‐interstitials so that the generation of grown‐in defects, such as voids and dislocation clusters, are suppressed. Nitrogen‐doping or hydrogen‐doping technology combined with v/G control also enables the enlarging of the process window for grown‐in defect‐free MCZ‐Si crystals that can be used as an alternative material to floating zone‐Si crystals. The advantages and disadvantages of both technologies are discussed from the view point of crystal quality required to guarantee higher performance of future IGBTs.
Tuning Ferroelectric, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties of BiFeO3 Ceramics by Ca and Pb Co‐Doping
Authors: Yuan Xueyou , Shi Lei , Zhao Jiyin , Zhou Shiming , Guo Jianhui , Pan Shiyou , Miao Xianbing , Wu Liang
Published: December 2018

Effects of Ca/Pb co‐doping on structure, ferroelectric, dielectric, and magnetic properties of BiFeO3 ceramics are investigated. A structure transition from a rhombohedral phase (space group R3c) to a cubic phase (space group Pmm) with the increment of Ca/Pb concentration is revealed by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra. In order to compensate the valence change caused by Ca2+ dopant, Pb ions present tetravalent state under the existence of Ca ions. The room‐temperature ferroelectric behavior depends upon Ca/Pb co‐doping and the structural transition in BiFeO3 ceramics. Meanwhile, the variation of the dielectric loss tangent in the frequency range of 102–107 Hz and the leakage current at room temperature illustrate that Ca/Pb co‐doping increases resistivity and reduces leakage current. Compared with that of Sr/Pb co‐doping, the co‐doping of Ca/Pb has improved the leakage current by two orders of magnitude, besides further increasing the ferroelectric polarization and dielectric properties under the same co‐doping concentration. In addition, enhanced ferromagnetism is observed with the increase of Ca/Pb content, which can be attributed to the effective suppression of spiral cycloidal spin structure and spin canting resulting from the structural transition.
Application of discrete‐time Bayesian network on reliability analysis of uncertain system with common cause failure
Authors: Song Yufei , Mi Jinhua , Cheng Yuhua , Bai Libing , Wang Xinyuan
Published: December 2018

With the increasing complexity of engineering systems, reliability analysis and evaluation of systems with traditional methods can't meet practical engineering requirements. Based on limited experimental conditions, lack of data, complex structure models, insufficient cognitive abilities, and many other issues, people have to consider many uncertain factors in system reliability research. Besides, common cause failure (CCF) has become an important factor of system failure. In this paper, a discrete‐time Bayesian network (DTBN) associated with an eight‐rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system is presented to discuss above problems. In this approach, the system is assumed as a two‐state system. After that, interval analysis theory is employed to deal with uncertainty. We consider the four sets of auxiliary propellers in the auxiliary power group as a 3/8 voting system, and β factor model is used to process CCF in the auxiliary power group. The proposed methods prove the validity of proposing interval analysis theory to solve uncertain problems and it is necessary to consider reducing or avoiding CCFs in system.
Context and Implications Document for: STEM literacy or literacies? Examining the empirical basis of these constructs
Authors: Tang Kok‐Sing , Williams P. John
Published: December 2018

This guide accompanies the following article: Tang, K.‐S. & Williams, P. J. STEM literacy or literacies? Examining the empirical basis of these constructs, Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3162.
Preparation and characterization of 3‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐ylimino)methyl]naphtalene‐2‐ol film at the platinum surface for selective voltammetric determination of dopamine in the presence of uric acid and ascorbic acid
Authors: Tatli Feyza , Uzun Demet , Calam Tuğba Tabanlıgil , Gündüzalp Ayla Balaban , Hasdemir Erdoğan
Published: December 2018

A [(1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐ylimino)methyl]naphthalene‐2‐ol (TMN‐2‐ol) film modified platinum (Pt) electrode has been fabricated by the electrochemical oxidation in acetonitrile solution. The modified surface was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The prepared Pt electrode can be used as a functional interface to sensitive and selective determination of dopamine (DA) in the presence of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) by square wave voltammetry (SWV) method. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of DA were 9.25 × 10−8 and 2.78 × 10−7 M, respectively. Linear range of DA was found to be between 3.95 × 10−7 and 4.19 × 10−6 M.
Should a propensity score model be super? The utility of ensemble procedures for causal adjustment
Authors: Alam Shomoita , Moodie Erica E. M. , Stephens David A.
Published: December 2018

In investigations of the effect of treatment on outcome, the propensity score is a tool to eliminate imbalance in the distribution of confounding variables between treatment groups. Recent work has suggested that Super Learner, an ensemble method, outperforms logistic regression in nonlinear settings; however, experience with real‐data analyses tends to show overfitting of the propensity score model using this approach. We investigated a wide range of simulated settings of varying complexities including simulations based on real data to compare the performances of logistic regression, generalized boosted models, and Super Learner in providing balance and for estimating the average treatment effect via propensity score regression, propensity score matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting. We found that Super Learner and logistic regression are comparable in terms of covariate balance, bias, and mean squared error (MSE); however, Super Learner is computationally very expensive thus leaving no clear advantage to the more complex approach. Propensity scores estimated by generalized boosted models were inferior to the other two estimation approaches. We also found that propensity score regression adjustment was superior to either matching or inverse weighting when the form of the dependence on the treatment on the outcome is correctly specified.
Sulfamic‐Acid‐Functionalized Fe3‐xTixO4 Nanoparticles as Novel Magnetic Catalyst for the Synthesis of Hexahydroquinolines under Solvent‐Free Condition
Authors: Azarifar Davood , Asadpoor Roshanak , Badalkhani Omolbanin , Jaymand Mehdi , Tavakoli Elham , Bazouleh Mona
Published: December 2018

Sulfamic acid‐functionalized Fe3‐xTixO4 nanoparticles (Fe3‐xTixO4‐SO3H NPs) were fabricated as novel acidic magnetic nanocatalyst by the reaction of Fe3‐xTixO4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxysilyl urea (TMSPU) followed by functionalization with chlorosulfonic acid. The structure of the synthesized nanocatalyst was studied using different methods including, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The potential catalytic ability of the synthesized MNPs was studied in one‐pot four‐component condensation reaction between aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, alkyl acetoacetates and ammonium acetate in order to synthesis of hexahydroquinoline derivatives. It was witnessed that the reactions proceeded smoothly under solvent‐free condition with high yields of corresponding hexahydroquinolines.
A One‐pot Facile Construction of 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazolyl 1,2‐Dihydropyridyl Derivatives and Evaluation of Bioactivity Profile
Authors: Rajkumar Kommera , Murthy Thampunuri Ramalinga , Zehra Amtul , Khursade Parag Sakharam , Kalivendi Shasi Vardhan , Tiwari Ashok Kumar , Prakasham Reddy Shetty , Raju Bhimapaka China
Published: December 2018

A one‐pot, facile method has been established for the preparation of 1H‐1,2,3‐triazolyl 1,2‐dihydropyridyl derivatives 6 a‐y. The ring opening of the chromone and cyclo addition are the notable reactions to achieve the target compounds 6 a‐y. All the compounds were screened for their antiproliferative, free radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS.+), α‐glucosidase inhibitory and anti‐inflammatory activities. The bioactivity profile revealed that the compounds 6 x‐y were shown potent antiproliferative activity against HeLa cell line, while compounds 6 e‐h and 6 w identified as potent ABTS+. and 6 n identified as potent DPPH free radical scavenger. Compounds 6 h‐i, 6 p‐r, 6 u and 6 w denoted promising anti‐inflammatory activity.
Triaminopyrimidine Based Porous Organic Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Applications in One‐pot Room Temperature Synthesis of Dihydropyranopyranes
Authors: Shunmughanathan Murugesan , Madankumar Natarajan , Pitchumani Kasi
Published: December 2018

Novel nitrogen‐rich triaminopyrimidine based porous organic polymer (TAP‐POP), was synthesized via a simple, cost‐effective and catalyst‐free Schiff base condensation between 2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine and terephthalaldehyde in N, N‐dimethylformamide. The TAP‐POP was characterized by FT‐IR, Powder XRD, Solid‐state 13C and 15N CP‐TOSS NMR, TGA, BET, SEM and TEM analyses. This polymer containing lot of basic nitrogen sites, act as efficient heterogeneous base catalysts for the room temperature synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes and dihydropyrano[4,3‐b]pyranes from aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and 4‐hydroxycoumarin/4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one via a one‐pot, three component reaction. This TAP‐POP was easily recovered by simple filtration and was reused upto five times with only a marginal loss in its catalytic efficiency.
Enhanced Interfacial Kinetics of Carbon Monolith Boosting Ultrafast Na‐Storage
Authors: Liu Lei , Chen Yu , Xie Yihao , Tao Peng , Wang Zijing , Li Qingyi , Wang Kexin , Yan Chenglin
Published: December 2018

Slow ion kinetics of negative electrode materials is the main factor of limiting fast charge and discharge of batteries. Sluggish Na+ kinetics property leads to large electrode polarization, resulting in poor rate and cyclic performances. Herein, an electrode of ultrasmall tin nanoparticles decorated in N, S codoped carbon monolith (TCM) with exceptional high‐rate capability and ultrastable cycling behavior for Na‐storage is reported. The resulted TCM electrode exhibits an extremely high retention of 96% initial charge capacity after 500 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1. Significantly, when the current density is elevated to an ultrahigh rate of 5000 mA g−1, a high reversible capacity of 228 mAh g−1 after the 2000th cycle is still maintained. More importantly, the stable and fast Na‐storage of TCM is investigated and understood by experimental characterizations and kinetics calculations, including interfacial ion/electron transport behavior, ion diffusion, and quantitative pseudocapacitive analysis. These investigations elucidate that the TCM shows improved ion/electron conductivity and enhanced interfacial kinetics. An entirely new perspective to deep insights into the fast ion/electron transport mechanisms revealed by interfacial kinetics of sodiation/desodiation, which contributes to the profound understanding for developing fast charging/discharging and long‐term stable electrodes in sodium‐ion batteries, is provided.
Colloidally Stable Monolayer Nanosheets with Colorimetric Responses
Authors: Hu Bojian , Sun Shengtong , Wu Baohu , Wu Peiyi
Published: December 2018

Despite the discovery of chromogenic‐layered materials for decades of years, fabrication of colloidally stable monolayer organic 2D nanosheets in aqueous media with colorimetric responses is still challenging. Herein reported is the first solution synthesis of chromic monolayer nanosheets via the topochemical polymerization of self‐assembled amphiphilic diacetylenes in aqueous media. The polydiacetylene (PDA) nanosheets are ≈3–4 nm thick in solution and only ≈1.9 nm thick in the dried state, while the lateral size can reach several micrometers. Moreover, the aqueous stability endows PDA nanosheets with excellent processability, which can further assemble into films via vacuum filtration or act as an ink for high‐resolution inkjet printing. The filtrated films and printed patterns exhibit fully reversible blue‐to‐red thermochromism, and the film also displays an interesting reversible colorimetric transition in response to near‐infrared light, which is not reported for other PDA‐only systems. The present colloidal PDA nanosheets should represent a new kind of chromic organic 2D nanomaterials that may be applied as novel building blocks for developing intelligent hybrid materials and may also find diverse sensing, display and/or anticounterfeiting applications.
Improved Moisture Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells with a Surface‐Treated PCBM Layer
Authors: Hangoma Pesi Mwitumwa , Ma Yongchao , Shin Insoo , Liu Yanliang , Park Woon Ik , Jung Yun Kyung , Lee Bo Ram , Jeong Jung Hyun , Park Sung Heum , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: December 2018

Having achieved power conversion efficiencies higher than 22%, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) look set to be game changers in the field of photovoltaics. Their instability in humid environments, however, reduces their potential for commercialization. In this study, the role chemical degradation plays in moisture‐affected devices is investigated, and, based on this concept, a technique that enhances the device stability of p‐i‐n PSCs is developed. By surface treatment of the [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) layer with hydrophobic stearic acid and ethylenediamine, increased moisture resistivity of PCBM is achieved. The treated surface of the PCBM layer improves hydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 108°, and also prevents water ingress in the perovskite layer longer than non‐treated surfaces. In addition, interfacial stability is enhanced by the suppressed interaction between the ions and the electrodes, resulting in treated devices exhibiting improved stability in their photovoltaic parameters compared to non‐treated devices when exposed to a dark environment with a relative humidity of 45%.
Multiphase Flow in a Five‐Strand Tundish Using Trumpet Ladle Shroud during Steady‐State Casting and Ladle Change‐Over
Authors: Zhang Hua , Fang Qing , Deng Shiyun , Liu Chao , Ni Hongwei
Published: December 2018

The three‐dimensional multiphase flow in a five‐strand bloom tundish during both steady‐state casting and ladle change‐over under normal and two types of trumpet ladle shroud (LS), and turbulence inhibitors (TI) are numerically investigated and compared to improve the flow pattern and cleanness of molten steel. The results show that the optimal combination for the bloom tundish should be the trumpet LS with 1.5 times of the original diameter and optimized circular TI with eaves by comprehensively considering the flow pattern, air and slag behaviors, steel exposure, and slag entrainment both steady‐state casting and ladle change‐over. By which the turbulent intensity, steel/slag interfacial velocity, chance of slag entrainment, and exposed area of molten steel are obviously decreased, 80% and 58% drops in maximum turbulent kinetics energy and interfacial velocity at steel/slag interface happen during steady state. Meanwhile, the maximum area and duration time of steel exposure are relatively small and the steel level is stable at refilling process of ladle change‐over. Furthermore, the qualification rate of flaw detection in the steel rails is increased from 98.1% to 99%, and the disqualification rate caused by ladle change‐over operation is decreased from 45.9% to 10.5% when applying the optimized LS and TI.
Whither the Internal Conversation?
Authors: Schweingruber David , Wahl David W.
Published: December 2018

The internal conversation has a venerable place in the symbolic interactionist tradition but has been the focus of little empirical research by interactionists. After reviewing selected research on the internal conversation (most by noninteractionist sociologists or nonsociologists), we argue that interactionists ought to conduct research of our own to examine claims we have been making and to better understand social life. We propose some worthy areas and avenues of investigation.
Operation Barbarossa and the Holocaust by Bullets—Top-Down Forces
Authors: Russell Nestar
Published: December 2018

In this chapter, Russell explores the top-down forces utilized by the SS leadership to encourage largely moderately antisemitic Germans to participate in the genocide of Soviet Jewry. More specifically, Russell delineates the SS leadership’s central role in driving the mass shooting extermination process. This chapter effectively outlines Himmler and Heydrich’s attempt to socially engineer the so-called Führer’s wish into reality. Russell also argues that the SS leadership’s rational goal to convert Hitler’s desires into reality shares some similarity with the initially uncertain Milgram as he invented his baseline procedure and then attempted to maximize his participants’ participation in harm doing.
Operation Barbarossa and the Holocaust by Bullets—Bottom-Up Forces
Authors: Russell Nestar
Published: December 2018

Having examined the top-down forces the SS leadership exerted on the extermination campaign, in this chapter Russell explores the bottom-up forces generated by those in the killing field. This chapter demonstrates that when managers and their functionaries work within an organizational process, they typically move toward “improving” an initially rudimentary system, much like Milgram and his actors did during the Obedience studies. With time and experience some innovators add efficiencies and eliminate inefficiencies, a process which helps advance the organizational system in the desired direction of goal achievement. As this chapter shows, during the Nazi regime’s pursuit of the Holocaust by bullets, many of the innovations introduced aimed to make the act of killing for the German executioners both more efficient and sufficiently palatable.
The Nazi’s Pursuit for a “Humane” Method of Killing
Authors: Russell Nestar
Published: December 2018

When Nazis of all ranks spoke of a “humane” method of killing other human beings, what exactly did they mean? One outcome of this book is a tentative outline of the key characteristics—a Weberian Ideal-Type—of what the Nazi’s regarded as the most humane method of killing. As Russell argues in this chapter, when Nazis spoke of such matters, what they seemed to desire was a method of killing that rated highly on four main conditions. First, victims should remain totally unaware that they are about to die. Second, perpetrators need not touch, see, or hear their victims as they die. Third, the death blow should avoid leaving any visual indications of harm on the victims’ bodies. And finally, the death blow should be instantaneous.
Genetic studies of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a waste of scientific time?
Authors: Howie Alexander J.
Published: December 2018

Many genetic causes of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) have been described. A paradox is that the science in the molecular biology, which generally appears of high quality, is not mirrored by a similarly critical analysis of the renal pathology. FSGS has been applied to such a wide range of conditions that it can reasonably be said to have no useful meaning. Attempts to refine the term have been largely ignored. Study of 252 papers on genetic causes of FSGS found various clinical features. Many papers took the reported diagnosis without question. Few papers reported a pathological review, almost half reported FSGS and up to six other conditions caused by any particular gene, some reported FSGS with recognisable glomerular disorders, over 80% did not apply the Columbia classification, and in nearly all with photomicrographs, the images were not useful for refinement of FSGS. Some workers commented on a lack of genotype-phenotype correlation. One reason is a disregard of the principle that scientific investigation requires an unambiguous definition of the condition studied, to allow others to replicate or refute the findings. Genetic studies of FSGS should use a similarly rigorous approach to renal pathology to that used in molecular biology.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia and the risk of underestimation: tissue sampling method, multifocality, and associated calcification significantly influence the diagnostic upgrade rate based on subsequent surgical specimens
Authors: Rageth Christoph J. , Rubenov Ravit , Bronz Cristian , Dietrich Daniel , Tausch Christoph , Rodewald Ann-Katrin , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2018

Background

Risk assessment and therapeutic options are challenges when counselling patients with an atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) to undergo either open surgery or follow-up only.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a series of ADH lesions and assessed whether the morphological parameters of the biopsy materials indicated whether the patient should undergo surgery. A total of 207 breast biopsies [56 core needle biopsies (CNBs) and 151 vacuum-assisted biopsies (VABs)] histologically diagnosed as ADH were analyzed retrospectively, together with subsequently obtained surgical specimens. All histological slides were re-analyzed with regard to the presence/absence of ADH-associated calcification, other B3 lesions (lesion of uncertain malignant potential), extent of the lesion, and the presence of multifocality.

Results

The overall underestimation rate for the whole cohort was 39% (57% for CNB, 33% for VAB). In the univariate analysis, the method of biopsy (CNB vs VAB, p = 0.002) and presence of multifocality in VAB specimens (p = 0.0176) were significant risk factors for the underestimation of the disease (ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive cancer detected on subsequent open biopsy). In the multivariate logistic regression model, the absence of calcification (p = 0.0252) and the presence of multifocality (unifocal vs multifocal ADH, p = 0.0147) in VAB specimens were significant risk factors for underestimation.

Conclusions

Multifocal ADH without associated calcification diagnosed by CNB tends to have a higher upgrade rate. Because the upgrade rate was 16.5% even in the group with the lowest risk (VAB-diagnosed unifocal ADH with calcification), we could not identify a subgroup that would not require an open biopsy.
A SHOSHONEAN PRAYERSTONE HYPOTHESIS: RITUAL CARTOGRAPHIES OF GREAT BASIN INCISED STONES
Authors: Thomas David Hurst
Published: December 2018

The prayerstone hypothesis, grounded in Southern Paiute oral history, holds that selected incised stone artifacts were votive offerings deliberately emplaced where spiritual power (puha) was known to reside, accompanying prayers for personal power and expressing thanks for prayers answered. Proposing significant and long-term linkages between Great Basin incised stones and overarching Shoshonean cosmology, this article explores the prayerstone hypothesis in the context of the 3,500 incised stones documented from the Intermountain West, an assemblage spanning seven states and seven millennia. Employing object itinerary perspectives, it becomes possible to develop ritualized cartographies capable of matching oral Shoshonean traditions with specific geographic indicators. The results demonstrate that many (but not all) such incised stones are consistent with the votive emplacement of prayerstones. Multiple constellations of prayerstone practice operated across the Great Basin for more than 5,000 years and carried forward, without perceptible break, among several (but not all) Numic-speaking populations of the ethnohistoric interval. The diversity and antiquity implied by the prayerstone hypothesis suggest dramatically more complex cultural trajectories than those of Lamb's (1958) widely accepted model of a single, late, and simultaneous Numic spread across the Great Basin.
On Insults
Authors: DALY HELEN L.
Published: December 2018

Some bemoan the incivility of our times, while others complain that people have grown too quick to take offense. There is widespread disagreement about what counts as an insult and when it is appropriate to feel insulted. Here I propose a definition and a preliminary taxonomy of insults. Namely, I define insults as expressions of a lack of due regard. And I categorize insults by whether they are intended or unintended, acts or omissions, and whether they cause offense or not. Unintended insults are of particular concern since greater understanding may help us to avoid them. And insults by omission warrant special consideration because they suggest an interesting extension of Grice's theory of conversational implicature.
‘He came to her bed pretending courtship’: sex, courtship and the making of marriage in Ulster, 1750–1844
Authors: Calvert Leanne
Published: December 2018

The history of sex and sexuality is underdeveloped in Irish historical studies, particularly for the period before the late-nineteenth century. While much has been written on rates of illegitimacy in Ireland, and its regional diversity, little research has been conducted on how ordinary women and men viewed sex and sexuality. Moreover, we still know little about the roles that sex played in the rituals of courtship and marriage. Drawing on a sample of Presbyterian church records, this article offers some new insights into these areas. It argues that sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual activity formed part of the normal courtship rituals for many young Presbyterian couples in Ulster. Courting couples participated in non-penetrative sexual practices, such as petting, groping and bundling. Furthermore, while sexual intercourse did not have a place in the formal route to marriage, many couples engaged in it regardless.
TL;DR: Focus on the Relationships, and Partnerships Will Come
Authors: Dekas Kathryn , Kurkoski Jennifer , Welle Brian
Published: December 2018

During our tenure on Google's People Analytics team, we have participated in dozens of research partnerships. Some have been wildly successful, resulting in changes to our own organizational practices or policies as well as academic publications. Other partnerships have been less fruitful, largely because both science and organizations are messy and unpredictable. But no matter the outcome, nearly all of our partnerships have come about in the same way—a way overlooked by the authors in their article (Lapierre et al., 2018).
Beyond Managing Research Partnerships: Partnered Research as an Integrated Methodological Approach
Authors: Bonaccio Silvia , Connelly Catherine E. , Fisher Sandra L. , Gellatly Ian R. , Gignac Monique A. M. , Jetha Arif
Published: December 2018

Lapierre et al. (2018) provide a compelling set of reasons why conducting research in organizational settings should include investing time and energy to foster and promote enhanced relationships with organizational stakeholders. We agree that managing research partnerships carefully is paramount to creating the conditions necessary to implement rigorous methodology and collect the data needed to test theory-based hypotheses. However, we believe that Lapierre et al.’s argument should be taken further.
Senior Leaders in Small Enterprises: Insights Into the Field of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Miao Chao , Qian Shanshan , Humphrey Ronald H.
Published: December 2018

The focal article (Reynolds, McCauley, Tsacoumis, and the Jeanneret Symposium Participants, 2018) reviewed and discussed the challenges, practices, and opportunities for the assessment and development for senior leaders. They summarized a set of accepted wisdom for assessing senior leaders in the areas of assessment criteria, contexts, and implementation, and meanwhile, pointed out what should be explored and done in the future. One of the central premises of the focal article seems to be built on the assumption that organizations may have sufficient resources to follow the accepted wisdom to ensure the quality and effectiveness of assessment and development for senior leaders. In addition, most, if not all, of the research findings summarized and discussed in the focal article may be based on the studies under the context of established companies. Hence, whether the implications and suggestions from the focal article can generalize to small enterprises remain an open question. For example, a typical small enterprise in the United States is a company capitalized with about $25,000 (Shane, 2009). Most of these enterprises are highly centralized, have negative cash flow, and have troubles in securing cash and in obtaining customer acceptance (Rutherford & Buller, 2007). Thus, these companies may not be able to follow the accepted wisdom as recommended in the focal article. We realize that some small businesses and start-ups are extremely well funded, so our following comments apply only to those small enterprises with scarce resources.
It's All About Development: Assessment Is Only the Start
Authors: Miklos Suzanne , Sliter Michael
Published: December 2018

A critical evaluation of the state of assessment and development for senior leaders raises several important questions and identifies knowledge gaps that can be used as a framework for establishing future research programs. Reynolds, McCauley, Tsacoumis, and the Jeanneret Symposium participants (2018) present a great starting point for questioning the practices in executive assessment, particularly surrounding the use and impact of executive assessment for selection and/or development. Our commentary is focused on expanding the dialogue on executive assessment and development, providing insight into this question based on our executive assessment experience within a variety of organizations, ranging from financial services to healthcare to retail.