bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on hemostasis: Coagulation, platelets, and vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Del Turco Serena , Ciofani Gianni , Cappello Valentina , Parlanti Paola , Gemmi Mauro , Caselli Chiara , Ragusa Rosetta , Papa Angela , Battaglia Debora , Sabatino Laura , Basta Giuseppina , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: March 2019

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria [NC]) have attracted much attention in biomedicine due to their surface composition that confers interesting redox activities and regenerative properties. Studies have demonstrated that the application of NPs in biomedicine can influence components of hemostatic system, inducing blood clotting, alterations of blood cells, and endothelial cell functions. NC were testedin vitroto assess their hemocompatibility and anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐senescence activity in human endothelial cells. Hemocompatibility has been evaluatedin vitrolooking at the impact of NC on coagulation times, fibrinogen, and platelet aggregation. The effect of NC on vascular endothelial cells were assayed by testing cell viability, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant (tissue factor [TF]‐mRNA expression) and anti‐inflammatory properties (VCAM‐1 exposure, cytokine release), and senescence (telomere shortening). NC did not show significant effects on coagulation process, hemolysis, or platelet aggregation. In endothelial cells, NC did not affect cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, inhibited mRNA‐TF expression, VCAM‐1 expression, and cytokine release. Moreover, NC reduce telomere shortening, possibly counteracting premature senescence. The hemocompatibility combined with anticoagulant and anti‐inflammatory phenotype and the ability of counteract the premature senescence in vascular cells make NC a promising therapeutic tool in oxidative stress‐related conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2019.
The Effect of Regulation and Financial Distress on Banks' Auditor Fees
Authors: Shaw Wayne H. , Terando William D.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this article is to provide a comparison of the impact on audit pricing of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 to that of the 2008 financial collapse and the resulting Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. While prior studies have documented increased audit costs due to SOX, they have not found such increases related to the other two events. We extend this research into the subsequent two events by focusing on audit pricing in the banking industry since that industry was most directly impacted by the financial crisis and Dodd–Frank. In contrast to the prior literature based on industrial firms, we find banks experienced significant increases in audit fees related to Dodd–Frank that were unexplained by traditional control variables. Finally, we find mixed evidence of economies of scale in dealing with the costs of implementing the legislation. While only smaller banks had a significant increase in audit fees as a percentage of total assets for Dodd–Frank, larger banks experienced significantly higher audit costs due to SOX. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Book‐Tax Differences, Corporate Governance Effectiveness and Audit Quality: An Interactive Effects
Authors: Riguen Rakia , Kachouri Maali , Jarboui Anis
Published: March 2019

In this article, we aim to answer the important questions of whether the corporate governance effectiveness affects the relationship between book‐tax differences (BTDs) and audit quality. We also aim to determine whether the variability between BTDs and audit quality is moderated by corporate governance index (CGI). The primary aim of the present study is to contribute to improving the existence of an interaction between BTDs, audit quality, and CGI. This study uses a sample of 28 nonfinancial listed Tunisian companies and covers an eight‐year period from 2005 to 2015. To test the hypotheses of this research, a generalized least squares (GLS) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was applied. The results obtained show that, for the Tunisian companies, a positive association between BTDs and audit quality. The current study also provides evidence that corporate governance moderates the relationship between BTDs and audit quality. The findings may be of interest to the academic researchers, practitioners and regulators who are interested in discovering the quality of corporate governance practices and tax practices in Tunisian context. The findings of this study can help Tunisian regulators in creating corporate governance disclosure requirements. The findings also provide the African business community insights concerning audit quality, tax practices, and corporate governance. This article extends the existing literature, by examining the inter‐relationship between corporate governance, BTDs, and audit quality. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
miR‐96‐5p regulates wound healing by targeting BNIP3/FAK pathway
Authors: Wu Peng , Cao Yongqian , Zhao Ran , Wang Yibing
Published: March 2019

Cutaneous wound healing is a highly orchestrated basic biological process and one of the key processes in restoring skin integrity. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) during this process has raised numerous attention and is poorly explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential function of BCL2 interacting protein (BNIP3) and its target miRNA, miR‐96‐5p, in cutaneous wound healing. The results demonstrated that BNIP3 was significantly increased and miR‐96‐5p was obviously decreased during wound healing. Overexpression of BNIP3 significantly increased, while inhibition of BNIP3 decreased cell proliferation and migration of human primary keratinocytes. miR‐96‐5p was predicted to be a target miRNA for BNIP3 and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐96‐5p directly targeted the 3′‐untranslated region of BNIP3. Moreover, miR‐96‐5p overexpression significantly decreased, while miR‐96‐5p inhibition dramatically increased BNIP3 protein expression and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway activation. Furthermore, miR‐96‐5p inhibited cell proliferation and migration of human primary keratinocytes. Overall, our findings suggest that miR‐96‐5p might be critical in the regulation of wound healing by mediating BNIP3 and FAK pathway.
The potential value of red blood cell distribution width in patients with invasive hydatidiform mole
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Xie Youjun , Zhan Lingling
Published: March 2019

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has attracted increasing attention in cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the changes of RDW in patients with invasive hydatidiform mole and analyze the relationship between RDW and invasive hydatidiform mole.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 102 patients diagnosed as invasive hydatidiform mole in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2009 to March 2018. A total of 120 healthy subjects were used as a control group. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used for comparison between the invasive hydatidiform mole and control groups. Comparison of RDW with other blood parameters was performed using Spearman's. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were also determined.

Results

The RDW, platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and absolute lymphocyte count were significantly elevated in the invasive hydatidiform mole group compared with control group. The hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean red blood cell volume (MCV) and platelet count (PLT) were significantly lower in invasive hydatidiform mole group than control group. Grade III and above invasive hydatidiform mole patients had higher levels of RDW than grade I and II patients. Correlation analysis showed that RDW was negatively correlated with Hb, MCV, NLR, and neutrophil count, but positively correlated with PDW and different stages of invasive hydatidiform mole. The ROC curve showed that the AUC of the RDW was 0.660 (95% CI 0.581‐0.740; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study reveals the potential value of RDW in invasive hydatidiform mole.
Higher education, professional occupation, and upper socioeconomic status are associated with lower adherence to medications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Tomar Sanjeevani K , Kedia Saurabh , Singh Namrata , Upadhyay Ashish D , Kamat Nagesh , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh P , Goyal Sandeep , Jain Saransh , Makharia Govind , Ahuja Vineet
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

The literature on medication adherence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is heterogeneous. The present study aimed to identify the rates and predictors of nonadherence to medications in IBD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included patients of IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]) recruited between November 2016 and March 2017. Adherence was assessed with a questionnaire (interview based) that evaluated patients' sociodemographic and disease profile and rates and predictors of medication adherence.

Results

A total of 266 patients (204 UC, 62 CD) were included (mean age: 38.5 ± 12.7 years, males: 142 [53.4%], mean disease duration: 6.4 ± 5.2 years). The overall adherence rate was 82.3%, with the lowest for topical therapy (67.3%) and the highest for steroids (95.9%). Predominant reasons for nonadherence were forgetting dose (18.8%), unavailability of medications (13.2%), felt better (11.7%), adverse effects (6.8%), and cost of treatment (6.0%). Patients' education (P < 0.001), occupation (P = 0.097), and socioeconomic status (P = 0.021) had a negative association with adherence. Patients in upper socioeconomic strata with professional education/occupation were the least adherent (47%), whereas patients from lower socioeconomic strata who were illiterate and unemployed had the highest adherence (100%).

Conclusion

More than 80% of patients were adherent to their medications; adherence was the lowest for topical therapy. Higher education, occupation, and upper socioeconomic status were negatively associated with adherence.
Phosphatase inhibitor PPP1R11 modulates resistance of human T cells toward Treg-mediated suppression of cytokine expression
Authors: Joshi Rubin N , Fernandes Sunjay Jude , Shang Ming-Mei , Kiani Narsis A , Gomez-Cabrero David , Tegnér Jesper , Schmidt Angelika
Published: March 2019

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) act as indispensable unit for maintaining peripheral immune tolerance mainly by regulating effector T cells. T cells resistant to suppression by Tregs pose therapeutic challenges in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, while augmenting susceptibility to suppression may be desirable for cancer therapy. To understand the cell intrinsic signals in T cells during suppression by Tregs, we have previously performed a global phosphoproteomic characterization. We revealed altered phosphorylation of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 11 (PPP1R11; Inhibitor-3) in conventional T cells upon suppression by Tregs. Here, we show that silencing of PPP1R11 renders T cells resistant toward Treg-mediated suppression of TCR-induced cytokine expression. Furthermore, whole-transcriptome sequencing revealed that PPP1R11 differentially regulates not only the expression of specific T cell stimulation-induced cytokines but also other molecules and pathways in T cells. We further confirmed the target of PPP1R11, PP1, to augment TCR-induced cytokine expression. In conclusion, we present PPP1R11 as a novel negative regulator of T cell activation-induced cytokine expression. Targeting PPP1R11 may have therapeutic potential to regulate the T cell activation status including modulating the susceptibility of T cells toward Treg-mediated suppression, specifically altering the stimulation-induced T cell cytokine milieu.
State‐of‐the‐art technologies in precision agriculture: a systematic review
Authors: Bhakta Ishita , Phadikar Santanu , Majumder Koushik
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The socio‐economic status of the countries is ever‐changing due to the increasing population. ‘Green Revolution’, a paradigm shift towards technology driven agriculture, has ensured a good quality of life to some extent for this increasing population. However, it brings in several negative impacts on the environment, which poses a threat to the sustainability of agriculture and natural resources. Precision agriculture (PA) is a state‐of‐the‐art concept of site‐specific farm management that helps to overcome this threat in a smart way using modern information and communication technologies. It reduces the indecorous use of resources, pollution and hence improves quality of life, which in turn helps to achieve sustainable development goals.

RESULTS

The objective of this systematic review is to understand the present status, benefits, and limitations of the state‐of‐the‐art technologies used in PA. A total 67 articles are identified following the PRISMA guideline to inspect the technical innovations at different components of PA. The articles are examined based on the novelties, measured parameters, technologies, and field of applications.

CONCLUSION

This analysis results in a significant understanding about the present knowledge gap and identification of the potential future research opportunities for sustainable agronomy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of heterozygous pathogenic COL4A3 or COL4A4 variants on patients with X‐linked Alport syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Ding Jie , Zhang Hongwen , Yao Yong , Xiao Huijie , Wang Suxia , Wang Fang
Published: March 2019

Background

Alport syndrome is an inherited renal disease caused by mutations in COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes. Coexisting mutations in either two of the three genes in Alport patients have been reported recently. However, the effect of heterozygous mutations in COL4A3 or COL4A4 genes in X‐linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) patients is unclear.

Methods

Using targeted next‐generation sequencing, six unrelated Chinese children were identified to have a combination of a pathogenic variant in COL4A5 and a heterozygous mutation in COL4A3 or COL4A4. They were three males and three females. Another three XLAS males each with only one pathogenic variant in COL4A5 were included. The clinical data were analyzed and compared between the males in two groups (group 1, males with a pathogenic variant in COL4A5 and a heterozygous pathogenic variant in COL4A3 or COL4A4; group 2, males with only one pathogenic variant in COL4A5).

Results

Patients with XLAS who also had heterozygous pathogenic COL4A3 or COL4A4 variants accounted for 1% of Alport syndrome. In this study, three children showed coexisting pathogenic variants in COL4A5 and COL4A3. Two children showed pathogenic variants in COL4A5 and COL4A4. One child had pathogenic variants in the three COL4A3‐5 genes, in which the pathogenic variant in COL4A5 was de novo and the pathogenic variants in COL4A4 and COL4A3 were inherited independently (in trans). The site and type of mutations in COL4A5 were similar between the two groups. It was revealed that males in group 1 presented more severe proteinuria than males in group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study provides further evidence for complicated genotype in Alport syndrome. For the first time, we reported a case with three pathogenic variants in COL4A5, COL4A3, and COL4A4 genes. Moreover, we found that heterozygous pathogenic COL4A3 or COL4A4 variants are likely to make XLAS disease more serious.
Proposed FY 2020 budget reveals critical cuts in MH supports
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

President Trump's proposed FY 2020 budget, released March 11, reveals critical shortages in mental health supports — most notably, major cutbacks in spending for Medicaid and Medicare and steep reductions in mental health research. The budget proposal would end the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and convert the program's funding into block grants to the states.
Multiple tumors due to mosaic genome‐wide paternal uniparental disomy
Authors: Postema Floor A.M. , Bliek Jet , van Noesel Carel J.M. , van Zutven Laura J.C.M. , Oosterwijk Jan C. , Hopman Saskia M. J. , Merks Johannes H. M. , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: March 2019

Mosaic genome‐wide paternal uniparental disomy is an infrequently described disorder in which affected individuals have signs and symptoms that may resemble Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. In addition, they can develop multiple benign and malignant tumors throughout life. Routine molecular diagnostics may not detect the (characteristic) low level of mosaicism, and the diagnosis is likely to be missed. Genetic counseling and a life‐long alertness for the development of tumors is indicated. We describe the long diagnostic process of a patient who already had a tumor at birth and developed multiple tumors in childhood and adulthood. Furthermore, we offer clues to recognize the entity.
Phage display derived therapeutic antibodies have enriched aliphatic content: Insights for developability issues
Authors: Kaleli Nazlı Eda , Karadag Murat , Kalyoncu Sibel
Published: March 2019

Phage display is one of the most widely used technology for antibody discovery and engineering. Number of therapeutic antibodies derived from phage display increases rapidly due to its ease of use and ability to control antibody sequence information. Although there are numerous antibody candidates as promising therapeutics, most of them fail at later stages of development due to undesired biophysical properties. Antibody candidates with poor properties should be prevented or improved in early development phases to minimize enormous loss of time and resources. In this study, we showed that phage display derived therapeutic antibodies show higher self‐interaction and polyspecificity compared to non‐phage display derived ones. To identify molecular determinants behind this, physicochemical properties of CDR regions of 137 therapeutic antibodies were analyzed. We found multiple significant differences in both heavy and light chain CDR regions. Most profoundly, aliphatic content of HCDR3, HCDR2, and LCDR3 regions were enriched in phage display derived antibodies compared to non‐phage display derived ones. Physicochemical determinants documented here seem to play important roles in polyspecific and aggregation‐prone natures of antibodies which should be avoided in early development phases.
Two‐Dimensional Amorphous Cr2O3 Modified Metallic Electrodes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Narayanan Soorya P. , Thakur Pallavi , Balan Aravind Puthirath , Abraham Asha Ann , Mathew Femi , Yeddala Munaiah , Subair Thoufeeq , Tiwary Chandrasekhar , Thomas Senoy , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Anantharaman Malie Madom R.
Published: March 2019

The surface modification of benchmarked metal catalysts using nanostructured non‐metallic materials for improved performance and stability is an active area of research and is interesting from both a fundamental and an applied perspective. Amorphous few layered nanosheets of Cr2O3 (3–5 nm) are synthesized by rapid thermal exfoliation of CrCl3 · 6H2O precursors and are characterized. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) studies on alkaline medium conducted with platinum and gold electrodes modified with amorphous sheets of Cr2O3 show augmented HER activity compared to the pristine ones while Cr2O3 alone is not HER active. The role of amorphous Cr2O3 as a co‐catalyst is established and the synergistic charge transfer effects while coupling Cr2O3 with metal catalysts are studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Large‐scale processability of amorphous Cr2O3 by rapid thermal treatment along with its high electrochemical stability (>2000 cycles or >50 h) in harsh alkaline conditions, where benchmarked metals fail, open new avenues in designing novel scalable catalysts by protecting the surface of noble metal catalysts without sacrificing the electrochemical performance.
CVD Grown MoS2 Nanoribbons on MoS2 Covered Sapphire(0001) Without Catalysts
Authors: Wu Di , Shi Jiao , Zheng Xiaoming , Liu Jinxin , Dou Weidong , Gao Yongli , Yuan Xiaoming , Ouyang Fangping , Huang Han
Published: March 2019

One‐dimensional (1D) atomically thin crystals have attracted considerable interest due to their unique properties and potential applications. Herein, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoribbons on sapphire(0001) supported monolayer MoS2 flakes without catalysts as well as the characterizations by means of Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The Raman and PL results is reported, as well as OM images reveal that such MoS2 nanoribbons grow on monolayer MoS2 flakes. STEM and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) results reveal that they are grown along the direction with atomically sharp edges. Controlled experiments show that the deficiency of sulfur vapor at the beginning of growth induced 1D MoOxS2−x crystals as precursors. The subsequent sulfurization changes them into MoS2 nanoribbons. These findings provide a facile approach to MoS2 nanoribbons and enrich the horizon of the preparation of nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenides.
Does pomegranate consumption affect weight and body composition? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Gheflati Alireza , Mohammadi Mohammad , Ramezani‐Jolfaie Nahid , Heidari Zahra , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh
Published: March 2019

Pomegranate is rich in tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and several other types of antioxidant compounds whose role in weight loss has been shown in previous studies. However, the results have been mixed regarding the effects of pomegranate consumption on weight loss. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to May 2018 for controlled clinical trials assessing the effect of pomegranate consumption on weight loss. A random effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as the difference between the mean for the intervention and control groups. Thirteen randomized controlled trials (including 513 participants) were included in the present meta‐analysis. Compared with the control groups, there was no significant reduction in bodyweight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage after pomegranate consumption (WMD = −0.23 kg, 95% CI: −0.94, 0.47, P = 0.515; WMD = −0.12 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.29, 0.03, P = 0.132; WMD = −0.08 cm, 95% CI: −0.33, 0.17, P = 0.534; WMD = −0.05, 95% CI: −1.66, 1.55, P = 0.947, respectively). According to the results of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis, there was no significant effect of pomegranate consumption on weight and body composition indices.
Cellulose‐Based Substrate for SERS‐Promoted Histamine Picomolar Detection in Beverages
Authors: Bettini Simona , Pal Sudipto , Sawalha Shadi , Licciulli Antonio , Valli Ludovico , Giancane Gabriele , Pagano Rosanna
Published: March 2019

Histamine is a biogenic amine (BA) playing an important physiological role in human body, even though the assumption of high histamine amount from food and beverages can cause health diseases such as, for example, cutaneous allergy, headache and nausea. In fact, histamine can be present in foods and beverages as the result of microbial metabolism induced by temperatures and storage conditions, so histamine levels are commonly used as an indicator of food safety and quality. In the present contribution, the possibility to detect low concentration of histamine by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) by using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)‐cellulose hybrid substrate has been proposed. An easy procedure for the fabrication of the hybrid supports was developed and SERS effect at different AgNPs amounts was tested. The developed systems allowed detecting histamine down to 10–12 M in aqueous solutions. SERS substrates have been tested directly on two different kinds of commercial white wines, the first one stored in tetra pack and the other one in glass bottles without any pre‐treatment procedure. Histamine concentrations in the real samples were obtained by recording the corresponding Raman spectra and confirmed by means of conventional HPLC analysis.
Studies towards the Synthesis of Aldgamycin – M
Authors: Muralikrishna Katta , Satyanarayana Vavilapalli , Kumar Gavireddy Chaithanya , Yadav Jhillu Singh
Published: March 2019

A convergent and highly stereoselctive synthesis of macrolide framework of aldgamycin – M is described. The salient features of the synthesis are the utilization of enzymatic desymmetrization, Crimmin's non‐Evans syn aldol reaction, Wittig olefination, Yamaguchi esterification and Ring closing metathesis reaction (RCM).
Structure‐Based Virtual Screening and Synthesis of Mn2+ Complexes of Benzothiazole Derivatives for Designing New MRI Probes
Authors: Rosa Isael Aparecido , de Oliveira Silva Giacoppo Juliana , da Cunha Elaine F. F. , Fernandes Ítalo Antônio , de Oliveira Horvath Renato , Ionta Marisa , dos Santos Marcelo Henrique , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: March 2019

Benzothiazole derivatives are highly selective and an antitumor therapeutic in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the compound 2‐ (4′‐aminophenyl) benzothiazole (ABT), which exhibits nanomolar concentration activity in vitro against some human breast cancer cells in humans. In this work, we designed new contrast agents based on the structural modification of ABT by complexing them with manganese in order to obtain paramagnetic complexes for efficient diagnosis of breast cancer. The new agents were evaluated by docking studies that allowed investigating interactions and the mode of connection between the active site of the enzyme and the compounds studied. The theoretical and experimental results both indicate that Compound 57 is a promising contrast agent.
Spectrofluorometrical Determination of Vitamin B1 in Different Matrices Using Box‐Behnken Designed Pipette Tip Solid Phase Extraction by a Carbon Nanotube Sorbent
Authors: Hashemi Sayyed Hossein , Yahyavi Hossein , Kaykhaii Massoud , Hashemi Mohammad , Mirmoghaddam Majid , Keikha Ahmad Jamali
Published: March 2019

This study describes development of a method for spectrofluorometrical determination of thiamine (vitamin B1) in vitamin tablets, cactus fruits, multivitamin syrups, and human plasma after its extraction by pipette tip micro‐solid phase extraction using carbon nanotube as sorbent. A response surface methodology was used for experimental design to obtain optimal response. Ten variables including pH of the sample solution, type and volume of eluent solvent, volume of sample solution, effect of ionic strength, concentration of K3[Fe(CN)6] (as derivatizing agent), concentration of NaOH, number of cycles of extraction and elution and amount of sorbent were regarded as factors in the optimization study by Box‐Behnken design. Figures of merit were calculated as: detection limit; 0.16 μg L−1, enrichment factor; 91, linear calibration curve in the range of 0.5‐130.0 μg L−1; and reproducibility (as RSD %) better than 2.4%. The method was applied to the determination of different real samples successfully.
V2O5‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Multicomponent of Pyrazol Naphthoquinone as Scaffolds for Potential Bioactive Compounds: Synthesis, Structural Study and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Vairaperumal Veeramani , Perumal Muthuraja , Sengodu Prakash , Shanumuganthan Saravanakumar , Paramasivam Manisankar
Published: March 2019

In the present investigation, we have designed synthesis of a set of potential cytotoxic agents contains pyrazoyl naphthoquinone framework, from 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthaquionone, ethylacetoacetate, substituted phenylhydrazines and aromatic aldehydes in presence of different catalysts in one‐pot four component method. Various metal triflate, lewis acids and metal oxides were tested in multi‐component reaction, among them, V2O5 acts as best catalyst. We have also optimized the synthetic conditions such as catalyst loading, solvents and reaction time to achieve maximum yield. It is noteworthy to mention here that the sustainable solvents like ethanol found to be suitable solvent. Further, the synthesized compounds have been employed for their in‐vitro anticancer activity against cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Among the other compound, 5i has displayed highest activity in comparison with control drug (doxorubicin) with corresponding IC50 equal to 2.9 μM.
A Rechargeable Al/Graphite Battery Based on AlCl3/1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Yu Zhijing , Tu Jiguo , Wang Chen , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: March 2019

As a new and efficient power storage device, Al‐ion batteries present good prospects due to its many advantages, such as excellent performance and rich resources. In this work, a rechargeable Al‐ion battery system has been fabricated in pouch cell based on a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) containing AlCl3/1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) as electrolyte. The capacity of the battery is 86.4 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle at a current density of 50 mA g−1, and it remains above 78.0 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. A high discharge voltage platform about 2.15 V vs. Al3+/Al is obtained. In addition, in situ X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements were conducted to confirm the intercalation/de‐intercalation mechanism in the graphite layers. All of these suggest that the Al/graphite battery based on AlCl3/BMIC electrolyte, which exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance for energy storage, may be a promising Al‐ion battery system.
Molecular‐level Understanding of the Rate‐determining Step in Esterification Reactions Catalyzed by H‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite. An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Gomes Glaucio J. , Zalazar M. Fernanda , Arroyo Pedro Augusto , Scremin Fernando. R. , Costa Michelle Budke , Bittencourt Paulo R. S. , Lindino Cleber A. , Peruchena Nélida M.
Published: March 2019

Transformation of biomass into renewable energy products is currently one of the most promising technologies for dropping dependence on fossil fuels. Biodiesel production may improve with the use of heterogeneous catalysts, such as zeolites. In this work, computational calculations in conjunction with thermal analysis (TGA), evolved gases analysis (EGA) and IR spectroscopic studies were used in order to obtain a more detailed information on the adsorption mechanism involved in the rate‐determining step of esterification reactions inside the H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite.  ATR‐FTIR spectra showed a molecular adsorption of MeOH and acetic acid (AcOH) on the H‐ZSM‐5 surface, IR spectrum of AcOH showed perturbations in the region of the bands relative to the carbonyl group C=O, indicating molecular interactions by the adsorption processes, as predicted by theoretical calculations. Adsorption of a single molecule of AcOH by C=O in a single adsorption step followed by coadsorption of MeOH is more stable than adsorption involving the zeolite proton sharing, however energies values suggested competitiveness between both mechanisms. Interactions between the adsorbed molecules and the lattice structure are crucial in controlling the adsorption observed experimentally.
Highly Dynamic Nanocomposite Hydrogels Self‐Assembled by Metal Ion‐Ligand Coordination
Authors: Zhang Kunyu , Yuan Weihao , Wei Kongchang , Yang Boguang , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Zhuo , Zhang Zhiyong , Bian Liming
Published: March 2019

Hydrogels are emerging biomaterials with desirable physicochemical characteristics. Doping of metal ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+ provides the hydrogels with unique attributes, including bioactivity, conductivity, and tunability. Traditionally, this doping is achieved by the interaction between metal ions and corresponding ligands or the direct incorporation of as‐prepared metal‐based nanoparticles (NPs). However, these approaches rely on a complex and laborious preparation and are typically restricted to few selected ion species. Herein, by mixing aqueous solutions of ligands (bisphosphonates, BPs), polymer grafted with ligands, and metal ions, a series of self‐assembled metallic‐ion nanocomposite hydrogels that are stabilized by the in situ formed ligand‐metal ion (BP‐M) NPs are prepared. Owing to the universal coordination between BPs and multivalent metal ions, the strategy is highly versatile and can be generalized for a wide array of metal ions. Such hydrogels exhibit a wide spectrum of mechanical properties and remarkable dynamic properties, such as excellent injectability, rapid stress relaxation, efficient ion diffusion, and triggered disassembly for harvesting encapsulated cells. Meanwhile, the hydrogels can be conveniently coated or patterned onto the surface of metals via electrophoresis. This work presents a universal strategy to prepare designer nanocomposite materials with highly tunable and dynamic behaviors.
Interactive Simulators for Steel Industry Safety Training
Authors: Moreland John , Toth Kyle , Fang Yuqian , Block Michelle , Page Garrett , Crites Shawn , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: March 2019

This paper describes a method for the creation of interactive software for safety training, with a focus on life‐threatening situations encountered in the steel industry. This approach uses tools from the gaming industry to create photorealistic three‐dimensional models and interactive situations that are typically encountered in steel production settings. Users interact with the models in real time through scripted scenarios in which they must carry out work‐related tasks that require understanding and application of safety concepts. An example scenario that focuses on work at height and fall protection is discussed along with practical considerations for implementation.
Prevalence and Psychiatric Risk Factors of Excessive Internet Use among Northern Bangladeshi Job-Seeking Graduate Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mamun Mohammed A. , Rafi Md. Abdur , Al Mamun A. H. M. Shamim , Hasan Md. Zahid , Akter Konok , Hsan Kamrul , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2019

Although internet addiction (IA) has been the subject of research in many countries, it is poorly studied in Bangladesh, and previous studies in the country have not examined potential mental health risk factors in relation to the development of IA. The present pilot study attempted to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of IA among a convenience sample of recently graduated university students actively looking for a job (N = 284) from July to October 2018 in Rajshahi (a city in Bangladesh). The measures included socio-demographic and behavioral variables, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Surprisingly, no cases of IA were identified in the sample (i.e., the prevalence rate of IA was 0%) which may have been a consequence of the specific population sampled. A total of 3.9% of the participants (n = 11) were classified as excessive users (≥ 60 in IAT). Using regression analysis, the risk factors for excessive internet use were spending more time online (> 5 h daily) and experiencing psychiatric conditions (i.e., depression, stress). It is hoped the present pilot study will facilitate further study in Bangladesh with a more in-depth focus on the socio-demographic and psychiatric morbidities in excessive and problematic internet use. It is also speculated that job-seeking may be a situational protective risk factor for developing IA.
Tied Together: Adolescent Friendship Networks, Immigrant Status, and Health Outcomes
Authors: McMillan Cassie
Published: March 2019

This study examines the social integration of adolescent immigrants by directly analyzing the composition of their friendship networks. Using statistical network analysis, I first consider whether adolescents are more likely to befriend peers who share their immigrant generation status in a large, diverse sample of 7th through 12th graders from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 67,586). Next, I test whether having a higher proportion of same-generation friends can protect immigrant youth from experiencing negative health outcomes and adopting risky behaviors. Results indicate that adolescents are more likely to form friendships with peers who share their immigrant generation status and that this tendency is particularly strong for first-generation immigrants. Furthermore, immigrant youth with greater proportions of same-generation friends are less likely to report several negative health behaviors and outcomes. My findings suggest that same-generation friendships can serve as a protective mechanism for immigrant youth, which may help explain the existence of an immigrant health paradox.
Mitigation of stimulated Raman scattering in kilowatt-level diode-pumped fiber amplifiers with chirped and tilted fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Le , Wang Zefeng , Xi Xiaoming , Xu Xiaojun
Published: March 2019

The average power of diode-pumped fiber lasers has been developed deeply into the kW regime in the past years. However, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is still a major factor limiting the further power scaling. Here, we have demonstrated the mitigation of SRS in kilowatt-level diode-pumped fiber amplifiers using a chirped and tilted fiber Bragg grating (CTFBG) for the first time. The CTFBG is designed and inscribed in large-mode-area (LMA) fibers, matching with the operating wavelength of the fiber amplifier. With the CTFBG inserted between the seed laser and the amplifier stage, an SRS suppression ratio of ${\sim}10~\text{dB}$ is achieved in spectrum at the maximum output laser power of 2.35 kW, and there is no reduction in laser slope efficiency and degradation in beam quality. This work proves the feasibility and practicability of CTFBGs for SRS suppression in high-power fiber lasers, which is very useful for the further power scaling.
Resolving wave and laminar boundary layer scales for gap resonance problems
Authors: Wang H. , Wolgamot H. A. , Draper S. , Zhao W. , Taylor P. H. , Cheng L.
Published: March 2019

Free surface oscillations in a narrow gap between elongated parallel bodies are studied numerically. As this represents both a highly resonant system and an arrangement of relevance to offshore operations, the nature of the damping is of primary interest, and has a critical role in determining the response. Previous experimental work has suggested that the damping could be attributed to laminar boundary layers; here our numerical wave tank successfully resolves both wave and boundary layer scales to provide strong numerical evidence in support of this conclusion. The simulations follow the experiments in using wave groups so that the computation is tractable, and both linear and second harmonic excitation of the gap are demonstrated.
Positivity and continued fractions from the binomial transformation
Authors: Zhu Bao-Xuan
Published: March 2019

Given a sequence of polynomials$\{x_k(q)\}_{k \ges 0}$, define the transformation$$y_n(q) = a^n\sum\limits_{i = 0}^n {\left( \matrix{n \cr i} \right)} b^{n-i}x_i(q)$$for$n\ges 0$. In this paper, we obtain the relation between the Jacobi continued fraction of the ordinary generating function ofyn(q) and that ofxn(q). We also prove that the transformation preservesq-TPr+1(q-TP) property of the Hankel matrix$[x_{i+j}(q)]_{i,j \ges 0}$, in particular forr= 2,3, implying ther-q-log-convexity of the sequence$\{y_n(q)\}_{n\ges 0}$. As applications, we can give the continued fraction expressions of Eulerian polynomials of typesAandB, derangement polynomials typesAandB, general Eulerian polynomials, Dowling polynomials and Tanny-geometric polynomials. In addition, we also prove the strongq-log-convexity of derangement polynomials typeB, Dowling polynomials and Tanny-geometric polynomials and 3-q-log-convexity of general Eulerian polynomials, Dowling polynomials and Tanny-geometric polynomials. We also present a new proof of the result of Pólya and Szegö about the binomial convolution preserving the Stieltjes moment property and a new proof of the result of Zhu and Sun on the binomial transformation preserving strongq-log-convexity.
Electoral Reform and Trade-Offs in Representation
Authors: BECHER MICHAEL , GONZÁLEZ IRENE MENÉNDEZ
Published: March 2019

We examine the effect of electoral institutions on two important features of representation that are often studied separately: policy responsiveness and the quality of legislators. Theoretically, we show that while a proportional electoral system is better than a majoritarian one at representing popular preferences in some contexts, this advantage can come at the price of undermining the selection of good politicians. To empirically assess the relevance of this trade-off, we analyze an unusually controlled electoral reform in Switzerland early in the twentieth century. To account for endogeneity, we exploit variation in the intensive margin of the reform, which introduced proportional representation, based on administrative constraints and data on voter preferences. A difference-in-difference analysis finds that higher reform intensity increases the policy congruence between legislators and the electorate and reduces legislative effort. Contemporary evidence from the European Parliament supports this conclusion.
Interpreting magnetic helicity flux in solar flux emergence
Authors: Prior C. , MacTaggart D.
Published: March 2019

Magnetic helicity flux gives information about the topology of a magnetic field passing through a boundary. In solar physics applications, this boundary is the photosphere and magnetic helicity flux has become an important quantity in analysing magnetic fields emerging into the solar atmosphere. In this work we investigate the evolution of magnetic helicity flux in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of solar flux emergence. We consider emerging magnetic fields with different topologies and investigate how the magnetic helicity flux patterns correspond to the dynamics of emergence. To investigate how the helicity input is connected to the emergence process, we consider two forms of the helicity flux. The first is the standard form giving topological information weighted by magnetic flux. The second form represents the net winding and can be interpreted as the standard helicity flux less the magnetic flux. Both quantities provide important and distinct information about the structure of the emerging field and these quantities differ significantly for mixed sign helicity fields. A novel aspect of this study is that we account for the varying morphology of the photosphere due to the motion of the dense plasma lifted into the chromosphere. Our results will prove useful for the interpretation of magnetic helicity flux maps in solar observations.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF CAMBODIAN CYPERACEAE
Authors: Tremetsberger K. , Hameister S. , Simpson D. A. , Bernhardt K.-G.
Published: March 2019

To date, there are very few sequence data for Cyperaceae from mainland Southeast Asia. The aim of the present study was to contribute nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of selected species of Cambodian Cyperaceae to the overall phylogeny of the family. We generated ITS sequences of 38 accessions representing 26 species from Cambodia and used these sequences for phylogenetic analysis together with similar sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. Our results corroborate recent phylogenetic work in the family and largely confirm established tribal relationships. The backbone of the phylogenetic tree of species-rich genera that have undergone rapid radiations is often weakly resolved (e.g. in Fimbristylis and in the C4 clade of Cyperus). Cryptic variation was revealed in the taxonomically difficult group of Fimbristylis dichotoma, with samples of this taxon appearing in two distinct clades within Fimbristylis. Further addition of geographically spread accessions of taxa will improve our understanding of the complex biogeographical history of the genera in the family. Eleocharis koyamae Tremetsb. & D.A.Simpson is proposed as a new name for E. macrorrhiza T. Koyama.
High-gain cavity backed patch antenna arrays at 140 GHz based on LTCC technology
Authors: Qi Zihang , Li Xiuping , Chu Jinjin , Xiao Jun , Zhu Hua
Published: March 2019

In this paper, high-gain cavity backed patch antenna arrays are proposed based on low temperature co-fired ceramic technology at 140 GHz. By introducing a substrate integrated cavity to the patch antenna element, the gain is enhanced by 3.3 dB. Moreover, a rectangular ring is loaded around the patch for better impedance matching and further gain enhancement. The final simulated maximum gain of the proposed antenna element is 9.8 dBi. Based on the proposed high-gain antenna element, a 4 × 4-element array and an 8 × 8- element array are presented. The 4 × 4-element array shows a measured maximum gain of 16.9 dBi with 9.5 GHz bandwidth (136.2–145.7 GHz) and the 8 × 8-element array shows a measured maximum gain of 21.8 dBi with 9.8 GHz bandwidth(136.7–146.5 GHz), respectively.
Der nierentransplantierte Patient in der Hausarztpraxis: dos and don’ts
Authors: Schnyder Aurelia , Koneth Irene
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Nierentransplantation ist bezüglich Mortalität, Lebensqualität und Kosteneffizienz die beste Nierenersatztherapie. Im Folgenden geben wir einen groben Überblick über dieses Verfahren und geben Ratschläge für die hausärztliche Behandlung nierentransplantierter Patienten.
Signatures of Cold Ions in a Kinetic Simulation of the Reconnecting Magnetopause
Authors: Dargent J. , Aunai N. , Lavraud B. , Toledo‐Redondo S. , Califano F.
Published: March 2019

At the Earth's magnetopause, a low‐energy ion population of ionospheric origin is commonly observed at the magnetospheric side. In this work we use a 2‐D fully kinetic simulation to identify several original signatures related to the dynamics of cold ions involved in magnetic reconnection at the asymmetric dayside magnetopause. We identify several original signatures of the cold ions dynamics driven by the development of magnetic reconnection at the asymmetric dayside magnetopause. We find that cold ions tend to rarefy in the diffusion region, while their density is enhanced as a result of compression along magnetospheric separatrices. We also observe the formation of crescent‐shaped cold ion distribution functions along the separatrices in the near‐exhaust region, and we present an analytical model to explain this signature. Finally, we give evidence of a localized parallel heating of cold ions. These signatures should be detected with the magnetospheric multiscale mission high‐resolution observations.
Pyrene-affixed triazoles: a new class of molecular semiconductors for robust, non-volatile resistive memory devices
Authors: Barman Biswajit K. , Guru Murali M. , Panda Gaurav K. , Maji Biplab , Vijayaraghavan Ratheesh K.
Published: March 2019

Bistable resistive switching in devices with molecular semiconductor with pyrene appended triazole as active stratum.
Ozonolysis of 3-carene in the atmosphere. Formation mechanism of hydroxyl radical and secondary ozonides
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Liu Yuhong , Wang Liming
Published: March 2019

Ozonolysis of 3-carene produces mainly OH + vinoxy-type radical, dioxirane, and 3-caronic acid.
The primary photo-dissociation dynamics of carboxylate anions in aqueous solution: decarboxylation
Authors: Madsen Marlene Møller , Jensen Frank , Knak Jensen Svend J. , Thøgersen Jan
Published: March 2019

Photo-excitation of aqueous carboxylates results in decarboxylation.
Rethinking the X− + CH3Y [X = OH, SH, CN, NH2, PH2; Y = F, Cl, Br, I] SN2 reactions
Authors: Tasi Domonkos A. , Fábián Zita , Czakó Gábor
Published: March 2019

Explicitly-correlated ab initio computations reveal novel inversion and retention pathways for several SN2 reactions with different nucleophiles and leaving groups.
Thermal effects on the surface plasmon resonance of Cu nanoparticles in phosphate glass: impact on Cu+ luminescence
Authors: Jiménez José A.
Published: March 2019

A joint in situ absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy study exposes the effect of temperature on copper nanoparticles in phosphate glass and their influence on Cu+ luminescence.