bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing developmental rate and quality of mouse single blastomeres into blastocysts using a microplatform
Authors: Yekani Farshid , Fazel‐Tabar Mohammad , Kowsari‐Esfahan Reza , Renaud Philippe , Kavand Hanieh , Esfandiari Fereshteh , Azarnia Mahnaz , Montazeri Leila , Baharvand Hossein
Published: June 2018

The present work reports the beneficial effects of using a microplatform on the development of mouse single blastomeres (SBs) to the blastocyst stage. Development of blastocysts from SBs separated from two‐ and four‐cell stage embryos (two‐ and four‐cell SBs) can provide a valuable supply both for couples who use fertility‐assisted techniques and farm animals. As a step forward, we introduce three chips that provide the possibility of culturing SBs separately, in groups, and in the vicinity of the intact embryo (co‐culture), while each well of the chips is assigned to an isolated SB. Two‐ and four‐cell SBs co‐cultured with intact embryos showed 97.1% and 76.6% developmental rates and up to 34.1% and 49.1% growth relative to the microdroplet method (control). We examined the quality of developed blastocysts by assessing the total cell number, the number of inner cell mass (ICM) according to the octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 marker (OCT4), and trophectoderm (TE). Co‐culture of SBs with an intact embryo in a chip with nanoscale culture medium volume also increased the cell population of the developed embryo. The ICM:TE ratio, which is the most important blastocyst quality parameter, also indicated that developed two‐cell SBs have a higher degree of similarity to intact embryos despite fewer numbers of total cells.
Colors of attraction: Modeling insect flight to light behavior
Authors: Donners Maurice , van Grunsven Roy H.A. , Groenendijk Dick , van Langevelde Frank , Bikker Jan Willem , Longcore Travis , Veenendaal Elmar
Published: June 2018

Light sources attract nocturnal flying insects, but some lamps attract more insects than others. The relation between the properties of a light source and the number of attracted insects is, however, poorly understood. We developed a model to quantify the attractiveness of light sources based on the spectral output. This model is fitted using data from field experiments that compare a large number of different light sources. We validated this model using two additional datasets, one for all insects and one excluding the numerous Diptera. Our model facilitates the development and application of light sources that attract fewer insects without the need for extensive field tests and it can be used to correct for spectral composition when formulating hypotheses on the ecological impact of artificial light. In addition, we present a tool allowing the conversion of the spectral output of light sources to their relative insect attraction based on this model.
Filter‐based emulsification microextraction as an efficient method for the determination of chlorophenols by gas chromatography
Authors: Bazregar Mohammad , Rajabi Maryam , Yamini Yadollah , Asghari Alireza
Published: June 2018

In this work, an efficient microextraction method was applied for the extraction of some chlorophenols in water samples. This method, termed filter‐based emulsification microextraction, is based on the dispersion of an extractant into an aqueous sample solution to accelerate the extraction process and the utilization of a Nylon syringe filter to break the emulsion. After phase separation, the method is coupled with gas chromatography as a final analyzer instrument. The overall derivatization/extraction time was about 90 s. The proposed method is centrifuge‐free, and it also provides a suitable sample clean‐up by filtration of the extracting phase. The effective parameters involved in the extraction method were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the method provided a good linearity in the range of 2.0–2000 ng/mL, extraction repeatabilities (relative standard deviations) below 9.4%, enrichment factors of 180–203, and limits of detection between 0.5 and 1.2 ng/mL.
Design of Silica‐Oligourethane‐Collagen Membranes for Inflammatory Response Modulation: Characterization and Polarization of a Macrophage Cell Line
Authors: Muñoz‐González Pedro U. , Rivera‐Debernardi Olivia , Mendoza‐Novelo Birzabith , Claudio‐Rizo Jesús A. , Mata‐Mata José L. , Delgadillo‐Holtfort Isabel , Carriles Ramón , Flores‐Moreno Mauricio , González‐García Gerardo , Cauich‐Rodríguez Juan V. , Delgado Jorge , Castellano Laura E.
Published: June 2018

The polarization of macrophages M0 to M1 or M2 using molecules embedded in matrices and hydrogels is an active field of study. The design of biomaterials capable of promoting polarization has become a paramount need nowadays, since in the healing process macrophages M1 and M2 modulate the inflammatory response. In this work, several immunocytochemistry and ELISA tests strongly suggest the achievement of polarization using collagen‐based membranes crosslinked with tri‐functionalized oligourethanes and coated with silica. Measuring the amount of TGF‐β1 secreted to culture media by macrophages growth on these materials, and quantifying the macrophage morphology, it is proved that it is possible to stimulate the anti‐inflammatory pathway toward M2, having measurements with p ≤ 0.05 of statistical significance between the control and the collagen‐based membranes. Furthermore, some physicochemical characteristics of the hybrid materials are tested envisaging future applications: collagenase degradation resistance, water uptake, collagen fiber diameter, and deformation resistance are increased for all the crosslinked biomaterials. It is considered that the biological and physicochemical properties make the material suitable for the modulation of the inflammatory response in the chronic wounds and promising for in vivo studies.
Ratings surveillance and reliability in a study of major depressive disorder with subthreshold hypomania (mixed features)
Authors: Targum Steven D. , Pendergrass J. Cara , Lee Sang , Loebel Antony
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Site‐independent ratings surveillance assessed ratings reliability in a clinical trial.

Methods

Inter‐rater reliability was assessed at the screen visit in a 6‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of lurasidone for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with subthreshold hypomanic (“mixed”) symptoms (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01421134). Site‐based Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) interviews were paired with 184 site‐independent ratings derived from audio‐digital recordings.

Results

The paired MADRS and YMRS scores were highly correlated (r = 0.708 and 0.885, respectively) and generated minimal scoring discordance. The surveillance program identified 14 MADRS scores (7.6% of this sample) that were below the study entry criterion (MADRS ≥26) and resulted in screen failure.

When present, paired scoring discordance was associated with symptom severity, interview length, interview quality, and the level of patient cooperation.

Higher severity scores (MADRS ≥40 and YMRS ≥15) were associated with greater paired scoring discordance. Further, MADRS scores <30 and short MADRS interviews conducted in ≤12 min revealed significantly more pairs of discordant outliers (p = 0.04 and 0.009, respectively).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that MDD patients with mixed features can be reliably assessed, that paired site‐based and site‐independent assessments were generally concordant, and that ratings surveillance may reinforce ratings precision.
Multimaterial multijoint topology optimization
Authors: Woischwill Christopher , Kim Il Yong
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a methodology that solves multimaterial topology optimization problems while also optimizing the quantity and type of joints between dissimilar materials is proposed. Multimaterial topology optimization has become a popular design optimization technique since the enhanced design freedom typically leads to superior solutions; however, the conventional assumption that all elements are perfectly fused together as a single piece limits the usefulness of the approach since the mutual dependency between optimal multimaterial geometry and optimal joint design is not properly accounted for. The proposed methodology uses an effective decomposition approach to both determine the optimal topology of a structure using multiple materials and the optimal joint design using multiple joint types. By decomposing the problem into two smaller subproblems, gradient‐based optimization techniques can be used and large models that cannot be solved with nongradient approaches can be solved. Moreover, since the joining interfaces are interpreted directly from multimaterial topology optimization results, the shape of the joining interfaces and the quantity of joints connecting dissimilar materials do not need to be defined a priori. Three numerical examples, which demonstrate how the methodology optimizes the geometry of a multimaterial structure for both compliance and cost of joining, are presented.
A stabilization technique for coupled convection‐diffusion‐reaction equations
Authors: Hernández H. , Massart T. J. , Peerlings R. H. J. , Geers M. G. D.
Published: June 2018

Partial differential equations having diffusive, convective, and reactive terms appear in the modeling of a large variety of processes in several branches of science. Often, several species or components interact with each other, rendering strongly coupled systems of convection‐diffusion‐reaction equations. Exact solutions are available in extremely few cases lacking practical interest due to the simplifications made to render such equations amenable by analytical tools. Then, numerical approximation remains the best strategy for solving these problems. The properties of these systems of equations, particularly the lack of sufficient physical diffusion, cause most traditional numerical methods to fail, with the appearance of violent and nonphysical oscillations, even for the single equation case. For systems of equations, the situation is even harder due to the lack of fundamental principles guiding numerical discretization. Therefore, strategies must be developed in order to obtain physically meaningful and numerically stable approximations. Such stabilization techniques have been extensively developed for the single equation case in contrast to the multiple equations case. This paper presents a perturbation‐based stabilization technique for coupled systems of one‐dimensional convection‐diffusion‐reaction equations. Its characteristics are discussed, providing evidence of its versatility and effectiveness through a thorough assessment.
Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) gene polymorphism and levels associated with adverse outcome in severe community‐acquired pneumonia in children: A hospital‐based study in India
Authors: Awasthi Shally , Yadav Krishna K. , Pandey Monika , Mahdi Abbas A. , Awasthi Nidhi
Published: June 2018

Background

High morbidity and mortality due to community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is seen in children under 5 years of age in India. Besides identified risk factors for CAP, there may be a phenotype‐genotype association with cytokines, resulting in enhanced inflammatory response resulting in the adverse outcome (AO), namely complications and death.

Aim

To assess the association of IL1RA gene polymorphism on serum levels of IL1RA and with AO in children under 5 years of age hospitalized with WHO‐defined severe CAP.

Method

A prospective cohort study with nested case‐control design conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital after obtaining institutional ethical approval. Included were children between 2 and 59 months of age hospitalized with WHO‐defined severe CAP with consistent radiological abnormalities. Excluded were those with suspected or proven cystic fibrosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, malignancy, immunodeficiency, and congenital heart disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze the Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) of IL1RA gene polymorphism and ELISA test to detect serum levels of IL1RA.

Results

From 2014 to 2016, of 420 screened cases, 350 were eligible and included, of which 132 (37.7%) had no complication and 218 (62.3%) had AO, which included complications like empyema, pyopneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and septic shock of these 24 (6.9%) expired. Higher risk of AO was seen in A2A2 genotype (OR 11.18, p 0.0001) and lower in A1A1 genotype (OR 0.18, P < 0.0001). Serum IL1RA (ng/mL) was statistically significantly elevated in CAP with AO (2.55 ± 1.44) versus uncomplicated (0.87 ± 0.52) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In IL1RA gene, A1A1 genotype was associated with lower risk and A2A2 genotype with increased the risk of AO. Higher serum levels of IL1RA were found in A2A2 genotype indicating possibly enhanced inflammatory response resulting in AO of CAP.
Dating igneous rocks using the Potassium–Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE) instrument: A case study for ~380 Ma basaltic rocks
Authors: Cho Yuichiro , Cohen Barbara A.
Published: June 2018

Rationale

We report new K–Ar isochron data for two ~380 Ma basaltic rocks, using an updated version of the Potassium–Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE), which is being developed for future in situ dating of planetary materials. These basalts have K contents comparable with those of lunar KREEP basalts or igneous lithologies found by Mars rovers, whereas previous proof‐of‐concept studies focused primarily on more K‐rich rocks. We aim to measure these analogous samples to show the advancing capability of in situ K–Ar geochronology.

Methods

Combining laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), mass spectrometry (MS), and microscopic analyses, we measured the abundance of K and 40Ar from 23 spots on the basalt samples. We then constructed K–Ar isochron plots from these rocks. The breadboard instrument consists of flight‐equivalent devices including a 30‐mJ Nd:YAG laser and a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Results

Despite much lower K abundances than in previous studies, the isochron slopes yielded 380 ± 44 Ma and 398 ± 50 Ma for 380.7‐Ma and 373.5‐Ma rocks, respectively, indicating that accuracy better than 25 Ma (<7%) is achievable with our instrument. The isochron intercepts both yielded trapped 40Ar approximately 1 × 10−6 cm3 STP/g.

Conclusions

Our experimental results demonstrate that accurate and precise measurements are possible using the KArLE approach on basaltic rocks, which are ubiquitous on planetary surfaces, and are useful in addressing a wide range of questions in planetary science.
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis with ground‐glass opacities as presentation of prostate cancer
Authors: Hibino Makoto , Maeda Kazunari , Horiuchi Shigeto , Fukuda Minoru , Kondo Tetsuri
Published: June 2018

There is a broad differential diagnosis for interstitial shadows on chest computed tomography in rheumatoid arthritis patients, especially those previously treated with immunosuppressant drugs. We report an immunocompromised rheumatoid arthritis patient in respiratory failure with diffuse ground‐glass opacities (GGOs), who was diagnosed with pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as the initial presentation of prostate cancer. He was successfully treated with chemohormonal androgen deprivation therapy, including bicalutamide, leuprorelin acetate, denosumab, and docetaxel. Metastatic pulmonary lymphangitis, rarely from the prostate, should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of GGOs, even when the patient has no known prior malignancies.
Forestry crane posture estimation with a two‐dimensional laser scanner
Authors: Hyyti Heikki , Lehtola Ville V. , Visala Arto
Published: June 2018

Crane posture estimation is the stepping stone to forest machine automation. Here, we introduce a robust minimal perception solution, that is, one that uses minimal constraints for maximal benefits. Specifically, we introduce a robust particle‐filter‐based method to estimate and track the posture of a flexible hydraulic crane by using only low‐cost equipment, namely, a two‐dimensional (2D) laser scanner, two short magnetically attached metal tubes as targets, and an angle sensor. An important feature of our method is that it incorporates control signals for hydraulic actuators. In contrast to the previous works employing laser scanners, we do not use the full shape of the crane to estimate the crane posture, but, instead, we use only two small targets in the field of view of the laser scanner. Thus, a large share of the range data is useful for other purposes, for example, to map the surrounding environment. We test the proposed method in a challenging forest environment and show that the particle filter is able to estimate the posture of the hydraulic crane efficiently and reliably in the presence of occlusions and obstructions. During our comprehensive testing, the tip position was measured with average errors smaller than 4.3 cm whereas the absolute maximum error was 15 cm.
Students’ representational competence with drawing technology across two domains of science
Authors: Chang Hsin‐Yi
Published: June 2018

Research has indicated the importance of representational competence for learning science. Issues related to the nature of students’ representational competence, such as how they demonstrate representational competence across different domains of science, require investigation. In the present study, four aspects of representational competence across two domains of science were investigated: use of dynamic representations, use of multiple representations, use of adequate science concepts, and use of visualization strategies. Two instruments, the representational competence of states of matter and the representational competence of carbon cycling assessments were delivered via a computer‐based drawing tool and were used to measure 40 senior high school students’ representational competence for the topic of states of matter and carbon cycling. The results indicated that the representational competence demonstrated in one topic was not significantly correlated to that demonstrated in the other. The results of path analyses using multiple regressions indicated a trend that the extent to which multiple representations were employed was significantly and closely related to the extent to which appropriate science concepts were applied to make the drawings. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Quantifying the regression to the mean effect in Poisson processes
Authors: Khan Manzoor , Olivier Jake
Published: June 2018

Regression to the mean (RTM) can occur whenever an extreme observation is selected from a population and a later observation is closer to the population mean. A consequence of this phenomenon is that natural variability can be mistaken as real change. Simple expressions are available to quantify RTM when the underlying distribution is bivariate normal. However, there are many real‐world situations, which are better approximated as a Poisson process. Examples include the number of hard disk failures during a year, the number of cargo ships damaged by waves, daily homicide counts in California, and the number of deaths per quarter attributable to acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Australia. In this paper, we derive expressions for quantifying RTM effects for the bivariate Poisson distribution for both the homogeneous and inhomogeneous cases. Statistical properties of our derivations have been evaluated through a simulation study. The asymptotic distributions of RTM estimators have been derived. The RTM effect for the number of people killed in road accidents in different regions of New South Wales (Australia) is estimated using maximum likelihood.
Flexible alpha allocation strategies for confirmatory adaptive enrichment clinical trials with a prespecified subgroup
Authors: Sugitani Toshifumi , Posch Martin , Bretz Frank , Koenig Franz
Published: June 2018

Adaptive enrichment designs have recently received considerable attention as they have the potential to make drug development process for personalized medicine more efficient. Several statistical approaches have been proposed so far in the literature and the operating characteristics of these approaches are extensively investigated using simulation studies. In this paper, we improve on existing adaptive enrichment designs by assigning unequal weights to the significance levels associated with the hypotheses of the overall population and a prespecified subgroup. More specifically, we focus on the standard combination test, a modified combination test, the marginal combination test, and the partial conditional error rate approach and explore the operating characteristics of these approaches by a simulation study. We show that these approaches can lead to power gains, compared to existing approaches, if the weights are chosen carefully.
Synthesis and Characterization of N5‐(2‐Fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐N1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole‐5‐amine and its Nitramide Based on Functionalized Amino Group in 5‐Amino‐1H‐tetrazole
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Guojie , Zhang Zhenqi , Ma Qing , Fan Guijuan , Tang Shuihua
Published: June 2018

N5‐(2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐N1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole‐5‐amine and its nitramide were designed and synthesized by a strategy based on functionalized amino group in 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole. Their structures were fully determined by 1H, 13C NMR, infrared spectrum as well as elementary analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction was employed for characterizing their crystal structures. Comparing with its nitramide N5‐(2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐N1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐nitramide (Tm: 76 oC, Td: 135 oC, Tp: 163 oC), N5‐(2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐N1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole‐5‐amine exhibits better thermal stability (Tm: 167 oC, Td: 191 oC, Tp: 205 oC), which is superior to those of N3,N4‐bis(2‐fluoro‐2,2’‐dinitroethyl)‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole‐3,4‐diamine (LLM‐208) (Tm: 149 oC, Tp: 188 oC). They both present insensitivity towards impact but slightly sensitive to friction. It is worth noting that N5‐(2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐N1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐nitramide shows its detonation performance approaching those of RDX. The above‐mentioned energetic performance show that they are insensitive and worth further potential applications as oxidizers, melt‐cast explosives, energetic plasticizers, or high‐performance ligands for constructing energetic coordination polymers.
Belt‐Like Cobalt Phosphate Tetrahydrate as the Non‐Noble Metal Catalyst with Enhanced Catalytic Reduction Activity
Authors: Su Hang , Xu Man , Zhou Shijian , Yang Fu , Wang Bangbang , Shao Bo , Kong Yan
Published: June 2018

In this work, the belt‐like cobalt phosphate tetrahydrate (Co−P‐HT) was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method without adopting template and complicated manipulation. To the best of our knowledge, the as‐prepared Co−P based materials were used as heterogeneous catalysts to catalytic reduction of organic molecules (e. g., 4‐nitrophenol) at room temperature for the first time. Especially, the Co−P‐HT exhibited enhanced catalytic reduction activity by about 3.59 times higher than that of the plate‐like cobalt phosphate octahydrate (Co−P‐RT). Moreover, Co−P‐HT also exhibited excellent catalytic activity than some noble metal‐containing materials. In addition, the Co−P‐HT could maintain its enhanced catalytic activity after the four successive catalytic test, further confirming the stability of this material. The characterization results demonstrated that the as‐prepared Co−P based materials presented distinguishable physicochemical properties, such as different chemical compositions, morphologies, coordination environments and the ability of electrons transfer and distribution. Besides, a formation mechanism of Co−P‐HT was purposed in which this material could be obtained from Co−P‐RT. The Co−P‐HT could be considered as the potential catalyst to substitute some cobalt‐based and noble metal‐containing materials in mild conditions.
Design, Synthesis, Opto–Electrochemical and Theoretical Investigation of Novel Indolo[2, 3‐b]naphtho[2, 3‐f]quinoxaline Derivatives for n–Type Materials in Organic Electronics
Authors: Kamble Rajesh M. , Sharma Bharat K. , Shaikh Azam M. , Chacko Sajeev
Published: June 2018

A series of seven new donor–acceptor compounds based on indolo[2, 3‐b]naphtho[2, 3–f] quinoxaline were synthesized by using Buchwald–Hartwig amination reaction between 12–bromo–9–heptyl–5H–indolo[2, 3–b]naphtho[2, 3–f]quinoxaline‐5,15‐(9H)–dione (1) and diaryl/cyclic amine (2–5) and by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of 1 with aryl boronic acid (6–8). The synthesized molecules were studied to determine their absorption, emission, electrochemical, thermal properties. Theoretical properties were also studied by time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of 2–8 are in the range of −6.51 to −6.84 eV and –3.00 to –3.30 eV respectively. Low−lying LUMO energy levels of 2–8 are very similar to well−known n−type materials. On the basis of experimental and theoretical studies synthesized compounds could act as n−type materials in organic electronics.
Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Tricyclic Chromenopyrazole Frameworks via Intramolecular Azomethine Imine 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition (IAIDC)
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Agarwal Vishal
Published: June 2018

A general protocol for the synthesis of angularly substituted tricyclic chromenopyrazoles via an intramolecular azomethine imine 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (IAIDC) reaction of O‐allylated salicylaldehydes (derived from bromo derivatives of Baylis‐Hillman adducts) and aryl hydrazines has been described for the first time. This reaction creates two rings (six and five‐membered) via the formation of one C–C bond and two C−N bonds. Moreover, the products are formed with two chiral centers with high diastereoselectivity and stereospecificity. Some of the synthesized compounds were examined for the fluorescent properties and found to exhibit strong fluorescence in the blue region.
Amidooxime‐Based Mononuclear Mn(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Studies on DNA Binding and Nuclease Activity
Authors: Dolai Malay , Saha Urmila , Kumar Gopinatha S. , Ali Mahammad
Published: June 2018

A number of new amidooxime based manganese(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies as well as by geometry optimization of complex 2 using DFT/B3LYP. All four complexes (1‐4) are mononuclear having octahedral geometry. DNA binding interaction and nuclease activity of these compounds were investigated for diverse biomedical applications. The results of photophysical studies indicated that the Mn(II) compounds bind with DNA by intercalation mode and the complex 1 containing pyrimidine moiety and chloro ligation showed highest binding affinity. The binding affinities of these compounds were of the order of 104‐105 M−1 and all of them were found to be capable of inducing DNA cleavage.
First‐Principles Study on the Adsorption of HF on Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Zhao Meilian , Lai Qiao , Xiao Dan , Guo Yong
Published: June 2018

Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), a toxic and corrosive colorless gas, is hazardous to human health. It is important to explore sensor materials to detect HF and remove it. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a new carbon‐based material with large adsorption ability and high conductivity. In this work, the adsorption of HF on rGO is investigated by M06‐2X functional. The adsorption of HF is stronger on rGO than graphene, which is attributed to the existance of active defect sites in rGO, e. g., epoxide, hydroxyl,carboxyl groups and the carbon atoms near these functional groups. O⋅⋅⋅H and F⋅⋅⋅H bonds form during the interaction between HF and rGO. The type and substituted site of oxygen‐containing group in rGO affect the adsorption ability. Carboxyl group is much more attractive than epoxide and hydroxyl group in rGO for HF. Spin density plays an important part in enhancing the adsorption. The adsorption is the strongest for HF on rGO with carboxyl group connected to vacancy in our work.
Ag(I)/(C2H5)4NCl Cooperation Catalysis for Fixing CO2 or Its Derivatives into β‐Oxopropylcarbamates
Authors: Zhao Qing‐Ning , Song Qing‐Wen , Liu Ping , Zhang Kan , Hao Jian
Published: June 2018

It remains a great challenge to convert CO2 into high value‐added products under ambient pressure. Herein, an efficient dual‐component catalytic system, i. e., Ag(I)/(C2H5)4NCl was developed for the synthesis of various β‐oxopropylcarbamates via one‐pot three‐component coupling of CO2, secondary amines and propargylic alcohols under atmospheric pressure. Besides, the strategy avoided the use of any additional ligand and basic species, and excellent selectivity was achieved with a yield of up to 98%. Additionally, 13Ccarbonyl‐labeled and control experiments were carefully performed to demonstrate the mechanism. Notably, this new method was also applied efficiently in quantitative chemical fixation of CO2, i. e., the two‐component reaction of propargylic alcohols and ammonium carbamates.
Detailed Investigation into the Preparation of Graphene Oxide by Dichromate Oxidation
Authors: Rosillo‐Lopez Martin , Salzmann Christoph G.
Published: June 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) can be prepared using numerous protocols including the well‐known Hummers method that relies on potassium permanganate as the oxidizing agent. Given the widespread use of GO and its many applications, a better understanding of the mechanisms of chemical oxidation is highly desirable including research into alternative oxidizing agents. Limited work has so far been carried out into using potassium dichromate as an oxidizing agent and the chemical structure of GO prepared by dichromate oxidation remains unclear. Here we present a full structural characterization of GO prepared by dichromate oxidation and we investigate its thermal stability. Furthermore, the previously reported preparation protocol is optimized by reducing the reaction time from 5 days to 20 hours and showing that sodium nitrate is not needed in the reaction mixture. Contrary to previous reports, we show that the GO material produced by dichromate oxidation is highly oxidized if thermal annealing is avoided. Compared to traditional GO, larger amounts of carboxylic acid groups are found which constitutes a major advantage for chemical processing and applications in materials chemistry.
Recent Advances and Developments of in vitro Evaluation of Heterocyclic Moieties on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Tandon Runjhun , Singh Iqubal , Luxami Vijay , Tandon Nitin , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: June 2018

Besides worthy development in cancer therapy, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death, worldwide. The future burden of cancer will probably be even larger because people are adopting poor lifestyles with poor diet, frequently smoking and less physical activity. The effective anticancer drugs having efficacy and selectivity with low toxicity is still a challenge for the scientific fraternity. The advances in the cancer study have its origin on the availability of different types of experimental model systems that review the various forms of this disease. Cell lines emerge as a feasible alternative for anticancer activities, being at the same time easy to manipulate and molecularly characterize. Heterocycles are key structural components of many of the anti‐cancer drugs available on the market today. Indeed, of the novel molecular anti‐cancer agents approved by the FDA between 2010 and 2017, almost two‐thirds contained heterocyclic rings within their structures. This review summarizes and provides updated literature on heterocyclic compounds using various cancer cell lines reported during the period of 2014–2017 together with the structure‐activity relationships.
Talking back: Development of the olivocochlear efferent system
Authors: Frank Michelle M. , Goodrich Lisa V.
Published: June 2018

Developing sensory systems must coordinate the growth of neural circuitry spanning from receptors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to multilayered networks within the central nervous system (CNS). This breadth presents particular challenges, as nascent processes must navigate across the CNS–PNS boundary and coalesce into a tightly intermingled wiring pattern, thereby enabling reliable integration from the PNS to the CNS and back. In the auditory system, feedforward spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) from the periphery collect sound information via tonotopically organized connections in the cochlea and transmit this information to the brainstem for processing via the VIII cranial nerve. In turn, feedback olivocochlear neurons (OCNs) housed in the auditory brainstem send projections into the periphery, also through the VIII nerve. OCNs are motor neuron‐like efferent cells that influence auditory processing within the cochlea and protect against noise damage in adult animals. These aligned feedforward and feedback systems develop in parallel, with SGN central axons reaching the developing auditory brainstem around the same time that the OCN axons extend out toward the developing inner ear. Recent findings have begun to unravel the genetic and molecular mechanisms that guide OCN development, from their origins in a generic pool of motor neuron precursors to their specialized roles as modulators of cochlear activity. One recurrent theme is the importance of efferent–afferent interactions, as afferent SGNs guide OCNs to their final locations within the sensory epithelium, and efferent OCNs shape the activity of the developing auditory system.

This article is categorized under:

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development
Aerodynamic analysis of a linear cascade wind turbine
Authors: Jafari S. A. H. , Kwok K. C .S. , Safaei F. , Kosasih B.
Published: June 2018

This paper develops an analytical model to investigate the aerodynamic of the power generation of a linear cascade wind turbine, referred to as PowerWindow. Based on blade element momentum theory, this analytical model elucidates some flow characteristics of PowerWindow such as axial induction factor and local instantaneous angle of attack along the blades. The model also provides an understanding of the effects of blade pitch angle, blade speed ratio, and solidity on the angle of attack, axial induction factor, and power generation of PowerWindow when operating in “elevated” position. In elevated position, PowerWindow is installed on a tower as opposed to directly mounted on a roof. The validity and accuracy of the analytical model are verified with computational fluid dynamic simulations. The results indicate that by doubling the solidity or increasing the blade pitch angle by 8°, the coefficient of performance of PowerWindow increases from 8% to 12% and 16%, respectively. The analytical model can serve as the tool to find the design parameters of PowerWindow and their influence on power generation for given life wind condition.
Analysis of near‐surface relative humidity in a wind turbine array boundary layer using an instrumented unmanned aerial system and large‐eddy simulation
Authors: Adkins Kevin A. , Sescu Adrian
Published: June 2018

Simulation and modeling have shown that wind farms have an impact on the near‐surface atmospheric boundary layer as turbulent wakes generated by the turbines enhance vertical mixing. While a few observational data sets that focus on near‐surface temperature changes exist, these studies lack high spatial resolution and neglect the combined effect of these temperature changes with an altered humidity profile. With a large portion of wind farms hosted within an agricultural context, changes to relative humidity can potentially have secondary impacts, such as to the productivity of crops. The goal of this study is to gather high‐resolution in situ field measurements in the wake of a single wind turbine in order to differentially map downstream changes to relative humidity. These measurements, obtained by an instrumented unmanned aerial system, are complemented by numerical experiments conducted using large‐eddy simulation. Observations and numerical results are in good general agreement around a single wind turbine and show that downstream relative humidity is differentially altered in all directions, specifically decreased below the turbine hub height. Large‐eddy simulation is then used to determine the effect of a large 7 × 4 turbine array on the relative humidity distribution in compounding wakes. It is found that the region of relative humidity decrease below the turbine hub height and the region of increase above the hub height both intensify, differentially extend in the lateral directions, and move slightly upward with downstream distance.
The potential of performance targets (imihigo) as drivers of energy planning and extending access to off‐grid energy in rural Rwanda
Authors: Bisaga Iwona , Parikh Priti , Mulugetta Yacob , Hailu Yohannes
Published: June 2018

Rwanda has one of the lowest electrification rates in Sub‐Saharan Africa and ambitious targets of boosting energy access, with an encouraged private sector involvement. However, barriers such as end‐user awareness and participation in policy and business model design prohibit the pace of rural electrification. A case of Rwanda is analyzed, pointing to the potential of the imihigo (performance contracts) framework. Given the adoption of household‐level performance contracts, which can include energy access, it is proposed they could drive local participation among off‐grid communities. Results of a survey with 218 users of Solar Home Systems in North‐Western Rwanda and from five focus groups show that village‐level energy targets impact on the prioritization of energy target setting among households. Including off‐grid energy options in the imihigo booklets distributed to households could influence awareness raising and allow private sector providers to act in a more targeted way, prioritizing areas with most prevalent energy targets. Additionally, community meetings (umuganda) tied to imihigo offer participatory spaces for information and feedback sharing. These will assist in the design of energy planning and business models, which best fit local needs and respond to the challenges faced by the energy poor.

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Development > Climate and Environment

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Knowledge discovery and semantic learning in the framework of axiomatic fuzzy set theory
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Jia Wenjuan , Wang Yuangang , Guo Hongyue , Ren Yan , Li Zedong
Published: June 2018

Axiomatic fuzzy set (AFS) theory facilitates a way on how to transform data into fuzzy sets (membership functions) and implement their fuzzy logic operations, which provides a flexible and powerful tool for representing human knowledge and emulate human recognition process. In recent years, AFS theory has received increasing interest. In this survey, we report the current developments of theoretical research and practical advances in the AFS theory. We first review some notion and foundations of the theory with an illustrative example, then, we focus on the various extensions of AFS theory for knowledge discovery, including clustering, classification, rough sets, formal concept analysis, and other learning tasks. Due to its unique characteristics of semantic representation, AFS theory has been applied in multiple domains, such as business intelligence, computer vision, financial analysis, and clinical data analysis. This survey provides a comprehensive view of these advances in AFS theory and its potential perspectives.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Computational Intelligence
Microscopic considerations for optimizing silk biomaterials
Authors: DeBari Megan K. , Abbott Rosalyn D.
Published: June 2018

Silk is an especially appealing biomaterial due to its adaptable mechanical properties, allowing it to be used in a wide range of tissue engineering applications. However, processing conditions play a critical role in determining silk's mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. While bulk properties of silk have been widely explored, focusing on microscopic features is becoming increasingly important, as modifications at this scale largely affect the resulting regenerative properties of the biomaterial. Structural changes caused by the silk source, extraction, and processing should be carefully considered, as they will affect the biocompatibility and degradability of silk fibroin. Processing techniques and physical properties of silk that make it an ideal material for many biomedical applications will be explored.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Gravity from entanglement for boundary subregions
Authors: Blanco David , Leston Mauricio , Pérez-Nadal Guillem
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We explore several aspects of the relation between gravity and entanglement in the context of AdS/CFT, in the simple setting of 3 bulk dimensions. Specifically, we consider small perturbations of the AdS metric and the CFT vacuum state and study what can be learnt about the metric perturbation from the Ryu-Takayanagi (RT) formula alone. It is well-known that, if the RT formula holds for all boundary spacelike segments, then the metric perturbation satisfies the linearized Einstein equations throughout the bulk. We generalize this result by showing that, if the RT formula holds for all spacelike segments contained in a certain boundary region, then the metric perturbation satisfies the linearized Einstein equations in a corresponding bulk region (in fact, it is completely determined in that region). We also argue that the same is true for small perturbations of the planar BTZ black hole and the CFT thermal state. We discuss the relation between our results and the ideas of subregion-subregion duality, and we point out that our argument also serves as a holographic proof of the linearized RT formula for boundary segments.
The reflection coefficient for minimal model conformal defects from perturbation theory
Authors: Makabe Isao , Watts Gérard M. T.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We consider a class of conformal defects in Virasoro minimal models that have been defined as fixed points of the renormalisation group and calculate the leading contribution to the reflection coefficient for these defects. This requires several structure constants of the operator algebra of the defect fields, for which we present a derivation in detail. We compare our results with our recent work on conformal defects in the tricritical Ising model.
Stenting in Palliation of Unresectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Włodarczyk Janusz R , Kużdżał Jarosław
Published: June 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of stenting using partially covered self‐expandable stents in palliation of dysphagia in patients with unresectable esophageal cancer.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of hospital records of all patients who underwent esophageal stenting in the period 2008–2015 was performed. The study included patients with unresectable esophageal and esophagogastric cancer.

Results

There were 442 patients included. Mean age was 56 years (range 28–89), and 379 were males. In 40 (9.0%) patients, stenting was performed in the cervical, in 150 (39.3%)—in the middle thoracic, in 141 (31.9%)—in lower thoracic esophagus and in 111 (25.1%)—in the esophagogastric junction. Stenting resulted in significant alleviation of dysphagia grade (3.0 vs. 1.0, p = 0.00001). During the follow‐up, 55 (12.4%) patients experienced recurrent dysphagia due to tumor or granulation tissue overgrowth, and in 18 (4.1%) patients, migration of the stent occurred, for which an independent risk factor was adjuvant chemo‐ and/or radiation therapy (p = 0.001). Minor complications included chest pain (54.5%), delayed complete stent expansion (12.0%), feeling of a foreign body (25.3%), hiccup (1.6%), gastroesophageal reflux (45.6%) and post‐discharge pneumonia (2.5%). A feeling of a foreign body in the esophagus was significantly more common after stenting of the cervical esophagus (p = 0.0001), and hiccup was more common after stenting of the esophagogastric junction (p = 0.02). Major complications included bleeding (1.3%), respiratory insufficiency (0.7%), esophageal perforation (0.9%) and irregular heartburn (2.3%). Overall procedure‐related mortality was 0.4%. The median survival time was 117.8 days (range 2–732).

Conclusions

Stenting is an effective procedure in relieving dysphagia in patients with unresectable malignant esophageal stenosis and is associated with low rate of postoperative and long‐term complications.
Changes in attitude towards LAI antipsychotic maintenance treatment: A two-year follow-up study
Authors: Pietrini Francesco , D’Anna Giulio , Tatini Lorenzo , Talamba Gabriela Alina , Andrisano Costanza , Calderani Enrico , Manetti Mara , Rossi Prodi Paolo , Ricca Valdo , Ballerini Andrea
Published: June 2018

Background:

To present real-world evidence on the effects of switching from oral to long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic maintenance treatment (AMT) in a sample of clinically stable patients with schizophrenia, with regard to subjective experience of treatment, attitude towards drug and quality of life.

Methods:

50 clinically stable adult schizophrenic outpatients were recruited. At the time of enrolment (T0), all patients were under a stabilized therapy with a single oral second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) and were switched to the equivalent maintenance regimen with the long-acting formulation of the same antipsychotic. 43 patients completed the 24-month prospective, longitudinal, open-label, observational study. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0), after 12 (T1) and 24 months (T2), using psychometric scales (PANSS, YMRS and MDRS) and patient-reported outcome measures (SWN-K, DAI-10 and SF-36).

Results:

The switch to LAI-AMT was associated with a significant clinical improvement at T1 and T2 compared to baseline (T0). All of the psychometric indexes, as well as patients’ subjective experience of treatment (SWN-K), and quality of life (SF-36) showed a significant improvement after one year of LAI-AMT, with stable results after two years. Patients’ attitude towards drug (DAI-10) increased throughout the follow-up period, with a further improvement during the second year.

Conclusions:

The switch to LAI-AMT may help to address the subjective core of an optimal recovery in stabilized schizophrenic patients. A sustained improvement in patients’ attitude towards drug may help to achieve patient’s compliance. The size of this study needs to be expanded to produce more solid and generalizable results.
ANIMAL WELFARE PERCEPTIONS OF THE U.S. PUBLIC AND COW-CALF PRODUCERS
Authors: McKENDREE MELISSA G.S. , TONSOR GLYNN T. , WOLF CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: June 2018

The U.S. livestock industry is increasingly faced with pressure to adjust practices in response to societal concerns—specifically related to farm animal welfare. Using best-worst scaling, we determine which practices the U.S. public and cow-calf producers view as the most effective and most practical practices to improve beef cattle welfare. Latent class models are used to understand heterogeneity within and across the public and producers. Fresh, clean feed and water was viewed by most groups as both effective and practical. Furthermore, castrate with pain control and dehorn with pain control were seen as the least effective and practical practices.