bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying alkyl chain disorder in crystalline models of lipid bilayers using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rich Anne M. , Bhattacharyya Saroj , Aldilla Vina R. , Beves Jonathon E. , Bhadbhade Mohan , Kumar Naresh , Luis Ena T. , Marjo Christopher E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCrystalline bis‐N‐alkyl‐chlorotriazines 2–6 can be considered multilayers of lipid bilayers comprising a rigid hydrogen‐bonded tape in the polar layer separated by a lipid region of small to medium‐length alkyl chains. The persistent ordering of these tapes acts as a scaffold in the solid state enabling measurement of temperature‐induced conformational changes in the “lipid phase” using X‐ray crystallography. The alkyl chains in these structures are loosely packed but generally ordered at low temperature, undergoing a slow transition to a disordered structure clearly observed in the Raman spectrum. The longer‐chain derivatives 4–6 show a distinct Raman spectrum for the ordered and disordered crystallographic phases enabling a least squares fitting at each temperature point. Calibration of the Raman fit values for 5 and 6 using powder X‐ray diffraction allows a quantification of each phase and highlights the unique response of each derivative with temperature. This approach for quantifying the onset of disorder and structural phase transitions should be relevant to a wide range of lipid‐based systems.
Compact dual‐band fractal hexagonal ring monopole antenna for RFID and GSM applications
Authors: Djafri K. , Challal M. , Azrar A. , Dehmas M. , Aksas R. , Mouhouche F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA novel compact dual‐band fractal antenna suitable for radio frequency identification (RFID) and GSM 1800 applications is developed and presented in this paper. This is achieved by adequate combination of three slotted hexagonal fractal rings which resulted in a significantly reduced size structure that can operate in the frequency ranges [0.895‐0.962 GHz] and [1.706‐1.856 GHz] that cover the frequency bands allocated to the intended applications. The proposed antenna has been fabricated and its reflection coefficient measured where a good agreement is observed with the simulated results.
A framework for motion correction of background suppressed arterial spin labeling perfusion images acquired with simultaneous multi‐slice EPI
Authors: Suzuki Yuriko , Okell Thomas W. , Chappell Michael A. , van Osch Matthias J.P. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeWhen using simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) EPI for background suppressed (BGS) arterial spin labeling (ASL), correction of through‐plane motion could introduce artefacts, because the slices with most effective BGS are adjacent to slices with the least BGS. In this study, a new framework is presented to correct for such artefacts.MethodsThe proposed framework consists of 3 steps: (1) homogenization of the static tissue signal over the different slices to eliminate most inter‐slice differences because of different levels of BGS, (2) application of motion correction, and (3) extraction of a perfusion‐weighted signal using a general linear model. The proposed framework was evaluated by simulations and a functional ASL study with intentional head motion.ResultsSimulation studies demonstrated that the strong signal differences between slices with the most and least effective BGS caused sub‐optimal estimation of motion parameters when through‐plane motion was present. Although use of the M0 image as the reference for registration allowed 82% improvement of motion estimation for through‐plane motion, it still led to residual subtraction errors caused by different static tissue signal between control and label because of different BGS levels. By using our proposed framework, those problems were minimized, and the accuracy of CBF estimation was improved. Moreover, the functional ASL study showed improved detection of visual and motor activation when applying the framework as compared to conventional motion correction, as well as when motion correction was completely omitted.ConclusionWhen combining BGS‐ASL with SMS‐EPI, particular attention is needed to avoid artefacts introduced by motion correction. With the proposed framework, these issues are minimized.
Parallel block‐preconditioned monolithic solvers for fluid‐structure interaction problems
Authors: Jodlbauer D. , Langer U. , Wick T. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this work, we consider the solution of fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) problems using a monolithic approach for the coupling between fluid and solid subproblems. The coupling of both equations is realized by means of the arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian framework and a nonlinear harmonic mesh motion model. Monolithic approaches require the solution of large ill‐conditioned linear systems of algebraic equations at every Newton step. Direct solvers tend to use too much memory even for a relatively small number of degrees of freedom and, in addition, exhibit superlinear growth in arithmetic complexity. Thus, iterative solvers are the only viable option. To ensure convergence of iterative methods within a reasonable amount of iterations, good and, at the same time, cheap preconditioners have to be developed. We study physics‐based block preconditioners, which are derived from the block‐LDU factorization of the FSI Jacobian, and their performance on distributed memory parallel computers in terms of two‐ and three‐dimensional test cases permitting large deformations.
Psychometric evaluation of the Texas revised inventory of grief in a sample of bereaved family caregivers
Authors: Holm Maja , Alvariza Anette , Fürst Carl‐Johan , Öhlen Joakim , Årestedt Kristofer 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) was developed to measure the intensity of grief after the death of a close person. It consists of two scales: TRIG I (past behaviors) and TRIG II (present feelings). Because of inconsistencies in previous validations, the instrument needs to be further validated, hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TRIG in a sample of bereaved family caregivers in Sweden. The TRIG was translated to Swedish according to standard principles, and 129 bereaved family caregivers completed the questionnaire. Parallel analysis was used to decide the number of factors to extract, followed by confirmatory factor analysis. An ordinal version of Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the scales. Construct validity was tested against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The factor analyses resulted in one factor being retained for both scales. The internal consistency was excellent (α > 0.9) for both scales. Construct validity was supported by strong correlations between TRIG I and TRIG II as well as moderate correlations between the TRIG scales and HADS. In conclusion, the TRIG has sound psychometric qualities and the two scales should be treated as unidimensional measures of grief. Hence, the instrument is suited to be used in the context of palliative care.
Synergetic Effect of Brønsted/Lewis Acid Sites and Water on the Catalytic Dehydration of Glucose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Heteropolyacid‐Based Ionic Hybrids
Authors: Zhao Pingping , Cui Hongyou , Zhang Yunyun , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yong , Zhang Yali , Xie Yujiao , Yi Weiming 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe effective dehydration of glucose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has attracted increasing attention. Herein, a series of sulfonic‐acid‐functionalized ionic liquid (IL)–heteropolyacid (HPA) hybrid catalysts are proposed for the conversion of glucose to HMF. A maximum total yield of HMF and levoglucosan (LGA; ≈71 %) was achieved in the presence of pyrazine IL‐HPA hybrid catalyst [PzS]H2PW in THF/H2O–NaCl (v/v 5:1). The mechanism of glucose dehydration was studied by tailoring the Brønsted/Lewis acid sites of the hybrid catalysts and altering the solvent composition. It was found that water and heteropolyanions have a significant effect on the reaction kinetics. Heteropolyanions are able to stabilize the intermediates and promote the direct dehydration of glucose and intermediate LGA to HMF. A small amount of water could facilitate the conversion of glucose to LGA and suppress the dehydration of LGA to levoglucosenone. In addition, the synergetic effect of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites and a little water was conducive to accelerated proton transfer, which improved the yield of HMF from glucose dehydration.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Time‐Dependent DFT Calculations of 1‐Methyl‐5‐phenyl‐5H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐3,6‐dione and Its Starting Precursor in Different Solvents
Authors: Hamada Nagwa M. M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, 2‐mercapto‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐quinazolin‐4‐one (1), which exists as a thiol and thione tautomer, was treated with acetylacetone to give the target compound, namely, 1‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐5H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐3,6‐dione (2). The spectroscopic data, including UV/Vis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass data, of this compound were recorded. The molecular structures of the starting material (1) and the product (2) were optimized by using density functional theory (DFT) by employing the B3LYP exchange correlation with the 6‐311G (d, p) and 6‐31G++ (d, p) basis sets. The electronic spectra were determined based on time‐dependent DFT calculations in three different solvents (i.e., chloroform, ethanol, and acetonitrile) starting from the same solvated run of the optimized geometry with the same two basis sets. The solvent effects were considered based on the polarizable continuum model (PCM), and the energetic behavior of the compounds and the total static dipole moment (μ) in different solvents were examined in the two basis sets; the results showed that the total energy of the compounds decreased upon increasing the polarity of the solvent. Time‐dependent DFT calculations were performed to analyze the electronic transitions for various excited states that reproduced the experimental band observed in the UV/Vis spectrum. A study on the electronic properties, such as the HOMO and LUMO energies, was performed by the time‐independent DFT approach. Using the gauge‐independent atomic orbital method (GIAO), the 1H NMR chemical shifts were calculated and correlated with the experimental ones. The computed results showed that the introduction of different dielectric media had a slight effect on the stability and reactivity of the title compound as well as on the Milliken atomic charges and the molecular geometry. Besides, the molecular electrostatic potential of target product 2 was evaluated in different solvents.
The experience of medical communication in adults with acute leukemia: Impact of age and attachment security
Authors: Fraser Brooke , Korenblum Chana , Mah Kenneth , Watt Sarah , Malfitano Carmine , Rydall Anne , Schimmer Aaron , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundHealth care providers' (HCPs) communication with cancer patients provides both information and support. Younger patient age and greater difficulty accepting support (attachment security) have been linked to poorer communication experiences with HCPs. The present secondary data analysis examined the impact of age group and attachment security on perceived communication problems with HCPs in adults with acute leukemia (AL).MethodsThe sample included 95 younger (age < 40 years) and 225 older (age ≥ 40 years) patients with newly diagnosed or recently relapsed AL. We assessed avoidant and anxious attachment security (reluctance to accept support and fear of its unavailability, respectively) with the modified 16‐item Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. The impact of age group and attachment security on perceived communication problems, measured with the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System‐Medical Interaction Subscale, was assessed based on the presence and extent of communication problems.ResultsYounger patients (OR = 1.79‐1.82, P = .030) and those with greater avoidant (OR = 1.44, P = .001) or anxious attachment (OR = 1.38, P = .009) were more likely to report communication problems. A similar relationship was found between age (β's = −.17‐.19, P = .015‐.025), avoidant (β = .29, P = .013), or anxious attachment (β = .17, P = .031), and the extent of communication problems. A significant age‐group × avoidant‐attachment interaction (β = −.31, P = .008) suggested that more avoidant attachment was associated with more perceived communication problems in the younger but not in the older group.ConclusionsYounger patients with AL, especially those more reluctant to seek or accept support, perceive more communication problems with their HCPs than older patients. Greater attention by HCPs to their communication with younger patients is needed.
Elimination of Australian epidemic strain (AES1) pseudomonas aeruginosa in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center
Authors: Kevat Ajay , Carzino Rosemary , Massie John , Harrison Jo , Griffiths Amanda L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionIn this cohort study spanning an 18‐year period, we evaluated the prevalence and associated mortality rate of epidemic strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA), especially Australian Epidemic Strain Type 1 (AES1), in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center practicing cohort segregation and early PsA eradication.MethodsCohort segregation was introduced in January 2000. PsA clonal strain was determined by pulse‐field‐gel‐electrophoresis (PFGE) at the time of routine collection of airway specimens. Children with PsA underwent eradication treatment with anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics over 2‐3 months. We analyzed changes in prevalence and mortality from 1999 to 2016.ResultsThe prevalence of AES1 declined from 69 (20%) in 1999 to 16 (5.4%) in 2006, to 1 (0.4%) in 2016. The prevalence of PsA overall diminished less over the same period, from 128 (37%) patients in 1999 to 57 (23%) in 2016. New acquisition of AES1 became less common over time, with no new cases identified from 2011. Those who contracted AES1 had a greater risk of death than those who did not (Odds Ratio 4.9, 95%CI 2.5‐9.6). Patients with other AES PsA types were uncommon (AES2 n = 5, AES5 n = 2, AES14 n = 3, AES19 n = 1).ConclusionsCohort segregation was associated with reduction in AES1 prevalence ascertained by PFGE surveillance for patients in a single large pediatric cystic fibrosis center. Other alterations in practice such as early eradication treatment may also have contributed to reduced PsA prevalence. These factors combined with the transition of chronically infected patients over time to adult centers has eliminated AES1 from our clinic, with an accompanying mortality decrease.
Structural biology of G protein‐coupled receptor signaling complexes
Authors: Edward Zhou X. , Melcher Karsten , Eric Xu H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors that mediate numerous cell signaling pathways, and are targets of more than one‐third of clinical drugs. Thanks to the advancement of novel structural biology technologies, high‐resolution structures of GPCRs in complex with their signaling transducers, including G‐protein and arrestin, have been determined. These 3D complex structures have significantly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanism of GPCR signaling and provided a structural basis for signaling‐biased drug discovery targeting GPCRs. Here we summarize structural studies of GPCR signaling complexes with G protein and arrestin using rhodopsin as a model system, and highlight the key features of GPCR conformational states in biased signaling including the sequence motifs of receptor TM6 that determine selective coupling of G proteins, and the phosphorylation codes of GPCRs for arrestin recruitment. We envision the future of GPCR structural biology not only to solve more high‐resolution complex structures but also to show stepwise GPCR signaling complex assembly and disassembly and dynamic process of GPCR signal transduction.
On 3d Seiberg‐Like Dualities with Two Adjoints
Authors: Hwang Chiung , Kim Hyungchul , Park Jaemo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe study 3‐d theories with two adjoints and fundamental flavors along with D‐type superpotential. For superpotential with n odd, we propose the 3d dualities, which we motivate from the dimensional reduction of the related 4‐d theory. We consider the factorization of the superconformal index and match precisely the vortex partition function of the dual pairs. In the language of the Higgs branch localization, the nonzero contribution of the vortex partition function comes from the discrete Higgs vacua of the massively deformed theory, which precisely matches with that of the dual theory. We also clarify the monopole operators parametrizing the Coulomb branch of such theories. Existence of independent monopole operators of charge 2 is crucial to describe the Coulomb branch.
de Sitter Extrema and the Swampland
Authors: Roupec Christoph , Wrase Timm 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecently it has been conjectured that string theory does not allow for dS vacua or dS extrema. To scrutinize such a conjecture, it is important to study concrete string theory compactifications and spell out their assumptions and potential shortcomings. We do so for one particular class of string compactifications, namely classical compactifications of type II string theory with fluxes, D‐branes and O‐planes on manifolds with SU(3) structure. In particular, we revisit previously found dS critical points, construct many new ones and check whether they invalidate the dS swampland conjecture.
Assisted reproductive technologies in Microtus genus
Authors: Okada Konosuke , Kageyama Atsuko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundMicrotus genus is one of the experimental animals showing unique characteristics, and some species have been used as various research models. In order to advance the utilization of Microtus genus, the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is a key point. This review introduces recent progress in the development of ARTs for Microtus genus, especially Microtus montebelli (Japanese field vole).MethodsBased on previous and our publications, current status of the development of ARTs was summarized.ResultsIn M. montebelli, ARTs, such as superovulation, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo transfer, sperm cryopreservation, and nonsurgical artificial insemination, have considerably been established by using the procedures which were originally devised for mice and partly modified. However, when the methods for M. montebelli were applied to Microtus arvalis and Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, all protocols of ARTs except for sperm cryopreservation were technologically invalid.ConclusionAssisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are considerably established in M. montebelli, and this fact allows this species to be potentially useful as a model animal. However, since ART protocols of M. montebelli are mostly invalid for other species of the Microtus genus, it is necessary to improve them specifically for each of other species.
New robust LMI synthesis conditions for mixed gain‐scheduled reduced‐order DOF control of discrete‐time LPV systems
Authors: Rosa Tábitha E. , Morais Cecília F. , Oliveira Ricardo C.L.F. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates the problems of stabilization and mixed
reduced‐order dynamic output‐feedback control of discrete‐time linear systems. The synthesis conditions are formulated in terms of parameterdependent linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) combined with scalar parameters, dealing with state‐space models where the matrices depend polynomially on time‐varying parameters and are affected by norm‐bounded uncertainties. The motivation to handle these models comes from the context of networked control systems, particularly when a continuous‐time plant is controlled by a digitally implemented controller. The main technical contribution is a distinct LMI‐based condition for the dynamic output‐feedback problem, allowing an arbitrary structure (polynomial of arbitrary degree) for the measured output matrix. Additionally, an innovative heuristic is proposed to reduce the conservativeness of the stabilization problem. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the potentialities of the approach to cope with several classes of discrete‐time linear systems (time‐invariant and time‐varying) and the efficiency of the proposed design conditions when compared with other methods available in the literature.
Development of sample preparation technique to characterize chemical structure of humin by synchrotron‐radiation–based X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Pham Duyen Minh , Miyata Yasushi , Awata Takanori , Nakatake Masashi , Zhang Chung Fang , Kanda Keiji , Ogawa Satoshi , Ohta Shozo , Yagi Shinya , Katayama Arata 
Published: October 2018

Carbon‐binding state of humin (HM, a non‐conductive insoluble organo‐mineral humic substance) was successfully characterized for the first time by synchrotron‐radiation–based X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Four sample preparation techniques—HM on double‐sided carbon tape, indium sheet, copper mesh, and in pellet formed from the mixture of HM and copper powder (Cu) at different mixing ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:6 v/v)—were compared. The results show that HM samples prepared using the first three methods had significant charge buildup, which made the interpretation of the XPS spectra impossible because of the shifts in the binding energy of C 1s XPS spectra. Pellets of HM:Cu mixture enhanced the electrical conductivity and reduced charge buildup on the sample surface. Pellets prepared with HM:Cu ratio of 1:1 (v/v) provided the minimum charge buildup and high sensitivity with difference in C 1s spectra regardless of the observing position. The C 1s spectra, estimated by the subtraction of the carbon contamination in Cu, showed the resolution of CC (284.0 eV), CC/CH (285.1 eV), CO (286.3 eV), CO (287.3 eV), and OCO (288.3 eV) and three additional peaks of CF (289.3 eV), CF2 (290.2 eV), and CF3 (291.4 eV). Soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) analysis further proved the existence of fluoride (F 1s) in HM structure. The detection of fluorinated carbon in HM showed a great advancement of XPS compared with other conventional analyses. X‐ray with the incident angle of 0° provided the smallest (nearly negligible) energy shift in the C 1s spectra of HM and did not damage the surface of the sample.