bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Conversion of C5 and C6 Sugars into Methyl Levulinate with the Addition of 1,3,5‐Trioxane
Authors: Lyu Xilei , Zhang Zihao , Okejiri Francis , Chen Hao , Xu Mai , Chen Xujie , Deng Shuguang , Lu Xiuyang
Published: August 2019

The simultaneous conversion of C5 and C6 mixed sugars into methyl levulinate (MLE) has emerged as a versatile strategy to eliminate costly separation steps. However, the traditional upgrading of C5 sugars into MLE is very complex as it requires both acid‐catalyzed and hydrogenation processes. This study concerns the development of a one‐pot, hydrogenation‐free conversion of C5 sugars into MLE over different acid catalysts at near‐critical methanol conditions with the help of 1,3,5‐trioxane. For the conversion of C5 sugars over zeolites without the addition of 1,3,5‐trioxane, the MLE yield is quite low, owing to low hydrogenation activity. The addition of 1,3,5‐trioxane significantly boosts the MLE yield by providing an alternative conversion pathway that does not include the hydrogenation step. A direct comparison of the catalytic performance of five different zeolites reveals that Hβ zeolite, which has high densities of both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, affords the highest MLE yield. With the addition of 1,3,5‐trioxane, the hydroxymethylation of furfural derivative and formaldehyde is a key step. Notably, the simultaneous conversion of C5 and C6 sugars catalyzed by Hβ zeolite can attain an MLE yield as high as 50.4 % when the reaction conditions are fully optimized. Moreover, the Hβ zeolite catalyst can be reused at least five times without significant change in performance.
What affects government planning for climate change adaptation: Evidence from the U.S. states
Authors: Miao Qing
Published: August 2019

As climate change unfolds, formal planning for climate adaptation is emerging at all levels of governments. This paper examines the factors that lead U.S. state governments to develop comprehensive adaptation plans. Using an event history analysis, we find that a state is more likely to engage in adaptation planning we find that a state is more likely to engage in adaptation planning when it experienced more extreme weather events recently, has more economic activities in coastal regions, or when it has high levels of incomes and civic engagement. We also show that political ideology plays a critical role in subnational adaptation decision making. A state is less likely to pursue adaptation planning when it has a Republican governor or has a lack of preference for environmental legislations. In addition to the internal characteristics, our study further provides evidence of the external influence from other nearby adapting states through spatial policy diffusion. These findings shed light on the motivation for and obstacles to a state's adoption of adaptation policy and also provide implications for environmental federalism.
Thyroid nodules classification and diagnosis in ultrasound images using fine‐tuning deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Moussa Olfa , Khachnaoui Hajer , Guetari Ramzi , Khlifa Nawres
Published: August 2019

Ultrasonography AKA diagnostic sonography is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows the analysis of an organic structure, thanks to the ultrasonic waves. It is a valuable diagnosis method and is also seen as the evidence‐based diagnostic method for thyroid nodules. The diagnosis, however, is visually made by the practitioner. The automatic discrimination of benign and malignant nodules would be very useful to report Thyroid Imaging Reporting. In this paper, we propose a fine‐tuning approach based on deep learning using a Convolutional Neural Network model named resNet‐50. This approach allows improving the effectiveness of the classification of thyroid nodules in ultrasound images. Experiments have been conducted on 814 ultrasound images and the results show that our proposed approach dramatically improves the accuracy of the classification of thyroid nodules and outperforms The VGG‐19 model.
COMPARISON OF ROTATION AND WATER DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY USING DISPERSION DEVICES FOR IMPACT AND ROTARY SPRINKLERS
Authors: Issaka Zakaria , Li Hong , Jiang Yue , Tang Pan , Chao Chen
Published: August 2019

The study provides laboratory testing of the effect of dispersion devices on the rotation and water distribution uniformity for impact and rotary spray sprinklers. A MatLab program was used to simulate the overlapped spray quadrants and visualize the variations in water distribution. Results showed rotation completion times of 15.5, 14.8, 15.1, and 14.9 s were not significantly different (p < 0.05) between the quadrants for the impact sprinkler with the F2 dispersion device. However, the rotary sprinkler with the R2 dispersion device produced larger rotation completion times of 20.2, 18.2, 20.4 and 17.3 s with significant differences (p > 0.05) between the quadrants under a pressure of 200 kPa. The rotary sprinkler with R2 gave large deviations (0.0–2.8 mm h−1) in water distribution, but the deviations from the impact sprinkler with F2 were smaller (0.0–1.7 mm h−1), indicating a more uniform water distribution. Insignificant differences (p < 0.05) occurred between the coefficient of uniformity (CU) of the overlapped quadrants with the same spacing, which fell within the acceptable CU of 75% for the sprinklers. The study revealed that the impact sprinkler equipped with F2 performed as efficiently as the rotary sprinkler with R2 from the perspective of rotation stability and water distribution uniformity. Findings from this study could be significant and useful for optimizing water dispersion devices for improving the performance of impact sprinklers under low‐pressure conditions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Becoming a Great Reader: One Deaf Student's Journey
Authors: Salehomoum Maryam , Pearson P. David
Published: August 2019

The case of a 17‐year‐old deaf student serves as a means of identifying specific home and school supports that had facilitated robust language and literacy development across the life span. Data consist of observations of the student while reading and thinking aloud, as direct evidence of proficiency, as well as follow‐up student and parent interviews that elicited an insider perspective regarding factors that had contributed to successful development from early childhood to adolescence. The authors discuss the importance of early and consistent exposure to language via the signed and auditory modalities and early and ongoing exposure to literacy‐based activities and explicit instruction in both home and school settings. The findings support several practices that can help ensure successful language and literacy development for deaf or hard of hearing students.
Toxicological safety assessment of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharide 3′‐sialyllactose sodium salt
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Baldwin Nigel J. , Lynch Barry , Stannard Diane R. , Šoltésová Alica , Gilby Ben , Mikš Marta H. , Röhrig Christoph H.
Published: August 2019

Human breastmilk is a mixture of nutrients, hormones and bioactive molecules that are vital for infant growth and development. Infant formula (IF) lacks many of these compounds, most notably human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are abundant in breastmilk but scarce in IF. Sialyllactoses, such as 3′‐sialyllactose, constitute a large portion of the HMO fraction. To produce IF that matches breastmilk more closely, biosynthesized human‐identical milk oligosaccharides (structurally identical to HMOs) such as 3′‐sialyllactose sodium salt (3′‐SL) are proposed for use in IF and foods for the general population. The safety assessment of 3′‐SL comprised in vitro genotoxicity tests and a 90‐day oral (gavage) toxicity study. This is the first 90‐day study conducted with 3′‐SL using neonatal rats (7 days old at the start of dosing—equivalent age to newborn human infants in terms of central nervous system and reproductive development), demonstrating the safety of 3′‐SL for consumption by infants, the most sensitive age group. The neonatal rats received 3′‐SL at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day and reference controls received 5,000 mg/kg BW/day of fructooligosaccharide (an ingredient approved for use in IF) for comparison with the high‐dose 3′‐SL group, followed by a 4‐week recovery period. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in vitro. In the absence of any test item‐related adverse effects in the 90‐day study, the high dose (5,000 mg/kg BW/day) was established as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level. This confirms the safety of 3′‐SL for use in IF for infants, as well as in functional foods for the general population.
Optical sectioning and high resolution visualization of trabecular meshwork using Bessel beam assisted light sheet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Suchand Sandeep C. S. , Sarangapani Sreelatha , Hong Xun J. J. , Aung Tin , Baskaran Mani , Murukeshan Vadakke M.
Published: August 2019

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is an eye disease caused by irregularities in the ocular aqueous outflow system causing an elevated intraocular pressure. High resolution imaging of the aqueous outflow system comprising trabecular meshwork is immensely valuable to vision analysts and clinicians in comprehending the disease state for the efficacious analysis and treatment of glaucoma. Currently available ocular imaging devices are unable to deliver high resolution images for the visualization of the trabecular meshwork. A method to obtain high resolution (sub‐micrometer) images of the trabecular meshwork using Bessel‐Gauss beam scanned light sheet fluorescence microscopy is presented and the optical sectioning capability of this technique to obtain three‐dimensional volumetric images of the trabecular meshwork of an intact eye without any physical dissection is demonstrated. Figure: Three‐dimensional visualization of trabecular meshwork of porcine eye.
Implementation of a dynamic culture condition to the heterotypic 3D breast cancer model
Authors: Penderecka Karolina , Ibbs Matthew , Kaluzna Apolonia , Lewandowska Anna , Marszalek Andrzej , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Dams‐Kozlowska Hanna
Published: August 2019

Cell culture system is used for a wide range of research and biotechnology production. Majority of in vitro cell studies are conducted as static, two dimensional (2D) dish culture system where cells grow in a monolayer. However, to better reflect the in vivo condition, three dimensional (3D) culture systems were introduced that allow investigating the cell–cell and cell–microenvironment interactions. In this work, the 3D breast cancer model was investigated. Previously, we developed a 3D breast cancer model that constituted of fibroblasts and breast cancer cells seeded on the silkworm silk scaffold. The dynamic culture condition that provides the medium flow and shear forces was implemented to the model. The dynamic conditions were compared to the static cultivation regarding its influence on the number of cells, their viability, scaffold penetration, and cells co‐localization. The implication of the dynamic condition to the 3D cultures resulted in a higher number and viability of the cells compared with the static 3D cultures. In contrast to the static culture condition, during the dynamic cultivation cells penetrated entirely and evenly the inner parts of the scaffold. Moreover, in coculture, the transitions like a ratio of fibroblast to the cancer cells, fibroblast morphology, and their localization were similar in both types of culture conditions, but they proceeded much faster during the dynamic cultivation. The implementation of dynamic culture condition shortened the time needed to establish the settle 3D breast cancer model. The established dynamic cancer model can be used to study tumor biology and drug screening.
Efficient Implementation of Cluster Expansion Models in Surface Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations with Lateral Interactions: Subtraction Schemes, Supersites, and the Supercluster Contraction
Authors: Hess Franziska
Published: August 2019

While lateral interaction models for reactions at surfaces have steadily gained popularity and grown in terms of complexity, their use in chemical kinetics has been impeded by the low performance of current kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) algorithms. The origins of the additional computational cost in KMC simulations with lateral interactions are traced back to the more elaborate cluster expansion Hamiltonian, the more extensive rate updating, and to the impracticality of rate‐catalog‐based algorithms for interacting adsorbate systems. Favoring instead site‐based algorithms, we propose three ways to reduce the cost of KMC simulations: (1) representing the lattice energy by a smaller Supercluster Hamiltonian without loss of accuracy, (2) employing the subtraction schemes for updating key quantities in the simulation that undergo only small, local changes during a reaction event, and (3) applying efficient search algorithms from a set of established methods (supersite approach). The cost of the resulting algorithm is fixed with respect to the number of lattice sites for practical lattice sizes and scales with the square of the range of lateral interactions. The overall added cost of including a complex lateral interaction model amounts to less than a factor 3. Practical issues in implementation due to finite numerical accuracy are discussed in detail, and further suggestions for treating long‐range lateral interactions are made. We conclude that, while KMC simulations with complex lateral interaction models are challenging, these challenges can be overcome by modifying the established variable step‐size method by employing the supercluster, subtraction, and supersite algorithms (SSS‐VSSM). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of integrin alpha 7 with clinicopathological characteristics and survival profiles, as well as its regulatory role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Xia Dongping , Chen Beibei , Yang Xun
Published: August 2019

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation of integrin alpha 7 (ITGA7) with patients' clinicopathological characteristics and survival profiles, as well as its influence on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A total of 397 NSCLC patients underwent surgical resection were included, and ITGA7 was measured in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues by immunohistochemistry. patients' clinical data were extracted from database, and follow‐up records were reviewed. In cellular experiments, expression of ITGA7 was measured in NSCLC cell lines and normal human lung epithelial cell line by RT‐qPCR. The influence of ITGA7 on cell activity was assessed by transfecting overexpression plasmids and knockdown plasmids of ITGA7 into A549 cells.

Results

Integrin alpha 7 was upregulated in tumor tissues compared with the adjacent tissues of NSCLC patients. Patients with ITGA7 high expression presented poorer pathological differentiation, larger tumor size, and more advanced TNM stage compared with patients with ITGA7 low expression. For survival profiles, both disease‐free survival and overall survival were shorter in ITGA7 high expression patients compared with ITGA7 low expression patients. In cellular experiments, ITGA7 was upregulated in NCI‐H1650, A549, HCC‐827, and NCI‐H1299 cells compared with normal human lung epithelial cells BEAS‐2B. In addition, ITGA7 promoted cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and facilitated cell stemness in A549 cells.

Conclusion

Integrin alpha 7 correlates with poor clinicopathological characteristics and survival profiles, and it promotes cell proliferation, stemness but suppresses cell apoptosis in NSCLC.
Prognostic significance of the CRP/Alb and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing TACE and RFA
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Wang Huige , Li Wendong , Chen Jinglong
Published: August 2019

Background

The C‐reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (Alb) ratio (CAR) is a basic inflammatory factor that has been related to poor survival of patients with various tumors. Our research retrospectively examined the relationship between the CAR and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This study included 172 patients with HCC who were treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Results

The CAR was weakly related to the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR, r = .159, P = .037) and the lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR, r = −.263, P = .001). The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) (0/1‐2) was related to liver cirrhosis (P = .003), tumor number (P = .02), Child‐Pugh grade (P = .001), the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR, P = .006), and the LMR (P = .021). Correlation analysis demonstrated that an elevated CAR was markedly correlated with the tumor size (P = .019), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = .033), thrombosis of the portal vein (P = .004), the NLR (P = .036), and the LMR (P = .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the prognosis of the CAR‐High and NLR‐High cohort (mOS = 7 months) was significantly worse than those of the CAR‐High or NLR‐High cohort (mOS = 15 months) and the CAR‐Low and NLR‐Low cohort (mOS = 26.5 months).

Conclusions

Combination of the NLR and the CAR represents a convenient, quick, and noninvasive biological marker that could improve prognostic prediction in patients with HCC.
Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Size in Children as Measured by Ultrasound: A Systematic Review
Authors: Calle‐Toro Juan S. , Back Susan J. , Viteri Bernarda , Andronikou Savvas , Kaplan Summer L.
Published: August 2019

Ultrasound is commonly the first‐line imaging modality for assessing the pediatric abdomen. An abnormal size of the liver, spleen, or kidneys may indicate disease, but the evaluation is challenging because the normal size changes with age. In addition, published normal value charts for children may vary by population and methods. In this systematic review, we summarized published data on the normal size of the pediatric liver, spleen, and kidneys as measured by ultrasound in which we found similar values across different populations, ages, and sexes.
Metal Ion Selective Self‐Assembly of a Ligand Functionalized Polymer into [1+1] Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Polymer Structures via Metal–Ligand Coordination
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Van Guyse Joachim F. R. , Jerca Valentin Victor , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: August 2019

The design and synthesis of polymer‐based metallomacrocycles relying on metal–ligand interactions remain a challenge in the polymer field. Instead of utilizing chemical reactions to synthesize macrocycles, a general approach is proposed to construct metallomacrocyclic structures through supramolecular self‐assembly of a specific macroligand with suitable transition metal ions. Therefore, a new ditopic macroligand (L) consisting of PEG end‐capped with 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine derivatives is prepared via CuAAC “click” reaction. Four types of metal (Fe2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+) complexes are obtained by simply mixing a solution of metal ions and L in appropriate concentrations. The investigation of the coordination chemistry suggests that coordination of L with Cu2+ results in the formation of a [1+1] metallomacrocycle, while the other metal complexes exclusively lead to the formation of linear metallopolymers and/or larger aggregates. This work provides new insights into designing metallomacrocycles and may have potential application in the synthesis of catenanes and other cyclic or cycle‐based topological architectures.
Analysis of the Board's Improved Union‐Decertification Rules
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: August 2019

As reported on p. 1, in Johnson Controls, the Trump NLRB has made it easier for employers with unions to withdraw from bargaining for a future contract when they have objective evidence that the majority of affected workers no longer support having a union.
Room‐temperature ferroelectric K2W7O22 (KWO) nanorods as a sensor material for the detection of acetone
Authors: Johnson Michael , Zhang Qifeng , Wang Danling
Published: August 2019

Acetone has been shown to be a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. The newly synthesized K2W7O22 (KWO) nanorods show a sensitive response to acetone at room temperature. This promising sensing performance could provide an optimal way to design an easy‐to‐use breathalyzer device for both personal and clinical use to monitor blood glucose levels non‐invasively. The preliminary results indicate that such good response is mainly due to the strong room temperature ferroelectric property of KWO, which has been controlled for the first time by optimizing the temperature for hydrothermal growth. The study of the relationship between material structure and properties indicates that the material is a single crystal with potassium atoms replacing the tungsten causing the ferroelectric property to emerge. The porous structure with a specific surface facet (002) exhibits good sensitivity and selectively for detection of acetone. The unique structure and material properties of as‐synthesized K2W7O22 allow it to effectively interact with acetone. The preliminary results reveal that the sensing performance of K2W7O22 can be further improved by tuning its crystal structure.
Tuberculosis model with relapse via fractional conformable derivative with power law
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Gómez‐Aguilar Francisco
Published: August 2019

The present study explores the tuberculosis dynamics with relapse with a nonlocal conformable derivative in the Caputo sense. The real data of tuberculosis cases since 2002 to 2017 are used to the set the parameters. The numerical results with the realistic parameters are chosen and present the graphical results. Further, we assign different values to the fractional parameters α and β and discuss its effect on the system variables. The use of these two fractional operators on the model simultaneously with realistic data gives reliable results.
Application of the modified operational matrices in multiterm variable‐order time‐fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Dehestani Haniye , Ordokhani Yadollah , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we present a novel discrete scheme based on Genocchi polynomials and fractional Laguerre functions to solve multiterm variable‐order time‐fractional partial differential equations (M‐V‐TFPDEs) in the large interval. In this purpose, the accurate modified operational matrices are constructed to reduce the problems into a system of algebraic equations. Also, the computational algorithm based on the method and modified operational matrices in the large interval is easily implemented. Furthermore, we discuss the error estimation of the proposed method. Ultimately, to confirm our theoretical analysis and accuracy of numerical approach, several examples are presented.
Maternal Overfeeding during Lactation Impairs the Metabolic Response to Fed/Fasting Changing Conditions in the Postweaning Offspring
Authors: Pomar Catalina Amadora , Castro Heriberto , Picó Catalina , Palou Andreu , Sánchez Juana
Published: August 2019

Scope

The metabolic response to fed/fasting changing conditions at early age in rats with different predisposition to obesity‐related alterations due to maternal conditions during the perinatal period is studied.

Methods and results

Offspring of dams made obese by a cafeteria diet and moved to a normal‐fat diet 1 month before gestation (O‐PCaf, with an apparently normal phenotype in adulthood), and offspring of cafeteria diet‐fed dams during lactation (O‐CAF, with a thin‐outside‐fat inside phenotype), together with the offspring of control dams (O‐C), are studied at early age. Fasting is associated with downregulation of lipogenesis‐related genes in liver and rpWAT, and upregulation of genes related to lipolysis and fatty acid uptake in rpWAT in O‐C animals. The response to fed/fasting conditions is impaired in O‐CAF, but not in O‐PCaf animals. The fasting‐induced increase in the expression of Prkaa1 in liver and rpWAT, and the corresponding increase of hepatic AMPKα1 protein levels of O‐C animals are attenuated in O‐CAF rats, while no alterations are found in O‐PCaf animals versus controls.

Conclusion

Maternal intake of a cafeteria diet during lactation causes early alterations in the offspring, impairing their metabolic flexibility in response to fed/fasting changing conditions, which may contribute to hindering energy homeostasis maintenance.
Warhead fragment position measurement method by using two light filed cameras
Authors: Li Hanshan , Zhang Xiaoqian , Yan Keding
Published: August 2019

The warhead fragments formed by projectile proximity explosion are easily occluded and coincided at the same time, it is very difficult to identify the spatial position of each warhead fragment, which will affect the analysis and research of the launching performance of weapons. To obtain dynamic parameter of each warhead fragment, this article proposes a new measurement method by using two light field cameras with micro‐lens array imaging, establishes the spatial position calculation model of warhead fragment, researches the spatial position recognition algorithm of warhead fragment, gives the calculation function of the depth value of the warhead fragment based on digital refocusing principle of light field camera. According to the depth information of the warhead fragment in the optical imaging region, sets up the recognition model and provides the processing algorithm of multiple warhead fragments occlusion and coincidence. In accordance with the spatial position calculation function of warhead fragment, utilizes the differential method to analyze the testing error. Through simulation and experimental analysis, the results of simulation and contrastive testing show that the proposed method can effectively recognize and distinguish the occlusive warhead fragments, which makes up for the shortcomings of the traditional binocular vision testing method.
Widefield illumination photoacoustic imaging of blood vessel phantom
Authors: Han Jae‐Ho , Cha Jaepyeong
Published: August 2019

We achieved photoacoustic tomographic imaging by employing widefield illumination using a pulsed laser source that irradiates the entire area of interest for the specimen under investigation. This approach can be simpler and more efficient than the use of narrow point‐source scanning. Tomographic images were computed via an inverse‐reconstruction‐based algorithm from signals acquired using a single transducer with circular scanning configuration. The signals were coupled to the transducer probe with index‐matching gel around the circumference of the specimen, eliminating the need for aquatic immersion. A blood‐vessel‐mimicking phantom was used to demonstrate our setup and the image reconstruction was also verified by simulation, proving the feasibility of a miniaturized system based on this design.
Rhein‐based necrosis‐avid MRI contrast agents for early evaluation of tumor response to microwave ablation therapy
Authors: Wu Tianze , Zhang Jian , Jin Qiaomei , Gao Meng , Zhang Dongjian , Zhang Libang , Feng Yuanbo , Ni Yicheng , Yin Zhiqi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Early evaluation of tumor response to thermal ablation therapy can help identify untreated tumor cells and then perform repeated treatment as soon as possible. The purpose of this work was to explore the potential of rhein‐based necrosis‐avid contrast agents (NACAs) for early evaluation of tumor response to microwave ablation (MWA).

Methods

3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to test the cytotoxicity of rhein‐based NACAs against HepG2 cells. Rat models of liver MWA were used for investigating the effectiveness of rhein‐based NACAs in imaging the MWA lesion, the optimal time period for post‐MWA MRI examination, and the metabolic behaviors of 68Ga‐labeled rhein‐based NACAs. Rat models of orthotopic liver W256 tumor MWA were used for investigating the time window of rhein‐based NACAs for imaging the MWA lesion, the effectiveness of these NACAs in distinguishing the residual tumor and the MWA lesion, and their feasibility in early evaluating the tumor response to MWA.

Results

Gadolinium 2,2',2''‐(10‐(2‐((4‐(4,5‐Dihydroxy‐9,10‐dioxo‐9,10‐dihydroanthracene‐2‐carboxamido)butyl)amino)‐2‐oxoethyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triyl)triacetic acid (GdL2) showed low cytotoxicity and high quality in imaging the MWA region. The optimal time period for post‐MWA MRI examination using GdL2 was 2 to 24 h after the treatment. During 2.5 to 3.5 h postinjection, GdL2 can better visualize the MWA lesion in comparison with gadolinium 2‐[4,7,10‐tris(carboxymethyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododec‐1‐yl]acetic acid (Gd‐DOTA), and the residual tumor would not be enhanced. The tumor response to MWA as evaluated by using GdL2‐enhanced MRI was consistent with histological examination.

Conclusion

GdL2 appears to be a promising NACA for the tumor response assessment after thermal ablation therapies.
Stability analysis of a fire‐loaded shallow tunnel by means of a thermo‐hydro‐chemo‐mechanical model and discontinuity layout optimization
Authors: Sun Zizheng , Zhang Yiming , Yuan Yong , Mang Herbert A.
Published: August 2019

When subjected to fire loading, shallow tunnels may experience loss of stability. This may result in large deformations and ultimately in local collapse of such structures. High temperature has a great negative influence on tunnels, not only because of thermal‐induced mechanical degradation of the heated lining but also because of thermal spalling in consequence of the build‐up of pore pressure. Thermal spalling causes quick loss of lining sections. Mechanical degradation sole can be simulated by thermo‐mechanical models, while consideration of mechanical degradation and spalling requires thermo‐hydro‐chemo‐mechanical (THCM) models and a spalling criterion. After simulation of both processes, the stability of a tunnel structure can be assessed by means of limit analysis. In this work, at first, a fully coupled THCM model is developed. Then, by using a “stress vs strength” criterion and a boundary shifting strategy, the coupled mechanical degradation and thermal spalling processes are captured, providing time‐dependent and space‐dependent information of the heated lining. Finally, a novel numerical approach, termed discontinuity layout optimization (DLO), is applied to quantify the stability of the tunnel structure with the help of a factor of safety. The proposed numerical procedure is used to conduct numerical studies with, as well as without, consideration of spalling. The results show that spalling has a great impact on the stability of the tunnel. It reduces the thickness of the lining section and accelerates the heating process of the inner concrete.
Individual short‐acting opioids and the risk of opioid‐related adverse events in adolescents
Authors: Chung Cecilia P. , Callahan Stephen Todd , Cooper William O. , Dupont William D. , Murray Katherine T. , Franklin Andrew D. , Hall Kathi , Dudley Judith A. , Stein Charles Michael , Ray Wayne A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Hydrocodone, codeine, oxycodone, and tramadol are frequently prescribed to adolescents for moderate pain related to minor trauma or dental, surgical, or medical procedures. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences between these opioids could affect their relative safety. We aimed to compare occurrence of opioid‐related adverse events in adolescents without cancer or other severe conditions taking hydrocodone, codeine, oxycodone, and tramadol.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 201 940 Tennessee Medicaid enrollees 12 to 17 years of age without cancer, other severe conditions, or evidence of substance abuse with 529 731 filled prescriptions for study opioids. Adverse events were defined as an emergency department visit, hospital admission, or death related to opioid use, confirmed by medical record review. Serious events had opioid‐related escalation of care, hospitalization, or death. Propensity‐score adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with hydrocodone as the reference category.

Results

The incidence of opioid‐related adverse events per 10 000 person‐years of opioid exposure was 97.5 for hydrocodone (127 events/13 026 person‐years), 91.2 for codeine (58/6,359), 229.7 for oxycodone (43/1,872), and 317.7 for tramadol (47/1479). The HRs for tramadol in comparison with hydrocodone for all and serious events were 2.98 (2.03‐4.39) and 2.94 (1.81‐4.75), respectively. Increased risk for tramadol was consistently present when the adverse events were restricted to those with neurologic‐respiratory depression/other symptoms of possible overdose.

Conclusion

In adolescents without cancer or other severe conditions prescribed short‐acting opioids, the incidence of both all opioid‐related adverse events and more serious events with opioid‐related escalation of care, hospitalization, or death was consistently greater for tramadol than for hydrocodone.
The Polymer Physics of Multiscale Charge Transport in Conjugated Systems
Authors: Gu Kaichen , Loo Yueh‐Lin
Published: August 2019

Conjugated polymers are promising candidates for next‐generation low‐cost flexible electronics. Field‐effect transistors comprising conjugated polymers have witnessed significant improvements in device performance, notably the field‐effect mobility, in the last three decades. However, to truly make these materials commercially competitive, a better understanding of charge‐transport mechanisms in these structurally heterogeneous systems is needed for providing systematic guides for further improvements. This review assesses the key microstructural features of conjugated polymers across multiple length scales that can influence charge transport, with special attention given to the underlying polymer physics. The mechanistic understanding from collective experimental and theoretical studies point to the importance of interconnected ordered domains given the macromolecular nature of the polymeric semiconductors. Based on the criterion, optimization to improve charge transport can be broadly characterized by efforts to (a) promote intrachain transport, (b) establish intercrystallite connectivity, and (c) enhance interchain coupling. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019, 57, 1559–1571
Cognitive performance of breast cancer survivors in daily life: Role of fatigue and depressed mood
Authors: Small Brent J. , Jim Heather S.L. , Eisel Sarah L. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Scott Stacey B.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Cancer and its treatment are associated with long‐term cognitive deficits. However, most studies of cancer patients have used traditional, office‐based cognitive evaluations instead of assessing patients in their daily lives. Recent research in cognitive aging suggests that variability in performance may be a sensitive indicator of cognitive decline. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), we examined cognitive variability among breast cancer survivors and evaluated whether ratings of fatigue and depressed mood were associated with cognition.

Methods

Participants were 47 women (M age = 53.3 years) who completed treatment for early stage breast cancer 6 to 36 months previously. Smartphones were preloaded with cognitive tests measuring processing speed, executive functioning, and memory, as well as rating scales for fatigue and depressed mood. Participants were prompted five times per day over a 14‐day period to complete EMA cognitive tasks and fatigue and depressed mood ratings.

Results

Cognitive variability was observed across all three EMA cognitive tasks. Processing speed responses were slower at times that women rated themselves as more fatigued than their average (P < .001). Ratings of depressed mood were not associated with cognition.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report cognitive variability in the daily lives of women treated for breast cancer. Performance was worse on a measure of processing speed at times when a woman rated her fatigue as greater than her own average. The ability to identify moments when cognition is most vulnerable may allow for personalized interventions to be applied at times when they are most needed.
The effect of Cornus mas fruit extract consumption on lipid profile, glycemic indices, and leptin in postmenopausal women— A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gholamrezayi Afsane , Aryaeian Naheed , Rimaz Shahnaz , Abolghasemi Jamileh , Fallah Soudabeh , Moradi Nariman , Taghizadeh Mohsen
Published: August 2019

Menopause, which occurs following a declined ovarian activity and reduced estrogen levels, can lead to long‐term changes in lipid and glycemic profiles and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which appears to be useful in reducing the postmenopausal complications. This interventional, double‐blinded, randomized clinical trial carried out on 84 menopaused women aged 45–60 years old. They were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group received three capsules of 300 mg of Cornus mas extract (CME), and control group received three capsules of 300 mg of starch powder per day for 8 weeks. Then, BMI, waist circumference, glycemic indices, lipid profile, serum apoproteinase, apoprotein B100, fibrinogen, and leptin were measured. The dietary intakes were evaluated using 24‐hr dietary recall questionnaire. The consumption of CME in comparison with the control group resulted in a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL to HDL ratio, total cholesterol to HDL ratio, and fibrinogen. There was also a significant increase in HDL and ApoA1 levels in the treatment group. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance index after 8 weeks of using CME. Summing up the results, it can be concluded that CME can have possible effects on decreasing BMI, waist circumference, and improving some aspects of lipid profile and glycemic indices in postmenopausal women.
Reliable fusion estimation over sensor networks with outliers and energy constraints
Authors: Xie Meiling , Ding Derui , Dong Hongli , Han Qing‐Long , Wei Guoliang
Published: August 2019

This paper provides a reliable fusion scheme over sensor networks subject to abnormal measurements and energy constraints. Two kinds of channels are employed to implement the information transmission in order to extend the lifetime. Specifically, the one has the merit of high reliability by sacrificing energy cost and the other reduces the energy cost but could result in packet loss. For the addressed problem, a χ2 detection in local state estimator is first designed to remove abnormal measurements, which could come from outliers or a malicious modification by attackers. Then, a new strategy is developed to compensate the lost local estimation transmitted by low‐reliable channels. Furthermore, by view of matrix operation and probability theory, a set of recursive formulas are developed to calculate desired error covariance matrices of local state estimation, compensated state estimation as well as fusion estimation. The optimal fusion weights are obtained analytically and the advantage of fusion estimation is disclosed by resorting to these covariance matrices. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Provide support to boost success of students impacted by addictions
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2019

Nearly 24 million people in the United States (10%) report they're in recovery from substance misuse, which includes opioids, alcohol, and other drugs. Finding support can be more difficult in rural areas, where many colleges, including Greenfield Community College, are located. That's according to Greenfield's Judy A. Raper, Ed.D., associate dean of student development; and Leo Hwang, Ph.D., dean of humanities, engineering, math, and science. They spoke at the annual conference for ACPA: College Student Educators International.
Know how to manage office controversies
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2019

Student affairs professionals learn a great deal of useful information during the many years they invest in pursuing their own higher education. But you likely haven't taken a course in how to prepare for and manage controversies and scandals and the accompanying drama and upheaval. Fact is, that type of training would have immeasurable value that could come in handy at many points during your career.
Studies on Electrochemical Generation of Ceric Ions in Nitric Acid Medium
Authors: Mishra Satyabrata , Krishnan Sini , Lawrence Falix , Rao Ch Jagadeeswara , Pandey Niranjan Kumar
Published: August 2019

Cerous/ceric redox couple is considered as a potential Mediated Electro Oxidative (MEO) catalyst in the electro‐oxidative dissolution of difficult‐to‐dissolve trans‐uranic elements in the concentrated nitric acid medium. The electrochemical oxidation behavior of CeIIIin 11.5 M HNO3was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) using two different working electrodes platinum (Pt) and glassy carbon (GC) at 298 K. At higher acidity, cerous to ceric oxidation on GC working electrode was found to be a reversible process contrary to a quasi‐reversible observed at Pt working electrode. To compare the current efficiency in electrochemical cells for the oxidation of CeIIIions, lab and bench scale oxidation of 0.05 and 0.5 M CeIIIin 11.5 M nitric acid was performed in divided and undivided cell assemblies using Pt electroplated Ti (PET) or pure Pt gauze as anodes. Almost 100% yield for CeIVcould be achieved in divided cells and under identical conditions; the conversion efficiency was 30% lower in undivided cells. These studies revealed the concentration dependence of CeIIIbesides cell potential and temperature on the rate of oxidation.
Eco‐Friendly Approach to Synthesize Selenium Nanoparticles: Photocatalytic Degradation of Sunset Yellow Azo Dye and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Hassanien Reda , Abed‐Elmageed Amro A. I. , Husein Dalal Z.
Published: August 2019

This report has two principal goals. First, to synthesis Se nanoparticles (Se‐NPLs) via a green approach. Secondly, to explore the photocatalytic activity of Se‐NPLs towards the decolorization of sunset yellow (SSY) azo‐dye and to test its activity against some types of human cancers. Green synthesis of Se‐NPLs from the leaf extracts of Drumstick was developed. Bio‐synthesized Se‐NPLs were characterized using FTIR, UV‐vis, photoluminescence (PL), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis X‐ray (EDAX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The UV‐vis absorption maximum between 200 and 400 nm was due to the formation of SPR of Se‐NPLs. FTIR revealed the Se‐NPLs were synthesized, capped and stabilized with bio‐molecules present in the plant extracts. Se‐NPLs exhibited an excitation peak at 399 nm and produced an emission peak at 599 nm. EDAX profile provided a signal of atomic Se (1.45 Kev). XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of Se‐NPLs. SEM and TEM observations show that spherical Se particles appeared with diameters ranging from 23 to 35 nm. A possible mechanism of the reduction of (SeO32−) to (Se0) was discussed. The electrical conductivity was measured with temperature and the activation energy was calculated. The photocatalytic study conducted that Se‐NPLs have the efficiency to degrade sunset yellow dye and the mechanism of degradation has been proposed. Se‐NPLs have been shown to be effective against three types of human cancers (Caco‐2 cells, HepG2 cells, and Mcf‐7 cells). Se‐NPLs are potent anticancer and inhibit the growth of the three cancer cells as indicated by the IC50 values. To conclude, the green‐synthesized Se‐NPLs may be a candidate for further evaluation as a chemotherapeutic agent for some human cancer treatment.
Metal‐Free One‐Pot Conversion of Olefins and Alkynes to Amides Using TsNBr2, I2 and Aqueous NH3 at Room Temperature
Authors: Loukrakpam Dineshwori Chanu , Phukan Prodeep
Published: August 2019

A new synthetic procedure has been developed for the synthesis of primary aromatic amide from different types of styrene and phenylacetylene using TsNBr2, I2–aqueous NH3 solution at room temperature. The reaction proceeds via the formation of α‐bromoketone & α,α‐dibromoketone as intermediate from styrene and phenylacetylene respectively in the presence of TsNBr2 at the initial stage of the reaction. Subsequent treatement of the reaction mixturewith molecular iodine and aq. NH3 (25%) produces the corresponding amide. Various primary aromatic amides were obtained in appriciable yield at room temperature.
Synthesis, Physical Chemistry, Molecular Docking, Bioactivities and Antioxidant Activity of α–Amino Phosphonates Based on Phenothiazine Using PEG–400 as Green Catalyst
Authors: An Tran Nguyen Minh , Alam Mahboob , Son Nguyen Van , Cuong Nguyen Van , Quang Nguyen Minh , Tri Mai Dinh , Tan Le Van
Published: August 2019

The analog α–amino phosphates (5 a–j) based on phenothiazine were synthesized, characterized and tested for their anti‐microbial and antioxidant activities. Among the target compounds, (5 a–j), the compounds (5 c) and (5 i) indicated the potential activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacterium at the concentration of 100 μM. Compound (5e) showed good activity against the 100 μM Candida albicans fungi while compound (5 g) showed excellent activity against 25 μM Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungi. In addition, molecular docking study was used to establish the interactive binding behavior of (5 g) within the active site of the target protein (PDB:3 A4 A). Among the tested compounds (5 a–j), the compound (5 f) indicated the highest antioxidant activity, IC50 2.19 μM, antioxidant activity greater than that of ascorbic acid and lower than that of the drug BHT. In particular, PEG–400 (Polythylene glycol 400 g mol−1) was used in the Kabachnik‐Fields reaction as a green reaction medium.
Cu doped ZIF Catalyzed Synthesis of Propargyl Amines with Quaternary Carbon Center Under Solvent Free Conditions
Authors: Ramesh Pambala , Reddy Marri Sameer , Madduluri Venkata Rao , Chowan L. Raju , Kumar Nandigama Satish
Published: August 2019

Here we report catalytic application of Cu doped ZIF‐8 in synthesis of propargylamines bearing a quaternary center. The developed solvent free protocol has shown good substrate scope and the catalyst has performed well in the recyclability experiment with negligible loss in catalytic efficiency after four catalytic cycles.
Estimation of Thermodynamic Properties of Metal Hydroborates
Authors: Hagemann Hans
Published: August 2019

Metal hydroborates from M(BH4)n to Mx(B12H12)y currently attract a strong interest for potential applications in the field of hydrogen storage and more recently as solid ionic conductors. While thermodynamic data for the alkali borohydrides (MBH4) are well known, experimental data for other compounds are cruelly lacking. Using a combination of theoretical (DFT) and experimental data, we calculate the lattice enthalpy for a series of borohydrides. The comparison with literature data show that these lattice enthalpies are very similar to those of the corresponding metal bromides. This similarity is at the origin of a good correlation between the formation enthalpy of bromides and borohydrides which is then used to estimate the previously unknown formation enthalpy of MII(BH4)2 (MII=divalent cation) and Ln(BH4)3 (Ln=lanthanide). The Gibbs free energy of formation of M2(B12H12) (M=alkali metal) is also estimated.