bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of pneumococcal disease in high risk adults: A pharmacist‐based assessment of adult immunization protocols in clinical practice
Authors: Capitano Blair , Chennault Rachel R. , Touchette Daniel R. , Ford Kimbal D.
Published: November 2018

Background

Pneumococcal immunization rates in adults at high‐risk for pneumococcal disease fall below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 60%. Implementation of recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides an opportunity to improve patient care. We assessed whether pneumococcal immunization protocols (PIPs) exist for high‐risk adults across diverse clinical settings, determined protocol concordance with the 2012 ACIP recommendations, and identified tactics to improve ACIP recommendation implementation.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional survey of members of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Practice‐Based Research Network, with practice responsibilities for high‐risk adult populations, from September 2014 to May 2015. Pediatric and travel vaccine practices were excluded. Objective survey measures evaluated the PIPs in three areas: (a) development, (b) maintenance, and (c) education. Subjective measures evaluated barriers to ACIP recommendation implementation.

Results

A total of 94 surveys representing 56 inpatient and 38 outpatient sites across 29 states were completed. Twenty‐five of the 45 inpatient PIPs (56%) were concordant with ACIP recommendations. Regular assessment for updates to and a formalized educational and accountability process was in place for 49 (91%) and 46 (85%) of the 54 inpatient PIPs evaluable in these categories, respectfully. Half of the outpatient sites did not have a standardized, written PIP in place. Of the 17 evaluable outpatient PIPs, 9 (53%) were concordant with ACIP recommendations. The most common perceived barriers to ACIP recommended immunization in adults were a lack of knowledge regarding national recommendations, a lack of accountability for recommendation implementation, and outdated PIPs.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that only 36% (34 out of 94) of the clinical sites had adopted the ACIP recommendations. While roughly half of the sites had PIPs in place, education of and accountability for immunizers was lacking, particularly in the outpatient setting. A system that enhances PIP prioritization, education, and accountability would likely address the gaps in adult pneumococcal immunization for high‐risk adults.
Let‐7g‐5p regulates mouse mammary cells differentiation and function by targeting PRKCA
Authors: Tian Lei , Li Ye , Wang Chunmei , Li Qingzhang
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related with the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Our past study showed that let‐7g‐5p decreased during pregnancy and lactation in mouse mammary gland, what suggested the prospective regulating role of let‐7g‐5p in mammary epithelial cells. In this study, to unravel the role of let‐7g‐5p, we found PRKCA (PKC‐alpha, PKC‐α) might serve as potential targets of let‐7g‐5p by bioinformatics. Then let‐7g‐5p was knocked down by an antisense oligonucleotide in mouse primary mammary epithelial cells. As predicted, PRKCA gene expression and mammary epithelial cells growth were increased by anti‐let‐7g‐5p regulation in vitro. By using reporter constructs, it showed that the let‐7g‐5p could direct binding with 3′‐the untranslated regions (3′‐UTR) of PRKCA mRNA. Furthermore, ectopic overexpression of let‐7g‐5p in vivo reduced PRKCA and β‐casein protein expression as well as inhibited mammary gland growth. These results suggested that let‐7g‐5p could inhibit the mammary epithelial cells differentiation and β‐casein protein synthesis and expression through suppression of PRKCA on the cycle of mammary cell differentiation and development and that let‐7g‐5p may be a novel important regulated target in mammary cells function.
Key microRNAs in the biology of breast cancer; emerging evidence in the last decade
Authors: Khordadmehr Monireh , Shahbazi Roya , Ezzati Hamed , Jigari‐Asl Farinaz , Sadreddini Sanam , Baradaran Behzad
Published: November 2018

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small noncoding RNAs that play a pivotal role in the regulation of main biological and physiological processes, including cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stem cell maintenance, and organ development. Dysregulation of these tiny molecules has been related to different human diseases, such as cancer. It has been estimated that more than 50% of these noncoding RNA sequences are placed on fragile sites or cancer‐associated genomic regions. After the discovery of the first specific miRNA signatures in breast cancer, many studies focused on the involvement of these small RNAs in the pathophysiology of breast tumors and their possible clinical implications as reliable prognostic biomarkers or as a new therapeutic approach. Therefore, the present review will focus on the recent findings on the involvement of miRNAs in the biology of breast cancer associated with their clinical implications.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐Arylquinazolin‐4‐yl)oxy) Acetylamino Alkanoates
Authors: Megahed M. , Fathalla W. , Alsheikh Amer A.
Published: November 2018

A series of methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐arylquinazolin‐4‐yl)oxy) acetylamino alkanoate have been developed via N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling of (2‐arylquinazolin‐4‐yloxy) acetic acids with amino acid ester hydrochlorides. The O‐substituted carboxylic acids were prepared by two‐step reactions from the corresponding 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one starting with chemoselective O‐alkylation with ethyl chloroacetate and then hydrolysis of the produced esters. The reason for this O‐chemoselective behavior of 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one toward electrophiles was explained by theoretical density functional theory computational calculations on the model compound 2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated, showing the best inhibition zone for (2‐arylquinazolin‐4‐yloxy) acetic acids, methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐arylquinazolin‐4‐yl)oxy) acetylamino acetates, and methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐phenylquinazolin‐4‐yl)oxy)acetylamino‐3‐methylbutanoate.
Synthesis of Water Soluble, Non‐volatile and Photo‐Responsive Flexible Dimeric Pyridinium Salts under Multiple Synthetic Routes and Their Applications
Authors: Chitrarasu Manikandan , Kilivelu Ganesan
Published: November 2018

Photo responsive flexible dimeric pyridinium salts are prepared. Solid phase microwave route is much superior than the others. Photo physical behaviors of compounds 2a and 3a showed interesting results under different mediums and lifetime decay was also studied and compared with literature reports.
Quantification of injection force mechanics during injection laryngoplasty
Authors: Pearson Joseph J. , Ortiz Alexandra S. , Montelongo Sergio , Simpson C. Blake , Guda Teja , Dion Gregory R.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

In‐office or operative injection laryngoplasty requires needle stability for accurate material placement. To date, no reports compare injection forces based on needle gauge, bends, length, or material type or temperature. We hypothesize these factors alter injection forces and could impact clinical use.

Methods

Swine larynges were placed in a compression testing machine. Syringes were affixed to a stabilizing crossbeam. Straight needles (25G 1.5‐inch; 27G 1.25‐inch; or 9.8‐inch malleable shaft 16G per oral with 24G tapered needle tip) were inserted into the swine vocal folds to simulate realistic tissue resistance pressure. Compressive loading was conducted at 40 mm/minute until steady‐state force was achieved. Tests were completed with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa), carboxymethylcellulose, and hyaluronic acid at various temperatures and CaHa with various bends in the needles (n = 3 per group, comparisons performed by two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's post‐hoc).

Results

Needle size, shape, and temperature altered injection force. Steady‐state force was highest with the per‐oral needle at a mean of 44.55N compared to 26.44N and 29.77N in the 25G and 27G percutaneous needles, respectively (P < 0.001). Stiffness rate (initial increasing force vs. distance to initiate injection) ranged from 19.75N/mm (per oral) to 22.06N/mm (25G) to 24.56N/mm (27G), (P = 0.875). Adding multiple bends to the per‐oral needle increased stiffness rate to 24.99N/mm (P = 0.035), whereas the 25G needle stiffness rate remained unchanged (P = 0.941), with the stiffness rate decreasing in the 27G needle with increasing bends (P = 0.033). Increased temperature decreased injection forces across all materials.

Conclusion

Needle caliber, length, and bends impact steady‐state forces and stiffness rates during vocal fold injection.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:1060–1066, 2019
Cyp2b‐Knockdown Mice Poorly Metabolize Corn Oil and Are Age‐Dependent Obese
Authors: Damiri Basma , Baldwin William S.
Published: November 2018

We previously made a RNAi‐based cytochrome P450 2b (Cyp2b)‐knockdown (Cyp2b‐KD) mouse to determine the in vivo role of the Cyp2b subfamily in xenobiotic detoxification. Further studies reported here indicate a role for Cyp2b in unsaturated fatty‐acid (UFA) metabolism and in turn obesity. Mice were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100 μL corn oil as a carrier or the potent Cyp2b‐inducer 3,3′,5,5′‐Tetrachloro‐1,4‐bis(pyridyloxy)benzene (TCPOBOP (TC)) dissolved in corn oil. Surprisingly, female Cyp2b‐KD mice but not male mice showed increased liver lipid accumulation. Male Cyp2b‐KD mice had higher serum triacylglycerols, cholesterol, very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) than wildtype (WT) mice; females had higher cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. Thus, Cyp2b‐KD mice are unable to clear a high bolus dose of corn oil, potentially because the Cyp2b‐KD mice were unable to metabolize the UFA in the corn oil. Therefore, WT and Cyp2b‐KD mice were housed for 35 weeks and necropsies performed to test whether Cyp2b‐KD mice develop age onset obesity. Cyp2b‐KD mice exhibited a significant increase in body weight caused by an increase in white adipose tissue deposition relative to WT mice. Serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL, and VLDL were significantly greater in 35‐week‐old Cyp2b‐KD males compared to WT males; only serum triacylglycerol and LDL were higher in females. In conclusion, changes in Cyp2b expression led to perturbation in lipid metabolism and depuration in Cyp2b‐KD mice. This suggests that Cyp2b is more than a detoxification enzyme, but also involved in the metabolism of UFA, as Cyp2b‐KD mice have increased the body weight, fat deposition, and serum lipids.
Rigidity for critical metrics of the volume functional
Authors: Barros A. , da Silva A.
Published: November 2018

Geodesic balls in a simply connected space forms , or are distinguished manifolds for comparison in bounded Riemannian geometry. In this paper we show that they have the maximum possible boundary volume among Miao–Tam critical metrics with connected boundary provided that the boundary of the manifold has a lower bound for the Ricci curvature. In the same spirit we also extend a rigidity theorem due to Boucher et al. and Shen to n‐dimensional static metrics with positive constant scalar curvature, which gives us a partial answer to the Cosmic no‐hair conjecture.
A geometric singular perturbation theory approach to constrained differential equations
Authors: Toniol Cardin Pedro , Teixeira Marco Antonio
Published: November 2018

This paper is concerned with a geometric study of ()‐parameter families of constrained differential systems, where . Our main results say that the dynamics of such a family close to the impasse set is equivalent to the dynamics of a multiple time scale singular perturbation problem (that is a singularly perturbed system containing several small parameters). This enables us to use a geometric theory for multiscale systems in order to describe the behaviour of such a family close to the impasse set. We think that a systematic program towards a combination between geometric singular perturbation theory and constrained systems and problems involving persistence of typical minimal sets are currently emergent. Some illustrations and applications of the main results are provided.
The role of mass spectrometry in studies of glycation processes and diabetes management
Authors: D'Aronco Sara , Crotti Sara , Agostini Marco , Traldi Pietro , Chilelli Nino Cristiano , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: November 2018

In the last decade, mass spectrometry has been widely employed in the study of diabetes. This was mainly due to the development of new, highly sensitive, and specific methods representing powerful tools to go deep into the biochemical and pathogenetic processes typical of the disease. The aim of this review is to give a panorama of the scientifically valid results obtained in this contest. The recent studies on glycation processes, in particular those devoted to the mechanism of production and to the reactivity of advanced glycation end products (AGEs, AGE peptides, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, dicarbonyl compounds) allowed to obtain a different view on short and long term complications of diabetes. These results have been employed in the research of effective markers and mass spectrometry represented a precious tool allowing the monitoring of diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular complications, and gestational diabetes. The same approaches have been employed to monitor the non‐insulinic diabetes pharmacological treatments, as well as in the discovery and characterization of antidiabetic agents from natural products. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 38:112–146, 2019.
What will the medical physics of proton therapy look like 10 yr from now? A personal view
Authors: Lomax Antony
Published: November 2018

Despite growing rapidly, proton therapy is still a relatively immature treatment modality, at least in comparison to conventional radiotherapy using photons. As such, in this article, the author gives a very personal view of some of the potential areas for development in medical physics for proton therapy in the next 10 yr by identifying six topics for detailed discussion. The first of these are all related to reducing various “parameters” of proton therapy treatments (size and cost, treatment times, penumbras, and margins), while the second group are related to providing more quantitative “knowledge” about the quality of the treatments we are delivering. In conclusion, there is much interesting and important work still to be done in many areas of medical physics related to proton therapy, of which, the topics selected here are just the tip of the iceberg.
Treatment and outcome of patients with thoracic tumors of the Ewing sarcoma family: A report from the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe CWS‐81, ‐86, ‐91, ‐96, and ‐2002P trials
Authors: Seitz Guido , Urla Cristian , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Schuck Andreas , Vokuhl Christian , Blank Bernd , Klingebiel Thomas , Kazanowska Bernarda , Fuchs Jörg , Koscielniak Ewa
Published: November 2018

Background

Ewing tumors are the most frequent malignant tumors of the chest wall in children and young adults. Surgical management of these tumors can be challenging. Optimal local control remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze treatment, outcome, and surgical procedures in patients with thoracic tumors of the Ewing sarcoma family (TES) treated within four Cooperative Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma (CWS) trials and one registry.

Patients and methods

Sixty‐two patients from 0 to 21 years treated between 1981 and 2014 were selected for this analysis. A retrospective chart analysis was carried out. Institutional review board approval was obtained for all trials.

Results

The median age of the patients was 7 years. The 5‐year overall (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates were 58.7% (52.7–64.7) and 52.8% (46.8–58.8). Patients with intrathoracic tumor localization (n = 24) had a worse outcome (EFS: 37.5%; 27.5–37.5) compared with those with chest wall tumors (n = 38; EFS: 62.3%; 54.3–70.3, P = 0.008). Patients ≤10 years (n = 38) had a better survival compared with those > 10 years (EFS: 65.7%; 57.7–73.7 vs 31.3%; 21.3–41.3, P = 0.01). Tumor size ≤5 cm (n = 15) was associated with significantly better survival compared with a size > 5 cm (n = 47, EFS: 93.3%; 87.3–99.3 vs 40%; 33‐47, P = 0.002). Primary resections were carried out in 36 patients, of which 75% were incomplete resulting in inferior EFS (P = 0.006). Complete secondary resections were performed in 22 of 40.

Conclusions

Positive predictive factors for outcome are age ≤10 years, size ≤5 cm, and localization at the chest wall. Diverse IRS groups require individual treatment.
Effects of temperature, humidity and automotive fluids exposure on glass fiber/polyurethane composites
Authors: Panaitescu Ileana , Koch Thomas , Archodoulaki Vasiliki‐Maria
Published: November 2018

In this study the effects of operational environments (temperature, humidity, and automotive fluids) on the long‐term durability of two types of glass fiber reinforced polyurethane are investigated. Variation of mass, flexural strength, and viscoelastic response are evaluated in order to observe the changes in the material. In most cases, samples reach a saturation plateau, following the Fick's law of diffusion. In gasoline and brake fluid a pseudo‐saturation plateau, followed by further weight gain, is achieved. Samples in water at 70 °C do not saturate even after 13 months of exposure. It is assumed that water molecules attach to the surface of the glass fibers, diffusing along the fibers. Three point bending (3PB) tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the virgin and saturated specimens show insignificant changes in the bending strength and glass transition temperature (Tg) for the samples in automotive fluids at room temperature. The same properties decrease linearly with increased humidity and temperature. After drying the samples, DMA scans show reversibility in the Tg and storage modulus; therefore no chemical reaction occurs in the presence of moisture/temperature. The brake fluid causes a secondary peak around 30 °C–40 °C, which could be due to the formation of a new phase or of a ‘skin‐core’ structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2357–2367, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Polymer Composites published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effects of temperature and comonomer content on poly(ε‐Caprolactam‐Co‐ε‐Caprolactone) copolymers properties: An evaluation of structural changes and dielectric behavior
Authors: Rusu Elena , Rusu Gh. , Rusu D.
Published: November 2018

A series poly(ε‐caprolactam‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) copolymers (PEAs) were investigated regarding the changes in the structure and characteristics in the context of the variation of temperature (in the range 173–373 K) and ε‐caprolactone content (from 0.0 to 25.0 wt%) in the comonomers mixture. Anionic copolymerization‐rotational molding combined technique was used for obtaining of these amide‐rich copolymers, semicrystalline and sensitive to the electric stimulus by polar amide groups, and potential degradable by ester units. For dielectric measurements was taken into account also the variation of frequency in the range of 100–106Hz. The modifications observed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), broad dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supporting the increase/decrease of the homogeneity in the copolymers structure induced by variation of the chosen parameters. It was observed that the polymers films show Brill transition on heating. An approximately 15.0% ester residues and about 70% amide component from sample PEA20 are distributed in the “near surface” region. At low frequencies (i.e., 1 × 100Hz) the increasing of temperature over 240 K leads to a temperature dependence of ε′′. Over 280 K (at high frequency) and 300 K (at low frequency), the α relaxation is visible as a broad shoulder for all samples. The results are presented comparatively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:465–477, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The relative impact of school‐wide positive behavior support on teachers’ perceptions of student behavior across schools, teachers, and students
Authors: Wienen Albert W. , Reijnders Inge , van Aggelen Marleen H. , Bos Elske H. , Batstra Laura , de Jonge Peter
Published: November 2018

School‐wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) is a systemic approach for implementing a proactive schoolwide discipline and for improving students’ academic and behavioral outcomes by targeting the school’s organizational and social culture. With a multilevel approach, the present study evaluates the relative effectiveness of SWPBS on teachers’ perceptions of the student behavior (N = 3,295) across schools, teachers, and children using a multilevel approach. We assessed teacher perception of student problem behavior five times during a 3‐year implementation of SWPBS in 23 Dutch schools. Multilevel analyses not only revealed a small increase in perceived prosocial behavior and a small decrease in problems with peers, but also different effects across children, teachers, and schools. Effects were stronger for girls and for students with higher severity of perceived problems at baseline. At teachers’ level, higher mean baseline severity of perceived problems was associated with the reduced impact of SWPBS on perceived emotional problems and problems with peers. At the school level, effects were stronger for regular schools as compared with special needs schools.
Diameter in ultra‐small scale‐free random graphs
Authors: Caravenna Francesco , Garavaglia Alessandro , van der Hofstad Remco
Published: November 2018

It is well known that many random graphs with infinite variance degrees are ultra‐small. More precisely, for configuration models and preferential attachment models where the proportion of vertices of degree at least k is approximately k−(τ − 1) with τ ∈ (2,3), typical distances between pairs of vertices in a graph of size n are asymptotic to and , respectively. In this paper, we investigate the behavior of the diameter in such models. We show that the diameter is of order precisely when the minimal forward degree dfwd of vertices is at least 2. We identify the exact constant, which equals that of the typical distances plus . Interestingly, the proof for both models follows identical steps, even though the models are quite different in nature.
Clique coloring of binomial random graphs
Authors: McDiarmid Colin , Mitsche Dieter , Prałat Paweł
Published: November 2018

A clique coloring of a graph is a coloring of the vertices so that no maximal clique is monochromatic (ignoring isolated vertices). The smallest number of colors in such a coloring is the clique chromatic number. In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of the clique chromatic number of the random graph 𝒢(n,p) for a wide range of edge‐probabilities p = p(n). We see that the typical clique chromatic number, as a function of the average degree, forms an intriguing step function.
Well‐being versus sustainable development in tourism—The host perspective
Authors: Dłużewska Anna Maria
Published: November 2018

The following article presents a theoretical analysis of human well‐being in relation to sustainable tourism and to tourism hosting communities. Well‐being of hosts, in accordance with UNWTO or UNGA, should be achieved when sustainable tourism guidelines are fulfilled. The question posed in this article, however, challenges that view. Does it really lead to well‐being? Or maybe we are missing some important issues on the way?

The article is divided into three sections. In the first section, well‐being conceptual backgrounds are presented. The second section is devoted to the analysis of well‐being usage in sustainable tourism conceptual background, and focuses on the differences between the guidelines provided in 2005, and the latest guidelines published by UNWTO and UNGA in 2015. The third part, juxtaposes well‐being conceptual background with tourism. Eventually, most prominent gaps and challenges of well‐being in a frame of sustainable tourism are presented in detail.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Using PbTiO3 Nanorods Synthesized via a Sonochemical Approach
Authors: Bhagwat Ujwala O. , Wu Jerry J. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Anandan Sambandam
Published: November 2018

Lead titania (PbTiO3) possessing nanorods morphology was synthesized through facile and straightforward sonochemical approach using titanium tetraisopropoxide and lead nitrate as a starting material followed by annealing at 700 °C for 2 h and was utilized as an efficient photocatalyst to examine the degradation of Congo red dye (CR) under visible light. The as‐synthesized PbTiO3 nanorods were characterized by physical‐chemical methods such as phase identification, morphology, Chemical composition, and elemental analysis. To study the effect of PbTiO3 nanorods on dye degradation, various experimental parameters such as photocatalyst dosage, pH, and initial dye concentration was optimized. About 92% dye was degraded at pH 6 in the existence of PbTiO3 nanorods under visible light. To know the mineralization of Congo red in the presence of sonochemically synthesized PbTiO3 nanorods, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal studies carried out and it shows about 46% Congo red can be totally abated in 150 min under visible light.
Zn(ClO4)2⋅6H2O‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of Amides via Ritter Reaction with Alcohols, Acetic Anhydride and Nitriles
Authors: Feng Chengliang , Yan Bin , Yao Wenjin , Chen Junqing , Ji Min
Published: November 2018

The first example of the direct conversion of alcohols, acetic anhydride and nitriles into their corresponding amides through an ester reaction and Ritter reaction sequence is described. One‐pot reaction of alcohols, acetic anhydride and nitriles was catalyzed by Zn(ClO4)2⋅6H2O to afford corresponding amides in good to excellent yields for most case under solvent‐free conditions.
Synergistic Performance of Sonolytically Synthesized Poly(1‐naphthylamine)/TiO2 Nanohybrids: Degradation Studies of Amido Black‐10B Dye
Authors: Kashyap Jyoti , Gautam Shubham , Ashraf S. M. , Riaz Ufana
Published: November 2018

The present work reports the synthesis, characterization and sonophotocatalytic studies of poly(1‐naphthylamine) (PNA)/TiO2 nanohybrids using different loadings of the conducting polymer. Raman and IR studies confirmed the interaction between PNA and TiO2. UV studies showed that the band gap of PNA: TiO2 nanohybrids were found to be ranging between 1.67 eV −1.9 eV. The thermal stability was found to follow the order: 0.5:1‐PNA: TiO2 >1:1‐PNA:TiO2 >2:1‐PNA:TiO2 > PNA. Photocatalytic activity of the nanohybrids was tested by degrading Amido Black 10B dye under UV irradiation. A remarkable degradation of 90% was achieved within a short period of 60 min. The degraded fragments were investigated by LCMS studies and a plausible degradation mechanism was proposed.
Polyazulenes and Polynaphthalenes: Prediction and Computational Study
Authors: Costa Alexandre , López‐Castillo A.
Published: November 2018

The geometries, the electronic structures and the aromaticity of the [n]‐azulene and [n]‐naphthalene polymers were studied, by using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the Møller–Plesset (MP2) Pertubation Theory, for the different multiplicities (M=2S+1): singlet (S=0, closed and open shell), triplet (S=1) and quintet (S=2). The ground‐states of the [n]‐azulene polymers were a singlet (closed shell) for any values of n (n≤10). The ground‐states of the [n]‐naphthalene polymers were a singlet (closed shell) for n≤6 and triplet for 7≤n≤10. The electric dipole moment of the odd [n]‐azulene polymers varied with the length of the polymer chain, while exhibiting a local minimum for [5]‐azulene. The dipole of the even [n]‐azulene and the (even and odd) [n]‐naphthalene polymers were null by symmetry. The HOMO‐LUMO gap was estimated at 0.70 eV for [n]‐azulene polymers with large chain. All of the polymers had electronic transition peaks in the visible region and their maximum was red‐shifted for the increasing chains. The nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations have shown that ring tension was an important factor in the aromaticity loss, as shown, for example, for the flat, the cycle, and the Möbius strip [20]‐polymers. The Aromatic Stabilization Energies (ASEs) that were based on the homodesmotic and isodesmic reactions were also obtained.
Study on the Stability of Ammonium Iodide‐Based Mixed‐Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells under Different Humidity
Authors: Zheng Haiying , Liu Guozhen , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xu Shendong , Zhang Xianxi , Zhang Changneng , Hayat Tasawar , Pan Xu
Published: November 2018

Recently, perovskite materials are widely applied in the photovoltaic field, whereas its practical application is hindered by the humidity instability. To solve this problem, the authors prepared a [(NH4)2.4(FA)8Pb9I28.4]0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 mixed‐dimensional (MD) perovskite with superior humidity stability. Herein, we investigated the aging properties of three‐dimensional (3D) and MD perovskite under different humidity levels. Through analyzing the performance changes before and after aging tests, the possible mechanism of high moisture resistance for MD perovskite is speculated and verified. After undergoing cation exchange, the surface NH4+ combines with H2O to form NH4PbX3*(H2O)2 (X = I or Br), and then the two‐dimensional (2D) perovskite protective layers are formed on the surface of perovskite, which prevent H2O from destroying the 3D perovskite structure. Meanwhile, under continuous illumination, the δ‐phase FAPbI3 produced from inside FA+ may change into α‐phase FAPbI3. Therefore, the MD perovskite maintains great 3D perovskite structure and displays outstanding humidity stability under high humidity. The devices retain their starting photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) for 4000 h under 40% relative humidity (RH) and 80% of PCE over 2000 h under 70% RH. This finding provides a promising prospect for solving the humidity instability of perovskite materials and will promote the development of PSCs.
SDFS: A software‐defined file system for multitenant cloud storage
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Wang Fang , Zeng Lingfang , Feng Dan , Zhu Tingwei
Published: November 2018

Performance isolation is highly desirable in cloud platforms where the virtual disks of virtual machines are simply large files on the shared and networked storage servers. However, existing isolation techniques cannot deal with the implications of the file system used by the networked storage servers, such that underlying resource usage is unpredictable (eg, the delayed write‐back mechanism could postpone writes, and the journaling mechanism could amplify writes). The lack of visibility on underlying resource usage leads to the predicament of being unable to meet isolation goals. In this paper, we present a software‐defined file system (SDFS) that exploits the underlying file system to allocate resources at per‐image‐file granularity and provide tenants with guaranteed throughput. The SDFS comprises two components: control plane and data plane. At the control plane, we provide a set of system calls to document tenant performance requirements into the metadata of image files. At the data plane, we construct a file‐based scheduler to manage memory and disk resources according to the tenant performance requirements. The SDFS design does not require a modification to guest operating systems, hypervisors, or file server protocols. Through a prototype implementation, we demonstrate that the SDFS can meet isolation goals and increase resource utilization with negligible overhead.
On‐Line Estimation of Liquid Levels in the Blast Furnace Hearth
Authors: Roche Mauricio , Helle Mikko , van der Stel Jan , Louwerse Gerard , Shao Lei , Saxén Henrik
Published: November 2018

An on‐line model of the liquid levels in the blast furnace hearth is developed based on mass balances, estimates of the production rates, and measurements of the outflow rates of iron and slag. To consider differences arising in the hearth when different tapholes are operated, the hearth is divided into m regions, characterized by individual iron and slag levels. The pools communicate with each other by cross‐flow of iron and slag. To prevent drift in the liquid level estimates, a correction procedure is developed to make the levels stay within reasonable bounds. The model is applied to measurement data from a three‐taphole blast furnace and is demonstrated to provide an on‐line view of the in‐furnace conditions. The liquid level estimates as well as the required corrections are illustrated and analyzed for cases with different model parameters, and an explanation of the required corrections is provided. The model is also evaluated with respect to its ability to predict the end of the taps. Finally, conclusions concerning the validity of the model are drawn and possible future developments of it are outlined.
Three‐dimensional FEM loading stress analysis on a new airport concrete pavement ultra‐thin whitetopping overlay structure
Authors: Zhu Maojiang , Weng Xingzhong , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2018

In order to solve capability problems occurred in airport pavement slabs, a new airport concrete pavement ultra‐thin whitetopping (UTW) overlay structure was put forward on the basis of UTW theory. By modeling the structure in the FEM software ANSYS and applying loads on it, the structural critical loading position was determined, stress variation pattern at the bottom of the overlay slab was studied regarding the changes in overlay slabs' size and thickness as well as the bonding conditions between the asphalt overlay and UTW overlay. Meanwhile, the impact of the asphalt overlay on the tensile stress at bottom of the UTW overlay slab, which is strongly influenced by thickness and elastic modulus, was also explored. In order to minimize the tensile stress at the bottom of the overlay slab and prolong the lifespan of the pavement structure, the size and thickness of the UTW overlay should be strictly controlled—the size should not exceed 1.8 × 1.8 m while the thickness should be no less than 7 cm, and asphalt with elastic modulus over 1,500 MPa was recommended to be chosen as the raw material for the asphalt overlay.
Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds Containing [Fe(CN)6]3– Anions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Effects during Combustion
Authors: Li Jizhen , Jiang Liping , Jia Duo , Xu Lei , Zhang Guofang
Published: November 2018

Twenty‐eight novel ferrocenyl ionic compounds, composed of mononuclear 1‐ferrocenylmethylalkyldimethylammoniums, 1‐ferrocenylmethyl‐3‐alkylimidazoliums, or their dinuclear analogs and [Fe(CN)6]3– anion, were designed and synthesized to tackle significant volatility and migration tendency of ferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts (BRCs) used currently in the composite solid propellants. The new compounds were characterized by UV/Vis, FT‐IR, and elementary analysis. The crystal structures of compounds 2·5H2O and 3·CH2Cl2·4H2O verified the successful preparation of the desired ionic compounds. The TG tests at 70 °C for 24 h revealed that the new compounds exhibit lower volatility than catocene. The cyclic‐voltammetry results suggested that new compounds are quasi‐reversible or irreversible redox systems. TheTG/DSC analyses exhibited that the compounds are of highly thermal stability. Their catalytic effects on the thermal degradation of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) were investigated. The results showed that most of the compounds exert great effects on the thermal degradation of AP and RDX during combustion. 11 and 2 are comparable to catocene in the thermal decomposition of AP and RDX, respectively, and can therefore be used as alternatives of catocene in a composite solid propellant. Some new compounds are unexpectedly active in promoting the thermal disintegration of HMX.
Chaos and entanglement spreading in a non-commutative gauge theory
Authors: Fischler Willy , Jahnke Viktor , Pedraza Juan F.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Holographic theories with classical gravity duals are maximally chaotic: they saturate a set of bounds on the spread of quantum information. In this paper we question whether non-locality can affect such bounds. Specifically, we consider the gravity dual of a prototypical theory with non-local interactions, namely,

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

non-commutative super Yang Mills. We construct shock waves geometries that correspond to perturbations of the thermofield double state with definite momentum and study several chaos related properties of the theory, including the butterfly velocity, the entanglement velocity, the scrambling time and the maximal Lyapunov exponent. The latter two are unaffected by the non-commutative parameter θ, however, both the butterfly and entanglement velocities increase with the strength of the non-commutativity. This implies that non-local interactions can enhance the effective light-cone for the transfer of quantum information, eluding previously conjectured bounds encountered in the context of local quantum field theory. We comment on a possible limitation on the retrieval of quantum information imposed by non-locality.
Measurement of inclusive forward neutron production cross section in proton-proton collisions at $$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$ TeV with the LHCf Arm2 detector
Authors:   The LHCf collaboration, Adriani O. , Berti E. , Bonechi L. , Bongi M. , D’Alessandro R. , Detti S. , Haguenauer M. , Itow Y. , Kasahara K. , Makino Y. , Masuda K. , Menjo H. , Muraki Y. , Ohashi K. , Papini P. , Ricciarini S. , Sako T. , Sakurai N. , Sato K. , Shinoda M. , Suzuki T. , Tamura T. , Tiberio A. , Torii S. , Tricomi A. , Turner W. C. , Ueno M. , Zhou Q. D.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

In this paper, we report the measurement relative to the production of forward neutrons in proton-proton collisions at

$$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$

s

=
13

TeV obtained using the LHCf Arm2 detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The results for the inclusive differential production cross section are presented as a function of energy in three different pseudorapidity regions: η > 10.76, 8.99 < η < 9.22 and 8.81 < η < 8.99. The analysis was performed using a data set acquired in June 2015 that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 0.194 nb−1. The measurements were compared with the predictions of several hadronic interaction models used to simulate air showers generated by Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays. None of these generators showed good agreement with the data for all pseudorapidity intervals. For η > 10.76, no model is able to reproduce the observed peak structure at around 5 TeV and all models underestimate the total production cross section: among them, QGSJET II-04 shows the smallest deficit with respect to data for the whole energy range. For 8.99 < η < 9.22 and 8.81 < η < 8.99, the models having the best overall agreement with data are SIBYLL 2.3 and EPOS-LHC, respectively: in particular, in both regions SIBYLL 2.3 is able to reproduce the observed peak structure at around 1.5–2.5 TeV.
Gauge-invariant observables, gravitational dressings, and holography in AdS
Authors: Giddings Steven B. , Kinsella Alex
Published: November 2018

Abstract

This paper explores construction of gauge (diffeomorphism)-invariant observables in anti de Sitter (AdS) space and the related question of how to find a “holographic map” providing a quantum equivalence to a boundary theory. Observables are constructed perturbatively to leading order in the gravitational coupling by gravitationally dressing local field theory operators in order to solve the gravitational constraints. Many such dressings are allowed and two are explicitly examined, corresponding to a gravitational line and to a Coulomb field; these also reveal an apparent role for more general boundary conditions than considered previously. The observables obey a nonlocal algebra, and we derive explicit expressions for the boundary generators of the SO(D-1,2) AdS isometries that act on them. We examine arguments that gravity explains holography through the role of such a boundary Hamiltonian. Our leading-order gravitational construction reveals some questions regarding how these arguments work, and indeed construction of such a holographic map appears to require solution of the non-perturbative generalization of the bulk constraint equations.
Risk Factors for Skin Flap Necrosis in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Ueno Takayuki , Suga Hirotaka , Shiraishi Tomohiro , Isaka Hirotsugu , Imi Kentaro , Miyamoto Kaisuke , Tada Manami , Ishizaka Yoshiharu , Imoto Shigeru
Published: November 2018

Background

Skin‐sparing mastectomy (SSM) and nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) are the standard techniques for achieving a cosmetic outcome, but necrosis of a cutaneous flap including the nipple–areolar complex (NAC) is a serious complication. To analyze the risk factors for skin flap necrosis, we retrospectively evaluated a clinical database of breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction.

Methods

Four hundred and twelve cases were consecutively recorded between 2006 and 2016. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), distance from NAC to referent tumor, distance from overlying skin to the tumor and weight of breast resection (WBR) as measured in the operating theater were included in the statistical analysis.

Results

NSM, SSM and total mastectomy were performed in 123 (30%), 96 (23%) and 193 cases (47%), respectively. A tissue expander was used in 379 cases (92%), a silicone implant in 8 (2%) and autologous breast reconstruction in 25 (6%). Skin flap necrosis was found in 7% of all cases and NAC necrosis in 13% of NSM cases. In a univariate analysis, BW, NSM and WBR were risk factors for skin flap necrosis, and BW, BMI and WBR were risk factors for NAC necrosis. In a multivariate analysis, NSM and WBR remained significant risk factors for skin flap necrosis, and WBR was a significant risk factor for NAC necrosis.

Conclusions

WBR is an important risk factor for skin flap necrosis. Especially, NAC necrosis should be considered for patients with large‐volume breasts who undergo NSM and immediate breast reconstruction.
Challenges and opportunities for natural product discovery, production, and engineering in native producers versus heterologous hosts
Authors: Teijaro Christiana N , Adhikari Ajeeth , Shen Ben
Published: November 2018

Recent advances and emerging technologies for metabolic pathway engineering and synthetic biology have transformed the field of natural product discovery, production, and engineering. Despite these advancements, there remain many challenges in understanding how biosynthetic gene clusters are silenced or activated, including changes in the transcription of key biosynthetic and regulatory genes. This knowledge gap is highlighted by the success and failed attempts of manipulating regulatory genes within biosynthetic gene clusters in both native producers and heterologous hosts. These complexities make the choice of native producers versus heterologous hosts, fermentation medium, and supply of precursors crucial factors in achieving the production of the target natural products and engineering designer analogs. Nature continues to serve as inspiration for filling the knowledge gaps and developing new research strategies. By exploiting the evolutionary power of nature, alternative producers, with the desired genetic amenability and higher titers of the target natural products, and new strains, harboring gene clusters that encode evolutionary optimized congeners of the targeted natural product scaffolds, can be discovered. These newly identified strains can serve as an outstanding biotechnology platform for the engineered production of sufficient quantities of the target natural products and their analogs, enabling biosynthetic studies and potential therapeutic applications. These challenges and opportunities are showcased herein using fredericamycin, iso-migrastatin, platencin and platensimycin, the enediynes of C-1027, tiancimycin, and yangpumicin, and the leinamycin family of natural products.
Metabolic engineering for improving l-tryptophan production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Niu Hao , Li Ruirui , Liang Quanfeng , Qi Qingsheng , Li Qiang , Gu Pengfei
Published: November 2018

l-Tryptophan is an important aromatic amino acid that is used widely in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Compared with the traditional synthetic methods, production of l-tryptophan by microbes is environmentally friendly and has low production costs, and feed stocks are renewable. With the development of metabolic engineering, highly efficient production of l-tryptophan in Escherichia coli has been achieved by eliminating negative regulation factors, improving the intracellular level of precursors, engineering of transport systems and overexpression of rate-limiting enzymes. However, challenges remain for l-tryptophan biosynthesis to be cost-competitive. In this review, successful and applicable strategies derived from metabolic engineering for increasing l-tryptophan accumulation in E. coli are summarized. In addition, perspectives for further efficient production of l-tryptophan are discussed.
Familial 22q11.2 Deletion: Pregnancy Options and Management
Authors: Yaramareddy Swapna , Shanmugasundaram Lakshmi , Kar Bibhas
Published: November 2018

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is caused by a submicroscopic deletion on the long arm of chromosome 22 and affects approximately 1 in 4000 persons. This report describes a familial 22q11.2 deletion diagnosed during pregnancy using an emerging technology, Bacterial artificial chromosome on Beads (BoBs). We discuss the implications of prenatally detected DGS and future options to prevent the recurrence.
Blood homocysteine levels are increased in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosis. A single centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Malaguarnera Mariangela , Catania Vito Emanuele , Borzì Antonio Maria , Malaguarnera Stefano , Madeddu Roberto , Bertino Gaetano , Latteri Saverio
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is reported in 10–40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The development of PVT is a multifactorial process, resulting from a reduction in portal blood flow and hypercoagulability.

Methods:

We evaluated 44 HCC patients with PVT, 50 HCC patients without PVT and 50 healthy subjects. Homocysteine (Hcy), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and folate were measured.

Results:

Hcy in HCC patients with PVT is significant higher than the patients without PVT and controls subjects.

Conclusion:

Total Hcy is a sensitive marker of PVT in patients with HCC.

Highlights: