bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Q‐learning for noise covariance adaptation in extended KALMAN filter
Authors: Xiong Kai , Wei Chunling , Zhang Haoyu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe extended Kalman filter (EKF) is a widely used method in navigation applications. The EKF suffers from noise covariance uncertainty, potentially causing it to perform poorly in practice. This paper attempts to suppress the unfavorable effect of the noise covariance uncertainty to the EKF in the framework of reinforcement learning. The proposed state estimation algorithm combines the EKF and a Q‐learning method, where a covariance adaptation strategy is designed based on the Q‐values, leading to a gradual improvement in the estimation performance. The resultant algorithm is called the Q‐learning extended Kalman filter (QLEKF), which is less sensitive to the noise covariance uncertainty. To evaluate the estimation error behavior in nonlinear uncertain systems, the stability of the filtering algorithm is investigated. A numerical simulation for spacecraft autonomous navigation is implemented to demonstrate the efficiency of the QLEKF. It is shown that the presented algorithm outperforms a traditional EKF and an adaptive extended Kalman filter (AEKF) in estimation accuracy.
Amine‐ and Amide‐Functionalized Mesoporous Carbons: A Strategy for Improving Sulfur/Host Interactions in Li–S Batteries
Authors: Fretz Samuel J. , Agostini Marco , Jankowski Piotr , Johansson Patrik , Matic Aleksandar , Palmqvist Anders E. C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are of great interest due to their potentially high energy density, but the low electronic conductivity of both the sulfur (S8) cathode active material and the final discharge product lithium sulfide (Li2S) require the use of a conductive host. Usually made of relatively hydrophobic carbon, such hosts are typically ill‐suited to retain polar discharge products such as the intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPs) and the final Li2S. Herein, we propose a route to increase the sulfur utilization by functionalizing the surface of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK3 with polar groups. These derivatized CMK3 materials are made using a simple two‐step procedure of bromomethylation and subsequent nucleophilic substitution with amine or amide nucleophiles. We demonstrate that, compared to the unfunctionalized control, these modified CMK3 surfaces have considerably larger binding energies with LiPs and Li2S, which are proposed to aid the electrochemical conversion between S8 and Li2S by keeping the LiPs species in close proximity to the carbon surface during Li–S battery cycling. As a result, the functionalized cathodes exhibit significantly improved specific capacities relative to their unmodified precursor.
Preparation and characterization of selenium‐decorated graphene quantum dots with high afterglow for application in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Roeinfard M. , Zahedifar M. , Darroudi M. , Khorsand Zak A. , Sadeghi E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGraphene quantum dots (GQDs) was synthesized using a simple, rapid and affordable method and decorated with selenium at different molar ratios for the first time to obtain an efficient sample for use in photodynamic therapy. Surface modification of GQDs was carried out using polyethylene glycol (PEG) for conjugation with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Synthesized GQDs (Se: 0.3%) at 180°C had an emission spectrum that fairly coincided with the absorption profile of PpIX. A relative decrease of about 62.48% in the emission intensity of anthracene was recorded under illumination with UVC light in the presence of GQDs (Se: 0.3%) and the reduction for clung GQDs (Se: 0.3%) and PpIX during 90 min was about 70.68%. Singlet oxygen (1O2) generation was examined using a chemical method that showed significant enhancement in decomposition rate constant in clung GQDs–PEG–PpIX compared with GQDs and PpIX alone. Afterglow over 600 s showed that GQDs (Se: 0.3%) could be effective for near skin and even deep tumours.
A novel RP‐HPLC refractive index detector method development and validation for determination of trace‐level alcohols (un‐sulfated) in sodium lauryl sulfate raw material
Authors: Katakam Lakshmi Narasimha Rao , Dongala Thirupathi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe main aim of the study is to develop and validate a simple and rapid liquid chromatographic analytical method for simultaneous determination of trace level of un‐sulfated alcohol impurities in sodium lauryl sulfate using high‐performance liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector. The chromatographic separation was achieved using flow rate of 3.0 ml/min with a Waters Symmetry C18(150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column and 50°C as a column temperature. The mobile phase comprised milliQ water and acetonitrile in the ratio of 30:70 v/v respectively. The detection was performed using a refractive index detector at a sensitivity of 64. The resolutions amongn‐decanol,n‐dodecanol,n‐tetradecanol,n‐hexadecanol, andn‐heptadecanol were found to be >4. Regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient for the stated compounds of >0.999. The validated HPLC method was utilized effectively for the estimation of un‐sulfated alcohols in quality control labs for commercial release of sodium lauryl sulfate.
Construction and application of the student satisfaction evaluation system for the extracurricular education services in colleges
Authors: Xue Lin , Cho Yuh‐Jen , He Wei , Yao LiuJing , Zou WenTong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBy defining the related concepts of students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services in colleges, we used the SERVQUAL standard scale for reference and constructed a comprehensive indicator system for evaluating students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services through the preliminary selection and optimized selection of relevant indicators. After weighting indicators on the basis of analytic hierarchy process, entropy weight method, CRITIC and combination weighting method, we further employed the grey relational analysis method to construct a comprehensive model for evaluating students' satisfaction with extracurricular education services in colleges, and tested its practicability with the case of Minjiang University. The good collaboration between various elements, such as multi‐stakeholder participation and information network design, can significantly contribute to the in‐depth application and promotion of this comprehensive evaluation model.
First‐line crizotinib versus platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy in patients with advanced ROS1‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shen Lan , Qiang Tan , Li Ziming , Ding Ding , Yu Yongfeng , Lu Shun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesFood and Drug Administration (FDA) approved crizotinib for advanced ROS1‐rearranged (ROS1+) non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients due to a single‐arm study PROFILE 1001. However, there is no direct comparison between crizotinib and platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy.Materials and methodsClinical data of advanced ROS1+NSCLC patients treated with first‐line crizotinib or platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy between August 2010 and December 2017 were analyzed.ResultsSeventy‐seven patients were eligible, including 30 (39.0%) in the crizotinib group and 47 (61.0%) in the platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy group. The median follow‐up was 28.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2‐39.0). The objective response rate (ORR) of crizotinib (86.7%, 95% CI: 73.3‐96.7) was higher than that of platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy (44.7%, 95% CI: 29.8‐57.4, P < .001). The disease control rate (DCR) was 96.7% (95% CI: 90.0‐100) in the crizotinib group and 85.1% (95% CI: 74.5‐95.7) in the chemotherapy group (P = .140). Significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS) was observed in the patients treated with crizotinib (18.4 months, 95% CI: 6.4‐30.3) versus platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy (8.6 months, 95% CI: 6.9‐10.3, P < .001). Overall survival (OS) was also compared between the two groups and no significant difference was seen (Not reach vs 28.4 months [95% CI: 20.7‐36.0], P = .176). Notably, a total of 37 patients have treatment crossover after the failure of first‐line treatment. Among those patients, difference in OS was not statistically significant between seven patients who have given first‐line crizotinib (38.6 months, 95% CI: 0‐81.0) and 30 patients who have given platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy initially (32.8 months, 95% CI: 11.9‐53.8, P = .805).ConclusionsOur results suggested that first‐line crizotinib had higher ORR and longer PFS than platinum‐pemetrexed chemotherapy in patients with advanced ROS1+NSCLC, but the differences were not observed for OS.
Three New Butenolides from the Green Alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata
Authors: Li Dai‐Chun , Yang Yan , Zhang Bing , Liao Xiao‐Jian , Jiang Zhi‐Hui , Xu Shi‐Hai , Zhao Bing‐Xin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThree new butenolides, caulerpalide A and a pair of enantiomers, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B, together with seven known compounds, have been isolated from the green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata. All these structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configurations of caulerpalide A, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B were elucidated by the method of ECD calculation. This is the first separation of butenolides from the algae of genus Caulerpa. Additionally, the antibacterial activities of the nine isolated compounds were also evaluated.
Polyphenolic profiles, antioxidant, and in vitro anticancer activities of the seeds of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars
Authors: Stikić Radmila I. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Jovanović Zorica B. , Gašić Uroš M. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Djordjević Nataša Z. , Savić Sladjana K. , Czekus Borisz G. , Pešić Mirjana B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesQuinoa is considered to be a “natural functional food” due to a lot of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health by helping prevent the risks of different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the health‐promoting characteristics of Puno and Titicaca quinoa seeds grown in Serbia by assessing their phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and potential anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells.FindingsThirteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the seeds of both cultivars, but their profile and concentration of individual phenolic compounds differed. Cytotoxic activities were present in both cultivars, whereas the pronounced concentration and time‐dependent effects were more expressed in Puno extracts.ConclusionsThe extracts of the seeds of both cultivars are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and with high antioxidant activities. Potent anticancer activity against the human colorectal cancer was expressed in both investigated cultivars.Significance and noveltyThe study confirmed the health benefit potential of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars, grown in Serbia. These results are the first to demonstrate a potent anticancer activity of quinoa seed extract against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT‐116, as well as the presence of 7 new phenolic and flavonoid compounds.
Alkali Metal Cation Incorporation in Conductive TiO2 Nanoflakes with Improved Photoelectrochemical H2 Generation
Authors: Khorashadizade Elham , Mohajernia Shiva , Hejazi Seyedsina , Mehdipour Hamid , Naseri Naimeh , Moradlou Omran , Liu Ning , Moshfegh Alireza Z. , Schmuki Patrik 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this research, we investigate the effect of alkali metal cations including Li, Na and Cs in hydrothermal solution on the morphology, stability, and photoactivity of nanostructured TiO2 nanoflakes as a photoanode. The TiO2 nanoflakes are formed through hydrothermal treatment of Ti foil in 1.0 M LiOH, NaOH or CsOH at 100 °C for 3 h. By subsequent thermal reduction of the structure in an optimized Ar/H2 environment, conductive TiO2 nanoflakes were formed. The reduction treatment remarkably improves the photocurrent density of the TiO2 nanoflakes and has the highest impact on the sample treated in the NaOH alkali solution. For the nanoflakes produced in NaOH alkali solution, the bandgap is shifted to a lower value and the structure shows the most stable morphology after thermal treatment compared to nanoflakes formed in other alkali solutions. Such reduced hydrothermally treated nanoflakes formed in NaOH can generate a photocurrent density of approximately 1 mA/cm−2 vs. Ag/AgCl in 1.0 M KOH solution, which is six times higher than for pristine TiO2.
Ti/Pt−Pd‐Based Nanocomposite: Effects of Metal Oxides on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Fortunato Guilherme V. , Cardoso Eduardo S. F. , Martini Bibiana K. , Maia Gilberto 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOver the last few years, there has been an intensive search for stable and highly active electrocatalysts, which are intended to be applied in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) preferably without the use of noble metals or with the application of a very small quantity of these metals in the process. Electrocatalysts that satisfy these conditions can be composed of Ti and other metals, supported or not by carbonaceous materials. The present work reports the application of synthesized three‐dimensional Ti/Pt−Pd nanoparticles with highly rough surfaces supported on graphene nanoribbons (Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR nanocomposite) by a single one‐pot reaction, and applied in ORR. Unlike the effect of strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI), which favors electrons transfer from the metal support to the catalyst, the mechanism employed in this study favored the transfer of electrons from the catalyst to the metal support; in other words, the mechanism led to the oxidation of Pt and Pd. Pt, which exhibited Pt−Pd type alloy features, was found to be more externally distributed at the rough surface of the metallic structures. Additionally, Ti, which presented oxide features, was found to be even more externally distributed at the surface of Pt−Pd on non‐electrochemically and electrochemically stabilized Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR nanocomposite electrodes. Since all these metals have great amounts of different oxides (i. e. are highly oxidized), the oxides are found to be energetically responsible for the improvement in ORR electrocatalytic activity and stability of Ti/Pt−Pd/GNR/GC electrodes in comparison with the ORR responses for PtC TKK/GC and Pt−Pd/GNR/GC modified electrodes. To Ti‐containing catalysts, the high activity is attributable to enhancing the intrinsic activity and the high selectivity to 4‐electron ORR is due to the fact that presence of Ti contributes to oxygen‐binding energy of these nanocomposites shifts toward more positive values (weakening oxygen bonding).
Counter‐ion insertion of chloride in Mn3O4 as cathode for dual‐ion batteries: A new mechanism of electrosynthesis for reversible anion storage
Authors: Jiang Heng , Ji Xiulei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIrreversible reductive insertion of Zn2+ transforms Mn3O4 such that the resulting Zn0.2Mn3O4 exhibits highly reversible storage properties of chloride ions, thus rendering Zn0.2Mn3O4 an excellent cathode of aqueous dual‐ion batteries. With Zn2+ trapped, Zn0.2Mn3O4 delivers the chloride‐storage capacity over 200 mAh/g at an average potential of 1.6 V vs Zn2+/Zn by reversibly forming a new ionic compound equivalent to Zn0.2Mn3O4Cl1.7. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance results suggest chloride as the primary charge carrier in the reversible oxidative anion insertion. The Mn3O4 anion‐hosting cathode couples with Zn metal anode in a full‐cell dual‐ion battery, demonstrating stable cycling in practical pouch cells with an energy density of 150 Wh/kg based on the mass of both electrodes.
Binding and Release of FeIII Complexes from Glucan Particles for the Delivery of T1 MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Patel Akanksha , Asik Didar , Snyder Eric M. , Dilillo Alexandra E. , Cullen Paul J. , Morrow Janet R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractYeast‐derived β‐glucan particles (GPs) are a class of microcarriers under development for the delivery of drugs and imaging agents to immune‐system cells for theranostic approaches. However, the encapsulation of hydrophilic imaging agents in the porous GPs is challenging. Here, we show that the unique coordination chemistry of FeIII‐based macrocyclic T1 MRI contrast agents permits facile encapsulation in GPs. Remarkably, GPs labeled with the simple FeIII complexes are stable under physiologically relevant conditions, despite the absence of amphiphilic groups. In contrast to the free FeIII coordination complex, the labeled FeIII‐GPs have lowered T1 relaxivity and act as a silenced form of the contrast agent. Addition of a fluorescent tag to the FeIII complex produces a bimodal agent to further enable tracking of the nanoparticles and to monitor release. Treatment of the iron‐labeled GPs with a maltol chelator or with mildly acidic conditions releases the intact iron complex and restores enhanced T1 relaxation of the water protons.
Cyclic Silylselenides: Convenient Selenium Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Charvot Jaroslav , Pokorný Daniel , Zazpe Raul , Krumpolec Richard , Pavliňák David , Hromádko Luděk , Přikryl Jan , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Klikar Milan , Jelínková Veronika , Macak Jan M. , Bureš Filip 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThree cyclic silylselenides were prepared in a straightforward manner. Property tuning has been achieved by varying the ring size and the number of embedded selenium atoms. All silylselenides possess improved resistance towards moisture and oxidation as well as high thermal robustness and sufficient volatility with almost zero residues. The six‐membered diselenide proved to be particularly superior Se precursors for atomic layer deposition and allowed facile preparation of MoSe2 layers. Their structure and composition have been investigated by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy revealing vertically aligned flaky shaped nanosheets.
NaNO3‐Promoted Mesoporous MgO for High‐Capacity CO2 Capture from Simulated Flue Gas with Isothermal Regeneration
Authors: Park Sang Jae , Kim Youngjo , Jones Christopher W. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNaNO3‐promoted MgO composite materials have been prepared and their ability to sorb CO2 at a concentration relevant to CO2 capture from flue gas is explored. The uptake kinetics and capacities of sorbents of different NaNO3/MgO ratios are measured at intermediate temperatures of 230–300 °C. The sorbent with a NaNO3/MgO ratio of 0.10 has the highest 12 h sorption capacity among sorbents with different NaNO3 loadings, and the highest sorption capacity of 11.2 mmol
g−1 is observed at 260 °C. Intriguingly, an induction period is observed in the initial stage of CO2 sorption. In situ XRD analysis, in situ FTIR spectroscopy, and a comparison of the CO2 sorption behavior under simulated flue gas conditions in comparison to prior studies employing pure CO2 indicated that the sorption of CO2 occurred through nucleation of MgCO3 crystallites in the material. The data indicate that the concentration of CO2 within the molten medium of NaNO3, which is affected by both the solubility of CO2 in molten NaNO3 and the partial pressure of CO2 in the surrounding atmosphere, has a critical impact on the length of the induction period. A partially desorbed sample after sorption of CO2 displays much‐improved sorption kinetics in the next cycle and was able to sorb and desorb CO2 over multiple cycles at isothermal conditions by simply switching the feed gas from CO2 to inert gas.
Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features and the risk of malignancy in The Bethesda System for the Reporting of Thyroid Cytopathology
Authors: Elliott Range Danielle , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe Bethesda System for the Reporting of Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is used to categorize and diagnose thyroid nodules by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Each category in TBSRTC is associated with an estimated risk of malignancy (ROM). A subset of noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (niEFVPTC) was reclassified as a nonmalignant tumor: noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP). We studied the impact of this reclassification on the reported ROM in TBSRTC.Material and MethodsWe searched our institutional files for thyroid FNAB with surgical follow‐up. ROM for each TBSRTC category was calculated. Subsequently, cases of niEFVPTC were reviewed and reclassified as NIFTP, if appropriate. ROM for each category was then recalculated after the reclassification.ResultsTwenty‐six NIFTP were identified; the corresponding FNABs were distributed among all six TBSRTC categories. The majority of NIFTP FNAB were in the AUS/FLUS and suspicious for malignancy (SUSP) categories, 12 (46.2%) and 8 (30.8%), respectively. While the ROM changed for all diagnostic categories, the greatest change in ROM after reclassification was seen in these two categories. Absolute ROM for AUS/FLUS decreased from 25.0% to 21.0% and SUSP, from 71.7% to 58.3%, changes that were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe reclassification of niEFVPTC to NIFTP has significantly impacted the ROM in the TBSRTC at our institution. While there was a decrease in ROM for all categories, the greatest reduction to ROM was in the categories of AUS/FLUS and FN. These changes to the ROM should help guide surgical approach moving forward.
Prenatal antidepressant exposures and gastrointestinal complaints in childhood: A gut–brain axis connection?
Authors: Salisbury Amy L. , Papandonatos George D. , Stroud Laura R. , Smith Alicia K. , Brennan Patricia A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSelective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (collectively, SRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant agents for the treatment of depression in pregnancy. SRIs affect maternal and placental serotonin signaling, which might impact fetal brain development. Alterations in serotonin signaling might also impact the developing gut–brain axis (GBA) via alterations in the fetal enteric nervous system (ENS). Emerging evidence suggests that gestational SRI exposure may be associated with offspring gastrointestinal problems. However, prospective human studies of the effects of fetal SRI exposure on the ENS and function are absent in the literature. In this paper we present data demonstrating significant associations between prenatal SRI exposure and children's gastrointestinal (GI) problems in two well‐characterized, prospective cohorts of preschool and later childhood individuals. The results support the hypothesis that prenatal SRI exposure can increase the risk for childhood GI difficulties. Further research is warranted on the potential SRI‐induced changes to the child gut including the role of the microbiome and the GBA in the development of GI problems.