bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel and reusable magnetic nanocatalyst developed based on graphene oxide incorporated strontium nanoparticles for the facial synthesis of β‐enamino ketones under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Rasul , Sereshti Hassan , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: October 2018

A novel magnetic SrFeGO nanocatalyst (NC) was synthesized through a simple sol–gel technique by introducing strontium and iron oxide nanoparticles onto graphene. The synthesized NC was characterized using FT‐IR and FE‐SEM. Subsequently, the catalytic activity of SrFeGO was tested in a reaction between β‐dicarbonyl compounds and aniline derivatives to gain β‐enamino ketone derivatives under solvent‐free conditions. It was found that SrFeGO NC is a potential catalyst for the synthesis of β‐enamino ketones. The β‐enamino ketone produced by such reactions could be isolated in high purity without the need for chromatographic purifications. The newly prepared magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite could be recovered and reused for numerous times with no significant decrease in efficiency. Moreover, the protocol has the advantages of excellent yielding (up to 98%) in short a reaction time, benefitting an easy workup procedure and being environmentally friendly.
The impact of the economic crisis on micro, small, and medium enterprises and their crisis mitigation measures in Southeast Asia with reference to Indonesia
Authors: Tambunan Tulus T. H.
Published: October 2018

The literature on the impact of the economic crisis on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and how they deal with it is still limited. Focusing on the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2008–2009 global financial crisis, this study aims to fill this gap. There are two key questions: how these two economic crises have affected MSMEs and what were then their crisis mitigation (CM) measures. To answer these questions, this study reviews experiences in several countries in Southeast Asia with the impacts of these two crises on MSMEs and their responses to the crises. It shows that the impact of the 1997/1998 crisis on MSMEs is different from the 2008/2009 crisis. Findings from a survey of MSMEs affected by the 2008–2009 crisis indicate that finding new customers or markets in other countries unaffected by the crisis or switching to the domestic market was the most widely adopted CM measure. For other respondents who made adjustments to their workforce, the most important form was to reduce working day.
Whole synthetic pathway engineering of recombinant protein production
Authors: Brown Adam J. , Gibson Suzanne J. , Hatton Diane , Arnall Claire L. , James David C.
Published: October 2018

The output from protein biomanufacturing systems is a function of total host cell biomass synthetic capacity and recombinant protein production per unit cell biomass. In this study, we describe how these two properties can be simultaneously optimized via design of a product‐specific combination of synthetic DNA parts to maximize flux through the protein synthetic pathway and the use of a host cell chassis with an increased capability to synthesize both cell and product biomass. Using secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) production in Chinese hamster ovary cells as our example, we demonstrate how an optimal composition of input components can be assembled from a minimal toolbox containing rationally designed promoters, untranslated regions, signal peptides, product coding sequences, cell chassis, and genetic effectors. Product titer was increased 10‐fold, compared with a standard reference system by (a) identifying genetic components that acted in concert to maximize the rates of SEAP transcription, translation, and translocation, (b) selection of a cell chassis with increased biomass synthetic capacity, and (c) engineering the host cell factory’s capacity for protein folding and secretion. This whole synthetic pathway engineering process to design optimal expression cassette–chassis combinations should be applicable to diverse recombinant protein and host cell‐type contexts.
Immobilization on octyl‐agarose beads and some catalytic features of commercial preparations of lipase a from Candida antarctica (Novocor ADL): Comparison with immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica
Authors: Arana‐Peña Sara , Lokha Yuliya , Fernández‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: October 2018

Lipase A from Candida antarctica (CALA, commercialized as Novocor ADL) was immobilized on octyl‐agarose, which is a very useful support for lipase immobilization, and coated with polyethylenimine to improve the stability. The performance was compared to that of the form B of the enzyme (CALB) immobilized on the same support, as both enzymes are among the most popular ones used in biocatalysis. CALA immobilization produced a significant increase in enzyme activity vs. p‐nitrophenyl butyrate (pNPB) (by a factor of seven), and the coating with PEI did not have a significant effect on enzyme activity. CALB reduced its activity slightly after enzyme immobilization. Octyl‐CALA was less stable than octyl‐CALB at pH 9 and more stable at pH 5 and, more clearly, at pH 7. PEI coating only increased octyl‐CALA stability at pH 9. In organic solvents, CALB had much better stability in methanol and was similarly stable in acetonitrile or dioxane. In these systems, the PEI coating of octyl‐CALA permitted some stabilization. While octyl‐CALA was more active vs. pNPB, octyl‐CALB was much more active vs. mandelic esters or triacetin. Thus, depending on the specific reaction and the conditions, CALA or CALB may offer different advantages and drawbacks. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2735, 2019
Patterns of Distribution of the Nerves Around the Axillary Artery Evaluated by Ultrasound and Assessed by Nerve Stimulation During Axillary Block
Authors: Gili Sara , Abreo Angelica , GóMez‐Fernández Miguel , Solà Roma , Morros Carlos , Sala‐Blanch Xavier
Published: October 2018

Our objective was to define the positions of the nerves around the brachial artery and, secondarily, to assess the risk of intraneural injection during dual guided axillary block. Sixty ultrasound‐guided axillary blocks were performed. The locations of the musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, and radial nerves relative to the brachial artery were determined. The position of the ulnar nerve was defined in relation to that of the brachial vein, and the position of the musculocutaneous nerve in relation to the coracobrachialis muscle. The locations were confirmed by neurostimulation and injection of local anesthetic was avoided when the current intensities were below 0.3 mA. The incidences of intraneural injection and postblock neurological injury were recorded. The median nerve was located in the upper external quadrant in 89% of cases and the ulnar nerve in the upper internal quadrant (95%), superficial (19%), or deep (81%) to the brachial vein. The radial nerve was located in the lower internal quadrant in 97% of cases, and the musculocutaneous nerve in the lower external quadrant in 85%. Its disposition differed depending on its proximity to the artery (106 ± 26°) or whether it was inside the coracobrachialis muscle (119 ± 15°; P = 0.023). Three intraneural injections were observed (0.5%, one in the median and two in the radial nerves) and no patient had postblock neuropathy. Our study evidences slight anatomical variability among the neural structures in the axillary region and confirms the safety of the axillary technique with double monitoring, using ultrasound to monitor the approach of the needle to the nerve and nerve stimulation at currents > 0.3 mA to reduce the incidence of intraneural injection. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 2018.
Salophen Copper(II) Complex‐Assisted Click Reactions for Fast Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazoles Based on Naphthalene‐1,4‐dione Scaffold, Antibacterial Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Abbaspour Sima , Keivanloo Ali , Bakherad Mohammad , Sepehri Saghi
Published: October 2018

The salophen copper(II) complex was successfully used for the efficient synthesis of new 1,2,3‐triazoles based on the naphthalene‐1,4‐dione scaffold. The reaction of 2‐chloro‐3‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)naphthalene‐1,4‐dione or 2,3‐bis(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)naphthalene‐1,4‐dione with aromatic azides in the presence of a low copper catalyst (loading 1 mol‐%) afforded 2‐chloro‐3‐[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]naphthalene‐1,4‐dione or 2,3‐bis[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]naphthalene‐1,4‐dione, respectively. The advantages of these reactions are short reaction times, high‐to‐excellent reaction yields, operational simplicity, and mild experimental conditions. The new 1,2,3‐triazoles obtained were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activities and were subjected to molecular docking studies.
Why does FFR‐guided PCI improve clinical outcomes? The missing link of post‐PCI ischemia reduction
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Kern Morton J.
Published: October 2018

Key Points

This study demonstrates that FFR‐guided PCI reduces noninvasively assessed ischemia more effectively than angiography‐guided PCI.

Improved ischemia resolution was associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Superior ischemia resolution is likely the dominant mechanism of improved outcomes with FFR in clinical outcome trials, as opposed to avoidance of inappropriate stenting and its associated adverse events.
Aortic dissection: Is the false lumen really important?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: October 2018

Key Points

Aortic dissection is associated with a high mortality rate and has been increasingly treated with endovascular therapy.

False lumen (FL) patency has been shown to be associated with worse outcomes.

FL interventions that incorporate the FLIRT (FL intervention to promote remodeling and thrombosis) concept have been associated with improved aortic remodeling that may confer favorable long‐term outcomes.
Volume brings value
Authors: Gogas Bill D. , Chen Shao‐Liang
Published: October 2018

Key Points

What the article teaches

The article highlights the competency of high volume operators across institutions that despite moving to lower volume centers retain their good clinical outcomes.

How it will impact practice

Although current U.S. based guidelines suggest a volume of at least 50 PCIs annually for operators to retain clinical competency this estimate may be a poor index to guarantee optimal clinical outcomes.

What new research/study would help answer the question

New studies using a comprehensive definition to define an experienced operator from the Asia‐Pacific—a geographic area that has pioneered in complex coronary interventions—need to elute on the threshold of adequate clinical competency stratified according to clinical complexity.
Clinical impact of baseline chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Pineda Andres M. , Kevin Harrison J. , Kleiman Neal S. , Reardon Michael J. , Conte John V. , O'Hair Daniel P. , Chetcuti Stanley J. , Huang Jian , Yakubov Steven J. , Popma Jeffrey J. , Beohar Nirat
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To assess the treatment effect of TAVR versus SAVR on clinical outcomes to 3 years in patients stratified by chronic kidney disease (CKD) by retrospectively studying patients randomized to TAVR or SAVR.

Background

The impact of CKD on mid‐term outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR versus SAVR is unclear.

Methods

Patients randomized to TAVR or SAVR in the CoreValve US Pivotal High Risk Trial were retrospectively stratified by eGFR: none/mild or moderate/severe CKD. To evaluate the impact of baseline CKD in TAVR patients only, all patients undergoing an attempted TAVR implant in the US Pivotal Trial and CAS were stratified by baseline eGFR into none/mild, moderate, and severe CKD. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and renal events (MACRE), a composite of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke/TIA, and new requirement of dialysis.

Results

Moderate/severe CKD was present in 62.7% and 60.7% of high‐risk patients randomized to TAVR or SAVR, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between TAVR and SAVR patients in both CKD subgroups, except for higher rates of diabetes and higher serum creatinine in SAVR patients. Among high‐risk patients with moderate/severe CKD, TAVR provided a lower 3‐year MACRE rate compared with SAVR: 42.1% vs. 51.0, P = .04. Of 3,733 extreme‐ and high‐risk TAVR patients, 39.9% had none/mild, 53.8% moderate, and 6.4% severe CKD. Worsening baseline CKD was associated with increased 3‐year MACRE rates [none/mild 51.5%, moderate 54.5%, severe 63.1%, P = .001].

Conclusions

TAVR results in lower 3‐year MACRE versus SAVR in high‐risk patients with moderate/severe CKD. In patients undergoing TAVR, worsening CKD increases mid‐term mortality and MACRE. Randomized trials of TAVR vs. SAVR in patients with moderate‐severe CKD would help elucidate the best treatment for these complex patients.

Trial Registration

CoreValve US Pivotal Trial: NCT01240902.

CoreValve Continued Access Study: NCT01531374.
Thermodynamic Limitations of the Catalyst Design Space for Methanol Production from Methane
Authors: Jocz Jennifer N. , Medford Andrew J. , Sievers Carsten
Published: October 2018

Current efforts to overcome the challenges of direct methane to methanol processes have focused on designing heterogeneous catalysts that perform methane partial oxidation using cheap and abundant oxidants such as molecular oxygen and water. An evaluation of the thermodynamic limitations of methanol production with the use of these oxidants is required to understand the maximum possible conversion and selectivity for a given feed composition and temperature. When O2 is present, the formation of the most thermodynamically stable product, carbon dioxide, must be inhibited. At practical temperatures for moderate scale processes, water as the sole oxidant results in extremely low steady‐state methane conversion, but higher yields can be achieved with coupled surface reactions. This work evaluates these thermodynamic challenges and opportunities for catalysts that can selectively oxidize methane to methanol with oxygen and water and discusses routes for achieving high methanol yields.
Iron‐Doped Nickel Molybdate with Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Kinetics
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Zhao Guoqiang , Chen Yaping , Rui Kun , Mao Hui , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: October 2018

Electrochemical water splitting is one of the potential approaches for making renewable energy production and storage viable. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as a sluggish four‐electron electrochemical reaction, has to overcome high overpotential to accomplish overall water splitting. Therefore, developing low‐cost and highly active OER catalysts is the key for achieving efficient and economical water electrolysis. In this work, Fe‐doped NiMoO4 was synthesized and evaluated as the OER catalyst in alkaline medium. Fe3+ doping helps to regulate the electronic structure of Ni centers in NiMoO4, which consequently promotes the catalytic activity of NiMoO4. The overpotential to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is 299 mV in 1 m KOH for the optimal Ni0.9Fe0.1MoO4, which is 65 mV lower than that for NiMoO4. Further, the catalyst also shows exceptional performance stability during a 2 h chronopotentiometry testing. Moreover, the real catalytically active center of Ni0.9Fe0.1MoO4 is also unraveled based on the ex situ characterizations. These results provide new alternatives for precious‐metal‐free catalysts for alkaline OER and also expand the Fe‐doping‐induced synergistic effect towards performance enhancement to new catalyst systems.
Enantioselective [2+2] Photocycloaddition Reactions of Enones and Olefins with Visible Light Mediated by N,N′‐Dioxide–Metal Complexes
Authors: Yu Han , Dong Shunxi , Yao Qian , Chen Long , Zhang Dong , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

A 2‐alkenoylpyridine‐bound N,N′‐dioxide–TbIII complex has been found to absorb visible light to reach the excited state, leading to the direct visible‐light‐excited catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of 2‐alkenoylpyridines to various alkenes in the absence of an additional photosensitizer. Diverse enantioenriched cyclobutanes were successfully obtained (yields up to 70 %, >19:1 d.r., 92 % ee). The new chiral terbium(III) complex features a bathochromic shift, lower excitation energy, and facile intersystem crossing due to paramagnetic and heavy‐atom effects, which enable the antenna 2‐alkenoylpyridines to be excited. For comparison, a chiral N,N′‐dioxide–ScIII complex in combination with [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 was efficient in the enantioselective photocycloaddition reactions of 2′‐hydroxychalcones with alkenes, thereby revealing that both substrates and metal salts have significant effects on the reaction.
Hydrocracking of Fischer‐Tropsch wax and its mixtures with heavy vacuum gas oil
Authors: Xing Tingyong , De Crisci Antonio G. , Chen Jinwen
Published: October 2018

In this study, Fischer‐Tropsch (F‐T) wax and bitumen‐derived hydrotreated heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) blends were co‐hydrocracked over a commercial catalyst in an autoclave reactor at a temperature of 360 °C and an initial hydrogen pressure of 4.2 MPa. 100 % F‐T wax and 100 % HVGO were hydrocracked under similar operating conditions as the reference feedstocks. The results revealed that the conversion of 360 °C+ materials decreased from 0.79 g/g (79 mass%) to 0.71 g/g (71 mass%) when the F‐T wax/HVGO blending ratio increased from 0/100 to 25/75 (g/g), then increased dramatically from 0.71 g/g (71 mass%) to almost 1 g/g (100 mass%) when the F‐T wax/HVGO blending ratio continued to increase to 100/0 (g/g). As the F‐T wax/HVGO blending ratio in the feed increased, the contents of cycloparaffins and aromatics decreased, whereas those of iso‐paraffins and n‐paraffins in the products increased. The research octane number and the motor octane number of the naphtha fraction also increased from 76 to 95 and from 76 to 82 when the F‐T wax/HVGO blending ratio increased from 0/100 to 100/0 (g/g), respectively. The product obtained from pure F‐T wax, which contained 0.8 g/g (80 mass%) of C5–C11 iso‐paraffins, was tested for diluent compatibility with Athabasca bitumen. The P‐value at 0.3 L/L (30 vol%) dilution was 2.11, close to that of 2.17 for natural gas condensate. Meanwhile, both the API gravity and viscosity met pipeline specifications, which indicates that the product hydrocracked from F‐T wax is a suitable diluent for bitumen.
Septin‐associated proteins Aim44 and Nis1 traffic between the bud neck and the nucleus in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Perez Adam M. , Thorner Jeremy
Published: October 2018

In budding yeast, a collar of septin filaments at the neck between a mother cell and its bud marks the incipient site for cell division and serves as a scaffold that recruits proteins required for proper spatial and temporal execution of cytokinesis. A set of interacting proteins that localize at or near the bud neck, including Aim44/Gps1, Nba1 and Nis1, also has been implicated in preventing Cdc42‐dependent bud site re‐establishment at the division site. We found that, at their endogenous level, Aim44 and Nis1 robustly localize sequentially at the septin collar. Strikingly, however, when overproduced, both proteins shift their subcellular distribution predominantly to the nucleus. Aim44 localizes with the inner nuclear envelope, as well as at the plasma membrane, whereas Nis1 accumulates within the nucleus, indicating that these proteins normally undergo nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Of the 14 yeast karyopherins, Kap123/Yrb4 is the primary importin for Aim44, whereas several importins mediate Nis1 nuclear entry. Conversely, Kap124/Xpo1/Crm1 is the primary exportin for Nis1, whereas both Xpo1 and Cse1/Kap109 likely contribute to Aim44 nuclear export. Even when endogenously expressed, Nis1 accumulates in the nucleus when Nba1 is absent. When either Aim44 or Nis1 are overexpressed, Nba1 is displaced from the bud neck, further consistent with the mutual interactions of these proteins. Collectively, our results indicate that a previously unappreciated level at which localization of septin‐associated proteins is controlled is via regulation of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, which places constraints on their availability for complex formation with other partners at the bud neck.
On the humane side of medicine
Authors: Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: October 2018

Young physicians should slow down, enjoy the journey of discovery and wisdom that comprises a life in medicine, and never forget that the physician‐patient bond is a 2‐way street. The patients we care for give us their trust, and whether they are great or humble, their lives and their stories matter.
Cisplatin versus cetuximab with definitive concurrent radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of Veterans Health Affairs data
Authors: Bauml Joshua M. , Vinnakota Ravi , Anna Park Yeun‐Hee , Bates Susan E. , Fojo Tito , Aggarwal Charu , Di Stefano Jessica , Knepley Christina , Limaye Sewanti , Mamtani Ronac , Wisnivesky Juan , Damjanov Nevena , Langer Corey J. , Cohen Roger B. , Sigel Keith
Published: October 2018

Background

The addition of cisplatin or cetuximab to radiation therapy (RT) improves outcomes in comparison with RT alone in the nonoperative management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but limited data exist for comparing these approaches. Using Veterans Health Affairs data, this study compared the outcomes of patients treated with RT plus cisplatin or cetuximab.

Methods

Patients with stage III to IVb HNSCC who had been treated nonsurgically with RT and cisplatin or cetuximab from 2000 to 2016 within the Veterans Health Affairs system were identified. Patients were analyzed by the drug used in the first treatment cycle (intent to treat). Overall survival (OS) was compared by treatment group with Cox regression models, and propensity score (PS) methods were used to account for a treatment allocation bias. The risk of toxicities was determined, with logistic regression models fit into propensity‐matched cohorts.

Results

A total of 4520 patients were included in the analysis with a median follow‐up of 3 years: 83% received cisplatin. Cisplatin patients were younger (P < .001) and had fewer comorbidities (P < .001). In an unmatched analysis, cetuximab was associated with inferior OS (P < .001). After PS matching, cetuximab treatment remained statistically significantly associated with inferior OS (1.7 vs 4.1 years; hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.44‐1.79; P < .001). These differences remained significant across all primary HNSCC subsites and in comparison with low‐ and high‐dose cisplatin.

Conclusions

Cetuximab with RT yields inferior OS in comparison with cisplatin for the nonoperative management of stage III to IVb HNSCC. According to this study, cisplatin may be the most appropriate partner for RT in this setting.
Finding influential users of web event in social media
Authors: Ma Qichen , Luo Xiangfeng , Zhuge Hai
Published: October 2018

Users of social media have different influences on the evolution of a Web event. Finding influential users could benefit such information services as recommendation and market analysis. However, most of the existing methods are only based on social networks of users or user behaviors while the role of the contents contributed by users in social media is ignored. In fact, a Web event evolves with both user behaviors and the contents. This paper proposes an approach to find influential users by extracting user behavior network and association network of words within the contents and then uses PageRank algorithm and HITS algorithm to calculate the influence of users on the integration of two networks. The proposed approach is effective on several real‐world datasets.
Claims Data Studies of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Can Achieve Balance in Important Clinical Parameters Only Observable in Electronic Health Records
Authors: Huybrechts Krista F. , Gopalakrishnan Chandrasekar , Franklin Jessica M. , Zint Kristina , Franca Lionel Riou , Bartels Dorothee B. , Landon Joan , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Claims databases provide information on the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as used in routine care but may not contain important data on clinical characteristics, which may be captured in electronic health records (EHRs). Within a US claims database, we identified patients initiating a DOAC or warfarin between October 2010 and December 2014. Propensity score (PS) matching, 1:1, was used to balance 78 claims‐defined baseline characteristics. We evaluated whether balance was achieved in patient characteristics immeasurable in the claims data study by evaluating the balance in clinical information (using absolute standardized differences (aSDs)) from linked EHR data. From a claims data cohort study of 140,187 patients, 5,935 (4.2%) were linked to EHR data. After PS matching, almost all EHR‐defined patient characteristics were well balanced (aSD < 0.1). A new user active comparator design with 1:1 PS matching on many patient characteristics improved balance on clinical risk factors observed in EHRs but not in claims data.
Impact of Brexit on UK and EU Drug Regulation and Patient Access
Authors: Breckenridge Alasdair , Feldschreiber Peter
Published: October 2018

The chronology of the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union (EU) is presented together with its implications for medicines regulation, including the move of the European Medicines Agency from London (UK) to Amsterdam (the Netherlands). The legal and political options for the UK and the EU are discussed, which at the time of writing (October 2018) are both uncertain. Of importance is the response of the pharmaceutical industry and the possible consequences for UK patients, including delays in access to innovative medicines and an increase in drug costs. Although there may be some possible advantages for UK medicines regulation, these will depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
User scheduling and power allocation for nonfull buffer traffic in NOMA downlink systems
Authors: Gemici Ömer Faruk , Kara Fatih , Hökelek İbrahim , Çırpan Hakan Ali
Published: October 2018

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is one of the key technologies for 5G, where the system capacity can be increased by allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple users at the same radio resource. The most of the proportional fairness (PF)–based resource allocation studies for NOMA systems assumes full buffer traffic model, while the traffic in real‐life scenarios is generally nonfull buffer. In this paper, we propose User Demand–Based Proportional Fairness (UDB‐PF) and Proportional User Satisfaction Fairness (PUSF) algorithms for user scheduling and power allocation in NOMA downlink systems when traffic demands of the users are limited and time‐varying. UDB‐PF extends the PF‐based scheduling by allocating optimum power levels towards satisfying the traffic demand constraints of user pair in each resource block. The objective of PUSF is to maximize the network‐wide user satisfaction by allocating sufficient frequency and power resources according to traffic demands of the users. In both cases, user groups are selected first to simultaneously transmit their signals at the same frequency resource, while the optimal transmission power level is assigned to each user to optimize the underlying objective function. In addition, the genetic algorithm (GA) approach is employed for user group selection to reduce the computational complexity. When the user traffic rate requirements change rapidly over time, UDB‐PF yields better sum rate (throughput) while PUSF provides better network‐wide user satisfaction results compared with the PF‐based user scheduling. We also observed that the GA‐based user group selection significantly reduced the computational load while achieving the comparable results of the exhaustive search.
Stability of mephedrone and five of its phase I metabolites in human whole blood
Authors: Czerwinska Joanna , Parkin Mark C. , Dargan Paul I. , George Claire , Kicman Andrew T. , Abbate Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

Mephedrone is a new psychoactive substance known to be unstable in biological matrices stored at room temperature or refrigerated. While the instability of mephedrone has been investigated before, there is currently no data regarding the stability of mephedrone metabolites. In this study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of mephedrone and five of its phase I metabolites (dihydro‐mephedrone, nor‐mephedrone, hydroxytolyl‐mephedrone, 4‐carboxy‐mephedrone and dihydro‐nor‐mephedrone) in human whole blood has been developed and validated. Samples were extracted by a mixed mode solid‐phase extraction and analyzed on a pentafluorophenylpropyl column. The method was successfully validated for selectivity, linearity (0.2–2 to 10–100 ng/mL), limits of detection (50–500 pg/mL) and quantification (200–2000 pg/mL), precision (0.924–8.27%), accuracy (86.6–115%), carryover, recovery (32.5–88.3%), and matrix effects (71.0–108%). Analyte stability in human whole blood preserved with sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate was assessed at +4°C and −20°C after 24 hours, 48 hours, 4 days, and 10 days of storage. Instability was observed in samples stored at +4°C: nor‐mephedrone and 4‐carboxy‐mephedrone lost 40.2 ± 6.7% and 48.1 ± 4.8%, respectively, of their initial concentration at low concentration level and 33.8 ± 4.2% and 44.6 ± 6.5%, respectively, at high concentration level after 10 days. All analytes were more stable at −20°C where the highest loss of 22.6 ± 6.9% was observed for 4‐carboxy‐mephedrone after 10 days. This is the first time stability of mephedrone metabolites in human whole blood has been assessed, indicating −20°C to be the recommended storage condition for all analytes in clinical settings.
Short‐distance barriers affect genetic variability of Rhizophora mangle L. in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Cisneros‐de la Cruz Diana J. , Martínez‐Castillo Jaime , Herrera‐Silveira Jorge , Yáñez‐Espinosa Laura , Ortiz‐García Matilde , Us‐Santamaria Roberth , Andrade José L.
Published: October 2018

The environmental variability at local scale results in different physiognomic types of mangrove forest. However, this variability has never been considered in studies of mangrove genetic variability. This study analyzed the genetic and morphological variability and structure of Rhizophora mangle at regional and local scales in the Yucatan Peninsula. Thirteen mangrove populations (eight scrub and five tall), located in seven sites, were sampled, and their morphological variability and relationship with the availability of phosphorus and salinity were analyzed. The diversity and genetic structure were estimated at different hierarchical levels with nine microsatellites, also Bayesian inference and Principal Coordinates Analysis were used. We found a great morphological variability of R. mangle that responded to local environmental variability and not to the precipitation gradient of the peninsula. The genetic diversity found in the peninsula was greater than that reported for other populations in Mexico and was grouped into two regions: the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. At a local scale, tall and scrub mangroves had significant genetic differentiation suggesting that ecological barriers promote genetic differentiation within sites. These results need to be considered in future population genetic studies and for mangrove management and conservation.
Double Perovskite K3InF6 as an Upconversion Phosphor and Its Structural Transformation Through Rubidium Substitution
Authors: Saroj Sanjay Kumar , Rawat Pooja , Gupta Mohini , Vijaya Prakash G. , Nagarajan Rajamani
Published: October 2018

Luminescent properties including energy upconversion on rare‐earth doped cryolite (double perovskite) structured K3InF6 have been investigated by synthesizing samples (both pure and Eu3+, Tb3+, Er3+ doped and Yb3+/Er3+ co‐doped samples) solvothermally. Cryolite structure of K3InF6 was evident in its powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern which could be refined successfully in Fd3 space group with a lattice constant of a = 17.718(3) Å. Three bands centred at 227, 311 and 496 cm–1 were present for K3InF6 in its Raman spectrum at room temperature confirming cryolite structure and phonon energy of it was estimated to be 367 cm–1 by Lorentz fitting procedure. Emissions in red and green regions were observed for Eu3+ and Tb3+ doped K3InF6 samples, respectively. The local site symmetry and nature of bonding in Eu3+ doped samples were analyzed by Judd–Ofelt (J–O) parameters. For Er3+ and Er3+–Yb3+ doped samples, upconversion emission with the laser of λ = 980 nm was carried out in addition to normal excitation and emission spectral measurements. Intra configurational f–f transitions of Er3+ ions were noticed both in normal and upconverted spectra. Emission in red region over the green dominated both in the normal and in upconverted emission spectra. These were reasoned to arise from cross relaxation (CR) energy transfer process between two nearby Er3+‐ions. Structural transformation of cryolite K3InF6 to elpasolite has also been examined by substituting K+ with Rb+.
Water‐Compatible Synthesis of 2‐Trifluoromethyl‐1,3‐Dioxanes
Authors: Becerra‐Figueroa Liliana , Tiniakos Alexander F. , Prunet Joëlle , Gamba‐Sánchez Diego
Published: October 2018

A water‐compatible method for the diastereoselective synthesis of 2‐trifluormethyl‐1,3‐dioxanes is described. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions using simple inorganic bases; it has a very good substrate scope and can be performed with different Michael acceptors. Additionally, the reaction products can be further functionalized, showing an excellent perspective for future applications.
The influence of perceived warmth and competence on realistic threat and willingness for intergroup contact
Authors: Awale Arya , Chan Christian S. , Ho Gerry T. S.
Published: October 2018

Unwillingness for contact with outgroup members is a form of prejudice. In two studies, we tested the proposition that perceived competence has an indirect effect on willingness for intergroup contact through its effect on realistic threat, and that perceived warmth moderates this relationship. In Study 1, Hong Kong students (N = 144) rated the perceived warmth and competence of an outgroup, Mainland Chinese students, as well as the extent to which they perceived the group as presenting a realistic threat, and willingness for contact with them. In Study 2 (N = 205), we attempted to manipulate the warmth (high vs. low) and competence (high vs. low) of an unfamiliar outgroup, and tested the effects on realistic threat and willingness for intergroup contact. In both studies, we found an interaction effect between warmth and competence in the prediction of realistic threat. When the outgroup was perceived as warm, competence was found to have a negative association with realistic threat (Study 1), whereas when the outgroup was perceived as lacking warmth, competence was found to have a positive association with realistic threat (Study 2). In both studies, perceived warmth moderated the indirect effect of perceived competence on willingness for intergroup contact. Implications for the role of warmth and competence stereotypes in threat perception and prejudice are discussed.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Silver Nanodendrites and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Determination of Tetrabromobisphenol A in Water
Authors: Xu Wanzhen , Zhang Kun , Wang Ningwei , Liu Tao , Huang Weihong , Liu Tianshu , Lu Yi , Yang Wenming , Li Songjun
Published: October 2018

A novel and facile electrochemical sensor based on three different modification layers was prepared to detect tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). They included tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), silver nanodendrites (AgNDs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). TCNQ− acts as inducer can be reacted with Ag+ to form Ag‐TCNQ fibers and then constructed the nanodendritic structures. The latter two modification layers were synthesized on electrode by‐ways of electrodeposition and electropolymerization respectively. AgNDs has excellent conductivity and large specific surface area, which has good potential to be used as a bridge between electrode and MIPs. It can considerably improve the sensitivity of the sensor and provide immense deposit sites to pyrrole. MIPs synthesized using electropolymerization can firmly get attach on electrode, thereby, providing polymers with stable imprinted cavities and having the possibility to be reused. Under optimum conditions, the concentration of TBBPA exhibited an excellent linear relationship between 5.0×10−9 and 1.0×10−5 mol L−1, with a limit of dectection of 2.54×10−10 mol L−1 (S/N=3). The reproducibility of the sensor was observed to be 3.42 % and was immune to analogues. Finally the sensor was successfully applied to actual water samples.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Printex L6 Carbon Black Carrying CuO/Cu2O Nanoparticles for Propylparaben Determination
Authors: Goulart Lorena A. , Guaraldo Thaís T. , Lanza Marcos R. V.
Published: October 2018

The paper reports the development of a new sensor based on Printex L6 (CPL6) carbon black modified with copper oxides (CuO/Cu2O) nanoparticles and its application towards the determination of Propylparaben (PP). In fact, it is the first report of its kind in the literature. The sensor was produced through the dispersion of CPL6 in dimethylformamide on glassy carbon electrode surface followed by CuO/Cu2O electrodeposition. The conditions of electrodeposition investigated included time and solution concentration of Cu (II). Morphological, structural and electrochemical characterizations of the sensor were performed. Under optimal conditions, wide linear range (1.0 to 35.0 μmol L−1) was obtained in the detection of PP. The detection limit obtained was 0.46 μmol L−1 (S/N=3). The CuO/Cu2O‐CPL6/GCE sensor was found to be as sensitive as the high performance liquid chromatography in the determination of PP in both cosmetic and river water samples, in addition to being reproducible and stable.
Electroosmotic flow of non‐Newtonian fluids in a constriction microchannel
Authors: Ko Chien‐Hsuan , Li Di , Malekanfard Amirreza , Wang Yao‐Nan , Fu Lung‐Ming , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: October 2018

Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis has to date been almost entirely restricted to Newtonian fluids despite the fact that many of the chemical and biological fluids exhibit non‐Newtonian characteristics. We present herein an experimental study of the fluid rheological effects on the electroosmotic flow of four types of polymer solutions, i.e., 2000 ppm xanthan gum (XG), 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 3000 ppm polyethylene oxide (PEO), and 200 ppm polyacrylamide (PAA) solutions, through a constriction microchannel under DC electric fields of up to 400 V/cm. We find using particle streakline imaging that the fluid elasticity does not change significantly the electroosmotic flow pattern of weakly shear‐thinning PVP and PEO solutions from that of a Newtonian solution. In contrast, the fluid shear‐thinning causes multiple pairs of flow circulations in the weakly elastic XG solution, leading to a central jet with a significantly enhanced speed from before to after the channel constriction. These flow vortices are, however, suppressed in the strongly viscoelastic and shear‐thinning PAA solution.
Coating LiFePO4 with Conductive Nanodots by Magnetron Sputtering: Toward High‐Performance Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jingshi , Zhang Yixiang , Yi Min , Shen Zhigang , Liu Lei , Liu Hong , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: October 2018

The coating of LiFePO4 (LFP) particles with conductive nanodots is demonstrated for the first time via magnetron sputtering to improve the LFP conductivity and thus the cathode performance in lithium‐ion batteries. It is confirmed by diverse characterization that the conductive nanodots‐coated LFP have the same crystal structure as the pristine LFP. The conductive nanodots are found to be less than 10 nm in diameter and well distributed on the LFP surface. When used as a cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the Ag, Co, and indium tin oxide nanodots‐coated LFPs show a high discharge capacity of 161.3, 154.7, and 147.9 mAh g−1, respectively, whereas the pristine LFP has a lower specific capacity of 146.6 mAh g−1. The coated LFP also has a higher rate capability and a lower charge transfer resistance than the pristine LFP.
Developing collapse fragility curves for base‐isolated buildings
Authors: Cardone Donatello , Perrone Giuseppe , Piesco Valentino
Published: October 2018

Seismic isolation technique is increasingly used both for the design of new buildings and for the seismic retrofit of existing buildings. Nevertheless, so far, little attention has been paid on the collapse capacity of these structures, mainly because it requires refined nonlinear models and careful consideration of different sources of uncertainties.

To fill this gap, a set of collapse fragility functions for existing reinforced concrete‐frame buildings, designed for gravity loads only and then retrofitted with different isolation systems (including rubber‐based and friction‐based isolation systems), are derived in this study. For completeness, buildings with low and high seismic resistance are also considered.

Collapse fragility functions are derived through incremental dynamic analysis, considering different collapse conditions both for isolation system and superstructure. For each case study building, mean and dispersion values are obtained considering both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, due to record‐to record and model variability, respectively. Finally, some comments on the possible use of the results of this study for practical applications are made.
Evolution of the northern Turkana Depression (East African Rift System, Kenya) during the Cenozoic rifting: New insights from the Ekitale Basin (28‐25.5 Ma)
Authors: Ragon Théa , Nutz Alexis , Schuster Mathieu , Ghienne Jean‐Francois , Ruffet Gilles , Rubino Jean‐Loup
Published: October 2018

Two sedimentary basins are identified in the Turkana Depression (East African Rift System, Kenya). One of them, the Ekitale Basin, is presented in detail. Located on the western rift shoulder of the northern Turkana Depression, the preserved portion of the Ekitale Basin is 3–5‐km wide and bordered by N40°–50° normal faults. These normal faults were inherited from the reactivation of pre‐existing basement structures. The Ekitale Basin is filled by the ~75‐m‐thick Topernawi Formation. The lower portion of the formation provides evidence that the basin was occupied by a lake, bordered by alluvial fans, and into which river‐derived turbiditic complexes were deposited. The upper portion is comprised of pyroclastic deposits, originating from volcanic activity, and interbedded with fluvial deposits emplaced during periods of volcanic quiescence. The Ekitale Basin opened just after 28 Ma and was abandoned prior to 25 Ma, placing it after the deposition of the Oligocene Traps (ca. 33.9–27 Ma) and prior to the rift climax (after 14 Ma). This syn‐rift basin largely impacts our understanding of the Cenozoic rift evolution in the Turkana Depression. It helps to identify, for the first time, the first pulse of extension of the Cenozoic rifting, revealing a two‐step rifting scenario for the northern Turkana Depression. The Ekitale Basin, and analogous syn‐rift basins, is believed to have developed from the reactivation of pre‐existing structures during a period of extension marked by low differential stress and a low amount of extension.
LateCarboniferous–earlyPermian arc magmatism in the south‐westernAlxaTectonicBelt (NW China):Constraints on the latePalaeozoic subduction history of thePalaeo‐AsianOcean
Authors: Song Dongfang , Xiao Wenjiao , Collins Alan , Glorie Stijn , Han Chunming
Published: October 2018

The tectonic setting of the Alxa Tectonic Belt (ATB) during the late Palaeozoic is highly controversial. The nature and tectonic origin of the late Palaeozoic magmatism in the ATB are key to resolving the current controversy. This paper provides field, petrographic, geochemical, and zircon U‐Pb‐Hf isotopic data for the late Palaeozoic granitoids and volcanic rocks from the south‐western ATB. The granitoids display a wide range of SiO2contents from diorite, granodiorite, to granites, with widely distributed hydrous minerals such as hornblende and biotite. They are calc‐alkaline to high‐potassium calc‐alkaline, metaluminous with an enrichment of light rare earth elements and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE), and a depletion of high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE). The presence of mafic‐intermediate enclaves in the plutons suggests the role of crust–mantle interaction in generating the granitoids. The volcanic rocks show “block‐in‐matrix” structures in the field. They are dacite‐porphyry and rhyolite and show calc‐alkaline characteristics with an enrichment of LILE and a depletion of HFSE. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U‐Pb dating shows that the granitoids and enclaves crystallized during ~317–287 Ma and the dacite porphyry formed at ~295 Ma. Hf‐in‐zircon isotopic compositions reveal predominately positive εHf(t) values and Neoproterozoic TDMCages for the magmatic rocks, indicating mixing between mantle‐derived magma and Precambrian basement during their genesis. The diagnostic field, geochemical data, and isotopic data imply these rocks were generated in a subduction‐related active continental margin setting. The presence of A2‐type granite indicates an extensional environment resulted from slab rollback in a retreating accretionary context can best interpret the large‐scale late Carboniferous–early Permian magmatism in the ATB. Our new data, combined with published data, imply that a large active continental margin existed in the Beishan, Alxa, and the northern margin of the North China Craton, due to the south‐dipping subduction of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean (PAO) in the late Palaeozoic. Therefore, our data suggest that the PAO did not close until after the early Permian.
Application of theBayesian approach to sediment fingerprinting and source attribution
Authors: Davies Joe , Olley Jon , Hawker Darryl , McBroom James
Published: October 2018

The identification of the sources of sediment is a key part of the management of waterways. This is typically achieved through the well‐established technique known as sediment source fingerprinting that uses tracers and statistical mixing models. Until recently, the approach for solving these mixing models has been dominated by frequentist methods. This review focuses on the growing interest in Bayesian methods for sediment fingerprinting and presents them as an alternative or complementary addition to the frequentist methods. Bayesian methods emphasize flexibility, for example, in the choice of probability distributions for tracers, inclusion of parameter probability terms, the choice of how to characterize tracer proportion, and the choice of fully or empirical Bayesian techniques. The Bayesian approach flexibly combines previous known and current information, to produce results that aim to accurately reflect the real‐world environment. Under the Bayesian paradigm, all model parameters are treated as random variables, and this allows all sources of variation to be explicitly communicated and modelled. Although there are considerable advantages to using a Bayesian approach for sediment tracing, there are some possible problems the practitioner should be aware of. These include computational issues and potential difficulties in choosing probability distributions to realistically represent model parameters. Though there are choices as to what Bayesian approach to implement (i.e., fully or empirical Bayesian), a fully Bayesian approach has been found to best retain fidelity to the Bayesian paradigm of treating all parameters as random variables. It has been recognized that the field of sediment source fingerprinting would greatly benefit from the development of a model that incorporates the tracer selection process into the modelling framework allowing for an all‐in‐one approach, and the flexibility of a Bayesian approach makes this development possible.