bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ES‐Plag: Efficient and sensitive source code plagiarism detection tool for academic environment
Authors: Sulistiani Lisan , Karnalim Oscar
Published: September 2018

Source code plagiarism detection using Running‐Karp‐Rabin Greedy‐String‐Tiling (RKRGST) is a common practice in academic environment. However, such approach is time‐inefficient (due to RKRGST's cubic time complexity) and insensitive (toward token subsequence rearrangement). This paper proposes ES‐Plag, a plagiarism detection tool featured with cosine‐based filtering and penalty mechanism to handle aforementioned issues. Cosine‐based filtering mitigates time‐inefficiency by excluding non‐potential pairs from RKRGST comparison; while penalty mechanism mitigates insensitivity by reducing the number of matched tokens with the number of matched subsequences prior similarity normalization. In addition to issue‐solving features, ES‐Plag is also featured with project‐based input, colorized adjacency similarity matrix, matched token highlighting, and various similarity algorithms (e.g., Cosine Similarity and Local Alignment). Three findings can be deducted from our evaluation. First, cosine‐based filtering boosts up time efficiency with a trade‐off in effectiveness. Second, penalty mechanism enhances sensitivity even though its improvement in terms of effectiveness is quite limited. Third, ES‐Plag's features are beneficial for examiners.
Adopting a participatory methodology and post‐structural epistemology: Reflections on a research project with young people
Authors: Watson Lester , Fox Rachael
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses the methodological processes of a qualitative PhD research project with young people aged between 12 and 17 years who are the primary carer for a family member with physical or mental health problems. The field work was conducted over 2 years in rural Australia and involved one‐on‐one discussions with young carers in their family homes. The research was grounded in post‐structural epistemology that questioned existing literature and challenged the assumptions of childhood on which it is based. Consequently, it sought to pursue a different approach to young carer research, one that adopted a participatory methodology that positioned the young people as co‐researchers. Young people were involved in the design and conduct of the research and the analysis process. This paper critiques the research space, reflecting on what was made possible and what was limited or not fully realised. The paper discusses the tensions between post‐structural theory and participatory methodology that reveal limitations to collaboration between adult researchers and young people.
Single‐Step Per‐O‐Sulfonation of Sugar Oligomers with Concomitant 1,6‐Anhydro Bridge Formation for Binding Fibroblast Growth Factors
Authors: Yeh Che‐Jui , Ku Chiao‐Chu , Lin Wei‐Chen , Fan Chiao‐Yuan , Zulueta Medel Manuel L. , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Fukase Koichi , Li Yaw‐Kuen , Hung Shang‐Cheng
Published: September 2018

Many circulating cancer‐related proteins, such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), associate with glycosaminoglycans—particularly heparan sulfate—at the cell surface. Disaccharide analogues of heparan sulfate had previously been identified as the shortest components out of the sugars that bind to FGF‐1 and FGF‐2. Taking note of the typical pose of l‐iduronic acid, we conceived of per‐O‐sulfonated analogues of such disaccharides, and devised a single‐step procedure for per‐O‐sulfonation of unprotected sugars with concomitant 1,6‐anhydro bridge formation to achieve such compounds through direct use of SO3⋅Et3N as sulfonation reagent and dimethylformamide as solvent. The synthesized sugars based on the oligomaltose backbone bound FGF‐1 and FGF‐2 mostly at the sub‐micromolar level, although the tetrasaccharide analogue achieved low‐nanomolar binding with FGF‐2.
Sex influences diaphragm muscle response in exercised mdx mice
Authors: Hermes Túlio de Almeida , Kido Larissa Akemi , Macedo Aline Barbosa , Mizobuti Daniela Sayuri , Moraes Luiz Henrique Rapucci , Somazz Marco Cesar , Cagnon Valéria Helena Alves , Minatel Elaine
Published: September 2018

Physical exercise promotes increased muscle damage in the mdx mice, the experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Studies suggest that the estrogen level in females makes them less susceptible to muscle injuries. The aim of this study was to characterize the diaphragm (DIA) muscle response to physical exercise in male and female mdx mice. The animals were divided into four groups: female sedentary mdx; male sedentary mdx; female mdx submitted to exercise; and male mdx mice submitted to exercise. Blood samples were used to determine creatine kinase (CK). Regenerated muscle fibers were indicated by the presence of central nucleus and also inflammation areas were determined in DIA muscle sections. The alpha and beta estrogen receptors (ER) were determined by means of immunohistochemistry evaluation in the dystrophic DIA muscle. Male mdx animals submitted to exercise showed increased CK levels and inflammatory area. The quantification of regenerated fibers was higher in male animals, submitted or not to physical exercise. Greater alpha and beta ER expression was verified in the females submitted to exercise in the DIA muscle than in the other experimental groups. Therefore, estrogen may have contributed to the prevention of increased inflammatory process and DIA injury in females submitted to exercise.
The Metal Type Governs Photocatalytic Reactive Oxygen Species Formation by Semiconductor‐Metal Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Stone David , Ben‐Shahar Yuval , Waiskopf Nir , Banin Uri
Published: September 2018

Semiconductor‐metal hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) are promising photocatalysts for redox reactions, including water reduction for hydrogen generation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Herein we study the effect of the metal co‐catalyst type on the light‐induced ROS formation using a combination of spectrophotometric and fluorescence assays, as well as electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. We find that although Pt tips are more efficient for H2 generation, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals are formed more effectively by Au tipped HNPs. These variations are attributed to the different surface reactivity and selectivity related to the metal tip composition. The obtained understanding contributes to the optimal design of these hybrid nanosystems as photocatalysts in various ROS‐driven applications such as photopolymerization, and environmental and biomedical scenarios.
Size Controllable Metal Nanoparticles Anchored on Nitrogen Doped Carbon for Electrocatalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Romeiro Fernanda C. , Guo Si‐Xuan , Zhang Ying , Nossol Edson , Lima Renata C. , Bond Alan M. , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2018

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are an important class of materials for electrocatalysis. Synthesis of metal NPs with uniform particle size below 10 nm without a capping agent is challenging due to the tendency of particle aggregation to minimize surface energy. Here we demonstrate that pyrolysis of a metal‐TCNQ (TCNQ−=tetracyanoquinodimethane radical anion) compound can produce metal NPs with controllable particle sizes anchored on nitrogen doped carbon (denoted as MetalNC). NiNC and CoNC derived from Ni‐TCNQ and Co‐TCNQ with Ni and Co particle sizes below 10 nm were successfully prepared. NiNC, with a particle size of 8.8 nm, showed excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution in an alkaline medium, reaching a catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 230 mV. CoNC, with a particle size of 1.8 nm, exhibited the capability of producing syngas by electrocatalytic CO2 reduction over a wide potential range in an acetonitrile medium containing 0.3 M H2O. An artificial photosynthesis system based on CoNC achieved faradaic efficiencies of over 70 % for production of syngas and 22 % for formate. This work demonstrates a general strategy to synthesize size controllable metal NPs supported on carbon materials for electrocatalytic energy conversion.
Gold Decoration and Photoresistive Response to Nitrogen Dioxide of WS2 Nanotubes
Authors: Polyakov Alexander Yu. , Kozlov Daniil A. , Lebedev Vasily A. , Chumakov Ratibor G. , Frolov Alexander S. , Yashina Lada V. , Rumyantseva Marina N. , Goodilin Eugene A.
Published: September 2018

Composites of WS2 nanotubes (NT‐WS2) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using aqueous HAuCl4 solutions and subjected to surface analysis. The obtained materials were jointly characterized by X‐ray photoelectron (XPS), Raman scattering (RSS), and ultraviolet photoelectron (UPS) spectroscopies. Optical extinction spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscopy regime (STEM‐EELS) were also employed to study plasmon features of the nanocomposite. It was found that AuNPs deposition is accompanied by a partial oxidative dissolution of WS2, whereas Au‐S interfacial species could be responsible for the tight contact of metal nanoparticles and the disulfide. A remarkable sensitivity of n‐type resistance of NT‐WS2 and Au‐NT‐WS2 to the adsorption of NO2 gas was also demonstrated at room temperature using periodical illumination by a 530 nm light‐emitting diode. Au‐NT‐WS2 nanocomposites are found to possess a higher photoresponse and enhanced sensitivity in the 0.25–2.0 ppm range of NO2 concentration, as compared to the pristine NT‐WS2. This behaviour is discussed within the physisorption‐charge transfer model to explore sensing properties of the nanocomposites.
Closing the Loop: Triazolylpyridine Coordination Drives the Self‐Assembly of Metallomacrocycles with Tunable Topologies for Small‐Molecule and Guanine‐Quadruplex Recognition
Authors: Miron Caitlin E. , Colden Leung Madelaine R. , Kennedy Emily I. , Fleischel Olivier , Khorasani Mona Ashraf , Wu Nan , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Petitjean Anne
Published: September 2018

The 2‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine motif, with its facile “click” synthesis and remarkable coordinative properties, is an attractive chelate for applications in the metal‐directed self‐assembly of intricate three‐dimensional structures. Organic ligands that bear two such chelates bridged by flexible hinge moieties readily undergo self‐assembly with metal ions of different coordination geometries to generate a series of topologically diverse metallomacrocycles that can be used for numerous applications. Herein, the synthesis and self‐assembly of one such ligand with zinc(II), copper(II), and palladium(II) ions is reported, and the stability of the resulting metallomacrocycles described. An investigation into the use of these metallomacrocycles for the recognition of both small‐molecule substrates, such as deoxyguanosine monophosphate, and larger biological assemblies, such as DNA and RNA guanine quadruplexes, is also described.
An Electron‐Rich Calix[4]arene‐Based Receptor with Unprecedented Binding Affinity for Nitric Oxide
Authors: Wang Denan , Ivanova Lena V. , Ivanov Maxim V. , Mirzaei Saber , Timerghazin Qadir K. , Reid Scott A. , Rathore Rajendra
Published: September 2018

Calixarenes have found widespread application as building blocks for the design and synthesis of functional materials in host–guest chemistry. The ongoing desire to develop a detailed understanding of the nature of NO bonding to multichromophoric π‐stacked assemblies led us to develop an electron‐rich methoxy derivative of calix[4]arene (3), which we show exists as a single conformer in solution at ambient temperature. Here, we examine the redox properties of this derivative, generate its cation radical (3+.) using robust chemical oxidants, and determine the relative efficacy of its NO binding in comparison with model calixarenes. We find that 3/3+. is a remarkable receptor for NO+/NO, with unprecedented binding efficacy. The availability of precise experimental structures of this calixarene derivative and its NO complex, obtained by X‐ray crystallography, is critically important both for developing novel functional NO biosensors, and understanding the role of stacked aromatic donors in efficient NO binding, which may have relevance to biological NO transport.
Preparation of Siloxane‐Based Microporous Crystals from Hydrogen‐Bonded Molecular Crystals of Cage Siloxanes
Authors: Sato Naoto , Kuroda Yoshiyuki , Wada Hiroaki , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: September 2018

Controlled assembly of siloxane‐based building blocks provides a rational approach toward designed architectures of silica‐based porous materials. Here, a non‐hydrothermal method to prepare microporous crystals from cage‐type oligosiloxanes is reported. The crystals formation occurs through an ordered assembly assisted by hydrogen bonds and subsequent intermolecular connection by silylation. Cage siloxanes with a double‐four ring (D4R) structure were modified with dimethylsilanol groups. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding of the dimethylsilanol groups led to the formation of a pillared‐layer structure consisting of D4R units. A new crystalline microporous material retaining the original ordered arrangement was realized by bridging adjacent cages within the crystals by direct silylation of the silanol groups with trichlorosilane. The use of this silylating agent created microporous crystals containing Si−H groups, proving the advantages of the proposed concept.
An Optical Microreactor Enabling In Situ Spectroscopy Combined with Fast Gas‐Liquid Mass Transfer
Authors: Ponce Sebastian , Christians Hauke , Drochner Alfons , Etzold Bastian J. M.
Published: September 2018

A liquid core waveguide membrane microreactor combining intense light matter interaction for in situ sensing and/or photo activation and excellent gas‐liquid mass transfer is presented. Basis is a liquid‐filled Teflon AF tube, which provides light transmission within the liquid core and gas permeation through the wall. The study shows that a wide spectral range (UV‐vis) with relatively low optical losses is accessible. A working regime preventing gas bubble formation was deduced for semi‐batch and in flow operation for gas pressures up to 8 bar. Residence time distribution experiments revealed Bodenstein numbers from 21 to 60 in the studied flow range. As example, the methylene blue catalyzed oxidation of D‐glucose by O2 was studied at different pressures, while methylene blue was monitored in situ.
Population‐based priors in cardiac model personalisation for consistent parameter estimation in heterogeneous databases
Authors: Molléro Roch , Pennec Xavier , Delingette Hervé , Ayache Nicholas , Sermesant Maxime
Published: September 2018

Personalised cardiac models are a virtual representation of the patient heart, with parameter values for which the simulation fits the available clinical measurements. Models usually have a large number of parameters while the available data for a given patient are typically limited to a small set of measurements; thus, the parameters cannot be estimated uniquely. This is a practical obstacle for clinical applications, where accurate parameter values can be important. Here, we explore an original approach based on an algorithm called Iteratively Updated Priors (IUP), in which we perform successive personalisations of a full database through maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation, where the prior probability at an iteration is set from the distribution of personalised parameters in the database at the previous iteration. At the convergence of the algorithm, estimated parameters of the population lie on a linear subspace of reduced (and possibly sufficient) dimension in which for each case of the database, there is a (possibly unique) parameter value for which the simulation fits the measurements. We first show how this property can help the modeller select a relevant parameter subspace for personalisation. In addition, since the resulting priors in this subspace represent the population statistics in this subspace, they can be used to perform consistent parameter estimation for cases where measurements are possibly different or missing in the database, which we illustrate with the personalisation of a heterogeneous database of 811 cases.
Controllable Elasticity Storage and Release in CuO−Pt Core‐Shell Nanowires
Authors: Cao Fan , Li Lei , Zheng He , Wen Guangyu , Zhao Ligong , Liu Huihui , Jia Shuangfeng , Wang Zhao , Hu Yongming , Gu Haoshuang , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2018

One‐dimensional (1D) core‐shell heterostructures can exhibit novel and flexible properties when two different materials are combined. In this work, Pt nanoparticles are directly deposited onto CuO nanowires (NWs), forming 1D CuO−Pt core‐shell heterostructures with elastic and plastic behaviors dominating in the CuO‐core and Pt‐shell, respectively, under bending deformation. Interestingly, the plastically deformed Pt‐shell leads to a delayed or even terminated elasticity restoration of the CuO‐core NWs after unloading. Moreover, the release of the elasticity in CuO NW can be easily regulated not only via controlling the diameter of the CuO−Pt NWs, but also by thermal heating. The result shows a flexible 1D nanostructure with potential applications in micro/nano electro‐mechanical systems, such as mechanical energy storage and thermal sensors.
Impact of Alkali‐Metal Impregnation on MIL‐101 (Cr) Metal‐Organic Frameworks for CH4 and CO2 Adsorption Studies
Authors: Kayal Sibnath , Chakraborty Anutosh
Published: September 2018

In this article, an assessment of the impact of alkali‐metal‐ion impregnation on metal–organic frameworks (MOF) is presented employing CH4 and CO2 adsorption isotherm data. At first, the parent MOF, MIL‐101(Cr), is prepared by a fluorine‐free hydrothermal reaction procedure and impregnated with Li, Na, and K alkali cations. These synthesised MOFs are characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of CH4 and CO2 adsorption uptakes onto parent and alkali ions impregnated MIL‐101(Cr) are conducted for wide ranges of pressures and temperatures. For understanding the effects of MOF synthesis process and alkali cations impregnation, CH4/CO2 uptakes on perfect crystalline MIL‐101(Cr) MOF are also calculated by Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation and the results are compared with experimental isotherm data of synthesised parent and alkali ions impregnated MIL‐101(Cr) MOFs. It is found that the limiting uptakes and the isosteric heats are mainly influenced by the modified adsorbent structures due to alkali ions impregnation and the polarity of adsorbate molecules. Employing Dubinin‐Astakhov (DA) equation, the energy distribution of synthesised parent and alkali doped MIL‐101 (Cr) MOFs are also presented to identify the alkali cation effects and the surface heterogeneity.
Ultrafast Maximum‐Quantum NMR Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Aromatic Mixtures
Authors: Concilio Maria Grazia , Jacquemmoz Corentin , Boyarskaya Dina , Masson Géraldine , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Maximum‐quantum (MaxQ) NMR experiments have been introduced to overcome issues related to peak overlap and high spectral density in the NMR spectra of aromatic mixtures. In MaxQ NMR, spin systems are separated on the basis of the highest‐quantum coherence that they can form. MaxQ experiments are however time consuming and methods have been introduced to accelerate them. In this article, we demonstrate the ultrafast, single‐scan acquisition of MaxQ NMR spectra using spatial encoding of the multiple‐quantum dimension. So far, the spatial encoding methodology has been applied only for the encoding of up to double‐quantum coherences, and here we show that it can be extended to higher coherence orders, to yield a massive reduction of the acquisition time of multi‐quantum spectra of aromatic mixtures, and also to monitor chemical reactions.
Direct Correlation between Adsorption Energetics and Nuclear Spin Relaxation in a Liquid‐saturated Catalyst Material
Authors: Robinson Neil , Robertson Christopher , Gladden Lynn F. , Jenkins Stephen J. , D'Agostino Carmine
Published: September 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Stephen J. Jenkins and Lynn F. Gladden at the University of Cambridge, and Carmine D'Agostino at the University of Manchester. The image shows alcohol adsorption at a silica catalyst support surface, the energetics of which may be investigated through nuclear spin relaxation measurements. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201800513.
The Recycling of Spent Ammonia Borane with HBr/AlBr3 and Other HX/AlX3‐Based Schemes
Authors: Reller Christian , Mertens Florian
Published: September 2018

Although the development and application of a BNHx‐waste recycling process is one of the major prerequisites for the use of ammonia borane as hydrogen source material, most research groups in the field have focused on AB hydrogen release and only few groups have worked on the development of energetically viable recycling schemes. In our work we target the development of a closed recycling process containing three desired steps: superacid break‐up of the BNHx‐waste, catalytic hydrodehalogenation of the generated boron halide, and base‐exchange between Et3NBH3 and ammonia. Catalytic hydrodehalogenation provides a convenient means to generate B−H bonds using molecular hydrogen, avoiding potentially energetically expensive reduction reagents.
Synthesis of Functionalized Ferrocene Derivatives from Donor−Acceptor Cyclopropanes
Authors: González‐Pelayo Silvia , López Luis A.
Published: September 2018

The TfOH‐catalyzed reaction of aryl‐substituted donor–acceptor cyclopropane derivatives with ferrocene provided new functionalized ferrocene derivatives. This process exhibited a reasonable scope with respect to the cyclopropane component affording the corresponding alkylated ferrocene derivatives in useful yields. An alternative approach to these functionalized ferrocene derivatives involving arylation of a ferrocene‐decorated donor–acceptor cyclopropane derivative is also disclosed. Both processes rely on a facile regioselective ring‐opening of the donor−acceptor cyclopropane.
Magneto‐Structural and Computational Study of a Tetranuclear Copper Complex Displaying Carbonyl–π Interactions
Authors: Kochem Amélie , Faure Bruno , Bertaina Sylvain , Rivière Eric , Giorgi Michel , Réglier Marius , Orio Maylis , Simaan A. Jalila
Published: September 2018

A tetranuclear copper(II) complex (1) was synthesized using 2‐hydroxy‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide ligand. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the complex consists of a distorted Cu4O4 core in which the four copper(II) ions are linked by alkoxo bridges. X‐ray analysis also evidenced intramolecular noncovalent carbonyl–π interactions. Those interactions that are encountered between lone‐pair electrons (of the amide oxygen atoms here) and π* orbitals of aromatic rings, have been recently recognized as important stabilizing interactions (named n→π*Ar). Computational studies using density functional theory (DFT) were conducted to evaluate the structural role of such interactions in the present tetranuclear entity. The magnetic properties of 1 were also investigated and DFT calculations were employed to predict, rationalize and correlate the exchange interactions operating within this original complex.
Proton Sensitive Functional Organic Fluorescent Dyes Based on Coumarin‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine; Syntheses, Photophysical Properties, and Investigation of Protonation Ability
Authors: Aydıner Burcu , Seferoğlu Zeynel
Published: September 2018

A novel series of 2‐coumarin‐3‐yl‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidines have been synthesized with functionalized coumarin and pyrimidine units of the different architecture to give various fluorescent compounds. A new additional series bearing unsubstituted coumarin and 7‐dialkylaminocoumarin as fluorophore were obtained by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, through coupling of 6‐bromo‐2‐coumarin‐3‐yl‐imidazopyrimidine derivatives with various arylboronic acids. In the all reaction step, microwave irradiation (MWI) method was used and compared with the conventional method (CM). Photophysical properties of synthesized compounds were studied by a combination of UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in various solvents having different polarities. The protonation abilities of all compounds were investigated by titration with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in dichloromethane. In both series, the compounds bearing 7‐dialkylaminocoumarin are fluorescently active even in daylight and showed maximum absorption wavelengths (λabs–max) in the visible region in all solvents used. In addition, they showed drastic color and emission change in acidic environment. Moreover, for the investigation of protonation ability of three selected compounds bearing 7‐dialkylaminocoumarin have been studied using a buffer solution with various pH and determinated their pKa values. The compound bearing morpholine has the potential to use as colorimetric and luminescence pH sensor. The thermal properties of all the synthesized compounds were also evaluated with TGA to test their usability as optic dyes.
Domino Michael/Michael Reaction for the Formation of Chiral Spirocycles Using a Diphenylprolinol Silyl Ether
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Nagai Kaito , Umemiya Shigenobu
Published: September 2018

A domino Michael/Michael reaction of 2‐(2‐formylethyl)naphthalene‐1,4‐dione and nitroalkene was catalyzed by diphenylprolinol silyl ether to afford functionalized spiro[cyclopentane‐1,2′(1′H)‐naphthalene] derivatives with four continuous stereocenters in good yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Linear Diarylheptanoids and their Enantiomers and Antiproliferative Activity Studies
Authors: Sudarshan Kasireddy , Perumal Govindaraj , Aidhen Indrapal Singh , Doble Mukesh
Published: September 2018

Successful synthesis of unsymmetrical linear diarylheptanoids with syn‐1,3‐diol unit and their enantiomers have been achieved using acyl anion and Wittig olefination chemistry. The syn disposition of the two hydroxyl groups in the linear diarylheptanoids was achieved with the use of d‐xylose as starting material. The synthesized compounds were tested for anti‐proliferative activity on HeLa cells using MTT assay at 50 µm concentration.
Development of Electrochemical Sensor Based on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with a Molecularly Imprinted Copolymer and its Application for Detection of Repaglinide
Authors: Roushani Mahmoud , Jalilian Zeynab
Published: September 2018

At the present study, we have reported a new sensor based on immobilized molecularly imprinted polymer on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through electro polymerization of o‐Dihydroxybenzene (o‐DB) and o‐phenylenediamine (o‐PD) as monomers for direct determination of repaglinide (RPG) as target molecule. RPG is a new generation of oral anti‐diabetic drugs that has a rapid onset of action and short half‐life of approximately 1 h. So developing a controlled system with good sensitivity and selectivity is required to eliminate its adverse effects. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed sensor showed a good selectivity to detect RPG among compounds with similar structure and properties with RPG. The linear range for analysis were 0.005–1.0 μM and detection limit 1.8 nM was achieved. Furthermore, the experimental results showed that the proposed sensor was highly selective and sensitive to detect RPG in real samples such as blood serum, urine and RPG tablet.
Electrochemical Monitoring of Saos‐2 Cell Differentiation on Pyrolytic Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Mohamed Hassan Yasmin , Massa Leonardo , Caviglia Claudia , Sylvest Keller Stephan
Published: September 2018

In this study we establish an electrochemical platform based on two dimensional (2D) pyrolytic carbon electrodes for in vitro analysis of osteoblast differentiation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to monitor cell adhesion and proliferation, while an electrochemical assay based on square wave voltammetry (SWV) was applied to measure the activity of the differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). 2D pyrolytic carbon electrodes were fabricated and used to monitor Saos‐2 cell differentiation for a period of up to 21 days. With this method it was possible to detect a faster increase of ALP activity for cells cultured in medium supplemented with differentiation factors compared to cells cultured in growth medium. This was confirmed by the results obtained with Alizarin Red staining, showing that cells subjected to osteogenic medium went through the entire differentiation process, from proliferation to mineralization. Finally, for the first time, real‐time monitoring of ALP activity combined with continuous EIS monitoring of the same cell culture was achieved using the pyrolytic carbon electrodes.
Bismuth Vanadate/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Electrode for Photoelectrochemical Determination of Diclofenac in Urine
Authors: do Prado Thiago Martimiano , Cincotto Fernando Henrique , Fatibello‐Filho Orlando , Cruz de Moraes Fernando
Published: September 2018

The nanocomposite material bismuth vanadate and reduced graphene oxide BiVO4/rGO was prepared and deposited onto a fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass surface for application of a photoelectrochemical sensor for the determination of sodium diclofenac in urine samples. This drug is considered as an emergent pollutant because of its ecotoxicological risk when discarded in wastewater. Electrochemistry Impedance Spectroscopy experiments shown that the rGO contributed to the efficiency of the DCF electro‐oxidization and, under irradiation, the resistance in the charge transfer in the work electrode decreased. The sensor presented photocurrent responses during the diclofenac electro‐oxidation under visible light irradiation, with a linear concentration range from 9.6×10−9 mol L−1 to 9.2×10−6 mol L−1 and a LOD of 4.2×10−9 mol L−1. The presence of the drug in urine was successfully determined by recovery in spiked samples.
Understanding the Behavior of Electrosprayed Carbon Black‐Nafion Composite Layers
Authors: Conde J. J. , Chaparro A. M. , Ferreira‐Aparicio P.
Published: September 2018

Electrosprayed composite films prepared from carbon and Nafion are especially suitable to be applied as microporous layers and protective coatings for a number of for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) components, due to of their particular properties. The electrospray deposition of carbon inks is a complex process that requires further study. In order to gain insight into the factors influencing the characteristics of electrosprayed films, the effect of some parameters has been analyzed. The solvent nature, the Nafion to carbon ratio in the ink, the ionization voltage (positive or negative) and the polymer distribution on the carbon surface are some of the studied variables. Surface characterization of these layers by techniques, such as XPS, SEM or thermal decomposition has provided very useful information about the structure of the layers and the interaction between their components. The results show that electrospray ionization induces a strong adsorption of the sulfonic groups of the ionomer on the carbon black surface, which is probably responsible for the high stability and durability of the layers and their superhydrophobic character. To our knowledge, this is the first study devoted to the analysis of the particular carbon‐Nafion interactions in electrosprayed films.
Vertically Aligned Platinum Copper Nanotubes as PEM Fuel Cell Cathode: Elaboration and Fuel Cell Test
Authors: Marconot O. , Pauc N. , Buttard D. , Morin A.
Published: September 2018

This paper describes the elaboration via an electrochemistry route of a PEM carbon‐free cathode made of a periodic array of vertically aligned platinum copper nanotubes. Nanotubes synthesis is assisted with a porous alumina mold made on a silicon substrate to perform growth of copper nanowires. After optimization of an original confined galvanic displacement with H2PtCl6 salt, PtCu nanotubes are embedded into porous alumina template and directly integrated onto a Nafion® membrane. Therefore, our process does not need any step of purification or catalyst dispersion. The performances in fuel cell of these new electrodes are compared to conventional structures made of Tanaka Pt/C with the same electrocatalytic surface area. Significant improvement in the specific activity at 0.9 V and reduction in mass transport limitations are observed compared with standard Tanaka Pt/C catalyst in real operating conditions.
New frontiers in community initiatives to increase vegetable consumption
Authors: Noy Sue , Patrick Rebecca , Henderson‐Wilson Claire , Nuttman Sonia , Ryan Isabella
Published: September 2018

Issue addressed

Public health concerns about insufficient consumption of vegetables across all demographics in Australia have led to 20 years of behaviour change interventions ranging from social marketing to interactive small group programs, with modest results. To maximise health promotion intervention outcomes, practitioners need up‐to‐date information that helps them navigate the complexity of food systems and eating behaviours.

Methods

This scoping review of Australian and international research, including peer‐reviewed and grey literature, provides a picture of health promotion nutrition interventions, as well as other initiatives that may promote increased vegetable consumption. Search terms related to nutrition and vegetable consumption, type of intervention or initiative, for example, campaign; and consumer values and behaviour. A wide range of data sources were used including scholarly papers, market research reports and publicly available websites of community organisations (eg, OOOOBY). A broad food systems typology was developed to provide a framework for the review.

Results

The review finds an emerging group of community‐driven initiatives within local food systems that appear to have positive impacts on vegetable consumption. These initiatives sit within a multi‐faceted approach to health and well‐being that is consistent with the tenets of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, including community engagement, social justice and sustainability goals.

Conclusions

More research into the impact of these new frontiers is needed, but our preliminary findings point to the potential for health promotion practitioners to collaborate on local/community food system initiatives that are not motivated primarily by health goals, but have the potential to deliver multiple health and environmental outcomes.

So what?

This review demonstrated community‐driven initiatives around local food systems show the most promise in promoting vegetable consumption and addressing the determinants of health. Health promotion efforts to encourage food security and healthy eating could be strengthened through collaborations within these new frontiers.
Health insurance in Myanmar: Knowledge, perceptions, and preferences of Social Security Scheme members and general adult population
Authors: Myint Chaw‐Yin , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim
Published: September 2018

Objective

Our study explores the knowledge, perceptions, willingness to pay, and preferences of potential health insurance beneficiaries about health insurance in Myanmar.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data were collected among two samples: the general population and Social Security Scheme (SSS) member. Mann‐Whitney U test and independent sample t test were applied to compare the two samples. The data on willingness to pay for health insurance were analyzed using regression analysis.

Results

Low level of knowledge and weak positive perception are found in both samples. More than 90% of the SSS sample and 75% of the general sample are willing to pay health insurance premiums. The largest shares of both samples are willing to pay for monthly premiums between 2000 and 4000 MMK (1.8‐3.6 USD). Health status, age, gender, income, and trust are significantly associated with willingness to pay for health insurance among general sample while occupation, civil status, income, and positive perception on prepayment principle are found among SSS sample.

Conclusions

The government of Myanmar should be aware of the preferences of beneficiaries to pay a relatively low level of monthly health insurance premiums without co‐payment.
Rural‐urban disparities in family physician practice patterns: A nationwide survey in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Bo‐Ren , Chang Hsiao‐Ting , Lin Ming‐Hwai , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chou Li‐Fang , Hwang Shinn‐Jang
Published: September 2018

Introduction

In a world with increasing urbanization, rural‐urban disparities in health care utilization have been a long‐term concern. However, the details regarding the practice patterns of family physicians in Taiwan have not received sufficient attention thus far.

Methods

The National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan offered 0.2% of the total ambulatory visit records for Taiwan in 2013. Records from community clinics of family medicine were collected, with the clinics categorized as rural, suburban, or urban area clinics according to their locations.

Results

Among 100 334 visits to family medicine clinics, the median patient age was 50 years for urban clinics, 51 for suburban clinics, and 58 for rural clinics. The distributions of patient ages differed in the three areas (P < 0.001). Four types of chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers) accounted for 10.8%, 11.3%, and 13.6%, of the visits to urban, suburban, and rural clinics, respectively. The most common procedure was wound treatment, and the pattern of the top 10 procedures was similar in the three areas.

Conclusion

Although rural patients in Taiwan were older and had more chronic diseases than urban and suburban patients, the pattern of procedures undertaken by rural family physicians did not differ from those of urban and suburban family physicians.
Ideal embryo transfer position and endometrial thickness in IVF embryo transfer treatment
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhu Yanwen , Sun Yun , Di Wen , Qiu Meiting , Kuang Yanping , Shen Haoran
Published: September 2018

Objective

To establish an ideal transfer strategy by investigating the relationships among embryo transfer (ET) depth, endometrial thickness, and subsequent in vitro fertilization treatment clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

In the present retrospective analysis, data from in vitro fertilization‐ET treatment cycles conducted at a fertility center in Shanghai, China, between October 2014 and March 2015 were analyzed. Women were divided into groups 1–4 according to transfer depth (<10; 10–15, 15–20, and >20 mm, respectively), as measured by air bubbles. Additionally, 391 women were divided into groups A–C according to endometrial thickness (<7, 1–12, and >12 mm, respectively). Clinical pregnancy outcomes were assessed by group.

Results

Data from 501 cycles were included. Clinical pregnancy and live delivery rates were significantly higher in group 2 (P=0.009 and P=0.002, respectively) and group 3 (P=0.008 and P=0.001, respectively) than in group 4. Among the 394 patients with endometrial thickness data available, clinical pregnancy and live delivery rates were higher in group B (P=0.028 and P=0.015, respectively) and group (P=0.013 and P=0.013, respectively) than in group A.

Conclusion

Correct transfer depth and endometrial thickness can increase the rates of clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live delivery. Placing the embryos at 10–20 mm from the fundus and at an endometrial thickness of more than 7 mm is recommended for optimal clinical pregnancy outcomes.
Bladder urothelial carcinoma producing insulin‐like growth factor II: A case report
Authors: Funada Satoshi , Kita Yuki , Okada Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Takashi , Teramoto Yuki , Shibuya Shinsuke , Saito Ryoichi , Murakami Kaoru , Matsumoto Keiyu , Yang Feng , Dimitrov Dimiter S , Inoue Takahiro , Ogawa Osamu
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with tumors. Although it mainly occurs in solid tumors of mesenchymal and epithelial origin, but rarely also in hematopoietic and neuroendocrine origin.

Case presentation

We describe a 65‐year‐old man with a muscle‐invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma, which rapidly progressed against systemic chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and cisplatin. Notably, the patient developed hypoglycemia at the terminal stage of the disease. Pathological diagnosis was giant cell urothelial carcinoma, which was strongly positive for insulin‐like growth factor‐II in immunohistochemistry. We established patient‐derived xenograft from insulin‐like growth factor‐II producing bladder urothelial carcinoma that caused non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia. Although we evaluated the efficacy of the neutralizing antibody, there was no statistically significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of insulin‐like growth factor‐II‐producing urothelial carcinoma that have been recapitulated in a patient‐derived xenograft model.
Non‐ischemic priapism following recurrent idiopathic ischemic priapism treated successfully with selective arterial embolization and postoperative vacuum therapy before delayed inflatable penile prosthesis placement: A single case report
Authors: Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Chung Benjamin I , Conti Simon L , Ferro Matteo , Maggi Martina , Sciarra Alessandro , Perito Paul E , Gross Martin S , Antonini Gabriele , De Berardinis Ettore
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Priapism is defined as a persistent tumescence or erection of the penis not associated to sexual desire and/or stimulation. Idiopathic recurrent priapism may also occasionally follow treatment of veno‐occlusive priapism and represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Case presentation

We report a single case of non‐ischemic priapism that resulted after distal shunting procedure for severe and prolonged ischemic priapism and yet occurred without evidence of a cavernosal–sinusoidal fistula that was successfully treated with a bilateral selective arterial embolization. Our protocol of delayed inflatable penile prosthesis placement after a vacuum erectile device program was implemented.

Conclusions

The continuing use of a vacuum erectile device represented a bridge and an adjuvant therapy useful to facilitate later prosthesis placement. Anatomical and functional outcomes were optimal. No postoperative complaints or complications were reported.
Critical realism and ICT4D research
Authors: Heeks Richard , Wall P.J.
Published: September 2018

There is little overt engagement with research paradigms in ICT4D research, but what there is shows a dominance of positivism and interpretivism. In this paper, we explore the value of a “third way” research paradigm: critical realism. We concisely review the main features of critical realism: its ontological realism combined with epistemological relativism; its iterative, pluralist, and reflexive methodology; and its emancipatory values. Alongside the general value of explicit use of any research paradigm, we argue two particular types of value of critical realism for ICT4D research. First, generic values including exposure of context, a contingent causality that reflects real‐world ICT4D experiences, support for use of theoretical frames in ICT4D, legitimisation of different stakeholder views, and reduction of research bias and support for ICT4D's interventionist approach and its goal of delivering international development. Second, specific value in addressing current trends in ICT4D research: The growing search for causal links between “ICT” and “D,” and the political and ethical turns in ICT4D that are spurring researchers to engage more with issues of power, rights, and justice. But delivery of critical realism's utility will require the ICT4D research community to take actions that enable this emergent research paradigm to flourish.
Low‐dose bisphenol A induces RIPK1‐mediated necroptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells: Effects on TNF‐α and acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Ayazgök Beyza , Tüylü Küçükkılınç Tuba
Published: September 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor chemical, which is commonly used in everyday products. Adverse effects of its exposure are reported even at picomolar doses. Effects of picomolar and nanomolar concentrations of BPA on cytotoxicity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene expression and activity, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and caspase‐8 levels were determined in SH‐SY5Y cells. The current study reveals that low‐dose BPA treatment induced cytotoxicity, NO, and caspase‐8 levels in SH‐SY5Y cells. We also evaluated the mechanism underlying BPA‐induced cell death. Ours is the first report that receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase 1–mediated necroptosis is induced by nanomolar BPA treatment in SH‐SY5Y cells. This effect is mediated by altered AChE and decreased TNF‐α levels, which result in an apoptosis‐necroptosis switch. Moreover, our study reveals that BPA is an activator of AChE.
Development and validation of serum exosomal microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xue Xiaofeng , Zhao Yubin , Wang Xiaona , Qin Lei , Hu Rongkuan
Published: September 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. China accounts for over half of the new cases and deaths. Diagnostic imprecision and a lack of complimentary molecular biomarkers are partially responsible for this lack of progress. Herein, serum‐derived exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profiling was performed on 80 patients which histologically confirmed HCC and 30 normal controls. A classification of 8 exosomal miRNAs had biologically and statistically significant differences between HCC and normal serum samples, including miR‐122, miR‐125b, miR‐145, miR‐192, miR‐194, miR‐29a, miR‐17‐5p, and miR‐106a. Online algorithm showed strong independent classification accuracy (area under the curve) reached 0.535 to 0.850, separately. The significant correlation between serum exosomal miRNAs and tumor size was observed. In addition, the survival difference of HCC patients with high or low exosomal miR‐106a was statistically significant using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Besides, we also measured the proliferation and invasion ability of HCC cells following exosomal miR‐106a mimics or inhibitor treatment. After prediction with algorithms, mitogen‐activated protein kinase and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathways were identified associated with miR‐106a’s function. In summary, differentially expressed serum exosomal miRNAs can be helpful for diagnostic and prognostic of HCC.
Density functional tight binding‐based free energy simulations in the DFTB+ program
Authors: Mitchell Izaac , Aradi Bálint , Page Alister J.
Published: September 2018

The timescale problem—in which high barriers on the free energy surface trap molecular dynamics simulations in local energy wells—is a key limitation of current reactive MD simulations based on the density functional tight binding (DFTB) potential. Here, we report a new interface between the DFTB+ software package and the PLUMED library for performing DFTB‐based free energy calculations. We demonstrate the performance of this interface for 3 archetypal rare‐event chemical reactions, (i) intramolecular proton transfer in malonaldehyde, (ii) bowl inversion in corannulene, and (iii) oxygen diffusion on graphene. Using third‐order DFTB in conjunction with metadynamics (with/without multiple walkers) and well‐tempered metadynamics, we report here free energies of activation (ΔG‡) of 13.1 ± 0.4, 48.2 ± 1.7, and 52.0 ± 6.2 kJ mol−1, respectively, for these processes. In each case, our DFTB free energy barriers and local minima compare favorably with previous literature results, demonstrating the utility of the DFTB+ ‐ PLUMED interface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.