bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive UHPLC–DAD method for simultaneous determination of two synergistically acting antiepileptic drugs; levetiracetam and lacosamide: Application to pharmaceutical tablets and human urine
Authors: Mohamed Fardous A. , Ali Marwa F.B. , Rageh Azza H. , Mostafa Aya M.
Published: April 2019

A simple and highly sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatographic–diode array (UHPLC‐DAD) detection method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of levetiracetam (LEV) and lacosamide (LAC). It was clinically proven that the combination of LEV and LAC exhibits a synergistic effect against refractory seizures in mice, which was the motivation for the analysis of this binary mixture both in bulk and in human urine samples. The binary mixture was resolved on a Hypersil BDS C18 analytical column, utilizing a mobile phase of 0.050 mol L−1 phosphate buffer (pH 5.60), methanol and acetonitrile in the ratio (80:10:10 v/v/v) using catechol as an internal standard. The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1 with diode array detection at 205 nm for both drugs and 270 nm for IS. Calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficient >0.9990 over the studied concentration range of 0.1–70.0 μg mL−1 for both drugs. The developed method was reproducible with low relative standard deviation values for intra‐ and inter‐day precision (<2.0%). Both drugs were determined in bulk, pharmaceutical formulations and human urine samples without any interference from complex matrices.
Consider the intellectual property aspects of technology transfers in the higher ed world
Authors: Reed Julie L. , Wagner Justin D.
Published: April 2019

Many scenarios exist for technology transfer in commercializing intellectual property in the university environment. Sponsoring organizations may pay to fund research and then use any rights they have in their own company, or use them to found a subsidiary. Government‐funded research may be transferred to a government lab or agency. The university itself may decide to “spin out” technology developed by a faculty member within the university. This generally means the university will assist in the founding of a startup company to commercialize the research. This last scenario is of particular interest here, and the discussion below focuses on the intellectual property considerations in such a transfer, rather than the structure of the company itself.
Understand health and safety emergency exception under FERPA
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: April 2019

I must be cut from a different cloth than the policymakers at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Implement best practices to avoid, address problems with auxiliary aids, services, modifications
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: April 2019

What should colleges and universities and students with disabilities do when agreed‐upon auxiliary aids and services and academic modifications are not provided?
Women's experiences of group intervention with schema therapy techniques: A qualitative process analysis
Authors: Sarı Sevda , Gençöz Faruk
Published: April 2019

Aims

Our study focused on a self‐soothing system and analysed how women feeling shame experienced compassion‐focused group intervention with schema therapy techniques. Group schema therapy, which is process‐oriented and person‐oriented (Farrell & Shaw, 2012), inspired us to combine schema therapy techniques with Compassionate Mind Training in the interventions for this study.

Methods

Data were collected through the programme that comprised 2‐hr sessions over a period of 10 weeks and self‐compassion and self‐criticism diaries of women.

Analysis

Data analysis was conducted according to the phases of thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Twenty hours of group sessions (2 hr per session) and follow‐up sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse 26 hr of group intervention and follow‐up sessions and also women's self‐compassion and self‐criticism diaries, to understand how shame‐prone women experienced change process.

Findings

Thematic analysis of the group sessions yielded two superordinate themes: overcoming the threat of compassion and the process of change. Overcoming the threat of compassion was divided into three subthemes; fear of self‐compassion, the difficulty of accessing the vulnerable child side, and feeling anger at others and self. The process of change involved two subthemes; the feeling of acceptance, and recognising self‐compassion and its sources in the self. When the women could access their self‐soothing system, they could better understand the needs of their vulnerable child side and address these needs by transferring the emotions of compassion to their vulnerable child side.
Bryophyllum pinnatum in the treatment of restless legs syndrome: A case series documented with polysomnography
Authors: von Manitius Sigrid , Flügel Dominique , Gievers Steinlein Bettina , Schnelle Martin , von Mandach Ursula , Simões‐Wüst Ana Paula
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Restless legs syndrome may seriously affect patients' sleep and quality of life, but established pharmacological therapy can often have severe side effects. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches such as well‐tolerated preparations from the medicinal plant Bryophyllum pinnatum should be considered as alternatives. Their sedative and spasmolytic properties might contribute to improve patients' condition.
Transcatheter embolization for idiopathic peripheral pulmonary arterial aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Tamura Tomoki , Yabuki Takayuki , Kawajiri Tomoka , Nishi Tatsuya , Kudo Kenichiro , Kuyama Shoichi
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

The natural history of idiopathic peripheral pulmonary arterial aneurysms (PAAs) is unclear; however, they can cause sudden death by rupture. Our case illustrates the utility and low invasiveness of transcatheter embolization using an AMPLATZER™ Vascular Plug 4 and hydrogel‐coated metallic coils in patients with idiopathic peripheral PAAs.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of the Hydrogenated Deficient g‐C3N4 via Surface Hydrotreating
Authors: Liu Junying , Wei Zhidong , Fang Wenjian , Jiang Zhi , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: April 2019

Unreacted amino groups (−NHx) existed in the bulk g‐C3N4 always act as charge trap sites which resulting in low photocatalytic activity. In this paper, the hydrogenated deficient g‐C3N4 (HDCN) was prepared by calcining bulk g‐C3N4 with NaBH4 under an inert atmosphere. It was found that −NHx groups were absolutely reduced into both nitrogen vacancies and the cyano groups (−C≡N groups) in the frameworks of g‐C3N4 after this surface hydrotreating. Therefore, the photo‐induced carrier recombination is suppressed dues to the disappeared −NHx groups. As a result, the HDCN sample displayed a higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity than the bulk g‐C3N4.
Precipitation of Cobalt Salts for Recovery in Leachates
Authors: Djoudi Neila , Le Page Mostefa Marie , Muhr Hervé
Published: April 2019

Metals such as cobalt are particularly strategic since they are present in many high‐added‐value products. Besides, at the rate of current consumption, specifically of cobalt, the manufacturers are facing risks of shortage for their supply. So, research on these metals' recovery from industrial or urban waste is highly important for the future. Current work focuses on cobalt recovery from Li‐ion batteries by precipitation. Literature was evaluated on the various anions allowing to precipitate Co(II), in particular hydroxide, carbonate, and sulfide ions, and the focus was set on the hydroxide way. Simulations were performed using speciation software to highlight the various parameters influencing the precipitation process and the formed species. From simulation results, experiments were carried out in a synthetic solution containing only Co(II).
Mixing Time in Intermediate‐Sized Orbitally Shaken Reactors with Small Orbital Diameters
Authors: Li Yi , Ducci Andrea , Micheletti Martina
Published: April 2019

Orbitally shaken reactors (OSR) are widely used in bioprocess development; however, a scaling law between large reactors, usually shaken in incubators at an orbital diameter of do = 1.5–5 cm, and microwell plates, shaken in benchtop thermomixers at do = 3 mm, is still missing. Here, the mixing time was measured in two reactors with the same volume but either cylindrical or square geometry for do = 3 mm. For such a small do, the acceleration mode to reach the final speed in the cylinder was found to greatly affect the free surface oscillations and thus the mixing time. The stepwise mode resulted in mixing times approximately six times smaller than in the direct mode. The natural frequency of the reactor, which is independent of do, was found to be an effective scaling parameter for systems with small do.
Benchmarking of Halogen Bond Strength in Solution with Nickel Fluorides: Bromine versus Iodine and Perfluoroaryl versus Perfluoroalkyl Donors
Authors: Pike Sarah J. , Hunter Christopher A. , Brammer Lee , Perutz Robin N.
Published: April 2019

The energetics of halogen bond formation in solution have been investigated for a series of nickel fluoride halogen bond acceptors; trans‐[NiF(2‐C5NF4)(PEt3)2] (A1), trans‐[NiF{2‐C5NF3(4‐H)}(PEt3)2] (A2), trans‐[NiF{2‐C5NF3(4‐NMe2)}(PEt3)2] (A3) and trans‐[NiF{2‐C5NF2H(4‐CF3)}(PCy3)2] (A4) with neutral organic halogen bond donors, iodopentafluorobenzene (D1), 1‐iodononafluorobutane (D2) and bromopentafluorobenzene (D3), in order to establish the significance of changes from perfluoroaryl to perfluoroalkyl donors and from iodine to bromine donors. 19F NMR titration experiments have been employed to obtain the association constants, enthalpy, and entropy for the halogen bond formed between these donor‐acceptor partners in protiotoluene. For A2–A4, association constants of the halogen bonds formed with iodoperfluoroalkane (D2) are consistently larger than those obtained for analogous complexes with the iodoperfluoroarene (D1). For complexes formed with A2–A4, the strength of the halogen bond is significantly lowered upon modification of the halogen donor atom from I (in D1) to Br (in D3) (for D1: 5≤K285≤12 m−1, for D3: 1.0≤K193≤1.6 m−1). The presence of the electron donating NMe2 substituent on the pyridyl ring of acceptor A3 led to an increase in −ΔH, and the association constants of the halogen bond complexes formed with D1–D3, compared to those formed by A1, A2 and A4 with the same donors.
Organocatalytic Transformation of Aldehydes to Thioesters with Visible Light
Authors: Zhang Yueteng , Ji Peng , Hu Wenbo , Wei Yongyi , Huang He , Wang Wei
Published: April 2019

A metal‐ and oxidant‐free catalytic method for accessing structurally diverse thioesters from readily accessible, widespread aldehydes, is described. A strategy of a simple organic 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone‐promoted hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with visible light was successfully implemented to selectively generate acyl radicals without inducing crossover reactivity of thioester products. The preparative power of the method was demonstrated by broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance, and enabled the late‐stage modification of complex structures, which are difficult to achieve with the existing protocols.
Nickel Foam Supported Co3O4@Ni3Se4 Core‐Shell Nanorod Arrays with Long‐Term and Efficient Catalytic Performance for Water Splitting
Authors: Que Ronghui , Ji Gang , Liu Daoshuang , Li Maolin , Liu Sheng
Published: April 2019

Exploitation of the efficient and highly stable catalytic performance provided by bi‐functional catalysts is important for practical water splitting. Herein, Co3O4@Ni3Se4 core‐shell nanorod arrays on nickel foam (Co3O4@Ni3Se4/NF) are successfully synthesized as long‐term and efficient bi‐functional catalysts for water splitting in 1.0 M KOH. The satisfactory Co3O4@Ni3Se4/NF catalyst exhibits excellent activity with low overpotentials of 260 mV and 180 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER and HER, respectively. In addition, its overpotential is only higher than the initial overpotential within 10 mV when the Co3O4@Ni3Se4/NF has been used after 30 hours at OER and HER. Significantly, the cell based on bi‐functional Co3O4@Ni3Se4/NF||Co3O4@Ni3Se4/NF couple shows a low potential of 1.735 V at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte and remains a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 30 hours without serious attenuation, indicating that the as‐prepared catalyst has huge potential in practical water splitting.
Graduation ceremonies need to be accessible
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: April 2019

Graduation is a happy time for colleges and universities and their students. Schools have provided for auxiliary aids and services and made modifications to their curricula to ensure that students with disabilities have a meaningful opportunity to achieve success in the classroom. Now with graduation season upon us, schools know how to accommodate students with disabilities at graduation ceremonies, but schools also need to recognize that graduation is not only for students, but also a time for celebration for students’ families and friends.
Take ADHD medications? Use alternative treatments? Know the answers
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: April 2019

Many adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially those newly diagnosed, are eager for treatment option information. Considering the growing emphasis on “natural” products and foods, disability services providers should be informed not only about appropriate medical choices, but also about alternative, nonmedical interventions.
Look for students with true desire to live the college experience
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

Mary Bryant is project director for the Path to Independence program at the University of Nevada, Reno. The program offers a two‐year nondegree certificate and college experience to students with intellectual disabilities.
Support deaf students pursuing health care internships
Authors: Ivanko Tia , Kinast Lore , Litman Dave , Zito Stephanie
Published: April 2019

Deaf students are actively pursuing careers in health care professions. As a result, postsecondary institutions are navigating the complexities of accommodations during internships. Institutions are required to make decisions on a case‐by‐case basis and should involve the student in the decision‐making process. Understanding legal responsibilities for accessibility is essential for equitable internship experiences (see Equitable Access Guide: Understanding Legal Responsibilities for Institutions at www.nationaldeafcenter.org/eag).
Give up control to gain control
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2019

“I'll admit it's somewhat paradoxical to gain control by giving it up, but give it a try. You might find it works,” writes Justin Kitch, chief executive officer of curious.com, in Fortune.
Marine reserves stabilize fish populations and fisheries yields in disturbed coral reef systems
Authors: Hopf Jess K. , Jones Geoffrey P. , Williamson David H. , Connolly Sean R.
Published: April 2019

Marine reserve networks are increasingly implemented to conserve biodiversity and enhance the persistence and resilience of exploited species and ecosystems. However, the efficacy of marine reserve networks in frequently disturbed systems, such as coral reefs, has rarely been evaluated. Here we analyze a well‐mixed larval pool model and a spatially explicit model based on a well‐documented coral trout (Plectropomus spp.) metapopulation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia, to determine the effects of marine reserve coverage and placement (in relation to larval connectivity and disturbance heterogeneity) on the temporal stability of fisheries yields and population biomass in environmentally disturbed systems. We show that marine reserves can contribute to stabilizing fishery yield while increasing metapopulation persistence, irrespective of whether reserves enhance or diminish average fishery yields. However, reserve placement and the level of larval connectivity among subpopulations were important factors affecting the stability and sustainability of fisheries and fish metapopulations. Protecting a mix of disturbed and non‐disturbed reefs, rather than focusing on the least‐disturbed habitats, was the most consistently beneficial approach across a range of dispersal and reserve coverage scenarios. Placing reserves only in non‐disturbed areas was the most beneficial for biomass enhancement, but had variable results for fisheries and could potentially destabilize yields in systems with well‐mixed larval or those that are moderately fished. We also found that focusing protection on highly disturbed areas could actually increase variability in yields and biomass, especially when degraded reef reserves were distant and poorly connected to the meta‐population. Our findings have implications for the design and implementation of reserve networks in the presence of stochastic, patchy environmental disturbances.
Evolution of age at primiparity in pinnipeds in the absence of the quality–quantity trade‐off in reproduction
Authors: Kalberer Stephanie , DeRango Eugene , Trillmich Fritz , Krüger Oliver
Published: April 2019

Age at primiparity (AP) is a key life history trait which is crucial to the evolution of life history strategies. This trait is particularly interesting in pinnipeds (walrus, eared seals, and true seals), which are monotocous animals. Thus, the commonly observed trade‐off between offspring quality and quantity does not apply to this taxon. Therefore, comparative studies on the evolution of AP might shed light on other important evolutionary correlates when litter size is fixed. Using phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses, we found a strong negative and robust correlation between relative birth mass (mean pup birth mass as a proportion of mean adult female mass) and AP. Rather than trading‐off an early start of reproduction with light relative offspring mass, this result suggests that pinnipeds exhibit either faster (i.e., higher relative offspring mass leading to shorter lactation length, and thus shorter interbirth interval) or slower life histories and that an early AP and a heavy relative offspring mass co‐evolved into a comparatively fast life history strategy. On the other hand, AP was positively related to lactation length: A later start of reproduction was associated with a longer lactation length. Consequently, variation in AP in pinnipeds seems to be affected by an interplay between costs and benefits of early reproduction mediated by relative investment into the single offspring via relative birth mass and lactation length.
Tracking the fate of deposited nitrogen and its redistribution in a subtropical watershed in China
Authors: Gao Yang , Hao Zhuo , Han Ning , Yang Jun , Tian Jing , Song Xianwei , Wen Xuefa , He Nianpeng
Published: April 2019

Vegetation cover and soil infiltration can result in nitrogen (N) redistribution and associative isotopic fractionation. This study investigated N and its isotopic characteristics from deposition to baseflow under different vegetation canopy cover types in a subtropical watershed in China. Results showed that canopy interception via vegetation cover types exhibited notable dilution effects on reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition during the rainy season, with the highest maximum value of 287.4%. The range of δ15N changed from 3.0‰ to 11.9‰ in throughfall, which may have resulted from an increase in N taken up by vegetation and particles washed away from plant leaves during rainfall events. Throughfall, soil water, precipitation, and rainfall run‐off were the sources of D and 18O‐H2O in baseflow river water, wherein the rainwater and rainfall run‐off contributed 73% ± 8% and 15% ± 12%, respectively. Soil water was the main source of 15N‐NO3 in baseflow river water, which contributes 78% ± 4% of overall source, but precipitation only contributes 10%. The average annual Nr deposition flux was 24.4 ± 4.2 kg·ha−1·yr−1, whereas the annual total nitrogen exportation flux was 1062 ± 269.8 kg·yr−1. The 46% of HDO or D2O for river water came from rainfall run‐off, which would transport a maximum nitrate flux of 354 kg·yr−1. Moreover, vegetation cover and soil infiltration resulted in δ15N enrichment and a decrease in Nr in river flow.
Direct and indirect effects of flood regime on macroinvertebrate assemblages in a floodplain riverscape
Authors: Chanut Pierre C.M. , Datry Thibault , Gabbud Chrystelle , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: April 2019

Floods are necessary for the functioning of floodplain ecosystems. Ultimately, flood effects on biota are spatially complex and unfold at various time scales. Yet, biodiversity conservation in regulated floodplains requires a sound quantification of the main pathways how floods affect riverine ecosystems. Here, we investigated the relative effects of flood frequency, magnitude, and time elapsed since the last flood on macroinvertebrate communities of 24 parafluvial habitats in the Maggia river floodplain, Switzerland. Parafluvial habitats were sampled seasonally over 1 year, and a combination of 2D hydrodynamic modelling and piecewise structural equation modelling was used to quantify the direct and indirect effects of local hydrological metrics on macroinvertebrate communities. We found that high flood frequency favoured rheophilic species (EPT taxa) over other groups (Coleoptera, Diptera) and prevented strong competitive interactions and competitive exclusion by maintaining low food resource levels. Importantly, we found that parafluvial habitats exhibited more lentic‐like characteristics as time passed after a flood, which caused EPT taxa to be relatively more abundant and taxa richness higher immediately after flood disturbance. Lastly, overall taxa richness increased over time after a flood and even more so after larger floods. Our results suggest that variation in flood magnitude, frequency, and return period maximizes beta diversity within floodplain riverscapes due to the independent and spatially interactive responses of parafluvial habitats.
Techno‐economic feasibility of building attached photovoltaic systems for the various climatic conditions of Iran
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Sadjad , Fazelpour Farivar , Rosen Marc A. , Shams Mehrzad
Published: April 2019

The integration of solar energy systems into buildings via photovoltaic (PV) and other technologies can curb the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by buildings. However, the performance of solar energy systems is highly dependent on climatic and economic conditions. In this regard, the techno‐economic feasibility of building attached PV systems are studied for three scenarios considering three cities of Iran namely Tehran, Tabriz, and Kish Island, which have different climatic conditions. The result shows that the PV systems can annually meet 4.5–20% of the electricity needs for Tehran, 3.0–13% for Tabriz and 2.0–11.5% for Kish Island. Moreover, roof mounted PV systems were found to be a better alternative to envelope attached systems in technical and economic terms. The payback period for the solar energy systems was found to be between 8.7 and 14.3 years for Tehran, 14.2 and 22.6 years for Tabriz, and 11.6 and 21.1 for Kish Island.
In silico design of crop ideotypes under a wide range of water availability
Authors: Jubery Talukder Z. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Gilbert Matthew E. , Attinger Daniel
Published: April 2019

Given the changing climate and increasing impact of agriculture on global resources, it is important to identify phenotypes which are global and sustainable optima. Here, an in silico framework is constructed by coupling evolutionary optimization with thermodynamically sound crop physiology, and its ability to rationally design phenotypes with maximum productivity is demonstrated, within well‐defined limits on water availability.  Results reveal that in mesic environments, such as the North American Midwest, and semi‐arid environments, such as Colorado, phenotypes optimized for maximum productivity and survival under drought are similar to those with maximum productivity under irrigated conditions. In hot and dry environments like California, phenotypes adapted to drought produce 40% lower yields when irrigated compared to those optimized for irrigation. In all three representative environments, the trade‐off between productivity under drought versus that under irrigation was shallow, justifying a successful strategy of breeding crops combining best productivity under irrigation and close to best productivity under drought.
Hauptsache zurechtkommen
Authors: Götz Irene
Published: April 2019

Wenig Geld, beengte Wohnverhältnisse, gesundheitliche Probleme: Ein Münchner Forschungsprojekt beleuchtet den prekären Alltag vieler Frauen im Rentenalter aus kulturwissenschaftlicher Sicht.
Lektionen für Alexa & Co?!
Authors: Häb‐Umbach Reinhold
Published: April 2019

Wenn akustische Signalverarbeitung mit automatisiertem Lernen verknüpft wird: Nachrichtentechniker arbeiten mit mehreren Mikrofonen und tiefen neuronalen Netzen an besserer Spracherkennung unter widrigsten Bedingungen. Von solchen Sensornetzwerken könnten langfristig auch digitale Sprachassistenten profitieren.
Challenges of order reduction techniques for problems involving polymorphic uncertainty
Authors: Pivovarov Dmytro , Willner Kai , Steinmann Paul , Brumme Stephan , Müller Michael , Srisupattarawanit Tarin , Ostermeyer Georg‐Peter , Henning Carla , Ricken Tim , Kastian Steffen , Reese Stefanie , Moser Dieter , Grasedyck Lars , Biehler Jonas , Pfaller Martin , Wall Wolfgang , Kohlsche Thomas , von Estorff Otto , Gruhlke Robert , Eigel Martin , Ehre Max , Papaioannou Iason , Straub Daniel , Leyendecker Sigrid
Published: April 2019

Modeling of mechanical systems with uncertainties is extremely challenging and requires a careful analysis of a huge amount of data. Both, probabilistic modeling and nonprobabilistic modeling require either an extremely large ensemble of samples or the introduction of additional dimensions to the problem, thus, resulting also in an enormous computational cost growth. No matter whether the Monte‐Carlo sampling or Smolyak's sparse grids are used, which may theoretically overcome the curse of dimensionality, the system evaluation must be performed at least hundreds of times. This becomes possible only by using reduced order modeling and surrogate modeling. Moreover, special approximation techniques are needed to analyze the input data and to produce a parametric model of the system's uncertainties. In this paper, we describe the main challenges of approximation of uncertain data, order reduction, and surrogate modeling specifically for problems involving polymorphic uncertainty. Thereby some examples are presented to illustrate the challenges and solution methods.
Lack of Critical Northeast Natural Gas Infrastructure Risks Regional Economic Development
Authors: Santa Don
Published: April 2019

At the start of the new millennium, technological advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have provided US producers with unprecedented access to vast natural gas reserves locked away in America's shale formations. Referred to as the Shale Revolution, the upsurge in US natural gas production has had a profound effect on the domestic and global energy landscape.
US LNG Exports—How We Got Here and Where We Are Going
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: April 2019

Return with us now to the thrilling days of 2005–2008. Qatar Petroleum, the national oil and gas company of the State of Qatar, was preparing to become the largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the United States. The gas industry was excited about the growth prospects from all of this LNG, but also concerned about the cost—approximately $20 per million Btu's, as opposed to around $5 per million Btu's for domestic gas. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected imports of LNG would grow steadily until 2030, when the United States would then be importing 8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of LNG, amounting to more than 10 percent of the total US gas supply. The EIA's forecast is shown in Figure 1.
Reality Lagging Well Behind Political Aspirations
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: April 2019

As state governors ramp up rhetoric continually trying to outdo one another setting ever more ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, the Green New Deal has taken center stage. The 14‐page congressional resolution (House Resolution 109, sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‐Cortez, D‐NY, and Senate Resolution 59, sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey, D‐MA) presents a framework for achieving greater economic and social equality, and creating a high‐tech clean energy industry capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Critics of the Green New Deal fabricate falsehoods and present misleading interpretations of the intent and means of achieving its ambitious goals. Yet, the ideas and principles underpinning the Green New Deal are not new. Many learned people in the energy, environmental, and clean energy industries have been discussing these ideas and principles for years, and many states have plans in place with funding available, supporting many of the Green New Deal initiatives. Nonetheless, the plans and funding provided are not sufficient to change the trajectory we are on, guaranteeing GHG reduction goals will not be met.
Challenges of Decarbonizing the US Natural Gas Industry
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: April 2019

The term “decarbonization” is very commonplace in global energy circle discussions and almost synonymous with the Paris Agreement reached at COP 21. I believe most US natural gas industry executives either largely discount decarbonization of natural gas or think the present gas narrative is sustainable because the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
Adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Clinical evidence and experimental validation
Authors: Song Ying‐Chyi , Hung Kuo‐Feng , Liang Kai‐Li , Chiang Jen‐Huai , Huang Hui‐Chi , Lee Hui‐Ju , Wu Mei‐Yao , Yu Sheng‐Jie , Lo Hsin‐Yi , Ho Tin‐Yun , Yen Hung‐Rong
Published: April 2019

Background

To investigate the benefits of adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

We included all patients diagnosed with NPC during 1997‐2009 and followed until 2011 in Taiwan. We used 1:1 frequency matching by age, sex, comorbidity, conventional treatment, and index year to compare the CHM users and non‐CHM users (n = 2542 each). The prescribed CHM was further investigated with regard to its cytotoxicity.

Results

Compared with non‐CHM users, adjunctive CHM users had a lower hazard ratio of mortality risk, and a better survival probability. Gan‐Lu‐Yin (GLY) was the most commonly prescribed CHM, and it reduced cell viability, inhibited tumor proliferation, and induced apoptosis through the poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase and caspase‐3‐dependent pathway in human NPC TW01 cells. Oral administration of GLY retarded NPC‐TW01 tumor growth in the xenograft nude mouse model.

Conclusion

Real‐world data and laboratory experiments implied that adjunctive CHM might be beneficial for NPC patients.
HLA‐B*35:01 Allele Is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Polygonum multiflorum–Induced Liver Injury in Humans
Authors: Li Chaopeng , Rao Tai , Chen Xiaoping , Zou Zhengsheng , Wei Aiwu , Tang Jinfa , Xiong Peng , Li Pengyan , Jing Jing , He Tingting , Bai Zhaofang , Yin Jiye , Tan Zhirong , Yu Peng , Zhou Honghao , Wang Jiabo , Xiao Xiaohe , Ouyang Dongsheng
Published: April 2019

Polygonum multiflorum (PM) is a well‐known Chinese herbal medicine that has been reported to induce inflammation‐associated idiosyncratic liver injury. This study aimed to identify the genetic basis of susceptibility to PM‐drug‐induced liver injury (PM‐DILI) and to develop biological markers for predicting the risk of PM‐DILI in humans. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) regions of 11 patients with PM‐DILI were sequenced, and all human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–type frequencies were compared to the Han‐MHC database. An independent replication study that included 15 patients with PM‐DILI, 33 patients with other DILI, and 99 population controls was performed to validate the candidate allele by HLA‐B PCR sequence‐based typing. A prospective cohort study that included 72 outpatients receiving PM for 4 weeks was designed to determine the influence of the risk allele on PM‐DILI. In the pilot study, the frequency of HLA‐B*35:01 was 45.4% in PM‐DILI patients compared with 2.7% in the Han Chinese population (odds ratio [OR], 30.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.7‐77.8; P = 1.9 × 10−10). In the independent replication study and combined analyses, a logistic regression model confirmed that HLA‐B*35:01 is a high‐risk allele of PM‐DILI (PM‐DILI versus other DILI, OR, 86.5; 95% CI, 14.2‐527.8, P = 1.0 × 10−6; and PM‐DILI versus population controls, OR, 143.9; 95% CI, 30.1‐687.5, P = 4.8 × 10−10). In the prospective cohort study, an asymptomatic increase in transaminase levels was diagnosed in 6 patients, representing a significantly higher incidence (relative risk, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.9‐33.2; P < 0.02) in the HLA‐B*35:01 carriers (37.5%) than in the noncarriers (4.7%). Conclusion: The HLA‐B*35:01 allele is a genetic risk factor for PM‐DILI and a potential biomarker for predicting PM‐DILI in humans.
Upward influence tactics and their effects on job performance ratings and flexible working arrangements: The mediating roles of mutual recognition respect and mutual appraisal respect
Authors: Clarke Nicholas , Alshenalfi Najla , Garavan Thomas
Published: April 2019

Supervisor's human resources (HR) decisions have a significant impact on the employees they manage but have been found to be subject to bias. The upward influence tactics use by subordinates can play a role in this. We investigated the effects of seven upward influence tactics on supervisor job‐performance ratings and the extent of subordinate flexible working arrangements (FWAs). Supervisors are often responsible for determining whether employees are granted FWAs. We posit an alternative theoretical mechanism by which upward influence tactics bring about their effects, mediated through two distinct types of respect, mutual appraisal respect and mutual recognition respect. We collected data from 389 matched supervisor–subordinate dyads, and found that both mutual appraisal respect and mutual recognition respect mediated relationships between several upward influence tactics and both job‐performance ratings and FWAs. Our findings show that upward influence tactics affect the quality of the relationship between employees and their supervisors, specifically, these two forms of mutual respect. Further, both mutual appraisal respect and mutual recognition respect may explain why supervisors show favoritism to some subordinates over others, in reaching HR decisions in these areas.
Examining the link between flexible working arrangement bundles and employee work effort
Authors: Avgoustaki Argyro , Bessa Ioulia
Published: April 2019

Empirical evidence regarding the link between flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and work effort is mixed, with the literature showing that some practices are linked to more while others to less work effort. In this study, we argue that this discrepancy may be due to the existence of different types of FWA bundles with potentially distinct effects on work effort. Using Understanding Society, a British national survey, and building on theories related to social exchange, the study examines the link between employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles, and work effort. This study further tests whether these relationships differ depending on employees' family responsibilities. Based on a sample of 13,834 employees, results show that both employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles are negatively associated with work effort, and findings for the latter bundle are more pronounced. These negative associations are somewhat stronger for employees with fewer family responsibilities. We infer that employees appear to use employee‐centered FWAs for their intended purpose, that is, to balance life and job demands, while they might perceive employer‐centered FWAs as unfair, resulting in less work effort in an attempt to restore fairness.
Observing home‐visiting quality across time: A longitudinal reliability study of the Home Visit Rating Scales
Authors: Manz Patricia H. , Ventresco Nina E.
Published: April 2019

Empirical examination of home‐visiting quality over time is lacking in the research literature. To this end, this study examined the most recent edition of a widely used observational measure of home‐visiting quality, the Home Visit Rating Scales (HOVRS), over four repeated assessments spanning an average of 6 months. Psychometric quality for the HOVRS Total and Home Visitor Practice Scales, including item ratings and calculated scores, across time was demonstrated. Stability indicators for the Family Engagement Scales varied, with superior reliability often indicated for individual ratings over the calculated score. The exploration of interrelationships among family demographics and change in HOVRS scores over time were largely insignificant. Interestingly, a decline in the Home Visitor Practice Scale significantly related to increased symptoms of maternal depression, possibly suggesting that home‐visitors’ focus shifted from children's needs to those of parents when mental health concerns were observed. Although this study is an examination of one program model and poses limited generalizability, it sets the stage for advancing the HOVRS and longitudinal measurement of home‐visiting quality.
In situ tissue classification during laser ablation using acoustic signals
Authors: Alperovich Ziv , Yamin Gal , Elul Eliav , Bialolenker Gabriel , Ishaaya Amiel A.
Published: April 2019

We suggest a novel method to classify the type of tissue that is being ablated, using the recorded acoustic sound waves during pulsed ultraviolet laser ablation. The motivation of the current research is tissue classification during vascular interventions, where the identification of the ablated tissue is vital. We classify the acoustic signatures using Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) feature extraction with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, and in addition, use a fully connected deep neural network (FC‐DNN) algorithm. First, we classify three different liquids using our method as a preliminary proof of concept. Then, we classify ex vivo porcine aorta and bovine tendon tissues in the presence of saline. Finally, we classify ex vivo porcine aorta and bovine tendon tissues where the acoustic signals are recorded through chicken breast medium. The results for tissue classification in saline and through chicken breast both show high accuracy (>98%), based on tens of thousands of acoustic signals for each experiment. The experiments were conducted in a noisy and challenging setting that tries to imitate practical working conditions. The obtained results could pave the way towards practical tissue classification in various important medical procedures, achieving enhanced efficacy and safety.
Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and properties of polydimethylsiloxane‐based polyurethane/crystalline nanocellulose bionanocomposites
Authors: Khadivi Parinaz , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein
Published: April 2019

Polydimethylsiloxane‐based polyurethane (PU)/crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) bionanocomposites were produced via in situ prepolymer approach. Also, hexamethylene diisocyanate as aliphatic diisocyanate monomer and 1,4‐butanediol as aliphatic chain extender were used. CNC was incorporated into PU matrix to prepare different PU/CNC bionanocomposites. Effect of CNC content on the properties of the bionanocomposites such as thermal, thermophysical, microstructure, and in vitro cytotoxicity was investigated. According to the results, incorporating CNCs into PU matrix significantly affected the hydrogen bonding between different microstructures of matrix. Adding different amounts of CNCs affected the thermal and thermophysical properties of bionanocomposites. Also, higher amounts of CNCs resulted in lower crystallization of hard segment. Neat PU matrix showed a moderate cytotoxicity behavior against human fibroblast cells. However, incorporating CNCs significantly improved the cytotoxicity behavior of bionanocomposites where by addition of 2 wt % of CNCs, cell viability increased to 90–100%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1771–1778, 2019.
Modification of human MSC surface with oligopeptide‐PEG‐lipids for selective binding to activated endothelium
Authors: Noiri Makoto , Asawa Kenta , Okada Naoya , Kodama Tomonobu , Murayama Yuichi , Inoue Yuuki , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Ekdahl Kristina N , Nilsson Bo , Teramura Yuji
Published: April 2019

Promising cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is proposed for stroke patients. Therefore, we aimed to efficiently accumulate human MSC (hMSC) to damaged brain area to improve the therapeutic effect using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐conjugated phospholipid (PEG‐lipid) carrying an oligopeptide as a ligand, specific for E‐selectin which is upregulated on activated endothelial cells under hypoxia‐like stroke. Here we synthesized E‐selectin‐binding oligopeptide (ES‐bp) conjugated with PEG spacer having different molecular weights from 1 to 40 kDa. We found that ES‐bp can be immobilized onto the hMSC surface through PEG‐lipid without influence on cell growth and differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes, respectively. It is also possible to control the immobilization of ES‐bp on hMSC surface (<108 ES‐bp per cell). Immobilized ES‐bp can be continuously immobilized at the outside of cell membrane when PEG‐lipids with PEG 5 and 40 kDa were used. In addition, the modified hMSC can specifically attach onto E‐selectin‐immobilized surface as a model surface of activated endothelium in human blood, indicating the sufficient number of immobilized ES‐bp onto hMSC. Thus, this technique is one of the candidates for hMSC accumulation to cerebral infarction area. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1779–1792, 2019.
Integrating biocathode into electrocatalytic reactor to reduce applied voltage to generate hydroxyl radicals for advanced oxidation
Authors: Mo Yinghui , Yuan Tingting , Liu Mengxin , Du Manman , Wang Hong , He Benqiao , Li Jianxin
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Anodic oxidation, a promising approach for the removal of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater through advanced oxidation, still faces the challenge of high energy consumption. This study coupled an O2‐reducing biocathode, a cathode thermodynamically more favorable than conventional abiotic ones, with an MnOx/Ti electrocatalytic porous anode, to produce a novel biocathode–electrocatalytic reactor (BECR).

RESULTS

After inoculation, the BECR was successfully started up to generate current at a voltage of 0.7 V, which was lower than the startup voltages of electrocatalytic reactors with abiotic cathodes. The cathode potential of the BECR was increased by approximately 300 mV. Abundant electrochemically active microorganisms were found on the BECR cathode with Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter as the dominant genera reducing O2 to H2O. Furthermore, hydroxyl radical (·OH) generation was detected in the anode chamber of the BECR after startup at 0.7 V and contributed to its current production. This phenomenon was not observed for electrocatalytic reactors. The mechanism of the BECR in reducing the applied voltage to generate ·OH was well elucidated using the thermodynamic theory of Gibbs free energy.

CONCLUSIONS

The coupling of the O2‐reducing biocathode improved the thermodynamics of the BECR cathode toward a high redox potential and consequently reduced its applied voltage to generate ·OH, thereby rendering it as potentially energy saving and suitable for use in wastewater treatment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Lymphocytic esophagitis: An Australian (Queensland) case series of a newly recognized mimic of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Islam Shamsul , Lee Antonio , Lampe Guy
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Lymphocytic esophagitis (LoE) is a recently described upper gastrointestinal tract “disorder” diagnosis of which hinges on histology and is characterized by the excessive infiltration of lymphocytes in the peripapillary fields of the esophageal epithelium, with clinical manifestations similar to those of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). In this article, we aim to describe for the first time the clinico‐pathological characteristics of a large cohort of Australian (Queensland) cases of LoE.

Methods

Histological data that fulfilled the criteria (predominant lymphocytic infiltration in the peripapillary fields, none or minimal neutrophils or eosinophils, and no infection) were collected between January 2014 and May 2016 from a number of major Queensland Public Hospital anatomical pathology laboratories. Patient presentations were subsequently examined to compile clinical and endoscopic correlates.

Results

A total of 62 cases of LoE were identified. The median age was 55 years, with 59.6% of subjects being male. Major clinical manifestations included dysphagia (32), epigastric or abdominal pain (8), gastro‐esophageal reflux (8), association with Crohn's disease (8), and vomiting or diarrhea (6). Endoscopy was normal in 47% of cases; 47% had appearances similar to those of EoE. There were three cases with associated mild monilial esophagitis (6%).

Conclusion

LoE is a relatively recently recognized condition of the esophagus with variable clinical and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis is based on characteristic histological features. Further investigation is needed to ascertain the etiopathology and natural history of the condition and to establish a safe and effective treatment regimen.
Multicomponent One‐pot Synthesis of Oxadiazole Included Pyranopyrazoles as Promising Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Reddy Guda Mallikarjuna , Yun Chen Di , Venkata Subbaiah Munagapati , Jianyou Long , Wen Jet‐Chau
Published: April 2019

Oxadiazole‐fused combinations are of great concern for the novelty of effective therapeutic agents. In this context, a series of oxadiazole included pyranopyrazoles were prepared under eco‐friendly synthetic way by using montmorillonite k10 as a catalyst. All the final outcomes were formed with good yields. Further, compounds screened for their antioxidant assay. Most of the compounds revealed promising activity. Among all outcomes, electron rich‐substituted compounds at para position demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than their corresponding ortho‐substituted compounds. All belongings concluded that this eco‐friendly path is preferable to prepare therapeutic compounds. Further, biotic results established that all these biologically active compounds fit for supplementary to develop exogenous antioxidant drugs.