bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Laccase‐Catalyzed Oxidation of 4‐Hydroxy‐Chalcones
Authors: Grosso Simone , Radaelli Fabio , Fronza Giovanni , Passarella Daniele , Monti Daniela , Riva Sergio
Published: March 2019

The laccase‐catalyzed oxidation of a series of substituted 4‐hydroxy‐chalcones has been investigated. The main isolated dimeric products were, as expected, racemic mixtures of trans‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran derivatives, always co‐eluted with an additional isomeric dimer with an open structure. The two enantiomers, as well as the co‐eluted dimeric isomer could be isolated by semi‐preparative HPLC with a chiral column and were fully characterized.

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Constituents of a mixed‐ploidy population of Solidago altissima differ in plasticity and predicted response to selection under simulated climate change
Authors: Zlonis Katharine J. , Etterson Julie R.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Polyploids possess unique attributes that influence their environmental tolerance and geographic distribution. It is often unknown, however, whether cytotypes within mixed‐ploidy populations are also uniquely adapted and differ in their responses to environmental change. Here, we examine whether diploids and hexaploids from a single mixed‐ploidy population of Solidago altissima differ in plasticity and potential response to natural selection under conditions simulating climate change.

Methods

Clonal replicates of diploid and hexaploid genotypes were grown in a randomized split‐plot design under two temperature (+1.9°C) and two watering treatments (–13% soil moisture) implemented with open‐top passive chambers placed under rainout shelters. Physiological, phenological, morphological traits, and a fitness correlate, reproductive biomass, were measured and compared among treatments.

Key Results

Differences in traits suggest that diploids are currently better adapted to low‐ water availability than hexaploids. Both ploidy levels had adaptive plastic responses to treatments and are predicted to respond to selection, but often for different traits. Water availability generally had a stronger effect than temperature, but for some traits the effect of water depended on temperature.

Conclusions

Diploid and hexaploid S. altissima may maintain fitness in the short term through adaptive plasticity and evolution depending on which traits are important in a warmer, drier environment. Hexaploids may be at a disadvantage compared to diploids because fewer traits were heritable. Our results underscore the importance of studying combinations of climate variables that are predicted to change simultaneously.
Distinct mutation spectrum, clinical outcome and therapeutic responses of typical complex/monosomy karyotype acute myeloid leukemia carrying TP53 mutations
Authors: Leung Garret M. K. , Zhang Chunxiao , Ng Nelson K. L. , Yang Ning , Lam Stephen S. Y. , Au Chun H. , Chan Tsun L. , Ma Edmond S. K. , Tsui Sze P. , Ip Ho W. , So Jason C. C. , Ng Margaret H. L. , Cheng Kelvin C. K. , Wong Kit F. , Siu Lisa L. P. , Yip Sze F. , Lin Shek Y. , Lau June S. M. , Luk Tsan H. , Lee Harold K. K. , Lau Chi K. , Kho Bonnie , Kwong Yok L. , Leung Anskar Y. H.
Published: March 2019

The present study aimed to define a subtype of complex/monosomal karyotype (CK/MK) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by its distinct clinical features, p53 signaling and responses to p53 targeting agents. Ninety‐eight young adults (range: 21‐60 years; median: 49 years) with CK/MK AML were studied. They received standard induction, consolidation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from siblings or matched unrelated donors if available. Chromosomal abnormalities most commonly affected chromosome 5 (30%), 7 (22%) and 17 (21%). Next generation sequencing of a 54‐myeloid gene panel were available in 76 patients. Tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutations were most common (49%) and associated with the presence of −5/5q‐ (P < .001) and −17/17p‐ (P < .001), but not −7/7q‐ (P = .370). This “typical” CK/MK AML subtype was associated with significantly lower presenting white cell counts, higher number of karyotypic abnormalities, and inferior leukemia‐free and overall survivals, compared with CK/MK AML without the typical features. Blood or bone marrow samples from typical CK/MK AML patients showed defective p53 signaling upon induction by etoposide. In vitro drug sensitivity analysis showed that they were sensitive to APR‐246 that targeted mutant p53, but resistant to MDM2 antagonist MI‐77301. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting TP53 mutations in CK/MK AML should be developed and tested in clinical trials.
Transient Incomplete Separation Facilitates Finding Accurate Equilibrium Dissociation Constant of Protein–Small Molecule Complex
Authors: Sisavath Nicolas , Rukundo Jean‐Luc , Le Blanc J. C. Yves , Galievsky Victor A. , Bao Jiayin , Kochmann Sven , Stasheuski Alexander S. , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: March 2019

Current practical methods for finding the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of protein–small molecule complexes have inherent sources of inaccuracy. Introduced here is “accurate constant via transient incomplete separation” (ACTIS), which appears to be free of inherent sources of inaccuracy. Conceptually, a short plug of the pre‐equilibrated protein–small molecule mixture is pressure‐propagated in a capillary, causing fast transient incomplete separation of the complex from the unbound small molecule. A superposition of signals from these two components is measured near the capillary exit and used to calculate a fraction of unbound small molecule, which, in turn, is used to calculate Kd. Herein the validity of ACTIS is proven theoretically, its accuracy is verified by computer simulation, and its practical use is demonstrated. ACTIS has the potential to become a reference‐standard method for determining Kd values of protein–small molecule complexes.
The Furan Shuffling Hypothesis: A Biogenetic Proposal for Eremophilane Sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Lardon Nicolas , Liffert Raphael , Linden Anthony , Gademann Karl
Published: March 2019

Based on the structural similarities of the recently isolated eremophilane‐type sesquiterpenoids microsphaeropsisin B and C and the iso‐eremophilane periconianone C, a revised biogenetic hypothesis for C8–C11‐connected iso‐eremophilanes is presented and corroborated by strong experimental evidence. The first enantioselective total syntheses of microsphaeropsisin B and C were achieved starting from a known intermediate, whose synthesis was elaborated previously in the total synthesis of periconianone A, and in a total of 15 steps starting from γ‐hydroxy carvone. Mild reaction conditions for the subsequent α‐ketol rearrangement not only resulted in the herein proposed conversion of microsphaeropsisin B into periconianone C, but also in the conversion of microsphaeropsisin C into 4‐epi‐periconianone C.
Parenting Disputes After Separation and Divorce: Who Needs a Family Lawyer?
Authors: Moloney Lawrence
Published: March 2019

Australia's family law system continues to be plagued by serious delays. This article acknowledges the need for legal interventions in post‐separation parenting disputes in which individuals may be at risk, or in cases of genuine emergency. The article next contrasts cases involving significant risk or urgency with the many ‘ordinary’ (even if sometimes complex) post‐separation disputes over parenting in which these circumstances are not present. I argue that in such cases, legal advice, legally informed dispute processes, and court hearings are remnants from earlier attitudes to separation and divorce. These interventions are expensive, frequently destructive of ongoing parental relationships, and at their heart, inappropriate for considering the needs of children. They also divert time and resources from the critical investigative and legal decision‐making processes needed in urgent or risk‐related cases. I propose that legal narratives in ‘ordinary’ post‐separation parenting disputes be replaced by narratives focused on the main drivers of these disputes, which are invariably expressed in terms of relationship difficulties. Such narratives are amenable to facilitative, therapeutic, and systemic interventions aimed at achieving self‐determined resolutions. They contrast markedly with narratives reflecting common law notion of normative resolutions derived from the application of legal precedent. Key issues in the first section of the article are then teased out via the reflections of an imaginary separated parent in an ‘ordinary,’ albeit difficult and emotionally intense, dispute about how to care for the children. In the final section, I offer brief clinical and systemic reflections on past practice and on future narratives focused on individual self‐determination.
A switched dynamic model for pointing tasks with a computer mouse
Authors: Aranovskiy Stanislav , Ushirobira Rosane , Efimov Denis , Casiez Géry
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study one of the most fundamental tasks in human‐computer interaction, the pointing task. It can be described simply as reaching a target with a cursor starting from an initial position (e.g. executing a movement using a computer mouse to select an icon). In this paper, a switched dynamic model is proposed to handle cursor movements in indirect pointing tasks. The model contains a ballistic movement phase governed by a nonlinear model in Lurie form and a corrective movement phase described by a linear visual‐feedback system. The stability of the model is first established and the derived model is then validated with experimental data acquired in a pointing task with a mouse. It is established that the measured data of pointing movements of different types can be fitted within the proposed model. Numerical comparison against pointing models available in the literature is also provided.
FPGA implementation of extended Kalman filter for SOC estimation of lithium‐ion battery in electric vehicle
Authors: Ma Yan , Duan Peng , He Pengcai , Zhang Fan , Chen Hong
Published: March 2019

A FPGA implementation for a model‐based state of charge (SOC) estimation is described in this paper. A Thevenin equivalent circuit model is designed for SOC estimation. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is designed to complete the SOC estimation, and the error is within 1 % . The FPGA is chosen to achieve realtime SOC estimation. A fast matrix method is proposed to improve the calculation speed of the EKF in FPGA because the EKF algorithm requires many matrix operations. In addition, the embedded system based on the FPGA with a system on a programmable chip (SOPC) technique is built using the Qsys platform in Quartus II. Based on the embedded system, an online testing platform is established to monitor the terminal voltage and load current of the experimental battery in real time; experimental results show that the online SOC estimation is successful. The measurement results show that the FPGA embedded scheme of the EKF allows for successful implementation of the SOC estimation with accuracy and speed. The fast matrix method requires 0.00007 s to implement the SOC estimation and is four times faster than the conventional matrix method.
Maintenance optimization for second‐hand products following periodic imperfect preventive maintenance warranty period
Authors: Lim Jae‐Hak , Kim Dae‐Kyung , Park Dong Ho
Published: March 2019

The maintenance policy for a product's life cycle differs for second‐hand and new products. Although several maintenance policies for second‐hand products exist in the literature, they are rarely investigated with reference to periodic inspection and preventive maintenance action during the warranty period. In this research, we study an optimal post‐warranty maintenance policy for a second‐hand product, which was purchased at age x with a fixed‐length warranty period. During the warranty period, the product is periodically inspected and maintained preventively at a prorated cost borne by the user, while any product failure is only minimally repaired by the dealer. After the warranty expires, the product is self‐maintained by the user for a fixed‐length maintenance period and the costs incurred during this time are fully borne by the user. At the end of the maintenance period, the product is replaced with a product of the user's choice. This study is focused on the determination of an optimal length for the maintenance period after the warranty expiration. As a criterion for the optimality, we adopt the long‐run mean cost during the second‐hand product's life cycle from the user's perspective. Finally, our results are analyzed numerically for sensitive analysis of several relevant factors, assuming that the failure distribution follows a Weibull distribution.
An integration of algal biofuel production planning, scheduling, and order‐based inventory distribution control systems
Authors: Nugroho Yohanes K. , Zhu Liandong
Published: March 2019

This paper studies an integration model of production planning, scheduling, and order‐ based inventory distribution control systems. It models supply‐chain and production dynamics and employs process control to supply‐chain operations and the production process and scheduling. It embeds generalized disjunctive programming (GDP) and branch‐and‐reduce algorithms to obtain an optimal solution. Generalized disjunctive programming reformulates the original mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model and solves the new model with a lower number of integer variables. Afterwards, the branch and reduce algorithm, which is strengthened with outer approximation (OA) cutting planes, is able to find optimal solutions with permissible optimality gaps. The results show that supply network size does not affect forecast accuracy; there is a forecast error rate of 12.9%. Similar figures are also shown for the inventory level, which is expected to be 32% of demand level, production changeover time at 0.58 days, inventory ramp‐up period to meet the expected raw materials and final products inventory at 0.02 and 0.04 days respectively, and extra delivery time to meet a certain level of demand change at 1.1 days. The results show that the model is capable of controlling demand forecast, inventory level, and delivery quantity, so that the supply chain can avoid stock out at a minimal level of inventory, regardless of the size of supply‐chain networks. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bewertung von Bestandsbauwerken mit gemessenen Daten
Authors: Küttenbaum Stefan , Maack Stefan , Braml Thomas , Taffe Alexander , Haslbeck Matthias
Published: March 2019

Gegenüber dem Neubauentwurf können bei der Bewertung von bestehender Bausubstanz Sicherheitsreserven genutzt werden, da Unsicherheiten, die beim Bau auftreten können, besser bekannt oder nicht mehr vorhanden sind. Können solche Unsicherheiten genauer bewertet werden, z. B. durch die Feststellung der genauen Lage der Spannglieder bei einer Spannbetonbrücke, so können Sicherheitsbeiwerte reduziert werden, ohne dass es dabei zu Auswirkungen auf das normativ festgelegte Zuverlässigkeitsniveau kommt. Mittlerweile sind Prüfmethoden an Bauwerken wirtschaftlich einsetzbar und auch so leistungsfähig, dass die für die Tragfähigkeit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit wesentlichen Parameter identifiziert werden können. Ein wesentlicher Punkt ist hierbei die Integration derartiger Messergebnisse in Rechenmodelle, die für die Nachrechnung des Bauwerks verwendet werden. Dies können sowohl semiprobabilistische Rechenmodelle als auch vollprobabilistische Modelle sein. Bei semiprobabilistischen Methoden können aus den Messergebnissen Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte berechnet und abgeleitet werden, die dann in den bekannten Nachweisformaten gemäß den Eurocodes und der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie berücksichtigt werden. Bei vollprobabilistischen Nachweisen können die Messdaten in Form von Verteilungsdichtefunktionen mit gemessenen Variationskoeffizienten direkt in das Rechenmodell eingehen. In einer dreiteiligen Aufsatzreihe werden die Messverfahren und die Nutzung der Ergebnisse bei der Nachrechnung vorgestellt. Der vorliegende Teil 1 zeigt die Möglichkeiten des Einsatzes von zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren und bewertet deren Leistungsfähigkeit. Messen heißt wissen. Dieses Wissen spiegelt die Realität wider und soll den Tragwerksplaner bei der Entscheidungsfindung über die Sicherheit und Zuverlässigkeit von Bestandsbauwerken unterstützen.
miR‐155‐5p and miR‐760 mediate radiation therapy suppressed malignancy of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Lin , Xue Feng , Cui Ying , Liu Shanshan , Li Gen , Li Jian , Guan Bixi , Zeng Hai , Bian Weixin , Yang Chuan , Zhao Chunbo
Published: March 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in tumorigenesis of various cancers. Recent study suggested that miRNAs are involved in the therapeutic functions of radiation during cancer treatment. We found that radiation can decrease the migration and invasion of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Mechanistically, radiation can significantly increase the expression of miR‐155‐5p and miR‐760 in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of miR‐155‐5p and miR‐760 can attenuate radiation suppressed proliferation of NSCLC cells. Among the various targets of miR‐155‐5p, radiation can decrease the expression of HIF‐1α. Similarly, radiation can also suppress the expression of IL‐6 via a miR‐760 dependent pathway. Gain and loss of function studies confirmed that both HIF‐1α and IL‐6 were involved in the radiation suppressed proliferation of NSCLC cells. Collectively, our data showed that radiation can regulate the expression of miR‐155‐5p and miR‐760 to suppress the malignancy of NSCLC cells. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):393–400, 2019
Study of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the response to AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap neoadjuvant treatment in a triple‐negative breast cancer animal model
Authors: Li Jianhua , Zhu Pengjin , Wang Lei , Yang Li , Zou Liqun , Gao Fabao
Published: March 2019

Objective

Evaluation of the efficacy of adeno‐associated virus 2 mediated gene transfer of vascular endothelial growth factor Trap (AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap) alone or combination with paclitaxel in a mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) using diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) and in vivo fluorescence imaging.

Materials and Methods

Xenografted TNBC tumors were established by subcutaneous injection of MDA‐MB‐231 cells into nude mice. Tumors were treated with AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap, paclitaxel, AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap combined with paclitaxel and control. A 7.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) was used to obtain the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and ΔADC values. In vivo fluorescence imaging coupled with the optical imaging probe AngioSense680 EX was acquired to obtain average luminous intensity values. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor Ki‐67 and vascular endothelial cell marker antigen (CD31) were used to evaluate the effects on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis.

Results

The combination of AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap with paclitaxel exhibited greater tumor growth inhibition compared with the other groups. The ADC values in the paclitaxel group and the AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap in combination with paclitaxel group were significant greater compared with the control group, and the ΔADC values of all treatment groups were significantly increased compared with the control group on the 14th day after administration. Decreased microvessel density and luminous intensity in the treatment groups that contain AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap were observed. Reduced proliferation activity was noted in groups that contained paclitaxel.

Conclusion

AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap inhibits TNBC growth though inhibiting tumor neovascularization with a single intravenous injection, and AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap exhibits a synergistic effect when used in combination with paclitaxel for TNBC neoadjuvant therapy. In vivo fluorescence imaging can detect the anti‐angiogenesis effect of AAV2‐VEGF‐Trap early and noninvasively. DW‐MRI can longitudinally monitor the neoadjuvant efficacy of TNBC.
Fungicidal Properties of Some Novel Trifluoromethylphenyl Amides
Authors: Tsikolia Maia , Bernier Ulrich R. , Wedge David E. , Tabanca Nurhayat , Abboud Khalil A. , Linthicum Kenneth J.
Published: March 2019

Trifluoromethylphenyl amides (TFMPAs) were designed and synthesized as potential pesticides. Thirty‐three structures were evaluated for fungicidal activity against three Colletotrichum species using direct bioautography assays. Active compounds were subsequently tested against C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, C. acutatum, Phomopsis obscurans, P. viticola, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. The study identified 2‐chloro‐N‐[2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]acetamide (7a) as showing the strongest antifungal activity, and the broadest activity spectrum in this set against Colletotrichum acutatum (at 48 and 72 h) and Phomopsis viticola (at 144 h). The presence of triethylamine in its complex with N‐[2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropanamide (7b′) played an important role in the bioactivity, and depending on the concentration or fungal species it showed higher or lower activity than the parent amide. X‐Ray crystallography has shown that the complex (7b′) is an ion pair, (C10H2Cl2F8NO)− (C6H16N)+, where a proton is transferred from the amide nitrogen to the triethylamine nitrogen and then connected by hydrogen bonding to the acyl oxygen (N−H 0.893 Å; H⋅⋅⋅O 1.850 Å; N⋅⋅⋅O 2.711 Å; N−H⋅⋅⋅O 161.2(13)°). Although none of these compounds were better than standards, this work revealed some potential lead structures for further development of active novel compounds.
Impact of baseline cigarette smoking status on clinical outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Abawi Masieh , van Gils Lennart , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Kooistra Nynke H. M. , van Dongen Charlotte S. , van Jaarsveld Romy C. , de Jaegere Peter P. T. , Doevendans Pieter A. F. M. , Stella Pieter R.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To explore the prevalence of smoking, and its association with clinical and mortality outcome among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Less data exist regarding the effect of baseline smoking status on clinical and mortality outcome among patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent TAVR at two high volume Dutch centers were included. Smoking status was prospectively questioned by a structured interview at admission. Primary endpoint was 1‐year all‐cause mortality after TAVR.

Results

A total of 913 consecutive patients (80.1 ± 7.6 years; logistic EuroSCORE: 16.5 ± 9.9%) who underwent TAVR for severe aortic valve stenosis were included. There were 47% (n = 432) males, and 57% (n = 522) never‐smokers, and 35% (n = 317) prior‐smokers, and 8% (n = 74) current‐smokers. Smokers (i.e., prior‐smokers or current‐smokers) were younger compared to never‐smokers (78.9 ± 7.9 and 76.4 ± 8.0 vs. 81.3 ± 7.1, P < 0.000, respectively). Median follow‐up time was 365 (interquartile range [IQR]: 280–365) days. Overall, prior‐smoking was not associated with all‐cause mortality at 1‐year following TAVR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–1.23). After stratification according to sex, male prior‐smokers showed better 1‐year survival after TAVR than male never‐smokers (12% vs. 20%; P = 0.018, respectively, HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29–0.89), while this reversed effect was not observed among female prior‐smokers versus female never‐smokers after TAVR (HR 1.70, 95% CI 0.95–3.05).

Conclusions

Overall, baseline prior‐smokers had similar 1‐year mortality outcome after TAVR compared with baseline never‐smokers. However, there was a reversed association between baseline prior‐smoking status and 1‐year mortality after TAVR among males, which could partially be explained due to the favorable baseline characteristics.
Acute dyspnoea due to an unusual giant thymic cyst
Authors: Boultadakis Evangelos , Samanidis George , Karampinis Ioannis , Misthos Panagiotis , Lioulias Achilleas
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Does a percutaneous needle aspiration of thymic cyst should be considered? In case when a surgical excision is contradicted, the percutaneous needle aspiration should be performed. Surgical resection can be performed with a thoracotomy or a videothoracoscopic procedure, but sometimes, a median sternotomy is unavoidable.
Obstructive sleep apnea in a Chihuahua successfully managed with ondansetron
Authors: Kopke Matthew A. , Wightman Paul , Ruaux Craig G.
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

While the persistence of clinical signs related to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, particularly sleep‐disordered breathing patterns following appropriate surgical management is likely to be relatively rare, this potential sequela needs to be considered, along with being aware of possible medical management options such as serotonin antagonists.
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for treating acute asthmatic attacks in three pregnant women with dyspnea and hypoxemia
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Kondo Yutaka , Fukuda Tatsuma , Hanashiro Kazuhiko , Baba Motoo , Sato Yoko , Kukita Ichiro , Matumoto Tuyoshi
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

In our case reports, we mentioned about the utility of NPPV therapy in addition to standard pharmacologic therapy for acute asthma exacerbations in pregnant women with dyspnea and hypoxemia compared with that of oxygen therapy alone. Careful patient selection and clinicians’ NPPV experience are crucial in optimizing patient outcomes.
Soft‐Templated Synthesis of Sheet‐Like Nanoporous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbons for Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Allah Abeer Enaiet , Yamauchi Yusuke , Wang Jie , Bando Yoshio , Tan Haibo , Farghali Ahmed A. , Khedr Mohamed Hamdy , Alshehri Abdulmohsen , Alghamdi Yousef Gamaan , Martin Darren , Wahab Mohammad A. , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Nanjundan Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen‐doped nanoporous sheet‐like carbons are promising electrode materials for high‐performance supercapacitors because of their unique properties that aid electrolyte access/ion diffusion to the electrode surface. Herein, a soft‐templated synthesis strategy based on an organic‐assembly process through the co‐assembly of triblock copolymer micelles and phenol‐formaldehyde resin in aqueous solution is utilized to prepare nitrogen‐doped nanoporous carbons with sheet‐like morphology. Further carbonization and activation yield a high‐surface‐area carbon with significantly improved porosity. The activated nanoporous carbon electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 543 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 with good cycling stability in an aqueous electrolyte.
Nickel Nanocrystal Assemblies as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution from pH‐Neutral Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Imran , Hameed Asima , Zhang Ning , Ma Mingming
Published: March 2019

Earth‐abundant elements based efficient and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation from pH‐neutral aqueous solutions is highly desired, but still a momentous task. Herein, we report a nickel nanocrystal assembled nanoparticles (Ni−SP) synthesis through a simple solution phase ultrasonic‐assisted chemical reduction method. The addition of tungsten (W) metal as a non‐3d high valency element and non‐metals (B and P) as low valency element could modulate the hydrogen adsorption energy for efficient catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). For HER in pH‐neutral buffer solution, the Ni−SP needs 38 and 214 mV overpotential to drive 10 and 100 mA cm−2 current densities, respectively. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Ni−SP remains unaffected after 10 h of hydrogen production at 100 mA cm−2 current density, presenting superior stability and activity as compared to Pt/C.
Perfluorophenyl‐Directed Giant Porphyrin J‐Aggregates
Authors: Morisue Mitsuhiko , Ueno Ikuya , Muraoka Kunihiko , Omagari Shun , Nakanishi Takayuki , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Hikima Takaaki , Sasaki Sono
Published: March 2019

Quadrupolar interactions of porphyrin bearing two pentafluorophenylethynyl terminals (1) drove the formation of a successive one‐dimensional staircase structure, i.e., J‐aggregates, to yield millimeter‐length needles with a single‐crystalline character in methylcyclohexane solution. In contrast, π‐stacked interactions of porphyrin bearing two nonfluorinated phenyl terminals (2) formed no aggregates in solution. A spin‐cast film of 1 also showed bathochromic shift of the Soret and Q bands, indicating the formation of J‐aggregates. The molecular arrangement of the J‐aggregates was revealed by microbeam glazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (GIWAXD), and was in good agreement with the optimized structure generated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Modeling and Parameter Identification for a Biofilm in a Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Kubannek Fabian , Krewer Ulrike
Published: March 2019

A dynamic physical model of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) anode is presented and parameterized. It describes the evolution of current density and biofilm mass over time as a function of substrate concentration. The model is particularly useful for process monitoring or control purposes because it reproduces the dynamics of the MFC anode and contains comparatively few parameters. Parameters are identified using data from the response of the MFC to a substrate concentration pulse. Theoretical and practical identifiability of the parameters is evaluated, and parameter confidence intervals are determined.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of a Generic Formulation of Sofosbuvir and Its Metabolite GS‐331007 in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Shen Zhenwei , Zhu Xiaoxue , Zhang Hong , Chen Hong , Niu Junqi , Chen Guiling , Li Xiaojiao , Ding Yanhua
Published: March 2019

Sofosbuvir is an NS5B nucleotide inhibitor for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection. In this study the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of single and multiple doses of generic sofosbuvir were investigated in healthy Chinese subjects. Twelve subjects (6 male and 6 female) were enrolled in this study. The PK parameters of sofosbuvir and its metabolite (GS‐331007) in both blood and urine samples were analyzed after dosing by the established liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analytical method. The safety/tolerability assessment consisted of documenting adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram, and laboratory test results. Sofosbuvir was well tolerated. Major PK parameters of the generic formulation of sofosbuvir were similar to those found in previous reports. These data support further clinical evaluation of this generic formulation of sofosbuvir.
FDSTDL: Low‐power technique for FinFET domino circuits
Authors: Garg Sandeep , Gupta Tarun K.
Published: March 2019

Major issues in designing low‐power high‐speed VLSI circuits are propagation delay, power consumption, and noise tolerance. This paper describes fin field‐effect transistor (FinFET) technology for the design of low‐power VLSI circuits. FinFET uses two gates (front and back) in place of a single gate as in complementary metal‐oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology for better control of the channel. A new technique foot driven stack transistor domino logic (FDSTDL) is proposed for designing domino logic circuits in order to reduce leakage power and propagation delay. In this paper, 2‐, 4‐, 8‐, and 16‐input domino OR gates are designed and simulated using existing and proposed techniques in CMOS and FinFET technology. Simulation is done on the 32 nm predictive technology model (PTM) node using HSPICE on a direct current (DC) supply voltage of 0.9 V. The proposed circuit is simulated in two modes of FinFET, short gate (SG) mode, and low power (LP) mode. The proposed technique shows maximum power reduction of 43.45% in SG mode in comparison with conditional stacked keeper domino logic (CSK‐DL) technique and maximum delay reduction of 38.66% in LP mode in comparison with coarse‐mesh finite difference (CMFD) technique at a frequency of 200 MHz.
Non‐local electron kinetics around the cloud of dust particles
Authors: Fedoseev A.V. , Demin N.A. , Salnikov M.V. , Sukhinin G.I.
Published: March 2019

Mutual influence of dust particles and gas discharge plasma was investigated with the help of self‐consistent non‐local kinetic model. Calculations were performed for fixed step‐like radial distributions of the dust particles density, and for self‐consistent distribution calculated by the drift‐diffusion equation. The results show, that the production of electrons and ion occurs mainly outside the dust cloud. In the case of self‐consistent dust particles density distribution, inside the dust cloud the ionization rate is equal to the rate of electron and ion recombination on the dust particles, the radial components of electron and ion fluxes are almost equal to zero, and the radial electric field is expelled from the dust cloud. Presented results can be important for description of the plasma confinement of the dust particles clouds.
Potential profile near the virtual cathode in presence of charged dust
Authors: Rathod Dinesh , Dash Saroj Kumar , Sarma Arun
Published: March 2019

In this work, concept of virtual cathode and its existence in dusty plasma has been studied by theoretical and numerical analysis. Using basic equations of charge dust, ions, and electrons, the non‐monotonic behaviour of the potential in presence of charged dust has been calculated and plotted as a function of dust density. It has been found that there is a change in potential between cathode and sheath potential and subsequently changes the threshold wall temperature as compared to that of without dust conditions. The threshold wall temperature has been increased due to the ability of micro‐particles acquiring electron charge and hence, reducing potential at the wall. Further, for different values of α (depends on dust density); threshold temperature remained the same for observed virtual cathode. Hence, behaviour of potential has been plotted as a function of α with increasing wall temperatures for two dust charge values (1 and 1,000). Considering no dust charge, it has been observed that, at lower dust density, double layer like structure is formed near the emissive wall. But this double layer structure gets diminishes with increasing dust density. Hence, below a threshold dust density, virtual cathode near to the emissive wall is not possible. While for Zd = 1,000, the formation of virtual cathode appeared even at very small dust density. However, irrespective of variation of potential difference near the wall and existence of virtual cathode at different emission regime the threshold wall temperature remains same. Effect of dust potential dependency on threshold wall temperature has also been discussed in this study.
Cytological features of basal cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Okano Kimiaki , Sandoh Kaori , Ebisu Yusuke , Fujisawa Takuo , Iwai Hiroshi , Tsuta Koji
Published: March 2019

The cytological features of basal cell adenocarcinoma (BAC) of the salivary gland, a rare carcinoma, have not been well described. This study included patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BAC and who underwent preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytological examination. Cytological characteristics, including background, arrangement and shape of the neoplastic cells, nuclear and cytoplasmic features, and presence of stromal spindle cells, were reviewed. Seven patients were enrolled in the study. The cytological specimens were cellular and composed of large or small clusters with occasional discohesive neoplastic cells at the periphery. The predominant cellular morphology was spindle‐shaped in four cases, and small round‐shaped in three cases. These neoplastic cells were tightly packed, showed high cellularity and overlapping nuclei, and had mildly to moderately enlarged round to oval nuclei with occasional small nucleoli and scant cytoplasm. Stromal spindle cells were observed around the basaloid cells in three cases (42.9%). All histology‐proven stromal spindle cell‐positive cases had stromal spindle cells in the cytological specimens. The study findings clearly demonstrate the relatively high frequency of stromal spindle cells in cytological specimens of BAC. This finding is characteristic of BAC, although basal cell adenoma of salivary gland frequently has stromal spindle cells in the cytological specimens. The characteristic that differentiates BAC from basal cell adenoma is the presence of tightly packed and high cellular clusters with discohesive neoplastic cells. An understanding of these cytological features can aid the cytodiagnosis of BAC.
Anti‐doping analytes in serum: A comparison of SST and SST‐II Advance blood collection tubes
Authors: Miller Geoffrey D. , Cox Holly D. , Nair Vinod , Eichner Daniel
Published: March 2019

Serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), procollagen type III N‐terminal peptide (PIIINP), and human growth hormone (hGH) isoforms were analyzed in identical serum samples collected into BD Vacutainer® SST and BD Vacutainer® SST‐II Advance serum separator tubes. Comparing the serum collected into each tube, measurement correlation was high (R2 > 0.83) and percent bias was minimal (<|3.2%|) for all analytes measured using World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA)‐approved tests. As such, it is recommended that both SST and SST‐II Advance tubes can be used interchangeably for anti‐doping purposes.
TBAB‐Catalyzed Csp3–N Bond Formation by Coupling Pyridotriazoles with Anilines: A New Route to (2‐Pyridyl)alkylamines
Authors: Lamaa Diana , Lin Hsin‐Ping , Bzeih Tourin , Retailleau Pascal , Alami Mouad , Hamze Abdallah
Published: March 2019

A new metal‐free procedure allowing Csp3–N bond formation through coupling of pyridotriazoles and weakly nucleophilic anilines has been developed. This sustainable reaction shows high tolerance towards functional groups (ketones, free alcohols) leading to 2‐picolylamine derivatives. The key to our success is the use of a catalytic amount of TBAB and water as a co‐solvent leading to the formation of pyridylalkylamine derivatives. As this coupling tolerates the presence of Csp2–Br bond on both partners of the reaction, we performed a sequential one‐pot reaction between functionalized triazolopyridines and anilines followed by a second coupling with N‐tosylhydrazones leading to the formation of Csp3–N and Csp2–Csp2 bonds.
Fulgimides as Light‐Activated Tools in Biological Investigations
Authors: Lachmann D. , Lahmy R. , König B.
Published: March 2019

With high spatiotemporal control, the conformation, rigidity and electronics of photoresponsive bioactive molecules can be altered. This, in turn, allows for control over the biological properties of these molecules. Incorporation of a photoswitchable moiety into a number of reported inhibitors, ligands and modulators has demonstrated the ability to modulate enzyme, receptor and ion channel responses using light. To date, the major classes of photoswitches explored in biological applications have been the azobenzenes and diarylethenes. Even though the use of these photoswitches has established the value of photoresponsive molecules as biological tools, several limitations have become apparent. Fulgimides represent a promising class of photoswitches that are not widely used for such biological purposes. Their properties are similar to that of diarylethenes, as their photochromism is based on a 6π‐electrocyclic rearrangement, however, fulgimides have the added advantage of thermal stability for both isomers. Fulgimides exhibit high photostationary states and fatigue resistance, with the ability to switch in aqueous buffer solutions. In this minireview, these advantageous photophysical properties will be discussed, as well as the use of fulgimides in biological investigations.
Enantioselective capillary electrophoresis for pharmacokinetic analysis of methadone and 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine in equines anesthetized with ketamine and isoflurane
Authors: Theurillat Regula , Sandbaumhüter Friederike A. , Gittel Claudia , Larenza Menzies M. Paula , Braun Christina , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

An enantioselective assay for the determination of methadone and its main metabolite 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine in equine plasma based on capillary electrophoresis with highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector and electrokinetic analyte injection is described. The assay is based on liquid/liquid extraction of the analytes at alkaline pH from 0.1 mL plasma followed by electrokinetic sample injection of the analytes from the extract across a buffer plug without chiral selector. Separation occurs cationically at normal polarity in a pH 3 phosphate buffer containing 0.16% (w/v) of highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin. The developed assay is precise (intra‐ and interday RSD < 4% and < 7%, respectively), is capable to determine enantiomer levels of methadone and 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine in plasma down to 2.5 ng/mL, and was successfully applied to monitor enantiomer drug and metabolite levels in plasma of a pony that was anesthetized with racemic ketamine and isoflurane and received a bolus of racemic methadone and a bolus followed by constant rate infusion of racemic methadone. The data suggest that the assay is well suited for pharmacokinetic purposes.
Ecotoxicity of Nitrogen, Sulfur, or Oxygen Heterocycles and Short-Chained Alkyl Phenols Commonly Detected in Contaminated Groundwater
Authors: Brinkmann Markus , Schneider Anna-Lena , Bluhm Kerstin , Schiwy Sabrina , Lehmann Gunnar , Deutschmann Björn , Müller Axel , Tiehm Andreas , Hollert Henner
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NSO-HETs) and short-chained alkyl phenols (SCAPs) are commonly detected in groundwater at contaminated sites and in the surrounding environment. It is now scientific consensus that these chemicals pose a risk to human and ecosystem health. However, toxicity data are comparably fragmentary, and only few studies have addressed the ecotoxicity of NSO-HETs and SCAPs in a systematic and comparative fashion. To overcome this shortcoming, we tested 18 SCAPs, 16 NSO-HETs, as well as the homocyclic hydrocarbons indane and indene in the Microtox® assay with Aliivibrio fischeri, the growth inhibition test with Desmodesmus subspicatus, the acute immobilization assay with Daphnia magna, as well as the fish embryo toxicity test with embryos of the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Because of the physicochemical properties of the tested chemicals (limited water solubility, volatility, and sorption to test vessels), actual exposure concentrations in test media and their dissipation over time were analytically quantified by means of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Analytically corrected effect levels (median effect and lethal concentrations) ranged from 0.017 to 180 mg L–1, underlining the environmental relevance of some NSO-HETs and SCAPs. Para-substituted phenols showed the overall greatest toxicities in all 4 toxicity tests. We provide, for the first time, a complete high-quality data set in support of better environmental risk assessments of these chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1343–1355. © 2019 SETAC
Zircon U–Pb ages and geochemistry of the late Archaean granitoids in the Zanhuang Complex: Records of an arc–continent collision event at the end of Archaean
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Yan‐Bin , Du Li‐Lin , Yang Chong‐Hui , Yuan Hong‐Qing
Published: March 2019

The late Archaean witnessed a critical transition of the composition of the continental crust from predominantly sodic tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorites (TTGs) to a combination of TTGs and increasing proportion of potassic calc‐alkaline granitoids. This shift is also well recorded in the Zanhuang Complex located in the central part of the North China Craton (NCC). In this work, we present a detailed geochemical study of these granitoids and subdivide them into four groups, that is, TTGs, sanukitoids, crustal‐sourced granitoids, and hybrid granitoids. The TTGs in the Zanhuang Complex may have formed at a longer and earlier period during ~2.7 to ~2.5 Ga as the first stage. They show typical TTG characteristics, such as high SiO2, Na2O, and Sr/Y and depletion of Nb, Ta, Ti, and HREE. The TTGs are interpreted to have formed in a subduction‐related environment. The other three groups of granitoids formed at a shorter and later stage. The sanukitoid sample shows high MgO and Mg# and other geochemical signatures of typical Archaean sanukitoid affinity, yielding a weighted mean zircon 207Pb/206Pb age of 2,517 ± 5 Ma as the crystallization age. The sanukitoid magma derived from partial melting of a hydrous mantle peridotite source metasomatized by slab‐derived melts or fluids. The crustal‐sourced granitoids, including a new sample (~2,510 Ma) in this work, the Jiandeng granite (~2,490 Ma), and the Huangcha/Wangjiazhuang granite (2,488 to 2,517 Ma) show signatures of a mainly crustal source such as high SiO2 and K2O, low MgO and Mg# values, and weakly peraluminous. The hybrid granitoids represented by the Haozhuang granitoid (2,511 to 2,528 Ma) are characterized by enrichment in both incompatible (LILE and LREE) and compatible (Mg, Ni, and Cr) elements and may have formed by mixing/contamination of multiple magmas or sources. The temporal and spatial distributions of these groups of granitoids indicate that the Zanhuang Complex experienced a subduction–collision event between the Fuping arc and the Eastern Block of the NCC at the end of Archaean.
Perfluorophenyl‐Bifuran: A Stable and Fluorescent Material Exhibiting Mechanofluorochromic Behavior
Authors: Yakir Hadar R. , Shimon Linda J. W. , Gidron Ori
Published: March 2019

π‐Conjugated oligomers and polymers consisting of bifuran units are applied in optoelectronic devices, because bifuran units endow such devices with superior properties compared with their thiophene analogs. However, as is true for most furan oligomers, bifuran oligomers suffer from low photostability, which restricts their application. In this work, we present the synthesis and the photophysical and structural characterization of perfluorinated phenyl bifuran (PFB‐2F), which displays high photostability, while maintaining strong fluorescence quantum efficiency in both solution and the solid state. X‐Ray crystallography reveals that, unlike its thiophene analog, PFB‐2F has a completely planar backbone, with slip‐stacked packing and short interplanar distances. PFB‐2F crystals display mechanofluorochromic behavior, which renders perfluorophenyl‐substituted oligofurans potential candidates for both stable optoelectronic devices and responsive optical materials.
Intergenerational effects of old‐age pension on children's health and well‐being
Authors: Ko Hansoo
Published: March 2019

This study estimates the impacts of the basic old‐age pension reform in South Korea on childhood/adolescent health and well‐being. Facing a rapidly aging population and the increasing demand for social security for the elderly, the government introduced the basic pension program in 2007, which covered 70% of citizens 65 years or older. Information is obtained from a nationally representative panel of school‐aged children from 2006 to 2012. A difference‐in‐differences approach exploiting within‐person variation in exposure to the old‐age pension program is used. The unconditional cash transfers for the elderly have substantial impacts on the health of grandchildren. In particular, there is gender‐specific differential impacts. While grandmothers' pensions have positive impacts on granddaughters' heights and drinking participation, grandfathers' pension incomes lower smoking participation of grandsons. Results suggest that grandmothers and grandfathers put their resources for their grandchildren in a different way. It also indicates that household is not a unitary entity.