bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decline in soil moisture due to vegetation restoration on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Su Bingqian , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: November 2018

Afforestation brings lots of water‐related benefits, including reducing soil erosion and improving water conservation, simultaneously; it is considered to be a land use activity, which threatens water resources security. Characterizing the response of soil moisture to revegetation is important for the sustainability of water and plants on the Loess Plateau of China. In this study, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 1,262 observations from 66 published studies to evaluate the effect of land use on the soil moisture of forest, shrubland, and grassland regions at a depth of 5 m in different ecological zones of the Loess Plateau. The results indicated that (a) Soil moisture content (SMC) decreased after land use conversion in all three ecological zones and was inconsistent among different soil layers. (b) Except for other grassland species, changes in the response size for soil moisture were not significant among any tree species, including Pinus tabuliformis, Robinia pseudoacacia, other forest species, Caragana korshinskii, other shrubland species, and Medicago sativa. (c) Soil moisture changes varied with different restoration types and ages. (d) The change in response to precipitation was not significant, whereas the change in response to temperature was significant. In addition, the responses of the initial soil moisture levels exhibited a negative correlation with revegetation. These results indicate that it is vital for scientific afforestation in the Loess Plateau to complement local climate conditions and soil properties.
Biodegradable Nerve Guidance Conduit with Microporous and Micropatterned Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐Accelerated Sciatic Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Kim Seong Min , Lee Min Suk , Jeon Jin , Lee Dong Hyun , Yang Kisuk , Cho Seung‐Woo , Han Inbo , Yang Hee Seok
Published: November 2018

An innovative technique combining capillary force lithography and phase separation method in one step is applied to fabricate artificial nerve guidance conduit (NGC) for peripheral nerve regeneration. Biodegradable porous, patterned NGC (PP‐NGC) using poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) is fabricated. It has micro‐grooves and microporosity on the inner surface to promote axonal outgrowth and to enhance permeability for nutrient exchange. In this study, it is confirmed that the inner surface of micro‐grooves can modulate neurite orientation and length of mouse neural stem cell compared to porous flat NGC (PF‐NGC) in vitro. Coating with 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine (DOPA) facilitates the hydrophilic inner surface of PF‐ and PP‐NGCs via bioinspired catechol chemistry. For in vivo study, PF‐NGC and PP‐NGC coated with or without DOPA are implanted in the 10 mm sciatic nerve defect margins between proximal and distal nerves in rats. Especially, PP‐NGC coated with DOPA shows higher sciatic function index score, onset‐to‐peak amplitude, and muscle fiber diameter compared to other groups. The proposed hybrid‐structured NGC not only can serve as a design for functional NGC without growth factor but also can be used in clinical application for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Graphene Oxide Immobilized PLGA‐polydopamine Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Growth Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Minmin , Jiang Suwei , Zhang Feng , Li Linlin , Hu Hailiang , Wang Hualin
Published: November 2018

Graphene oxide (GO)/poly (lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds have promising applications in the biomedical field. However, greater attention is focused on the incorporated system and its applications in normal cells. In this work, a novel GO immobilized PLGA nanofibrous scaffold assisted by polydopamine (PLGA‐PDA‐GO) is developed for growth inhibition of HT‐29 colon cancer cells. The interactions between GO and PDA are attributed to a π–π conjugate interaction and electrostatic attraction. In addition to the enhancement of thermal stability and mechanical strength, the surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and electro‐activity of the scaffolds are significantly improved by immobilization of GO. The scaffolds show good inhibition of HT‐29, and immobilized GO is observed to be in contact with but not internalized in HT‐29 cells. The cytotoxicity mechanism of scaffolds toward HT‐29 is attributed to intracellular activated reactive oxygen species that result from the physical interaction of the sharp GO edges and electrical signals of π–π stacking between PDA and GO.
Extending paraconsistent quantum logic: a single‐antecedent/succedent system approach
Authors: Kamide Norihiro
Published: November 2018

In this study, some conservative extensions of paraconsistent quantum logic, such as Nelsonian, modal, infinitary and temporal, are investigated by extending a single‐antecedent/succedent sequent calculus for paraconsistent quantum logic. A sequent calculus , which is obtained from by adding implication and co‐implication, is introduced as a variant of Nelson's paraconsistent four‐valued logic. Sequent calculi , and are introduced, respectively, as modal, infinitary and temporal extensions of . The cut‐elimination and duality theorems for these calculi are proved, and some extended calculi including and , as well as their fragments, are shown to be decidable. A theorem for embedding into its negation‐free fragment and a theorem for embedding into are proved.
Facile Preparation of Linear Polyurethane from UPy‐Capped Poly(dl‐Lactic Acid) Macrodiol
Authors: Ren Wei , Li Zhenlong , Chen Yimei , Gao Hanyang , Yang Wei , Wang Yuanliang , Luo Yanfeng
Published: November 2018

Linear polyurethanes based on poly(dl‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) macrodiol are promising materials in tissue engineering, yet their synthesis requires rigorous control on various parameters. A facile way to prepare linear polyurethanes by capping the PDLLA macrodiol (M
n = 4536) with 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidone (UPy) is reported. The obtained low‐molecular‐weight UPy‐capped polyurethane can form flexible, stretchable, and hydrophobic supramolecular films due to the strong and unidirectional quadruple hydrogen bonding of UPy dimers. Tensile tests, shape recovery, and self‐healing observations indicate that, compared with conventional PDLLA macrodiol‐based linear polyurethane (M
n = 48840 and PDI = 1.8), the UPy‐capped polyurethane films have comparable mechanical properties (tensile modulus: 900 ± 38 MPa; ultimate strength: 9.6 ± 0.8 MPa) yet significantly better shape memory and self‐healing properties. These results suggest that the UPy‐capped polyurethane might become an alternative for conventional linear polyurethane as a new biomedical material.
Mitochondrial and nuclear disease panel (Mito‐aND‐Panel): Combined sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA by a cost‐effective and sensitive NGS‐based method
Authors: Abicht Angela , Scharf Florentine , Kleinle Stephanie , Schön Ulrike , Holinski‐Feder Elke , Horvath Rita , Benet‐Pagès Anna , Diebold Isabel
Published: November 2018

Background

The diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders is challenging because of the clinical variability and genetic heterogeneity of these conditions. Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology offers a robust high‐throughput platform for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses.

Method

We developed a custom Agilent SureSelect Mitochondrial and Nuclear Disease Panel (Mito‐aND‐Panel) capture kit that allows parallel enrichment for subsequent NGS‐based sequence analysis of nuclear mitochondrial disease‐related genes and the complete mtDNA genome. Sequencing of enriched mtDNA simultaneously with nuclear genes was compared with the separated sequencing of the mitochondrial genome and whole exome sequencing (WES).

Results

The Mito‐aND‐Panel permits accurate detection of low‐level mtDNA heteroplasmy due to a very high sequencing depth compared to standard diagnostic procedures using Sanger sequencing/SNaPshot and WES which is crucial to identify maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders.

Conclusion

We established a NGS‐based method with combined sequencing of the complete mtDNA and nuclear genes which enables a more sensitive heteroplasmy detection of mtDNA mutations compared to traditional methods. Because the method promotes the analysis of mtDNA variants in large cohorts, it is cost‐effective and simple to setup, we anticipate this is a highly relevant method for sequence‐based genetic diagnosis in clinical diagnostic applications.
Functional variants of the ATG7 gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yexin , Wang Shuai , Pang Shuchao , Yan Bo
Published: November 2018

Background

Coronary artery disease including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is mainly caused by atherosclerosis, an inflammatory and metabolic disease. Autophagy has been demonstrated to play critical roles in lipid metabolism and inflammation. Altered autophagic activity has been reported in AMI patients. However, molecular basis for dysfunctional autophagy in AMI remains unexplained.

Methods

In this study, the promoter of the ATG7 gene, encoding a core protein for autophagy, was genetically and functionally analyzed in large cohorts of AMI patients (n = 355) and ethnic‐matched healthy controls (n = 363). Related molecular mechanisms were also explored.

Results

A total of 19 DNA sequence variants (DSVs) including single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the ATG7 gene promoter. Two novel DSVs and five SNPs were only identified in AMI patients group. These DSVs and SNPs, except one SNP, significantly altered the transcriptional activity of the ATG7 gene promoter in both HEK‐293 and H9c2 cells (p < 0.05). Further electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that the DSVs and SNPs evidently affected the binding of transcription factors.

Conclusions

ATG7 gene DSVs and SNPs identified in AMI patients may alter the transcriptional activity of the ATG7 gene promoter and change ATG7 level, contributing to the AMI development as a rare risk factor.
On the construction of generalized monogenic Bessel polynomials
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed , Abul‐Ez Mahmoud , Morais João
Published: November 2018

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the role of classical special functions of a real or complex variable in mathematical physics, especially in boundary value problems (BVPs). In the present paper, we propose a higher‐dimensional analogue of the generalized Bessel polynomials within Clifford analysis via a special set of monogenic polynomials. We give the definition and derive a number of important properties of the generalized monogenic Bessel polynomials (GMBPs), which are defined by a generating exponential function and are shown to satisfy an analogue of Rodrigues' formula. As a consequence, we establish an expansion of particular monogenic functions in terms of GMBPs and show that the underlying basic series is everywhere effective. We further prove a second‐order homogeneous differential equation for these polynomials.
Evidence for the reliability and preliminary validity of the Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS v1.1) Screener in an adolescent community sample
Authors: Green Jennifer Greif , DeYoung Gerrit , Wogan Mary Ellen , Wolf Erika J. , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Adler Lenard A.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

There is a need for brief and publicly‐available assessments of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) easily administered in large‐scale survey efforts monitoring symptoms among adolescents. The ADHD Self‐Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS; Kessler et al., 2005) Screener, a six‐item measure of ADHD symptoms, is a valid and reliable screening instrument for ADHD among adults. The current study provides initial evidence for the reliability and validity of the ASRS Screener among a community sample of U.S. adolescents.

Methods

Middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12 (N = 2,472) completed the ASRS Screener, along with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 2001) and several questions about school functioning.

Results

The ASRS Screener demonstrated good internal consistency, with items captured by a single underlying latent variable, which was invariant across subsamples differing by gender. The ASRS Screener scores were associated with the SDQ subscale measuring hyperactivity/inattention (r = 0.58) and significantly less strongly associated with other SDQ subscale scores (r = −0.15–0.41). The ASRS Screener scores were also significantly associated with student‐reported school functioning.

Conclusion

Findings suggest directions for future research and provide preliminary support for use of the ASRS Screener as a brief tool for identifying symptoms of ADHD among adolescents.
Effects of Reaction Operation Policies on Properties of Core–Shell Polymer Supports Used for Preparation of Highly Active Biocatalysts
Authors: Pinto Martina Costa Cerqueira , de Souza e Castro Nathany Lisbôa , Cipolatti Eliane Pereira , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Manoel Evelin Andrade , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães , Pinto José Carlos
Published: November 2018

Core–shell polymer supports with different morphological features and compositions are prepared through combined suspension and emulsion polymerizations. It is shown that proper manipulation of the divinylbenzene (DVB) feed content allows for maximization of specific areas, porosities, and mechanical resistances. Additionally, it is shown that feeding of previously prepared miniemulsions leads to core–shell particles with smaller specific areas, due to less efficient coating of the cores. Particularly, the combined manipulation of polymerization times and DVB feed compositions allows for production of particles with pronounced specific area (50 m2 g−1) and porosity (0.30 cm3 g−1). Produced core–shell polymer particles are employed as supports for the immobilization of lipase B from Candida antarctica, and the obtained enzymatic activities for both hydrolysis (A
hyd) and esterification (A
est) reactions are very high (A
hyd = 34.7 ± 3.8 U/g; A
est = 3564.6 ± 581 U/g), even when compared to activities obtained using the reference commercial biocatalyst Novozym 435 (A
hyd = 7.6 ± 1.8 U/g, A
est = 2384.7 ± 307.2 U/g). Finally, biocatalysts prepared with the core–shell supports present higher enzymatic activities than biocatalysts prepared with supports of higher specific area obtained through conventional emulsion polymerizations, indicating that the porous structure of the shell can be beneficial for the immobilization and activity of the enzymes.
High resolution in‐vivo DT‐CMR using an interleaved variable density spiral STEAM sequence
Authors: Gorodezky Margarita , Ferreira Pedro F. , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Gatehouse Peter D. , Pennell Dudley J. , Scott Andrew D. , Firmin David N.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT‐CMR) has a limited spatial resolution. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate high‐resolution DT‐CMR using a segmented variable density spiral sequence with correction for motion, off‐resonance, and T2*‐related blurring.

Methods

A single‐shot stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) echo‐planar‐imaging (EPI) DT‐CMR sequence at 2.8 × 2.8 × 8 mm3 and 1.8 × 1.8 × 8 mm3 was compared to a single‐shot spiral at 2.8 × 2.8 × 8 mm3 and an interleaved spiral sequence at 1.8 × 1.8 × 8 mm3 resolution in 10 healthy volunteers at peak systole and diastasis. Motion‐induced phase was corrected using the densely sampled central k‐space data of the spirals. STEAM field maps and T2* measures were obtained using a pair of stimulated echoes each with a double spiral readout, the first used to correct the motion‐induced phase of the second.

Results

The high‐resolution spiral sequence produced similar DT‐CMR results and quality measures to the standard‐resolution sequence in both cardiac phases. Residual differences in fractional anisotropy and helix angle gradient between the resolutions could be attributed to spatial resolution and/or signal‐to‐noise ratio. Data quality increased after both motion‐induced phase correction and off‐resonance correction, and sharpness increased after T2* correction. The high‐resolution EPI sequence failed to provide sufficient data quality for DT‐CMR reconstruction.

Conclusion

In this study, an in vivo DT‐CMR acquisition at 1.8 × 1.8 mm2 in‐plane resolution was demonstrated using a segmented spiral STEAM sequence. Motion‐induced phase and off‐resonance corrections are essential for high‐resolution spiral DT‐CMR. Segmented variable density spiral STEAM was found to be the optimal method for acquiring high‐resolution DT‐CMR data.
Passage Route and Upstream Migration Success: A Case Study of Snake River Salmonids Ascending Lower Granite Dam
Authors: Morrisett Christina N. , Skalski John R. , Kiefer Russell B.
Published: November 2018

Lower Granite Dam is the last dam that federally protected Snake River salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. must ascend during their spawning migration. The dam has an adult fish ladder equipped with a trapping system to facilitate fisheries research and hatchery broodstock collection. There are three possible passage routes through the adult ladder: trapped, shunted, and free passage. During the adult trapping season, all fish must swim through 0.305-m shunt pipes outfitted with PIT tag arrays that allow the selection of fish for trapping. Selected fish use the “trapped” route and are kept in a holding area for up to 20 h before being sampled and returned to the ladder. Unselected fish use the “shunted” route and immediately resume upstream migration after swimming through the pipes. When the trap is not in operation, the shunted route is inaccessible, and all fish use the “free passage” route to ascend the ladder without additional impediment. In 2016, a temporary change in ladder operations permitted free passage for a portion of the trapping season. Our study used this rare opportunity to evaluate how different passage routes affect in-ladder transit time and upstream homing success for five salmonid stocks: Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka; steelhead O. mykiss; and spring-, summer-, and fall-run Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha. In 2016, only Sockeye Salmon and spring- and summer-run Chinook Salmon were given access to free passage, and we found evidence that free passage increased subsequent detection at natal sites upstream. An expanded analysis of shunted versus trapped fish during the years 2012–2016 found no difference in rates of detection to home tributaries by route of passage for any of the five fish stocks examined.
Preparation, characterization, structure‐property relationships, and thermal degradation kinetics of poly (lactic acid)/amidated potassium hydrogen phthalate intercalated layered double hydroxides nanocomposites
Authors: Geng Zhongxing , Zhen Weijun
Published: November 2018

A novel nucleating agent, amidated potassium hydrogen phthalate intercalated layered double hydroxides (AP‐LDHs) were prepared using an amidation reaction. Through the structural characterization, it was found that AP‐LDHs had been successfully prepared. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activity of AP‐LDHs was studied. In order to improve the performance of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), PLA/AP‐LDHs nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending. Morphological analysis showed that PLA nanocomposites had an exfoliated structure. Mechanical properties test showed that the mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites were enhanced. And the fracture scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that the PLA/AP‐LDHs nanocomposites exhibited ductile fracture characteristics. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy analysis results demonstrated that the crystallization rate, nucleation density, and crystallinity of PLA/AP‐LDHs were improved. Thermogravimetric analysis and thermal degradation kinetics showed that the thermal stability of the PLA nanocomposites was significantly improved.
The utility of routine surveillance screening with magnetic resonance imaging to detect tumor recurrence/progression in children with high‐grade central nervous system tumors: a systematic review
Authors: Stevens Simon P. , Main Caroline , Bailey Simon , Pizer Barry , English Martin , Phillips Bob , Peet Andrew , Avula Shivaram , Wilne Sophie , Wheatley Keith , Kearns Pamela R. , Wilson Jayne S.
Published: November 2018

Background

Surveillance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used to detect recurrence in children with high‐grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors, although no consensus has been reached regarding its effectiveness and whether earlier detection is associated with improved patient outcomes. This review aimed to evaluate this practice and any associated benefits and harms.

Methods

Systematic searches for relevant studies were undertaken in a number of databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, from 1985 to August 2018. Study selection and data extraction was undertaken independently by two reviewers. Due to heterogeneity between studies, no pooling of data was undertaken. Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

No comparative studies were identified. Three retrospective observational studies involving 306 patients were reviewed. All had high risk of bias by virtue of study design. Two studies reported outcomes by symptomatic status—both recurrence rates and overall survival for asymptomatic patients were comparable with those for clinically symptomatic patients. No quality‐of‐life outcomes were reported.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of evidence to guide clinical practice as to the effectiveness of MRI surveillance in pediatric patients with high‐grade CNS tumors. These studies do not clearly demonstrate benefit or harm for the practice. With more research needed, there is a role for researchers to build into future trials data collection on surveillance imaging to give more information for the assessment of imaging frequency and duration in asymptomatic patients. This is an important question not only to clinicians and patients and their families but also from a health service resource perspective.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: Transformation in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2
Authors: Agresta Laura , Salloum Ralph , Hummel Trent R. , Ratner Nancy , Mangano Francesco T. , Fuller Christine , McMasters Richard L. , Pater Luke , Jones Blaise V. , Szabo Sara , Pressey Joseph G.
Published: November 2018

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare soft‐tissue sarcoma with an unfavorable prognosis and limited therapeutic options. MPNSTs can be sporadic, but are often associated with neurofibromatosis (NF) 1 and usually arise from preexisting neurofibromas. MPNSTs in patients with NF2 have been reported in only exceedingly rare cases, and the mechanisms underlying transformation into an MPNST have not been fully elucidated. Here, we describe the clinicopathological and genomic features of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST), with a primary diagnosis of a neurofibroma, as it transforms into a high‐grade MPNST in the context of NF2.
Physician perspectives on compassionate use in pediatric oncology
Authors: Moerdler Scott , Zhang Lindy , Gerasimov Elena , Zhu Chong , Wolinsky Tamar , Roth Michael , Goodman Nancy , Weiser Daniel A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Targeted cancer treatments are almost always first studied in adults, even when there is a biologically plausible potential for efficacy in children. Through compassionate use programs, children who are not eligible for a clinical trial and for whom there are no known effective therapies may obtain access to investigational agents, including drugs under development for adults. However, little is known about pediatric oncologists’ experiences with applying for and obtaining compassionate use agents.

Methods

This study surveyed 132 pediatric oncologists to assess awareness and utilization of compassionate use programs, to identify barriers to their use, and to evaluate available institutional support and resources.

Results

We found that the process of applying for access to drugs in development is poorly understood, which presents a barrier to obtaining investigational drugs. Fifty‐seven percent of the pediatric oncologists applied for compassionate use. Providers from larger institutions or with more than 15 years of clinical experience were more likely to complete an application and obtain investigational agents for their patients.

Conclusion

Identified perceived and actual barriers to compassionate use application submission suggest pediatric oncologists may benefit from educational resources and support to ensure children with cancer equal access to investigational agents and care.
The effect of preoperative chemotherapy on histological subtyping and staging of Wilms tumors: The United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG) Wilms tumor trial 3 (UKW3) experience
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , D'Hooghe Ellen , Popov Sergey D. , Sebire Neil J. , Kelsey Anna
Published: November 2018

Background

Two principal approaches to Wilms tumor (WT) treatment are immediate surgery (IS) and preoperative chemotherapy (PCT), and both treatments use the risk‐adapted approach that includes histological subclassification of the tumor, combined with additional prognostic factors. In the UKW3 trial, these two approaches were compared. The aim of the present study was to compare histological features between the two groups, to assess the impact of PCT on distribution of histological subtyping and staging and to evaluate whether PCT resulted in more staging discrepancies between local and central pathology review (CPR).

Materials and methods

The cases were identified from the UKW3 trial database. The criteria for inclusion in the study were unilateral, nonmetastatic, nonanaplastic WTs, and submitted for CPR with an adequate number of slides. They were subclassified according to the NWTS and later the SIOP 9301 criteria.

Results

There were 244 WTs in the IS and 182 in the PCT group subclassified as follows: blastemal 86 (35%) vs 9 (5%), epithelial 34 (14%) vs 12 (7%), stromal 12 (5%) vs 25 (14%), mixed 112 (46%) vs 45 (25%), respectively, plus 40% regressive and 10% completely necrotic WTs in the PCT group. The differences between the two groups for blastemal and mixed types were statistically significant. In the PCT group, there was a significant decrease in stage III tumors. The discrepancies in staging between local and CPR were not significant.

Conclusion

PCT significantly altered histological features and typing of WTs. It resulted in fewer stage III tumors, and staging discrepancies were equally represented in both groups.
Synthesis of π‐conjugated poly(arylene)s by polycondensation of 1,4‐bis(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)benzene and aryl dibromides through regiospecific C‐H functionalization process
Authors: Yamashita Akira , Nishiyama Hiroki , Inagi Shinsuke , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: November 2018

On the basis of the Ru‐catalyzed regiospecific direct double arylation of benzene rings possessing 3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl substituents to produce 1‐aryl‐2‐(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)benzene derivatives, the synthesis of poly(p‐phenylene) derivatives having 2,5‐bis(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl) substituents is described. The reaction of 1,4‐bis(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)benzene with bromobenzene (2 equiv) was carried out in the presence of [RuCl2(η6‐C6H6)]2 (5 mol %) in 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone at 120°C for 24 h to produce 1,4‐bis(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenylbenzene in 99% yield as a sole product. Neither 2,6‐diphenylated nor further phenylated products was produced under the examined conditions. This regiospecific double arylation process was then applied to the synthesis of π‐conjugated polymers by use of aryl dibromides such as 1,4‐dibromobenzene, 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dihexylfluorene, and 2,5‐dibromothiophene. For example, a polymer was obtained in 73% yield by using 1,4‐dibromobenzene, whose Mn and Mw/Mn were estimated to be 3300 and 1.51, respectively. The bathochromic shift of the ultraviolet (UV)–visible absorption spectrum with respect to that of the model compound, 1,4‐bis(3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenylbenzene, indicated the extension of the π‐conjugation. The blue fluorescence was also observed for the polymer upon the UV irradiation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2771–2777
Growth of nanocolumnar thin films on patterned substrates at oblique angles
Authors: Garcia‐Valenzuela Aurelio , Muñoz‐Piña Sandra , Alcala German , Alvarez Rafael , Lacroix Bertrand , Santos Antonio J. , Cuevas‐Maraver Jesus , Rico Victor , Gago Raul , Vazquez Luis , Cotrino Jose , Gonzalez‐Elipe Agustin R. , Palmero Alberto
Published: November 2018

The influence of one dimensional substrate patterns on the nanocolumnar growth of thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering at oblique angles is theoretically and experimentally studied. A well‐established growth model has been used to study the interplay between the substrate topography and the thin film morphology. A critical thickness has been defined, below which the columnar growth is modulated by the substrate topography, while for thicknesses above, the impact of substrate features is progressively lost in two stages; first columns grown on taller features take over neighboring ones, and later the film morphology evolves independently of substrate features. These results have been experimentally tested by analyzing the nanocolumnar growth of SiO2 thin films on ion‐induced patterned substrates.
The Competitive Dynamic Binding of Some Blood Proteins Adsorbed on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Shi Haimei , Zhang Rutan , Zhang Junting , Xu Fuxing , Qiao Liang , Yu Shaoning
Published: November 2018

Nanoparticle (NP) surfaces are modified immediately by the adsorption of proteins when injected into human blood, leading to the formation of a protein corona. The protein‐coated NPs may be recognized by living cells. Furthermore, the adsorption of serum proteins is a continuous competitive dynamic process that is the key to exploring the bioapplication and biosafety of NPs. In this study, the competitive dynamic adsorption of some serum proteins on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is investigated by fluorescence emission, dynamic light scattering, and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Serum proteins with different AuNPs binding affinities are used to address the competitive dynamic process of protein‐AuNP interactions in vitro. The results show that more abundant serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, adsorb on AuNPs first, and then the higher binding affinity and lower concentration serum proteins, such as fibrinogen (FIB), replace the abundant and lower binding affinity serum proteins. However, the lower binding affinity serum proteins, such as hemoglobin, do not replace the higher binding affinity proteins from the protein‐AuNP conjugates. During the dynamic exchange process, the larger the binding affinities difference between two proteins, the faster the exchange rate. This dynamic exchange process usually takes longer in inner protein‐AuNP conjugates (hard corona) than the external surface of protein‐AuNP conjugates (soft corona).
On efficient construction and evaluation of runs rules–based control chart for known and unknown parameters under different distributions
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Lee Muhammed Hisyam , Hussain Shahzad , Riaz Muhammad
Published: November 2018

In this study, we have considered two design structures of
control chart by covering the situations of known and unknown parameters, variety of probability distributions, and runs rules. The design structures are dependent on constants which generally considered hard to compute analytically. For construction of constants and also for evaluating performance of the design structures through performance measures, we have illustrated Monte Carlo simulation procedure/algorithm for researcher and practitioners. Furthermore, based on the Monte Carlo simulation procedures, we have established a program in R language to compute values of different constants and performance measures. Results illustrated that design structures for known and unknown parameters under variety of runs rules and probability distributions have outstanding performance in contrast to existing structures. Moreover, design structure for unknown parameters behaves alike the design structure for known parameters. This indicates that design structure for unknown parameters has the ability to resolve the issue of runs rules which generally occur when parameters are estimated. Besides, two real‐life examples have been included in which physicochemical characteristic of groundwater and plasticizer characteristic of petrochemical process are monitored through design structures.
Neutral and zwitterionic dopamine species adsorbed on silver surfaces: A DFT investigation of interaction mechanism
Authors: Rossi‐Fernández Ana C. , Meier Lorena A. , Castellani Norberto J.
Published: November 2018

Biomolecules nondissociative adsorption on noble metals is a key process in metallic biosensors implying several questions related to the stability and orientation of such molecules. Here, the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) adsorption on silver surface is investigated in the context of density functional theory (DFT). Two different dopamine isomers, the neutral (NDA) and zwitterionic (ZDA) species, and two different silver surfaces, Ag (110) and Ag(111), were considered. NDA shows relatively large binding energies, compared to previously studied π‐π bonded systems. ZDA adsorbs even much more strongly although this species is less stable than NDA in vacuum. To elucidate the nature of the interaction between adsorbate and substrate, an electronic structure analysis was performed. Adsorbed NDA species suffers the loss of electronic charge, accompanied by a downshift of its molecular levels and the appearance of an attractive interaction of coulombic nature between adsorbate and substrate. The significant ZDA binding can be related to larger electron transfer and coupling between ZDA and Ag orbitals. Moreover, for both species, an important contribution of attractive noncovalent interactions of different degrees can be observed. The Ag substrate produces several modifications on NDA and ZDA vibrational frequencies. Noticeably relevant are the large red/blue shifts undergone by the N‐H/O‐H stretching bands of zwitterionic species, of up to −670/+430 cm−1.
Gastric perforation related to concurrent use of nintedanib and ramucirumab
Authors: Takahashi Saeko , Murata Saori , Yoshino Yudai , Kobayashi Yosuke , Nakamura Morio
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of lung cancer in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients ranges from 9.8 to 38%. Nintedanib, a small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), has been approved for IPF after phase III INPULSIS trials in 2014. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody for VEGFR‐2, combined with docetaxcel, has been approved for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after the phase III REVEL trail in 2014. Physicians will have more IPF patients being treated with nintedanib, who subsequently develop NSCLC, and therefore will likely be treated with ramucirumab plus docetaxel. We report the first case of 70‐year‐old man taking nintedanib for his IPF and treated with ramucirumab plus docetaxel as a seventh‐line therapy for his pulmonary adenocarcinoma. On day 15 of his chemotherapy treatment cycle 2, after taking nintedanib for nine days, he developed gastric perforation.
Multistage bayesian autonomy for high‐precision operation in a large field
Authors: Hodges Jonathan , Attia Tamer , Arukgoda Janindu , Kang Changkoo , Cowden Mickey , Doan Luan , Ranasinghe Ravindra , Abdelatty Karim , Dissanayake Gamini , Furukawa Tomonari
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a generalized multistage bayesian framework to enable an autonomous robot to complete high‐precision operations on a static target in a large field. The proposed framework consists of two multistage approaches, capable of dealing with the complexity of high‐precision operation in a large field to detect and localize the target. In the multistage localization, locations of the robot and the target are estimated sequentially when the target is far away from the robot, whereas these locations are estimated simultaneously when the target is close. A level of confidence (LOC) for each detection criterion of a sensor and the associated probability of detection (POD) of the sensor are defined to make the target detectable with different LOCs at varying distances. Differential entropies of the robot and target are used as a precision metric for evaluating the performance of the proposed approach. The proposed multistage observation and localization approaches were applied to scenarios using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Results with the UGV in simulated environments and then real environments show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches to real‐world problems. A successful demonstration using the UAV is also presented.
Visible Light TiO2 Photocatalyst Composite Based on Carbon Microfiber Derived from Human Hair
Authors: Basheer Esmail A. M. , Abdulbari Hayder A.
Published: November 2018

The present work reports titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst composite based on human hair that can operate efficiently under visible light. The human hair melanin structure contains active sites, which can be described as a carbon compound derived from a Quinone where one of two oxygen atoms is bonded to a hydrogen radical and that can be reversibly photogenerated under visible or ultraviolet irradiation. The human hair‐derived microfibers (HHDMs) were created by the pyrolyzing hair at 850 °C, resulting in a rod‐like hollow structure. TiO2 was immobilized on the pyrolyzed hair by a simple self‐template method. The resulting composite was calcined at five different temperatures (150 to 350 °C). The HHDM and HHDM‐TiO2 morphologies and the chemical compositions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The HHDM‐TiO2 photocatalytic efficiency in degrading methylene blue was investigated and compared to that of a conventional TiO2 catalyst (P25). HHDM‐TiO2 was more effective for methylene blue degradation under visible light than the conventional P25 catalyst suspension due to the unique photosensitivity and porous structure of the composite. The catalyst calcined at 300 °C showed the best performance, which was 71% higher than that of the P25 catalyst.
PEGylation Quaternary (Triphenyl‐) Phosphonium Tosylate: A Class of Promising Carriers for Drug Delivery and Gene Delivery?
Authors: Wu Haiwei , Lai Xuexu , Li Zhou , Gu Liuqun , Ao Ningjian
Published: November 2018

A new class of PEGylation quaternary (triphenyl‐) phosphonium tosylate (PQPT) was synthesized with different length of polyethylene glycol chain; the procedure is chromatography‐free and practical for large scale synthesis. All PQPTs are soluble in water and showed good anti‐bacterial activity. Particularly, cytotoxicity study on NIH 3T3 cell lines indicated PQPT with PEG750 does not inhibit cell proliferation even at relatively high concentration of 6 mg/ml. The observed excellent binding ability of quaternary (triphenyl‐) phosphonium centre with drug Fluorouracil and the low cytotoxicity in healthy cell lines make PQPTs promising candidates as carriers for drug/gene delivery targeting cells’ mitochondria.
Oxidative Biphasic Depolymerization (BPD) of Kraft Lignin at Low pH
Authors: Bjelić Saša , Garbuio Luca , Arturi Katarzyna R. , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Jeschke Gunnar , Vogel Frédéric
Published: November 2018

In this work, we systematically investigated factors governing catalytic oxidation of Kraft lignin in a biphasic system at acidic conditions. The process is designated biphasic depolymerization (BPD) and is based on the concept of protective extraction of the target molecules from the reactive aqueous phase containing catalysts into an inert organic phase. The aim is to prevent over‐oxidation, one of the main causes of decreased yields of high‐value monomeric aromatics from depolymerization of lignin. Vanillin, a typical and commercially relevant product of lignin oxidation, was chosen as an indicator for understanding which factors impact the process. The conversion in water/octanol mixtures was shown to be more effective than in a monophasic system at corresponding conditions showing the proof of concept for BPD. A set of conversion conditions maximizing the yields of the target molecule was identified (T=170 °C, t=60 min, pO2=5 MPa). The presence of the oxidative catalyst (CuSO4) did not influence the conversion. The contributions of oxidation and acidolysis of lignin were assessed to be approx. 60 and 40%, respectively. Based on the results, a strategy for optimizing BPD, a promising technique for valorization of technical lignins in acidic media, is laid out.
College students' daily coping, mood, and quality of life: Benefits of problem‐focused engagement
Authors: Shermeyer Leaha , Morrow Michael T. , Mediate Nicholas
Published: November 2018

In this short communication, we investigated the relations of daily coping, mood, and quality of life in college students (n = 74) over seven consecutive days (n = 510). Specifically, we tested whether four types of daily coping (problem‐focused engagement, problem‐focused disengagement, emotion‐focused engagement, and emotion‐focused disengagement) were associated with three aspects of daily functioning (negative mood, positive mood, and quality of life). In a single multilevel multivariate regression model, we examined the day‐to‐day relations of the four coping strategies with mood and quality of life, while controlling for perceived stress. Results largely supported our hypotheses, such that problem‐focused engagement was linked to lower negative mood and higher positive mood and quality of daily life, whereas the three other types of coping were negatively related or unrelated to daily functioning. These findings provide support for the benefits of problem‐focused engagement in coping with everyday stressors of life as a college student, and implications for psychotherapy and counselling are discussed.
Semi‐green cementitious materials from waste granite by considering the environmental, economic, and health impacts: A review
Authors: Arel Hasan Şahan , Shaikh Faiz U. A.
Published: November 2018

In this review, the studies conducted on the use of recycled waste granite (WG) in place of different components in concrete or cementitious materials, such as aggregate and cement were reviewed. In this regard; research was conducted on the reuse of WG to make economic benefit, to prevent accumulation of WG, to contribute to the environment by helping in the formation of new materials from waste material, and the use of WG, which would generate hazardous radioactive gas to human health, in concrete production. Thus, the cementitious materials that will be obtained shall be environment‐friendly, economic, and helpful in the isolation of hazardous radioactive wastes. Therefore, within the scope of this study, it was investigated whether semi‐green cementitious materials obtained from recycling WG would have the mechanical characteristics to satisfy the requirements, and have equivalent or even surpassing characteristics compared to materials made from classic materials. The results were obtained at a substitution rate of 5–7.5%; when recycled WG was used in place of aggregate, the results were obtained at a substitution rate of 15–25%; and when recycled WG was used in place of coarse aggregate, it gave better performance than recycled normal concrete aggregate and worse performance than crushed quartzite coarse aggregate. Furthermore, in terms of economy, it was determined that the utilization of WG would decrease costs by a minimum of 0.54% and a maximum of 2.1%; while with respect to CO2 emissions, the use of WG could decrease worldwide CO2 emission by 5%. Also, it was determined that the best solution for granite, which could cause gas emissions of hazardous gases such as radon gas, would be to be used in concrete that would be exposed to open air.
Experimental evaluation of the residual compression strength and ultimate strain of chloride corrosion‐induced damaged concrete
Authors: Andisheh Kaveh , Scott Allan , Palermo Alessandro
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the effects of chloride corrosion of steel reinforcement on the axial compressive strength and the ultimate strain of concrete materials in reinforced concrete columns have been investigated experimentally. In addition, the effects of reduction in the effective mechanical properties of concrete materials on moment‐curvature response of a corroded bridge pier were numerically studied. This investigation has resulted in clear quantification of the relationship between the degree of reinforcement corrosion and the effective compression strength and ultimate strain of unconfined concrete. The results clearly show that corrosion of steel reinforcement resulted in a deterioration of the effective axial compression strength and ultimate strain of column's concrete cover.
Salmonid Conservation in an Invaded Lake: Changing Outcomes of Predator Removal with Introduction of Nonnative Prey
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Delanty Karen , O'Grady Martin , Kelly Fiona
Published: November 2018

Culling of predators is a traditional tool in inland fisheries management. There is a long history of removing Northern Pike Esox lucius from certain Irish lakes in an attempt to enhance Brown Trout Salmo trutta fisheries. In recent decades, some of these systems have experienced ongoing warming, eutrophication, and the establishment of large populations of a nonnative cyprinid, the Roach Rutilus rutilus. Availability of this abundant new fish prey resource may have modified predator–prey interactions between Northern Pike and Brown Trout and consequently the potential efficacy of Northern Pike removal as a trout fisheries management tool. Statistical analysis of long‐term fish survey data (1978–2015) and Northern Pike removal data (1980–2014) from Lough Sheelin, Ireland, indicated that the Northern Pike diet (stomach contents) changed significantly after the Roach invasion. There was a strong reduction in the proportion of Northern Pike stomachs containing trout, and the incidence of Roach in Northern Pike stomachs increased. Northern Pike removal was found to have a generally positive effect on abundance of Brown Trout in the following year, but this positive effect became neutral or negative at intermediate and peak levels of Roach abundance (>33rd percentile of annual survey CPUE). Brown Trout abundance also declined in years of high chlorophyll‐a concentration. Removal of top predators may have unanticipated effects on target fish stocks in systems with multiple anthropogenic pressures.
Student‐Created Book Basket Labels: An Innovative, Culturally Sustaining Literacy Practice
Authors: Nash Kindel , Panther Leah , Elson Kerry
Published: November 2018

A century of research has shown that culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining literacy teaching is essential to teaching all students well and is especially crucial for students of color, who most often attend urban schools. The authors share one innovative and culturally sustaining literacy practice that critically centers kindergarten and first‐grade students’ agency and language knowledge in writing and drawing labels for their classroom book baskets. When students create labels for their classroom books, they not only take ownership of their classroom library but are also positioned as real readers and real writers who are active and innovative communicators, writers, and readers of everyday texts that represent their diverse lives and experiences.