bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Japanese version of the State Behavioral Scale for critically ill children
Authors: Hoshino Haruhiko , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Matsuishi Yujiro , Shimojo Nobutake , Enomoto Yuki , Ohto Tatsuyuki , Kido Takahiro , Ouchi Akira , Sumitani Masahiko , Kawano Satoru , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: December 2018

Aims

The State Behavioral Scale (SBS) was developed to assess sedation states, including agitation, in pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a back‐translated Japanese version of the SBS.

Methods

Translation was done by the back‐translation method followed by a prospective study in a Japanese intensive care unit. For reliability, a nurse/researcher pair evaluated SBS along eight dimensions (respiratory drive, response to ventilation, coughing, best response to stimulation, attentiveness to care provider, tolerance to care, consolability, and movement after consoled). For validity, SBS scores were compared to the Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale and a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The original author approved the back‐translated SBS. Thirty‐one patients aged 0 weeks to 8 years were evaluated from 59 total critical pediatric patient encounters. The researcher and nurse SBS scores demonstrated excellent inter‐rater reliability (weighted κ = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). In addition, there was a very strong correlation between the researcher and nurse VAS scores (ρ = 0.80, P < 0.001). Weighted kappa coefficients for the eight dimensions ranged from 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.88; consolability) to 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.98; best response to stimulation). In validity testing, nurse SBS and nurse VAS scores were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.80, P < 0.001) with the researcher SBS and researcher Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale scores (ρ = 0.91, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that our Japanese version of the SBS is valid and reliable for evaluating sedation for critically ill children.
Ternary Copper (II) complex based chemical probes for DNA targeting: Cytotoxic activity under visible light
Authors: Shanmugaiah Mathan Kumar , Mokkandi Palsamy Kesavan , Lokesh Ravi , N. Indra Gandhi , Mitu Liviu , Jegathalaprathaban Rajesh , Gurusamy Rajagopal
Published: December 2018

Among the bio‐metals, copper derivatives of O, N, S donor salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazones have been obtained large interest due to their potential biological applications. Multisubstituted thiosemicarbazone ligand HL derived, new ternary Cu (II) complexes of [Cu(L)(bpy)] (1) and [Cu(L)(phen)] (2) (where, bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridine and phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized using different physico‐chemical techniques. Complexes 1 and 2 are structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, which reveals the trigonal bipyramidal distorted square based pyramid geometry of both the complexes 1 and 2 with ONS‐donor thiosemicarbazone bonded at the upper plane. The ground state electronic structures of complexes 1 and 2 have been investigated by using DFT/B3LYP theoretical evaluation with 6‐31G (d,p) and LANL2DZ basis set. The affinity towards DNA and human serum albumin has been evaluated using computational docking analysis and complex 2 exposes significant binding ability towards DNA and human serum albumin, because of its immense hydrophobicity. Consequently, complex 2 have higher antimicrobial in addition to the cytotoxic activity than complex 1 and free ligand HL under visible light. Along with, their apoptosis pathway of cytotoxicity has been evaluated by fluorescent microscopic analysis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) stains. From these preliminary investigations, we believe that complex 2 can play a role as a more robust pharmacological agent.
Effect of particle size on microstructural and mechanical properties of UHMWPE–TiO2 composites produced by gelation and crystallization method
Authors: Celebi Efe Gozde , Altinsoy Ibrahim , Türk Serbülent , Bindal Cuma , Ucisik A. Hikmet
Published: December 2018

In this study, Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in 0.5 wt % concentration—0.5, 1, and 2 wt % nanosized and micron‐sized TiO2 composites were produced via gelation/crystallization method in decalin + antioxidant solution at 150 °C for 45 min by using magnetic stirrer. The gel composites were cooled in an aluminum tray embedded in iced water under ambient conditions and dried in an oven at 130 °C for 90 min to remove any residual trace of decalin and to strengthen the UHWMPE matrix. Scanning electron microscopy–EDS images indicate that TiO2 particles were integrated well with the polymer matrix. differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed that the crystallinity of pure UHMWPE was calculated as 56% and an increase of 13.32% for micron sized and 19.25% for nano sized TiO2. Crystalline and amorphous phases of UHMWPE–TiO2 composites confirmed by Raman are in good agreement with the literature. The elastic modulus of test materials ranged from 610 to 791 MPa for micron sized and raised from 675 to 1085 for nano sized reinforcing agents. Ultimate tensile stress increased about 35% for micron sized and 60% for nano sized weight 1% TiO2 reinforced composites. Biomineralization tests (performed in stimulated body fluid, at 37 °C and 6.5 pH during 1 month) have shown that produced composites are compatible as acetabular liner replacement for hipjoints due to no accumulation (Ca, P, Na, etc.) on UHMWPE–TiO2 composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47402.
Aerosol Generation of Nonspherical Particles by Desublimation of Copper Phthalocyanine
Authors: Dillenburger Tim , Hellmann Albert , Hillemann Lars , Stintz Michael , Ripperger Siegfried , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: December 2018

A novel generator for a defined test aerosol consisting of nonspherical particles was developed based on the desublimation of copper phthalocyanine during adiabatic cooling. Employing a brush disperser, copper phthalocyanine powder is dosed and dispersed in a nitrogen flow and sublimated in a tube furnace. Downstream the furnace new particles are formed due to the adiabatic expansion and the desublimation of the material in a laval nozzle. The generated particles were characterized employing a scanning mobility particle sizer and an aerosol particle mass analyzer to determine the size distribution and the dynamic shape factor. For the operating parameters of the generator examined here, particles with a mobility diameter between 30 and 600 nm were generated. The measured values for the dynamic shape factor of the particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Modeling the Dispersion of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor Environment
Authors: Davardoost Farzad , Kahforoushan Davood
Published: December 2018

Indoor air pollution belongs to the factors which puts the health of the corresponding occupants at risk. Effects of ventilation and, hence, various air flow regimes as parameters contributing to reduced air pollution in indoor spaces were further studied. For this purpose, air flow and distribution of the pollutant concentration were three‐dimensionally modeled at various ventilation rates. Results indicate that an increase in input air flow rate into the room in early times directly contributes to enhanced concentration of the pollutant in the indoor space. In general, with increasing the ventilation rate and changing the fluid‐flow regime from laminar to turbulent, the average concentration of the pollutant inside the indoor space decreased significantly.
Ultrasonic Fabrication of Polymer Plate Reactors with a Surface Coating
Authors: Hoehr Lukas , Reichmann Felix , Berndt Marius , Sackmann Johannes , Kockmann Norbert , Schomburg Werner Karl
Published: December 2018

Microreactors offer several advantages compared to the industrial scale when developing new chemical processes. Especially the production and investment costs are low if polymer microreactors are generated by ultrasonic processes. In order to observe the chemical reaction and the flow configuration, these microreactors need to be optically transparent, mechanically stable, and chemically inert to several reagents. The manufacturing process of a transparent polymer plate reactor with a chemically inert surface coating by ultrasonic fabrication is described. Experimental characterization of the microreactors showed that they are leak tight up to a pressure difference of at least 300 kPa and the mixing times are in the range of milliseconds.
The existence and persistence of financial anomalies: What have you done for me lately?
Authors: Guerard John , Markowitz Harry
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study is to document the existence, persistence, and effectiveness of publicly available variables linked to financial anomalies during the 1979–1999 time period with particular emphasis on earnings forecasts. It then tests whether these variables have held up through the 2003–2017 time period. We report three results: (a) many of the reported financial anomalies published in the 1979–1999 time period maintain their statistically significant active (or excess) returns; (b) the anomalies are larger in non‐U.S. markets than in the U.S.; and (c) reasonable transactions costs do not destroy the excess returns.
Transferring the color imagery from an image: A color network model for assisting color combination
Authors: Xu Boqun , Liu Xiaojian , Lu Chunfu , Hong Tao , Zhu Yuning
Published: December 2018

In order to transfer the color imagery from an image to another object to generate color schemes, a color network model is proposed. It consists of two subnets: source net for describing the color information of the reference image; target net for demonstrating the target object to be colored. Thus, the problem of reusing features of color patterns is translated into the mapping process from the source net to target net. Four indicators are designed to measure the conformity between the two nets: color sequence, adjacency, concentration, and the subspace size. In the meantime, a comprehensive aesthetic evaluation given by the designer is introduced to search the optimum combination of the four indicators to help generate imagery matching schemes. A prototype system is developed based on CorelDraw as a design tool. The feasibility of the color network model is then verified through a color combination of graphic design task.
Create a collaborative process to eliminate barriers to success
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When the University of West Georgia hired a new president, one of the first things on the docket for change was to tackle institutional barriers to student and institutional success. UWG officials put together a cross‐divisional team of academic leaders and faculty members and developed a process for identifying everyday inefficiencies and barriers to effectiveness and success.
Help students with ADHD understand alternative treatments
Authors: Hamblet Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2018

In my previous column (see Oct. 2018 issue), I discussed “cures” that students with learning disabilities might consider to help them cope with the demands of college. Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — who often find the lack of structured time, large lecture halls, and lack of daily assignments a challenge to staying on top of their work — may be particularly eager to look for a “magic bullet” to help them do well.
Help students with disabilities make a smooth transition
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2018

ALBUQUERQUE — Entering students often don't understand that disability accommodations are handled differently in college than they are in high school. For example, they might not understand they need to self‐disclose their disabilities.
Nonparametric statistical downscaling for the fusion of data of different spatiotemporal support
Authors: Wilkie C. J. , Miller C. A. , Scott E. M. , O'Donnell R. A. , Hunter P. D. , Spyrakos E. , Tyler A. N.
Published: December 2018

Statistical downscaling has been developed for the fusion of data of different spatial support. However, environmental data often have different temporal support, which must also be accounted for. This paper presents a novel method of nonparametric statistical downscaling, which enables the fusion of data of different spatiotemporal support through treating the data at each location as observations of smooth functions over time. This is incorporated within a Bayesian hierarchical model with smoothly spatially varying coefficients, which provides predictions at any location or time, with associated estimates of uncertainty. The method is motivated by an application for the fusion of in situ and satellite remote sensing log(chlorophyll‐a) data from Lake Balaton, in order to improve the understanding of water quality patterns over space and time.
Transformation of biosolids to biochar: A case study
Authors: Patel Savankumar , Kundu Sazal , Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge , Surapaneni Aravind , Fouche Leon , Halder Pobitra , Setiawan Adi , Shah Kalpit
Published: December 2018

This case study examines the feasibility of the production of biochar from biosolids using energy neutral pyrolysis process using ASPEN Plus process modeling followed by a detailed techno‐economic assessment. The modeling exercise demonstrated that the pyrolysis can be energy neutral with moisture content in biosolids as high as 50 wt.%. In the case of moisture content lower than 50%, surplus energy will be available which can be converted to electrical energy; generating additional revenue. Further analysis on the effect of pyrolysis temperature on surplus energy available revealed that surplus energy increased when pyrolysis temperature reached from 450 to 650°C, but it gradually decreased above 650°C. The techno‐economics analysis suggested that biosolids management cost and biochar sale price were the most critical sensitivity factors while capital and operating costs of the pyrolysis unit seemed to be less critical. The positive Net Present Value values in scenario modeling suggest that the conversion of biosolids to biochar using energy neutral pyrolysis process looks promising and is techno‐economically feasible for most of the studied scenarios. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13113, 2019
Understanding patient perceptions and attitudes toward urinary tract infections and treatment in a medically underserved population
Authors: Minejima Emi , Lee Eunice , Quach Stephanie , Santos Nathan , Lou Mimi , Wong‐Beringer Annie
Published: December 2018

Background

Patient understanding and attitude toward urinary tract infections (UTIs) may influence successful infection management and prevention of reinfections. We aimed to identify current gaps in a medically underserved population that may hinder delivery of effective education on UTI management for use in developing future antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Methods

Adult, hospitalized patients with community‐onset UTI were recruited. Bedside interviews using a standardized questionnaire were conducted to assess patient perception of their knowledge and attitudes toward UTIs and management. Language used to conduct the interview was recorded.

Results

Overall, 120 patients were included: 44% English speaking, 74% Hispanic, 66% foreign born, and 38% male. Over half (56%) of the interviews were conducted in a non‐English language, with Spanish being the most predominant (54%). Most patients responded having “very poor” or “poor” self‐reported understanding of what a UTI is (58%), knowing the causes of UTI (70%), and how to treat a UTI (56%). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, English speaking was the most significant factor of responding positively of “very good” or “good” to the self‐reported understanding of UTI (odds ratio [OR] 4.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22 to 11.6, P < 0.0001), while older age had the reverse outcome (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.996, P = 0.03). Overall, 97% of patients acknowledged the importance of antibiotics, although only 6% were aware of risks associated with antibiotics. Twenty‐three percent responded feeling embarrassment associated with UTIs. Non‐English‐speaking patients reported less frequent receipt of UTI education from providers (14% vs 47%, P = 0.0001). Approximately one‐third reported trying over‐the‐counter (37%) or home remedies (25%) for their symptoms.

Conclusion

In a medically underserved population, non‐English‐speaking and older patients had significantly lower self‐reported knowledge of UTIs. Language barrier may have contributed to less provider education and recall of medical advice. Future antimicrobial stewardship interventions should explore alternative communication methods to close the gap in non‐English‐speaking patients.
Benson group additivity values of phosphines and phosphine oxides: Fast and accurate computational thermochemistry of organophosphorus species
Authors: Vuori Hannu T. , Rautiainen J. Mikko , Kolehmainen Erkki T. , Tuononen Heikki M.
Published: December 2018

Composite quantum chemical methods W1X‐1 and CBS‐QB3 are used to calculate the gas phase standard enthalpy of formation, entropy, and heat capacity of 38 phosphines and phosphine oxides for which reliable experimental thermochemical information is limited or simply nonexistent. For alkyl phosphines and phosphine oxides, the W1X‐1, and CBS‐QB3 results are mutually consistent and in excellent agreement with available G3X values and empirical data. In the case of aryl‐substituted species, different computational methods show more variation, with G3X enthalpies being furthest from experimental values. The calculated thermochemical data are subsequently used to determine Benson group additivity contributions for 24 Benson groups and group pairs involving phosphorus, thereby allowing fast and accurate estimations of thermochemical data of many organophosphorus compounds of any complexity. Such data are indispensable, for example, in chemical process design or estimating potential hazards of new chemical compounds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The planarity of heteroatom analogues of benzene: Energy component analysis and the planarization of hexasilabenzene
Authors: Nakamura Taiji , Kudo Takako
Published: December 2018

There are various nonplanar heteroatom analogues of benzene—cyclic 6π electron systems—and among them, hexasilabenzene (Si6H6) is well known as a typical example. To determine the factors that control their planarity, quantum chemical calculations and an energy component analysis were performed. The results show that the energy components mainly controlling the planarity of benzene and hexasilabenzene are different. For hexasilabenzene, electron repulsion energy was found to be significantly important for the planarity. The application of the pseudo Jahn–Teller effect and the Carter–Goddard–Malrieu–Trinquier model for the interpretation of the planarity of the benzene analogues was also investigated. Furthermore, based on the quantitative results, it was revealed that the planarization of hexasilabenzene is realized by introducing substituents with π‐accepting ability, such as the boryl group, that bring about a reduction of the π‐electron repulsion on the silicon skeleton. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resveratrol treatment of spinal cord injury in rat model
Authors: Liu Xuehong , Botchway Benson O.A. , Tan Xiaoning , Zhang Yong , Fang Marong
Published: December 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is catastrophic and can culminate in disability and death. The routine therapy employed in early stages of SCI currently entails surgical procedures combined with high doses of methylprednisolone (MP). MP is highly controversial for the lack of consensus on its true therapeutic effects. Resveratrol (RES) has recently been recognized as a potential and novel therapeutic drug in SCI. Herein, we investigated the effect of RES in a SCI rat‐model and found significant improvement in Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan scores. Results obtained from histological, immunohistochemistry, and ultra‐structural examinations evidenced the tremendous treatment effect of RES. On the basis of our experimental results, we hypothesize that RES could serve as an effective SCI therapeutic with prolong treatment time following injury.
Branched poly (trimethylphosphonium ethylacrylate‐co‐PEGA) by RAFT: alternative to cationic polyammoniums for nucleic acid complexation
Authors: Cook Alexander B. , Peltier Raoul , Barlow Tammie R. , Tanaka Joji , Burns James A. , Perrier Sébastien
Published: December 2018

Cationic and highly branched poly (trimethylphosphonium ethylacrylate‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate) (p (TMPEA‐co‐PEGA)), and its ammonium equivalent, have been synthesised from post‐polymerisation modification of a poly (bromo ethylacrylate‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate) (p (BEA‐co‐PEGA)) precursor polymer produced using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. The cationic polymers were evaluated for their ability to complex nucleic acids, their in vitro cytotoxicity and their GFP pDNA transfection efficiency. The results show RAFT copolymerisation of BEA and PEGA is a simple route to polyphosphoniums showing reduced cytotoxicities and higher transfection efficiencies than their polyammonium alternatives.
Analysis of nonlinear large signal intrinsic elements for InGaP/GaAs HBT based on Gummel‐Poon model
Authors: Hu Shanwen , Xu Kaikai , Yu Shu , Wang Zixuan , Zhou Bo , Guo Yufeng
Published: December 2018

A large signal analysis method based on Gummel‐Poon model is proposed to predict nonlinear behavior of InGaP/GaAs HBT. A 2 × 20 μm2 transistor is fabricated with InGaP/GaAs HBT technology. The large signal transconductance Gm, conductance Gbe, and capacitance CBE, CBC are calculated based on the proposed method and measured using a RF testing probe. The calculated and measured results show good consistency up to nonlinear power level. The proposed method is applied to analyze variations of nonlinear large signal intrinsic elements of this transistor with increasing power under different bias conditions, in order to raise benefit of nonlinear consideration for power amplifiers.
Relative effects of age on implant integration in a rat model: A longitudinal in vivo microct study
Authors: Freitag Linda , Günther Christian , Eberli Ursula , Fürst Anton , Zeiter Stephan , Stadelmann Vincent A.
Published: December 2018

The effect of age on implant fixation in bone is not always considered during the design of preclinical models. The decision on animal's age is often related to practical or historical reasons, which ultimately may affect the reproducibility of results. This study aimed to quantify the effect of age by monitoring the fixation of contrast‐enhanced PEEK screws in rats, hypothesizing that the kinetics of fixation is impaired in older animals but that age effects are less severe than osteoporotic effects. The time course of implant fixation was investigated in healthy rats at 24, 40, and 60 weeks of age; and in ovariectomized rats. Implant fixation was monitored using in‐vivo microCT and dynamic histomorphometry during 1 month. The rats were euthanized 28 days post screw insertion. The data was analyzed both in absolute value and after normalization to baseline bone mass. In absolute terms, greater age had a detrimental effect on bone implant contact, bone fraction, implant stiffness, and bone remodeling but less than ovariectomy. Interestingly, once data was normalized to baseline bone mass this effect disappeared, suggesting that the physiologic response to implant placement was not affected by age. In conclusion, implant fixation kinetics is less affected by age than by baseline bone mass in this rat model. Animals of different ages can therefore be compared but data must be construed relatively to baseline bone mass and not in absolute terms. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1–12, 2018.
New Fused Pyrrolopyridine‐Based Copolymers for Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Lee Gyeong Seok , Shin Hee Jeong , Lee Sang‐Bong , Choi Hyosung , Kim Yun‐Hi
Published: December 2018

A fused pyrrolopyridine core having substituents on the nitrogen atom instead of the carbon atom of the indoloindole unit is developed as a new donor unit for organic electronics. The new donor–acceptor copolymers, PDHPHBT, PDHPFBT, and PDHP2FBT, are synthesized using the new donor unit, well‐known benzothiadiazole derivatives containing fluorine atoms as the acceptor. The thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties of these novel copolymers are reported. A solar cell using PDHPFBT with diphenyl ether has an open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency of 0.86 V, 11.32 mA cm‐2, 0.59%, and 5.68%, respectively, under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm‐2) in the absence of annealing.
Statin use and delayed onset of Huntington's disease
Authors: Schultz Jordan L. , Nopoulos Peg C. , Killoran Annie , Kamholz John A.
Published: December 2018

Background

There is evidence to suggest that 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) may be beneficial in Huntington's disease (HD).

Objective

This study aimed to determine if statin use was associated with delayed motor diagnosis in participants with premotor HD.

Methods

Among premotor HD participants from the Enroll‐HD database, statin users were propensity score matched with statin nonusers based on cytosine‐adenine‐guanine–age product score, cytosine‐adenine‐guanine repeat length, baseline age, sex, and region. A Cox regression survival analysis compared the annualized hazard ratio (HR) of receiving a motor diagnosis between the 2 groups.

Results

The annualized HR of progressing to an HD motor diagnosis was lower in the statin users (n = 89) when compared with the statin nonusers (n = 89; HR = 0.27 [95% CI 0.18‐0.50], P < .0001).

Conclusions

In patients with premotor HD, statin use was associated with a delayed motor diagnosis of HD. Further studies are warranted to investigate if statins would be an effective disease‐modifying therapy for HD. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Compact high temperature superconducting multi‐mode ultra‐wideband filter
Authors: Zhou Liguo , Li Hui , Long Zhihe , Wu Hang , Zhang Tianliang , Qiao Man
Published: December 2018

A miniaturized high temperature superconducting (HTS) ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) is presented based on stub‐loaded multi‐mode resonator (SLMMR) in this letter. This SLMMR constructed by loading three sets of different open stubs on a stepped‐impedance resonator brings five resonant modes into the passband for UWB bandwidth and a pair of transmission zeros in the transition bands for high selectivity. The filter is finally designed and fabricated on a 0.5‐mm thick MgO substrate with double‐sided YBCO HTS films. At 77 K, the measured results show that the 3‐dB bandwidth covers 3.0 GHz‐12.0 GHz; the minimum insertion loss is 0.11 dB; the return loss is better than 15.75 dB; the out‐of‐band rejection is greater than 24.35 dB in the lower stopband, and the upper stopband with 20 dB attenuation level is extended to 16.77 GHz.
Cardiac motion and spillover correction for quantitative PET imaging using dynamic MRI
Authors: Marchesseau Stephanie , Totman John J. , Fadil Hakim , Leek Francesca A. A. , Chaal Jasper , Richards Mark , Chan Mark , Reilhac Anthonin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Cardiac positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) acquisition presents novel clinical applications thanks to the combination of viability and metabolic imaging (PET) and functional and structural imaging (MRI). However, the resolution of PET, as well as cardiac and respiratory motion in nongated cardiac imaging acquisition protocols, leads to a reduction in image quality and severe quantitative bias. Respiratory or cardiac motion is customarily addressed with gated reconstruction which results in higher noise.

Methods

Inspired by a method that has been used in brain PET, a practical correction approach, designed to overcome these existing limitations for quantitative PET imaging, was developed and applied in the context of cardiac PET/MRI. The correction approach for PET data consists of computing the mean density map of each underlying moving region, as obtained with MRI, and translating them to the PET space taking into account the PET spatial and temporal resolution. Using these tissue density maps, the method then constructs a system of linear equations that models the activity recovery and cross‐contamination coefficients, which can be solved for the true activity values. Physical and numerical cardiac phantoms were employed in order to quantify the proposed correction. The full correction pipeline was then used to assess differences in metabolic function between scar and healthy myocardium in eight patients with recent acute myocardial infarction using [11C]‐acetate. Data from ten additional patients, injected with [18F]‐FDG, were used to compare the method to the standard electrocardiography (ECG)‐gated approach.

Results

The proposed method resulted in better recovery (from 32% to 95% on the simulated phantom model) and less residual activity than the standard approach. Higher signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios than ECG‐gating were also witnessed (Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) increased from 2.92 to 5.24, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) increased from 62.9 to 145.9 when compared to a four‐gate reconstruction). Finally, the relevance of this correction using [11C]‐acetate PET patient data, for which erroneous physiological conclusions could have been made based on the uncorrected data, was established as the correction led to the expected clinical results.

Conclusions

An efficient and simple method to correct for the quantitative biases in PET measurements caused by cardiac motion has been developed. Validation experiments using phantom and patient data showed improved accuracy and reliability with this approach when compared to simpler strategies such as gated acquisition or optimal regions of interest (ROI).
Computation and structural elucidation of compounds formed via epoxide alcoholysis
Authors: Alvarenga Elson S. , Teixeira Milena G. , Lopes Dayane T. , Demuner Antonio J.
Published: December 2018

Isobenzofuranones are known for their wide range of biological activities such as fungicide, insecticide, and anticancer. The search for novel bioactive compounds was performed by reaction of epoxide 2 with methanol, ethanol, propan‐1‐ol, propan‐2‐ol, and butan‐1‐ol.

The mechanism for the stereoselective and stereospecific epoxide opening with methanol was reasoned by calculating the transition states for the two putative structures (rac)‐3a and (rac)‐3b. The compound (rac)‐3a is the kinetic product as inferred from the lower energies of its transition state (TS1). The 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts for these two candidate structures were calculated and compared with the experimental data using mean absolute error (MAE) and DP4 analyses. Therefore, the relative stereochemistry of (rac)‐3a was established by the mechanism, MAE, and DP4 approaches. The hydroxyl group was acetylated to surpass the problem of signal overlapping of H5 and H6 in the 1H NMR. The relative stereochemistry of the corresponding ester determined by NMR interpretation was in agreement with the structure of (rac)‐3a.
Surface influence on the rotational and translational dynamics of molecules confined inside a mesoporous carbon xerogel
Authors: Cadar Calin , Ardelean Ioan
Published: December 2018

Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance techniques are employed to extract information about the effects introduced by the interaction with the surface on the rotational and translational dynamics of molecules confined inside a mesoporous carbon xerogel. The molecules under study were water, cyclohexane, and hexane. They were chosen due to their different interaction strength with the carbonaceous matrix. Frequency dependent longitudinal relaxation measurements, using the fast field cycling technique, allowed extraction of the fractal dimension of the carbon xerogel surface. It was observed that the measured value is influenced by the molecule affinity to the surface. Diffusion measurements, using the pulse field gradient technique, have revealed that the stronger interaction with the surface of cyclohexane and hexane molecules leads to an increased diffusive tortuosity, as compared with water.
High‐density quantum dots composites and its photolithographic patterning applications
Authors: Lee Seonwoo , Lee Changhee
Published: December 2018

With the growing interest in quantum dots (QDs), many applications are emerging recently. In particular, the display industry has shown widespread interest in using QDs as the next generation colorants. One application is to replace conventional color filters with QD‐based color conversion films to significantly improve color purity and luminous efficiency. However, QD blending which is capable of photolithographic patterning is a very challenging problem due to its low dispersion property and aggregations in polar medias. Herein, we report a photo‐patternable QD dispersion that can produce fine patterns through a photolithography process. First, the QDs dispersed in a nonpolar solvent, for example, chloroform or hexane, were separated and dried to obtain a QD powder. And then, the dispersion characteristics of the QD powders were investigated after mixing commercial dispersants and UV curable oligomers. Furthermore, the QD dispersion was investigated up to 30 wt.% of QDs by mixing with various commercial additives. We have studied the optical property changes of QDs during the photocuring process and the heating process prior to actual application. And, we have studied the surface characteristics of the fine QDs patterns after patterning process. As a result, it was confirmed that QDs are able to be well dispersed up to 30 wt.%.
Cotton‐hydrogel composite for improved wound healing: Antimicrobial activity and anti‐inflammatory evaluation—Part 2
Authors: Pinho Eva , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Ferreira Isabel C.F.R. , Soares Graça
Published: December 2018

Infection is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic wounds. Antimicrobial wound dressing has been pointed out as a viable option for the prevention and treatment of wound infections. Thus, we developed a composite material based on cotton textile substrates functionalized with cyclodextrin‐hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐based hydrogel. The composites' ability to encapsulate and release gallic acid (antimicrobial phenolic acid) was evaluated, as well as their mechanical properties and antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory capacity. All composites were able to retain gallic acid in their structure, with similar loading profile. The presence of gallic acid on composites was confirmed by FTIR and TGA. Composites storage moduli was reduced by the presence of gallic acid. The results suggest a straight relation between the swelling ability and gallic acid drug delivery profile. The drug delivery mechanism, of the developed composites, was mainly controlled by Fickian diffusion, based on the experimental data fitting to the Peppas‐Sahlin model. Gallic acid antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties were transferred to the composite materials. According to the results, the developed composites can be applied on the prevention or treatment of chronic wounds.
Functionalized siloxane‐silsesquioxane resins and polypropylene‐based composites: Morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Niemczyk Arkadiusz , Czaja Krystyna , Dziubek Katarzyna , Szołyga Mariusz , Rabiej Stanisław , Szatanik Roman
Published: December 2018

Non‐functionalized and n‐alkyl‐functionalized siloxane‐silsesquioxane resins (S4SQ) were synthesized and characterized to confirm their structure and properties. Polypropylene (PP) composites with S4SQ resins as fillers were prepared by the melt blending. The influence of the kinds and amounts of fillers on the structural, morphological and thermal properties as well as mechanical characteristics and processability was determined. High compatibility of composites with functionalized resins resulted in more homogenous dispersion of filler particles in comparison with the composites which contained a non‐functionalized resin. Moreover, the introduction of S4SQ resins into PP strongly affected the crystalline structure of the polymer matrix and the free‐volume properties of composites. Siloxane‐silsesquioxane resins changed the contributions of the α‐ and β‐crystalline phases and they increased the crystal sizes of PP. The PP/S4SQ composites were also characterized by the improved crystallization temperature and crystallinity degree while the melting temperature and processability were changed only slightly. The mechanical properties of the PP/S4SQ materials were found to be dependent mostly on the degree of filler dispersion and crystalline structure of the composite materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3101–3114, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of a Flexible InGaSb/PI Thin Film Grown by RF Magnetron Sputtering and Aqueous Stability Improvement via Surface Coating
Authors: Nishimoto Naoki , Fujihara Junko
Published: December 2018

Flexible InGaSb thin films are considered useful for reducing the power generation cost of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems. The growth and evaluation of flexible InGaSb thin films on polyimide (PI) films by multi‐cathode RF magnetron sputtering are reported here. The obtained InGaSb/PI thin film is a polycrystalline and nearly stoichiometric (In0.24Ga0.27Sb0.49) thin film. The conduction type is n‐type, and the electron mobility is 108 cm2 V−1 s−1. The analysis of its electrical properties shows that In acts as a surfactant during the crystal growth. Two types of donors (Ini or SbIn and defects related to the dangling bonds in the grain boundary) are observed in the InGaSb/PI thin film, with no residual acceptor. Furthermore, it is important to reduce the environmental release of TPV films by improving their aqueous stability and thereby expand the application range of large‐area TPV systems. The effectiveness of a surface coating material, namely (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPT), is clarified by comparing it with the efficacy of other coating materials. The MPT coating covers the entire InGaSb/PI thin film and helps reduce its toxicity without affecting its properties. These findings lead to the conclusion that the flexible MPT‐coated InGaSb/PI thin film has potential applications in TPV cells.
Consequences of using estimated response values from negligible interactions in factorial designs
Authors: Xampeny Rafel , Grima Pere , Tort‐Martorell Xavier
Published: December 2018

This article analyzes the increase in the probability of committing type I and type II errors in assessing the significance of the effects when some properly selected runs have not been carried out, and their responses have been estimated from the interactions considered null from scratch. This is done by simulating the responses from known models that represent a wide variety of practical situations that the experimenter will encounter; the responses considered to be missing are then estimated, and the significance of the effects is assessed. Through comparison with the parameters of the model, the errors are then identified. To assess the significance of the effects when there are missing values, the Box‐Meyer method has been used. The conclusions are that one missing value in eight run designs, and up to three missing values in 16 run designs experiments can be estimated without hardly any notable increase in the probability of error when assessing the significance of the effects.
A semiparametric profile monitoring via residuals
Authors: Siddiqui Zainab , Abdel‐Salam Abdel‐Salam G.
Published: December 2018

Profile monitoring is a vast area of research underneath the statistical process monitoring (SPM). Several methods for univariate and multivariate process control are found in literature to monitor the profile data, including parametric, nonparametric, and some semiparametric methods. The main idea behind monitoring the linear profiles in mixed effects is to model the possible individual differences between similar set of profiles for future monitoring. In this paper, nonparametric and semiparametric approaches are proposed to model the profile data in a linear mixed effect setting by considering the residuals from a parametric model. A simulation study was carried out to compare the efficiency of the proposed methods. At first step, the residuals from a parametric linear mixed model are obtained. A nonparametric approach (NPR) is then used to model these residuals. Finally, a semiparametric method (MMRRPM) is proposed as a convex combination of the parametric (P) and nonparametric estimations based on the residuals (NPR) to model the profile data in mix effects. Two Hoteling's T2 statistics were computed for each technique based on fitted values and the estimated random effects. The results show that the proposed methods are most effective to monitor the autocorrelated profile data compared with the state‐of‐the‐art.
High‐precision magnesium isotope analysis of geological and environmental reference materials by multiple‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Ting , Ke Shan , Li Ruiying , Meng Xu'nan , He Yongsheng , Liu Chengshuai , Wang Yang , Li Zijian , Zhu Jian‐Ming
Published: December 2018

Rationale

High‐precision magnesium (Mg) isotopic analysis for geological and environmental reference materials is a prerequisite to ensure data quality before using Mg isotopes to trace geochemical and environmental processes. However, the Mg‐isotopic ratios of many commonly used reference materials, especially sediments, have rarely been reported. Furthermore, published values for some commonly used reference materials exhibit a significant inconsistency across laboratories and thus need more data comparison.

Methods

We developed different Mg purification schemes for silicate rocks, high‐Ca carbonates and carbonatites, and high‐Mn samples because of their significantly different matrices. We then used synthetic solutions to evaluate potential effects on measurement using multiple‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS). The accuracy and precision of our procedures were assessed by measurement on both synthetic solutions and well‐studied geostandards.

Results

The three different schemes for routine, high‐Ca, and high‐Mn samples can remove matrices efficiently with nearly 100% Mg yield. However, the presence of acid molarity and concentration mismatch, matrix elements, and fluctuations in room temperature can significantly affect the precision and accuracy of Mg isotope analysis, and must be avoided. The Mg isotopic ratios of reference materials obtained in this study are identical to the previously published values within ±0.06‰, verifying that our procedures are robust.

Conclusions

This study presented a thorough set of tests for high precision and accuracy of Mg isotope measurements using MC‐ICP‐MS, which demonstrate reproducibility and accuracy better than 0.05‰ for δ25Mg values and 0.06‰ for δ26Mg values. We reported high‐quality Mg isotopic data for 16 geological and environmental reference materials to aid the inter‐laboratory calibration of Mg isotope measurements in the future.
Experimental investigation of the adhesion force of single and double‐layer coatings on MEMS surfaces
Authors: Joulaei Mahdi , Kolahdoozan Mojtaba , Salehi Mehdi , Zadsar Mehdi , Vahabi Meisam
Published: December 2018

Adhesion force is one of the most important factors in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), especially for microassembly. It depends on operating conditions and is affected by the contact area. In this study, the adhesion force between MEMS materials and AFM tips was analysed using AFM's point‐mode spectroscopy. The aim was to study the effectiveness of various coatings in MEMS adhesion surfaces. For this purpose, five silicon surfaces were used, four of which were coated, and one was noncoated. Two of them were deposited by single‐layer coating (Au and Ag). The other two were deposited by double‐layer coating (TiO2/Au, TiO2/Ag) on a Si (1 0 0) substrate. The depositing was accomplished by the thermal evaporation method. Composite materials and analysis were reviewed by observing the SEM image. The experimental results showed that the method of deposition helped to decrease the adhesion force between the probe tip and the surface of the specimens, and double‐layer coating had stronger effect on decreasing the adhesion force than the single‐layer coating.
Sample size re‐estimation for clinical trials with longitudinal negative binomial counts including time trends
Authors: Asendorf Thomas , Henderson Robin , Schmidli Heinz , Friede Tim
Published: December 2018

In some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lesion counts obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used as markers of disease progression. This leads to longitudinal, and typically overdispersed, count data outcomes in clinical trials. Models for such data invariably include a number of nuisance parameters, which can be difficult to specify at the planning stage, leading to considerable uncertainty in sample size specification. Consequently, blinded sample size re‐estimation procedures are used, allowing for an adjustment of the sample size within an ongoing trial by estimating relevant nuisance parameters at an interim point, without compromising trial integrity. To date, the methods available for re‐estimation have required an assumption that the mean count is time‐constant within patients. We propose a new modeling approach that maintains the advantages of established procedures but allows for general underlying and treatment‐specific time trends in the mean response. A simulation study is conducted to assess the effectiveness of blinded sample size re‐estimation methods over fixed designs. Sample sizes attained through blinded sample size re‐estimation procedures are shown to maintain the desired study power without inflating the Type I error rate and the procedure is demonstrated on MRI data from a recent study in multiple sclerosis.
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking Studies and Biological Evaluation of Some Conjugated Quinazoline‐Sulfonamide Scaffold
Authors: Kumar A. Sunil , Kudva Jyothi , Bharath B. R. , Rai Vaishali M , Kumar S. Madan , Kumar Vasantha , Sajankila Shyama Prasad
Published: December 2018

A series of sulfonamides containing 4‐aminoquinazoline scaffolds 7 a‐7 l was synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The compounds with 4‐nitrophenyl (7 c), 3‐trifluoromethylphenyl (7 f) and 5‐chloro‐pyridin‐2‐yl (7 h) derivatives have shown potent antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain and the activity was two‐fold higher than the standard drug Ciprofloxacin. The compounds with 4‐chlorophenyl (7 a), pyridin‐2‐yl (7 g), 5‐chloro‐pyridin‐2‐yl (7 h) and pyrimidin‐2‐yl (7 i, 7 j and 7 k) derivatives were observed as excellent antimicrobial agents. The preliminary toxicity of selected potent compounds was also tested on Red Blood Cells by hemolytic assay and found to be non‐toxic even at higher concentrations. Compounds with 4‐nitrophenyl (7 c) and 4‐fluorophenyl (7 e) substitutions emerged as potent molecules against MDA‐MB‐231 cell line. ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) screening study revealed that the compounds are strong candidates for antitubercular activity with good ADME parameters. In addition, the structure and antitubercular activity relationship were further supported by molecular docking studies of the active compounds against the DNA topoisomerase II (5BTC) enzyme of M. tuberculosis.