bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and Bioactive Potentials of Extracts of Piliostigma thonningii Leaves
Authors: Ipav S S , Dasofunjo K , Sar T T , Hilary C E 
Published: July 2020

The aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Piliostigma thonningii Fabaceae (Leguminasae) – Caesalpinioidae were tested for bioactive and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative) and Candida albicans (fungus). The ethanolic extracts inhibited the growth of the pathogenic organisms with zones of inhibition ranging from 6.40±0.42 mm to 10.0±0.22 mm while the aqueous and petroleum ether extracts seem to be ineffective. The leaves of Piliostigma thonningii have high concentrations of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phlobatannins, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids. The ability of the ethanolic extract of the leaves to inhibit the growth of the test bacteria and fungus is an indication of its antimicrobial potency which may be employed in the treatment of microbial infections and degenerative diseases.
Corrosion Behavior of High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel in High-Temperature Water with Zinc and Aluminum Simultaneous Injection
Authors: Zhang Shenghan , Sun Chenhao , Tan Yu 
Published: July 2020

Oxide films were formed on A508-3 steel in simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water at the temperature of 561 ± 1 K for 168 h with zinc and/or aluminum injection. Corrosion behaviors of oxide films were analyzed by electrochemical polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky plots, photocurrent measurement, scanning electronic microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The results showed that zinc and aluminum simultaneous injection technology decreased the corrosion current density, increased the impedance value, made the oxide film more compact, and affected the semiconductor properties of the oxide film. The increase in zinc concentration improved the corrosion resistance to some extent. ZnAl2O4 phase, with extremely low solubility and high stability, had been detected in the oxide film; this substance changed the composition of the oxide film and affected the corrosion behavior of A508-3 steel.
Covalent Organic Framework Hosting Metalloporphyrin‐Based Carbon Dots for Visible‐Light‐Driven Selective CO2Reduction
Authors: Zhong Hong , Sa Rongjian , Lv Haowei , Yang Shuailong , Yuan Daqiang , Wang Xinchen , Wang Ruihu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic CO2reduction is one appealing approach to simultaneously mitigate the energy crisis and environmental issues. It is highly desirable but challenging to selectively and efficiently convert CO2into desirable products. Herein, a covalent organic framework hosting metalloporphyrin‐based carbon dots (M‐PCD@TD‐COF, M = Ni, Co, and Fe) is first presented, which serves as heterogeneous catalysts for CO2photoreduction. M‐PCD@TD‐COF not only enriches available COF‐based catalytic materials, but also provides suitable environment for CO2adsorption and activation on metalloporphyrin‐based carbon dots. The advantages of the host environment in COFs are highlighted by the satisfactory catalytic activity and remarkable selectivity of CO2‐to‐CO conversion over H2generation up to 98%. The photocatalytic system is effective for both pure CO2and the simulated flue gas. This work provides new protocols for the rational design of COF‐based heterogeneous catalysts for selective CO2photoreduction.
Enhancing Magnetic Cooperativity in Fe(II) Triazole‐based Spin‐crossover Nanoparticles by Pluronic Matrix Confinement
Authors: Zoppellaro Giorgio , Čépe Klára , Aparicio Claudia , Ugolotti Juri , Zbořil Radek 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPolymeric one‐dimensional (1D) triazole‐based FeII spin crossover nanoparticles have been entrapped in pluronic P123 matrix, forming nanorods in which the interaction between host (P123) and guest (FeII complex) promoted high reproducibility of the spin crossover process, significant shifts of the transition temperatures (T↑=370 K, T↓=338 K for the P123 entrapped material vs the literature values of T↑=358 K, T↓=341 K for the neat/polymer free system) and larger magnetic hysteresis width.
Validation of the Dutch version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
Authors: van der Baan Frederieke H. , Koldenhof Josephine J. , de Nijs Ellen J. , Echteld Michael A. , Zweers Danielle , Hesselmann Ginette M. , Vervoort Sigrid C. , Vos Jan B. , de Graaf Everlien , Witteveen Petronella O. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. , de Graeff Alexander , Teunissen Saskia C. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) is a Dutch and adapted version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, a patient‐reported outcome measurement (PROM) tool to asses and monitor symptoms in cancer patients. This study analyses the validity and responsiveness of the USD and the cutoff points to determine the clinical significance of a symptom score.MethodsObservational longitudinal cohort study including adult in‐ and outpatients treated in an academic hospital in the Netherlands who completed at least one USD as part of routine care (2012‐2019). The distress thermometer and problem checklist (DT&PC) was used as a reference PROM.Content, construct and criterion validity, responsiveness, and cutoff points are shown with prevalences, area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Chi‐squared test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and positive and negative predictive values, respectively.ResultsA total of 3913 patients completed 22 400 USDs. Content validity was confirmed for all added USD items with prevalences of ≥22%. All USD items also present on the DT&PC demonstrated a good criterion validity (ROC >0.8). Construct validity was confirmed for the USD as a whole and for the items dry mouth, dysphagia and well‐being (P < .0001). USD scores differed significantly for patients when improving or deteriorating on the DT&PC which confirmed responsiveness. Optimal cutoff points (3 or 4) differed per symptom.ConclusionThe USD is a valid 12‐item PROM for the most prevalent symptoms in cancer patients, which has content, criterion, and construct validity, and detects clinically important changes over time, in both curative and palliative phase.
Physical activity during and after breast cancer therapy and associations of baseline physical activity with changes in cardiac function by echocardiography
Authors: Upshaw Jenica N. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Hu Jian , Brown Justin C. , Smith Amanda M. , Demissei Biniyam , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Ky Bonnie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies suggest that regular physical activity may reduce cardiovascular morbidity and cancer recurrence in survivors of breast cancer. The association between physical activity and cardiac function with breast cancer therapy is unknown.MethodsSelf‐reported physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure‐Time Exercise Questionnaire at repeated intervals in a longitudinal cohort study of 603 breast cancer participants treated with doxorubicin and/or trastuzumab. Multivariable regression models estimated associations between clinical variables and physical activity. Generalized estimating equations adjusted for prespecified variables estimated associations between baseline physical activity and longitudinal echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function.ResultsPhysical activity was low at baseline, prior to cancer therapy initiation. More than half of participants reported no moderate‐strenuous physical activity, and only 12.1% met guideline recommended levels of physical activity. Physical activity increased after chemotherapy completion; however, only 26.0% of individuals were sufficiently active 3 years after cancer diagnosis. Body mass index, hyperlipidemia and higher cancer stage were significantly associated with lower total physical activity at baseline. Higher baseline physical activity was very modestly associated with an attenuation in the absolute decline in left ventricular ejection fraction over time (β 0.4%, 95% CI 0.1, 0.7, P = .02 for each 10‐unit increase in total activity). There tended to be a cardioprotective association with cardiotoxicity risk, although this was not statistically significant (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66, 1.04, P = .097).ConclusionsA small proportion of breast cancer patients and survivors are engaged in regular moderate‐strenuous physical activity. While only modest associations between self‐reported physical activity and left ventricular systolic function were observed, our findings do not exclude a cardioprotective benefit of exercise.
Optimization of Insecticidal Triterpene Derivatives by Biomimetic Oxidations with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodosobenzene Catalyzed by MnIII and FeIII Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Benharref Ahmed , Vaca Laura , Reina Matías , González‐Coloma Azucena 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSemisynthetic functionalized triterpenes (4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α,8α‐8,9‐epoxycholestan‐3β‐yl acetate; 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐8‐ene‐3,7,11‐trione; 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholesta‐7,9(11)‐dien‐3‐one and 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐8‐en‐3β‐yl acetate), previously prepared from 31‐norlanostenol, a natural insecticide isolated from the latex of Euphorbia officinarum, have been subjected to oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and iodosobenzene (PhIO) catalyzed by porphyrin complexes (cytochrome P‐450 models) in order to obtain optimized derivatives with high regioselectivity. The main transformations were epoxidation of the double bonds and hydroxylations of non‐activated C–H groups and the reaction products were 25‐hydroxy‐4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholesta‐7,9(11)‐dien‐3β‐yl acetate (59 %), 25‐hydroxy‐4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐8‐ene‐3,7,11‐trione (60 %), 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α,7β‐7,8‐epoxycholest‐9(11)‐en‐3‐one (22 %), 8‐hydroxy‐4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐9(11)‐ene‐3,7‐dione (16 %), 12α‐hydroxy‐4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α,7β‐7,8‐epoxycholest‐9(11)‐en‐3‐one (16 %), and 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α,8α‐8,9‐epoxycholestan‐3β‐yl acetate (26 %), respectively. We also investigated the insect (Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Spodoptera littoralis) antifeedant and postingestive effects of these terpenoid derivatives. None of the compounds tested had significant antifeedant effects, however, all were more effective postingestive toxicants on S. littoralis larvae than the natural compound 31‐norlanostenol, with 4α,14‐dimethyl‐5α,8α‐8,9‐epoxycholestan‐3β‐yl acetate being the most active. The study of their structure–activity relationships points out at the importance of C3 and C7 substituents.
How Faculty Change Agents Enact Midlevel Leadership in STEM
Authors: Iverson Ellen R. , Bragg Debra D. , Eddy Pamela L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis chapter describes research on a four‐year National Science Foundation grant project that supported instructional, organizational, and professional change made by geoscience faculty change agents. The faculty change agents participated in sustained professional development, led regional workshops, and engaged in college‐, program‐, and classroom‐level reforms en‐route to their development as midlevel leaders.
Lessons From the Field: Leading Institutional Change From the Middle
Authors: Conrad Kelley L. , LeMay Lynsey E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLeading community college change initiatives from midlevel leadership positions is challenging. This chapter reviews the experiences of two midlevel leaders who led change on their campuses. They describe the work of their leadership efforts, including their relationships with faculty, administrators, students, and the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned.
Prognostic Factors in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Experience from A Developing Country
Authors: Ghafoor Tariq , Khalil Sumaira , Farah Tanzeela , Ahmed Shakeel , Sharif Imtenan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the developed world, 5‐years survival of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has improved to 70%. However, the survival rates in the developing world are below 40%. The main contributing factors to these reduced survival rates are a late presentation, malnutrition and high treatment‐related mortality.AimTo document the factors affecting treatment outcome of childhood AML at a tertiary care facility of Pakistan.Methods and ResultsAll newly registered cases of AML under 18 years of age from January 1, 2012 onwards who completed their treatment before November 30, 2019 were included. Data of 219 cases of AML containing 140 (63.9%) males and 79 (36.1%) females was analyzed. The mean age was 6.30 ± 3.66 years. Pallor was the commonest presenting features in 180 (82.2%) and M2 was the commonest French American‐British (FAB) subtype in 103 (47.0%) cases. In univariate analysis, high white blood cells (WBC) count at presentation (P = .006), poor nutritional status (P = .005), unfavourable cytogenetics (P = .019), certain types of FAB AML subtype (P = .005), and use of etoposide in induction chemotherapy (P = .042) significantly adversely affected overall survival (OS). Neutropenic sepsis and bleeding were the major causes of treatment‐related mortality. Response to induction chemotherapy was the most significant prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis (P = <.001). After a median follow‐up of 40.96 ± 26.23 months, 5‐year OS and DFS of the cohort were 40.6% and 38.3% respectively.ConclusionsIn this largest cohort of childhood AML from Pakistan, high WBC count at presentation, malnutrition, unfavourable cytogenetics and use of etoposide during induction chemotherapy were associated with decreased OS and DFS rates. Response to the induction chemotherapy was the most significant prognostic factor.
Zeta potential of inorganic fine particle—Na‐bentonite binder mixture systems
Authors: Otsuki Akira , Hayagan Neil Lonio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe zeta potential of single and multi‐inorganic fine particle mixtures (hematite and gangues, i.e., SiO2 + Al2O3) with Na‐bentonite was investigated to understand and properly control the mineral surface properties relevant to pelletization of low‐grade fine iron ores. The zeta potential of hematite‐bentonite mixture showed more negative charge up to 1 wt.% bentonite dosage and became constant. In the multiparticle mixture systems with bentonite, the SiO2 amount in the system controlled the changes in zeta potential due to its high negative charge (−54.9 mV at natural pH) and the bentonite attachment on its surface based on the electrostatic interaction while Al2O3 had no effect due to its negligible surface charge (−1.6 mV at natural pH). This article reports the new insight into the characterization of surface chemistry of inorganic/mineral mixture systems to understand their surface charge properties in relation to fine mineral particle processing, and to show a direction toward the elucidation of particle dispersion/aggregation mechanism in complex ore systems aiming for their beneficiations.
An energy efficient and resource‐constrained scheduling framework for smart city application
Authors: Jing Weipeng , Miao Qiucheng , Song Houbing , Liu Yaqiu 
Published: July 2020

SummaryWith the development of smart Internet of things devices, intelligent applications are expected to lead further innovation in smart city. However, although cloud computing infrastructure can be used to meet traditional challenges, the scheduling model for new big data intelligent application has still not matured. In this work, we proposed a two‐stage scheduling framework for smart city intelligent application. In the first stage, we propose a virtual machine selection algorithm for edge computing to enhance relative migration benefits. The algorithm defines the invalid virtual machine migration and relative migration benefits from the change in the overall computing resources of the cloud data center after the virtual machine migration. In the second stage, we proposed an energy efficient and resource‐constrained scheduling framework for edge computing. The historical data of the cloud and edge computing workload of the computing node are processed in a sliding window manner, and the median absolute deviation of the historical data is used as the base of the physical reserved resource constraint when the base also changes as the workload changes. The experimental results show that energy‐efficient and resource‐constrained can make the computer resource provide high‐quality services for users in a low‐energy state.
Seizure progression triggered by IQSEC3 loss is mitigated by reducing activated microglia in mice
Authors: Park Dongseok , Kim Seungjoon , Kim Hyeonho , Shin Jungsu , Jung Hyeji , Um Ji Won 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIQSEC3, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ADP‐ribosylation factors (ARF‐GEFs) is specifically expressed at GABAergic synapses, and its loss increases seizure susceptibility in mice. However, the contribution of microglia to initiation and/or progression of seizures in IQSEC3‐deficient mice has not been investigated. In the current study, we show that mice with hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)‐specific IQSEC3 knockdown (KD) exhibit microglial activation and death of DG granule cell. Furthermore, treatment of IQSEC3‐KD mice with minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, blocks DG granule neuron cell death and the occurrence of spontaneous seizures without affecting GABAergic synapse deficits or loss of somatostatin. Our results suggest that microglial activation is involved in a subset of IQSEC3‐KD–induced epileptogenesis stages, and that its regulation could be an alternative strategy for managing epilepsy.
Regioselective Synthesis of Palm‐Based Sorbitol Esters as Biobased Surfactant by Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus in Nonaqueous Media
Authors: Arniza Mohd Zan , Hoong Seng Soi , Yusop Muhammad Rahimi , Hayes Douglas G. , Yeong Shoot Kian , NSMariam Nek MD 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper describes the regioselective production of palm‐based sorbitol monoesters via esterification catalyzed by Lipozyme® TL IM (Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase adsorbed onto silica gel, Novozymes, Inc., Franklington, NC, USA). Effects of various reaction parameters including types of solvent, substrate molar ratio, molecular sieve and lipase concentration, temperature, reaction time, and fatty acid chain length were investigated. Approximately 76% conversion of sorbitol to sorbitol esters was achieved within 24 h under optimal conditions: sorbitol (0.4 M), fatty acid (0.8 M), 20 wt% Lipozyme® TL IM in 100 mL tert‐butanol at 55 °C for 24 h in the presence of 25 wt% 3 Å molecular sieve as water absorbent. The reactions were conducted in an orbital incubator shaker at a shaking rate of 200 rpm. Lipozyme® TL IM was highly regioselective, esterifying exclusively at sorbitol's primary hydroxyl groups, producing 1‐O‐ and 6‐O‐sorbitol monoesters. The biocatalyst also exhibited substrate selectivity toward shorter chain acyl donors, with caprylic acid exhibiting the highest conversion of sorbitol. In addition, Lipozyme® TL IM was reused up to four successive reaction cycles without significant loss of activity. The biocatalytic process reported in this paper is a one‐step process to produce biobased surfactants that does not involve the use of toxic or expensive solvents that are commonly employed for derivatization of sugars, or pre‐derivatization of the substrates molecules.
Sagebrush Characteristics Influencing Foraging Patterns of Pygmy Rabbits
Authors: Jimenez Amber , Schmalz Jennifer , Wright Masako N. , Skopec Michele M. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is endemic to the sagebrush steppe landscapes in the western United States. Pygmy rabbits have adapted to this region by depending on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) as a source of nutrition and concealment from predators. Being a central place forager, and a dietary specialist makes pygmy rabbits an ideal subject to study foraging tradeoffs. Our objectives were to determine if pygmy rabbit foraging patterns are influenced by the nutrient content of individual sagebrush, or the size and location of individual sagebrush. We first developed a near infrared spectroscopy assay that can be conducted in the field, with whole plant foliage, to determine individual sagebrush crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents. We then measured the size, location, protein, and fiber contents of >1,500 foraged and non‐foraged sagebrush plants surrounding pygmy rabbit burrows in 2 field sites in northern Utah, USA. We found significant site differences in sagebrush CP levels and significant season differences in sagebrush ADF levels; sagebrush closer to central burrows were higher in protein and lower in fiber. Pygmy rabbits preferred to forage on taller sagebrush plants that were closer to the central burrow but only marginally higher in CP (0.2%) and lower in ADF (1%). Sagebrush plants with a >50% chance of being foraged, were <5.6 m from the burrow, >0.67 m tall, >10.4% CP, and <34.95% ADF. The selection of closer, larger, and more nutrient‐dense sagebrush may be influenced by pygmy rabbits' need for concealment from predators or a way to minimize foraging effort. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Electrosurgery Turbinate Reduction Revisited: Can Comparable Volumetric Heating be Achieved Without Feedback Control?
Authors: Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Hong Ellen M. , Pham Tiffany T. , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: July 2020

Background and ObjectivesTemperature‐controlled radiofrequency inferior turbinate ablation (TCRFA) uses a feedback system to control thermal injury and achieve precise volumetric heating to induce specific scar formation. However, it requires costly single‐use proprietary consumables. Comparable volumetric tissue heating may be achieved for a fraction of the cost by adjusting the power settings on traditional monopolar electrosurgery devices that use low‐cost needle tips. This pre‐clinical study aims to determine the optimized power parameters to achieve electrosurgical coagulum volume similar to that of TCRFA.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAn electrosurgery submucosal diathermy (SMD) system (cut mode, 4–32 W, 5–120 seconds) and a temperature‐controlled radiofrequency ablation system (standard clinical parameters for treating inferior turbinate hypertrophy) were used to coagulate egg white and chicken breast. Coagulum major and minor axis were measured, and lesion volume was approximated as prolate spheroid.ResultsNo significant difference in volume was found between the temperature‐controlled system and the electrosurgery system at 8 W for 30 seconds, 8 W for 60 seconds, 16 W for 30 seconds, 32 W for 5 seconds, and 32 W for 15 seconds. The time to achieve equivalent lesion size was significantly less in the SMD system when compared to the temperature‐controlled system (P < 0.05).ConclusionElectrosurgery handpieces may achieve similar lesion volume effects as the temperature feedback‐controlled, single‐use handpieces when set to the optimized parameters. SMD handpieces are significantly more cost and time effective than proprietary devices, and they are easily used in the office. SMD devices may be a more affordable alternative to temperature‐controlled systems with comparable lesion volume effect and may be valuable for office‐based therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC