bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetrabenzononacene: “Butterfly Wings” Stabilize the Core
Authors: Müller Matthias , Maier Steffen , Tverskoy Olena , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: November 2019

In combination with bulky substituents at the core, fourfold benzannulation at the cata‐positions stabilizes a nonacene sufficiently to allow its isolation and characterization by 1H NMR and X‐ray analysis. The four benzo units blueshift the absorption spectrum in comparison to a solely linear nonacene, but significantly increase the stability in the solid state.
High‐Performance Quinoline‐Malononitrile Core as a Building Block for the Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of AIEgens
Authors: Guo Zhiqian , Yan Chenxu , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: November 2019

In vivo fluorescent monitoring of physiological processes with high‐fidelity is essential in disease diagnosis and biological research, but faces extreme challenges due to aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) and short‐wavelength fluorescence. The development of high‐performance and long‐wavelength aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorophores is in high demand for precise optical bioimaging. The chromophore quinoline‐malononitrile (QM) has recently emerged as a new class of AIE building block that possesses several notable features, such as red to near‐infrared (NIR) emission, high brightness, marked photostability, and good biocompatibility. In this minireview, we summarize some recent advances of our established AIE building block of QM, focusing on the AIE mechanism, regulation of emission wavelength and morphology, the facile scale‐up and fast preparation for AIE nanoparticles, as well as potential biomedical imaging applications.
Retracted: The Manganese(I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones: Disclosing the Macrocylic Privilege
Authors: Passera Alessandro , Mezzetti Antonio
Published: November 2019

The bis(carbonyl) manganese(I) complex [Mn(CO)2(1)]Br (2) with a chiral (NH)2P2 macrocyclic ligand (1) catalyzes the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of polar double bonds with 2‐propanol as the hydrogen source. Ketones (43 substrates) are reduced to alcohols in high yields (up to >99 %) and with excellent enantioselectivities (90–99 % ee). A stereochemical model based on attractive CH–π interactions is proposed.
Preparation and Characterization of Oil Rich in Odd Chain Fatty Acids fromRhodococcus opacusPD630
Authors: Chu Mei‐Yun , Zhang Lin‐Shang , Lou Wen‐Yong , Zong Min‐Hua , Tang Yu‐Qian , Yang Ji‐Guo
Published: November 2019

Odd‐chain fatty acids (OCFA) are widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as the chemical industry. In this study, oil rich in OCFA was produced byRhodococcus opacusPD630, and 1‐propanol in combination with glucose was used as the carbon and energy source. Oil was extracted by the subcritical extraction system. Gas chromatography (GC), ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the fatty acids composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, and thermal properties, respectively. It was found that the content of OCFA reached 68.15%, where pentadecanoic acid (7.74%), heptadecanoic acid (18.20%), and heptadecenoic acid (42.71%) were the dominant OCFA. The most abundant TAG were HePaHa (15.82%), HePHa (11.42%), HePaHe (9.68%), HeHaHa (9.62%), HePaO (8.26%), and HePPa (8.00%). In terms of thermal profiles, recrystallization was detected in the oil rich in OCFA. Above all, these findings greatly extend the utilization of the microbial oil rich in OCFA, and they may have a significant impact on the future development of the microbial oil industry.
Hunters'structured questionnaires enhance ecological knowledge and provide circumstantial survival evidence for the world's rarest turtle
Authors: Pham Van Thong , Le Duc Olivier , Leprince Benjamin , Bordes Cedric , Luu Vinh Quang , Luiselli Luca
Published: November 2019

Rafetus swinhoei, a giant softshell turtle from southern China and northern Vietnam, is the rarest turtle species on Earth, and only two individuals are known worldwide (one in the wild). There is very little ecological information for this species, and the remnant distribution remains completely unknown.

This article reports for the first time in the international literature the results of a structured questionnaire survey concerning the ecology and distribution of R. swinhoei in Vietnam. The standardized questionnaire consisted of 15 questions and was administered to 10 former Rafetus hunters with several years of experience in catching this species.

There was considerable consensus among the hunters regarding several aspects of the biology of R. swinhoei, with special reference to its reproductive and feeding habits. The mean weight of 58 captured individuals was 53 kg, with the majority of individuals weighing 15–40 kg (median = 40 kg) and only 17.2% of individuals weighing more than 100 kg.

Based on the hunters'answers, it was established that the population collapse of R. swinhoei in Vietnam occurred in two phases: first during the 1980s, when the population size dramatically decreased, and second, at the beginning of the 1990s, when many hunters simultaneously collected multiple individuals from populations already experiencing severe impacts. There was also a general agreement that these turtles became very rare after 1991–92.

In total, 90% of the hunters agreed that there should still be wild R. swinhoei individuals at their respective sites, and some of the hunters also reported a few recent sightings that they attributed to the target species.

As several sites of likely presence were identified, we suggest that extensive trapping should be planned at these sites in future.
Highly Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets as High‐Performance Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Dong Mei , Chen Zhi Wen , Bai Jie , Yang Chun Cheng , Jiang Qing
Published: November 2019

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) represent a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries owing to the high abundance and low cost of potassium resources. However, it is still a challenge to design anode materials with superior electrochemical performance because of the intrinsic large ionic radius and heavy molar mass of K+. Here, highly nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (N‐PCNs) were fabricated through a template‐removal method. As an anode in PIBs, N‐PCNs exhibits superior rate property of 127.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1 and cycling stability of 151.2 mAh g−1 after 10000 cycles at 1 A g−1. These remarkable performances originate from ultra‐high N doping (12 at%) as well as high specific surface area (848.3 m2 g−1) with abundant hierarchical pores, which supply numerous active sites for K+ insertion/extraction, enhance the electronic conductivity, and also offer efficient electrolyte diffusion paths. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that pyrrolic‐ and pyridinic‐N doping can efficiently promote the adsorption of K+ and reduce volume expansion after the insertion of K+, leading to high specific capacity and superior cycling stability of N‐PCNs.
Reactive oxygen species responsive nanoplatforms as smart drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal tract targeting
Authors: Bertoni Serena , Machness Ariella , Tiboni Mattia , Bártolo Raquel , Santos Hélder A.
Published: November 2019

The pharmacological therapy for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, continues to present challenges in targeting efficacy. The need for maximal local drug exposure at the inflamed regions of the GI tract has led research to focus on a disease‐targeted drug delivery approach. Smart nanomaterials responsive to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrated in the inflamed areas, can be formulated into nanoplatforms to selectively release the active compounds, avoiding unspecific drug delivery to healthy tissues and limiting systemic absorption. Recent developments of ROS‐responsive nanoplatforms include combination with other materials to obtain multi‐responsive systems and modifications/derivatization to increase the interactions with biological tissues, cell uptake and targeting. This review describes the applications of ROS‐responsive nanosystems for on‐demand drug delivery to the GI tract.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris‐like graft‐vs‐host disease following allogeneic stem cell transplant in two patients
Authors: Wang Jennifer Y. , Tabata Mika M. , Pugliese Silvina , Phillips Darci , Kim Jinah , Weng Wen‐Kai , Kwong Bernice Y.
Published: November 2019

Chronic cutaneous graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) has several atypical variants. We describe two cases of GVHD with clinical and histopathologic features of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), which responded to additional immunosuppression. Recognition of this newly described PRP‐like clinical presentation of GVHD may prompt early consideration of additional steroid‐sparing therapies.
Pelvic Schwannoma: In light of a case report
Authors: Pak Haleh , Haji Maghsoudi Leila
Published: November 2019

A 41‐year‐old man with abdominal enlargement, as a result of large retroperitoneal Schwannoma, was reported to our center. It was seen to have caused the displacement of the colon and was attached to the presacral region of the spine. Following the diagnosis, successful resection of Schwannoma was achieved.
Porous Nickel‐Alumina Derived from Metal‐Organic Framework (MIL‐53): A New Approach to Achieve Active and Stable Catalysts in Methane Dry Reforming
Authors: Karam Leila , Reboul Julien , Casale Sandra , Massiani Pascale , El Hassan Nissrine
Published: November 2019

An Al‐containing MIL‐53 metal‐organic framework with very high surface area (SBET=1130 m2.g−1, N2 sorption) was used as sacrificial template to prepare a nickel‐alumina‐based catalyst (Ni0AlMIL) highly active and stable in the reaction of dry reforming of methane (DRM). The procedure consisted in impregnating the activated (solvent free) MIL‐53 sample with a nickel precursor solution, then calcining the material to remove the organic linkers and subsequently reducing it to form the reduced nickel active phase. At the step of calcination, this procedure results in the formation of a porous uniform spinel phase with Ni nanospecies embedded in the alumina‐based matrix, as deduced from XRD, TPR and TEM analyses. This leads after reduction to a porous lamellar γ‐Al2O3 material with small Ni0 nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed and stabilized within the support. The performances of this catalyst in DRM are better than those of two reference Ni/alumina catalysts prepared for comparison by conventional nickel impregnation of two preformed alumina supports: a first one obtained by calcination of MIL‐53 (AlMIL) and a second one consisting of a commercial γ‐Al2O3 batch (AlCOM). Under steady state conditions at a temperature of 650 °C and a pressure of 1 bar, the higher CH4 and CO2 conversions (till 3 times higher than on Ni0/AlCOM), high catalytic stability (no loss of activity after 13–100 h) and higher selectivity towards DRM (H2:CO products ratio remaining at 1) on Ni0AlMIL compared to the other catalysts is believed to come from the particularly strong interaction between the nickel and alumina phases generated by using the unique high specific surface of the parent MOF support to deposit nickel. This creates an intimate mixing favorable to a persisting interaction of the nickel nanoparticles with the alumina support in the reduced material. The lamellar shape of the γ‐Al2O3 composing the catalyst and its remaining high specific surface may also contribute to the excellent Ni resistance to sintering and in turn to the inhibition of carbon nanotubes formation during the reaction.
Organosulfonate Counteranions—A Trapped Coordination Polymer as a High‐Output Triboelectric Nanogenerator Material for Self‐Powered Anticorrosion
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Wu Jiarui , Cui Siwen , Wei Wutao , Chen Weihua , Pang Rui , Wu Zijie , Mi Liwei
Published: November 2019

Selection of the friction electrode materials is crucial to the performance of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). In the present study, a metal–organic coordination complex containing organosulfonate counteranions with electron‐donating ability was synthesized through the coordination‐driven self‐assembly approach under mild reaction conditions and was chosen as a positive electrode material to construct a triboelectric nanogenerator, exhibiting high‐output performance with a peak value of short circuit current density of 98.6 μA and an output voltage of 1180 V. As a practical application, it was shown to light up 1488 commercial green LEDs and power an anticorrosion system device to protect metals from corrosion.
Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Palladium(II) Complexes Supported by Hydroxyl‐Functionalized Triazolylidenes
Authors: De la Fuente‐Olvera Agustín A. , Suárez‐Castillo Oscar R. , Mendoza‐Espinosa Daniel
Published: November 2019

A series of allyl (1–3) and cinnamyl (4–6) palladium(II) complexes supported by hydroxyl functionalized triazolylidenes have been prepared. All new compounds were fully characterized by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, FT‐IR and elemental analyses. The new triazolylidene palladium complexes were tested as precatalysts in the coupling of aryl chlorides with boronic acids and the coupling of esters with amines to produce biphenyls and amides, respectively. According to the overall results, complexes 4 and 5 displayed the highest catalytic activity in both coupling processes, providing good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions and using a wide range of substrates.
Positive‐Temperature‐Coefficient Graphite Anode as a Thermal Runaway Firewall to Improve the Safety of LiCoO2/Graphite Batteries under Abusive Conditions
Authors: Deng Yaoming , Wang Zheng , Ma Zhen , Nan Junmin
Published: November 2019

A positive‐temperature‐coefficient graphite anode as a thermal runaway firewall of LiCoO2/graphite lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is prepared by introducing thermally sensitive polymer microspheres (TSPMs) into the anode to improve battery safety under abusive conditions. The TSPMs are composed of an acrylonitrile and acrylate copolymer shell and a cyclopentane hydrocarbon core. Due to the thermally sensitive properties of TSPMs, the graphite anode swells under abusive conditions, and the electric connection of active materials and current collector can be cut off. Thus, the resistance of LIBs is increased to solve the thermal runaway and safety problems before the temperature of LIBs approaches explosion limit. The TSPMs with a size distribution of 4–20 μm and an initial foaming temperature of 95–110 °C exhibit excellent stability and foaming properties. Compared with the batteries without TSPMs, under abusive conditions including overcharge at 1 C/10 V, thermal shock from 20 to 130 °C, and external short circuit with a resistance of ≈80 mΩ, the batteries with TSPMs effectively mitigate thermal runaway. In addition, TSPMs do not show obvious influences on the conventional performances of LIBs, indicating that adding TSPMs into graphite anodes is a promising method to improve the safety of LIBs under abusive conditions.
Preservation of gallic acid and methyl gallate on purified Kilka fish oil oxidation by Rancimat
Authors: Asnaashari Maryam , Farhoosh Reza , Farahmandfar Reza
Published: November 2019

Kinetic analysis of gallic acid and methyl gallate in purified Kilka oil was studied in the concentration, range 200–1600 ppm, during autooxidation in Rancimat test at 60°C. The stabilization factor (F), the oxidation rate ratio (ORR), the activity (A), and the mean rate of antioxidant consumption (Winh) were determined. The scavenging activity of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals decreased in the order gallic acid > methyl gallate > α‐tocopherol > BHT as observed in Kilka oil. There were no significant differences between the effectiveness and strength and activity of gallic acid and methyl gallate at concentrations 200, 400, and 800 ppm. However, above 800 ppm, the activity of methyl gallate became higher than gallic acid, because methyl gallate despite gallic acid did not participate in any chain propagation reactions.
Characterizing the hedging policies of commodity price‐sensitive corporations
Authors: Boroumand Raphaël H. , Goutte Stéphane , Ronn Ehud I.
Published: November 2019

Many corporations face price and quantity uncertainty in commodities for which existing futures and options contracts permit corporations to hedge their risks. Finance theory has demonstrated frictions in capital markets are equivalent to risk‐averse decision‐making: Taking prices and volatilities as exogenous, decision‐makers make optimal hedge decisions as a trade‐off between risk and return. In modeling risk aversion, we use mean‐variance and mean‐value at risk‐utility functions. With options quantified as delta‐equivalent futures, using data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and gold companies, we document empirically corporations' hedge ratios appear to respond to changing prices and volatilities in accordance with utility‐function prescriptions.
Proposed rituximab biosimilar BCD‐020 versus reference rituximab for treatment of patients with indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas: An international multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Poddubnaya Irina V. , Alekseev Sergey M. , Kaplanov Kamil D. , Lukavetskyy Les M. , Rekhtman Grigoriy B. , Dolai Tuphan K. , Attili V. Satya Suresh , Bermúdez Carlos D. , Isaev Aleksandr A. , Chernyaeva Ekaterina V. , Ivanov Roman A.
Published: November 2019

BCD‐020 is a proposed rituximab biosimilar, which has shown high similarity to rituximab in quality and nonclinical studies in vitro and in vivo.

International multicenter clinical trial was conducted to compare efficacy and safety of BCD‐020 and reference rituximab in adult (older than 18 years) patients with indolent lymphomas (follicular lymphoma grade 1‐2, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, and nodal marginal zone lymphoma). Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity were also studied.

Patients with no previous biologic treatment for lymphoma were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive BCD‐020 or comparator 375 mg/m2 for 4 weeks.

Primary study outcome was day 50 overall response rate defined as complete or partial remission. Equivalence range was −20% to 20% for 95% CI for overall response rates difference. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity.

One hundred seventy‐four patients were enrolled, 89 in BCD‐020 arm and 85 in comparator arm. The overall response rate was 44.71% in BCD‐020 arm and 41.89% in comparator arm. Limits of 95% confidence interval (CI) for difference of overall response rates between arms were (−12.62%‐18.24%) showing equivalent efficacy. Sixty‐one (68.54%) and 59 (69.41%) patients had at least one adverse event in BCD‐020 arm or comparator arm, respectively. No unexpected adverse reactions were reported.

Antidrug antibodies with no neutralizing activity were detected in two patients in comparator arm on day 14 further declining below detection threshold.

Rituximab concentrations had equivalent pattern after intravenous administration of both drugs. Both drugs caused depletion of B‐cells without significant influence on other blood cell lineages.

In this study, we showed equivalent efficacy of BCD‐020 and reference rituximab when used in patients with CD20‐positive indolent lymphomas. We also confirmed pharmacokinetic equivalence of BCD‐020 and reference rituximab. Safety profile, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of BCD‐020 were also comparable with those of reference rituximab.
A scoping review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion programs focused on modifying chronic disease risk factors
Authors: Canuto Karla J. , Aromataris Edoardo , Burgess Teresa , Davy Carol , McKivett Andrea , Schwartzkopff Kate , Canuto Kootsy , Tufanaru Catalin , Lockwood Craig , Brown Alex
Published: November 2019

Issue addressed

Noncommunicable chronic disease underlies much of the life expectancy gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Modifying contributing risk factors; tobacco smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social and emotional wellbeing (SNAPS) could help close this disease gap. This scoping review identified and describes SNAPS health promotion programs implemented for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

Methods

Databases PubMed, CINAHL, Informit (Health Collection and Indigenous Peoples Collection), Scopus, Trove and relevant websites and clearing houses were searched for eligible studies until June 2015. To meet the inclusion criteria the program had to focus on modifying one of the SNAPS risk factors and the majority of participants had to identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Results

The review identified 71 health promotion programs, described in 83 publications. Programs were implemented across a range of health and community settings and included all Australian states and territories, from major cities to remote communities. The SNAPS factor addressed most commonly was nutrition. Some programs included the whole community, or had multiple key audiences, whilst others focused solely on one subgroup of the population such as chronic disease patients, pregnant women or youth. Fourteen of the programs reported no outcome assessments.

Conclusions

Health promotion programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have not been adequately evaluated. The majority of programs focused on the development of individual skills and changing personal behaviours without addressing the other health promotion action areas, such as creating supportive environments or reorienting health care services.

So What?

This scoping review provides a summary of the health promotion programs that have been delivered in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to prevent or manage chronic disease. These programs, although many are limited in quality, should be used to inform future programs. To improve evidence‐based health promotion practice, health promotion initiatives need to be evaluated and the findings published publicly.
Factors influencing food service provision decisions in centre‐based early childhood education and care services: Cooks' perspective
Authors: Matwiejczyk Louisa , Mehta Kaye , Coveney John
Published: November 2019

Issue addressed

Considerable public effort has been directed at centre‐based childcare as an early childhood education and care (ECEC) setting to promote healthy food‐related behaviours in young children. However, in the real‐world setting, best practice, evidence‐based guidelines are not always well‐translated into usual, day‐to‐day routines. This study aims to understand what factors influence the centre‐based childcare cooks' food and nutrition decisions for children aged 2‐5 years.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with cooks in centre‐based childcare using purposeful maximum variation sampling and data analysed thematically.

Results

Fourteen cooks were interviewed from 14 services across South Australia. Central to providing a healthy food environment was expert‐led knowledge and training gained through the workplace over several years and the embodiment of the service's healthy food and nutrition policy, evidenced through menu planning to maintain a focus on healthy eating. Threatening these positive, routine practices and decisions were pressures to modify menus in response to increasing food allergies and changing cultural and family preferences, in the absence of ongoing relevant training and expertise at the system‐level.

Conclusions

Children in ECEC benefit from cooks' commitment to providing nutritious foods; however, the requirements to extend their role to respond to increasing demands without relevant system‐level support and training puts the children at risk of not being exposed to health‐promoting menus and possible errors in providing dietary modifications. ECEC cooks urgently need access to system‐level support and training.

So What?

Understanding and addressing the barriers experienced by cooks and the complexity of factors that inform their food‐related decision‐making will sustain the implementation of effective, healthy eating guidelines and nutrition practices in ECEC.
Forecasting inflation gap persistence: Do financial sector professionals differ from nonfinancial sector ones?
Authors: Dixon Huw , Easaw Joshy , Heravi Saeed
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate forecasted inflation gap persistence using professionals' survey‐based data, differentiating between financial and nonfinancial sectors professionals. We derive the forecasted inflation gap persistence, and using a state‐dependent model, we estimate the nonlinear persistence coefficient of the inflation gap. We distinguish between the pre‐Great Moderation, Great Moderation, and Great Recession periods. Our main results indicate that although the estimates of persistence for gross domestic product inflation largely confirm the results obtained using a linear model, for consumer price index inflation, we find that there is strong evidence for state dependence and time variation. By and large, the results are consistent with the price stability policy pursued in the Great Moderation period and perceived disinflationary pressures during the Great Recession period.
Noninvasive methods of classification and staging of chronic hepatic diseases
Authors: Antony Asir Daniel V. , Ravi R.
Published: November 2019

A progressive fatal disease causing more threats to human lives is chronic hepatic disease (CHD). In most of the developing countries, the mortality and morbidity rate have increased due to CHD. Invasive and noninvasive methods are used to measure the pathogenicity of the liver. In this study, ultrasonographic images, clinical findings, and laboratory findings are used to determine the stages of CHD. The stages of CHD are (a) chronic hepatitis, (b) compensated cirrhosis, and (c) decompensate cirrhosis. The histopathological analysis is adopted by the invasive method to conduct a liver biopsy. Results of liver biopsy have shown some kind of complications such as pain after liver biopsy, pneumothorax, bleeding, or puncture of the biliary tree and rarely death due to heavy bleeding. In such situations, noninvasive procedures are used as an alternative for liver biopsy. In this study, Hough‐based histogram‐oriented gradient features are extracted and classified using combined multi‐support vector machine and hidden Markov model classifiers. A large number of feature models containing 42 chronic hepatitis, 49 compensated cirrhosis, and 47 decompensate cirrhosis were selected specifically for the experimental study. The results outperformed using the abovementioned features and have achieved an overall accuracy of about 99% for the normal detector, 91.43% for the chronic hepatitis detector, and 96.72% for the cirrhosis detector.
The Mechanism of Cholesterol Modification of Hedgehog Ligand
Authors: Banavali Nilesh K.
Published: November 2019

Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are important components of signal transduction pathways involved in animal development, and their defects are implicated in carcinogenesis. Their N‐terminal domain (HhN) acts as a signaling ligand, and their C‐terminal domain (HhC) performs an autocatalytic function of cleaving itself away, while adding a cholesterol moiety to HhN. HhC has two sub‐domains: a hedgehog/intein (hint) domain that primarily performs the autocatalytic activity, and a sterol‐recognition region (SRR) that binds to cholesterol and properly positions it with respect to HhN. The three‐dimensional details of this autocatalytic mechanism remain unknown, as does the structure of the precursor Hh protein. In this study, a complete cholesterol‐bound precursor form of the drosophila Hh precursor is modeled using known crystal structures of HhN and the hint domain, and a hypothesized similarity of SRR to an unrelated but similar‐sized cholesterol binding protein. The restrained geometries and topology switching (RGATS) strategy is then used to predict atomic‐detail pathways for the full autocatalytic reaction starting from the precursor and ending in a cholesterol‐linked HhN domain and a cleaved HhC domain. The RGATS explicit solvent simulations indicate the roles of individual HhC residues in facilitating the reaction, which can be confirmed through mutational experiments. These simulations also provide plausible structural models for the N/S acyl transfer intermediate and the product states of this reaction. This study thus provides a good framework for future computational and experimental studies to develop a full structural and dynamic understanding of Hh autoprocessing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of a prototyping intervention on middle school students' iterative practices and reactions to failure
Authors: Marks Jenna , Chase Catherine C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Design thinking, with its emphasis on iterative prototyping and mantra of “fail early and often,” stands in stark contrast to the typical one‐and‐done, failure‐averse culture of the classroom. Iterative prototyping and fail‐forward mindsets could promote valuable iterative practices and positive reactions to failure, but little research has examined their impact in K‐12 contexts.

Purpose

In two studies, we investigated the effect of a brief prototyping intervention on students' iterative knowledge, desires, and behaviors; self‐reported reactions to failure; and performance on a design challenge.

Design/Method

Study participants included 78 and 89 students in grades five and six, respectively. Students in an iterative prototyping condition (Prototype) were taught the process and fail‐forward mindset of iterative prototyping. In a comparative, content‐focused condition (Content), students focused on using science and math concepts in design.

Results

In both studies, Prototype students gained greater knowledge of iterative prototyping, reported a greater desire to iterate, and engaged in more iterative behaviors on a novel, unsupported design challenge than Content students. In Study 2, students in the Prototype condition reported more positive affect and actions in reaction to failure and produced more successful designs than their Content counterparts. However, regardless of condition, students who iterated earlier created more successful designs.

Conclusions

These studies provide an existence proof that instruction on the iterative prototyping process and mindset can encourage students to try early and often and promote healthier reactions to failure. This work also demonstrated a performance benefit to testing one's design early in the design process.
β‐Cyclodextrin catalyzed access to fused 1,8‐dihydroimidazo[2,3‐b]indoles via one‐pot multicomponent cascade in aqueous ethanol: Supramolecular approach toward sustainability
Authors: Nipate Amol S. , Jadhav Chetan K. , Chate Asha V. , Taur Kanchan S. , Gill Charansingh H.
Published: November 2019

An eco‐friendly multicomponent synthesis of substituted imidazole derivatives catalyzed by β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was scrutinized for the first time via a one‐pot three‐compound reaction of aldehyde, isatin, and ammonium acetate in H2O–EtOH at 80°C. β‐CD is a supramolecule, highly efficient, biodegradable, and recyclable catalyst used to produce high yields of desired 1,8‐dihydroimidazo[2,3‐b]indoles. The developed protocol contains number of advantages like nontoxic, inexpensive catalyst; green reaction condition; easily available starting material; shorter reaction time; and good yields.
MALDI imaging directed laser ablation tissue microsampling for data independent acquisition proteomics
Authors: Wang Kelin , Donnarumma Fabrizio , Pettit Michael E. , Szot Carson W. , Solouki Touradj , Murray Kermit K.
Published: November 2019

A multimodal workflow for mass spectrometry imaging was developed that combines MALDI imaging with protein identification and quantification by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Thin tissue sections were analyzed by MALDI imaging, and the regions of interest (ROI) were identified using a smoothing and edge detection procedure. A midinfrared laser at 3‐μm wavelength was used to remove the ROI from the brain tissue section after MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI). The captured material was processed using a single‐pot solid‐phase‐enhanced sample preparation (SP3) method and analyzed by LC‐MS/MS using ion mobility (IM) enhanced data independent acquisition (DIA) to identify and quantify proteins; more than 600 proteins were identified. Using a modified database that included isoform and the post‐translational modifications chain, loss of the initial methionine, and acetylation, 14 MALDI MSI peaks were identified. Comparison of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of the identified proteins was achieved through an evolutionary relationships classification system.
Developing methods for the overarching synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence: The interweave synthesis approach
Authors: Thompson Coon Jo , Gwernan‐Jones Ruth , Garside Ruth , Nunns Michael , Shaw Liz , Melendez‐Torres G.J. , Moore Darren
Published: November 2019

The incorporation of evidence derived from multiple research designs into one single synthesis can enhance the utility of systematic reviews making them more worthwhile, useful, and insightful. Methodological guidance for mixed‐methods synthesis continues to emerge and evolve but broadly involves a sequential, parallel, or convergent approach according to the degree of independence between individual syntheses before they are combined.

We present two case studies in which we used novel and innovative methods to draw together the findings from individual but related quantitative and qualitative syntheses to aid interpretation of the overall evidence base. Our approach moved beyond making a choice between parallel, sequential, or convergent methods to interweave the findings of individual reviews and offers three key innovations to mixed‐methods synthesis methods:

The use of intersubjective questions to understand the findings of the individual reviews through different lenses,

Immersion of key reviewers in the entirety of the evidence base, and

Commencing the process during the final stages of the synthesis of individual reviews, at a point where reviewers are developing an understanding of initial findings.

Underlying our approach is the process of exploration and identification of links between and across review findings, an approach that is fundamental to all evidence syntheses but usually occurs at the level of the study. Adapting existing methods for exploring and identifying patterns and links between and across studies to interweave the findings between and across reviews may prove valuable.
Identification of the pin offset effect on the friction stir welding (FSW) via Taguchi – Grey relational analysis: A Case study for AA 7075 – AA 6013 alloys
Authors: Kasman Ş.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this work is to present a case study relating to the dissimilar friction stir welding (FSW) ability of AA 7075‐T651 and AA 6013‐T6 by applying pin offset technique. An orthogonal array L18 was conducted to perform the overlapped weld seams using three different values of pin offset, welding speed and tool rotational speed along with two different pin profiles determine the impact of welding parameters on the tensile properties of friction stir welded joints. The nugget zone for each of overlapped weld seams exhibited a complex structure and also, the pin offset and profile also were found to have a great impact on the microstructural evolution of the nugget zone. The ultimate tensile strength, elongation at the rapture and bending strength of welded joints were measured in the ranges of 194–215 MPa, 1.79–3.34 % and 203–352 MPa. From the Taguchi based Grey relational analysis, the optimum welding condition was determined for the welded joint performed using a single fluted pin profile with the zero pin offset, tool rotational speed of 630 min−1 and welding speed of 63 mm/min. Microstructural and macro‐structural observations revealed that welded joints exhibiting lower tensile strength are consistent of various types of defects (e. g. cracks, tunnels and cavities). The fracture location of welded joints was found to be on the heat affected zone and between the heat affected zone and AA 6013‐base metal. The tool and pin wear was not observed during the welding applications
Temporal Discrimination is Altered in Patients With Isolated Asymmetric and Jerky Upper Limb Tremor
Authors: Gövert Felix , Becktepe Jos , Balint Bettina , Rocchi Lorenzo , Brugger Florian , Garrido Alicia , Walter Tim , Hannah Ricci , Rothwell John , Elble Rodger , Deuschl Günther , Bhatia Kailash
Published: November 2019

Background

Unilateral or very asymmetric upper limb tremors with a jerky appearance are poorly investigated. Their clinical classification is an unsolved problem because their classification as essential tremor versus dystonic tremor is uncertain. To avoid misclassification as essential tremor or premature classification as dystonic tremor, the term indeterminate tremor was suggested.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterize this tremor subgroup electrophysiologically and evaluate whether diagnostically meaningful electrophysiological differences exist compared to patients with essential tremor and dystonic tremor.

Methods

We enrolled 29 healthy subjects and 64 patients with tremor: 26 with dystonic tremor, 23 with essential tremor, and 15 patients with upper limb tremor resembling essential tremor but was unusually asymmetric and jerky (indeterminate tremor). We investigated the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold, the short‐interval intracortical inhibition, and the cortical plasticity by paired associative stimulation.

Results

Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold was significantly increased in patients with dystonic tremor and indeterminate tremor, but it was normal in the essential tremor patients and healthy controls. Significant differences in short‐interval intracortical inhibition and paired associative stimulation were not found among the three patient groups and controls.

Conclusion

These results indicate that indeterminate tremor, as defined in this study, shares electrophysiological similarities with dystonic tremor rather than essential tremor. Therefore, we propose that indeterminate tremor should be considered as a separate clinical entity from essential tremor and that it might be dystonic in nature. Somatosensory temporal discrimination appears to be a useful tool in tremor classification. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Use of a wearable device to assess sleep and motor function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Siegel Benjamin I. , Cakmak Ayse , Reinertsen Erik , Benoit Macarthur , Figueroa Janet , Clifford Gari D. , Phan Han C.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Rest‐activity disruption is an important feature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We sought to describe sleep impairment and its relationship to quality of life (QOL) and to evaluate associations between rest‐activity, sleep quality, and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) in DMD.

Methods

Sleep impairment and its relationship to QOL was assessed by questionnaire in 54 children (33 ambulatory, 21 nonambulatory) with DMD. Rest‐activity characteristics were calculated for 23 of these children (14 ambulatory, nine nonambulatory) by actigraphy.

Results

Pathologic sleep was reported in 11 (20%) participants and correlated with lower QOL but not with ambulatory status. In ambulatory participants who completed actigraphy, rest‐activity rhythm fragmentation was associated with subjective sleep impairment. Habitual daytime activity level was associated with 6MWT performance.

Discussion

Children with DMD experience substantial sleep impairment that is related to QOL. Wrist actigraphy may be a parsimonious tool for monitoring both sleep and motor impairment in ambulatory children with DMD.
Stability and change in family psychosocial risk over 6 months in pediatric cancer and its association with medical and psychosocial healthcare utilization
Authors: Kazak Anne E. , Chen Fang Fang , Hwang Wei‐Ting , Askins Martha A. , Vega Gabriela , Kolb E. Anders , Reilly Anne , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: Family psychosocial risk in pediatric oncology can be assessed using the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT), a brief parent report screener based on the Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model (PPPHM; universal, targeted, and clinical). However, little is known about risk over the course of treatment and its association with medical and psychosocial healthcare utilization. Methods: Primary caregivers of children with cancer participated in this prospective multisite investigation, completing the PAT at diagnosis (T1; n = 396) and 6 months later (T2; n = 304). Healthcare utilization data were extracted from electronic health records. Results: The distribution of PPPHM risk levels at T1 and T2 was highly consistent for the samples. Two‐thirds of families remained at the same level of risk, 18% decreased and 16% increased risk level. Risk was not related to sociodemographic or treatment variables. The PAT risk score correlated with psychosocial contacts over the 6‐month period. Conclusions: Although the majority of families reported universal (low) risk on the PAT and were stable in their risk level over 6 months, reassessing risk is helpful in identifying those families who report higher level of risk during treatment than at diagnosis. PAT scores were related to psychosocial services that are provided to most but not all families and could be tailored more specifically to match risk and delivery of evidence‐based care.
Phase 1/2 trial of talazoparib in combination with temozolomide in children and adolescents with refractory/recurrent solid tumors including Ewing sarcoma: A Children's Oncology Group Phase 1 Consortium study (ADVL1411)
Authors: Schafer Eric S. , Rau Rachel E. , Berg Stacey L. , Liu Xiaowei , Minard Charles G. , Bishop Alexander J.R. , Romero J. Carolina , Hicks M. John , Nelson Marvin D. , Voss Stephan , Reid Joel M. , Fox Elizabeth , Weigel Brenda J. , Blaney Susan M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

We conducted a phase 1/2 trial of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1/2 inhibitor talazoparib in combination with low‐dose temozolomide (TMZ) to determine the dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), and pharmacokinetics of this combination in children with recurrent/refractory solid tumors; and to explore clinical activity in Ewing sarcoma (EWS) (NCT02116777).

Methods

Talazoparib (400‐600 µg/m2/dose, maximum daily dose 800‐1000 µg) was administered q.d. or b.i.d. orally on day 1 followed by q.d. dosing concomitant with q.d. dosing of oral TMZ (20‐55 mg/m2/day) on days 2 to 6, every 28 days.

Results

Forty patients, aged 4 to 25 years, were enrolled. Talazoparib was increased to 600 µg/m2/dose b.i.d. on day 1, and q.d. thereafter, with 20 mg/m2/day of TMZ, without DLTs. TMZ was subsequently increased, during which dose‐limiting neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in two of three subjects at 55 mg/m2/day, two of six subjects at 40 mg/m2/day, and one of six subjects at 30 mg/m2/day. During dose‐finding, two of five EWS and four of 25 non‐EWS subjects experienced prolonged stable disease (SD), and one subject with malignant glioma experienced a partial response. In phase 2, 0 of 10 EWS subjects experienced an objective response; two experienced prolonged SD.

Conclusions

Talazoparib and low‐dose TMZ are tolerated in children with recurrent/refractory solid tumors. Reversible neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were dose limiting. The RP2D is talazoparib 600 µg/m2 b.i.d. on day 1 followed by 600 µg/m2 q.d. on days 2 to 6 (daily maximum 1000 µg) in combination with temozolomide 30 mg/m2/day on days 2 to 6. Antitumor activity was not observed in EWS, and limited antitumor activity was observed in central nervous system tumors.
VCSEL Technology in the Data Communication Industry
Authors: Pozo Jose , Beletkaia Elena
Published: November 2019

A VCSEL – vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser – is a semiconductor laser diode with a monolithic laser resonator where the laser beam emission leaves the device in a direction perpendicular to the chip surface. VCSELs combine the high power density and simple packaging of an IRED with the spectral width and speed of a laser. Unlike laser diodes, VCSELs are much less sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The short resonator easily enables single‐frequency operation combined with some wavelength tunability. The wavelength of VCSELs may be tuned, within the gain band of the active region, by adjusting the thickness of the reflector layers.
A feasibility study of solar PV‐powered electric cars using an interdisciplinary modeling approach for the electricity balance, CO2 emissions, and economic aspects: The cases of The Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, and Australia
Authors: Sierra Rodriguez Alonzo , de Santana Tiago , MacGill Iain , Ekins‐Daukes N.J. , Reinders Angèle
Published: November 2019

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly attractive option to effectively and economically efficiently reduce global fossil fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions associated with road transportation. In general, the grid provides the electricity required to charge an EV's battery. However, it could be worthwhile to consider EV charging by specific solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to further facilitate the use of renewable energy and to minimize CO2 emissions. Additional benefits could, for instance, be less overloaded local grids and additional grid flexibility. Because little information and experiences exist with so‐called solar PV‐powered EVs, this paper explores how well PV systems—with the possible combination of battery energy storage systems (BESSs)—might contribute to charging of EVs in four different countries, namely, The Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, and Australia. To this end, a model has been developed that calculates the interactions between PV‐BESS systems, EVs, and the grid in each country to determine the electricity balance, financial consequences, and avoided CO2 emissions of PV‐powered EVs, compared with EVs that are solely charged by the grid, as well as conventional passenger cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE‐V). It is logically found that in countries with a high irradiation, the whole year through, such as Brazil and Australia, solar PV‐powered EVs can be operated more effectively than in countries with a high variability of irradiation over the year such as The Netherlands and Norway. If the charging system's PV share is increased from 0% to 50%, the number of required grid charging events per year can be reduced from 104 to 34 in The Netherlands and from 123 to 55 in Norway. PV charging can also reduce CO2 emissions of EVs by 18% to 93% as compared with ICE‐Vs depending on the location. From a financial perspective, PV‐powered EVs are not yet financially feasible in all countries; however, in some nations, 100% PV charging is already a viable option. In general, it can be concluded that in contrast to driving an ICE‐V, the further PV‐powered EVs are driven, the more affordable they become—they might even generate financial revenues—and hence, the higher their positive environmental impact will be.

On the basis of this study, it can therefore be concluded that solar PV‐powered EVs are a technically feasible and increasingly financially attractive option for transport sector emission reductions in most countries when compared with regular grid charging of EVs and certainly as compared with ICE‐Vs.