bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐assisted learning of electromagnetics through MATLAB programming of electromagnetic fields in the creativity thread of an integrated approach to electrical engineering education
Authors: Notaroš Branislav M. , McCullough Ryan , Manić Sanja B. , Maciejewski Anthony A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses an integrated approach to electrical‐engineering education that incorporates computer‐assisted MATLAB‐based instruction and learning into the junior‐level electromagnetics course and newly created learning studio modules (LSMs). In this model, creativity class sessions are followed by two comprehensive and rather challenging multi‐week homework assignments of MATLAB problems and projects in electromagnetic fields. This is enabled by a unique and extremely comprehensive collection of MATLAB computer exercises and projects, reinforcing all important theoretical concepts, methodologies, and problem‐solving techniques in electromagnetic fields and waves, developed by one of the faculty team members. These tutorials, exercises, and codes constitute a modern tool for learning electromagnetics via computer‐mediated exploration and inquiry, exploiting the technological and pedagogical power of MATLAB software as a general learning technology. The novel approach introduces students to MATLAB programming of electromagnetic fields, as opposed to just passive demonstrations of MATLAB's tools and capabilities for computation and visualization of fields. MATLAB programming tutorials and assignments are designed to deepen student engagement and accommodate different learning styles so students can learn more effectively. In addition to improving students’ understanding and command of MATLAB use and programming within the electromagnetics context and beyond, these exercises increase their motivation to learn and appreciation of the practical relevance of the material, and equip them with the tools and skills to excel in other courses and projects. The results of this project were qualitatively analyzed through feedback surveys given to the students at the end of each MATLAB assignment. The Electromagnetics Concept Inventory was also used.
Catalytic Gas‐Phase Cyclization of Glycolate Esters: A Novel Route Toward Glycolide‐Based Bioplastics
Authors: De Clercq Rik , Makshina Ekaterina , Sels Bert F. , Dusselier Michiel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA catalytic process to produce glycolide, the cyclic dimer of glycolic acid (GA), is proposed. Glycolide is the key building block of the biodegradable plastic polyglycolic acid. Instead of the current industrial two‐step route, which involves the polycondensation of GA and a subsequent backbiting reaction, a new route based on the gas‐phase transesterification of methyl glycolate (MGA) over a fixed catalyst bed is presented. With specific supported TiO2 catalysts, a high glycolide selectivity of 75–78 % can be achieved at the thermodynamically‐limited equilibrium conversion of MGA (54 % at 300 °C, 5.6 vol% MGA, 1 atm). The absence of solvent and the continuous nature of the process should allow for easy product separation and recycling of unconverted esters, while the few side‐products, i. e. linear alkyl glycolate dimers and trimers seem recoverable via methanolysis. The reaction is compared to the cyclization of other α‐hydroxy esters, such as methyl lactate to lactide, over the same catalysts, in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. The absence of a methyl substitution on the α‐carbon seems to lead to faster cyclization kinetics of MGA when compared to methyl lactate or the double‐substituted methyl‐2‐hydroxy‐isobutyrate. Contrarily, glycolide production is less favored thermodynamically compared to lactide. The absence of glycolide decomposition at temperatures up to 300 °C however allows to increase equilibrium conversion by taking the endergonic reaction to higher temperatures.
Engineering Nanoceria for Enhanced Peroxidase Mimics: A Solid Solution Strategy
Authors: Guo Wenjing , Zhang Mian , Lou Zhangping , Zhou Min , Wang Peng , Wei Hui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNanoceria has been developed as a biocompatible and robust enzyme mimic (called ceria nanozyme) and applied in bioanalysis and therapeutics. However, its catalytic activity such as peroxidase mimic is still moderate, which in turn has limited its promising applications. To tackle this issue, herein we reported an effective strategy to modulate the peroxidase mimicking activity of nanoceria by doping transition metals. We discovered that doping of the first row of transition metals (i. e., Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) modulated the activity of nanoceria and with the same doping ratio the activities followed the below order: Mn1Ce10>Co1Ce10>Fe1Ce10>Cu1Ce10>CeO2>Ni1Ce10. By further varying the Mn/Ce ratio, Mn1Ce5 with the highest peroxidase mimicking activity was obtained (13‐fold higher compared with the pristine CeO2). Meanwhile we found that the homogenous doping of Mn into the nanoceria matrix without phase segregation ensured the formation of Mn1Ce5 solid solution. From our experiments and discussion, we concluded that the surface oxygen (Oβ) and the synergistic effect between Ce and Mn played key roles in the enhancement of Mn1Ce5 peroxidase mimicking activity. This study not only demonstrates that Mn‐doped nanoceria exhibits higher active peroxidase mimics but also provides a promising strategy to modulate the catalytic activity of nanozymes.
Electrochemical Oxidation of the Phenolic Benzotriazoles UV‐234 and UV‐327 in Organic Solvents
Authors: Chan Ya Yun , Webster Richard D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of selected phenolic benzotriazoles (BZTs), namely 2‐(2H‐benzotriazol‐2‐yl)‐4,6‐bis(1‐methyl‐1‐phenylethyl)phenol and 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(5‐chlorobenzotriazol‐2‐yl)phenol (commercial names UV234 and UV327, respectively) were examined with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) in acetonitrile and dichloromethane solutions. CV indicated that both phenolic BZTs undergo a chemically irreversible oxidation process at approximately Ep°x=+1.0 V vs. Fc/Fc+ (where Ep°x is the anodic peak potential and Fc=ferrocene) to form compounds that cannot be electrochemically converted back to the starting material on the voltammetric timescale. In basic conditions, cyclic voltammetry experiments indicated that the corresponding phenolates (prepared by reacting the phenols with equiv. mols of n‐Bu4NOH) were oxidized at Ep°x∼−0.2 V vs. Fc/Fc+ via a one‐electron diffusion controlled process with anodic (ip°x) to cathodic (ipred) peak current ratios (ip°x/ipred)≫1, suggesting that the produced phenoxyl radicals decomposed rapidly via a chemical step. However, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments performed on the bulk electrolyzed solutions of the phenolates after one‐electron bulk oxidation indicated long lifetimes of the UV234. and UV327. phenoxyl radicals. Therefore, the long timescale CPE and spectroscopic (UV‐vis and EPR) studies provided good evidence of a reversible dimerization mechanism between the phenoxyl radicals, which explained the apparent discrepancy with the short timescale CV experiments.
Indirect 3D Printed Electrode Mixers
Authors: Hereijgers Jonas , Schalck Jonathan , Lölsberg Jonas , Wessling Matthias , Breugelmans Tom 
Published: October 2018

AbstractElectrode mixers are ordered 3D flow‐through structures with mixing properties that at the same time act as electrode. Because of their mixing properties, these structures enhance mass transfer at the electrode surface, increasing the limiting‐current plateau. Typically operating at this plateau, the productivity of electrochemical reactors is limited by the mass transport of the reagents. This work presents the fabrication of all‐metal electrode mixers through an indirect 3D printing method. Whereas other techniques suffer from design limitations or come with high capital cost, the proposed rapid prototyping method overcomes these limitations. Using this method, a helical and a cubic electrode mixer was fabricated and their mass transfer properties were characterized and compared to a flat electrode by the limiting current method. Increasing the mass transfer up to 47 % the standard flat electrode is outperformed, demonstrating the valorization potential of electrode mixers and the indirect 3D printing method.
Multistep Wavelength Switching of Near‐Infrared Photoluminescence Driven by Chemical Reactions at Local Doped Sites of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Shiraki Tomohiro , Shiga Tamehito , Shiraishi Tomonari , Onitsuka Hisashi , Nakashima Naotoshi , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLocal chemical functionalization is used for defect doping of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), to develop near‐infrared photoluminescence (NIR PL) properties. We report the multistep wavelength shifting of the NIR PL of SWNTs through chemical reactions at local doped sites tethered to an arylaldehyde group. The PL wavelength of the doped SWNTs is modulated based on imine chemistry. This involves the imine formation of aldehyde groups with added arylamines, imine dissociation reaction, exchange reaction of bound arylamines in the imine, and the Kabachnik–Fields reaction of imine groups using diisopropyl phosphite. Using doped sites as a localized chemical reaction platform can exploit the versatile molecularly driven functionality of carbon nanotubes and related nanomaterials.
Structure–Activity Relationships of Antiplasmodial Pantothenamide Analogues Reveal a New Way by Which Triazoles Mimic Amide Bonds
Authors: Guan Jinming , Tjhin Erick T. , Howieson Vanessa M. , Kittikool Tanakorn , Spry Christina , Saliba Kevin J. , Auclair Karine 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPantothenamides are potent growth inhibitors of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Their clinical use is, however, hindered due to the ubiquitous presence of pantetheinases in human serum, which rapidly degrade pantothenamides into pantothenate and the corresponding amine. We previously reported that replacement of the labile amide bond with a triazole ring not only imparts stability toward pantetheinases, but also improves activity against P. falciparum. A small library of new triazole derivatives was synthesized, and their use in establishing structure–activity relationships relevant to antiplasmodial activity of this family of compounds is discussed herein. Overall it was observed that 1,4‐substitution on the triazole ring and use of an unbranched, one‐carbon linker between the pantoyl group and the triazole are optimal for inhibition of intraerythrocytic P. falciparum growth. Our results imply that the triazole ring may mimic the amide bond with an orientation different from what was previously suggested for this amide bioisostere.
Female zebra finches do not sing yet share neural pathways necessary for singing in males
Authors: Shaughnessy Derrick W. , Hyson Richard L. , Bertram Richard , Wu Wei , Johnson Frank 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAdult female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), which do not produce learned songs, have long been thought to possess only vestiges of the forebrain network that supports learned song in males. This view ostensibly explains why females do not sing—many of the neural populations and pathways that make up the male song control network appear rudimentary or even missing in females. For example, classic studies of vocal‐premotor cortex (HVC, acronym is name) in male zebra finches identified prominent efferent pathways from HVC to vocal‐motor cortex (RA, robust nucleus of the arcopallium) and from HVC to the avian basal ganglia (Area X). In females, by comparison, the efferent targets of HVC were thought to be only partially innervated by HVC axons (RA) or absent (Area X). Here, using a novel visually guided surgical approach to target tracer injections with precision, we mapped the extrinsic connectivity of the adult female HVC. We find that female HVC shows a mostly male‐typical pattern of afferent and efferent connectivity, including robust HVC innervation of RA and Area X. As noted by earlier investigators, we find large sex differences in the volume of many regions that control male singing (male > female). However, sex differences in volume were diminished in regions that convey ascending afferent input to HVC. Our findings do not support a vestigial interpretation of the song control network in females. Instead, our findings support the emerging view that the song control network may have an altogether different function in nonsinging females.
Genetic scheduling policy on codelet model
Authors: Pei Songwen , Wang Jinkai , Jiang Linhua , Xiong Naixue , Gaudiot Jean‐Luc 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe Codelet Model is a fine‐grained event‐driven hybrid parallel model inspired by dataflow, whose computing performance depends on the scheduling policy. An approximate optimal codelet scheduling policy based on the features of the task graphs is important to accelerate the performance of dataflow computer system. Therefore, we have proposed an adaptive genetic scheduling policy (GSP) for codelet by improving a “pure” genetic algorithm (IPGA) for given tasks with complex dependencies. It is verified that the genetic scheduling policy is effective according to bunches of experimental results.
The Structural Signs of Sweetness in Artificial Sweeteners: A Rotational Study of Sorbitol and Dulcitol
Authors: Alonso Elena R. , León Iker , Kolesniková Lucie , Alonso Jose L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA gas‐phase study on the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and dulcitol has been carried out for the first time by using a combination of chirped‐pulse Fourier‐transform microwave (CP‐FTMW) spectroscopy and laser ablation (LA). The isolation conditions provided by the supersonic expansion reveal the intrinsic conformational structures of these sweeteners. The three and five observed conformers for sorbitol and dulcitol, respectively, are stabilized by networks of cooperative intramolecular hydrogen bonds between vicinal hydroxyl groups in clockwise or counterclockwise arrangements. Suitable places in the structure of seven out of eight conformers identified for both polyalcohols meet the requirements of the glucophore proposed by Shallenberger and Acree's molecular theory of sweet taste. Present results provide the first linkage between sweetness and structure in sugar alcohols.
Hollow Polypyrrole Nanospindles for Highly Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Yixin , Xiang Siyuan , Wang Lu , Wang Mingyue , Wang Congcong , Liu Shuwei , Zhang Kai , Yang Bai 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPolypyrrole (PPy) hollow nanostructures continue to attract the interest researchers because of their good biocompatibility, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and excellent stability. The preparation of PPy hollow nanostructures by the hard templating method without complicated post‐synthetic treatment and additional oxidizing agents remains a challenge. In this work, we report a facile and novel hard templating method to fabricate hollow PPy nanospindles in which MIL‐88(Fe) serves as the template. Fe3+ centers in MIL‐88(Fe) could induce the polymerization of pyrrole to construct the shell, and MIL‐88(Fe) would be decomposed by solvent water. This method did not require any extra oxidizing agents and post‐synthetic treatment. Hollow PPy nanospindles exhibit excellent photothermal and drug loading ability, and the therapy effect of cancer was significant. This method provides a new hard templating approach for the synthesis of polymer hollow nanostructures.
Digitization of weekly Murrumbidgee River heights at Hay South Eastern Australia 1873–2017
Authors: Speer M. S. 
Published: October 2018

Long‐term, high‐frequency river height measurements provide a direct method of relating changes in local water availability in a catchment to such phenomena as climate and changes in land use. Here, digitized weekly river height data from the Murrumbidgee River at Hay in south eastern Australia are presented for the first time covering the start of record from November 1873 to June 2017. There are two gauge board locations: (a) The town gauge at the southern edge of the township with data until March 1983, and (b) the Hay Private Irrigation District (PID) gauge on the north eastern outskirts of Hay about 2 km upstream from the Hay town gauge. There is a data overlap of about 13 years for the two locations. The underlying data quality is good taking into account missing values, outliers, continuity between the two gauge locations and measurement practice. The weekly data are available in both annual and seasonal files.Open PracticesThis article has earned an Open Data badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1184869. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
A limited capacity for microglial repopulation in the adult brain
Authors: Najafi Allison R. , Crapser Joshua , Jiang Shan , Ng Winnie , Mortazavi Ali , West Brian L. , Green Kim N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMicroglia are the resident immune cell of the central nervous system (CNS), and serve to protect and maintain the local brain environment. Microglia are critically dependent on signaling through the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R); administration of CSF1R inhibitors that cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) lead to the elimination of up to 99% of microglia, depending on CNS exposure and treatment duration. Once microglia are depleted, withdrawal of inhibitor stimulates repopulation of the entire CNS with new cells, conceivably enabling a therapeutic strategy for beneficial renewal of the entire microglial tissue. We have explored the kinetics and limits of this repopulation event and show that the rate of microglial repopulation is proportional to the extent of microglial depletion – greater depletion of microglia results in more rapid repopulation. Using a CSF1R inhibitor formulation that eliminates approximately 99% of microglia within 7 days, we subjected mice to multiple rounds of elimination (7 days’ treatment) and repopulation (7 days’ recovery) and found that the brain only has the capacity for a single complete repopulation event; subsequent elimination and CSF1R inhibitor withdrawal fail to repopulate the brain. However, if the recovery time between, or after, cycles is extended sufficiently then the brain can ultimately repopulate. These kinetic studies define the opportunities and possible limits of the remarkable renewal capacities of microglia.
Contrasting the risk factors of grief and burden in caregivers of persons with dementia: Multivariate analysis
Authors: Liew Tau Ming , Tai Bee Choo , Yap Philip , Koh Gerald Choon‐Huat 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundCaregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) can experience loss and grief long before the death of the person. While such phenomenon of pre‐death grief (PDG) has been increasingly described, we are uncertain how it can be distinct from the well‐studied construct of caregiver burden.ObjectiveTo determine whether there are differences in the risk factors of PDG and caregiver burden to aid in our understanding of the relationship between the two constructs.MethodsSpouses or children of community‐dwelling PWD were consecutively sampled from two tertiary hospitals. They completed questionnaires containing a PDG scale, a caregiver burden scale, and information related to the caregiver and PWD. Risk factors of PDG and caregiver burden were identified using multivariate regression, within which PDG and caregiver burden scores were jointly included as two separate dependent variables.ResultsWe recruited 394 caregivers with a mean age of 53.0 years (SD 10.7), majority were Chinese (86.6%), children caregivers (86.3%), and primary caregivers (70.8%). In the regression analyses, we identified three risk factors which were shared by both PDG and caregiver burden (later stage of dementia, behavioral problems in PWD, and primary caregiving role) and three other risk factors which were unique to PDG alone (younger age of PWD, lower educational attainment of caregivers, and spousal caregiver).ConclusionsThe different risk factor profiles evidence a distinction between PDG and caregiver burden. They may possibly be distilled into a framework to direct our approach to PDG interventions, which may include using caregiver burden as an opportunity to initiate conversations on grief, exploring the various aspects of losses and encouraging adaptive coping.
Cognitive tests for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the prodromal stage of dementia: Meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Breton Alexandre , Casey Daniel , Arnaoutoglou Nikitas A. 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is regarded as a prodrome to dementia. Various cognitive tests can help with diagnosis; meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies would assist clinicians in choosing optimal tests.MethodsWe searched online databases for “mild cognitive impairment” and “diagnosis” or “screening” from 01/01/1999 to 01/07/2017. Articles assessing the diagnostic accuracy of a cognitive test compared with standard diagnostic criteria were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed. Bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to evaluate sensitivity and specificity.ResultsEight cognitive tests (ACE‐R, CERAD, CDT‐Sunderland, IQCODE, Memory Alteration Test, MMSE, MoCA, and Qmci) were considered for meta‐analysis. ACE‐R, CERAD, MoCA, and Qmci were found to have similar diagnostic accuracy, while the MMSE had lower sensitivity. Memory Alteration Test had the highest sensitivity and equivalent specificity to the other tests.DiscussionMultiple cognitive tests have comparable diagnostic accuracy. The Memory Alteration Test is short and has the highest sensitivity. New cognitive tests for MCI diagnosis should not be compared with the MMSE.
A short intervention targeting psychosomatic care in older adults with complex health care needs–results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wild Beate , Herzog Wolfgang , Schellberg Dieter , Böhlen Friederike , Brenner Hermann , Saum Kai‐Uwe , Maatouk Imad 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the efficacy of a short intervention targeting psychosomatic care in older adults with complex health care needs.MethodsParticipants were recruited in the frame of the 11‐year follow‐up of a large population‐based study by means of the INTERMED interview. The INTERMED interview is an integrative assessment method to identify bio‐psycho‐social health care needs. Persons with high health care needs (interview score ≥ 17) were invited to take part. Participants were randomized with a 1:1 ratio to a control and an intervention group. The intervention group received a home visit conducted by a doctor trained in psychosomatic medicine. The primary hypothesis stated that the intervention group would have a better outcome with respect to health related quality of life (HRQOL) measured by the 12‐item short‐form health survey (mental component score, MCS) 6 months after randomization (T1). Secondary outcomes were physical HRQOL, health care needs, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity.ResultsIn total, 175 participants were included. At the three‐year follow‐up (T2), 97 participants (55.4%) were included. At T1, we did not find a difference regarding MCS between the intervention and control groups. At T2, the intervention group showed significantly lower health care needs compared with the control group. Regarding HRQOL, depression, and somatic symptom severity the two groups did not differ at T2.ConclusionsThe primary hypothesis was not confirmed. However, results indicate that a short intervention with complex patients could lead to reduced bio‐psycho‐social health care needs.