bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FEATURE VECTOR IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SARCOIDOSIS BASED ON THE FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF CT CHEST IMAGES
Authors: Omiotek Zbigniew , Prokop Paweł
Published: June 2019

CT images corresponding to the cross-sections of the patients’ upper torso were analysed. The data set included the healthy class and 3 classes of cases affected by sarcoidosis. It was a state involving only the trachea – Sick(1), a state including trachea and lung parenchyma – Sick(2) and a state involving only lung parenchyma – Sick(3). Based on a fractal analysis and a feature selection by linear stepwise regression, 4 descriptors were obtained, which were later used in the classification process. These were 2 fractal dimensions calculated by the variation and box counting methods, lacunarity calculated also with the box counting method and the intercept parameter calculated using the power spectral density method. Two descriptors were obtained as a result of a gray image analysis, and 2 more were the effect of a binary image analysis. The effectiveness of the descriptors was verified using 8 popular classification methods. In the process of classifier testing, the overall classification accuracy was 90.97%, and the healthy cases were detected with the accuracy of 100%. In turn, the accuracy of recognition of the sick cases was: Sick(1) – 92.50%, Sick(2) – 87.50% and Sick(3) – 90.00%. In the classification process, the best results were obtained with the support vector machine and the naive Bayes classifier. The results of the research have shown the high efficiency of a fractal analysis as a tool for the feature vector extraction in the computer aided diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
RESEARCH OF PARAMETERS OF FIBER-OPTICAL MEASURING SYSTEMS
Authors: Wójcik Waldemar , Kalizhanova Aliya , Kashaganova Gulzhan , Kozbakova Ainur , Aitkulov Zhalau , Orazbekov Zhassulan
Published: June 2019

At present there exist a lot of technical devices, the failure of which can be connected not only with huge financial losses, but with the treat to the environment as well. Therefore, an important problem is the effective devices conditions diagnostics, including electronic components and check of their operation. Timely faults detecting allows introducing the prevention measures and avoiding serious consequences. Fiber-optic sensors have several advantages, more important of which include the immunity to electromagnetic disturbances, little weight and possibility to be included into the structure being measured. The most perspective are the sensors based on the Bragg fiber gratings. Bragg fiber gratings have several advantages, for instance, they allow creating the distributed measuring massifs, which contain several sensors. As well, they are insensitive to the optic power source vibrations. Variety of using the fiber sensors based on the Bragg fiber gratings has led to producing the Bragg fiber gratings with different spectral characteristics. Homogeneous Bragg fiber gratings have the spectra with solid side lobes, which can influence at the temperature sensor processing characteristics. To level the side lobes there is applied the apodization method, which is one of the means to affect the spectral form. The article herein considers the issues of the Bragg fiber gratings mathematical and computer modeling using the transfer matrix method. Transfer matrix method allows defining the optical components spectral characteristics based on the bound modes theory and description of electromagnetic wave, passing through an optic fiber. In the article there have been analyzed the Bragg fiber gratings in compliance with spectral features, such as transmission and reflectance spectra. As well, there has been carried out the experiment with influence of various parameters at the Bragg fiber gratings spectral characteristics. There have been studied the Bragg fiber gratings spectral features and selected the grating optimal parameters for designing the fiber-optic sensors based on the Bragg fiber gratings.
DETERMINATION OF THE PROBABILITY FACTOR OF PARTICLES MOVEMENT IN A GAS-DISPERSED TURBULENT FLOW
Authors: Adikanova Saltanat , Wójcik Waldemar , Denissova Natalya , Malgazhdarov Yerzhan , Kadyrova Ainagul
Published: June 2019

The goal of the work is to define the probability factor of particles movement in a gas-dispersed turbulent flow. The object of the research is the description of harmful impurities transfer process in the atmosphere with the help of mathematical modelling of variability of gas and aerosol composition of atmosphere. Another object is assessment atmospheric impurities on the environment. The novelty of the research is that probability-statistical approach is used in modelling the transfer of harmful impurities from anthropogenic sources into the atmosphere.
MODERN MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Savina Nataliia , Romanko Olha , Pavlov Sergii , Lytvynenko Volodymyr
Published: June 2019

This article offers a modern approach to the policy of competitiveness of the national economy at the regional level. Based on the results and experience of domestic and foreign economists the author offers a system of indicators of regional activity and a method for determination of the integrated index of the competitiveness level in the region. This way of calculation makes it possible to carry out the analysis of the regional economic activity dynamics at the tactical (1 year) and strategic (5 years) levels. Three main policies to increase the competitiveness of the region have been proposed: refocus, dualistic, directive. The essence of major policies to increase the competitiveness of the region, its directions and objectives for the national economy have been characterized. The proposals concerning the application of the basic policies of the competitiveness of the region to the appropriate region of Ukraine on the relevant level of its competitiveness have been given.
Study on the Mechanism of Particle Breakage under New Composite Loads
Authors: Li Zhanfu , Ye Yiqing , Tong Xin , Li Kunyuan
Published: June 2019

A theoretical model of particle breakage under a novel combination of dynamic and static loads is presented in this paper. In order to enhance the capability of the actual physical and mechanical properties towards rocks, parallel connector parameters of a bonded particle model (BPM) from the discrete element method (DEM) were investigated by uniaxial compression tests. Then, the efficiency evaluation index system of particle breakage was defined and different simulations of various parameters were set, i.e. the speed of the moving plate, the curvature of the moving plate, the curvature of the fixed plate, the space between the two plates, and the initial particle radius. The mechanism of particle breakage was analyzed by the relationships between the efficiency evaluation index and various parameters. The investigation of particle breakage theory and law can help to design and improve crushing equipment, reduce the energy consumption of the crusher, and improve the quality of the broken product.
Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes for Laboratorians
Authors: Stram Michelle , Gigliotti Tony , Hartman Douglas , Pitkus Andrea , Huff Stanley M. , Riben Michael , Henricks Walter H. , Farahani Navid , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: June 2019

Context.—

The Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) system is supposed to facilitate interoperability, and it is the federally required code for exchanging laboratory data.

Objective.—

To provide an overview of LOINC, emerging issues related to its use, and areas relevant to the pathology laboratory, including the subtleties of test code selection and importance of mapping the correct codes to local test menus.

Data Sources.—

This review is based on peer-reviewed literature, federal regulations, working group reports, the LOINC database (version 2.65), experience using LOINC in the laboratory at several large health care systems, and insight from laboratory information system vendors.

Conclusions.—

The current LOINC database contains more than 55 000 numeric codes specific for laboratory tests. Each record in the LOINC database includes 6 major axes/parts for the unique specification of each individual observation or measurement. Assigning LOINC codes to a laboratory's test menu should be a defined process. In some cases, LOINC can aid in distinguishing laboratory data among different information systems, whereby such benefits are not achievable by relying on the laboratory test name alone. Criticisms of LOINC include the complexity and resource-intensive process of selecting the most correct code for each laboratory test, the real-world experience that these codes are not uniformly assigned across laboratories, and that 2 tests that may have the same appropriately assigned LOINC code may not necessarily have equivalency to permit interoperability of their result data. The coding system's limitations, which subsequently reduce the potential utility of LOINC, are poorly understood outside of the laboratory.
Kalaallit pilluaritsi: Perspektiver på 10 års Selvstyre, 40-året for Hjemmestyrets indførelse og vejen til selvstændighed
Authors: Jacobsen Marc , Knudsen Rebekka J. , Rosing Minik T.
Published: June 2019

Introduktion.
Influence of wolf predation on population momentum of the Nushagak Peninsula caribou herd, southwestern Alaska
Authors: Walsh Patrick
Published: June 2019

We investigated wolf predation as a potential driver of population change in the Nushagak Peninsula caribou herd, southwestern Alaska. We investigated the time budgets of three wolf packs using the peninsula from 2007 through 2012, and thus potentially preying on caribou there, in order to make inferences on their likelihood of serving as an important population modifier for the Nushagak Peninsula caribou herd. We found that only one pack regularly used the peninsula. The pack using the peninsula spent an average of 35% of its time there. Its use of the peninsula was disproportionately high in late summer and fall, disproportionately low in winter, and proportional during the caribou calving season in early summer. Overall wolf use of the Nushagak Peninsula increased in direct response to increasing caribou abundance but was not a primary population driver.
Proteomic identification of membrane-associated placental protein 4 (MP4) as perlecan and characterization of its placental expression in normal and pathologic pregnancies
Authors: Szenasi Nikolett Lilla , Toth Eszter , Balogh Andrea , Juhasz Kata , Karaszi Katalin , Ozohanics Oliver , Gelencser Zsolt , Kiraly Peter , Hargitai Beata , Drahos Laszlo , Hupuczi Petronella , Kovalszky Ilona , Papp Zoltan , Than Nandor Gabor
Published: June 2019

Background

More than 50 human placental proteins were isolated and physico-chemically characterized in the 70–80s by Hans Bohn and co-workers. Many of these proteins turned to have important role in placental functions and diagnostic significance in pregnancy complications. Among these proteins was membrane-associated placental protein 4 (MP4), for which identity or function has not been identified yet. Our aim was to analyze the sequence and placental expression of this protein in normal and complicated pregnancies including miscarriage, preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Methods

Lyophilized MP4 protein and frozen healthy placental tissue were analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS. Placental tissue samples were obtained from women with elective termination of pregnancy (first trimester controls,n= 31), early pregnancy loss (EPL) (n= 13), early preeclampsia without HELLP syndrome (n= 7) and with HELLP syndrome (n= 8), late preeclampsia (n= 8), third trimester early controls (n= 5) and third trimester late controls (n= 9). Tissue microarrays were constructed from paraffin-embedded placentas (n= 81). Slides were immunostained with monoclonal perlecan antibody and evaluated using light microscopy and virtual microscopy. Perlecan was also analyzed for its expression in placentas from normal pregnancies using microarray data.

Results

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics of MP4 resulted in the identification of basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan core protein also known as perlecan. Immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic perlecan localization in syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblasts of the villi. Perlecan immunoscore decreased with gestational age in the placenta. Perlecan immunoscores were higher in EPL compared to controls. Perlecan immunoscores were higher in early preeclampsia without and with HELLP syndrome and lower in late preeclampsia than in respective controls. Among patients with preeclampsia, placental perlecan expression positively correlated with maternal vascular malperfusion and negatively correlated with placental weight.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that an increased placental perlecan expression may be associated with hypoxic ischaemic injury of the placenta in miscarriages and in early preeclampsia with or without HELLP syndrome.
Effects of obesity on the lipid and metabolite profiles of young adults by serum1H-NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Pasanta Duanghathai , Chancharunee Sirirat , Tungjai Montree , Kim Hong Joo , Kothan Suchart
Published: June 2019

Background

Overweight (OW) is considered a risk for various metabolic diseases. However, its effects as a mechanism that alters the metabolite profiles remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects that OW has on the lipid and metabolite profiles in young adults.

Methods

The serum metabolite profiles of 46 young adults of normal weight and those considered OW were studied by Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) technique.

Results

1H NMR metabolite analysis shows the alteration of metabolic levels and increased levels of CH2lipids and CH3lipids, which are used as unique biomarkers to identify OW subjects from the normal weight groups.

Conclusion

This present study reveals that OW contributes to the systemic metabolism and the metabolite alteration among young adults. The alteration in serum lipids level could shed the light on metabolic syndrome pathogenesis in young adults and needs further elucidation.
Response patterns of routinely measured inflammatory and coagulatory parameters in sepsis
Authors: Bachler Mirjam , Hell Tobias , Schausberger Lukas , Schlömmer Christine , Schäfer Volker , Liebensteiner Marlies , Schäffler Katharina , Schenk Bettina , Fries Dietmar , Innerhofer Petra , Niederwanger Christian
Published: June 2019

Background

Sepsis is characterized by a pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulatory shift which can induce life-threatening complications. Close monitoring and risk stratification of sepsis patients is crucial for proper treatment and consequently patient outcome. Therefore, this study focuses on the response patterns of inflammatory and coagulatory parameters used in clinical routines to estimate the course of sepsis.

Methods

A total of 1,110 patients diagnosed with sepsis were retrospectively analyzed to identify response patterns for risk stratification of routine parameters measured at the peak level of C-reactive protein. Cluster analysis was used and the differences in the patient characteristics and 28-day survival were assessed. Cox proportional hazards regression model for survival stratified by the clusters was performed.

Results

The analyses revealed the parameters to have five distinct response patterns. These clusters reflect the etiology as well as the course of sepsis associated with different mortalities. Here, impairment of the liver plays a crucial role in the ability to appropriately respond to sepsis. Of the routinely measured parameters, C-reactive protein and antithrombin seem to be unspecific for stratification of septic patients. Adjusted for the individual clusters, survival was associated with an increase in fibrinogen (p = 0.0042), platelets (p = 0.0003) and PT (p = 0.001) as well as a decrease in leukocytes (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

This study reveals that patients have distinct response patterns of inflammatory and coagulatory parameters depending on disease etiology. These patterns are associated with different mortalities although the patients have similar levels of C-reactive protein. Independently of the type of response, good coagulatory capacity seems to be crucial for patient survival.
Characterization of Some AUS Rice Genotypes for Yield Traits
Authors: Islam Md. Kamrul , Bhuiyan Md. Shahidur Rashid , Robbani Md. Golam , Sarker Md. Sadiquzzaman , Shamsuzzoha Md. , Mostofa Maruf
Published: June 2019

The investigation was carried out under field conditions to characterize yield contributing traits of eighteen (18) advanced Aus rice lines (F5) and three commercial check varieties. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The ﬁeld was divided into three blocks; each block was sub-divided into 21 plots (lines) where genotypes were randomly assigned. The experiment was conducted during the period of Transplanting Aus season (April 2015 to August 2015) at the genetics and plant breeding experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh. All the genotypes were characterized and categorized as per the descriptors developed by Biodiversity International, IRRI and WARDA-2007 for DUS test of inbred rice. All the genotypes were grouped and classified as well as described based on yield contributing characters as per descriptors so that all the observed genotypes containing described characters can be easily evaluated and identified at a glance for further studies.
High Frequency and Activity of Glossina spp., Vectors of Human African Trypanosomiasis along a Secondary Forest-Man Made Transect in Makokou (North East-Gabon)
Authors: Roland Zinga-Koumba Christophe , Lendzele Sevidzem Silas , Joseph-Marie Affiri Odzame , Franck Mounioko , Aubin Koumba Armel , Nguema Rodrigue Mintsa , Lydie Acapovi-Yao Genevieve , Bertrand M’batchi , Mavoungou Jacques Francois
Published: June 2019

The abundance, species diversity and diurnal activity rhythm of hematophagous glossineswere evaluated by trapping using 15 Vavoua traps, during the rainy season (25th Sept-5th Oct to 21st Oct-9th Nov 2018), in two habitats: secondary forest and Anthropised milieu, in the biosphere reserve Ipassa-IRET Makokou in Gabon. In total, 489 glossines were caught  with 245 collected from Village-Town site and regrouped under 4 species [G.p.palpalis (32.17%), G. frezili (36.23%), G. nashi (29.57%) and G. f. fuscipes (2.03%)] while 244 were collected from forest and regrouped under 3 species [G.p.palpalis (61.48%), G. nashi (28.69%) and G. frezili (0.84%)]. The abundance of glossines was higher in the Village-Town milieu (2.88 g/t/d) as compared to the forest (2.34 g/t/d) with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Glossines showed a unimodal diurnal activity rhythm with peak between 10h-12h in the two milieu and was dominated by females.
An Alternative Low Cost Multiplication Technique: Natural Substances for Regenerating Plantlets from Mini Tubers of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas, L.)
Authors: Wilson Victoria
Published: June 2019

Aims: This study was conducted specifically to develop a low cost rapid plantlet multiplication process easily affordable for farmers to enable them speedily generate plantlets for their farms from mini tubers of sweet potato variety, TIS 87/0087.

Study Design: The experimental design was a completely randomised design with three replications. Analysis of variance was used (P=.05) to test treatment effects in a completely randomized design and mean comparison was by LSD.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between February and April 2019 in the plant culture laboratory of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, South-South, Nigeria.

Methodology: Mini tubers of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, L.) were preconditioned by soaking in a 1:10 ratio of natural substance to water for 12 hours before planting in soil. The natural substances comprised coconut water, grapefruit juice and honey with water as control.

Results: Mini tubers primed with grapefruit juice and coconut water sprouted significantly earlier (P=0.05) (7 days and 10 days respectively) than the control (water) which sprouted after 19 days. However, there was no significant difference in time to sprouting between mini tubers primed with honey (16 days) and the control (19 days). Mini tubers primed with grapefruit juice, coconut water and the control did not differ significantly (P=.05) in the number of initial plantlet sprouts but mini tubers primed with honey had significantly lower initial sprouts than others. On average, coconut water primed mini tubers produced significantly higher (P=.05) total number of regenerated plantlets compared to the other treatments and continued regeneration of plantlets longer than other treatments. Coconut water regenerated almost 3times the number of plantlets regenerated by mini tubers soaked in water. Mini tubers primed with honey stopped sprouting after 29 days which was significantly earlier (P=.05) than those primed with grapefruit juice (38 days), water (46 days) and coconut water (51 days).

Conclusion: This study found that mini tubers of sweet potato after a preconditioning treatment by soaking in dilute coconut water (1:10 coconut water : water ratio) for 12 hrs before planting regenerated almost 3times the number of plantlets regenerated by mini tubers soaked in water for the same period.
Preliminary Studies on the Detection of Bacillus cereus and Its Toxins: Comparing Conventional and Immunological Assays with a Direct Polymerase Chain Reaction Method
Authors: Abel Efezino Simon
Published: June 2019

Aims: Experiments were conducted to evaluate the specificity and rapidity of the application of conventional, immunoassay and direct Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) techniques in the detection of Bacillus cereus and its toxins in contaminated rice.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, between May 2015 and December 2015.

Methodology: Conventional testing for the presence of B. cereus and associated toxins was achieved using Polymixin Egg-yolk Mannitol Agar (PEMBA) culture plates while immunoassays were conducted using a commercially available Reverse Passive Latex Agglutination (TD0950 BCET-RPLA, Oxoid, UK) kit. Direct PCR was used to detect the HBL-E gene in the food samples and the PCR amplicons were visualised after separation by gel electrophoresis.

Results: Total Mean B. cereus count was recorded as 5.3 ×107 cfu / g of the rice sample from the PEMBA plate culture. The PEMBA method was the least in terms of rapidity of assay completion. Further assays such as the RPLA and dPCR assays were tested for potential in overcoming this limitation. Results from the immunological study showed that sample agglutination with sensitised latex beads was only positive up to the 10-2 dilution which is an indication of the presence of the Haemolysin BL enterotoxin (HBL-E). The PCR assay had the lowest limit of detection (5.3 ×106 cfu / g) thereby suggesting that the method has very low sensitivity for the bacteria. However, the PEMBA method was more sensitive but had highest detection limit (100 cfu / g) than the RPLA assay (5.3 ×105 cfu / g).

Conclusion: Although the dPCR had the advantage of producing results within a short time, it was less sensitive to B. cereus than RPLA and PEMBA assays. A development of improved highly sensitive assay for the toxin has the potential to enhance food safety.
Derepression of matrix metalloproteinase gene transcription and an emphysema‐like phenotype in transcription factor Zbtb7c knockout mouse lungs
Authors: Jeon Bu‐Nam , Song Ji‐Yang , Huh Jin Won , Yang Woo‐Ick , Hur Man‐Wook
Published: June 2019

Dysregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression is a major cause of the degradation of lung tissue that is integral to emphysema pathogenesis. Cigarette smoking (CS) increases MMP gene expression, a major contributor to emphysema development. We previously reported that Zbtb7c is a transcriptional repressor of several Mmp genes (Mmps‐8, ‐10, ‐13, and ‐16). Here, we show that Zbtb7c knockout mice have mild emphysema‐like phenotypes, including alveolar wall destruction, enlarged alveoli, and upregulated Mmp genes. Alveolar size and Mmp gene expression in Zbtb7c−/− mouse lungs are increased more severely upon exposure to CS, compared to those of Zbtb7c+/+ mouse lungs. These observations suggest that Zbtb7c degradation or absence may contribute to the pathogenesis of emphysema.
Immersion Education
Authors: Lyster Roy , Genesee Fred
Published: June 2019

Immersion education is a form of bilingual education that aims for additive bilingualism in which students normally receive at least half of their subject matter instruction through an additional language and half through their first language for several grades. Distinguishing between one‐way and two‐way immersion programs, this entry summarizes the effects of these programs on students' academic achievement and their development in both target languages. Pedagogical issues are then addressed in terms of three key elements: (a) the need for a greater and more systematic integration of language during subject matter instruction; (b) the importance of crosslinguistic pedagogy that highlights similarities and differences between the two target languages; and (c) the relevance of early assessment of students with reading difficulties so that teachers can plan appropriate and differentiated instruction.
Varieties of English in Asia
Authors: Kirkpatrick Andy
Published: June 2019

Countries in Asia that were once colonies of English‐speaking nations developed their own varieties of English. Examples of such varieties include Malaysian, Singaporean, and Filipino English. These varieties were termed “outer circle” varieties by the founder of the discipline of world Englishes, Braj Kachru. He distinguished these varieties from “inner circle” varieties, the Englishes spoken in countries where English is the first language, such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Kachru termed countries where English was typically learned only in school classrooms as a foreign language “expanding circle” countries. In recent years, however, the roles of English in these expanding circle countries (such as China and Japan) have increased and this has led to scholars suggesting that varieties of English such as Chinese English are developing. At the same time, the use of English as a medium of communication between people in Asian countries has increased. English is, for example, the sole official working language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), one of many organizations in Asia using English as a lingua franca. This entry traces the development of these varieties of English and describes a selection of their distinctive features.
World Englishes and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Authors: Matsuda Aya
Published: June 2019

Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and World Englishes (WE) have both established themselves as important areas of inquiry within applied linguistics, with their own professional organizations (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and International Association for World Englishes [IAWE]), annual conferences, and affiliated journals fully dedicated to the scholarship in their disciplines (TESOL QuarterlyandWorld Englishes, respectively). The articulation between the two fields, however, began only in the last decade or so, except for the work of a few individuals, such as Braj Bihari Kachru and S. N. Sridhar, who spanned the two areas. This entry traces the history of the (inter)disciplinary relationship between the two fields as shown in the scholarly publications that attempted to bring them together.
Conversation Analysis of Computer‐Mediated Interactions
Authors: Tudini Vincenza
Published: June 2019

This entry provides a brief overview of research which has been conducted using a conversation analysis (CA) approach to understand computer‐mediated interactions (CMIs). An increasing number of researchers use CA to investigate CMIs, because this methodology engages in systematic analysis of talk in everyday naturally occurring situations of social and institutional interaction. CA's central concern with interaction between human beings has provided researchers with a robust methodological foundation, based on previous work on telephone and face‐to‐face conversation, to investigate new and unique forms of interaction in online settings, where participants are using either their first, additional, or a foreign language (L1 or L2). While users innovatively adapt to new online environments, technological resources and artifacts such as computers, mobile devices, and communication software inevitably modify interaction, depending on constraints and affordances of the medium, and how the interaction is configured. This review briefly summarizes what CA research has achieved so far, methodological changes required, and the work that is yet to be done to understand the complexities and impact of CMIs on how human beings relate to and learn from each other.
Development of twist‐correction system for radiotherapy of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Shimizu Hidetoshi , Sasaki Koji , Aoyama Takahiro , Matsushima Shigeru , Isomura Taiki , Fukuma Hiroshi , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodaira Takeshi
Published: June 2019

To propose a concept for correcting the twist between the head and neck and the body frequently occurring in radiotherapy patients and to develop a prototype device for achieving this. Furthermore, the operational accuracy of this device under no load was evaluated. We devised a concept for correcting the twist of patients by adjustment of the three rotation (pitch, roll, and yaw) angles in two independent plates connected by a joint (fulcrum). The two plates (head and neck plate and body plate) rotate around the fulcrum by adjusting screws under each of them. A prototype device was created to materialize this concept. First, after all adjusting screws were set to the zero position, the rotation angle of each plate was measured by a digital goniometer. Repeatability was evaluated by performing 20 repeated measurements. Next, to confirm the rotational accuracy of each plate of the prototype device, the calculated rotation angles for 20 combinations of patterns of traveled distances of the adjusting screws were compared with those measured by the digital goniometer and cone‐beam computed tomography (CT). The repeatability (standard deviation: SD) of the pitch, roll, and yaw angles of the head and neck plate was 0.04°, 0.05°, and 0.03°, and the repeatability (SD) of the body plate was 0.05°, 0.04°, and 0.04°, respectively. The mean differences ± SD between the calculated and measured pitch, roll, and yaw angles for the head and neck plate with the digital goniometer were 0.00 ± 0.06°, −0.01 ± 0.06°, and −0.04 ± 0.04°, respectively. The differences for the body plate were −0.03 ± 0.04°, 0.03 ± 0.05°, and 0.02 ± 0.05°, respectively. Results of the cone‐beam CT were similar to those of the digital goniometer. The prototype device exhibited good performance regarding the rotational accuracy and repeatability under no load. The clinical implementation of this concept is expected to reduce the residual error of the patient position due to the twist.
Medical marijuana dispensary: An on‐site view
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2019

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in early June in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where we were heading from the CED Clinic to Revolutionary Clinics, a medical marijuana dispensary, in nearby Somerville. On the way, we passed a recreational marijuana dispensary — pointed out to us by our guide, Benjamin Caplan, M.D., founder of the CED Clinic. Caplan is a family medicine doctor who sees patients at his clinic and is an expert on medical marijuana. Also guiding us on the tour: Peter Grinspoon, M.D., a primary care physician with Massachusetts General Hospital who advocates for marijuana legalization and is the author of the memoir, Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction.
Thickness and Sphericity Control of Hollow Hard Silica Shells through Iron (III) Doping: Low Threshold Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Authors: Huang Ching‐Hsin , Wang James , Yang Jian , Oviedo Juan Pablo , Nam Seungjin , Trogler William C. , Blair Sarah L. , Kim Moon J. , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: June 2019

Silica particles are convenient ultrasound imaging contrast agents because of their long imaging time and ease of modification; however, they require a relatively high insonation power for imaging and have low biodegradability. In this study, 2 µm ultrathin asymmetric hollow silica particles doped with iron (III) (Fe(III)‐SiO2) are synthesized to produce biodegradable hard shelled particles with a low acoustic power threshold comparable with commercial soft microbubble contrast agents (Definity) yet with much longer in vivo ultrasound imaging time. Furthermore, high intensity focused ultrasound ablation enhancement with these particles shows a 2.5‐fold higher temperature elevation than with Definity at the same applied power. The low power visualization improves utilization of the silica shells as an adjuvant in localized immunotherapy. The data are consistent with asymmetric engineering of hard particle properties that improve functionality of hard versus soft particles.
Highly Customizable All Solution–Processed Polymer Light Emitting Diodes with Inkjet Printed Ag and Transfer Printed Conductive Polymer Electrodes
Authors: Park Jongjang , Yoon Hyungsoo , Kim Geonhee , Lee Byeongmoon , Lee Seunghwan , Jeong Sujin , Kim Taehoon , Seo Jiseok , Chung Seungjun , Hong Yongtaek
Published: June 2019

Inkjet and transfer printing processes are combined to easily form patterned poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films as top anodes of all solution–processed inverted polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) on rigid glass and flexible plastic substrates. An adhesive PEDOT:PSS ink is formulated and fully customizable patterns are obtained using the inkjet printing process. In order to transfer the patterned PEDOT:PSS films, adhesion properties at interfaces during multistep transfer printing processes are carefully adjusted. The transferred PEDOT:PSS film on the plastic substrates shows not only a sheet resistance of 260.6 Ω/□ and a transmittance of 92.1% at 550 nm wavelength but also excellent mechanical flexibility. The PLEDs with spin‐coated functional layers sandwiched between the transferred PEDOT:PSS top anodes and inkjet‐printed Ag bottom cathodes are fabricated. The fabricated PLEDs on the plastic substrates show a high current efficiency of 10.4 cd A−1 and high mechanical stability. It is noted that because both Ag and PEDOT:PSS electrodes can be patterned with a high degree of freedom via the inkjet printing process, highly customizable PLEDs with various pattern sizes and shapes are demonstrated on the glass and plastic substrates. Finally, with all solution process, a 5 × 7 passive matrix PLED array is demonstrated.
A General One‐Pot Synthesis Strategy of 3D Porous Hierarchical Networks Crosslinked by Monolayered Nanoparticles Interconnected Nanoplates for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan Xinghua , Guo Limin , Liu Shengnan , Wu Jianxin , Zhao Tingqiao , Ren Juncong , Liu Yanlin , Kang Xiaohong , Wang Hanfu , Sun Lianfeng , Chu Weiguo
Published: June 2019

A structure of 3D porous hierarchical networks is highly desired for mass production of electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to its unique role in promoting battery performance. Herein, a general strategy using expanded graphites as both a structure‐directed template and a solution container is proposed for the synthesis of various cathode materials with 3D porous hierarchical networks formed by the crosslinkage of monolayered primary nanoparticles interconnected nanoplates, which all show high capacity, superior cyclic performance, and rate capability. The LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/Li half cell delivers a capacity of 118 mAh g−1 at 20 C (5.6 A g−1) and capacity retention of 71.6% after 1000 cycles at 1 C, while the LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/graphite full cell shows 79.9% and 80.0% capacity retentions after 1400 cycles at 1 C and 3000 cycles at 5 C, respectively. The superior performance is attributed to the unique 3D porous hierarchical networks with a stable surface and structure, which is related to the sufficient oxidization of Ni2+ and the formation of little residual lithium at surface intrinsic to this strategy. The study opens a generalized new avenue for facile, cheap, green, and mass production of various oxide materials with 3D porous hierarchical networks.
Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with High Efficiency of 14.24% by Integrating Two Well‐Complementary Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Jiang Huanxiang , Li Xiaoming , Wang Jianing , Qiao Shanlin , Zhang Yong , Zheng Nan , Chen Weichao , Li Yonghai , Yang Renqiang
Published: June 2019

Ternary polymer solar cells (PSCs) are one of the most promising device architectures that maintains the simplicity of single‐junction devices and provides an important platform to better tailor the multiple performance parameters of PSCs. Herein, a ternary PSC system is reported employing a wide bandgap polymeric donor (PBTA‐PS) and two small molecular nonfullerene acceptors (labeled as LA1 and 6TIC). LA1 and 6TIC keep not only well‐matched absorption profiles but also the rational crystallization properties. As a result, the optimal ternary PSC delivers a state of the art power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.24%, over 40% higher than the two binary devices, resulting from the prominently increased short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 22.33 mA cm−2, moderate open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.84 V, and a superior fill factor approaching 76%. Notably, the outstanding PCE of the ternary PSC ranks one of the best among the reported ternary solar cells. The greatly improved performance of ternary PSCs mainly derives from combining the complementary properties such as absorption and crystallinity. This work highlights the great importance of the rational design of matched acceptors toward highly efficient ternary PSCs.
Graphitic Nanocarbon with Engineered Defects for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Ming Jun , Zhao Wenli , Dong Xiaochen , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Costa Pedro M. F. J. , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: June 2019

The application of graphite anodes in potassium‐ion batteries (KIB) is limited by the large variation in lattice volume and the low diffusion coefficient of potassium ions during (de)potassiation. This study demonstrates nitrogen‐doped, defect‐rich graphitic nanocarbons (GNCs) as high‐performance KIB anodes. The GNCs with controllable defect densities are synthesized by annealing an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid nickel coordination compound. The GNCs show better performance than the previously reported thin‐walled graphitic carbonaceous materials such as carbon nanocages and nanotubes. In particular, the GNC prepared at 600 °C shows a stabilized capacity of 280 mAh g−1at 50 mA g−1, robust rate capability, and long cycling life due to its high‐nitrogen‐doping, short‐range‐ordered, defect‐rich graphitic structure. A high capacity of 189 mAh g−1with a long cycle life over 200 cycles is demonstrated at a current density of 200 mA g−1. Further, it is confirmed that the potassium ion storage mechanism of GNCs is different from that of graphite using multiple characterization methods. Specifically, the GNCs with numerous defects provide more active sites for the potassiation process, which results in a final discharge product with short‐range order. This study opens a new pathway for designing graphitic carbonaceous materials for KIB anodes.
Engineering Biomimetic Platesomes for pH‐Responsive Drug Delivery and Enhanced Antitumor Activity
Authors: Liu Guangna , Zhao Xiao , Zhang Yinlong , Xu Junchao , Xu Jiaqi , Li Yao , Min Huan , Shi Jian , Zhao Ying , Wei Jingyan , Wang Jing , Nie Guangjun
Published: June 2019

Biomimetic camouflage, i.e., using natural cell membranes for drug delivery, has demonstrated advantages over synthetic materials in both pharmacokinetics and biocompatibility, and so represents a promising solution for the development of safe nanomedicine. However, only limited efforts have been dedicated to engineering such camouflage to endow it with optimized or additional properties, in particular properties critical to a “smart” drug delivery system, such as stimuli‐responsive drug release. A pH‐responsive biomimetic “platesome” for specific drug delivery to tumors and tumor‐triggered drug release is described. This platesome nanovehicle is constructed by merging platelet membranes with functionalized synthetic liposomes and exhibits enhanced tumor affinity, due to its platelet membrane–based camouflage, and selectively releases its cargo in response to the acidic microenvironment of lysosomal compartments. In mouse cancer models, it shows significantly better antitumor efficacy than nanoformulations based on a platesome without pH responsiveness or those based on traditional pH‐sensitive liposomes. A convenient way to incorporate stimuli‐responsive features into biomimetic nanoparticles is described, demonstrating the potential of engineered cell membranes as biomimetic camouflages for a new generation of biocompatible and efficient nanocarriers.
Nature‐Inspired Design and Application of Lipidic Lyotropic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Mezzenga Raffaele , Seddon John M. , Drummond Calum J. , Boyd Ben J. , Schröder‐Turk Gerd E. , Sagalowicz Laurent
Published: June 2019

Amphiphilic lipids aggregate in aqueous solution into a variety of structural arrangements. Among the plethora of ordered structures that have been reported, many have also been observed in nature. In addition, due to their unique morphologies, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, very high internal interfacial surface area, and the multitude of possible order−order transitions depending on environmental changes, very promising applications have been developed for these systems in recent years. These include crystallization in inverse bicontinuous cubic phases for membrane protein structure determination, generation of advanced materials, sustained release of bioactive molecules, and control of chemical reactions. The outstanding diverse functionalities of lyotropic liquid crystalline phases found in nature and industry are closely related to the topology, including how their nanoscopic domains are organized. This leads to notable examples of correlation between structure and macroscopic properties, which is itself central to the performance of materials in general. The physical origin of the formation of the known classes of lipidic lyotropic liquid crystalline phases, their structure, and their occurrence in nature are described, and their application in materials science and engineering, biology, medical, and pharmaceutical products, and food science and technology are exemplified.
Self‐Sorting of 10‐µm‐Long Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Peng , Barnes Benjamin , Wu Xiaojian , Qu Haoran , Zhang Chiyu , Shi Yang , Headrick Robert J. , Pasquali Matteo , Wang YuHuang
Published: June 2019

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a class of 1D nanomaterials that exhibit extraordinary electrical and optical properties. However, many of their fundamental studies and practical applications are stymied by sample polydispersity. SWCNTs are synthesized in bulk with broad structural (chirality) and geometrical (length and diameter) distributions; problematically, all known post‐synthetic sorting methods rely on ultrasonication, which cuts SWCNTs into short segments (typically <1 µm). It is demonstrated that ultralong (>10 µm) SWCNTs can be efficiently separated from shorter ones through a solution‐phase “self‐sorting”. It is shown that thin‐film transistors fabricated from long semiconducting SWCNTs exhibit a carrier mobility as high as ≈90 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is ≈10 times higher than those which use shorter counterparts and well exceeds other known materials such as organic semiconducting polymers (<1 cm2 V−1 s−1), amorphous silicon (≈1 cm2 V−1 s−1), and nanocrystalline silicon (≈50 cm2 V−1 s−1). Mechanistic studies suggest that this self‐sorting is driven by the length‐dependent solution phase behavior of rigid rods. This length sorting technique shows a path to attain long‐sought ultralong, electronically pure carbon nanotube materials through scalable solution processing.
Nanostructured Back Reflectors for Efficient Colloidal Quantum‐Dot Infrared Optoelectronics
Authors: Baek Se‐Woong , Molet Pau , Choi Min‐Jae , Biondi Margherita , Ouellette Olivier , Fan James , Hoogland Sjoerd , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Mihi Agustín , Sargent Edward H.
Published: June 2019

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) can be used to extend the response of solar cells, enabling the utilization of solar power that lies to the red of the bandgap of c‐Si and perovskites. To achieve largely complete absorption of infrared (IR) photons in CQD solids requires thicknesses on the micrometer range; however, this exceeds the typical diffusion lengths (≈300 nm) of photoexcited charges in these materials. Nanostructured metal back electrodes that grant the cell efficient IR light trapping in thin active layers with no deterioration of the electrical properties are demonstrated. Specifically, a new hole‐transport layer (HTL) is developed and directly nanostructured. Firstly, a material set to replace conventional rigid HTLs in CQD devices is developed with a moldable HTL that combines the mechanical and chemical requisites for nanoimprint lithography with the optoelectronic properties necessary to retain efficient charge extraction through an optically thick layer. The new HTL is nanostructured in a 2D lattice and conformally coated with MoO3/Ag. The photonic structure in the back electrode provides a record photoelectric conversion efficiency of 86%, beyond the Si bandgap, and a 22% higher IR power conversion efficiency compared to the best previous reports.
A 3D and Stable Lithium Anode for High‐Performance Lithium–Iodine Batteries
Authors: Li Kang , Hu Ziyu , Ma Jizhen , Chen Song , Mu Dexu , Zhang Jintao
Published: June 2019

Lithium metal is considered as the most promising anode material due to its high theoretical specific capacity and the low electrochemical reduction potential. However, severe dendrite problems have to be addressed for fabricating stable and rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium–iodine batteries). To fabricate a high‐performance lithium–iodine (Li–I2) battery, a 3D stable lithium metal anode is prepared by loading of molten lithium on carbon cloth doped with nitrogen and phosphorous. Experimental observations and theoretical calculation reveal that the N,P codoping greatly improves the lithiophilicity of the carbon cloth, which not only enables the uniform loading of molten lithium but also facilitates reversible lithium stripping and plating. Dendrites formation can thus be significantly suppressed at a 3D lithium electrode, leading to stable voltage profiles over 600 h at a current density of 3 mA cm−2. A fuel cell with such an electrode and a lithium–iodine cathode shows impressive long‐term stability with a capacity retention of around 100% over 4000 cycles and enhanced high‐rate capability. These results demonstrate the promising applications of 3D stable lithium metal anodes in next‐generation rechargeable batteries.