bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feticide in second‐ and third‐trimester termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies: Results of a national survey
Authors: Maurice Paul , Letourneau Alexandra , Benachi Alexandra , Jouannic Jean‐Marie
Published: October 2019

Objective

To conduct an audit of the practice of feticide in second‐ and third‐trimester termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies (TOPFA) in prenatal diagnosis (PD) centers in France.

Results

A questionnaire was sent out to the 49 French PD centers and completed by 39/49 centers; 5350 TOPFAs were performed. The gestational age after which feticide was performed was 20 weeks in two centers (5%), 22 weeks in 28 centers (72%), 23 weeks in four centers (10%), and 24 weeks in five centers (13%). Fifteen of 39 centers reported that feticide was not performed in all cases, because of a fetal abnormality associated with a high probability of rapid neonatal death (13 centers), pregnant woman's refusal (11 centers), and technical impossibility of performing feticide (one center). Feticide was done using xylocaine in 38 of the 39 centers and using KCl in the remaining center. All but one of the centers before feticide used fetal anesthesia. Feticide was done on the day of induction of labor in 35/39 centers (90%), after maternal epidural analgesia in 33 centers, or after maternal subcutaneous local anesthesia in two centers. Feticide was done the day before induction of labor in two centers.

Conclusion

In France, most TOPFAs performed in second and third trimesters are associated with feticide, which is most often done after fetal anesthesia.
A new method for evaluating short fetal corpus callosum
Authors: Tepper Ronnie , Leibovitz Zvi , Garel Catherine , Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka
Published: October 2019

Objective

Sonographic diagnosis of short corpus callosum (SCC) is based on measurement of a short for gestational age antero‐posterior length of the corpus callosum (CC) in the midsagittal plane. We suggest a new method for evaluating SCC without referring to biometry tables.

Methods

We measured the ratio between the CC length and the internal cranial occipitofrontal dimension (ICOFD) in the midsagittal plane in 399 normal fetuses at 20 + 6 to 35 + 3 weeks of gestation and in 31 fetuses with a diagnosis of a SCC and compared the mean ratio between two groups. The impact of cephalic biometric parameters, fetal presentation, and gender was assessed.

Results

The ICOFD/CC length for normal pregnancies was constant throughout the pregnancy (2.35 ± 0.11). There was no correlation between the ICOFD/CC length and cephalic index, Biparietal Diameter (BPD), head circumference, fetal sex, or fetal presentation. The ratio of pregnancies with SCC was significantly higher: 3.20 ± 0.84 (P < .0001).

Conclusion

The ICOFD/CC length practically does not change throughout a normal pregnancy. The ratio was significantly higher in pregnancies with SCC. Measuring this ratio during fetal anatomical scan may enable rapid evaluation of the CC without the need to refer to biometry tables.
Non‐Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of an Ethylene‐Vinyl‐Acetate. II. Time‐Temperature‐Crystallinity‐Superposition
Authors: Carotenuto Claudia , Grassia Luigi , Paduano Liana P. , Minale Mario
Published: October 2019

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a random copolymer of ethylene and varying amounts of vinyl acetate that interfere with poly‐ethylene chain packing reducing crystallinity, thus improving transparency and lowering the melting temperature to 40°C–60°C. The material viscoelastic properties in its working conditions may thus depend on the crystallinity degree. The crystallization process is here rheologically studied in non‐isothermal conditions and the frequency spectra are measured at different temperatures to investigate the viscoelasticity of EVA. Coupling the crystallization kinetics and the viscoelastic spectra at different temperatures, that is, at different degree of crystallinity, we here determine two independent shift factors, one for the time‐crystallinity shift, the other for the time‐temperature shift, so to propose a new time‐temperature‐crystallinity‐superposition to reconcile all the data on a single master curve. In this way, the experimentally observable frequency range has been widened significantly so to detect all the relaxation times of the material from the shortest to the largest ones. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2550–2556, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Effect of the Ionizing Radiation on Hydroxyapatite–Polydimethylsiloxane Layers
Authors: Groza Andreea , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Jiga Gabriel , Chapon Patrick , Gaiaschi Sofia , Verga Nicolae , Beuran Mircea , Prodan Alina Mihaela , Matei Mihai , Marinescu Serban Andrei , Trusca Roxana , Predoi Daniela
Published: October 2019

The bio hydroxyapatite (HAp) was used from a long time in different medical and environmental applications. The HAp layers with a uniform surface were used for various medical applications such as orthopedic and dental metal implants. In this work, we reported on the influence of X‐ray radiation on the structural and morphological properties of composite layers based on HAp and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) deposited on titanium substrates. The HAp:PDMS layers were investigated by different complementary methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES). FTIR spectral analysis showed that the molecular structure of the coatings was not changed after their irradiation even though, the depth profile analysis performed by GDOES indicated a depletion of Ca and P elements from the HAp:PDMS irradiated samples. By SEM, we showed that the morphological features of the coatings were also changed, as the irradiated layers are delaminated. The biological assays confirmed that the antibacterial activity of HAp:PDMS composite layers increased after irradiation. The results obtained in this study highlighted that the biological properties of HAp:PDMS layers could be influenced by irradiation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2406–2412, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transport Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Kalendova Alena , Smotek Jiri , Stloukal Petr , Kracalik Milan , Slouf Miroslav , Laske Stephan
Published: October 2019

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising sustainable alternatives to petroleum‐based polymers. One of the main applications is in the packaging industry. Therefore, this article deals with the evaluation of gas transport properties polylactic acid 2003D nanocomposite. Montmorillonite‐based fillers, Cloisite® 10A, 20A, 30B and natural Cloisite® Na+, intended to enhance the transport properties, were incorporated into a series of PLA films. The influence of the additive on the transport properties was studied under the conditions of melt processing. Further material morphology was assessed using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The best results achieved compositions with PLA/Cloisite10A and Cloisite 30B with improvement more than 50%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2498–2501, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tibial Acceleration Measured from Wearable Sensors Is Associated with Loading Rates in Injured Runners
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Hayano Todd , Jamison Steve T. , Outerleys Jereme , Davis Irene S.
Published: October 2019

Background

The loadrate of the vertical ground reaction force at impact has been associated with a variety of running injuries. Peak tibial shocks occur during the early stance phase and has been shown to be correlated to the loadrates in healthy runners using a rearfoot strike pattern. As a result, tibial accelerometry has been used as a surrogate for loadrates. However, these correlations have not been assessed in injured runners nor in runners with differing footstrike patterns.

Objective

To examine the relationship between tibial acceleration and loadrates in injured runners who are habitual rearfoot (RFS), midfoot (MFS), and forefoot (FFS) strikers. Tibial acceleration was expected to be positively associated with loadrates across all footstrike patterns.

Design

Cross‐sectional cohort.

Setting

Academic medical center with biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

One hundred sixty‐nine injured runners (age 38.7 ± 13.1 years, 127 RFS, 17 MFS, 25 FFS).

Methods

Each participant completed a biomechanical assessment for injury including evaluation on a force treadmill with a triaxial accelerometer fastened by a Velcro strap to the distal medial tibia. Peak vertical and resultant tibial acceleration (VTA, RTA) were measured from the accelerometer. Vertical average and instantaneous loadrates (VALR, VILR) and the resultant instantaneous loadrate (RILR) were determined from the force data.

Main Outcome Measurements

The relationship between tibial acceleration and loadrates measured using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r).

Results

Loadrates were each associated with VTA (r = 0.66‐0.82, P < .001) and RTA (r = 0.41‐0.68, P < .05) across all footstrike groups with the exception of association of VILR to RTA in the FFS group. The strength in correlations was lowest between RTA and loadrates for the FFS runners (r = 0.41‐0.47, P < .05).

Conclusion

Vertical tibial acceleration is the stronger surrogate for loadrates in injured runners across differing footstrike patterns.
Use of vein‐viewing device to assist intravenous cannulation decreases the time and number of attempts for successful cannulation in pediatric patients
Authors: Saju Alka Sara , Prasad Lilly , Reghuraman Menaka , Karl Sampath Immanuel
Published: October 2019

Every child who contacts a healthcare setting has a potential for intravenous cannulation (IV) procedure and related pain, fear, and distress. Many of the healthcare professionals recognize that there is a lack of intervention to prevent multiple cannulation attempts and to reduce pain and distress inflicted to children during IV cannulation. A quasi‐experimental study was undertaken in pediatric patients to study the effect of a vein‐viewing device (VTorch) on IV cannulation procedure. The number of cannulation attempts and time taken for successful cannulation were assessed with the use of this device (experimental group, n = 159) and compared it with the standard procedure (control group, n = 159). The effect of this device in cannulation associated pain, fear, and behavioral distress were also evaluated among these children. Using Vein‐viewing device as an aid for IV cannulation significantly reduced the time taken for cannulation (P = .003) and the number of cannulation attempts (P = .03). In addition, there was a significant increase in the first‐attempt cannulation success rate with the use of this device (P = .04). The use of vein‐viewing device did not have any direct effect on cannulation associated pain, fear, or behavioral distress among the study participants. The results of this study may aid in improving the quality of intravenous access procedure in pediatric patients.
Green chemical process for the synthesis of conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) by nonthermal plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Chen Tungpo , Gu Yesong
Published: October 2019

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT is a promising conductive polymer, which generally uses anionic polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as the template to become water soluble. Besides the chemical and enzymatic approaches, we are presenting a novel method by employing nonthermal plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide (PAH) to promote the synthesis of water‐soluble PEDOT(PSS), which is a more environment‐friendly technology. The reaction did not utilize any other chemical solvents, except for a monomer, template as well as hydrogen peroxide, and was initiated in a neutral aqueous solution. We have found that a heating procedure under 60°C was necessary for the effective synthesis of PEDOT(PSS). The final product was further characterized by UV–Vis spectrum, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements.
Discovery of IgG4 Anti‐Gliadin Autoantibody as a Potential Biomarker of Psoriasis Using an Autoantigen Array
Authors: Qiu Jingyi , Yuan Yulin , Li Yaxi , Haley Christopher , Mui Uyen Ngoc , Swali Ritu , Mohan Chandra , Tyring Stephen K. , Wu Tianfu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Psoriasis is a complex immunological skin disease. However, whether humoral autoimmunity is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear. The aim is to determine if there are autoantibodies associated with disease activity of psoriasis.

Experimental Design

A novel autoantigen array harboring 75 antigens is developed to discover autoantibodies in the serum of psoriasis patients (N = 12) compared to healthy controls (N = 12). Validation studies are performed in a larger cohort of psoriasis patients (N = 73) and healthy controls (N = 75) together with atopic dermatitis as disease controls (N = 10).

Results

The screening results demonstrate that immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) anti‐gliadin autoantibodies are significantly elevated in the serum of psoriasis patients, compared to healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicates that IgG4 anti‐gliadin autoantibody levels can clearly discriminate psoriasis patients from healthy controls with an AUC of 0.98 (p < 0.001). Also, IgG4 anti‐gliadin autoantibody can reflect disease severity with the psoriasis area severity index score in a subpopulation of psoriasis patients.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results suggest that IgG4 anti‐gliadin autoantibody may be a disease marker of psoriasis, and it may be useful in clinical diagnostics and disease monitoring of psoriasis.

Clinical Relevance

This work represents a relatively comprehensive screening of autoantibodies, that is, IgG4 autoantibodies in psoriasis using an in‐house autoantigen array. This novel proteomic platform may be useful in clinical screening of IgG type or IgG4 subtype autoantibodies in psoriasis patients for disease monitoring or drug responses. Particularly, IgG4 anti‐gliadin autoantibody, as a new potential disease marker of psoriasis, may be useful in clinical diagnostics or prognostics of related immunological disorders.
Fundamental Aspects Concerning the Validity of the Standard Equivalent Circuit for Large‐Area Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Wagner Jan-Martin , Carstensen Jürgen , Adelung Rainer
Published: October 2019

The standard equivalent circuit of a solar cell amounts to a lumped description by separate diode and resistor elements. As its application to a large‐area silicon solar cell effectively implies averaging the emitter resistance which, however, is closely coupled to the p–n junction, it is not self‐evident that it works more or less well. Using an analytically solvable distributed series resistance model and systematically treating the deviations from the ideal case of zero emitter resistance, the equivalent circuit is found in linear order in the sheet resistivity. In this linear order, the lumped voltage losses are fully compatible with the integrated Joule losses; this compatibility turns out to be a necessary and sufficient condition for modeling the local series resistance of a large‐area silicon solar cell. In higher orders of the sheet resistivity, however, the lumped voltage losses are not compatible with the integrated Joule losses, which means that the equivalent circuit cannot describe these higher orders. The equivalent circuit resulting from the linear‐order lumped series resistance accounts for the experimentally observed variation of the lumped series resistance along the current–voltage characteristic, which turns out to be fully described by a dependence on the dark diode current only.
Paeoniflorin inhibits MRGPRX2‐mediated pseudo‐allergic reaction via calcium signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Jianli , Zhang Yongjing , Wang Jue , Liu Rui , Zhang Guiping , Dong Kai , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2019

Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor‐X2 (MRGPRX2) expressed on mast cells (MCs) has been shown to be a pivotal target for pseudo‐allergic diseases. Therefore, MRGPRX2 might be a therapeutic target for allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and red man syndrome. Paeoniflorin (PF) was reported to have an antiinflammatory effect in neuroinflammation, enteritis, and so forth. In this study, we investigated the anti‐pseudo‐allergic effect of PF and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that PF can suppress compound 48/80 (C48/80)‐induced PCA and MCs degranulation in vivo, in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, PF can reduce C48/80‐induced calcium influx and suppress MC degranulation and chemokines release in vitro. PF can downregulate the phosphorylation levels of key kinases in PLCγ‐regulated calcium influx and subsequent cytokine synthesis pathways. Our study revealed that PF could inhibit C48/80‐induced allergic responses both in vivo and in vitro. As such, it may be regarded as a novel inhibitor for preventing MRGPRX2‐mediated allergic diseases.
The potential application of Cordyceps in metabolic‐related disorders
Authors: Cao Chuqing , Yang Shuting , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: October 2019

Changes in the global economy resulted in sedentary lifestyle and excessive calorie intake, increasing the incidence of metabolic diseases, which subsequently became a universal public concern. The difficulties of managing chronic diseases did not dampen researchers' enthusiasm for studying new therapeutics or adjuvant treatments. Cordyceps spp. is a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicine; however, our understanding of this medicine remains at an initial stage. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the potential of Cordyceps as a therapeutic agent for the effective treatment of metabolic‐related disorders by exerting a variety of activities, including but not limited to anti‐inflammatory, immunoregulatory, hypoglycemic, renoprotective and cardiovascular‐protective effects. This article reviews the potential efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Cordyceps and its major bioactive ingredients in metabolic syndrome and its associated comorbidities.
A sensitive and cost‐effective high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (multiple reaction monitoring) method for the clinical measurement of serum hepcidin
Authors: Chen Michael , Liu Jun , Wright Bruce
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that plays a central role in regulating iron metabolism. It is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of iron metabolism disorders. Serum hepcidin level can differ by 3 orders of magnitude depending on the patient's condition. Existing liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) assays lack clinical sensitivity or require costly sample preparation steps. A simple, sensitive, robust and cost‐effective assay for serum hepcidin quantitation in routine clinical laboratories is needed.

Methods

A high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method was developed to quantify hepcidin in human serum using chemically synthesized hepcidin as a standard and stable‐isotope‐labeled hepcidin as the internal standard. The method was validated according to CLSI‐C62A guidelines. Calibrators were prepared with hepcidin‐free serum. Clinical samples were separately processed and compared using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and acetonitrile (ACN) protein precipitation.

Results

The calibration curve was validated over the range of 0.1–100 nmol/L with R2 >0.99. Both the SPE and the ACN precipitation methods had excellent and comparable reproducibility. The intra‐day and inter‐day coefficients of variation (CVs) were <3% and <6%. There was 89% and 88% hepcidin recovery by SPE and ACN preparation. Measurement of secondary reference material using non‐traceable calibrators yielded up to 30% positive bias, comparable with values obtained by an external comparator. Hepcidin was stable in serum at ambient temperature and at 4°C. The relative errors (REs) were ≤1.2% and ≤4.4%, respectively. The freeze–thaw (−70°C) stability after 3 cycles showed a relative error (RE) of ≤1.8%. The impact on hepcidin recovery due to hemolysis (4+), lipemia (4+) and Icterus (4+) was <3%.

Conclusions

We have developed and validated a simple, sensitive, robust and cost‐effective HPLC/MS/MS method for the quantitation of serum hepcidin. The method uses ACN protein precipitation for sample preparation and reversed‐phase normal‐flow HPLC. Sample preparation is inexpensive; it can be automated with a liquid handling system to allow high‐throughput application.
Assembly of Highly Functionalized Chromenopyranpyrazoles via Multicomponent Quadruple Domino Reaction (MCQDR)
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Devaraj Anthonisamy , Mushaf Mohammad
Published: October 2019

An effective multicomponent quadruple domino reaction (MCQDR) has been devised for the construction of an elegant class of chromenopyranpyrazole frameworks in a high stereoselective fashion. All the tetracyclic chromenopyranpyrazoles were achieved under catalyst, solvent, work‐up and column chromatography free condition, which demonstrates the applicability of this protocol towards green chemistry.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of O‐(2,6‐Bis(4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2‐yloxy) benzoyl)oxime 3‐Trifluoromethylacetophenone
Authors: Wang Bin , Xu Xiangjian , Gong Shunze , Wang Qin , Hu Hang , Xu Defeng
Published: October 2019

O‐(2,6‐bis(4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2‐yloxy)benzoyl)oxime 3‐trifluoromethylacetophenone (HB‐002) was synthesized as potential acetolactate synthetase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides. HB‐002 was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS), and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The herbicidal activities of HB‐002 against four weeds were studied in greenhouse. The results show that the control effects of HB‐002 on Eclipta prostrata L. and Cyperus difformis are very weak. However, HB‐002 exhibits higher herbicidal activity against Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees than that of Pyribenzoxim. HB‐002 also shows certain control effect on Echinochloa oryzoides (Ard.) Flritsch. Molecular docking simulation was performed to study the binding affinity and probable binding modes of HB‐002 with ALS. In the binding mode, the trifluoromethyl group of HB‐002 forms two halogen bonds (fluorine) with ALS, contributing to the lower binding free energy of HB‐002 (‐45.336 kcal/mol) as compared to Pyribenzoxim (‐40.1286 kcal/mol) and m‐trifluoromethyl Pyribenzoxim (‐44.451 kcal/mol). The present work suggests that HB‐002 may serve as a new candidate for potential herbicides.
Superior Hydrogen Absorption–Desorption Cycle Durability of Ball‐Milled 82MgH2‐3PrH2‐15Al Composite
Authors: Zhou Jia , Lei Jingjing , Zhang Qingan
Published: October 2019

In order to improve hydrogen absorption‐desorption cycle durability, an 82MgH2–3PrH2–15Al (in molar ratio) composite is ball‐milled under a 4 MPa hydrogen atmosphere. The ball‐milled composite exhibits enhanced cycle stability as compared to ball‐milled MgH2 sample. The powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images reveal that Pr3Al11 phase is in situ formed in the initial dehydrogenation process of ball‐milled 82MgH2‐3PrH2‐15Al composite, which keeps unchanged during subsequent hydrogen absorption‐desorption cycling. The Pr3Al11 nanoparticles are beneficial to cycle durability in the 82MgH2‐3PrH2‐15Al composite due to their inhibition of crystallite growth and impediment to surface oxidation for Mg.
A Novel Rose‐Like CuS/Bi2WO6 Composite for Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zhou Yi , Wu Wan , Deng Yuehong , Xiang Ye
Published: October 2019

A novel rose‐like CuS/Bi2WO6 composite was successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method for the first time. CuS/Bi2WO6 with different molar ratios was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, EIS and M−S. The morphology of samples has changed from sheet structure to ordered rose‐like shapes after the addition of CuS. The morphology difference indicated that the content of CuS has a certain effect on morphology. Experimental results show that the addition of CuS effectively improves the photocatalytic effect of Bi2WO6 due to the change of morphology. BWO‐3(the molar ratio of CuS and Bi2WO6 is 1:5) has the best photocatalytic performance, the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B reaches 96.2% after 15 minutes.
Generation of the Icetexane Core by Use of a Heck Strategy: Total Synthesis of Taxamairin B
Authors: Le Thuy Quynh , Karmakar Swastik , Lee Seonmi , Chai Uiseong , Le Minh Hoang , Oh Chang Ho
Published: October 2019

An efficient approach towards the total synthesis of Taxamairin B has been accomplished within 6 steps starting from o‐bromobenzylbromide 7 with 45% overall yield. Intramolecular Heck reaction works efficiently to furnish the 6–7‐6 fused icetexane scaffold under hydrative condition, which on restructuring affords the key β,γ‐enedione intermediate. The β,γ‐double bond has been introduced by the acid catalyzed water assisted elimination of a β‐tertiary alcohol. Later, the β,γ‐enedione on introduction of requisite unsaturation transforms into Taxamairin B.
An Acridone‐Based Fluorescent Chemosensor for Cationic and Anionic Species, and Its Application for Molecular Logic Operations
Authors: Pál Dávid , Baranyai Péter , Leveles Ibolya , Vértessy Beáta G. , Huszthy Péter , Móczár Ildikó
Published: October 2019

The metal ion and anion recognition abilities of the newly synthesized acridone derivative having amide and ester groups were studied by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The sensor molecule revealed selective recognition toward Ca(II), Hg(II), and fluoride in acetonitrile. Based on X‐ray crystallographic and 1H NMR analyses, intramolecular bifurcated H‐bond is formed between the acridone NH and the amide oxygens in the free receptor. Addition of Ca(II) and Hg(II) induced large fluorescence enhancements and changes in the 1H NMR shifts due to complexation, while fluoride deprotonated the sensor molecule giving rise to a new emission band. Selective sensing of Hg(II) based on absorption changes was also observed, presumably due to the tautomerization of the acridone unit upon complexation. The optical spectroscopic behavior in the presence or absence of Ca(II) and fluoride as chemical inputs provided an opportunity to construct IMP, INH, XOR, and XNOR molecular logic gates as well as a complementary IMP/INH circuit, and integrated logic functions such as a half‐subtractor (XOR/INH combination) and a magnitude comparator (XNOR/INH combination).
Fabrication of MoS2‐Decorated Nickel‐Cobalt Bimetal Phosphide Nanocubes as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Feng Jianhui , Zhou Hu , Chen Danyang , Shao Jinxiao , Diao Guowang , Yuan Aihua
Published: October 2019

Nickel‐cobalt bimetal phosphides were prepared via the phosphidation treatment of NiCo‐based Prussian blue analogue (PBA). Subsequently, the core‐shell structures of NiCoP@MoS2 were successfully assembled through a solvothermal reaction, where the NiCoP substrates were uniformly and randomly covered by MoS2 nanosheets. The resulting hybrids exhibited significantly superior catalytic activities towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H2SO4 to bare MoS2. The optimal catalyst afforded the best HER performance with a low overpotential of 138 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 78.1 mV dec−1, together with high stability and durability. The excellent HER properties of hybrids mainly originated from the unique core‐shell architecture and the intrinsic natures of MoS2 and PBA‐derived bimetal phosphides.
Structural Superlubricity Based on Crystalline Materials
Authors: Song Yiming , Qu Cangyu , Ma Ming , Zheng Quanshui
Published: October 2019

Herein, structural superlubricity, a fascinating phenomenon where the friction is ultralow due to the lateral interaction cancellation resulted from incommensurate contact crystalline surfaces, is reviewed. Various kinds of nano‐ and microscale materials such as 2D materials, metals, and compounds are used for the fabrication. For homogeneous frictional pairs, superlow friction forces exist in most relative orientations with incommensurate configuration. Heterojunctions bear no resemblance to homogeneous contact, since the lattice constants are naturally mismatched which leads to a robust structural superlubricity with any orientation of the two different surfaces. A discussion on the perspectives of this field is also provided to meet the existing challenges and chart the future.
Systems science and the art of interdisciplinary integration
Authors: Green Sara , Andersen Hanne
Published: October 2019

Systems sciences address issues that cross‐cut any single discipline and benefit from the synergy of combining several approaches. But interdisciplinary integration can be challenging to achieve in practice. Scientists with different disciplinary backgrounds often have different views on what count as good data, good evidence, a good model, or a good explanation. Accordingly, several scholars have reported on challenges encountered in interdisciplinary settings. This chapter outlines how some of the challenges play out in systems biology where disciplinary ideals and domainspecific practices sometime collide. We focus on tensions arising due to differences in epistemic standards between modellers with a background in physics or systems engineering, on one hand, and experimenters with a background in molecular biology on the other. We propose that part of the problem of interdisciplinary integration can be understood as the result of unfounded “disciplinary imperialism” on both sides, in which standards from one discipline are uncritically applied to new domains without recognition of other valid or complementary perspectives. Addressing and explicating the disciplinary background for the different views can help facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in science and improve science education.
Long non‐coding RNA ANRIL enhances mitochondrial function of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the MiR‐199a‐5p/ARL2 axis
Authors: Li Kun , Zhao Bao , Wei Diandian , Cui Yixuan , Qian Lisheng , Wang Wenrui , Liu Guodong
Published: October 2019

Although the roles of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) ANRIL (Antisense non‐coding RNA in the INK4A locus) have been established in various tumors, its roles in mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are still unclear. This work aims to explore lncRNA ANRIL roles in regulating the mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells. First, we found that lncRAN ANRIL expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues or cells compared with the normal adjacent tissues and normal tissues or cells. Functional experiment showed that overexpression of lncRNA ANRIL promoted mitochondrial function in HCC cells, evident by the increased mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression levels of mitochondrial markers, while ANRIL knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, lncRNA ANRIL acted as a competing endogenous RNA to increase ARL2 (ADP‐ribosylationfactor‐like 2) expression via sponging miR‐199a‐5p. Notably, the miR‐199a‐5p/ARL2 axis is necessary for ANRIL‐mediated promoting effects on HCC cell mitochondrial function. This work reveals a novel ANRIL‐miR‐199a‐5p‐ARL2 axis in HCC cell progression, which might provide potential targets for HCC treatment.
Synthesis of novel multifunctional photostabilizers containing UVA and HALS moieties and their effects on polymers and dyes
Authors: Cui Zhi‐Hua , Xia Gang , Chen Wei‐Guo , Jiang Hua , Yang Lei , Zuo Zhong‐Wei
Published: October 2019

Ultraviolet absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers are two kinds of efficient photostabilizers, which have different mechanisms. It is possible to make a synergistic interaction if introducing these two types of photostabilizing fragments into one molecule. In this article, two novel multifunctional photostabilizers UVH‐1 and UVH‐2 containing UVA and HALS fragments were synthesized from a 2‐hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole compound (UV‐P). UVH‐1 was synthesized by a three‐step synthetic strategy via esterification, bromination, and amination. UVH‐2 was facilely synthesized by a one‐step three‐component Mannich reaction. The chemical structure of UVH‐1 and UVH‐2 were confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Both multifunctional photostabilizers UVH‐1 and UVH‐2 show good ultraviolet absorption performance and excellent light stabilizing effect when applied to photoprotection of dye, polyacrylonitrile, and polyurethane in the solution state, in which UVH‐1 shows better light stabilization performance even on polymers. It can be concluded that a combination of the HALS and UVA active groups can enhance the photoprotective effect on dyes and polymers and also increase the molecular weight of the additive to overcome escape of the photostabilizer from the polymer matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:259–267, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interfacial Interactions of Silica and Natural Rubber Enhanced by Hydroxyl Telechelic Natural Rubber as Interfacial Modifier
Authors: Katueangngan Kavichat , Tulyapitak Tulyapong , Saetung Anuwat , Soontaranon Siriwat , Nithi‐Uthai Nattapong
Published: October 2019

The incompatibility between hydrophilic silica and hydrophobic rubber is an important problem on using silica in nonpolar rubber. In this study, hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber (HTNR) that contains hydroxyl‐terminated groups was introduced into silica‐reinforced natural rubber (NR) in order to improve the bonding strength between rubber and silica. The properties of silica‐reinforced NR compounds and vulcanizates as a function of varying silica contents were evaluated at a fixed HTNR concentration at 8% wt/wt of silica content. The results show that the improvement of silica dispersion and decreasing of filler–filler interactions (Payne effect) were obtained in the NR compounds and vulcanizates with HTNR addition. The enhancements in tensile properties, crosslink density, abrasion resistance, heat build‐up, and thermal properties of the silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizates with added HTNR confirmed that HTNR performed good as interfacial modifier of silica. In the study, the optimum properties of silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizate were achieved at 30 phr silica with 2.4 phr HTNR. However, HTNR still showed poorer efficiency than the synergy between commercial silane coupling agent, bis [3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl] tetrasulphide (TESPT) and diphenylguanidine (DPG) when used in silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizate. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:291–303, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Healthcare providers’ perspectives of disrespect and abuse in maternity care facilities in Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Orpin Joy , Puthussery Shuby , Burden Barbara
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To explore healthcare providers’ perspectives of disrespect and abuse in maternity care and the impact on women’s health and well-being.

Methods

Qualitative interpretive approach using in-depth semi-structured interviews with sixteen healthcare providers in two public health facilities in Nigeria. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.

Results

Healthcare providers’ accounts revealed awareness of what respectful maternity care encompassed in accordance with the existing guidelines. They considered disrespectful and abusive practices perpetrated or witnessed as violation of human rights, while highlighting women’s expectations of care as the basis for subjectivity of experiences. They perceived some practices as well-intended to ensure safety of mother and baby. Views reflected underlying gender-related notions and societal perceptions of women being considered weaker than men. There was recognition about adverse effects of disrespect and abuse including its impact on women, babies, and providers’ job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers need training on how to incorporate elements of respectful maternity care into practice including skills for rapport building and counselling. Women and family members should be educated about right to respectful care empowering them to report disrespectful practices.
Sparse force-bearing bridges between neighboring synaptic vesicles
Authors: Wesseling John F. , Phan Sébastien , Bushong Eric A. , Siksou Léa , Marty Serge , Pérez-Otaño Isabel , Ellisman Mark
Published: October 2019

Most vesicles in the interior of synaptic terminals are clustered in clouds close to active zone regions of the plasma membrane where exocytosis occurs. Electron-dense structures, termed bridges, have been reported between a small minority of pairs of neighboring vesicles within the clouds. Synapsin proteins have been implicated previously, but the existence of the bridges as stable structures in vivo has been questioned. Here we use electron tomography to show that the bridges are present but less frequent in synapsin knockouts compared to wildtype. An analysis of distances between neighbors in wildtype tomograms indicated that the bridges are strong enough to resist centrifugal forces likely induced by fixation with aldehydes. The results confirm that the bridges are stable structures and that synapsin proteins are involved in formation or stabilization.
Coloring Intersection Hypergraphs of Pseudo-Disks
Authors: Keszegh Balázs
Published: October 2019

We prove that the intersection hypergraph of a family of n pseudo-disks with respect to another family of pseudo-disks admits a proper coloring with four colors and a conflict-free coloring with $$O(\log n)$$

O
(
log
n
)

colors. Along the way we prove that the respective Delaunay-graph is planar. We also prove that the intersection hypergraph of a family of n regions with linear union complexity with respect to a family of pseudo-disks admits a proper coloring with constantly many colors and a conflict-free coloring with $$O(\log n)$$

O
(
log
n
)

colors. Our results serve as a common generalization and strengthening of many earlier results, including ones about proper and conflict-free coloring points with respect to pseudo-disks, coloring regions of linear union complexity with respect to points and coloring disks with respect to disks.
Methodology and results of real-world cost-effectiveness of carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma using registry data
Authors: Campioni M. , Agirrezabal I. , Hajek R. , Minarik J. , Pour L. , Spicka I. , Gonzalez-McQuire S. , Jandova P. , Maisnar V.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To predict the real-world (RW) cost-effectiveness of carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) patients after one to three prior therapies.

Methods

A partitioned survival model that included three health states (progression-free, progressed disease and death) was built. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and time to discontinuation (TTD) data for the Rd arm were derived using the Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies in the Czech Republic; the relative treatment effects of KRd versus Rd were estimated from the phase 3, randomised, ASPIRE trial, and were used to predict PFS, OS and TTD for KRd. The model was developed from the payer perspective and included drug costs, administration costs, monitoring costs, palliative care costs and adverse-event related costs collected from Czech sources.

Results

The base case incremental cost effectiveness ratio for KRd compared with Rd was €73,156 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Patients on KRd incurred costs of €117,534 over their lifetime compared with €53,165 for patients on Rd. The QALYs gained were 2.63 and 1.75 for patients on KRd and Rd, respectively.

Conclusions

Combining the strengths of randomised controlled trials and observational databases in cost-effectiveness models can generate policy-relevant results to allow well-informed decision-making. The current model showed that KRd is likely to be cost-effective versus Rd in the RW and, therefore, the reimbursement of KRd represents an efficient allocation of resources within the healthcare system.
The Electronic Monitoring of Offenders in Context: From Policy to Political Logics
Authors: Laurie Emma , Maglione Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

The electronic monitoring (EM) of offenders is a subject that has been researched widely within criminology. Theoretical engagement with this instrument has been limited, however. The criminological literature, in fact, has focused primarily on empirical assessments of EM’s financial and technical aspects, as well as on the legal implications of EM and its impact on reoffending. Against this backdrop, this article provides a critical examination of EM, focussing on how policy construes this penal measure, using Scotland as an example. In addition, drawing on Foucault’s notion of governmentality, this article explores and problematizes the political logics (neoliberal, nationalist and techno-communitarian) which inform EM policy in the context of Scotland. The final section shifts the focus from exposing the political milieu within which EM policy emerges to contesting its possible effects, thereby extending the political critique of EM policy. The overarching aim is to contribute toward a nuanced political assessment of EM, while presenting directions for future engagement with this subject.
Students’ trajectories through higher education: a review of quantitative research
Authors: Haas Christina , Hadjar Andreas
Published: October 2019

With the increasing availability of high-quality longitudinal data on students in higher education, scholars’ interest in how students proceed through higher education has risen. So far, the research field is diverse in theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. Thus, based on 27 studies published in (higher) education research journals during the past two decades, this literature review provides an overview of the theoretical concepts, methodologies and main empirical findings in the study of students’ trajectories in higher education. The results depict a US dominated research field. Most theoretical frameworks are based on student’s decision-making. Across different country contexts and research designs—ranging from descriptions of student trajectories to studies predicting who engages in which types of trajectories to sequential trajectory reconstruction—we found that historically disadvantaged groups in higher education such as students from low social origin follow less linear and less smooth higher education trajectories. However, while the field of comparative education is growing steadily and may significantly contribute to explaining the link between the realization of students’ opportunities and the way how higher education is designed and implemented both on the national and local level, there were no cross-country comparison studies on higher education trajectories.
The Influence of Irrelevant Visual Distractors on Eye Movement Control in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from the Remote Distractor Paradigm
Authors: Zhang Li , Yan Guoli , Zhou Li , Lan Zebo , Benson Valerie
Published: October 2019

The current study examined eye movement control in autistic (ASD) children. Simple targets were presented in isolation, or with central, parafoveal, or peripheral distractors synchronously. Sixteen children with ASD (47–81 months) and nineteen age and IQ matched typically developing children were instructed to look to the target as accurately and quickly as possible. Both groups showed high proportions (40%) of saccadic errors towards parafoveal and peripheral distractors. For correctly executed eye movements to the targets, centrally presented distractors produced the longest latencies (time taken to initiate eye movements), followed by parafoveal and peripheral distractor conditions. Central distractors had a greater effect in the ASD group, indicating evidence for potential atypical voluntary attentional control in ASD children.
The Physical, Emotional, and Identity User-Avatar Association with Disordered Gaming: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasileios , Dumble Emma , Cokorilo Sandra , Griffiths Mark D. , Pontes Halley M.
Published: October 2019

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a rapidly expanding psychopathological manifestation necessitating further research and clinical attention. Although recent research has investigated relationships between user-avatar and excessive gaming, little is known about the interplay between IGD and avatar self-presence and its dimensions (i.e., the physical, emotional, and identity bond developed between the user and the in-game character). The aim of the present pilot study was twofold: (i) to investigate the associations between physical, emotional, and identity aspects of self-presence associate and IGD severity, and (ii) to assess IGD variations longitudinally in relation to the three dimensions of self-presence (i.e., proto-self-presence, core-self-presence, and extended-self-presence). The sample comprised 125 young adults aged between 18 and 29 years who underwent either (i) three offline measurements (1 month apart, over 3 months) or (ii) a cross-sectional online measurement. Regression and latent growth analysis indicated that the initial intensity of the physical, emotional, and identity self-presence aspects associated with IGD severity, but not to its longitudinal change. Overall, young adult gamers may exhibit higher IGD risk and severity when the experience of physical, emotional, and identity bonding with their in-game character is pronounced. The implications surrounding treatment and preventative policy recommendations are further discussed.
A novel RBF-based predictive tool for facial distraction surgery in growing children with syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Angullia F. , Fright W. R. , Richards R. , Schievano S. , Linney A. D. , Dunaway D. J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Predicting changes in face shape from corrective surgery is challenging in growing children with syndromic craniosynostosis. A prediction tool mimicking composite bone and skin movement during facial distraction would be useful for surgical audit and planning. To model surgery, we used a radial basis function (RBF) that is smooth and continuous throughout space whilst corresponding to measured distraction at landmarks. Our aim is to showcase the pipeline for a novel landmark-based, RBF-driven simulation for facial distraction surgery in children.

Methods

An individual’s dataset comprised of manually placed skin and bone landmarks on operated and unoperated regions. Surgical warps were produced for ‘older’ monobloc, ‘older’ bipartition and ‘younger’ bipartition groups by applying a weighted least-squares RBF fitted to the average landmarks and change vectors. A ‘normalisation’ warp, from fitting an RBF to craniometric landmark differences from the average, was applied to each dataset before the surgical warp. The normalisation was finally reversed to obtain the individual prediction. Predictions were compared to actual post-operative outcomes.

Results

The averaged change vectors for all groups showed skin and bone movements characteristic of the operations. Normalisation for shape–size removed individual asymmetry, size and proportion differences but retained typical pre-operative shape features. The surgical warps removed the average syndromic features. Reversing the normalisation reintroduced the individual’s variation into the prediction. The mid-facial regions were well predicted for all groups. Forehead and brow regions were less well predicted.

Conclusions

Our novel, landmark-based, weighted RBF can predict the outcome for facial distraction in younger and older children with a variety of head and face shapes. It can replicate the surgical reality of composite bone and skin movement jointly in one model. The potential applications include audit of existing patient outcomes, and predicting outcome for new patients to aid surgical planning.