bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and calibration of a low-cost particle sensor in ambient conditions using machine-learning methods
Authors: Si Minxing , Xiong Ying , Du Shan , Du Ke
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Particle sensing technology has shown great potential for
monitoring particulate matter (PM) with very few temporal and spatial
restrictions because of its low cost, compact size, and easy operation.
However, the performance of low-cost sensors for PM monitoring in ambient
conditions has not been thoroughly evaluated. Monitoring results by low-cost
sensors are often questionable. In this study, a low-cost fine particle
monitor (Plantower PMS 5003) was colocated with a reference instrument,
the Synchronized Hybrid Ambient Real-time Particulate (SHARP) monitor, at the
Calgary Varsity air monitoring station from December 2018 to April 2019. The
study evaluated the performance of this low-cost PM sensor in ambient
conditions and calibrated its readings using simple linear regression (SLR),
multiple linear regression (MLR), and two more powerful machine-learning
algorithms using random search techniques for the best model architectures.
The two machine-learning algorithms are XGBoost and a feedforward neural
network (NN). Field evaluation showed that the Pearson correlation (r) between the
low-cost sensor and the SHARP instrument was 0.78. The Fligner and Killeen (F–K)
test indicated a statistically significant difference between the variances
of the PM2.5 values by the low-cost sensor and the SHARP
instrument. Large overestimations by the low-cost sensor before calibration
were observed in the field and were believed to be caused by the variation
of ambient relative humidity. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 9.93
when comparing the low-cost sensor with the SHARP instrument. The
calibration by the feedforward NN had the smallest RMSE of 3.91 in the test
dataset compared to the calibrations by SLR (4.91), MLR (4.65), and XGBoost
(4.19). After calibrations, the F–K test using the test dataset showed that
the variances of the PM2.5 values by the NN, XGBoost, and the
reference method were not statistically significantly different. From this
study, we conclude that a feedforward NN is a promising method to address the
poor performance of low-cost sensors for PM2.5 monitoring. In
addition, the random search method for hyperparameters was demonstrated to
be an efficient approach for selecting the best model structure.
Knowledge and Usage of Flipped Classroom Instructional Strategy: The Views of Ghanaian Teachers
Authors: Yeboah Rita , Ampadu Ernest , Ahwireng Doreen , Okrah Abraham
Published: April 2020

This study was designed to examine Ghanaian teachers’ knowledge and usage of the flipped classroom instructional strategy. A survey of 109 teachers who pursued a master’s degree in education during the 2018/2019 academic year was used for the study. The instrument used for collecting data was a structured questionnaire. The result of the study was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) and inferential statistics (T-test). The results established that majority of the teachers acknowledged the importance of student-centred instructional strategy like the flipped classroom approach, however, majority of these teachers were of the view that they have not experienced or been introduced to this instructional strategy. It was, therefore, not surprising that most of the teachers attested to the fact that they are not using the flipped classroom instructional strategy. The results from the study also revealed that there was no significant difference between school type (public and private) and teachers’ knowledge and usage of the flipped classroom instructional strategy. The results from the study attest to the fact that the flipped classroom instructional strategy has not been conceptualised into the Ghanaian classroom. The researchers, therefore, recommend that there is the need for professional development training for teachers on the use of the flipped classroom instructional strategy and sensitisation workshop for students on the use of the flipped classroom instructional strategy and its relevance.
Análise do perfil do estilo de vida de policiais militares do estado do paraná
Authors: Nascimento Júnior José Roberto Andrade do , Pizzo Gislaine Contessoto , Oliveira Daniel Vicentini de , Vieira Lenamar Fiorese
Published: April 2020

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil do estilo de vida de policiais militares do estado do Paraná. Estudo transversal, realizado com 144 policiais militares, de ambos os sexos. Como instrumento foi utilizado o questionário “Perfil do Estilo de Vida”. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anova de Medidas Repetidas, “U” de Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman (p < 0,05). Ao correlacionar os componentes, destaca-se correlações positivas entre atividade física com nutrição e controle do estresse para ambos os sexos. Conclui-se que os policiais militares avaliados apresentaram melhor percepção em relação aos aspectos de comportamento preventivo e relacionamentos sociais, sendo que as mulheres apresentaram percepção de estilo de vida mais saudável em comparação aos homens.
Análise da produção científica sobre a Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde: um estudo bibliométrico na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde
Authors: Petermann Xavéle Braatz , Kocourek Sheila
Published: April 2020

Este estudo tem por objetivo mapear e analisar a produção científica sobre a Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde no período de 2006 a 2019. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliométrica, por meio da busca de artigos na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, no período de 2006 a 2019, com a palavra-chave “política nacional de promoção da saúde”, devendo estar no título dos manuscritos. A busca retornou 56 documentos, dos quais foram excluídos 08 por não terem acesso aberto, 06 por não se tratarem de artigos e 14 por não serem realizados no Brasil. Assim, a bibliometria foi realizada com os 26 artigos restantes. Os resultados evidenciaram o predomínio de artigos no ano de 2016, na Revista Ciência e Saúde Coletiva. Relativo ao método utilizado nos artigos prevaleceu estudos teóricos e, quanto aos assuntos relacionados com a política nacional de promoção da saúde, a maioria dos estudos foi de análise de políticas públicas. A Bibliometria permitiu obter um panorama da produção acadêmica nacional através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, de modo a direcionar ainda as lacunas existentes na produção e consequente evolução da temática no período analisado.
Managing Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Agility and Collaboration Toward a Common Goal
Authors: Ueda Masumi , Martins Renato , Hendrie Paul C. , McDonnell Terry , Crews Jennie R. , Wong Tracy L. , McCreery Brittany , Jagels Barbara , Crane Aaron , Byrd David R. , Pergam Steven A. , Davidson Nancy E. , Liu Catherine , Stewart F. Marc
Published: April 2020

The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States was reported on January 20, 2020, in Snohomish County, Washington. At the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and University of Washington are at the forefront of delivering care to patients with cancer during this public health crisis. This Special Feature highlights the unique circumstances and challenges of cancer treatment amidst this global pandemic, and the importance of organizational structure, preparation, agility, and a shared vision for continuing to provide cancer treatment to patients in the face of uncertainty and rapid change.
New media: ¿viejas o nuevas realidades?
Authors: Marín Antoni
Published: April 2020

El profesor Antoni Marín reflexiona en este artículo sobre el significado del concepto new media, sus repercusiones históricas y las que actualmente conlleva, así como habla de las narrativas que se derivan de él.
Reducing the Barriers to Wave Energy Harvesting: Review
Authors: Lemessy Kevin G. , Manohar Krishpersad , Adeyanju Anthony
Published: April 2020

This study reviews the main barriers affecting wave energy harvesting globally by practitioners and developers and identified ways to circumnavigate the limitations experienced, in particular to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Potential avenues for developers to exploit the available technology and allow them to evade barriers preventing advancement were identified. The results of the study indicated that combining wave energy technologies with other functional systems in society such as coastal protection and eco-tourism initiatives can lead to increased value proposition of projects and reduced costs. They primarily include the ministries and agencies of a government responsible for public health, infrastructural development, energy, trade, industrial development, tourism, education and agriculture in SIDS. Wave energy harvesting devices should be engineered as part of established industries and supply chain to incrementally advance technology development. When choosing an energy stream to be utilised, project developers, policymakers and stakeholders use the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) as their critical metric. To determine the applicability of the system, the LCOE is compared to the societal benefits. The societal benefits can be quantified by combining the avoided costs with the economic benefits. Additionally, standards, regulations for ownership and maintenance and installation procedures should be developed for increased chance of technology development.
Hydrothermale Synthese von konjugierten Polymeren am Beispiel von Pyrronpolymeren und Polybenzimidazolen
Authors: Taublaender M. Josef , Mezzavilla Stefano , Thiele Sophia , Glöcklhofer Florian , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: April 2020

Verschiedene Polyimide und Polyamide wurden in letzter Zeit durch hydrothermale Synthese in nichts als H2O unter Hochdruck‐ und Hochtemperaturbedingungen hergestellt. Keines dieser Polymere weist jedoch ein konjugiertes Polymerrückgrat auf. Hiermit berichten wir über eine Erweiterung des synthetischen Anwendungsbereichs dieser einfachen und von Natur aus umweltfreundlichen Polymerisationstechnik auf die Herstellung von konjugierten Polymeren. Ausgewählte Vertreter von zwei verschiedenen Polymerklassen, Pyrronpolymere und Polybenzimidazole, wurden hydrothermal synthetisiert. Neben einer mechanistischen Diskussion der Polymerbildung wird auch eine elektrochemische Charakterisierung des vielversprechendsten Produktes präsentiert.
Effect of Regiochemistry and Methylation on the Anticancer Activity of a Ferrocene‐Containing Organometallic Nucleoside Analogue
Authors: Ismail Media K. , Khan Zahra , Rana Marium , Horswell Sarah L. , Male Louise , Nguyen Huy V. , Perotti Alessio , Romero‐Canelón Isolda , Wilkinson Edward A. , Hodges Nikolas J. , Tucker James H. R.
Published: April 2020

Four new bis‐substituted ferrocene derivatives containing either a hydroxyalkyl or methoxyalkyl group and either a thyminyl or methylthyminyl group have been synthesised and characterised by a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. They were included in a structure‐activity‐relationship (SAR) study probing anticancer activities in osteosarcoma (bone cancer) cell lines and were compared with a known lead compound, 1‐(S,Rp), a nucleoside analogue that is highly toxic to cancer cells. Biological studies using the MTT assay revealed that a regioisomer of ferronucleoside 1‐(S,Rp), which only differs from the lead compound in being substituted on two cyclopentadienyl rings rather than one, was over 20 times less cytotoxic. On the other hand, methylated derivatives of 1‐(S,Rp) showed comparable cytotoxicities to the lead compound. Overall these studies indicate that a mechanism of action for 1‐(S,Rp) cannot proceed through alcohol phosphorylation and that its geometry and size, rather than any particular functional group, are crucial factors in explaining its high anticancer activity.
Boron‐Made N2: Realization of a B≡B Triple Bond in the B2Al3− Cluster
Authors: Fedik Nikita , Mu Chaonan , Popov Ivan A. , Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Wang Haopeng , Bowen Kit H. , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Zhang Xinxing
Published: April 2020

Until now, all B≡B triple bonds have been achieved by adopting two ligands in the L→B≡B←L manner. Herein, we report an alternative route of designing the B≡B bonds based on the assumption that by acquiring two extra electrons, an element with the atomic number Z can have properties similar to those of the element with the atomic number Z+2. Specifically, we show that due to the electron donation from Al to B, the negatively charged B≡B kernel in the B2Al3− cluster mimics a triple N≡N bond. Comprehensive computational searches reveal that the global minimum structure of B2Al3− exhibits a direct B–B distance of 1.553 Å, and its calculated electron vertical detachment energies are in excellent agreement with the corresponding values of the experimental photoelectron spectrum. Chemical bonding analysis revealed one σ and two π bonds between the two B atoms, thus confirming a classical textbook B≡B triple bond, similar to that of N2.
Photoinduced and Thermal Single‐Electron Transfer to Generate Radicals from Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Holtrop Flip , Jupp Andrew R. , van Leest Nicolaas P. , Paradiz Dominguez Maximilian , Williams René M. , Brouwer Albert M. , de Bruin Bas , Ehlers Andreas W. , Slootweg J. Chris
Published: April 2020

Archetypal phosphine/borane frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are famed for their ability to activate small molecules. The mechanism is generally believed to involve two‐electron processes. However, the detection of radical intermediates indicates that single‐electron transfer (SET) generating frustrated radical pairs could also play an important role. These highly reactive radical species typically have significantly higher energy than the FLP, which prompted this investigation into their formation. Herein, we provide evidence that the classical phosphine/borane combinations PMes3/B(C6F5)3and PtBu3/B(C6F5)3both form an electron donor–acceptor (charge‐transfer) complex that undergoes visible‐light‐induced SET to form the corresponding highly reactive radical‐ion pairs. Subsequently, we show that by tuning the properties of the Lewis acid/base pair, the energy required for SET can be reduced to become thermally accessible.
Going remote: Maintaining normalcy in our pathology laboratories during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Madrigal Emilio
Published: April 2020

To minimize disruptions to the practice of academic pathology, one can leverage modern information and communication technologies to create virtual connections. The overall sentiment after switching to a predominantly remote environment has been overwhelmingly positive, and this presents a novel opportunity to explore additional digital workflows.
Through‐Space Polar‐π Interactions in 2,6‐Diarylthiophenols
Authors: Jian Jie , Poater Jordi , Hammink Roel , Tinnemans Paul , McKenzie Christine J. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: April 2020

Molecular recognition between polar groups and aromatic molecules is fundamentally important to rational drug design. Although it has been well established that many polar functionalities interact with electron‐rich aromatic residues through energetically favorable polar‐π interactions, there is a limited understanding of the association between thiols and aromatic systems. Herein we report physical‐organic chemistry studies on 2,6‐diarylthiophenols that possess the central thiophenol ring and two flanking aromatic rings with tunable electronic properties caused by substituents at distant para position. Hammett analysis revealed that pKa values and proton affinities correlate well with Hammett sigma values of substituents. Additional energy decomposition analysis supported the conclusion that both through‐space SH‐π interactions and S−‐π interactions contribute to intramolecular stabilization of 2,6‐diarylthiophenols.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Ionic Liquid 1‐n‐Butyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Methylsulfate [Bmim][MeSO4]: Interfacial Properties at the Silica and Vacuum Interfaces
Authors: Khaknejad Zeynab , Mehdipour Nargess , Eslami Hossein
Published: April 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations are done to investigate the structure and dynamics of a thin [Bmim][MeO4] film in contact with a hydroxylated silica surface on one side and with vacuum on the other. An examination of the microscopic structure of ionic liquid (IL) film shows that strong layered anionic/cationic structures are formed at both interfaces. At the silica interface, the imidazolium rings are closer to the silica surface (compared to anions) and are coplanar with it. At the vacuum interface, the charged imidazolium ring more concentrates in the interior of the film, but the butyl side chain stretches out toward the vacuum interface. While there exists an excess concentration of the cations at the silica interface, at the vacuum interface an excess concentration of anions (dissolved in the butyl chain) is found. The influence of the interface on the dynamical properties is shown to depend on their time scales. A short‐time dynamical property, such as hydrogen bond formation is not noticeably perturbed at the interface. In contrary, long‐time properties such as ion‐pair formation/rupture and translation of ions across the film are largely decelerated at the silica interface but are accelerate at the vacuum interface. Our findings indicate that the structural relaxation time of ion‐pairs, is comparable to diffusion time scale in the IL film. Therefore, ion‐pairs are not stable species; the IL is composed of short‐lived ion‐pairs and freely diffusing ions. However, the structural relaxation times of ion‐pairs is still long enough (comparable to the time scale of diffusion) to conclude that correlated motions of counterions influence the macroscopic properties of IL, such as diffusion and ionic conductivity. In this respect, we have shown that correcting the Nernst‐Einstein equation for the joint translation of ion‐pairs considerably improves the accuracy of calculated ionic conductivities.
Online variational learning of finite inverted Beta‐Liouville mixture model for biomedical analysis
Authors: Kalra Meeta , Bouguila Nizar , Fan Wentao
Published: April 2020

Image segmentation is widely applied for biomedical image analysis. However, segmentation of medical images is challenging due to many image modalities, such as, CT, X‐ray, MRI, microscopy among others. An additional challenge to this is the high variability, inconsistent regions with missing edges, absence of texture contrast, and high noise in the background of biomedical images. Thus, many segmentation approaches have been investigated to address these issues and to transform medical images into meaningful information. During the past decade, finite mixture models have been revealed to be one of the most flexible and popular approaches in data clustering. In this article, we propose a statistical framework for online variational learning of finite inverted Beta‐Liouville mixture model for clustering medical images. The online variational learning framework is used to estimate the parameters and the number of mixture components simultaneously, thus decreasing the computational complexity of the model. To this end, we evaluated our proposed algorithm on five different biomedical image data sets including optic disc detection and localization in diabetic retinopathy, digital imaging in melanoma lesion detection and segmentation, brain tumor detection, colon cancer detection and computer aid detection (CAD) of Malaria. Furthermore, we compared the proposed algorithm with three other popular algorithms. In our results, we analyze that the proposed online variational learning of finite IBL mixture model algorithm performs accurately on multiple modalities of medical images. It detects the disease patterns with high confidence. Computational and statistical approaches like the one presented in this article hold a significant impact on medical image analysis and interpretation in both clinical applications and scientific research. We believe that the proposed algorithm has the capacity to address multi modal biomedical image data sets and can be further applied by researchers to analyze correct disease patterns.
MiR‐129‐5p alleviates myocardial injury by targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 after ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Ma Rui , Chen Xin , Ma Yue , Bai Gang , Li Dong‐Sheng
Published: April 2020

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), the most common consequence of AMI treatment, may induce severe myocardial cell injury, yet the precise mechanism continues to be enigmatic. In the present study, we found that miR‐129‐5p was significantly downregulated in mouse I/R model. Then, we overexpressed miR‐129‐5p via intravenous injection of specific miR‐129‐5p agomir before I/R model establishment. MiR‐129‐5p overexpression dramatically alleviated myocardial injury in I/R mice as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and infract size. We further detected the effect of miR‐129‐5p on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced H9C2 cell in vitro. MiR‐129‐5p overexpression improved H9C2 cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis induced by H/R, accompanied with decreased LDH activity and MDA content. Besides, luciferase reporter assay indicated that suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) was a downstream target of miR‐129‐5p. SOCS2 was upregulated in H/R induced H9C2 cells, and miR‐129‐5p overexpression suppressed SOCS2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, SOCS2 overexpression abolished the protective effects of miR‐129‐5p on H/R‐induced H9C2 cells, concomitant with elevated expression of apoptosis‐related cleaved poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase‐3. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR‐129‐5p alleviated myocardial injury induced by I/R both in vitro and in vivo, and miR‐129‐5p/SOCS2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for alleviating myocardial injury in AMI patients after reperfusion.
Useful parameters to predict the presence of detrusor overactivity in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Majima Tsuyoshi , Ishida Shohei , Funahashi Yasuhito , Kato Masashi , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: April 2020

Aims

This study aimed to identify the easily obtainable parameters that predict the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO) in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), because urodynamic studies cannot be performed in all cases.

Methods

A total of 605 treatment‐naïve men with non‐neurogenic LUTS who underwent subjective and objective evaluations were retrospectively reviewed. We divided patients into two groups (the DO and the non‐DO group) according to the presence or absence of DO as determined by urodynamic data and compared the clinical parameters between the two groups to identify clinical signs associated with DO.

Results

Of the 605 patients with a mean age of 69.8 years and a mean prostate volume of 45.4 mL, 319 (52.7%) had DO, while DO was not detected in 286 (47.3%). Men with DO were significantly older and had greater prostate volume, longer intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), higher international prostate symptom score, higher overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), smaller bladder capacity, and higher bladder outlet obstruction than those without DO. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher OABSS‐urgency subscore and OABSS‐urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) subscore and longer IPP were significant predictive signs of DO. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 3 points, 1 point, and 8.0 mm as the optimal cut‐off values for OABSS‐urgency subscore, OABSS‐UUI subscore, and IPP, respectively, for the diagnosis of DO.

Conclusions

Higher OABSS‐urgency subscore, higher OABSS‐UUI subscore, and longer IPP were found to be useful parameters to predict the presence of DO in male patients with LUTS.
The optimal cutoff value for levator‐urethra gap measurements using tomographic ultrasound imaging in avulsion diagnosis is population specific
Authors: Greenbaum Hila , Klein Linor , Alcalay Meny , Kassif Eran , Weisz Boaz , Eisenberg Vered H.
Published: April 2020

Aims

The levator‐urethra gap (LUG), the distance between the urethral lumen center and levator insertion on the inferior pubic rami, can be used for diagnosing levator avulsion, with a previously suggested cutoff of LUG ≥2.5 cm. The aim of this study is to determine an optimal cutoff value for LUG measurements in a high‐risk patient population.

Methods

Women followed prospectively after sustaining obstetric anal sphincter injury underwent an interview pelvic examination questionnaires and four‐dimensional‐transperineal ultrasound examination. Levator avulsion was diagnosed on contraction using tomographic ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound datasets were analyzed offline at a later time blinded to previous data. LUG was measured on each side of the three central slices, yielding six measurements and the highest available value was obtained on each side. Different cutoffs were evaluated using receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Youden's test. The cutoff was validated against symptoms and signs, and sonographic findings using logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 618 complete datasets were available for analysis, median age 29 years, median body mass index of 23.4 kg/m2, parity 1, and 26.4% instrumental deliveries. Youden's test and ROC curve analysis gave the best area under the curve of 0.869 for a cutoff of 2.305 (95% confidence interval, 0.839‐0.9). Women diagnosed with avulsion based on this cutoff were more symptomatic, whereas using larger cutoffs missed more avulsion defects.

Conclusion

LUG measurement is useful but should be individualized to the population studied, in our case, in a high‐risk population, 2.305 cm was the optimal cutoff. Using larger cutoffs may be more specific but is likely to miss more cases.
On the Mass of Static Metrics with Positive Cosmological Constant: II
Authors: Borghini Stefano , Mazzieri Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

This is the second of two works, in which we discuss the definition of an appropriate notion of mass for static metrics, in the case where the cosmological constant is positive and the model solutions are compact. In the first part, we have established a positive mass statement, characterising the de Sitter solution as the only static vacuum metric with zero mass. In this second part, we prove optimal area bounds for horizons of black hole type and of cosmological type, corresponding to Riemannian Penrose inequalities and to cosmological area bounds à la Boucher–Gibbons–Horowitz, respectively. Building on the related rigidity statements, we also deduce a uniqueness result for the Schwarzschild–de Sitter spacetime.
A phase I study investigation of metabolism, and disposition of [14C]-anlotinib after an oral administration in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors
Authors: Liu Yiqian , Liu Lianke , Liu Lingxiang , Wang Tongshan , Guo Lian , Wang Yixiang , Gao Zhengzhen , Shu Yongqian
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Anlotinib is a novel oral multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which selectively inhibits VEGFR2/3, FGFR1-4, PDGFR α/β, c-kit, and Ret. It shows antitumor effect in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors. The detailed absorption, metabolism, and excretion pathways of anlotinib have not yet been fully investigated.

Methods

Six male patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A (containing two patients) received 14.15 mg/80 µCi/subject [14C]-anlotinib hydrochloride. Group B (containing four patients) received 14.15 mg/120 µCi/subject [14C]-anlotinib hydrochloride. The blood, urine, and feces of all the six patients after orally administration of [14C]-anlotinib were collected. The absorption, metabolism, and excretion of [14C]-anlotinib were investigated, and the efficacy and safety of anlotinib were evaluated.

Results

In plasma, the average time to peak concentration (Tmax) of total radioactivity was 4.42 h and the average peak concentration (Cmax) of total radioactivity was 18.80 ng Eq./g. The average values of AUC0-last, AUC0-∞, and MRT0-t were 4071 h.ng Eq./g, 13,555 h.ng Eq./g, and 125 h, respectively. The average recovery of total radioactivity (TRA) in urine and feces was 62.03%, accounting for 48.52% and 13.51% in feces and urine of the total dosage, respectively. The parent drug, a carboxylic metabolite (M30), and mono-oxidation products (M46/M66) were major drug-related components in human plasma. Oxidative metabolism played the major role in drug clearance in human. The major metabolic pathways include oxidative deamination to M2, mono-oxidation to M1, and the formation of M30. Adverse events occurred in five patients and severe adverse events (SAE) occurred in one. Tumor response were evaluated as stable disease (SD) in three, partial response (PR) in one, and progressive disease (PD) in one of the patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Anlotinib had a good pharmacokinetic profile with rapid absorption, long half-life, and extensive hepatic metabolism. The adverse events and efficacy were as expected.
Gas/water foams stabilized with a newly developed anionic surfactant for gas mobility control applications
Authors: Almobarky Mohammed A. , AlYousif Zuhair , Schechter David
Published: April 2020

Carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding is one of the most globally used EOR processes to enhance oil recovery. However, the low gas viscosity and density result in gas channeling and gravity override which lead to poor sweep efficiency. Foam application for mobility control is a promising technology to increase the gas viscosity, lower the mobility and improve the sweep efficiency in the reservoir. Foam is generated in the reservoir by co-injection of surfactant solutions and gas. Although there are many surfactants that can be used for such purpose, their performance with supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) is weak causing poor or loss of mobility control. This experimental study evaluates a newly developed surfactant (CNF) that was introduced for ScCO2 mobility control in comparison with a common foaming agent, anionic alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) surfactant. Experimental work was divided into three stages: foam static tests, interfacial tension measurements, and foam dynamic tests. Both surfactants were investigated at different conditions. In general, results show that both surfactants are good foaming agents to reduce the mobility of ScCO2 with better performance of CNF surfactant. Shaking tests in the presence of crude oil show that the foam life for CNF extends to more than 24 h but less than that for AOS. Moreover, CNF features lower critical micelle concentration (CMC), higher adsorption, and smaller area/molecule at the liquid–air interface. Furthermore, entering, spreading, and bridging coefficients indicate that CNF surfactant produces very stable foam with light crude oil in both deionized and saline water, whereas AOS was stable only in deionized water. At all conditions for mobility reduction evaluation, CNF exhibits stronger flow resistance, higher foam viscosity, and higher mobility reduction factor than that of AOS surfactant. In addition, CNF and ScCO2 simultaneous injection produced 8.83% higher oil recovery than that of the baseline experiment and 7.87% higher than that of AOS. Pressure drop profiles for foam flooding using CNF was slightly higher than that of AOS indicating that CNF is better in terms of foam–oil tolerance which resulted in higher oil recovery.
Visually assayable morphological descriptors-based establishment of distinctiveness [D], uniformity [U] and stability [S] of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet var. Lignosus) genotypes
Authors: Shrikrishna P. D. , Ramesh S.
Published: April 2020

The development of crop varieties with enhanced economic value requires considerable resources, time and intellectual input. The individual/agencies/institutions other than the originator/developers can easily multiply and commercialize pure-line varieties which are the only cultivar option in predominantly self-pollinated crops like dolichos bean and derive economic benefits from them. Seeking legal rights on crop varieties is the best and the only way to protect them from unlawful claim of their origin/development and deriving economic benefits from them. Seeking legal protection from unauthorized commercialization of crop varieties under Indian PPV & FR Act requires establishment of their distinctness (D), uniformity (U) and stability (S). DUS of crop varieties are established predominantly using morphological descriptors. Five genotypes which include two released varieties (HA 3 and HA 4) (referred to as reference varieties) and one advanced breeding line, HA 11–3 and two elite germplasm accessions, Kadalavare and GL 66 (referred to as candidate varieties) were characterized for 25 morphological descriptors to establish their DUS. All the candidate varieties differed from reference varieties for at least one characterization descriptors, indicating their distinctness. The absence of off-types indicated the uniformity of reference and candidate varieties and hence was deemed stable. Thus, the study demonstrated the utility of morphological descriptors for establishing DUS dolichos bean genotypes.
Modelling the polarised emission from black holes on event horizon-scales
Authors: Younsi Ziri , Porth Oliver , Mizuno Yosuke , Fromm Christian M. , Olivares Hector
Published: April 2020

Upcoming VLBI observations will resolve nearby supermassive black holes, most notably Sagittarius A* and M87, on event horizon-scales. Recent observations of Sagittarius A* with the Event Horizon Telescope have revealed horizon-scale structure. Accordingly, the detection and measurement of the back hole “shadow” is expected to enable the existence of astrophysical black holes to be verified directly. Although the theoretical description of the shadow is straightforward, its observational appearance is largely determined by the properties of the surrounding accretion flow, which is highly turbulent. We introduce a new polarised general-relativistic radiative transfer code, BHOSS, which accurately solves the equations of polarised radiative transfer in arbitrary strong-gravity environments, providing physically-realistic images of astrophysical black holes on event horizon-scales, as well as also providing insight into the fundamental properties and nature of the surrounding accretion flow environment.
Infrared Diagnostics of the ISM in the Circumnuclear Environments of the Youngest Radio Galaxies
Authors: Kosmaczewski E. , Stawarz Ł. , Wójtowicz A.
Published: April 2020

Here we present a systematic analysis of the mid-infrared properties of young radio galaxies, based on lower-resolution data provided by WISE and IRAS satellites. We restrict our analysis to sources in the earliest phase of radio galaxy evolution, with corresponding ages of the radio structures ≤ 3,000 yrs. In our sample of 29 objects, we find a variety of WISE colors, which suggests that the mid-infrared continua of studied sources are not exclusively contributed to by the circumnuclear dust. A comparison of the total mid-infrared and absorption-corrected X-ray luminosities for our sample reveals a clear correlation between the two bands. This favors the scenario in which the observed X-ray emission of young radio galaxies — at least the high-luminosity ones — originates predominantly in accretion disk corona.
Isolation of two rare N-glycosides from Ginkgo biloba and their anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Cheng Jin-Tang , Guo Cong , Cui Wen-Jin , Zhang Qing , Wang Shu-Hui , Zhao Qing-He , Liu De-Wen , Zhang Jun , Chen Sha , Chen Chang , Liu Yan , Pan Zheng-Hong , Liu An
Published: April 2020

Two rare N-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid conjugates, N-[2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetyl]-L-glutamic acid (1) and N-[2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetyl]-L-aspartic acid (2) were isolated from Ginkgo biloba. The structures were elucidated by analyses of HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data. In addition, a simplified and efficient synthetic route for compounds 1 and 2 is also disclosed to determine the absolute configurations of them. This concise syntheses of compounds 1 and 2 may facilitate studies of the biology of this type alkaloids. Compounds 1 and 2 were also tested for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. The biological evaluation showed that compounds 1 and 2 led to the decrease of interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 at mRNA level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells.
Evidence‐based dynamic radio resource allocation to mitigate inter cell interference employing cooperative communication
Authors: Budihal Suneeta V. , Banakar Rajeshwari M.
Published: April 2020

The paper proposes a framework for traffic based dynamic radio resource allocation to mitigate Inter Cell Interference (ICI) in cooperative communication for LTE MIMO‐OFDMA systems using evidence theory. The objective is to address ICI, by dynamic user categorization, resource partitioning and management of radio resources. Through evidence based dynamic categorization of users, dynamic frequency planning and dynamic allocation of resources, spectral efficiency is enhanced by increasing data rate of users. It requires the cell users to be categorized into edge and center users depending on the confidence factor, computed using Dempster Shaffer Combinational Rule (DSCR). A traffic based dynamic Soft Frequency Reuse (SFR) plan is proposed using categorized user information to partition the available resources i.e., subcarrier and associated power. A subset of resources is allocated to identified edge users based on dynamic traffic. The traffic based evidential categorization of users, partitioning of resources provides improved data rate and spectral efficiency of edge users. The allocation of resources is dynamic in the proposed framework, leading to an improvement of spectral efficiency from 6.6 b/s/Hz to 12.4 b/s/Hz in a cell. The proposed methodology adapts to the user traffic in a cell and allocates the resources satisfying maximum users.
On the energy detection performance of multi‐antenna correlated receiver for vehicular communication using MGF approach
Authors: Kavaiya Sagar , Patel Dhaval K , Guan Yong Liang , Sun Sumei , Chang Yoong Choon , Lim Joanne Mun‐Yee
Published: April 2020

In this work, energy detection‐based spectrum sensing for multiple antenna receiver under the effect of mobility is investigated by considering L number of correlated antenna branches. The authors consider the uniform, exponential and arbitrarily correlation among the antenna branches based on the spacing between them. The moment generating function (MGF) approach is applied to obtain the statistical knowledge of the received signal to noise ratio because the Laplace domain behaviour will help to derive the closed‐form expressions using simple algebraic operations. They derived the closed‐form expressions for the detection probability over Nakagami‐m fading, in terms of Lauricella and Confluent Hypergeometric function for maximal ratio combining (MRC) and equal gain combining (EGC) diversity techniques under the effect of vehicle mobility. Monte‐Carlo simulation is carried out to validate the derived analytical expressions. The results show that the degradation in detection performance due to fading correlation can be reduced by choosing the appropriate diversity scheme and by increasing the number of antennas. Furthermore, they also found that at high fading parameter () value, the low value of the probability of false alarm and highly correlated fading, MRC works better than EGC for high relative velocity.
Real-Time Determination of Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient from the Seebeck Effect by Using Adaptive Learning-Rate Optimization
Authors: Korprasertsak Nataporn , Leephakpreeda Thananchai
Published: April 2020

It is challenging to determine the actual overall heat transfer coefficient under thermal conditions during processes. In a conventional approach, they are obtained as a constant with the empirical formula for the given conditions. In this study, the Adaptive moment estimation (Adam) technique is investigated for adaptive learning-rate optimization in the real-time determination of the overall heat transfer coefficient via the Seebeck effect in the thermoelectric modules. Two thermoelectric modules detect heat transfer as solid surfaces exposed to the outdoor air. The principle of energy balance and the Seebeck effect determine the overall heat transfer coefficients over time. The heating/cooling process of a copper plate is considered with exposure to the outdoor air. The overall heat transfer coefficient is determined with the proposed methodology over time. The temperature of the copper plate is numerically determined by the mathematical models with the obtained values of the overall heat transfer coefficient. It is confirmed that the calculated values of temperature are close to the measured values, with RMSE = 0.07 °C.
Mut-mach-Pakete für herzkranke Kinder
Authors: Nock Hermine , Kocks Andreas
Published: April 2020

Zur beratenden Unterstützung von Patienten und Angehörigen kommen oft auch Flyer, Broschüren, Plakate oder andere Hilfsmittel zum Einsatz. In den kommenden Ausgaben der JuKiP werden wir Ihnen einige Beispiele vorstellen, die besonders gelungen sind und uns darum begeistert haben.
A systematic assessment of the occurrence of trace element hyperaccumulation in the flora of New Caledonia
Authors: Gei Vidiro , Isnard Sandrine , Erskine Peter D , Echevarria Guillaume , Fogliani Bruno , Jaffré Tanguy , van der Ent Antony
Published: April 2020

New Caledonia is a global biodiversity hotspot known for its metal hyperaccumulator plants. X-ray fluorescence technology (XRF) has enabled non-destructive and quantitative determination of elemental concentrations in herbarium specimens from the ultramafic flora of the island. Specimens belonging to six major hyperaccumulator families (Cunoniaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Salicaceae, Sapotaceae, Oncothecaceae and Violaceae) and one to four specimens per species of the remaining ultramafic taxa in the herbarium were measured. XRF scanning included a total of c. 11 200 specimens from 35 orders, 96 families, 281 genera and 1484 species (1620 taxa) and covered 88.5% of the ultramafic flora. The study revealed the existence of 99 nickel hyperaccumulator taxa (65 known previously), 74 manganese hyperaccumulator taxa (11 known previously), eight cobalt hyperaccumulator taxa (two known previously) and four zinc hyperaccumulator taxa (none known previously). These results offer new insights into the phylogenetic diversity of hyperaccumulators in New Caledonia. The greatest diversity of nickel hyperaccumulators occur in a few major clades (Malphigiales and Oxalidales) and families (Phyllanthaceae, Salicaceae, Cunoniaceae). In contrast, manganese hyperaccumulation is phylogenetically scattered in the New Caledonian flora.
Environmental influences on Norwegian spring-spawning herring (Clupea harengusL.) larvae reveal recent constraints in recruitment success
Authors: Tiedemann Maik , Nash Richard D M , Stenevik Erling K , Stiasny Martina H , Slotte Aril , Kjesbu Olav S
Published: April 2020

The lack of any abundant recruiting year class of Norwegian spring-spawning (NSS) herring between 2005 and 2015 contributed to an approximate reduction of 40% in the spawning-stock biomass since 2009, i.e. from 7 to 4 million tonnes. Warming of the North Atlantic is suggested to contribute to this reduction in recruitment. In the past, a warm phase induced by a positive Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) in the North Atlantic was positively correlated to the NSS herring stock size. Recent unprecedented ocean warming in the Norwegian Sea ecosystem, besides elevated temperatures due to a positive AMO, seems to be outside optimal environmental conditions for early life history stages of NSS herring. We analysed 28 years of survey data using generalized additive models to reconstruct environmental conditions for drifting yolksac and preflexion stage larvae. Our results indicate that strong recruitment years were more likely when the larvae occurred simultaneously with a negative AMO during positive temperature anomalies. The transition from yolksac stages towards preflexion stages occurred while there was a slow increase in water temperature during the larval drift. Weak recruitment years generally occurred when larvae experienced elevated temperatures during the life stage transition under a positive AMO. These results augment evidence that the historical positive relationship between AMO and stock dynamics is reversed between 1988 and 2015. Albeit not implying any specific mechanistic biological interactions, we can assume that the unprecedented warming has modified the ecosystem drivers that negatively affect drifting larvae. Since 2016, the North Atlantic is shifting into a negative AMO phase, possibly resulting in the 10-year recruitment suppression of NSS herring ending soon.
Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Worby Colin J. , Chang Hsiao-Han
Published: April 2020

The ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread in early 2020, causing tens of thousands of deaths, over a million cases and widespread socioeconomic disruption. With no vaccine available and numerous national healthcare systems reaching or exceeding capacity, interventions to limit transmission are urgently needed. While there is broad agreement that travel restrictions and closure of non-essential businesses and schools are beneficial in limiting local and regional spread, recommendations around the use of face masks for the general population are less consistent internationally. In this study, we examined the role of face masks in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the general population, using epidemic models to estimate the total reduction of infections and deaths under various scenarios. In particular, we examined the optimal deployment of face masks when resources are limited, and explored a range of supply and demand dynamics. We found that face masks, even with a limited protective effect, can reduce infections and deaths, and can delay the peak time of the epidemic. We consistently found that a random distribution of masks in the population was a suboptimal strategy when resources were limited. Prioritizing coverage among the elderly was more beneficial, while allocating a proportion of available resources for diagnosed infected cases provided further mitigation under a range of scenarios. In summary, face mask use, particularly for a pathogen with relatively common asymptomatic carriage, can effectively provide some mitigation of transmission, while balancing provision between vulnerable healthy persons and symptomatic persons can optimize mitigation efforts when resources are limited.