bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphotoxin‐α promotes tumor angiogenesis in HNSCC by modulating glycolysis in a PFKFB3‐dependent manner
Authors: Yang Jie‐Gang , Wang Wei‐Ming , Xia Hou‐Fu , Yu Zi‐Li , Li Hui‐Min , Ren Jian‐Gang , Chen Gang , Wang Bei‐Ke , Jia Jun , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yi‐Fang
Published: February 2019

Tumor angiogenesis is critical for tumor progression as the new blood vessels supply nutrients and facilitate metastasis. Previous studies indicate tumor associated lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells, contribute to tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. The present study aims to identify the function of Lymphotoxin‐α (LT‐α), which is secreted by the activated lymphocytes, in the tumor angiogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The coculture system between HNSCC cell line Cal27 and primary lymphocytes revealed that tumor cells promoted the LT‐α secretion in the cocultured lymphocytes. In vitro data further demonstrated that LT‐α promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by enhancing the PFKFB3‐mediated glycolytic flux. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 suppressed the enhanced proliferation and migration of HUVECs. We further identified that LT‐α induced PFKFB3 expression was dependent on the TNFR/NF‐κB signaling pathway. In addition, we proved that PFKFB3 blockade decreased the density of CD31 positive blood vessels in HNSCC xenografts. Finally, the results from the human HNSCC tissue array revealed that the expression of LT‐α in HNSCC samples positively correlated with microvessel density, lymphocytes infiltration and endothelial PFKFB3 expression. In conclusion, infiltrated lymphocyte secreted LT‐α enhances the glycolysis of ECs in a PFKFB3‐dependent manner through the classical NF‐κB pathway and promotes the proliferation and migration of ECs, which may contribute to the aberrant angiogenesis in HNSCCs. Our study suggests that PFKFB3 blockade is a promising therapeutic approach for HNSCCs by targeting tumor angiogenesis.
Functional Evaluation Of Pedotransfer Functions For Simulation Of Soil Profile Drainage
Authors: Zakizadeh Abkenar Fatemeh , Rasoulzadeh Ali
Published: February 2019

Direct measurement of soil hydraulic properties is time consuming and costly. Therefore indirect methods, such as pedotransfer functions (PTFs), may provide an alternative. Some PTFs have been incorporated into stand‐alone computer programs like Rosetta and Soilpar, which are used in this study. The aim of this study was to compare different PTFs to use for modelling soil free drainage at three different soil textures including loamy sand, loam and clay loam. Statistics showed relatively good performance of Rosetta in the simulation of free drainage of clay loam but its function was not good as clay loam for loam and loamy sandy soils. The results showed that simulation of free drainage using Rosetta's hydraulic parameters was better than Soilpar. The results also indicated that a PTF might be accurate enough for estimating soil hydraulic properties, but was not able to simulate the soil profile drainage process using an input in the numerical code and using them might lead to large errors in simulating soil water drainage. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust approach to estimating production functions: Replication of the ACF procedure
Authors: Kim Kyoo il , Luo Yao , Su Yingjun
Published: February 2019

We study Ackerberg, Caves, and Frazer's (Econometrica, 2015, 83, 2411–2451; hereafter ACF) production function estimation method using Monte Carlo simulations. First, we replicate their results by following their procedure to confirm the existence of a spurious minimum in the estimation, as noted by ACF. In the population, or when sample sizes are sufficiently large, this “global” identification problem may not be a concern because the spurious minimum occurs only at extreme values of capital and labor coefficients. However, in finite samples, their estimator can produce estimates that may not be clearly distinguishable from the spurious ones. In our second experiment, we modify the ACF procedure and show that robust estimates can be obtained using additional lagged instruments or sequential search. We also provide some arguments for why such modifications help in the ACF setting.
Testing for time variation in the natural rate of interest
Authors: Berger Tino , Kempa Bernd
Published: February 2019

This paper replicates in a wider sense the unobserved components model of Laubach and Williams (Review of Economics and Statistics, 2003, 85, 1063–1070) to estimate the natural rate of interest (NRI) and investigates the role of model uncertainty. A stochastic Bayesian model selection procedure is employed to test the hypothesis of time variation in the NRI against a constant NRI. The model selection confirms time variation in the NRI as a result of changes in potential output growth, but other determinants of the NRI are found constant.
Hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic analysis of oxymetazoline use during nasal surgery in children
Authors: Cartabuke Richard S. , Anderson Brian J. , Elmaraghy Charles , Rice Julie , Tumin Dmitry , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: February 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Oxymetazoline is an α‐adrenergic agonist that is commonly used as a topical hemostatic agent in the operating room during ear, nose, and throat surgery. There are limited data on oxymetazoline pharmacokinetics in children who undergo general anesthesia. We assessed the hemodynamic effects and systemic absorption of topically applied oxymetazoline in children undergoing various nasal procedures.

Study Design

Prospective trial.

Methods

Children ages 2 to 17 years undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, turbinate resection, or adenoidectomy were enrolled. The surgeon placed oxymetazoline‐soaked pledgets (1.5 mL of 0.05% solution) according to our usual clinical practice. Blood samples for oxymetazoline assay were drawn at 5, 10, 20, 45, 90, and 150 minutes, and hemodynamic data were recorded at 5‐minute intervals. Data analysis included mixed‐effects regression and population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling.

Results

The analysis included 27 patients, age 7 ± 4 years, who received between 2 and 12 pledgets (3–18 mL) of oxymetazoline. Relative bioavailability compared to the spray formulation was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6‐3.2), with slow absorption from the mucosal surface (absorption half‐life 64 minutes; 95% CI: 44‐90). Mean arterial pressure did not increase with oxymetazoline instillation at the observed oxymetazoline serum concentrations (0.04‐7.6 μg/L).

Conclusions

Despite concerns regarding oxymetazoline administration to mucosal membranes, we found that hemodynamic changes were clinically negligible with our usual clinical use of pledgets soaked in oxymetazoline. Compared to data on oxymetazoline in spray formulation, bioavailability was increased twofold with pledgets, but systemic absorption was very slow, contributing to low serum concentrations and limited hemodynamic effects.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 129:2775–2781, 2019
The influence of NaCl and CaCl2 induced high temperature corrosion on the aqueous corrosion resistance of stainless steels
Authors: Mori Gregor , Vidic Karl J. , Bucher Edith , Yasir Muhammad , Hornauer Daniel , Nachtnebel Manfred , Fitzek Harald , Schroettner Hartmuth
Published: February 2019

The corrosion resistance of the steel grades 1.4509 and 1.4301 against sodium and calcium chloride, at 650 and 750 °C is investigated by means of cyclic exposure tests (CETs) in dry air. The formation of chromates as well as volatile metal chlorides and oxychlorides leads to non‐protective oxide scales on both steel grades. At 650 and 750 °C and in presence of a salt layer the alloy 1.4301 shows a higher corrosion resistance than the material 1.4509. At 750 °C and in presence of salt, the surface of the steel grade 1.4301 is transformed from a face centered cubic (fcc) to a body centered cubic (bcc) lattice, due to corrosion induced de‐alloying. The surfaces of both tested materials deplete in chromium, especially at 750 °C. Consequently, the corrosion resistance of the materials exposed to CET decreases sharply in aqueous corrodants.
Severe congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a compound heterozygote with a new large deletion of the AQP2 gene. A case report
Authors: Peces Ramón , Mena Rocío , Peces Carlos , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Fernández Luis , Afonso Sara , Lapunzina Pablo , Selgas Rafael , Nevado Julián
Published: February 2019

Background

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare condition characterized by severe polyuria, due to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine in response to arginine vasopressin (AVP). In the majority of the cases, the disease shows an X‐linked inherited pattern, although an autosomal recessive inheritance was also observed.

Methods

We report a patient with a severe NDI diagnosed during the neonatal period. Because the patient was female without a family history of congenital NDI, her disease was thought to exhibit an autosomal recessive form.

Results

A full mutation analysis of AVP receptor 2 (AVPR2; MIM#300538) gene showed no mutations. However, direct Sanger sequencing of the aquaporin 2 (AQP2) revealed an apparently homozygous mutation at nucleotide position NM_000486.5:c.374C>T (p.Thr125Met) in exon 2. Further customized multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis, and long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing showed a heterozygous exonic deletion comprising exons 2, 3, and partially 4 of AQP2.

Conclusion

This is the first case of a compound heterozygote patient with a missense mutation involving NM_000486.5:exon2:c.374C>T (p.Thr125Met) and a gross deletion of at least exons 2, 3, and partially 4 on the AQP2 to present with a severe NDI phenotype.
Mutual coupling reduction using complementary of SRR with wire MNG structure
Authors: Sahandabadi Sahereh , Makki Seyed Vahab AL‐Din
Published: February 2019

Mutual coupling has always been a drawback for array antennas with different configurations. Engineers are obliged to cope with negative effects of mutual coupling in designing procedure. The most important cause of the mutual coupling is surface wave propagation as it transfers the wave in undesirable directions. A method to reduce this effect is the suppression of surface waves using metamaterial structures. A known type of metamaterial used for this purpose is complementary of split ring resonator (CSRR). In this work, a structure consisting of CSRRs with wires is used to alleviate the effect of mutual coupling. The results are verified by calculating effective permeability and permittivity of the structure showing the Mu‐negative property. The calculation is also performed by Kramers‐Kronig relations. A 17 dB reduction in mutual coupling is achieved over a bandwidth range of 170 MHz.
Effects of Wintertime Stocking of Rainbow Trout on the Forage Community of an Oklahoma Impoundment
Authors: Snow Richard A. , Shoup Daniel E. , Porta Michael J. , Patterson Chas P.
Published: February 2019

Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss are sometimes stocked to create put-and-take fisheries in small impoundments. Information about the effects of these stockings on existing piscivores is poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a study to evaluate the forage consumption by Rainbow Trout stocked in Lake Carl Etling, Oklahoma. A creel survey during the 2014–2015 trout season determined that angling pressure was low, which left the majority of stocked trout in the lake until their thermal maximum was exceeded in late May–June. Rainbow Trout stomach contents were collected monthly from November through April annually (2015–2018) via gastric lavage. Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum were consumed during most months, but their occurrence in Rainbow Trout stomachs was highest in January and December. A sharp decline in Gizzard Shad consumption was followed by an increase in detritus consumption each year. Using either Gizzard Shad numbers observed in monthly Rainbow Trout diets or the estimated monthly abundance of Rainbow Trout, we postulated that Rainbow Trout substantially affected age-0 Gizzard Shad biomass (reducing it by 66.7 or 54.6 kg/ha, respectively), potentially negatively affecting growth rates of other piscivores in the system. This study demonstrates the unintended consequences of stocking an additional predatory fish into small impoundments and the importance of evaluating angler harvest of these stocking programs to ensure the stocked species receives sufficient angler harvest to match stocking rates and prevent negative impacts on the fish community (both forage and other piscivorous species).
Multiobjective predictive cruise control for connected vehicle systems on urban conditions with InPA‐SQP
Authors: He Defeng , Shi Yujie , Li Haiping , Du Haiping
Published: February 2019

The connected vehicle (CV) system is one of the most effective core technologies in intelligent transportation systems. In order to solve the optimal velocity prediction problem for a CV system on urban roads, a multiobjective predictive cruise controller (MOPCC) for vehicles in the CV system is proposed to coordinate multiple performances including safety, tracking ability, ride comfort, and fuel economy. Firstly, with the ad hoc wireless communication technology, the signal phase and timing information is obtained to calculate the feasible velocity range for improving mobility. Then, the optimal target velocity of vehicles is computed by minimizing the fuel economic polynomial models of the vehicle system. Secondly, in order to systematically cope with those multiple performances, the Utopia point method is applied to change the multiobjective optimization problem into Utopia tracking problem. Furthermore, the MOPCC problem is formulated and solved by a fast numerical algorithm, ie, integrated perturbation analysis and sequential quadratic programming. Finally, simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of improved the multiple performances.
Manufacturing, thermal stability, and flammability properties of polypropylene containing new single molecule intumescent flame retardant
Authors: Abdelkhalik Aksam , Makhlouf Ghada , Hassan Mohamed Aly
Published: February 2019

Melamine salt of pentaerythritol phosphate kaolin (MPPK) was synthesized by the reaction of pentaerythritol phosphate with kaolin (K) and melamine. The structure of MPPK was confirmed by EDXS, 1H NMR, FTIR, and XRD. MPPK was blended with polypropylene (PP) at different loading levels. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that MPPK improved the thermal stability of PP at high temperatures in all PP composites. Vertical burning rate test manifested that PP composites can achieve V0 at 20% and 25% MPPK loading levels. Cone calorimeter data exhibited that addition of 25% MPPK to PP reduced peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) by 86% and 76% and increased the char residue after test to 67%. The results of PP/25% MPPK composite were compared with the data obtained from PP containing 25% K and 25% of traditional intumescent flame retardant composed of melamine phosphate (MP), pentaerythritol (PE), and K. The outcomes indicated that MPPK was more efficient in flame retardancy than the other systems. The digital photographs and SEM images for char residue demonstrated that MPPK succeeded in forming cellular and coherent char layer on the PP surface. The main advantage of adding 25% MPPK to PP was its ability to preserve nearly the inner half of the sample without burning after cone calorimeter test.
Quantifying bias reduction with fixed‐duration versus all‐available covariate assessment periods
Authors: Connolly John G. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Glynn Robert J. , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Implementing a cohort study in longitudinal healthcare databases requires looking back over some covariate assessment period (CAP) preceding cohort entry to measure confounders. We used simulations to compare fixed‐duration versus all‐available CAPs for confounder adjustment in the presence of differences in available baseline time between exposure groups.

Methods

We simulated cohorts of 10 000 patients with binary variables for a single confounder, exposure, and outcome. Baseline time was simulated based on the observed distribution in a claims‐based comparison of statin users versus nonusers. We compared bias after measuring confounders using fixed‐duration and all‐available CAPs, both when exposure groups had similar and discrepant amounts of available baseline time.

Results

When the comparison groups had similar amounts of baseline time, an all‐available CAP was less biased than a fixed‐duration CAP. When baseline time differed between comparison groups, the preferable CAP approach depended on the direction of confounding and which exposure group had higher covariate sensitivity. These findings were consistent in direction across sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

In certain settings of differential available baseline time between exposure groups, the all‐available CAP was more biased than the fixed‐duration CAP. The relative directions and strengths of confounding and misclassification biases are an important consideration when choosing between a fixed‐duration or all‐available CAP, but they are often unknown. Therefore, we recommend comparing the amount of available baseline time between exposure groups. When there is a large discrepancy, despite appropriate design choices, we recommend a fixed‐duration approach to avoid potential increases in bias because of differential data availability.
Nanophase morphology and crystallization in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polydimethylsiloxane‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene blends
Authors: Seraji Seyed Mohsen , Guo Qipeng
Published: February 2019

An approach to achieve confined crystallization of ferroelectric semicrystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was investigated. A novel polydimethylsiloxane‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene (PDMS‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PS) triblock copolymer was synthesized by the atom‐transfer radical polymerization method and blended with PVDF. Miscibility, crystallization and morphology of the PVDF/PDMS‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PS blends were studied within the whole range of concentration. In this A‐b‐B‐b‐C/D type of triblock copolymer/homopolymer system, crystallizable PVDF (D) and PMMA (B) middle block are miscible because of specific intermolecular interactions while A block (PDMS) and C block (PS) are immiscible with PVDF. Nanostructured morphology is formed via self‐assembly, displaying a variety of phase structures and semicrystalline morphologies. Crystallization at 145 °C reveals that both α and β crystalline phases of PVDF are present in PVDF/PDMS‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PS blends. Incorporation of the triblock copolymer decreases the degree of crystallization and enhances the proportion of β to α phase of semicrystalline PVDF. Introduction of PDMS‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PS triblock copolymer to PVDF makes the crystalline structures compact and confines the crystal size. Moreover, small‐angle X‐ray scattering results indicate that the immiscible PDMS as a soft block and PS as a hard block are localized in PVDF crystalline structures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Patient Perspectives on Osseointegration: A National Survey of Veterans with Upper Limb Amputation
Authors: Resnik Linda , Benz Heather , Borgia Matthew , Clark Melissa A.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Osseointegrated (OI) prostheses have a unique benefit‐risk profile among prosthetic alternatives and have been marketed in the United States under a Humanitarian Device Exemption since 2015. Information about upper limb prosthesis user perspectives on benefits and risks, prosthesis‐user subpopulations for whom OI is most acceptable, and outcomes that matter most to patients could help inform clinical and regulatory decision‐making. Recent 21st Century Cures legislation expanded the role of patient experience data in the decision‐making process of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recognizing that patient perspectives may be informative to regulators.

Objective

To better understand prosthesis user perspectives about the benefits and risks associated with upper limb OI prostheses.

Design

Patient perspective survey.

Setting

Telephone administration.

Participants

National sample of veterans with upper limb loss.

Interventions

NA

Main Outcome Measures

Benefit‐risk survey developed for this study.

Results

Twenty‐eight percent of unilateral and 13% of bilateral amputees were willing to consider osseointegration surgery. Multivariate logistic regression models [OR; 95% CI] showed that transhumeral amputation level [OR 1.40; 1.01‐1.98] was associated with greater willingness to consider surgery, whereas older age [OR 0.17; 0.09‐0.32] and higher VR‐12 Mental Component Summary [OR 0.53; 0.35‐0.81] were associated with less willingness. Having a durable/reliable device, the ability to do more activities, and having a comfortable device were rated as very important or somewhat important by 98% or more for every risk condition.

Conclusions

Persons who were older, had transradial amputation (compared to transhumeral), and those who had better mental functioning were less willing to consider this surgery. Respondents who were willing to consider surgery indicated that the most important potential benefits were obtaining a durable/reliable device, the ability to do more activities, and having a comfortable device. Most were willing to accept one or more risks of surgery, with long‐term risks including chronic pain, loss of nerve function, or device failure considered the most unacceptable.

Level of Evidence

III
Out‐of‐area placements in acute mental health care: the outcomes
Authors: Galante Joao R , Humphreys Rosamund , Molodynski Andrew
Published: February 2019

Out‐of‐area placements (OAPs) are heavily relied upon by the NHS to meet growing demand but they are expensive, disruptive for patients, and may reduce quality of care and outcomes for patients. Here, the authors compared 50 patients who used acute OAPs with 50 patients admitted to an acute bed locally as regards length of stay, readmission rates, contact with services and levels of self‐harm in the following 12 months. The results were substantially worse in key respects for patients who go to OAPs, raising further questions about their quality and the economic impact to the NHS.
Comparing provider and patient views of issues for low‐resourced breast cancer patients
Authors: Enzler Cassandra J. , Torres Shioban , Jabson Jennifer , Ahlum Hanson Arin , Bowen Deborah J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare provider and patient views from the same clinical settings on issues raised by low‐socioeconomic status (SES) breast cancer survivors.

Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews among two groups: low‐SES breast cancer survivors (n = 37) and medical personnel (ie, physicians, nurses, and navigators; n = 8) who interact and serve with these patients from two geographically distinct low‐resourced clinical settings. These semistructured qualitative interviews used grounded theory to identify several potential themes, such as finances, resources, and medical care. Transcripts were coded and summarized into themes.

Results

We analyzed each type of interview data separately then compared patient and provider perspectives. From these qualitative interviews, we discovered that low‐SES breast cancer survivors reported many unmet needs, including transportation, housing, health literacy, and language, among others. Providers reported that many of these needs are served by the extensive network of supports surrounding these patients.

Conclusions

These results illustrate that low‐SES breast cancer survivors have unique needs that differ from other breast cancer survivors. Many providers feel that these needs are being met, but patients have more diverse experiences. By better addressing the links between resource needs and low‐SES breast cancer survivors, quality of life can be improved.
NetSurfP‐2.0: Improved prediction of protein structural features by integrated deep learning
Authors: Klausen Michael Schantz , Jespersen Martin Closter , Nielsen Henrik , Jensen Kamilla Kjærgaard , Jurtz Vanessa Isabell , Sønderby Casper Kaae , Sommer Morten Otto Alexander , Winther Ole , Nielsen Morten , Petersen Bent , Marcatili Paolo
Published: February 2019

The ability to predict local structural features of a protein from the primary sequence is of paramount importance for unraveling its function in absence of experimental structural information. Two main factors affect the utility of potential prediction tools: their accuracy must enable extraction of reliable structural information on the proteins of interest, and their runtime must be low to keep pace with sequencing data being generated at a constantly increasing speed. Here, we present NetSurfP‐2.0, a novel tool that can predict the most important local structural features with unprecedented accuracy and runtime. NetSurfP‐2.0 is sequence‐based and uses an architecture composed of convolutional and long short‐term memory neural networks trained on solved protein structures. Using a single integrated model, NetSurfP‐2.0 predicts solvent accessibility, secondary structure, structural disorder, and backbone dihedral angles for each residue of the input sequences. We assessed the accuracy of NetSurfP‐2.0 on several independent test datasets and found it to consistently produce state‐of‐the‐art predictions for each of its output features. We observe a correlation of 80% between predictions and experimental data for solvent accessibility, and a precision of 85% on secondary structure 3‐class predictions. In addition to improved accuracy, the processing time has been optimized to allow predicting more than 1000 proteins in less than 2 hours, and complete proteomes in less than 1 day.
Boron Implanted Junction with In Situ Oxide Passivation and Application to p‐PERT Bifacial Silicon Solar Cell
Authors: Huang Haibing , Wang Lichun , Mandrell Lisa , Modanese Chiara , Sun Shenghua , Wang Jianbo , Wang Aihua , Zhao Jianhua , Adibi Babak , Savin Hele
Published: February 2019

Boron junction and its passivation is an active topic in photovoltaic research due to its importance to passivated emitter and rear totally‐diffused (PERT) bifacial Si solar cell. In this paper, a systematic study on boron‐implanted junction, its passivation and ohmic contact formation, as well as application to p‐PERT bifacial cells has been presented. More specifically, the impact of junction profile and surface passivation on boron junction quality, which can be influenced by implantation and in situ oxidation anneal parameters is studied. Good‐quality boron emitter and metal/p+‐Si ohmic contact are achieved, as demonstrated by emitter saturation current of 5–30 fA cm−2 and specific contact resistance of 3–6 mΩ cm−1. A roadmap for a p‐PERT bifacial cell using fully ion implanted (boron and phosphorus) technology, based on which p‐PERT bifacial cells demonstrats front side efficiency of 20.6% (open circuit voltage of 658 mV), rear side efficiency of ≈17% and bifaciality factor of 0.82–0.87 is also presented. Effective cell efficiency of ≈22% is achieved with a Halm IV‐tester with white transporting belts that enhance reflection about 10% from the cell rear.
Effect of 2‐Bromopyridine Ancillary Ligand in the Catalysis of Pd(II)‐NNN Pincer Complexes towards Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Jerome Peter , Arafath Sharfudeen Yasar , Haribabu Jebiti , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: February 2019

Pd(II)‐NNN pincer complexes containing sterically hindered 2‐bromopyridine (sp2 hybridized N donor) as ancillary ligand have been synthesized in order to compare their catalytic efficiency with the reported analogous complexes containing acetonitrile (sp hybridized N donor) ancillary ligand. The complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Single crystal XRD reveals distorted square planar structure of complex 1. These complexes have been investigated as catalysts for the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling (SMC) reaction. The scope is extended using various substituted aromatic/aliphatic halides. The activity of the Pd(II)‐NNN pincer complexes bearing bulky 2‐bromopyridine ancillary ligand is not higher compared to that of the complexes with acetonitrile ancillary ligand, which shows superiority of acetonitrile ancillary ligand.
Boron Dipyrromethene Nano‐Photosensitizers for Anticancer Phototherapies
Authors: Sun Wen , Zhao Xueze , Fan Jiangli , Du Jianjun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: February 2019

As traditional phototherapy agents, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) photosensitizers have attracted increasing attention due to their high molar extinction coefficients, high phototherapy efficacy, and excellent photostability. After being formed into nanostructures, BODIPY‐containing nano‐photosensitizers show enhanced water solubility and biocompatibility as well as efficient tumor accumulation compared to BODIPY molecules. Hence, BODIPY nano‐photosensitizers demonstrate a promising potential for fighting cancer. This review contains three sections, classifying photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and the combination of PDT and PTT based on BODIPY nano‐photosensitizers. It summarizes various BODIPY nano‐photosensitizers, which are prepared via different approaches including molecular precipitation, supramolecular interactions, and polymer encapsulation. In each section, the design strategies and working principles of these BODIPY nano‐photosensitizers are highlighted. In addition, the detailed in vitro and in vivo applications of these recently developed nano‐photosensitizers are discussed together with future challenges in this field, highlighting the potential of these promising nanoagents for new tumor phototherapies.
Analyzing the fractal feature of nickel thin films surfaces modified by low energy nitrogen ion
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Yadav Ram Pratap , Arman Ali , Korpi Alireza Grayeli , Sobola Dinara , Ţălu Mihai , Rezaee Sahare , Achour Amine , Jurečka Stanislav , Mardani Mohsen
Published: February 2019

Fractal concepts are used to explore how different energies (10, 20 and 50 keV) and fluence of 5 × 1017 N+ cm−2 affect the morphology of nickel thin film. The nickel thin film with thickness of 100 nm is prepared by electron beam evaporation technique at room temperature on stainless steel (AISI 316) substrates. The nanoscale three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface micro‐morphologies are investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interface width is used to describe the surface height fluctuations. The autocorrelation function with height‐height correlation function give the quantitative data about the morphology of surface. The value of roughness exponent and fractal dimension is computed by height‐height correlation function. Fractal measure is an important analysis which provides fundamental insights into the texture characteristics and a direct way of testing their functional role.
Higgs boson production at the LHC using the qT subtraction formalism at N3LO QCD
Authors: Cieri Leandro , Chen Xuan , Gehrmann Thomas , Glover E. W. N. , Huss Alexander
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We consider higher-order QCD corrections to Higgs boson production through gluon-gluon fusion in the large top quark mass limit in hadron collisions. We extend the transverse-momentum (q

T
) subtraction method to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) and combine it with the NNLO Higgs-plus-jet calculation to numerically compute differential infrared-safe observables at N3LO for Higgs boson production in gluon fusion. To cancel the infrared divergences, we exploit the universal behaviour of the associated q

T
distributions in the small-q

T
region. We document all the necessary ingredients of the transverse-momentum subtraction method up to N3LO. The missing third-order collinear functions, which contribute only at q

T
= 0, are approximated using a prescription which uses the known result for the total Higgs boson cross section at this order. As a first application of the third-order q

T
subtraction method, we present the N3LO rapidity distribution of the Higgs boson at the LHC.
MPR rewind
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: February 2019

Liz Nickels leafs through past issues of Metal Powder Report to find out what was happening in the PM industry of the past.
Heated transcritical and unheated non-transcritical turbulent boundary layers at supercritical pressures
Authors: Kawai Soshi
Published: February 2019

Nominally zero-pressure-gradient fully developed flat-plate turbulent boundary layers with heated and unheated isothermal walls at supercritical pressures are studied by solving the full compressible Navier–Stokes equations using direct numerical simulation. With a heated isothermal wall, the wall temperature sets such that the flow temperature varies through the pseudo-critical temperature, and thus pseudo-boiling phenomena occur within the boundary layers. The pseudo-boiling process induces strongly nonlinear real-fluid effects in the flow and interacts with near-wall turbulence. The peculiar abrupt density variations through the pseudo-boiling process induce significant near-wall density fluctuations $\sqrt{\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}^{\prime }\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}^{\prime }}}/\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}\approx 0.4{-}1.0$ within the heated transcritical turbulent boundary layers. The large near-wall density fluctuations induce a turbulent mass flux $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}^{\prime }u_{i}^{\prime }$, and the turbulent mass flux amplifies the Favre-averaged velocity fluctuations $u_{i}^{\prime \prime }$ in the near-wall predominant structures of streamwise low-speed streaks that are associated with the ejection (where $u^{\prime \prime }<0$ and $v^{\prime \prime }>0$), while reducing the velocity fluctuations in the high-speed streaks associated with the sweep ($u^{\prime \prime }>0$ and $v^{\prime \prime }<0$). Although the near-wall low-speed and high-speed streak structures dominate the Reynolds-shear-stress generation, the energized Favre-averaged velocity fluctuations in the low-speed streaks enhance both the mean-density- and density-fluctuation-related Reynolds shear stresses ($-\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}\overline{u^{\prime \prime }v^{\prime \prime }}$ and $-\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}^{\prime }u^{\prime \prime }v^{\prime \prime }}$) in the ejection event and, as a result, alter the Reynolds-shear-stress profile. The large density fluctuations also alter the near-wall viscous-stress profile and induce a near-wall convective flux $-\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}\widetilde{u}\widetilde{v}$ (due to non-zero $\widetilde{v}$). The changes in the contributions in the stress-balance equation result in a failure of existing velocity transformations to collapse to the universal law of the wall. The large density fluctuations also greatly contribute to the turbulent kinetic energy budget, and especially the mass flux contribution term becomes noticeable as one of the main positive terms. The unheated non-transcritical turbulent boundary layers show a negligible contribution of the real-fluid effects, and the turbulence statistics agree well with the statistics of an incompressible constant-property turbulent boundary layer with a perfect-gas law.
The Future is a Moving Target: Predicting Political Instability
Authors: Bowlsby Drew , Chenoweth Erica , Hendrix Cullen , Moyer Jonathan D.
Published: February 2019

Previous research by Goldstone et al. (2010) generated a highly accurate predictive model of state-level political instability. Notably, this model identifies political institutions – and partial democracy with factionalism, specifically – as the most compelling factors explaining when and where instability events are likely to occur. This article reassesses the model’s explanatory power and makes three related points: (1) the model’s predictive power varies substantially over time; (2) its predictive power peaked in the period used for out-of-sample validation (1995–2004) in the original study and (3) the model performs relatively poorly in the more recent period. The authors find that this decline is not simply due to the Arab Uprisings, instability events that occurred in autocracies. Similar issues are found with attempts to predict nonviolent uprisings (Chenoweth and Ulfelder 2017) and armed conflict onset and continuation (Hegre et al. 2013). These results inform two conclusions: (1) the drivers of instability are not constant over time and (2) care must be exercised in interpreting prediction exercises as evidence in favor or dispositive of theoretical mechanisms.
Mechanical Reproduction: The Photograph and the Child inThe Crisisand theBrownies’ Book
Authors: TAYLOR JULIE
Published: February 2019

This article considers the photographic portraits of children reprinted inThe Crisis’s “Children's Numbers” and theBrownies’ Book. While the magazines use these images to further their uplift agenda, they also present a sophisticated commentary on the photographic form. The publications present an understanding of the camera as an instrument for interpreting and shaping reality rather than as a truth-telling device. By suggesting parallels between the photographic image and the idea of the child, and exposing the conventions and distortions that produce both, the magazines challenge claims of authenticity and transparency which had helped to naturalize the oppression of black people.
Four new epiphytic species in theMicarea prasinagroup from Europe
Authors: LAUNIS Annina , PYKÄLÄ Juha , VAN DEN BOOM Pieter , SÉRUSIAUX Emmanuël , MYLLYS Leena
Published: February 2019

In this study we clarify the phylogeny and reassess the current taxonomy of theMicarea prasinagroup, focusing especially on theM. byssaceaandM. micrococcacomplexes. The phylogeny was investigated using ITS, mtSSU andMcm7regions from 25 taxa belonging to theM. prasinagroup. A total of 107 new sequences were generated. Data were analyzed using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The results reveal five undescribed well-supported lineages. Four of the lineages represent new species described asMicarea pseudomicrococcaLaunis & Myllys sp. nov.,M. czarnotaeLaunis, van den Boom, Sérusiaux & Myllys sp. nov.,M. microareolataLaunis, Pykälä & Myllys sp. nov. andM. laetaLaunis & Myllys sp. nov. In addition, a fifth lineage was revealed that requires further study.Micarea pseudomicrococcais characterized by an olive green granular thallus, small cream-white or brownish apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and two types of paraphyses up to 2 µm wide.Micarea czarnotaeforms a granular, densely granular or continuous olive green thallus, convex to hemispherical apothecia often with the Sedifolia-grey pigment and no crystalline granules in the thallus.Micarea microareolatais characterized by a ± pale green areolate thallus (composed of goniocysts), cream-white apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and narrow spores.Micarea laetahas a vivid to olive green granular thallus, pale apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and wider spores compared toM. microareolata. Descriptions, images and a key are provided for the new species. Crystalline granules are introduced as a novel species-level character forMicarea.
How to evaluate the performance of gradual type systems
Authors: GREENMAN BEN , TAKIKAWA ASUMU , NEW MAX S. , FELTEY DANIEL , FINDLER ROBERT BRUCE , VITEK JAN , FELLEISEN MATTHIAS
Published: February 2019

A sound gradual type system ensures that untyped components of a program can never break the guarantees of statically typed components. This assurance relies on runtime checks, which in turn impose performance overhead in proportion to the frequency and nature of interaction between typed and untyped components. The literature on gradual typing lacks rigorous descriptions of methods for measuring the performance of gradual type systems. This gap has consequences for the implementors of gradual type systems and developers who use such systems. Without systematic evaluation of mixed-typed programs, implementors cannot precisely determine how improvements to a gradual type system affect performance. Developers cannot predict whether adding types to part of a program will significantly degrade (or improve) its performance. This paper presents the first method for evaluating the performance of sound gradual type systems. The method quantifies both the absolute performance of a gradual type system and the relative performance of two implementations of the same gradual type system. To validate the method, the paper reports on its application to 20 programs and 3 implementations of Typed Racket.
Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine in vitamin B12 deficient adolescents
Authors: Dündar Mehmet Akif , Torun Yasemin Altuner , Çelik Serkan Fazlı , Tartıcı Emine Kaygı , Karakükçü Çiğdem
Published: February 2019

Objective

Vitamin B12 deficiency induces hyper-hyperhomocysteinemia by inhibiting intracellular methionine re-methylation. Hyper-hyperhomocysteinemia increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and its level elevates in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine and arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis in adolescents with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methods

A total of 88 adolescents with age ranging between 11 and 17 years of age were enrolled for this study. Among them, 50 patients had vitamin B12 deficiency <130 pg/ml and 38 healthy controls had B12 >200 pg/ml. In all cases, the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine were measured with high performance liquid chromatography method. The carotid artery intima media thickness and left ventricular mass index were measured using echocardiography. All these measurements of the study groups were compared.

Results

Both plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and carotid artery intima media thickness were significantly higher in the vitamin B12 deficiency group than in the control group. Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation of vitamin B12 with homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and carotid artery intima media thickness (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction starts in the early stage of adolescent vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitamin B12-deficient adolescents have increased circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine, showing that endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid artery intima media thickness be related to atherosclerosis.
Healthy and sustainable diets that meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and are affordable for different income groups in the UK
Authors: Reynolds Christian J , Horgan Graham W , Whybrow Stephen , Macdiarmid Jennie I
Published: February 2019

Objective

To model dietary changes required to shift the UK population to diets that meet dietary recommendations for health, have lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and are affordable for different income groups.

Design

Linear programming was used to create diets that meet dietary requirements for health and reduced GHGE (57 and 80 % targets) by income quintile, taking account of food budgets and foods currently purchased, thereby keeping dietary change to a minimum.

Setting/Participants

Nutrient composition, GHGE and price data were mapped to 101 food groups in household food purchase data (UK Living Cost and Food Survey (2013), 5144 households).

Results

Current diets of all income quintiles had similar total GHGE, but the source of GHGE differed by types of meat and amount of fruit and vegetables. It was possible to create diets with a 57 % reduction in GHGE that met dietary and cost restraints in all income groups. In the optimised diets, the food sources of GHGE differed by income group due to the cost and keeping the level of deviation from current diets to a minimum. Broadly, the changes needed were similar across all groups; reducing animal-based products and increasing plant-based foods but varied by specific foods.

Conclusions

Healthy and lower-GHGE diets could be created in all income quintiles but tailoring changes to income groups to minimise deviation may make dietary changes more achievable. Specific attention must be given to make interventions and policies appropriate for all income groups.
Estimation of Fracture Compliance From Attenuation and Velocity Analysis of Full‐Waveform Sonic Log Data
Authors: Barbosa Nicolás D. , Caspari Eva , Rubino J. Germán , Greenwood Andrew , Baron Ludovic , Holliger Klaus
Published: February 2019

In fractured rocks, the amplitudes of propagating seismic waves decay due to various mechanisms, such as geometrical spreading, solid friction, displacement of pore fluid relative to the solid frame, and transmission losses due to energy conversion to reflected and transmitted waves at the fracture interfaces. In this work, we characterize the mechanical properties of individual fractures from P wave velocity changes and transmission losses inferred from static full‐waveform sonic log data. The methodology is validated using synthetic full‐waveform sonic logs and applied to data acquired in a borehole penetrating multiple fractures embedded in a granodioritic rock. To extract the transmission losses from attenuation estimates, we remove the contributions associated with other loss mechanisms. The geometrical spreading correction is inferred from a joint analysis of numerical simulations that emulate the borehole environment and the redundancy of attenuation contributions other than geometrical spreading in multiple acquisitions with different source‐receiver spacing configurations. The intrinsic background attenuation is estimated from measurements acquired in the intact zones. In the fractured zones, the variations with respect to the background attenuation are attributed to transmission losses. Once we have estimated the transmission losses associated with a given fracture, we compute the transmission coefficient, which, on the basis of the linear slip theory, can then be related to the mechanical normal compliance of the fracture. Our results indicate that the estimated mechanical normal compliance ranges from 1 × 10−13 to 1 × 10−12 m/Pa, which, for the size of the considered fractures, is consistent with the experimental evidence available.
Global Impacts of ENSO Reach into the Stratosphere
Authors: Domeisen Daniela , Garfinkel Chaim , Butler Amy
Published: February 2019

El Ni�o events have significant global impacts on weather and climate, but these reach up into the stratosphere, beyond the troposphere where most of Earth’s weather takes place.