bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical and numerical solutions of a two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B model
Authors: Zhang Jinghua , Liu Fawang , Anh Vo V.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we consider a two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B equation on a rectangular domain. Its analytical solution is obtained by the method of separation of variables. We employ the finite difference method with a discretization of the Caputo time‐fractional derivative to obtain an implicit difference approximation for the equation. Stability and convergence of the approximation scheme are established in the L∞‐norm. Two examples are given to illustrate the theoretical analysis and analytical solution. The results indicate that the present numerical method is effective for this general two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B model.
Using the Delphi method to establish nursing‐sensitive quality indicators for ICU nursing in China
Authors: Yang Su , Huang Li‐Hua , Zhao Xue‐Hong , Xing Mei‐Yuan , Shao Le‐Wen , Zhang Mei‐Yun , Shao Rong‐Ya , Wei Jian‐Hua , Gao Chun‐Hua
Published: January 2019

In this study, the Delphi method was used to develop evidence‐based indicators of intensive care unit (ICU) nursing quality of care in China. Nursing quality indicators reflect elements of patient care that are directly affected by nursing practice. A comprehensive literature search identified 2,857 potentially relevant articles. From the 50 articles that were included in this study, researchers identified 38 commonly used nursing quality indicators. A panel of experts reduced these to 20, which were then subjected to two rounds of Delphi discussion by a different panel, and a final consensus was achieved. The 20 indicators were grouped into three dimensions: structure, process, and outcome (including adverse consequences). The agreement among the experts for the 20 indicators was high. These evidence‐based nursing quality indicators provide for ease in data collection and a basis for clinical application and improvement in the quality of ICU nursing throughout China.
Support for China–Pakistan Economic Corridor development in Pakistan: A local community perspective using the social exchange theory
Authors: Kanwal Shamsa , Chong Ren , Pitafi Abdul Hameed
Published: January 2019

China and Pakistan have initiated a mega project with the name of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This study examines how local residence support of CPEC is shaped in Pakistan. This study employs a social exchange theory to explain how perceived impacts affect an individual's level of support for CPEC development. Findings reveal that social exchange theory fits the data well by confirming that the more residents perceive impacts positively, the more they are likely to support CPEC. Data were collected online using the Google platform from 280 citizens, residing in all provinces of Pakistan. Findings of this study validate most of the hypothesis. Positive impact shows significant effect on personal benefit and support for CPEC development. Similarly, personal benefit also shows significant effect on support for CPEC development. However, negative impact shows insignificant effect on personal benefit and support for CPEC development. Findings of this study will guide the government officials and policymakers of CPEC about the perception of local people residence, both positive and negative impact. Policymakers can use the findings of this study to gain local citizen's support for the CPEC development projects and designs policies accordingly for the future projects.
Castleman disease in pediatrics: Insights on presentation, treatment, and outcomes from a two‐site retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sopfe Jenna , Endres Ashley , Campbell Kristen , Hayes Kari , Trout Andrew T. , Liang Xiayuan , Lorsbach Robert , O'Brien Maureen M. , Cost Carrye R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Castleman disease (CD) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder that is rare in pediatric populations; the literature describing this population is sparse. We sought to describe pediatric CD, including unicentric CD (UCD) and human herpes virus‐8 (HHV8)‐negative multicentric CD (MCD), in a multi‐institutional cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients, aged 0 to 26 years at diagnosis, who were diagnosed with CD between January 1, 2005, and May 16, 2017, at two tertiary children's hospitals. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results

Most patients (75%, 18/24) presented with UCD. All patients with MCD were HHV8‐negative. The most common histopathologic variant was hyaline vascular (75%, 18/24). Plasma cell variant occurred in 33% (2/6 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 4–78%]) of patients with HHV8‐negative MCD and 17% (3/18 [95% CI, 4–41%]) of patients with UCD. Systemic symptoms were present in 4 of 6 of patients with HHV8‐negative MCD and 8 of 18 of patients with UCD. Anemia and laboratory inflammation occurred in both UCD and MCD patients, with nonsignificantly higher rates of anemia and elevated C‐reactive protein in MCD patients. All but two UCD patients underwent gross total resection as definitive therapy. Among HHV8‐negative MCD patients, a combination of resection, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy was used. No UCD patients and three of six HHV8‐negative MCD patients experienced disease progression/relapse prior to lasting remission. There were no deaths.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with CD most commonly have unicentric, hyaline vascular variant disease. Pediatric patients with both UCD and MCD commonly have systemic inflammation and, despite risk of progression/relapse in MCD patients, ultimately have excellent survival.
A survey of current clinical practice of chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Sileo Filomena Giulia , Curado Joana , Bhide Amarnath
Published: January 2019

Objective

The number of invasive procedures (chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis) for fetal testing is decreasing because of the availability of non‐invasive prenatal test (NIPT) leading to a centralisation of prenatal diagnostic services to accredited fetal medicine centres. A new survey was conducted 10 years after the previous one to update the current clinical practice among clinicians who regularly perform CVS.

Method

Consultants from 32 centres in the United Kingdom were invited to take part in an online survey evaluating: The total number of CVS procedures carried out in the unit in a typical week, the preferred route (transabdominal [TA] vs transcervical [TC]), technique (use of local anaesthetic [LA] and needle technique).

Results

Response rate was 96.9%; TA was the preferred route (96.8%) in all centres except one. Single‐needle technique is used exclusively in half the centres (51.6%). LA is used by most operators (90.3%) before the procedure. Three centres did not routinely use LA for CVS.

Conclusions

Operators across the United Kingdom almost exclusively use the TA route for CVS with single‐needle technique in 51.6% of cases. The use of LA prior to CVS is a very common practice in the United Kingdom.
XPS investigation on the reactivity of surface imine groups with TFAA
Authors: Kehrer Matthias , Duchoslav Jiri , Hinterreiter Andreas , Cobet Munise , Mehic Alen , Stehrer Thomas , Stifter David
Published: January 2019

The chemical reaction of imine groups with vapors of trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) was investigated in detail with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the potential application in chemical derivatization (CD) studies of plasma treated surfaces. Imine groups were at first prepared by converting surface amine groups of a polymer precursor using a common vapor phase derivatization reaction with fluorine tagged aldehydes and ketones. The originally low yield for the imine forming reaction of approx. 50%, performed under standard conditions was dramatically enhanced up to 100% by an own developed procedure using a catalyst. This step allowed to obtain a consistent quantification and interpretation of the complex surface reaction products from different types of imine groups derivatized by TFAA.
Modeling Exposure‐Driven Adverse Event Time Courses in Oncology Exemplified by Afatinib
Authors: Niebecker Ronald , Maas Hugo , Staab Alexander , Freiwald Matthias , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: January 2019

Models were developed to characterize the relationship between afatinib exposure and diarrhea and rash/acne adverse event (AE) trajectories, and their predictive ability was assessed. Based on pooled data from seven phase II/III clinical studies including 998 patients, mixed‐effects models for ordered categorical data were applied to describe daily AE severity. Clinical trial simulation aided by trial execution models was used for internal and external model evaluation. The final exposure‐safety model consisted of longitudinal logistic regression models with first‐order Markov elements for both AEs. Drug exposure was included as daily area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC), and drug effects on the AEs were correlated. Clinical trial simulation allowed adequate prediction of maximum AE grades and AE severity time courses but overestimated the proportion of AE‐dependent dose reductions and discontinuations. Both diarrhea and rash/acne were correlated with afatinib exposure. The developed modeling framework allows a prospective comparison of dosing strategies and study designs with respect to safety.
Aging in Phase Change Materials: Getting Insight from Simulation
Authors: Raty Jean‐Yves
Published: January 2019

Aging is one of the effects limiting the advent of phase change materials as acting components in non‐volatile memories. This paper presents a review of recent simulation works allowing to describe the underlying microscopic mechanisms that are responsible for the aging of the semiconductor glass and the accompanying resistance drift. In comparison with other systems, the fragile character of phase change materials imposes the use of different methods to sample the space of configurations and the chemical ordering. The emerging picture is that both the evolution of coordination defects and of the underlying network are responsible for the evolution of the electronic properties. The advantage of simulations is that they allow to determine the relation between chemical ordering, the local geometry of atoms, and the nature of electronic states. From these correlations, one can extrapolate to obtain the structure of the “ideal” amorphous state and the relation between bonding in this phase and that of the more conductive crystalline phase. This understanding of microscopic phenomena is crucial to interpret experimental results, but also paves the way to the design of optimized glasses, that are less prone to aging, while preserving the unique properties that place phase change materials among the best candidates for high performance and scalable non‐volatile memories.
Oroxylin A, a methylated metabolite of baicalein, exhibits a stronger inhibitory effect than baicalein on the CYP1B1‐mediated carcinogenic estradiol metabolite formation
Authors: An Dongchen , Song Zhongjin , Yi Yingyue , Zhang Qing , Liu Jinfeng , Zhang Yongjie , Zhou Jing , Zhao Guanghui , Cong Danhua , Li Ning , Lu Yang , Chen Xijing , Zhao Di
Published: January 2019

Human cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1)‐mediated formation of 4‐hydroxyestradiol (4‐OHE2) from 17β‐estradiol plays an important role in the progression of human breast cancer, while the biotransformation of 17β‐estradiol to 2‐hydroxyestradiol mediated by cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is considered as a less harmful pathway. In this study, inhibitory effects of flavonoids baicalein and oroxylin A, a metabolite of baicalein in human body, on CYP1A1 and 1B1 activities were investigated in vitro. The inhibition intensities of baicalein and oroxylin A towards CYP1B1 were greater than towards CYP1A1 with a mixed mechanism. In addition, oroxylin A showed a stronger inhibitory effect than baicalein towards the CYP1B1‐mediated 17β‐estradiol 4‐hydroxylation, with the IC50 values of 0.0146 and 2.27 μM, respectively. Docking studies elucidated that oroxylin A had a stronger binding affinity than baicalein for CYP1B1. In MCF‐7 cells, compared with baicalein‐treated groups, oroxylin A with lower doses decreased and increased the formation of 4‐OHE2 and 2‐hydroxyestradiol, respectively, with a preferential induction of mRNA of CYP1A1 over CYP1B1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that oroxylin A showed a stronger inhibitory effect than baicalein on CYP1B1‐mediated 4‐OHE2 formation in MCF‐7 cells, providing crucial implications for their possibly preventive/therapeutic potential against breast cancer via inhibition of CYP1B1, particularly of oroxylin A.
Theoretical Investigation on the Substituent Effect of Halogen Atom on the Ground‐State Double Proton Transfer in the 2‐Pyridone‐Solvent (Solvent: H2O, NH3) Complexes
Authors: Ni Mei , Fang Hua
Published: January 2019

The substituted effect on the dynamics of ground‐state proton transfer (GSPT) in 2‐pyridone (2PY) clusters mediated by water or ammonia was investigated at the M06‐2X/6‐311+G(d, p) level. The GSPT process via H‐bonded channel was affected by the bridging solvent. When the bridging molecule changes from one water to one ammonia, proton transfer occurs in a concerted pathway, but the reaction mechanism changes from a synchronous pattern to an asynchronously protolytic pattern, which was ascribed to the larger basicity of ammonia with comparison to water. When two water or two ammonia molecules mediated the GSPT process of 2PY, GSPT reaction in both 2PY clusters prefers a concerted but asynchronous protolytic pathway since the basicity of the H‐bonded chain consisting of water or ammonia dimer was accumulated. For the 6X2PY‐H2O (X=H, F, Cl, Br) complex, the replacement of halogen atom also changed the GSPT mechanism from concertedly synchronicity to concertedly asynchronicity. However, the GSPT mechanism of 6X2PY‐NH3 (X=H, F, Cl, Br) complex was not influenced by the substitutents, but the asynchronicity of GSPT was enlarged apparently. The substituted effect also affected the structural parameters and reduced the barrier heights of GSPT.
Synthesis of Pd‐rGO Nanocomposite for the Evaluation of In Vitro Anticancer and Antidiabetic Activities
Authors: Hazarika Moushumi , Boruah Purna K. , Pal Mintu , Das Manash R. , Tamuly Chandan
Published: January 2019

Biosynthesis of Pd‐rGO nanocomposite using water extract of Zanthoxylum armatum C.DC is reported here. The nanocomposite was characterized using X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope‐Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and Thermo‐gravimetric (TG) analysis. Similarly, the Ag‐rGO and Au‐rGO nanocomposite were synthesized using the water extract of Zanthoxylum armatum C.DC. A comparative study was done on α‐glucosidase inhibition activity and cytotoxicity effect for these nanocomposites. The α‐glucosidase inhibition assay revealed that the Pd‐rGO nanocomposite has excellent inhibitory potency compared to GO, Ag‐rGO and Au‐rGO nanocomposite respectively. In this study, the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value was observed at 0.0218 ± 0.01 and 1.051 ± 0.28 μg/ml for Pd‐rGO and GO respectively. Overall our novel findings showed that the cytotoxic effect of Pd‐rGO nanocomposite was higher than other M‐rGO (M=Ag, Au) and GO against prostate cancer DU145 cells compared to non‐tumorigenic prostate epithelial cells, RWPE‐1.
Synthesis of Novel Nanomagnetic Catalyst with Acetic Acid Tags: Application in the Synthesis of New Amidoalkyl Phenols under Solvent‐Free Condition
Authors: Afsar Javad , Khazaei Ardeshir , Zarei Mahmoud , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2019

In this paper, [Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3‐im‐CH2CO2H]Br was designed, synthesized and fully characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform spectroscopy infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). It was used as an efficient acidic nanomagnetic catalyst in the preparation of amidoalkyl phenols via multi‐component condensation of various amides (benzamide, acetamide and urea), phenolic compounds and aryl aldehydes or isatin under solvent‐free condition. High yield of products, easy work‐up and reusability of the catalyst can be mentioned as the advantages of described work.
New Pd‐Mediated Cascade Reactions for Synthesis of Novel Functionalized 1,3‐Oxazole‐Linked Quinoxaline Amines
Authors: Keivanloo Ali , Abbaspour Sima , Bakherad Mohammad , Notash Behrouz
Published: January 2019

A number of functionalized 1,3‐oxazoles‐linked amine‐substituted quinoxalines were synthesized via one‐pot Pd‐catalyzed reactions in high yields. The cascade reactions of benzoyl chlorides, proprgylamine, and 3‐chloroquinoxaline‐2‐amines catalyzed by Pd–Cu in the presence of Et3N afforded new 3‐(amine‐substituted)quinoxalin‐2‐yl)(2‐aryl‐1,3‐oxazol‐5‐yl)methanone derivatives at 70 °C. The reactions commenced with the production of N‐propargylamides from benzoyl chlorides and proprgylamine, and proceeded through the Sonogashira coupling reactions with 3‐chloroquinoxaline‐2‐amines followed by the in situ ring closure of the resulting intermediates to give the target products. The use of primary 3‐chloroquioxaline‐2‐amines revealed that the cyclization step was regioselective and that pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoxalines were not prepared in this process.
Crossed NiCo2S4 Nanowires Supported on Nickel Foam as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Gong Yaqiong , Lin Yu , Yang Zhi , Wang JinLei , Pan Hailong , Xu Zhoufeng , Liu Yaqing
Published: January 2019

Increasing demands for renewable clean fuel and environmental protection have attracted much research on energy production and conversion. Designing efficient and stable electrocatalysts, which has been recognized as one of the primary goals for anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), provides the most prospective route towards mass production of hydrogen from renewable sources. In this paper, 3D‐networked, ultrathin, and crossed nanowires NiCo2S4 grown on Ni foam (NF) was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and worked as a unprecious metal‐based overall water splitting electrocatalyst. NiCo2S4/NF possess predominant catalytic activity with an overpotential of 251 mV to drive a current density of 40 mA cm−2 in alkaline media and 191 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. Moreover, NiCo2S4/NF||NiCo2S4/NF was constructed by employing NiCo2S4/NF as both the cathode and anode, the overall water splitting electrolyzer results revealed that only 1.59 V was required to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Notably, NiCo2S4/NF ||NiCo2S4/NF also shows long‐term electrochemical durability with its activity being retained for over 12 h‐long. The newly developed cost‐effective high efficent electrocatalyst towards water splitting provides a novel approach for the design of earth‐abundant transition metal sulfide for high efficiency overall water splitting electrode.
A Green Route for Quick and Kilogram Production of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Their Applications at Low Loadings in Epoxy Resins
Authors: Tiwari Santosh K. , Nimbalkar Ajaysing S. , Hong Chang Kook , Ha Sung Kyu
Published: January 2019

This work reports a green and facile approach to produce bulk amount reduced Graphene Oxide using Graphene Oxide as precursor through Ball Milling in presence of Zinc (Zn) powder activated with NaOH (0.5 ml NaOH (1 M) for 2 g Zn powder). Compared to most of the reported reduction of GO by using hydrazine or any other means, the present route is quite simple, inexpensive and eco‐friendly. Since the proposed reduction for GO to rGO involves a solid‐state processing assisted with a friction and chemical reactions, no additional purification is required. Furthermore, the extent of reduction of GO (C/O ratio in rGO ∼8.8) in the present strategy is much higher than that in the different approaches using metallic Zinc and NaOH, indicating a cooperativity between friction generated during milling and chemical reactions. A probable mechanism for GO to rGO reduction is proposed and reduction strategy has been optimized in terms of milling time, rpm and amount of Zn powder used. To verify the applicability of as‐prepared rGO, we have examined the impact of rGO on the improvement of thermo‐mechanical and morphological properties of Epoxy nanocomposites. Here, few layered rGO based Epoxy nanocomposites were obtained via solution blending method and subsequent hot‐pressing. It was observed that rGO apparently filled in the interspaces of polymeric chains, which were helpful for the synchronously ∼10‐15% increment in thermo‐mechanical properties of fabricated nanocomposites even with an eminently low loading of rGO.
Nickel@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon@MoS2 Nanosheets: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Shah Sayyar Ali , Shen Xiaoping , Xie Minghua , Zhu Guoxing , Ji Zhenyuan , Zhou Hongbo , Xu Keqiang , Yue Xiaoyang , Yuan Aihua , Zhu Jun , Chen Yao
Published: January 2019

Developing cheap, abundant, and easily available electrocatalysts to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at small overpotentials is an urgent demand of hydrogen production from water splitting. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based composites have emerged as competitive electrocatalysts for HER in recent years. Herein, nickel@nitrogen‐doped carbon@MoS2 nanosheets (Ni@NC@MoS2) hybrid sub‐microspheres are presented as HER catalyst. MoS2 nanosheets with expanded interlayer spacings are vertically grown on nickel@nitrogen‐doped carbon (Ni@NC) substrate to form Ni@NC@MoS2 hierarchical sub‐microspheres by a simple hydrothermal process. The formed Ni@NC@MoS2 composites display excellent electrocatalytic activity for HER with an onset overpotential of 18 mV, a low overpotential of 82 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 47.5 mV dec−1, and high durability in 0.5 H2SO4 solution. The outstanding HER performance of the Ni@NC@MoS2 catalyst can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of dense catalytic sites on MoS2 nanosheets with exposed edges and expanded interlayer spacings, and the rapid electron transfer from Ni@NC substrate to MoS2 nanosheets. The excellent Ni@NC@MoS2 electrocatalyst promises potential application in practical hydrogen production, and the strategy reported here can also be extended to grow MoS2 on other nitrogen‐doped carbon encapsulated metal species for various applications.
Optimization of headspace for GC‐MS analysis of fragrance allergens in wooden children's products using response surface methodology
Authors: Li Meiping , Li Rong , Wang Zhijuan , Zhang Qing , Bai Hua , Lv Qing
Published: January 2019

Residual chemicals in wooden children's products may threaten children's health, but few studies have paid attention to it so far. In this study, a simple and green method was developed for the determination of volatile chemicals, especially the 48 fragrance allergens in wooden children's products using static headspace coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Minimal amounts of sample (20 mg) and acetone solvent (40 μL) were used, and no additional sample pretreatment was performed except for freezing and grinding. Three factors (incubating temperature, equilibration time, pressing pressure) affecting headspace extraction were optimized by response surface methodology to obtain scientific results considering of the interactions among variables. Under the optimum detection conditions, this method was successfully validated for the analysis of fragrances. The proposed method showed limits of quantification within the range of 0.2–20 mg/kg. Recoveries ranged from 79.8 to 115.2%, and the relative standard deviation (n = 5) varied from 0.6 to 9.9%. Moreover, interferences caused by different sample matrices were investigated. The method was further applied to the analysis of 30 commercial wooden samples. Results demonstrated the existence of fragrances in wooden children's products. Benzyl alcohol, trans‐2‐heptenal, eugenol, and isoeugenol were the compounds with high detection rate.
Optimal placement of metallic dampers for seismic upgrading of multistory buildings based on a cost‐effectiveness criterion using genetic algorithm
Authors: Li Zongjing , Shu Ganping
Published: January 2019

In this paper, an optimal placement methodology for metallic dampers is proposed to upgrade the seismic performance of multistory buildings. Most previous studies on optimal damper placement (ODP) problems have been focused on minimizing the seismic responses, whereas the present study aims to utilize the minimum total cost of dampers to achieve a prescribed level of seismic response. To this end, the optimization objective is constructed based on a cost‐effectiveness criterion, and the optimization constraint is defined based on a desired level of seismic response. An improved integer‐coded genetic algorithm is presented for solving the ODP problem. A 16‐story shear building is illustrated to verify the proposed optimal placement methodology. It is shown that the proposed methodology can be used to achieve the predetermined performance level while minimizing the retrofitting cost. Moreover, different algorithms, objective functions, and levels of accuracy on the optimization are also compared. Finally, a two‐step optimization approach is proposed for achieving better placement schemes with less computational efforts.
Synthesis of π‐Conjugated Benzocyclotrimers
Authors: Guo Changding , Xia Debin , Yang Yulin , Zuo Xia
Published: January 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially three branchphene benzocyclotrimers represent a series of molecules with intriguing physical and chemical properties. Benzocyclotrimers are also important precursors to construct fullerenes and graphenes. In this article, we review the recent progress in the preparation methods of π‐conjugated benzocyclotrimers. In particular, cyclotrimerization reactions to construct varying shaped and edged benzocyclotrimers are illustrated. Various typical characterization methods for these materials, such as variable‐temperature 1H‐NMR, single crystal X‐ray analysis, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements are included for discussion.
Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of tamarind seed filler reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Stalin Balasubramaniam , Nagaprasad Nagaraj , Vignesh Venkataraman , Ravichandran Manickam
Published: January 2019

This article deals with the usage of tamarind seed filler (TSF) as reinforcement in vinyl ester (VE) composites. The composite plates have been fabricated by compression molding machine with TSFs of varying wt% from 5 to 50 as reinforcement material, and their properties such as tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, water absorption, heat deflection tests, and thermogravimetric analysis are studied. The mechanical properties of TSF reinforced VE composites are optimum at 15 wt% filler. The tensile strength and flexural strength of TSF‐VE composites are estimated to be around 34.1 and 121 MPa, respectively. The better impact strength of TSF‐VE composites is found to be 14.02 kJ/m2, and barcol hardness can hold a value up to 42.33. Thermo gravimetric analysis and heat deflection test of TSF reinforced VE composite have improved the thermal stability. The fiber matrix interaction of the fractured mechanical testing specimen has been analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The TSF‐VE composites are used to fabricate the wheel hubcap of heavy‐duty buses, bus seat backrest cover, and silencer guard of the motorcycle. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E114–E128, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fate of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in water resource recovery facilities
Authors: Li Renjie , Jay Jennifer A. , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: January 2019

Many important diseases are showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics, and the resistance is potentially caused by widespread use of antibiotics for maintaining human health and improving food production. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARB) are associated with this increase, and their fate in water resource recovery facilities is an important, emerging area of research. This literature review summarizes current findings of worldwide research on the fate of ARB and ARGs in various types of treatment plants. Twenty‐five published studies were reviewed which contained 215 observations in activated sludge, membrane bioreactors, anaerobic digestion, constructed wetlands, coagulation–filtration, and three types of disinfection. We found 70% decreased observations, 18% increased observations, and 12% unchanged observations of all observations in all treatment processes. Resistance genes to tetracycline were most often observed, but more studies are needed in other antibiotic resistance genes. The causes for increased abundance of ARGs and ARB are not well understood, and further studies are warranted.

Practitioner points

Antibiotic resistance is increasing with concern that treatment plants may acclimate bacteria to antibiotics.

A literature survey found 215 resistance observations with 70% decreased, 18% increased, 12% unchanged after treatment.

The type of treatment process is important with activated sludge showing the greatest reductions.
Chiral rings for surface operators in 4d and 5d SQCD
Authors: Baek Jong-Hyun
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Chiral rings of two-dimensional (2,2) theories coupled to 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 theories with matter hypermultiplets are studied. Specifically, the vacua of the twisted superpotential of the 2d theories with vanishing sum of matter charges are computed by considering the resolvent of the bulk theory. The solutions to the chiral ring equations are also obtained from the instanton partition function via Higgsing for simple surface operators and via the orbifold description for full surface operators. These 2d/4d coupled theories are lifted to 3d/5d theories and vacua are found similarly in two different methods: by solving the 3d chiral ring equations taking into account the effect of 5d resolvent and by computing the 5d instanton partition function in the presence of a surface operator. We also check the Seiberg-like duality for both 2d/4d and 3d/5d coupled systems with a specific Chern-Simons coefficient for the latter.
A theory of R(D*, D) anomaly with right-handed currents
Authors: Babu K. S. , Dutta Bhaskar , Mohapatra Rabindra N.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We present an ultraviolet complete theory for theR(D*) andR(D) anomaly in terms of a low massWR±gauge boson of a class of left-right symmetric models. These models, which are based on the gauge symmetry SU(3)c× SU(2)L× SU(2)R× U(1)B−L, utilize vector-like fermions to generate quark and lepton masses via a universal seesaw mechanism. A parity symmetric version as well as an asymmetric version are studied. A light sterile neutrino emerges naturally in this setup, which allows for new decay modes ofB-meson via right-handed currents. We show that these models can explainR(D*) andR(D) anomaly while being consistent with LHC and LEP data as well as low energy flavor constraints arising from$$ {K}_L-{K}_S,\kern0.5em {B}_{d,s}-{\overline{B}}_{d,s},\kern0.5em D-\overline{D} $$KL−KS,Bd,s−B¯d,s,D−D¯mixing, etc., but only for a limited range of theWRmass: 1.2 (1.8) TeV ≤$$ {M}_{W_R} $$MWR≤ 3 TeV for parity asymmetric (symmetric) Yukawa sectors. The ratioR(D)/R(D*) is predicted to be ≃ 1.16, which is the same as in the Standard Model. The light sterile neutrinos predicted by the model may be relevant for explaining the MiniBoone and LSND neutrino oscillation results. The parity symmetric version of the model provides a simple solution to the strong CP problem without relying on the axion. It also predicts an isospin singlet top partner with a massMT= (1.5 − 2.5) TeV.
Amplitudes from anomalous superconformal symmetry
Authors: Chicherin D. , Henn J. M. , Sokatchev E.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We initiate a systematic study of the consequences of (super)conformal symmetry of massless scattering amplitudes. The classical symmetry is potentially broken at the quantum level by infrared and ultraviolet effects. We study its manifestations on the finite hard part of the scattering process. The conformal Ward identities in momentum space are second-order differential equations, difficult to analyze. We prefer to study superconformal symmetry whose generators are first-order in the momenta. Working in a massless

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric Wess-Zumino model, we derive on-shell superconformal Ward identities. They contain an anomaly due to collinear regions of loop momenta. It is given by an integral with one loop less than the original graph, with an extra integral over a collinear splitting parameter. We discuss the relation to the holomorphic anomaly that was previously studied in tree-level amplitudes and at the level of unitarity cuts. We derive and solve Ward identities for various scattering processes in the model. We classify the on-shell superamplitudes according to their Grassmann degree, in close analogy with the helicity classification of gluon amplitudes. We focus on MHV-like and NMHV-like amplitudes with up to six external particles, at one and two loops. Interestingly, the superconformal generator acting on the bosonic part of the amplitudes is Witten’s twistor collinearity operator. We find that the first-order differential equations, together with physically motivated boundary conditions, uniquely fix the answer. All the cases considered give rise to uniform weight functions. Our most interesting example is a five-point non-planar hexa-box integral with an off-shell leg. It gives first indications on the function space needed for Higgs plus two jets production at next-to-next-to leading order.
Conformally soft photons and gravitons
Authors: Donnay Laura , Puhm Andrea , Strominger Andrew
Published: January 2019

Abstract

The four-dimensional S-matrix is reconsidered as a correlator on the celestial sphere at null infinity. Asymptotic particle states can be characterized by the point at which they enter or exit the celestial sphere as well as their SL(2, ℂ) Lorentz quantum numbers: namely their conformal scaling dimension and spin

$$ h\pm \overline{h} $$

h
±

h
¯

instead of the energy and momentum. This characterization precludes the notion of a soft particle whose energy is taken to zero. We propose it should be replaced by the notion of a conformally soft particle with h = 0 or

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

= 0. For photons we explicitly construct conformally soft SL(2, ℂ) currents with dimensions (1, 0) and identify them with the generator of a U(1) Kac-Moody symmetry on the celestial sphere. For gravity the generator of celestial conformal symmetry is constructed from a (2, 0) SL(2, ℂ) primary wavefunction. Interestingly, BMS supertranslations are generated by a spin-one weight (

$$ \frac{3}{2} $$

3
2

,

$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

) operator, which nevertheless shares holomorphic characteristics of a conformally soft operator. This is because the right hand side of its OPE with a weight (h,

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

) operator

$$ {\mathcal{O}}_{h,\overline{h}} $$

O

h
,

h
¯

involves the shifted operator

$$ {\mathcal{O}}_{h+\frac{1}{2},\overline{h}+\frac{1}{2}} $$

O

h
+

1
2

,

h
¯

+

1
2

. This OPE relation looks quite unusual from the celestial CFT2 perspective but is equivalent to the leading soft graviton theorem and may usefully constrain celestial correlators in quantum gravity.
Precise predictions for $$ t\overline{t}\gamma /t\overline{t} $$ cross section ratios at the LHC
Authors: Bevilacqua G. , Hartanto H. B. , Kraus M. , Weber T. , Worek M.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

With the goal of increasing the precision of NLO QCD predictions for the

$$ pp\to t\overline{t}\gamma $$

pp
→
t

t
¯

γ

process in the di-lepton top quark decay channel we present theoretical predictions for the

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{R}}={\sigma}_{t\overline{t}\gamma }/{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}} $$

ℛ
=

σ

t

t
¯

γ

/

σ

t

t
¯

cross section ratio. Results for the latter together with various differential cross section ratios are given for the LHC with the Run II energy of

$$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$

s

=
13

TeV. Fully realistic NLO computations for

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

and

$$ t\overline{t}\gamma $$

t

t
¯

γ

production are employed. They are based on matrix elements for

$$ {e}^{+}{\nu}_e{\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }b\overline{b} $$

e
+

ν
e

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

b

b
¯

and

$$ {e}^{+}{\nu}_e{\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }b\overline{b}\gamma $$

e
+

ν
e

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

b

b
¯

γ

processes and include all resonant and non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks and the W gauge bosons. Various renormalisation and factorisation scale choices and parton density functions are examined to assess their impact on the cross section ratio. Depending on the transverse momentum cut on the hard photon a judicious choice of a dynamical scale allows us to obtain 1%–3% percent precision on

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{R}} $$

ℛ

. Moreover, for differential cross section ratios theoretical uncertainties in the range of 1%-6% have been estimated. Until now such high precision predictions have only been reserved for the top quark pair production at NNLO QCD. Thus,

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{R}} $$

ℛ

at NLO in QCD represents a very precise observable to be measured at the LHC for example to study the top quark charge asymmetry or to probe the strength and the structure of the t-

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

-γ vertex. The latter can shed some light on possible new physics that can reveal itself only once sufficiently precise theoretical predictions are available.
Surgical Procedures Performed by Emergency Medical Teams in Sudden‐Onset Disasters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Coventry Charles A. , Vaska Ashish I. , Holland Andrew J. A. , Read David J. , Ivers Rebecca Q.
Published: January 2019

Background

Emergency medical teams (EMTs) frequently provide surgical care after sudden‐onset disasters (SODs) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The purpose of this review is to describe the types of surgical procedures performed by EMTs with general surgical capability in order to aid the recruitment and training of surgeons for these teams.

Methods

A search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) was carried out to identify articles published between 1990 and 2018 that describe the type of surgical procedures performed by EMTs in the impact and post‐impact phases of a SOD. Further relevant articles were obtained by hand searching reference lists.

Results

A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles reporting on EMTs from a number of different countries and responding to a variety of SODs were included. There was a high prevalence of procedures for extremity soft tissue injuries (46.8%) and fractures (28.3%), although a number of abdominal and genitourinary/obstetric procedures were also reported.

Conclusions

Based upon this review, deployment of surgeons or teams with experience in the management of soft tissue wounds, orthopaedic trauma, abdominal surgery, and obstetrics is recommended.
Does Primary Hyperparathyroidism Have an Association with Thyroid Papillary Cancer? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Çetin Kenan , Sıkar Hasan E. , Temizkan Şule , Ofluoğlu Cem B. , Özderya Ayşenur , Aydın Kadriye , Gül Aylin E. , Küçük Hasan F.
Published: January 2019

Background

To investigate the relationship between primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Methods

The perioperative findings of 275 patients with pHPT who underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty‐one patients were diagnosed with pHPT and PTC concurrently. Pathology results and demographic findings of these patients were compared with 186 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and diagnosed with PTC at the same time interval.

Results

The co‐occurrence of pHPT and PTC was 11.3% (31/275). The median ages of the pHPT, pHPT + PTC, and PTC groups were 55, 57, and 50 years old, respectively (p < 0.001). The diameter of tumor was smaller in the pHPT + PTC group [median 7 mm (range 0.5–25 mm) vs. 15 mm (range 1–100 mm)], with higher rates of microcarcinomas (p < 0.001), than the patients in the PTC group. Examination of tumor morphology showed higher rates of tumor capsule invasion and multicentricity in the pHPT + PTC group than those in the isolated PTC group (p = 0.02, p = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

The pHPT + PTC group had significantly smaller tumor diameter than the PTC group. This result may support the idea that pHPT leads to overdiagnosis of PTC. However, observation of high rates of tumor capsule invasion and multicentricity in the pHPT + PTC group may suggest an associative etiology with more aggressive PTC.
Toward a global picture of bacterial secondary metabolism
Authors: Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R
Published: January 2019

Bacterial metabolism is comprised of primary metabolites, the intracellular molecules of life that enable growth and proliferation, and secondary metabolites, predominantly extracellular molecules that facilitate a microbe’s interaction with its environment. While our knowledge of primary metabolism and its web of interconnected intermediates is quantitative and holistic, significant knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the secondary metabolomes of bacteria. In this Perspective, I discuss the main challenges involved in obtaining a global, comprehensive picture of bacterial secondary metabolomes, specifically in biosynthetically “gifted” microbes. Recent methodological advances that can meet these challenges will be reviewed. Applications of these methods combined with ongoing innovations will enable a detailed picture of global secondary metabolomes, which will in turn shed light onto the biology, chemistry, and enzymology underlying natural products and simultaneously aid drug discovery.
Museum libraries and library history: joining the research conversation at the National Gallery
Authors: Franklin Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Responding to widespread changes in the role of the museum library, the National Gallery Library is adapting to join the research conversations within the institution, as well as in the wider arenas of art history and library history. Using the historic Eastlake Library as a focus, the library has been embarking on projects on several fronts: cataloguing rare books online; selective digitisation; collaboration with the Digital Cicognara project; publishing our own research; and establishing an innovative Collaborative Doctoral Partnership as one way of creating research opportunities for others.
Otolith-Based Chronology of Brazilian Shellmounds
Authors: Carvalho Carla , Oliveira Fabiana , Macario Kita , Lima Tania , Chanca Ingrid , Alves Eduardo Q , Bertucci Thayse , Aguilera Orangel
Published: January 2019

The radiocarbon (14C) chronology of hunter-fisher-gatherers’ archaeological settlements along the Brazilian coast is usually based on mollusk shells, charcoal from hearths, and eventually human bones. However, fish otoliths are found in several archaeological contexts and may represent a reliable option as a chronological record. In this work, we compare the 14C dates of whitemouth croakers (Micropogonias furnieri) otoliths with dates obtained from other materials (shell and charcoal), collected from shellmounds on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, with the aim of improving the accuracy in the 14C dating of Brazilian shellmounds, strengthening the comprehension of the native populations’ occupational trends and the coeval palaeoceanographic context. Based on x-ray diffraction results for archaeological otoliths, their geochemical composition indicates minimal diagenesis effect over time even under burial conditions in the studied sites. The comparison between otolith dates and dates obtained from other proxies revealed similar results but with decreased deviations in otolith dates in all of the studied sites.
Pinnipeds, people and photo identification: the implications of grey seal movements for effective management of the species
Authors: Sayer Sue , Allen Rebecca , Hawkes Lucy A. , Hockley Kate , Jarvis Dan , Witt Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) of the North-east Atlantic are protected at designated European Marine Sites (Special Areas of Conservation, SACs) typically during their reproductive periods and in the UK at Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As a mobile marine species, grey seals spend other parts of their annual life cycle in non-designated habitat. There is limited information on individual grey seal movements in south-west England. Citizen science photo identification (PID) revealed the movements of 477 grey seals at a regional scale (54 haul-outs up to 230 km apart) for over a decade. Reconstructed movements showed considerable individual variability. Four SACs were linked to up to 18 non-designated sites and two SSSIs in Cornwall were linked to a maximum of 41 non-designated sites. Observations support the value of existing SSSIs at both the well-connected West and North Cornwall sites. Thirteen Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were visited by grey seals from four SACs and two SSSIs in Cornwall. As a mobile species, grey seals could be included in English MPA management plans. The application of functional linkage from SACs and SSSIs, informed by the movements evidenced in this research, could aid management efforts. This analysis reveals grey seal movements occur across a complex network of interconnected designated and non-designated sites that need to be managed holistically for this species for which the UK has a special responsibility.
Counter-revolution as international phenomenon: the case of Egypt
Authors: Allinson Jamie
Published: January 2019

This article argues that the case of the Egyptian 2011 revolution forces us to rethink accounts of counter-revolution in International Relations. The debate over whether the events of 2011–13 in Egypt should be considered a ‘revolution’ or merely a ‘revolt’ or ‘uprising’ reflects an understanding of revolutions as closed and discrete events, and therefore of international counter-revolution as significant only after revolutionary movements have seized sovereign power. Against this account, which maintains the idea of sovereignty as the boundary between domestic/social and international/ geopolitical phenomena, I argue that counter-revolutions can operate across boundaries during revolutionary situations before and to prevent revolutionary transformation and therefore affect whether a revolutionary sovereign power is established at all. Such counter-revolutions draw upon both the ideological inheritance of historical strategies of international ‘catch-up’, and the cross-border class relations that these different strategies bring into being. In the Egyptian case, the counter-revolution thus relied upon two factors deriving from this strategy: the ideological inheritance of Nasserism as a response to international hierarchy, and the integration of the post-Nasser Egyptian ruling elite with Gulf financial, and US security, networks.