bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale and Uniform Liquid Metal Thin‐Film Patterning Based on Soft Lithography for 3D Heterogeneous Integrated Soft Microsystems: Additive Stamping and Subtractive Reverse Stamping
Authors: Kim Min‐gu , Kim Choongsoon , Alrowais Hommood , Brand Oliver
Published: May 2018

The use of intrinsically soft conductors, such as gallium‐based liquid metal (eutectic gallium–indium alloy, EGaIn), has enabled bioinspired and skin‐like soft electronics. Thereby, creating patterned, smooth, and uniform EGaIn thin films with high resolution and size scalability is one of the primary technical hurdles. Soft lithography using wetting/nonwetting surface modifications and 3D heterogeneous integration can address current EGaIn patterning challenges. This paper demonstrates multiscale and uniform EGaIn thin‐film patterning by utilizing an additive stamping process for large‐scale (mm–cm) soft electronics and a subtractive reverse stamping process for microscale (µm–mm) soft electronics. While EGaIn patterning based on stamping is regarded as the least reliable patterning technique, this paper highlights multiscale and uniform thin‐film patterning by stamping at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure utilizing proper chemical/physical surface modification to obtain selective nonwetting or uniform wetting properties. By combining structures fabricated using these additive and subtractive stamping techniques with 3D heterogeneous integration, functional soft microsystems are demonstrated: i) a soft LC (inductor‐capacitor) sensing platform with high areal capacitance, ii) a fingertip‐mountable biological sensing platform, and iii) soft heaters with localized and distributed heating capability. The demonstrated fabrication and integration approaches enable high‐density and multifunctional soft microsystems for versatile sensing applications.
Effective Interfacially Polymerized Polyester Solvent Resistant Nanofiltration Membrane from Bioderived Materials
Authors: Abdellah Mohamed H. , Pérez‐Manríquez Liliana , Puspasari Tiara , Scholes Colin A. , Kentish Sandra E. , Peinemann Klaus‐Viktor
Published: May 2018

Utilization of sustainable and environmentally friendly solvents for the preparation of membranes has attracted growing interest in recent years. In this work, a polyester thin film composite solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) membrane is prepared by interfacial polymerization on a cellulose support. The cellulose support is prepared by nonsolvent‐induced phase separation from a dope solution containing an ionic liquid as an environmentally friendly solvent (negligible vapor pressure). The polyester film is formed via the interfacial reaction between quercetin, a plant‐derived polyphenol, and terephthaloyl chloride. Alpha‐pinene is used as a green alternative solvent to dissolve terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) while quercetin is dissolved in a 0.2 m NaOH solution. The interfacial polymerization reaction is successfully confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy while scanning electron and atomic force microscopy are used to characterize the membrane structure. The composite membrane shows an outstanding performance with a molecular weight cut‐off around 330 Da combined with a dimethylformamide (DMF) permeance up to 2.8 L m−2 bar−1 h−1. The membrane is stable in strong aprotic solvents such as DMF offering potential application in the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.
meta‐ and para‐Selective C−H Functionalization using Transient Mediators and Noncovalent Templates
Authors: Ghosh Munmun , De Sarkar Suman
Published: May 2018

The efficient functionalization of nonactivated aromatic C−H bonds has emerged out as one of the most viable synthetic tools with respect to its versatile synthetic potential. The most successful approach for achieving positional selectivity has involved directing‐group manipulations. However, selective functionalization of distal C−H bonds, in particular those remote from the reactive functional group or the directing group, remains a daunting challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. However, several recent approaches have been developed to address this issue, including the use of transient mediators and noncovalent templates, which are discussed in this Focus Review.
A Rapidly Self‐Healing Host–Guest Supramolecular Hydrogel with High Mechanical Strength and Excellent Biocompatibility
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Ren Yipeng , Zhu Ye , Hao Lijing , Chen Yunhua , An Geng , Wu Hongkai , Shi Xuetao , Mao Chuanbin
Published: May 2018

It is still a challenge to achieve both excellent mechanical strength and biocompatibility in hydrogels. In this study, we exploited two interactions to form a novel biocompatible, slicing‐resistant, and self‐healing hydrogel. The first was molecular host–guest recognition between a host (isocyanatoethyl acrylate modified β‐cyclodextrin) and a guest (2‐(2‐(2‐(2‐(adamantyl‐1‐oxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol acrylate) to form “three‐arm” host–guest supramolecules (HGSMs), and the second was covalent bonding between HGSMs (achieved by UV‐initiated polymerization) to form strong cross‐links in the hydrogel. The host–guest interaction enabled the hydrogel to rapidly self‐heal. When it was cut, fresh surfaces were formed with dangling host and guest molecules (due to the breaking of host–guest recognition), which rapidly recognized each other again to heal the hydrogel by recombination of the cut surfaces. The smart hydrogels hold promise for use as biomaterials for soft‐tissue repair.
A Nona‐nuclear Heterometallic Pd3Pt6 “Donut”‐Shaped Cage: Molecular Recognition and Photocatalysis
Authors: Preston Dan , Sutton Joshua J. , Gordon Keith C. , Crowley James D.
Published: May 2018

We report a simple, low‐symmetry 2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ligand that has both monodentate and bidentate binding sites. With platinum(II) and/or palladium(II) ions, two examples of a new nona‐nuclear metallo‐assembly have been accessed. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and in key cases, X‐ray crystallography. The cages possess three clefts comprised of planar cationic panels. This structural feature enables the binding of planar aromatic guests such as anthracene. More interestingly, the heterometallic assembly was able to catalyze the light‐induced [4+2] cycloaddition of anthracene with singlet oxygen.
High‐Pressure Synthesis of a Nitrogen‐Rich Inclusion Compound ReN8⋅x N2 with Conjugated Polymeric Nitrogen Chains
Authors: Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Koemets Egor , Fedotenko Timofey , Aprilis Georgios , Glazyrin Konstantin , Liermann Hanns‐Peter , Ponomareva Alena V. , Tidholm Johan , Tasnádi Ferenc , Abrikosov Igor A. , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: May 2018

A nitrogen‐rich compound, ReN8⋅x N2, was synthesized by a direct reaction between rhenium and nitrogen at high pressure and high temperature in a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that the crystal structure, which is based on the ReN8 framework, has rectangular‐shaped channels that accommodate nitrogen molecules. Thus, despite a very high synthesis pressure, exceeding 100 GPa, ReN8⋅x N2 is an inclusion compound. The amount of trapped nitrogen (x) depends on the synthesis conditions. The polydiazenediyl chains [−N=N−]∞ that constitute the framework have not been previously observed in any compound. Ab initio calculations on ReN8⋅x N2 provide strong support for the experimental results and conclusions.
Cleavage of Unactivated Si−C(sp3) Bonds with Reed's Carborane Acids: Formation of Known and Unknown Silylium Ions
Authors: Wu Qian , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Omann Lukas , Irran Elisabeth , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2018

An efficient method for the benzenium‐ion‐mediated cleavage of inert Si−C(sp3) bonds is reported. Various tetraalkylsilanes can thus be converted into the corresponding counteranion‐stabilized silylium ions. The reaction is chemoselective in the case of hexamethyldisilane. Computations reveal a mechanism with backside attack of the proton at one of the alkyl groups. Several activated Si−C(spn) bonds (n=3–1) react equally well, and the procedure can be extended to the generation of stannylium ions.
Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) degradation activity using transition metal–dipicolylamine complexes
Authors: Jeong Keunhong , Shim Joongmoo , Chung Woo Young , Kye Young Sik , Kim Dongwook
Published: May 2018

Transition metal complexes have been extensively used as catalysts for organophosphorus agent decomposition to reduce their toxicity with their performance being strongly dependent on the nature of the metal ion. To investigate this dependence, we prepared dipicolylamine (DPA)‐containing complexes of Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Fe(II) and analyzed their activities for the degradation of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), a nerve agent surrogate compound. Cu(II)‐DPA complex showed fastest reaction kinetics while Zn(II)‐DPA and Ni(II)‐DPA exhibited more slower reactions. This observation can be explained using frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory, which revealed that the nucleophilicity of the oxygen atom in water molecules in these transition metal complexes was well matched with reactivity order observed in experiments. These investigations combined with theoretical study provide valuable information for designing and predicting the activity of new transition metal–organic ligand complexes as a catalyst to decompose and reduce toxicity of organophosphorus nerve agents.
Theoretical investigation into the coordination of R‐/S‐asymmetric uranyl–salophens containing six‐membered ring lactam with cis−/trans‐cyclohexylamines
Authors: Yang Liang‐Liang , Kong Xiang‐He , Wu Zhi‐Lin , Lin Ying‐Wu , Liao Li‐Fu , Nie Chang‐Ming
Published: May 2018

A six‐membered ring lactam derivative was introduced in a parallel manner into uranyl–salophens with R/S configuration (R‐/S‐AUSRLs), which were used as receptors to coordinate with guests of cis−/trans‐methylcyclohexylamines (cis−/trans‐MCHAs). Using density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311G** level and RECP, an insight into the coordination complexes of the R‐/S‐AUSRLs with cis−/trans‐MCHAs was obtained. The results showed that the U atoms of receptors could coordinate with the N atoms of four kinds of cis−/trans‐1,2 or − 1,4 guests, but the two kinds of cis−/trans‐1,3 guests could not be converged by the same method in the process of structural optimization due to steric hindrance, and thus the cis−/trans‐1,3 guests could not be coordinated with the R‐/S‐AUSRLs. The mode of coordination of the R‐/S‐AUSRLs with the guests displayed a significant difference. And the change of R‐AUSRL coordination ability to the cis−/trans‐MCHAs was very large, but that of S‐AUSRL was small. Overall, the stability of the R‐series coordination complexes was higher than that of the corresponding S‐series coordination complexes, and the R‐AUSRL receptor had better coordination selectivity and higher molecular recognition to the cis−/trans‐MCHA guests than the S‐AUSRL receptor. However, the coordination ability of S‐AUSRL with the cis−/trans‐MCHAs was stronger than that of R‐AUSRL. It was expected that these results could provide insightful information and theoretical guidance for understanding the molecular recognition of R‐/S‐AUSRLs for cis−/trans‐type cyclohexylamine derivatives.
Mechanistic Insights into the Ni‐Catalyzed Reductive Carboxylation of C−O Bonds in Aromatic Esters with CO2: Understanding Remarkable Ligand and Traceless‐Directing‐Group Effects
Authors: Han Yan‐Li , Zhao Bing‐Yuan , Jiang Kun‐Yao , Yan Hui‐Min , Zhang Zhu‐Xia , Yang Wen‐Jing , Guo Zhen , Li Yan‐Rong
Published: May 2018

The mechanism of the Ni0‐catalyzed reductive carboxylation reaction of C(sp2)−O and C(sp3)−O bonds in aromatic esters with CO2 to access valuable carboxylic acids was comprehensively studied by using DFT calculations. Computational results revealed that this transformation was composed of several key steps: C−O bond cleavage, reductive elimination, and/or CO2 insertion. Of these steps, C−O bond cleavage was found to be rate‐determining, and it occurred through either oxidative addition to form a NiII intermediate, or a radical pathway that involved a bimetallic species to generate two NiI species through homolytic dissociation of the C−O bond. DFT calculations revealed that the oxidative addition step was preferred in the reductive carboxylation reactions of C(sp2)−O and C(sp3)−O bonds in substrates with extended π systems. In contrast, oxidative addition was highly disfavored when traceless directing groups were involved in the reductive coupling of substrates without extended π systems. In such cases, the presence of traceless directing groups allowed for docking of a second Ni0 catalyst, and the reactions proceed through a bimetallic radical pathway, rather than through concerted oxidative addition, to afford two NiI species both kinetically and thermodynamically. These theoretical mechanistic insights into the reductive carboxylation reactions of C−O bonds were also employed to investigate several experimentally observed phenomena, including ligand‐dependent reactivity and site‐selectivity.
Urbane Sicherheit bei Explosionen – Schutz durch Ringgeflecht mit Wasser
Authors: Gebbeken Norbert , Rüdiger Lars , Warnstedt Paul
Published: May 2018

Stadtplaner, Bauingenieure und Architekten haben den Anspruch, Städte als lebenswerte und sichere urbane Räume zu gestalten. Anhaltender Terrorismus macht es notwendig, sich Gedanken zur Sicherheit unserer Städte zu machen. In den letzten Jahren wurde die Verwundbarkeit europäischer Städte mehrfach erkennbar. Die Angriffe richteten sich dabei direkt gegen weiche Ziele, wie z. B. Menschenansammlungen. Deshalb werden bauliche Schutzmaßnahmen für den urbanen Raum benötigt, die verträglich sind mit der Urbanität. Innovative Schutzlösungen mit einer ansprechenden Erscheinung und versteckten Schutzeigenschaften können in öffentliche Plätze integriert werden. Somit bleibt das öffentliche Leben davon nahezu unbeeinflusst. Bei einer möglichen Explosion sollen diese Schutzelemente sowohl dem einfallenden Luftstoß widerstehen als auch möglichen Fragmenten. Sie müssen den einfallenden Spitzenüberdruck der Luftstoßwelle reduzieren und sollen Fragmente stoppen oder zumindest verlangsamen. Eine innovative Schutzlösung aus Edelstahl‐Ringgeflecht mit einem herabrinnenden Wasservorhang wurde erfolgreich getestet. Mit den durchgeführten Explosionsversuchen konnte eine signifikante Reduktion der Überdruck‐ und Impulsbelastung durch die Luftstoßwelle gezeigt werden. Dies zeigt das Schutzpotenzial der Ringgeflecht‐Wasser‐Barriere, das in diesem Aufsatz dargestellt und diskutiert wird.
Transcatheter mitral valve implantation in rigid mitral annuloplasty rings: Potential differences between complete and incomplete rings
Authors: Hachinohe Daisuke , Latib Azeem , Montorfano Matteo , Colombo Antonio
Published: May 2018

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) has been performed in high‐risk and inoperable patients for degenerated mitral bioprostheses (TMVIinV) and failed annuloplasty rings (TMVIinR). TMVIinR is more challenging compared to TMVIinV because of the differences in dimensions, shapes, and contours between rings and valves. In this report, we present two clinical cases of TMVIinR that were treated by trans‐septal implantation of a balloon‐expandable prosthesis. In TMVI cases with an incomplete ring, the ring will be stretched out toward its anterior and commissural side, and the open side of the ring will increase in width. The ring may not transform in line with the shape of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) and an interspace can develop between the THV and the ring at the commissural side, resulting in significant paravalvular regurgitation. Our experience suggests that the circumferential completeness of the rings may be an important factor to consider when planning a TMVIinR.
Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis with a Cobalt‐Borate‐Based Hybrid System under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Turhan Emine A. , Nune Satya Vijaya Kumar , Ülker Emine , Şahin Ufuk , Dede Yavuz , Karadas Ferdi
Published: May 2018

The development of new water oxidation electrocatalysts that are both stable and efficient, particularly in neutral conditions, holds great promise for overall water splitting. In this study, the electrocatalytic water oxidation performance of a new cobalt‐based catalyst, Co3(BO3)2, with a Kotoite‐type crystal structure is investigated under neutral conditions. The catalyst is also hybridized with CNTs to enhance its electrocatalytic properties. A remarkable increase in catalytic current along with a significant shift in the onset overpotential is observed in Co3(BO3)2@CNT. Additionally, CNT addition also greatly influences the surface concentration of the catalyst: 12.7 nmol cm−2 for Co3(BO3)2@CNT compared with 3.9 nmol cm−2 for Co3(BO3)2. Co3(BO3)2@CNT demands overpotentials of 303 and 487 mV to attain current densities of 1 and 10 mA cm−2, respectively, at pH 7. Electrochemical and characterization studies performed over varying pH conditions reveal that the catalyst retains its stability over a pH range of 3–14. Multi‐reference quantum chemical calculations are performed to study the nature of the active cobalt sites and the effect of boron atoms on the activity of the cobalt ions.
Divergent, Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrroles, 3H‐Pyrroles and Bicyclic Imidazolines by Ag‐ or P‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Allenoates with Activated Isocyanides
Authors: Kok Germaine Pui Yann , Shao Pan‐Lin , Liao Jia‐Yu , Ismail Siti Nur Fairuz Bte Sheikh , Yao Weijun , Lu Yixin , Zhao Yu
Published: May 2018

The divergent, stereoselective formal [3+2] cycloadditions of allenoates with activated isocyanides catalyzed by silver or phosphine‐based catalysts were investigated. Silver catalysis is capable of delivering a range of 3H‐pyrroles in high stereoselectivities. These enantioenriched heterocycles can either undergo sequential cyclisation with isocyanoacetates to deliver unprecedented bicyclic imidazolines with excellent yields and stereoselectivity or undergo unusual aromatization pathways leading to polysubstituted pyrroles. On the other hand, a simple mix‐and‐go procedure using an amino acid‐derived phosphine as the catalyst produces pyrroles bearing a benzylic stereocenter with good enantioselectivity.
Site‐Selective γ‐C(sp3)−H and γ‐C(sp2)−H Arylation of Free Amino Esters Promoted by a Catalytic Transient Directing Group
Authors: Lin Hua , Wang Chao , Bannister Thomas D. , Kamenecka Theodore M.
Published: May 2018

The first selective PdII‐catalysed γ‐C(sp3)−H and γ‐C(sp2)−H arylation of free amino esters using a commercially available catalytic transient directing group. A variety of free amino esters, including α‐amino esters and β‐amino esters, amino monoesters and amino bis‐esters, are shown to react with a diverse range of simple aryl and heteroaryl iodide reagents.
Enantioselective Synthesis of All‐Carbon Quaternary Centers Structurally Related to Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids
Authors: Mikušek Jiří , Jansa Petr , Jagtap Pratap R. , Vašíček Tomáš , Císařová Ivana , Matoušová Eliška
Published: May 2018

Enantioselective synthesis of all‐carbon quaternary centers remains a considerable challenge for synthetic organic chemists. Here, we report a two‐step protocol to synthesize such centers including tandem cyclization/Suzuki cross‐coupling followed by halocarbocyclization. During this process, two rings, three new C−C bonds and a stereochemically defined all‐carbon quaternary center are formed. The absolute configuration of this center is controlled by the stereochemistry of the adjacent stereocenter, which derives from an appropriate enantioenriched starting material. Using this method, we synthesized polycyclic compounds structurally similar to Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in high enantiomeric excesses. Because these products resemble naturally occurring compounds, our protocol can be used to synthesize various potentially bioactive compounds.
Reoptimization of the Organocatalyzed Double Aldol Domino Process to a Key Enal Intermediate and Its Application to the Total Synthesis of Δ12‐Prostaglandin J3
Authors: Pelšs Andrejs , Gandhamsetty Narasimhulu , Smith James R. , Mailhol Damien , Silvi Mattia , Watson Andrew J. A. , Perez‐Powell Isabel , Prévost Sébastien , Schützenmeister Nina , Moore Peter R. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: May 2018

Re‐investigation of the l‐proline catalyzed double aldol cascade dimerization of succinaldehyde for the synthesis of a key bicyclic enal intermediate, pertinent in the field of stereoselective prostaglandin synthesis, is reported. The yield of this process has been more than doubled, from 14 % to a 29 % isolated yield on a multi‐gram scale (32 % NMR yield), through conducting a detailed study of the reaction solvent, temperature, and concentration, as well as a catalyst screen. The synthetic utility of this enal intermediate has been further demonstrated through the total synthesis of Δ12‐prostaglandin J3, a compound with known anti‐leukemic properties.
Influence of sex and pregnancy on survival in patients admitted with heart failure: Data from a prospective multicenter registry
Authors: Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Díez‐Villanueva Pablo , Álvarez Garcia Jesús , Ferrero‐Gregori Andreu , Vives‐Borrás Miquel , Worner Fernando , Bardají Alfredo , Delgado Juan F. , Vázquez Rafael , González‐Juanatey José R. , Fernández‐Aviles Francisco , Cinca Juan
Published: May 2018

Background

Female sex is an independent predictor of better survival in patients with heart failure (HF), but the mechanism of this association is unknown. On the other hand, pregnancies have a strong influence on the cardiovascular system.

Hypothesis

Sex and previous gestations might have a prognostic impact on 1‐year mortality in patients admitted with HF.

Methods

We conducted an observational, prospective, consecutive, multicenter registry of 1831 patients (756 females [41.2%]) admitted with HF.

Results

Females had a more advanced age (75.2 ±11.4 vs 70.4 ±12.2 years), less ischemic heart disease (167 [25.3%] vs 446 [47.3%]), and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (52.0% ±16.6% vs 41.1% ±17.0%) than did men (all P values <0.001). During 1‐year follow‐up, 373 (20.4%) patients died (151 females and 222 males). Female sex was an independent predictor for survival (hazard ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.98, P = 0.03). In 504 women (65.9%), the exact number of previous pregnancies could be determined; 62 women (12.3%) had no previous pregnancies, 288 (57.1%) women had 1 or 2 pregnancies, and 154 women (30.6%) had ≥3 pregnancies. We found an association between the number of previous gestations and better survival (hazard ratio: 0.878, 95% confidence interval: 0.773–0.997, P = 0.045).

Conclusions

In patients admitted with HF, female sex and the number of previous pregnancies are independently associated with better 1‐year survival.
Dual‐Responsive Carbon Dot for pH/Redox‐Triggered Fluorescence Imaging with Controllable Photothermal Ablation Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Choi Cheong A. , Lee Jung Eun , Mazrad Zihnil Adha Islamy , Kim Young Kwang , In Insik , Jeong Ji Hoon , Park Sung Young
Published: May 2018

Herein we describe fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for a pH/redox‐activatable fluorescent carbon dot (FNP) to realize “off–on” switched imaging‐guided controllable photothermal therapy (PTT). The FNP is a carbonized self‐crosslinked polymer that allows IR825 loading (FNP[IR825]) via hydrophobic interactions for cancer therapy. Fluorescence bioimaging was achieved by the internalization of FNP(IR825) into tumor cells, wherein glutathione (GSH) disulfide bonds are reduced, and benzoic imine groups are cleaved under acidic conditions. The release of IR825 from the FNP core in this system may be used to efficiently control PTT‐mediated cancer therapy via its photothermal conversion after near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. In vitro and in vivo cellular uptake studies revealed efficient uptake of FNP(IR825) by tumor cells to treat the disease site. In this way we demonstrated in mice that our smart nanocarrier can effectively kill tumor cells under exposure to a NIR laser, and that the particles are biocompatible with various organs. This platform responds sensitively to the exogenous environment inside the cancer cells and may selectively induce the release of PTT‐mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, this platform may be useful for monitoring the elimination of cancer cells through the fluorescence on/off switch, which can be used for various applications in the field of cancer cell therapy and diagnosis.
Collaborating visual tracker based on particle filter and correlation filter
Authors: Li Weiguang , Wei Wang , Qiang Han , Shi Mingquan
Published: May 2018

Correlation filter (CF)–based tracking algorithms is most popular in recent years due to its high accuracy and impressive speed. However, it has some intrinsically drawbacks such as margin suppression, sensitive for disturbance, and partial occlusions. Contrasted with CF drawbacks, the advantages of particle filter (PF) tracking algorithm include robustness, motion prediction, and wide detection range. Therefore, it can amend some CF tracker drawbacks. On the other hand, the HOG feature is widely used in CF tracker because it can detect the target precision position. However, this kind of feature is rotation‐variation, which is invalid for rotation transformation target. On the contrary, the tracker precision merely based on colour feature is rough, but colour feature is rotation invariation and is effective for rotating target; therefore, these two features are complementary. In this paper, we integrate both trackers (CF and PF) to learn the HOG and colour feature, respectively, experiments demonstrate this tracking algorithm is more robust, and the tracking precision is more accurate. This algorithm is integrated with some classic CF trackers (KCF, SAMF, and MOSSE) framework and benchmark them against their baseline. On the OTB2015 benchmark datasets, experiment result demonstrates OPE performance grades have improved from about 1% to 12%; SRE Performance grades have improved from about 1.3% to 5.8%.
Formation of Supramolecular Clusters at the Interface of Zeolite X Following the Adsorption of Rare‐Earth Cations and Their Impact on the Macroscopic Properties of the Zeolite
Authors: Guzzinati Roberta , Sarti Elena , Catani Martina , Costa Valentina , Pagnoni Antonella , Martucci Annalisa , Rodeghero Elisa , Capitani Donatella , Pietrantonio Massimiliana , Cavazzini Alberto , Pasti Luisa
Published: May 2018

The adsorption behavior of neodymium (Nd3+) and yttrium (Y3+) cations on synthetic FAU zeolite X in its sodium form (NaX) has been investigated by means of macroscopic (adsorption isotherm determination and thermal analysis) and microscopic measurements (including solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction). The multidisciplinary study reveals some unexpected features. Firstly, adsorption constants of cations are not correlated to their ionic radii or hydration enthalpy. The adsorption constant of Y3+ on NaX was indeed about twice that of Nd3+, which is the opposite of what could be expected based on the size of the cations. In addition, adsorption was accompanied by partial dealumination of the zeolite framework. The extent of dealumination changed depending on the exchanged cations, with the extent being more significant on the Nd‐exchanged zeolite than on the Y‐exchanged one. The most interesting finding of this study, however, is the presence of supramolecular clusters composed of water, Nd3+, residual sodium ions, and extra‐framework aluminum at the interface of Nd‐exchanged zeolite. The hypothesis that these host‐guest complexes are responsible of the significantly different behavior exhibited by NaX towards the adsorption/desorption of Nd3+ and Y3+ has been formulated.
Newly Revised Quantitative PCR‐Based Assay for Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Damage
Authors: Sanders Laurie H. , Rouanet Jeremy P. , Howlett Evan H. , Leuthner Tess C. , Rooney John P. , Greenamyre J. Timothy , Meyer Joel N.
Published: May 2018

Given the crucial role of DNA damage in human health and disease, it is important to be able to accurately measure both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage. This article describes a method based on a long‐amplicon quantitative PCR–based assay that does not require a separate mitochondrial isolation step, which can often be labor‐intensive and generate artifacts. The detailed basic protocol presented here is newly revised, with particular attention to application in Homo sapiens, Rattus norvegicus, and Caenorhabditis elegans resulting from changes in availability of PCR reagents. Optimized extraction support protocols are also described for high‐quality DNA from multiple rat tissues for which these procedures had not previously been described. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effective Separation of N‐benzyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (BNA) Polymorphs through Antisolvent Crystallization Method
Authors: Kalaivanan Raju , Srinivasan Karuppannan
Published: May 2018

The Influence of antisolvent water on the polymorphic nucleation of N‐benzyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (BNA) during its crystallization from methanol solution is revealed. The solubility of BNA in methanol‐water solvent mixtures is determined by gravimetric method and the variation in the level of supersaturation generated with respect to antisolvent concentration is assessed at different volume combinations of saturated methanol BNA solution and water. The supersaturation dependent polymorphic nucleation of orthorhombic and monoclinic forms and their growth morphologies such as platy‐like orthorhombic and needle‐like monoclinic are examined through in‐situ optical microscopy. Single crystals of the grown polymorphs are successfully separated and their structural, thermal, spectroscopic and optical transmittance properties are confirmed through PXRD, DSC, FTIR and UV‐Vis‐near IR analyses respectively.
Study of mirror effect on scrape‐off layer‐divertor plasma based on a generalized fluid model incorporating ion temperature anisotropy
Authors: Togo S. , Takizuka T. , Reiser D. , Hoshino K. , Ibano K. , Li Y. , Ogawa Y. , Sakamoto M. , Ezumi N. , Nakashima Y.
Published: May 2018

The mirror effect on scrape‐off layer (SOL)‐divertor plasma profiles was studied by relaxing the assumption of homogeneous magnetic fields used in a one‐dimensional (1D) plasma fluid model, which incorporates the anisotropic ion temperature. For collisionless plasmas, the perpendicular ion temperature proportional to the magnetic field strength is observed, which reflects the conservation of the magnetic moment. In diverging field cases, the plasma flow becomes supersonic, while it is kept subsonic in contracting field cases. Parallel momentum gains/losses and energy transfers between parallel and perpendicular components caused by the mirror effect are also observed. In addition, it is indicated that the viscous flux approximation is invalid in inhomogeneous magnetic fields regardless of the plasma collisionality.
Prevalence of nephropathy in type 1 diabetes in the Arab world: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdel‐Motal Ussama M. , G Akila , Abdelalim Essam M. , Ponnuraja Chinnaiyan , Iken Khadija , Jahromi Mohamed , Doss George Priya , El Bekay Rajaa , Zayed Hatem
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis and determine the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) among Arab patients with T1D. A systematic literature search was conducted using 4 different literature databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Embase) to capture all relevant data about Arab patients with T1D that had DN. Meta‐analysis and systematic review were performed using the random effect model, and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Q‐test, I2, and Tau‐squared statistics. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel‐plot test. Our search strategy captured 372 studies in only 10 out of the 22 Arab countries in a period of 48 years (1969‐2017); of which, 41 met our inclusion criteria for full article analysis, of those, 15 were eligible for meta‐analysis. We estimated the prevalence of DN among Arab people with T1D to be 18.2% (95% confidence interval 13.1%‐24.8%). In conclusion, DN prevalence is underexplored among Arab patients with T1D and represents a significant risk for the well‐being of Arab patients with T1D. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive epidemiological studies for DN among Arab patients with T1D.
Focused ortho‐Lithiation and Functionalization of p‐Bromo‐ and p‐Iodoanisole
Authors: Slocum D. W. , Jennings John A. , Reinscheld Thomas K. , Whitley Paul E.
Published: May 2018

By use of the strategy for ortho‐lithiation (DoM) that conceptually diminishes the pKA difference between the ortho‐H of the substrate and the conjugate acid of the metalating agent, effective metalation of bromine and iodine bearing aryl substrates can be carried out. As a set of prototypes, p‐bromoanisole (p‐BrA) and p‐iodoanisole (p‐IA) have been successfully ortho‐metalated in promoted hydrocarbon media using ortho‐lithiodimethylbenzylamine (o‐LiDMBA) as the metalating agent. No hint of exchange of either halogen was noted using these conditions. These studies add to the emerging evidence of a hitherto unidentified acidifying effect on the proton(s) ortho‐ to a directing metalation group (DMG) by both a p‐iodo and a p‐bromo substituent.
Comparative studies of immobilized chiral stationary phases based on polysaccharide derivatives for enantiomeric separation of 15 azole compounds
Authors: Zhu Bolin , Deng Miaoduo , Yao Yaqi , Yu Jia , Li Qing
Published: May 2018

Immobilized polysaccharide‐based columns showed excellent enantioselectivity in normal phase separation mode. In this work, enantioseparation abilities of four immobilized polysaccharide‐derived chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak IA, Chiralpak IB, Chiralpak IC, and Chiralpak ID) toward 15 azole compounds were evaluated. Separation was carried out using n‐hexane as mobile phase with ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, and 2‐propanol as modifiers. And twelve compounds have achieved baseline separation with the resolutions ranging between 2.05 and 21.73. The enantioseparation on the four polysaccharide‐based chiral columns using different alcohol modifiers was compared. In general, the best separation performance was identified as Chiralpak IC, which was able to resolve 11 compounds to baseline and two partially under the screening conditions. Separation on Chiralpak IB was not satisfactory, because only four compounds were baseline separated.
Comparative evaluation of sludge surface charge as an indicator of process fluctuations in a biogas reactor
Authors: Winde Lars , Berghoff Anne , Schories Gerhard , Mahro Bernd
Published: May 2018

The current political situation imposes high demands on the economic feasibility of biogas plants. High prizes for biogas substrates and a trend to reduced feed‐in tariffs generated an increasing need to optimize substrate exploitation and operation conditions. This includes a comprehensive and reliable biogas process monitoring. For that purpose a number of different process monitoring methods like CH4 production rate, FOS/TAC (ratio of organic acid/total inorganic carbon alkalinity), pH or (auto)fluorescence are successfully applied. This paper will evaluate whether the surface charge — a parameter, which has not been in use so far — might also be suitable for biogas process monitoring. Since it is known that the surface charge is correlated with the adherence and floc formation capability of microbial cells, a change in surface charge might also reflect a change in the biogas process efficiency, or vice versa. To test this hypothesis, samples for the investigations were taken from a continuously stirred laboratory‐scale tank biogas reactor with continuously increased substrate load. The impact of the load change was measured with both, surface charge and a number of more established monitoring parameters as given above. It was found that the “surface charge” reflected well short‐term process changes (within hours) caused by an increasing substrate load in the reactor, though the highest short‐term monitoring sensitivity was obtained with the “FOS/TAC” monitoring. Different from other monitoring parameters like CH4, pH, or FOS/TAC the value of the parameter “surface charge” decreased with every feeding, eventually indicating a continuous deterioration of the biogas process conditions. Surface charge might therefore be of particular use as a complementary tool especially for the long‐term monitoring of biogas process conditions.
Thermostable enzymes and polysaccharides produced by thermophilic bacteria isolated from Bulgarian hot springs
Authors: Kambourova Margarita
Published: May 2018

Thermostable enzymes (thermozymes) have been recognized as extremophilic compounds with a greatest biotechnological importance in different industrial areas. Quite recently exopolysaccharides (EPSs) synthesized by thermophiles became an object of increased research interest due to their unique properties appropriate for some specific industrial needs. Thermophilic producers of biotechnologically valuable enzymes and novel EPS were isolated by our group from Bulgarian thermal springs with a diverse geotectonic origin and different water properties. Laboratory reactor processes for their production were developed in batch and continuous cultures. Some of the synthesized thermostable enzymes were among the first described in their groups, for example, the single known thermostable gellan lyase that demonstrated specific activity higher than that of the mesophilic enzymes. Isolated by us thermostable xylanase was able to degrade more than 60% of beechwood xylan in a coprocess with an archaeal β‐xylosidase. Lipase purified by us was active between 55 and 90°C with an optimum at 75–80°C in a large pH range. It was able to degrade a broad range of substrates. Isolates from Bulgarian hot springs synthesized EPS with novel composition and high thermostability. Thus, Bulgarian hot springs harbor a wide set of thermophilic producers of novel enzymes and EPS with potential for a large number of biotechnological applications.
Adapting population models for application in pesticide risk assessment: A case study with Mead's milkweed
Authors: Schmolke Amelie , Roy Colleen , Brain Richard , Forbes Valery
Published: May 2018

Population models can facilitate assessment of potential impacts of pesticides on populations or species rather than individuals and have been identified as important tools for pesticide risk assessment of nontarget species including those listed under the Endangered Species Act. Few examples of population models developed for this specific purpose are available; however, population models are commonly used in conservation science as a tool to project the viability of populations and the long-term outcomes of management actions. We present a population model for Mead's milkweed (Asclepias meadii), a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act throughout its range across the Midwestern United States. We adapted a published population model based on demographic field data for application in pesticide risk assessment. Exposure and effects were modeled as reductions of sets of vital rates in the transition matrices, simulating both lethal and sublethal effects of herbicides. Two herbicides, atrazine and mesotrione, were used as case study examples to evaluate a range of assumptions about potential exposure–effects relationships. In addition, we assessed buffers (i.e., setback distances of herbicide spray applications from the simulated habitat) as hypothetical mitigation scenarios and evaluated their influence on population-level effects in the model. The model results suggest that buffers can be effective at reducing risk from herbicide drift to plant populations. These case studies demonstrate that existing population models can be adopted and integrated with exposure and effects information for use in pesticide risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2235–2245. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

A model based on demographic field data of a threatened milkweed is applied to assess potential long-term population-level effects of exposure to herbicide spray drift. Uncertainties in effects are addressed with multiple scenarios.
Healthcare Cost and Utilization in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Real‐World Data From a Large U.S. Claims Database
Authors: Allen Alina M. , Van Houten Holly K. , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Talwalkar Jayant A. , McCoy Rozalina G.
Published: May 2018

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing. The health care burden resulting from the multidisciplinary management of this complex disease is unknown. We assessed the total health care cost and resource utilization associated with a new NAFLD diagnosis, compared with controls with similar comorbidities. We used OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a large national administrative claims database with longitudinal health data of over 100 million individuals enrolled in private and Medicare Advantage health plans. We identified 152,064 adults with a first claim for NAFLD between 2010 and 2014, of which 108,420 were matched 1:1 by age, sex, metabolic comorbidities, length of follow‐up, year of diagnosis, race, geographic region, and insurance type to non‐NAFLD contemporary controls from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse database. Median follow‐up time was 2.6 (range 1‐6.5) years. The final study cohort consisted of 216,840 people with median age 55 (range 18‐86) years, 53% female, 78% white. The total annual cost of care per NAFLD patient with private insurance was $7,804 (interquartile range [IQR] $3,068‐$18,688) for a new diagnosis and $3,789 (IQR $1,176‐$10,539) for long‐term management. These costs are significantly higher than the total annual costs of $2,298 (IQR $681‐$6,580) per matched control with similar metabolic comorbidities but without NAFLD. The largest increases in health care utilization that may account for the increased costs in NAFLD compared with controls are represented by liver biopsies (relative risk [RR] = 55.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 24.48‐123.59), imaging (RR = 3.95, 95% CI 3.77‐4.15), and hospitalizations (RR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.73‐2.02). Conclusion: The costs associated with the care for NAFLD independent of its metabolic comorbidities are very high, especially at first diagnosis. Research efforts shouldfocus on identification of underlying determinants of use, sources of excess cost, and development of cost‐effective diagnostic tests.
Exploring factors influencing employees' impression management feedback‐seeking behavior: The role of managerial coaching skills and affective trust
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐Hsien , Huang Jie‐Tsuen
Published: May 2018

This study investigates how employees' perceptions of supervisors' managerial coaching skills (MCSs) and affective trust in supervisors are related to their impression management feedback‐seeking behavior (IMFSB). Specifically, we propose a conditional indirect effect model that examines whether MCSs have an indirect effect on IMFSB via affective trust in supervisors, while also investigating how MCSs moderate this indirect effect. A convenience sample of 321 full‐time frontline employees across five service firms in Taiwan participated in the study. Using structural equation modeling analyses to test our hypotheses, we found that MCSs have a positive indirect effect on IMFSB via affective trust in supervisors. We also found that MCSs moderate the direct effect of affective trust in supervisors on IMFSB as well as the indirect effect of MCSs on IMFSB via affective trust in supervisors, such that these effects become stronger at the higher level of MCSs. Implications for managerial practices and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Prevalence of resurgence of destructive behavior when thinning reinforcement schedules during functional communication training
Authors: Briggs Adam M. , Fisher Wayne W. , Greer Brian D. , Kimball Ryan T.
Published: May 2018

Functional communication training is a well‐established treatment for socially reinforced destructive behavior that typically includes differential reinforcement of the functional communication response (FCR) in combination with extinction of destructive behavior. However, when the schedule of reinforcement for the FCR is thinned, destructive behavior may resurge (e.g., Greer, Fisher, Saini, Owen, & Jones, 2016). Currently, data are unavailable on the prevalence and characteristics of resurgence during reinforcement schedule thinning. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of resurgence during reinforcement schedule thinning on a per‐case and per‐schedule‐step basis and also evaluated the magnitude of resurgence in relation to the functions of destructive behavior. We observed resurgence in 19 of the 25 (76%) applications of reinforcement schedule thinning. In some cases, the magnitude of resurgence exceeded the mean levels of destructive behavior observed in baseline. We discuss these results relative to prior translational and applied research on resurgence.
Comments on recent reports on infrared spectral detection of disease markers in blood components
Authors: Diem Max
Published: May 2018

The search for disease markers in whole blood, or easily accessible blood components by spectral methods is a highly important aspect in the field of biophotonic research for disease diagnostics and screening, since it promises a minimally invasive approach to assess an individual's state of health. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in particular, promises to be a fast, inexpensive method to search for markers of disease, since it detects variation in the proteome, lipidome and metabolome of biofluids, or activation of immune cells. However, the analysis of any materials by spectral methods is confounded by external factors such as those related to sample deposition and data acquisition, and by inherent variations in blood plasma concentration of small molecules (lactate, carbonate, phosphate, glucose) that varies between individual subjects and even for a given individual, as a function of time. Furthermore, observed differences in spectral patterns between patient samples and the control group may be due to the body's immune response (in particular, to the albumin to globulin ratio) and therefore, may not be specific to disease. These factors need to be accounted for in any effort to reliably detect much smaller variations in the concentration of disease‐specific markers.