bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous 3D Printed Scavenger Filters for Selective Recovery of Precious Metals from Electronic Waste
Authors: Lahtinen Elmeri , Hänninen Mikko M. , Kinnunen Kimmo , Tuononen Heikki M. , Väisänen Ari , Rissanen Kari , Haukka Matti
Published: July 2018

Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is used to fabricate highly macroporous ion scavenger filters for recovery of Pd and Pt from electronic waste. The scavengers are printed by using a mixture of polypropylene with 10 wt% of type‐1 anion exchange resin. Porosities and the flow‐through properties of the filters are controlled by adjusting the SLS printing parameters. The cylinder‐shaped filters are used in selective recovery of Pd and Pt from acidic leachate of electronic waste simply by passing the solution through the object. Under such conditions, the scavenger filters are able to capture Pd and Pt as anionic complexes with high efficiency from a solution containing mixture of different metal ions. By using the Pd/Pt scavenger together with previously reported, highly selective nylon‐based Au scavenger, precious metals, i.e., Au, Pd, and Pt could all be recovered from the electronic waste leachate in a single flow‐through process. One of the main advantages of the printed scavengers is that all recovered metals can be easily extracted from the filters as separate fractions by using aqueous solutions of thiourea or diluted nitric acid. After removal of the captured metals, the scavengers are reusable without significant loss of their ion‐capturing performance.
Interfacial Defects Dictated In Situ Fabrication of Yolk–Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles by Electron‐Beam Irradiation
Authors: Xu Jin , Tu Datao , Zheng Wei , Shang Xiaoying , Huang Ping , Cheng Yao , Wang Yuansheng , Chen Xueyuan
Published: July 2018

Homogeneous core–shell structured nanoparticles (NPs) are prevailingly designed to accommodate lanthanide emitters, and such an epitaxial shell deposited on core NP is generally believed to help eliminate surface traps or defects on the as‐prepared core. However, upon electron‐beam irradiation to core–shell–shell NaLuF4:Gd/Yb/Er@NaLuF4:Nd/Yb@NaLuF4 upconversion NPs (UCNPs), it is revealed that interfacial defects actually exist at the core–shell and shell–shell interfaces, even with a higher density than the bulk‐phase defects in inner core. Because of such higher density of interfacial defects, the kinetic energies transferred from energetic electrons to atoms may trigger the faster Na/F atom ejections and outward atom migrations in the coating layers than in the inner core of NPs, which ultimately results in the in situ formation of novel yolk–shell UCNPs. These findings provide new insights into interfacial defects in homogeneous core–shell structured NaLnF4 NPs, and pave the way toward utilizing the interactions of high‐energy particles with materials for in situ fabrication of novel nanostructures.
Antipruritic effect of Neurotropin injection on moisturizer‐ and antihistamine‐resistant itch in patients with pruritus: A multicenter, open‐label, small sample study
Authors: Kaneko Sakae , Kohno Kunie , Honda Sakae , Tohgi Kimiko , Niihara Hiroyuki , Chinuki Yuko , Nakagawa Yusei , Mihara Yuko , Ota Masataka , Shiwaku Kuninori , Morita Eishin
Published: July 2018

Pruritus is a condition in which itch occurs in the absence of apparent skin lesions. It is sometimes unresponsive to treatment with topical moisturizers and often is unresponsive to antihistamines. We evaluated the antipruritic effects of Neurotropin injections in patients with moisturizer‐ and antihistamine‐resistant pruritus. We monitored these patients by itch scores recorded in symptom diaries, as well as reports of quality of life (QOL). This study investigated both the efficacy and safety of Neurotropin injections using an open‐label study design. We enrolled 40 patients from six participating study sites. Of the 40 patients that were initially enrolled, six patients were ineligible, and ultimately, 33 were included for evaluation after one patient dropped out. Neurotropin was administered by subcutaneous injection to 22 patients and intravenous injection to 11 patients at a frequency of once per week. Compared to data collected during a one‐week observation period prior to treatment, after seven injections of Neurotropin, there was a significant improvement in the Shiratori symptom severity score and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for itch symptoms, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for quality of life. No new adverse events occurred during the period of investigation. A notable benefit to Neurotropin is that it can be used in patients with renal impairment and patients receiving dialysis therapy. Our results demonstrated that Neurotropin is effective in the treatment of moisturizer‐ and antihistamine‐resistant pruritus.
Phosphor und Phosphatrecycling
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Lohmeier Reinhard , Fröhlich Peter , Frank Daniel , Gellermann Carsten , Bertau Martin
Published: July 2018

Phosphor stellt ein essentielles Spurenelement für alle lebenden Organismen dar. Aus diesem Grund beschäftigt sich der Artikel mit der Gewinnung, dem Nutzbarmachen sowie dem Recycling dieser für den Menschen lebensnotwendigen und nicht substituierbaren Ressource. Dabei werden die klassischen Herstellungsverfahren für elementaren Phosphor sowie Phosphorsäure vorgestellt. Das Hauptanwendungsfeld von Phosphor/Phosphaten im Bereich der Pflanzendüngung wird erläutert und auch die damit verbundenen Umweltprobleme diskutiert. Die Notwendigkeit eines Phosphatrecyclings wird anhand der lagerstättenkundlichen Eigenheiten der primären Phosphate abgeleitet und der aktuelle Stand in Deutschland im Überblick vorgestellt.
Isolation of Human Placental Mast Cells
Authors: Mezouar Soraya , Ben Amara Amira , Vitte Joana , Mege Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2018

Mast cells have been identified as resident cells of human placental tissue by immunohistological procedures, suggesting that they may play a role in pregnancy. However, the study of placental mast cells requires their isolation. Here, we describe a procedure to isolate placental mast cells from placenta of healthy women. At‐term placentas were recovered, and small pieces were excised. After extensive washing, they were digested using enzyme, and cell preparations were centrifuged on a Percoll density gradient. A double positive selection was then performed using magnetic beads covered with CD117 and IgE antibodies. The purity of isolated mast cells was finally analyzed by flow cytometry, and was nearly 90%, demonstrating that our protocol was convenient to obtain fresh placental mast cells in sufficient quantity for research investigations. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cytomegalovirus Infection: Mouse Model
Authors: Brizić Ilija , Lisnić Berislav , Brune Wolfram , Hengel Hartmut , Jonjić Stipan
Published: July 2018

This unit describes procedures for infecting newborn and adult mice with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Methods are included for propagating MCMV in cell cultures and for preparing a more virulent form of MCMV from salivary glands of infected mice. A plaque assay is provided for determining MCMV titers of infected tissues or virus stocks. Also, a method is described for preparing the murine embryonic fibroblasts used for propagating MCMV and for the plaque assay. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recent Developments in the Photo‐Mediated Generation of Silyl Radicals and Their Application in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Li Jie‐Sheng , Wu Jie
Published: July 2018

Silicon radicals play important roles in diverse areas of organic synthesis and material science. With the rapid development of photocatalysis over the past decades, photochemistry may potentially serve as an appealing approach for the generation of silyl radicals. This Minireview will focus on recent photo‐mediated generation of silyl radicals in the area of organic synthesis.
Low‐delay and high‐functioning digital differentiators in the big data era
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Nakamoto Masayoshi , Aikawa Naoyuki
Published: July 2018

Since the big data signal has large amount of data, low‐delay signal processing algorithm is required. Digital differentiators are a type of digital signal processing tool, and are useful to estimate the velocity from the position or obtain the image outline. In this article, we introduce finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) digital differentiators. The differentiators can achieve a low‐delay and high‐functioning processing such as low‐pass differentiation.
A Versatile Carbon Fiber Cloth‐supported Au Nanodendrite Sensor for Simultaneous Determination of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II)
Authors: Dang Vu Hai , Yen Pham Thi Hai , Giao Nguyen Quynh , Phong Pham Hong , Ha Vu Thi Thu , Duy Pham Khac , Hoeil Chung
Published: July 2018

A carbon fiber cloth (CFC)‐supported Au nanodendrite (AuND@CFC) sensor was used to simultaneously measure the concentrations of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) in real water samples. The sensor had a large electrochemically active surface area due to the hierarchical nanodendrite structure and the formation of the nanodendrite structure on the CFC was accomplished in just 5 minutes by single‐step electrodeposition. After the optimization of important experimental conditions, such as pH and pre‐concentration time, the achieved limit of detections (LODs) in the measurements of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) were 0.15, 0.07, and 0.13 ppb, respectively, which were superior and comparable to those reported in previous studies. The electrochemical responses of each analyte (concentration: 2.0 ppb) were not influenced when the concentrations of interferants (Cr(IV), Ni(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Al(III), Ca(II) and Mg(II)) were even 500‐fold greater (1.0 ppm); while only the signal of Cu(II) decreased when the Ni(II) concentration were 4.0 ppm (2000‐fold larger). When eight separately prepared AuND@CFC sensors were used to measure the samples, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the peak intensities of these metals were lower than 5.0 %, thereby indicating the superior sensor‐to‐sensor reproducibility. When real river and lake water samples were analyzed, the determined concentrations were similar to those measured with ICP‐MS and the recoveries ranged from 93.2 %–118.7 %. Overall, the proposed sensor is versatile enough to be incorporated into a portable analytical system for on‐site detection of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) in real field samples.
Comparative study on the effects of two diatoms as diets on planktonic calanoid and benthic harpacticoid copepods
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Wang Guizhong , Zeng Chaoshu , Wu Lisheng
Published: July 2018

Two diatoms, Chaetoceros muelleri and Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima, were used for rearing nauplii to adults of Tigriopus japonicus, Acartia pacifica, and Pseudodiaptomus annandalei at different concentrations. The survival rates to adults and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) of the adult copepods were measured. The results showed that when fed on N. closterium f. minutissima, A. pacifica was unable to complete naupliar development; while SOD and GST activities of P. annandalei fed N. closterium f. minutissima were significantly higher than those fed the control algae Isochrysis galbana (Prymnesiod), suggesting this diatom species is harmful to these calanoid copepods. The survival rates of T. japonicus were very high when fed N. closterium f. minutissima, indicating that T. japonicus has high acceptance to diatoms. To evaluate whether calanoid copepod had the capacity to acclimatize to diatoms, P. annandalei was cultured for four generations on the two diatoms at 1.7 μgC/ml and survival rates as well as SOD and GST activities were determined for each generation. It was shown that starting at the second generation, P. annandalei exhibited adaption to the diatoms with improved survival. When fed on N. closterium f. minutissima, both SOD and GST activities of P. annandalei showed a trend of decreasing with the progress of generation, whereas no significant difference was found among four generations on C. muelleri. This study demonstrates that whether a diatom species is considered harmful to copepods, which is largely species specific, and diatom concentration is an important influencing factor. Additionally, the capacity of copepod adaption to diatoms over time should not be neglected.
Evaluation of lozenges containing egg yolk antibody against Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains as an adjunct to conventional non‐surgical therapy in periodontitis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nguyen Sa V. , Nguyen Minh T.H. , Tran Binh C. , Ho Minh T.Q. , Umeda Kouji , Rahman Shofiqur
Published: July 2018

Background

In a previous pilot study, one‐time application of anti‐Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) into scaling and root planing (SRP)‐treated periodontal pockets showed profound improvement of clinical and bacteriological parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of daily use of lozenges fortified with the antibody as an adjunct to non‐surgical therapy in patients with periodontitis.

Methods

Sixty‐four patients with periodontitis were divided randomly into a test and a placebo group. The groups were treated by SRP followed by a daily use of lozenges containing either specific IgY against P. gingivalis gingipains (test) or a sham‐immune IgY (placebo). Gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PD) and quantitation of P. gingivalis in the gingival pockets were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after the initiation of treatment and compared by using Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann‐Whitney U‐test or t test.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvement of all parameters at 8 weeks post treatment (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in reduction of GBI (P < 0.001) and P. gingivalis cell counts (P < 0.05) in the test group compared with the placebo group. The reduction of PD was greater in the test group compared with the placebo group although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions

The adjunctive use of lozenges containing IgY antibody against gingipains from P. gingivalis resulted in clinical and microbiological benefits in the treatment for chronic periodontitis. Additional investigations are needed to examine if the IgY brings benefits to case patients who do not receive SRP.
Gold nanoparticle‐induced sonosensitization enhances the antitumor activity of ultrasound in colon tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: Beik Jaber , Shiran Mohammad Bagher , Abed Ziaeddin , Shiri Isaac , Ghadimi‐Daresajini Ali , Farkhondeh Forough , Ghaznavi Habib , Shakeri‐Zadeh Ali
Published: July 2018

Purpose

As a noninvasive and nonionizing radiation, ultrasound can be focused remotely, transferring acoustic energy deep in the body, thereby addressing the penetration depth barrier of the light‐based therapies. In cancer therapy, the effectiveness of ultrasound can be enhanced by utilizing nanomaterials that exhibit sonosensitizing properties called as nanosonosensitizers. The gold nanoparticle (AuNP) has been recently presented as a potent nanosonosensitizer with the potential to simultaneously enhance both the thermal and mechanical interactions of ultrasound with the tissue of the human body. Accordingly, this paper attempts to evaluate the in vivo antitumor efficiency of ultrasound in combination with AuNP.

Methods

BALB/c mice‐bearing CT26 colorectal tumor model was intraperitoneally injected with AuNPs and then subjected to ultrasound irradiation (1 MHz; 2 W/cm2; 10 min) for three sessions. Furthermore, [18F]FDG (2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐d‐glucose) positron‐emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed and the radiomic features from different feature categorizes were extracted to quantify the tumors’ phenotype.

Results

The tumors were dramatically shrunk and the mice appeared healthy over 21 days of study span without the evidence of relapse. The animals treated with AuNP + ultrasound exhibited an obvious decline in tumor metabolic parameters such as standard uptake value (SUV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) compared to other treatment groups.

Conclusion

These findings support the use of AuNP as a potent sonosensitizing agent with the potential to use the thermal and mechanical effects of ultrasound so as to cause damage to the focused tumor site, resulting in an improved antitumor efficacy.
Development of a Dynamic Physiologically Based Mechanistic Kidney Model to Predict Renal Clearance
Authors: Huang Weize , Isoherranen Nina
Published: July 2018

Renal clearance is usually predicted via empirical approaches including quantitative structure activity relationship and allometric scaling. Recently, mechanistic prediction approaches using in silico kidney models have been proposed. However, empirical scaling factors are typically used to adjust for either passive diffusion or active secretion, to acceptably predict renal clearances. The goal of this study was to establish a renal clearance simulation tool that allows prediction of renal clearance (filtration and pH‐dependent passive reabsorption) from in vitro permeability data. A 35‐compartment physiologically based mechanistic kidney model was developed based on human physiology. The model was verified using 46 test compounds, including neutrals, acids, bases, and zwitterions. The feasibility of incorporating active secretion and pH‐dependent bidirectional passive diffusion into the model was demonstrated using para‐aminohippuric acid (PAH), cimetidine, memantine, and salicylic acid. The developed model enables simulation of renal clearance from in vitro permeability data, with predicted renal clearance within twofold of observed for 87% of the test drugs.
Ensemble size: How suboptimal is less than infinity?
Authors: Leutbecher Martin
Published: July 2018

Ensemble forecasts are the method of choice in numerical weather prediction (NWP) to generate probabilistic forecasts. The number of members in an ensemble is an important factor in determining how well a probability distribution of a weather‐related variable can be estimated. Having only a finite number of members reduces the average skill such a probabilistic forecast can have. Increasing ensemble size is therefore desirable; however, ensemble size is also proportional to the computational cost. Having a small ensemble size limits the cost and makes other improvements, such as increases in spatial resolution, feasible.

This article examines how average skill measures with metrics such as the continuous ranked probability score, the quantile score, and the Dawid–Sebastiani score converge with ensemble size. A numerical experiment with a 200 member ensemble using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) model at a resolution of 29 km and a forecast range of 15 days provides data to compare the convergence of probabilistic skill in a current NWP system with theoretical expectations derived for perfectly reliable ensembles with exchangeable members.

Results in the first part of the article can help users of operational NWP ensemble forecasts formulate their minimum requirement in terms of ensemble size. In the second part, requirements for scientists who test changes to NWP systems are examined. Using proper scores and fair scores, it is explored whether testing changes in the ensemble forecasts can be meaningful with fewer members than in the operational configuration. Results are based on medium‐range numerical experiments with 50 members. Two experiments test the activation of a representation of model uncertainty and three other experiments test changes in horizontal resolution from 29 to 18 km and from 29 to 45 km.
In Vitro Biomolecular Interaction Studies and Cytotoxic Activities of Newly Synthesised Copper(II) Complexes Bearing 2‐Hydroxynaphthaldehyde‐Based Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Aneesrahman K. N. , Rohini Gandhaveeti , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Sundararaj Sankaramanivel , Musthafa Moideen , Sreekanth Anandaram
Published: July 2018

Two new thiosemicarbazone ligands of 2‐hydroxynaphthldehyde (L1 and L2) and their square planar Cu(II) complexes (C1 and C2) have been synthesised. The ligands and complexes were characterised by various spectroscopic technique (UV‐Visible spectra, FT IR (ATR), 1H & 13C NMR, ESI mass and EPR spectra). The molecular structure of ligands (L1 and L2) and complex (C2) were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. C2 showed a slightly distorted square planar geometry. The in vitro DNA and protein (BSA) binding assay of these complexes were conducted using electronic absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra methods. In both cases, C2 showed stronger binding ability than C1. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the Cu(II) complexes towards lung cancer (A549) cell line and human kidney (HEK‐293 T) cancer cell lines were investigated, where complex C2 showed high cytotoxicity while maintaining low toxicity towards non‐cancer originated cell line i. e., HEK‐293 T. The mechanism of cell death by complex C1 and C2 has been inspected using Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) staining, flow cytometry and ROS generation studies. This study offers a new perspective on the role and importance of the terminal [N(4)] substitution of thiosemicarbazone on the medicinal properties of copper(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes.
Regioselective Synthesis, Antibacterial, Molecular Docking and Fingerprint Applications of 1‐Benzhydrylpiperazine Derivatized 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Govindaiah Shivaraja , Sreenivasa Swamy , Ramakrishna Ramesha Andagar , Rao Tadimety Madhu Chakrapani , Nagabhushana Hanumanthappa
Published: July 2018

A series of ten 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles having 1‐benzhydrylpiperazine chemical scaffold were synthesized by one pot Cu (I) catalyzed click reaction and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus by agar well diffusion method. Amongst all, 2‐chloro‐6‐fluorobenzyl substituted 1,2,3‐Triazole 7 e and 2,4‐dichlorobenzyl Triazole 7 f found to be more active compared to the Ciprofloxacin. To rationalize the binding interaction of compounds and the protein at active site, we performed Molecular docking study using a bacterial DNA Gyrase B protein. The docking energy of 2‐chloro‐6‐fluorobenzyl substituted Triazole 7 e and 2,4‐dichlorobenzyl Triazole 7 f was observed as −22.498 and −22.569 kcalmol−1 in comparison to reference drug Ciprofloxacin whose docking energy is −22.072 kcal mol−1. It also makes several hydrogen bonds with our conserved residue Ser55, Asp81 and Ile86. Furthermore, several hydrophobic contacts were also observed within the pocket. Finally, Latent fingerprint detection study indicated that the compound unsubstituted Triazole 7 a powder shows good adhesion and finger ridge details without back ground staining. The demonstrated method can be applied to detect fingerprints on all types of smooth surfaces and hence, it can be easily adopted for latent fingerprint detection. The in vitro and in silico activities conclusively revealed that our lead compounds may be used as a novel antibacterial agents.
Direct Double Arylation of Bridged Alkenes and Efficient Bis‐C–H Alkylation of Benzamides
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxia , Bai Jinshan , Zeng Fanyun , Xing Yufeng , Zhu Ranran , Huang Jianhui
Published: July 2018

A Pd/C catalysed facile and practical preparation of diaryl‐substituted norbornenes has been developed. Under mild conditions, a range of disubstituted norbornenes and norbornanes have been prepared in good to useful yields. These norbornene analogues have shown to be good additives for speeding up the reaction as well as for the efficient preparation of bis‐alkylated benzamides.
Interactions between Graphene‐Based Materials and Water Molecules toward Actuator and Electricity‐Generator Applications
Authors: Xu Tong , Han Qing , Cheng Zhihua , Zhang Jing , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2018

The surface and interface interactions between water molecules and graphene or chemically modified graphene (e.g., graphene oxide) will enable changes of the physical and/or chemical state of graphene‐based materials, thus leading to many fascinating and unconventional phenomena with potential applications in various areas. The rise of novel energy‐conversion devices based on the interactions between graphene‐based materials and water molecules have triggered rapidly increasing research interest in the last few years, especially in deformable actuators and power generators. Here, the recent progress in tailored graphene‐based systems for moisture‐triggered actuation and electric generation by penetrating or flowing water, waves, or rain, in both the theoretical and experimental fronts, is summarized. The promising applications and the current challenges of the interactions between graphene‐based materials and water molecules for actuation and electricity generation are also discussed.
Ion‐Transport Experiments to Probe the Nanostructure of Graphene/Polymer Membranes
Authors: Zhang Mengyang , Cheng Chi , Simon George P. , Li Dan
Published: July 2018

Graphene/polymer layered nanocomposites are studied extensively for their unique two‐dimensional (2D) layered nanoporous structures and interesting permeation properties with regard to ionic species, and show great potential for applications in many fields. Structural characterization is essential to the establishment of structure–properties relationships, which however remains challenging due to the complex, nanoporous texture rising from graphene alignment in graphene/polymer membrane materials. Here, a method is proposed that utilizes ions as probes for gaining structural information of the layered nanoporous structure. The results show that the subtle structural variations caused by the small change of interfacial interactions between the polymer and graphene materials during solution processing can be clearly revealed. The ion‐transport experiments demonstrated in this work can be used as a set of tools for quick quality control and monitoring of production of graphene/polymer nanocomposites and nanoporous composites assembled with other 2D materials.
Microwave Irradiation in Micro‐ Meso‐Fluidic Systems; Hybrid Technology has Issued the Challenge
Authors: Tagliapietra Silvia , Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Martina Katia , Barge Alessandro , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: July 2018

A combination of microwave irradiation and flow chemistry has been described as a promising smart and hyphenated technology that can fuse and synergize the benefits of the techniques. The cells and tissues of all living organisms promote a huge number of bioorganic reactions that occur as flow systems and not the batch‐type conditions typically used by chemists and biotechnologists. Microwave‐assisted chemical conversion carried out in continuous flow mode with micro‐ or meso‐channel reactors can offer significant processing advantages, including improved thermal exchange, energy efficiency, safety, mixing control, a wider range of reaction conditions, repeatability and scalability as well as dramatic reductions in side‐reactions and degradations. This review will discuss relevant examples of organic synthesis and nanoparticles production performed in continuous flow mode with integrated microwave irradiation in micro‐ or mesofluidic systems.
Cardiovascular outcome trials in diabetes: what have we learnt?
Authors: Kirby Mike , Boon Nick
Published: July 2018

Diabetes and its cardiovascular complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men. Over recent years a plethora of new drugs with novel modes of action have been introduced and tested in clinical trials. In this article the authors look at the results of these trials and discuss how the drugs might help in the battle against diabetes in men.
Radiotherapy in elderly patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Prentice Mark , Lewis Amy , Payne Heather , Davda Reena , Kebreya Muhammad
Published: July 2018

Prostate cancer is considered to be a disease of the elderly, with a median age of presentation in the UK of 66.1 Significant numbers of patients are therefore older and the management of this patient cohort can be more challenging. This article highlights some of the methods that can be used to assess the elderly prostate cancer patient and the studies relevant to making appropriate management decisions.
GreenLight laser: green for go in benign prostatic hypertrophy
Authors: Martyn‐Hemphill Clarissa , Brown Christian
Published: July 2018

The surgical management of benign prostatic hypertrophy continues to evolve. In the last issue we looked at the role of prostatic artery embolisation in its management. In this article the authors discuss the role of GreenLight laser XPS photoselective vaporisation of the prostate as an alternative to the gold standard transurethral resection of the prostate for bladder outflow obstruction.
Thomas Stuttaford, 1931–2018
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2018

Roger Kirby shares memories of Dr Thomas Stuttaford. As a doctor, journalist, author, politician, broadcaster and renovator of historic houses – ‘Dr Tom’ was a true polymath and could turn his hand to almost anything.
Synthesis and Characterization of the First Lead(II) Borosulfate Pb[B2(SO4)4]
Authors: Schönegger Sandra , Bruns Jörn , Gartner Benjamin , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert
Published: July 2018

The first lead(II) borosulfate Pb[B2(SO4)4] was synthesized under harsh conditions via a solvothermal reaction of PbO2 with H3BO3 and oleum (20 % SO3). The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnna (no. 52) with the lattice parameters a = 1251.6(7), b = 1252.1(7), and c = 730.2(4) pm (Z = 4). The structure of Pb[B2(SO4)4] is constructed of one‐dimensional infinite anionic chains according to 1∞[B(SO4)4/2]– and charge compensated by Pb2+ cations, which are coordinated to the chain terminating oxygen atoms of the (SO4) tetrahedra. The lone pair of electrons of the Pb2+ cations is sterically not active. Pb[B2(SO4)4] was characterized by means of single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, as well as vibrational spectroscopy.
Investigation of Organonickel‐Pentafluoroorthotellurates
Authors: Hämmerling Sebastian , Mann Lisa , Steinhauer Simon , Kuntze‐Fechner Maximilian W. , Radius Udo , Riedel Sebastian
Published: July 2018

The pentafluoroorthotellurate (F5TeO–, teflato) group was transferred to two organonickel precursors resulting in the formation of [Ni(Hacac)2(OTeF5)2] and [Ni(iPrIm)2(OTeF5)2]. These complexes show completely different behavior in their stability against stronger coordinating agents, coordination arrangement, and their spin state. Interestingly, traces of water did not hydrolyze the teflato ligand, instead coordinating to the central nickel atom with formation of a dinuclear complex [{Ni(Hacac)(H2O)(OTeF5)(μ‐OTeF5)}2].
Four Zn/Pb Complexes based on Pyridine containing Mercapto‐triazole Ligand: Syntheses, Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Wang Yu‐Fei , Wang Li‐Ping , Wang Shao‐Peng , Li Yu‐Ling , Zhou Xiao‐Li
Published: July 2018

A series of transition metal coordination complexes, [Zn3(2‐aptt)2(1,4‐bdc)2]n (1), [Zn4(2‐aptt)4(H2pma)2(H2O)4]n (2), [Zn2(2‐aptt)2(3‐pc)2(H2O)4] (3), and [Pb(2‐ptt)]n (4) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using the pyridine containing mercapto‐triazole ligand 2‐apttH [4‐amino‐3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione] as a main building block. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. Notably, desamination reaction exists in the formation of complex 4, in which the ligand 2‐apttH deaminated to generate the ligand 2‐pttH2 [3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione]. The four complexes exhibit structural diversity: complex 1 presents an interesting 3D framework, complexes 2 and 4 feature 2D networks, whereas complex 3 shows dinuclear structure. Moreover, the luminescent properties of complexes 1–4, the first and second ligands were also studied.
One-loop quantization of rigid spinning strings in AdS3 × S3 × T 4 with mixed flux
Authors: Nieto Juan Miguel , Ruiz Roberto
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We compute the one-loop correction to the classical dispersion relation of rigid closed spinning strings with two equal angular momenta in the AdS
3 × S
3 × T
4 background supported with a mixture of R-R and NS-NS three-form fluxes. This analysis is extended to the case of two arbitrary angular momenta in the pure NS-NS limit. We perform this computation by means of two different methods. The first method relies on the Euler-Lagrange equations for the quadratic fluctuations around the classical solution, while the second one exploits the underlying integrability of the problem through the finite-gap equations. We find that the one-loop correction vanishes in the pure NS-NS limit.
A freely generated ring for $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 models in class $$ {\mathcal{S}}_k $$
Authors: Razamat Shlomo S. , Sabag Evyatar
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We study 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric theories of class

$$ {\mathcal{S}}_k $$

S
k

, obtained from flux compactifications on a Riemann surface of 6d (1, 0) conformal theories describing the low energy physics on a stack of M5 branes probing a

$$ \frac{@}{@}{\mathrm{\mathbb{Z}}}_k $$

@
@

ℤ
k

singularity. We conjecture that the protected spectrum of class

$$ {\mathcal{S}}_k $$

S
k

theories contains a freely generated ring, generalizing the Coulomb branch of the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 theories. We derive this by examining a limit of the supersymmetric index of 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 class

$$ {\mathcal{S}}_k $$

S
k

theories. The limit generalizes the Coulomb limit of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 theories, which coincides with the case of k = 1 for a particular choice of flux. We conjecture a general simple formula for the index in the aforementioned limit.
“Till at last there remain nothing”
Authors: Atkinson David , Peijnenburg Jeanne
Published: July 2018

InA Treatise of Human Nature, David Hume presents an argument according to which all knowledge reduces to probability, and all probability reduces to nothing. Many have criticized this argument, while others find nothing wrong with it. In this paper we explain that the argument is invalid as it stands, but for different reasons than have been hitherto acknowledged. Once the argument is repaired, it becomes clear that there is indeed something that reduces to nothing, but it is something other than what, according to many, Hume had in mind. Thus two views emerge of what exactly it is that reduces. We surmise that Hume failed to distinguish the two, because he lacked the formal means to differentiate between a rendering of his argument that is in accordance with the probability calculus, and one that is not.
Leslie Berlin, Troublemakers: Silicon Valley's Coming of Age
Authors: Sahlman William A.
Published: July 2018

Leslie Berlin's book Troublemakers is an engaging and insightful people-first exploration of the roots of Silicon Valley, from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Berlin portrays seven individuals who played important roles at critical junctures in the development of technologies we now take for granted: the Internet; personal, connected computing and communications devices; genetic engineering; software as a service (SAAS); streaming video; massively multiplayer online games; and democratized access to the world's information. They helped lay the foundation for the economic powerhouse called Silicon Valley.
The Measurement of Radial-Velocity Differences Between the Components of Close Visual Binary Systems
Authors: Batten A. H. , Fletcher J. M.
Published: July 2018

The value obtained for the difference in radial velocity between components of a visual binary that is unresolved on the spectrograph slit appears to depend, sometimes, on whether the measurement is made visually with a microscope or by means of an oscilloscopic setting device. This apparent dependence has been confirmed by measurement of artificially produced doublelined spectrograms, and disappears for line pairs separated by more than 1.5 or 2 times the half-widths of their components. The dependence arises from blending of the two line profiles. There is some evidence that the results obtained from visual measures are affected by the scale of the image being measured. For this reason, oscilloscope measures are probably to be preferred; although their errors are sometimes larger, they seem to be more consistent. Errors arising from this sort of blending are not sufficient to explain measures of relative radial velocity of the components of some visual binaries, that differ widely from the predictions made from the visual orbits.
Le Problème des Erreurs du Point de vue de L'Observateur et du Pu de vue du Calculateur D'Orbites
Authors: Arend S.
Published: July 2018

Resumé

En principe, nous parlerons des mesures d'etoiles doubles exécutées au micromètre a fils par la méthode classique des doubles distances, mais il va de soi que la plupart des considerations relatives aux erreurs peuvent être étendues aux autres precédés.
Photoelectric Observations of the Occultations of Binaries by the Moon
Authors: Rakos K.D.
Published: July 2018

Recently, I have carried out, at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, very extensive observations of occultations of stars by Moon, in order to get the star diameters, the multiple components and the precise time of occultations by analysis of the distortion of diffraction patterns.
Photovisual Magnitude Differences of Double Stars
Authors: Strand K. Aa.
Published: July 2018

Differences in magnitudes between the components of 874 double stars have been derived from visual estimates on several series of multi-exposure photographic plates. The plates were obtained with long focus refractors primarily for the purpose of determining the relative positions of double stars according to the well-known Hertzsprung method.

Except for binaries with magnitude differences less than half a magnitude, plates were taken with objective gratings limiting the effective magnitude differences between the components to half a magnitude.

Similar to what has been done in variable star work, it was found possible to estimate the magnitude difference to the nearest tenth from this material by visual inspection, using a seven power eyepiece.

The internal mean error of a single estimate of a magnitude is ±0m.064, while the external mean error of a single value in the catalogue based upon an average of three independent determinations is ±0m.054.

Comparisons with other photometric series of this type have been made. In particular the photoelectric series by Eggen (1963,1966) and by Johnson (1953) show close agreements, with no systematic differences.

The results will appear in Publ. U.S. Naval Obs., 2nd Series, 18, Pt. V.
Pollen limitation and its effect on seed germination
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C.
Published: July 2018

In nature, fruit and seed production in many plants have been shown to be pollen limited. Pollen limitation is demonstrated when open-pollinated plants that are hand-supplemented (Ps) with outcross pollen produce more fruits and/or seeds than open-pollinated controls that are not hand-pollinated (Po). There are three categories of results in such studies: Ps> Po, Ps= Poand Ps< Po, in which case pollen limitation indices are positive, zero and negative, respectively. In an index widely used to calculate pollen limitation, 1 – (Po/Ps), the bounds for Ps≥ Poare 0 to + 1, whereas the bounds for Ps< Poare 0 to –∞. The first aim of this review was to show how the pollen limitation index can be modified so that the bounds of Ps< Poare 0 and –1, whereupon the index gives equal weight to the best performer (Psor Po) and worst performer (Psor Po). In addition to seed quantity, pollen supplementation can affect seed quality, including germinability. Thus, our second aim was to summarize the results of studies that have also tested the effect of pollen limitation on seed germination. In short, the 30 case studies in 15 families, 16 genera and 18 species that we identified show that seed germination percentage increased, was not affected or decreased by pollen supplementation in 12, 11 and seven cases, respectively. The effect of pollen limitation on seed germination, which can be quite large, has not been considered in developing population growth models to determine the effect of pollen limitation on λ.
The European Union as a Global Actor: The Case of the Financial Transaction Tax
Authors: Strezhneva Marina
Published: July 2018

The EU plays a high-profile role in the international arena, and yet this role still evades accurate conceptualization. Since the EU is not a state, it is commonly accepted assui generis; a normative power influencing the world order mostly by means of direct and intermediary persuasion. Despite this position, in practice when championing the global normative agenda, the EU does not always demonstrate high efficiency as a leader. This article studies the EU’s efforts to push through regional and global versions of a financial transaction tax, meant to promote the common good through the positive externalities it generates for the economy. The aim of the article is to arrive at an adequate explanation for the (in)ability of the EU to act as an agent of global governance in this case. The focus of attention is the inner organizational limitations on the EU’s behaviour as a global actor.
CME: Jetlag CME-Fragen
Authors: Stutz Andreas , Ensslin Angela
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das Durchfliegen mehrerer Zeitzonen führt zu einer temporären Desynchronisation der inneren Uhr mit dem äusseren Tag-Nacht-Taktgeber. In der Folge kommt es zum sogenannten Jetlag mit Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen, vermehrter Tagesmüdigkeit und einer medizinisch relevanten Einschränkung des Wohlbefindens und der Leistungsfähigkeit. Für die ärztliche Beratung beim Jetlag sind Kenntnisse der inneren Uhr und der Regulierung des Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmus eine wichtige Voraussetzung. Unter zusätzlicher Berücksichtigung der Reisepläne kann ein differenzierter Massnahmenplan erstellt werden. Im Folgenden werden mögliche unterschiedliche Massnahmen und Empfehlungen zur Unterstützung der Resynchronisation an die veränderte Zeit und zur Linderung der Jetlag-Symptomatik aufgezeigt.
Lithospheric Structure of the Northern Ordos From Ambient Noise and Teleseismic Surface Wave Tomography
Authors: Li Shilin , Guo Zhen , Chen Yongshun John , Yang Yingjie , Huang Qinghua
Published: July 2018

We constructed a high‐resolution 3‐D Vs model of the northern Ordos block and its surrounding areas by surface wave tomography, which reveals significant intracratonic heterogeneities. In the western Ordos, the lithosphere thickness is ~200 km with shear velocities comparable to the high velocities of other Archean cratons worldwide. However, the lithosphere thins gradually toward the east and Vs drops by 2–3% in the uppermost mantle beneath the eastern Ordos, coincident with the high surface heat flow (~68 mW/m2 in average) there. This observation suggests that the thick, cratonic keel is only locally preserved beneath the western Ordos, and the eastern part of the Ordos seems to undergo local rejuvenation. At greater depths (>180 km), a low‐velocity channel is observed beneath the high‐velocity keel of the Ordos. Beneath the Datong volcanoes, a low‐velocity anomaly is observed, dipping westward with depth and closely following the slope of the lithosphere beneath the northern Ordos. This prominent low velocity is connected with the low‐velocity zone beneath the northern Ordos, which is further connected with the low‐velocity zone beneath the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NET). We propose that the asthenosphere beneath the NET flows toward the northern Ordos in response to the continuous northward convergence of the Indian‐Eurasian continents, and the asthenosphere flows upward following the eastward thinning lithosphere which leads to decompression partial melting, which migrates upward to feed the Datong volcanoes. The significant variations of the lithospheric thickness of the Ordos block may control the distribution of the asthenospheric flow.
Constraining Frictional Properties on Fault by Dynamic Rupture Simulations and Near‐Field Observations
Authors: Weng Huihui , Yang Hongfeng
Published: July 2018

Frictional properties of seismogenic faults play critical roles in earthquake generation and rupture propagation. Although laboratory measurements have well revealed the frictional parameters of a variety of rock samples, those on seismogenic faults remain difficult to determine due to the strong trade‐off between critical slip‐weakening distance (d0) and strength drop. Here we conduct dynamic rupture simulations to determine the frictional parameters on the fault where the 2015 Mw7.8 Nepal earthquake occurred, with constraints from near‐field seismic and geodetic observations, and kinematic source models. By utilizing different trade‐off patterns of source parameters and multiple observations for the first time, we can determine the frictional parameters of the seismogenic fault. The best fit dynamic model yields a d0value of ~0.6 m, in contrast to the previous kinematical estimation of ~5 m (Galetzka et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac6383). The average fracture energy of this event is
 J/m2. Such approach can be used to determine the frictional parameters on seismogenic faults, which could serve for seismic hazard assessment by predicting ground motion from dynamic rupture simulations.
Lidar Observations of Stratospheric Gravity Waves From 2011 to 2015 at McMurdo (77.84°S, 166.69°E), Antarctica: 2. Potential Energy Densities, Lognormal Distributions, and Seasonal Variations
Authors: Chu Xinzhao , Zhao Jian , Lu Xian , Harvey V. Lynn , Jones R. Michael , Becker Erich , Chen Cao , Fong Weichun , Yu Zhibin , Roberts Brendan R. , Dörnbrack Andreas
Published: July 2018

Five years of Fe Boltzmann lidar's Rayleigh temperature data from 2011 to 2015 at McMurdo are used to characterize gravity wave potential energy mass density (Epm), potential energy volume density (Epv), vertical wave number spectra, and static stability N2 in the stratosphere 30–50 km. Epm (Epv) profiles increase (decrease) with altitude, and the scale heights of Epv indicate stronger wave dissipation in winter than in summer. Altitude mean
and
obey lognormal distributions and possess narrowly clustered small values in summer but widely spread large values in winter.
and
vary significantly from observation to observation but exhibit repeated seasonal patterns with summer minima and winter maxima. The winter maxima in 2012 and 2015 are higher than in other years, indicating interannual variations. Altitude mean
varies by ~30–40% from the midwinter maxima to minima around October and exhibits a nearly bimodal distribution. Monthly mean vertical wave number power spectral density for vertical wavelengths of 5–20 km increases from summer to winter. Using Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 data, we find that large values of
during wintertime occur when McMurdo is well inside the polar vortex. Monthly mean
are anticorrelated with wind rotation angles but positively correlated with wind speeds at 3 and 30 km. Corresponding correlation coefficients are −0.62, +0.87, and +0.80, respectively. Results indicate that the summer‐winter asymmetry of
is mainly caused by critical level filtering that dissipates most gravity waves in summer.
variations in winter are mainly due to variations of gravity wave generation in the troposphere and stratosphere and Doppler shifting by the mean stratospheric winds.