bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Multiecho Dixon for the Evaluation of Hepatic Iron and Fat in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Henninger Benjamin , Zoller Heinz , Kannengiesser Stephan , Zhong Xiaodong , Jaschke Werner , Kremser Christian
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate a new 3D‐multiecho‐Dixon (3D‐ME‐Dixon) sequence for the quantification of hepatic iron and fat in a clinical setting.

Materials and Methods

In all, 120 patients underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging of the liver between December 2013 and June 2015 including the following three sequences: 3D‐ME‐Dixon with inline calculation of R2* and proton‐density fat‐fraction (PDFF) maps, single‐voxel‐spectroscopy (SVS), 2D multigradient‐echo sequence (2D‐ME‐GRE). SVS and 2D‐ME‐GRE were used as reference for PDFF and R2*, respectively. R2*‐ and PDFF‐values from 3D‐ME‐Dixon were compared with those of the reference. Linear regression analysis, Bland–Altman plots, and agreement parameters were calculated.

Results

In total, 103 patients were finally included (87 men and 16 women; mean age, 50.51 years); 17/120 were excluded due to fat/water‐swaps or R2*‐values exceeding the constraint of 400 1/s for 3D‐ME‐Dixon. A strong correlation (r = 0.992, P < 0.001) between R2* of 3D‐ME‐Dixon and the reference 2D‐ME‐GRE was found. Bland–Altman analysis revealed systematically lower values for 3D‐ME‐Dixon (16.499%). Using an adapted threshold of 57 1/s, 3D‐ME‐Dixon obtained a positive/negative percentage agreement (PPA/NPA) of 84.4%/91.4% for detecting hepatic iron overload. For hepatic fat the correlation between 3D‐ME‐Dixon and the reference SVS was strong (r = 0.957, P < 0.001); PPA/NPA was 88.3%/91.4%.

Conclusion

The 3D‐ME‐Dixon sequence is a valuable tool for the evaluation of hepatic iron and fat in a clinical setting. Fat/water‐swaps remain a drawback requiring improvements to the implementation and making it necessary to have proven conventional sequences at hand in case of an eventual occurrence.

Level of Evidence: 1.

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:793–800
Liver histology and diffusion‐weighted MRI in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A MAGNET study
Authors: Manning Paul , Murphy Paul , Wang Kang , Hooker Jonathan , Wolfson Tanya , Middleton Michael S. , Newton Kimberly P. , Behling Cynthia , Awai Hannah I. , Durelle Janis , Paiz Melissa N. , Angeles Jorge E. , De La Pena Diana , McCutchan J. Allen , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To determine potential associations between histologic features of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and estimated quantitative magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) parameters.

Materials and Methods

This prospective, cross‐sectional study was performed as part of the Magnetic Resonance Assessment Guiding NAFLD Evaluation and Treatment (MAGNET) ancillary study to the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN). Sixty‐four children underwent a 3T DWI scan (b‐values: 0, 100, and 500 s/mm2) within 180 days of a clinical liver biopsy of the right hepatic lobe. Three parameters were estimated in the right hepatic lobe: apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusivity (D), and perfusion fraction (F); the first assuming exponential decay and the latter two assuming biexponential intravoxel incoherent motion. Grading and staging of liver histology were done using the NASH CRN scoring system. Associations between histologic scores and DWI‐estimated parameters were tested using multivariate linear regression.

Results

Estimated means ± standard deviations were: ADC: 1.3 (0.94–1.8) × 10−3 mm2/s; D: 0.82 (0.56–1.0) × 10−3 mm2/s; and F: 17 (6.0–28)%. Multivariate analyses showed ADC and D decreased with steatosis and F decreased with fibrosis (P < 0.05). Associations between DWI‐estimated parameters and other histologic features were not significant: ADC: fibrosis (P = 0.12), lobular inflammation (P = 0.20), portal inflammation (P = 0.27), hepatocellular inflammation (P = 0.29), NASH (P = 0.30); D: fibrosis (P = 0.34), lobular inflammation (P = 0.84), portal inflammation (P = 0.76), hepatocellular inflammation (P = 0.38), NASH (P = 0.81); F: steatosis (P = 0.57), lobular inflammation (P = 0.22), portal inflammation (P = 0.42), hepatocellular inflammation (P = 0.59), NASH (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

In children with NAFLD, steatosis and fibrosis have independent effects on DWI‐estimated parameters ADC, D, and F. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these effects.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1149–1158.
Hepatic Alanine Differentiates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis From Simple Steatosis in Humans and Mice: A Proton MR Spectroscopy Study With Long Echo Time
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hoon , Jun Hong Young , Kim Ki‐Jong , Lee Young Hwan , Lee Myeung Su , Choi Keum Ha , Yun Ki Jung , Jeong Yong Yeon , Jun Chung Hwan , Cho Eun Young , Yoon Kwon‐Ha
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the hepatic metabolic alterations in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by using 1H‐MRS (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) with long echo time and to test the reproducibility of human study in an animal model. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing NAFLD but with practical constraints. 1H‐MRS allows in vivo assessment of hepatocellular metabolism and has shown potential for biochemical differentiation in diffuse liver disease.

Materials and Methods

In all, 32 subjects (11 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], 15 with simple steatosis [SS], and six healthy controls) were studied. For test reproducibility, 36 C57BL/6 mice, including 10 mice with streptozotocin‐induced NASH, 15 with SS, and 11 high‐fat diet controls, were studied. 1H‐MRS measurements at 3T and 4.7T MRI were performed on a localized voxel of the liver using PRESS sequence. Hepatic alanine (Ala), lactate+triglyceride (Lac+TG), and TG levels were compared between NASH, SS, and control groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The associations between metabolite levels and pathologic grades or NAFLD activity scores (NAS) were assessed using Pearson's correlation.

Results

NASH patients had higher levels of Ala (P < 0.001), Lac+TG (P < 0.001), and TG (P < 0.05) than SS patients or controls. The AUROC curve to distinguish NASH from SS was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.00) for Ala and 0.782 (95% CI 0.61–0.96) for Lac+TG. Ala and Lac+TG concentrations were positively correlated with steatosis grade (Ala Pearson's r = 0.723; Lac+TG r = 0.446), lobular inflammation (Ala r = 0.513), and NAS (Ala r = 0.743; Lac+TG r = 0.474).

Conclusion

1H‐MRS is potentially useful for noninvasive diagnosis of NASH and simple steatosis by hepatic metabolite quantification.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1298–1310.
Correlations between Epstein‐Barr virus and acute leukemia
Authors: Guan Hongzai , Miao Hongxia , Ma Na , Lu Wei , Luo Bing
Published: February 2017

Infection with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) may be correlated to the onset of acute leukemia (AL). Studies were performed to investigate the relationship between EBV infection and immunophenotyping of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chromosome aberrations. Additionally, the effects of EBV on clinical prognosis were described. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ‐PCR) was used to detect EBV‐DNA copy numbers from bone marrow in 110 cases of patients with ALL, 75 cases of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 37 cases of hematologically healthy control subjects. EBV‐DNA copies were found in 64 of 185 (34.6%) patients with AL and 2 of 37 healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). The EBV infection rate of ALL patients, AML patients, and healthy controls was 40.9% (45/110), 25.3% (19/75), and 5.4% (2/37), respectively. The positive rate of EBV in the ALL and AML groups was higher than in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). EBV‐DNA copies were found in 1 of 12 (8.3%) T‐ALLs and 44 of 98 (44.9%) B‐ALLs, the positive rate of EBV in B‐ALLs increased significantly compared to the rate of T‐ALLs (P < 0.05). Chromosome karyotype analysis showed that EBV infection rates in B‐ALL, T‐ALL, and AML patients with chromosome abnormalities were 46.3% (25/54), 33.3% (1/3), and 30% (9/30), respectively. There was no statistical significance between chromosome abnormality and EBV infection (P > 0.05). In addition, EBV+‐ALLs had higher relapse and mortality rates than that of EBV−‐ALLs. Together, we conclude that EBV infection may be correlated with the incidence of AL, and the infection rate of EBV in B‐ALL was higher than that of T‐ALL. EBV‐positive patients showed an unfavorable prognosis.
Climate change and precipitation variability over the western ‘Pampas’ in Argentina
Authors: Maenza Reinaldo A. , Agosta Eduardo A. , Bettolli María L.
Published: February 2017

This work focuses on the analysis of spatial and temporal variability of precipitation in the central region of southern Central Argentina (SCA), a climate transition area which has experienced an important agricultural expansion. For this purpose, gauge station precipitation datasets available in the area were extensively used. The annual cycle shows a defined dry season (May–August) and wet season (September–April). Wet season represents over 85% of annual totals. A regionalization analysis of wet‐season precipitation suggests five subregions with spatially homogeneous precipitation variability in SCA. Three out the five subregions are located in central SCA. Conveniently devised precipitation indices for the latter subregions show the presence of significant precipitation jumps by the early 1970s, and to a minor extent, the mid‐1960s. Precipitation jumps are responsible for the observed long‐term trends in central SCA, which explain positive precipitation changes over 30–40% of regional averages in the period 1922–2012. The presence of stationary and non‐stationary components in SCA precipitation variability remotely connects the region mainly with variations in equatorial Pacific SSTs. The assessment of greenhouse gases concentration effects on future projections of wet‐season precipitation over central SCA is investigated by means of multi‐model analysis of historical experiment, and the representative concentration pathways 4.5 (RCP 4.5) and 8.5 (RCP 8.5), provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5. Results suggest an overall increased precipitation, roughly 15% respect to present climate, under most severe future scenario.
Quality of experience measurement for light field 3D displays on multilayer LCDs
Authors: Wang Shizheng , Ong Kien Seng , Surman Phil , Yuan Junsong , Zheng Yuanjin , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: February 2017

Multi‐layer light field displays (MLLFDs) are a promising computational display type that can not only display hologram‐like 3D content but will also be well compatible with normal 2D applications. However, the quality of experience measurement for MLLFDs is always an important yet challenging issue. Despite existing research works on MLLFDs, most of them only provide quality of experience results with qualitative evaluation, for example, software simulation of a few 3D images/videos, rather than rigorous quantitative evaluation. This work targets at building a unified software and hardware measurement platform for different MLLFD methods, and comprehensively measuring both objective and subjective performance based on virtual object models. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that such performance has been measured for MLLFDs. In addition, to use the existing disclosed virtual object sequences, this paper further proposes three customized virtual models, which are the USAF‐E model, the view angle model, and the concave/convex object model for accurate measurement of spatial resolution, viewing angle, and depth resolution. A toolbox for MLLFD measurement with proposed models is also released in this paper. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed measurement method, models, and toolbox can well measure MLLFDs in different configurations.
Enantioseparation characteristics of the chiral stationary phases based on natural and regenerated chitins
Authors: Mei Xiao‐Meng , Chen Wei , Bai Zheng‐Wu
Published: February 2017

Natural and regenerated chitins were derivatized with 3,5‐dimethyphenyl isocyanate. The corresponding chiral stationary phases were prepared by coating the resulting chitin derivatives on 3‐aminopropyl silica gel. The swelling capacity of the chitin derivatives, enantioseparation capability, as well as eluents tolerance of the chiral stationary phases were evaluated. The results demonstrated no remarkable difference in enantioseparation capability between natural and regenerated chitins based chiral stationary phases. The similar enantioseparation characteristics of two chiral stationary phases could be understood by comparing the IR spectra of related chitin derivatives. The one of the two chiral stationary phases prepared by coating the chitin derivative with a lower molecular weight generally provided better enantioseparations. All chiral stationary phases can work in 100% chloroform, 100% ethyl acetate, 100% acetone, and the mobile phases containing a certain amount of tetrahydrofuran. The chiral stationary phase prepared from the chitin derivative with the highest swelling capacity exhibited better enantioseparations than others. This chiral stationary phase was damaged by flushing with 100% tetrahydrofuran, however, the enantioseparation capability was recovered again after the column was allowed to stand for 1 month. Furthermore, the recovered chiral stationary phase provided better enantioseparations for some chiral analytes than before.
Monolithic stationary phases with a longitudinal gradient of porosity
Authors: Urban Jiří , Hájek Tomáš , Svec Frantisek
Published: February 2017

The duration of the hypercrosslinking reaction has been used to control the extent of small pores formation in polymer‐based monolithic stationary phases. Segments of five columns hypercrosslinked for 30–360 min were coupled via zero‐volume unions to prepare columns with segmented porosity gradients. The steepness of the porosity gradient affected column efficiency, mass transfer resistance, and separation of both small‐molecule alkylbenzenes and high‐molar‐mass polystyrene standards. In addition, the segmented column with the steepest porosity gradient was prepared as a single column with a continuous porosity gradient. The steepness of porosity gradient in this type column was tuned. Compared to a completely hypercrosslinked column, the column with the shallower gradient produced comparable size‐exclusion separation of polystyrene standards but allowed higher column permeability. The completely hypercrosslinked column and the column with porosity gradient were successfully coupled in online two‐dimensional liquid chromatography of polymers.
Scoping review: Awareness of neurotoxicity from anesthesia in children in otolaryngology literature
Authors: Earley Marisa A. , Pham Liem T. , April Max M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Review otolaryngology literature for awareness of neurotoxicity from general anesthesia in children. Recently, there has been increasing focus in anesthesia literature on the long‐term effects of general anesthesia on neurodevelopment. Multiple animal models have demonstrated evidence of neurotoxicity from both inhalational and intravenous anesthetics. Cohort studies also have revealed modestly increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to a single episode of general anesthesia prior to 3 to 4 years of age, with stronger evidence for multiple exposures in this age range. Otolaryngologists may subject children to general anesthesia via procedures or tests, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and auditory brainstem response.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Review.

Methods

A scoping review using the above databases was performed limited to January 2005 through December 2015. Articles were screened and reviewed based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Initial search generated 3,909 articles. After 72 full text articles were reviewed, only seven articles mentioned neurotoxicity as a risk of general anesthesia in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

Despite the high volume of pediatric otolaryngologic procedures performed annually, there remains limited awareness in our literature discussing neurotoxicity as an outcome. Prospective data from anesthesia literature is still pending; therefore, specific recommendations cannot be made at this time. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the concerns and work toward defining elective procedures, combining surgical procedures with other procedures or imaging, and reassessing the timing and frequency of various interventions under general anesthesia in young children. Laryngoscope, 127:1930–1937, 2017
The feasibility of NBI in patients with suspected upper airway lesions: A multicenter study
Authors: Bäck Leif J.J. , Rekola Jami , Raittinen Lassi , Halme Elina , Pietarinen Petra , Keski‐Säntti Harri , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Mäkitie Antti A. , Raappana Antti , Tikanto Jukka , Schrey Aleksi , Grenman Reidar , Laranne Jussi , Koivunen Petri , Irjala Heikki
Published: February 2017

Objective

Narrow band imaging (NBI) improves diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal cancer, but most reported NBI studies are from experienced centers. Feasibility reports on use at everyday outpatient departments are needed.

Study Design

Researcher‐initiated, prospective, multicenter.

Methods

Participating physicians were instructed in NBI technique during a 4‐hour meeting. Patients underwent an examination that included endoscopy with white light (WL) high‐definition (HD) TV and NBI filter in the selected time period. All suspicious lesions were biopsied. The medical records of patients with NBI negative findings were evaluated 6 months after the visit to detect all possible malignant lesions coming into view at mucosal sites. These were considered as false‐negative cases, enabling long‐term assess to the positive predictive value (NPV) of the protocol.

Results

We enrolled 125 patients. Of those, 84 (67.2%) were males and the median age was 65 years (range, 35–91). In analysis of the accuracy of WL HD TV and NBI against biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity of WL HD TV were 62% and 81%, respectively; and the sensitivity and specificity of NBI were 100% and 84%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI was significantly better (P < 0.05). When analyzing medical records 6 months after the initial examination, we found three patients who had been diagnosed with a malignant lesion (NPV of NBI of 96.8%).

Conclusion

Narrow band imaging is readily implemented in an everyday outpatient practice, and there seems to be better detection rates of dysplastic/carcinoma lesions with HD NBI compared to HD WL.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:1821–1825, 2017
Compound motor action potential duration and latency are markers of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Park Andrea M. , Al‐Lozi Mohammad T. , Gale Derrick C. , Paniello Randal C.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Compound motor action potential (CMAP) can quantitatively evaluate innervation following injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in canines. CMAP duration (the total time of CMAP) and latency (the time between the nerve impulse and the onset of action potentials) have not been assessed following RLN injury.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Twelve canine hemilaryngeal preparations were investigated. Baseline CMAP duration and latency were derived. Group A (n = 5) underwent RLN stretch injury, and group B (n = 7) underwent RLN transection/repair. The change in CMAP duration and latency was assessed between the baseline and 6‐month measurements using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for each group individually and combined.

Results

Six months following injury, transection/repair injuries had the most significant increase in CMAP duration (2.8 ± 0.6 ms vs. 4.2 ± 0.8 ms, difference 1.4 ms 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 2.40) and latency (2.6 ± 0.5 ms vs. 5.6 ± 1.5 ms, difference 3.0 ms 95% CI: 1.65 to 4.38). Stretch injuries also caused an increase in CMAP duration (2.3 ± 0.8 ms vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 ms, difference 0.7 ms 95% CI: −0.49 to 1.77) and latency (2.5 ± 0.8 ms vs. 4.7 ± 1.5 ms, difference 2.3 95% CI: 0.76 to 3.80). Using ROC curves, CMAP duration and latency differentiated between the baseline control and RLN injury at 6 months (area under the curve = 0.78 and 0.98, respectively).

Conclusion

CMAP duration and latency are both quantitative measures that may have clinical utility as markers of RLN injury. CMAP latency had superior discrimination between injured and uninjured RLNs. Increased CMAP duration and latency may be explained by incomplete myelination and focal conduction block.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1855–1860, 2017
Washless Method Enables Multilayer Coating of an Aggregation‐Prone Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery System with Enhanced Yields, Colloidal Stability, and Scalability
Authors: Nayef Lamees , Castiello Rafael , Tabrizian Maryam
Published: February 2017

Aggregation is frequently encountered during coating nanoparticles, especially when the core is not solid and the coating polyelectrolytes are weak. Here, the coating of a nanoliposome with two weak polyelectrolytes, alginate and chitosan, is investigated. First, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses confirm the feasibility of firm adsorption of up to 16 layers of weak polyelectrolytes to the liposomal surface. Titrations are then performed to identify the lowest amounts of polyelectrolytes required to make eight saturated coating layers using the washless method. Significantly improved yields and reproducibility (almost 100%) are achieved, in addition to control over layer thickness. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies confirm the success of layering. This is special since scientists always attempt to reduce nanoparticle aggregation by substituting the soft core, using one strong polyelectrolyte, or contending with lower yields or numbers of coating layers.

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Loss of MLH1 sensitizes colon cancer cells to DNA‐PKcs inhibitor KU60648
Authors: Hinrichsen Inga , Ackermann Anne , Düding Tonja , Graband Annika , Filmann Natalie , Plotz Guido , Zeuzem Stefan , Brieger Angela
Published: February 2017

Germline mutations of MLH1 are responsible for tumor generation in nearly 50% of patients with Lynch Syndrome, and around 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers show MLH1‐deficiency due to promotor hypermethylation. Although these tumors are of lower aggressiveness the benefit for these patients from standard chemotherapy is still under discussion. Recently, it was shown that the sensitivity to the DNA‐PKcs inhibitor KU60648 is linked to loss of the MMR protein MSH3. However, loss of MSH3 is rather secondary, as a consequence of MMR‐deficiency, and frequently detectable in MLH1‐deficient tumors. Therefore, we examined the expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and MSH3 in different MMR‐deficient and proficient cell lines and determined their sensitivity to KU60648 by analyzing cell viability and survival. MLH1‐dependent ability of double strand break (DSB) repair was monitored after irradiation via γH2AX detection. A panel of 12 colon cancer cell lines, two pairs of cells, where MLH1 knock down was compared to controls with the same genetic background, and one MLH1‐deficient cell line where MLH1 was overexpressed, were included. In summary, we found that MLH1 and/or MSH3‐deficient cells exhibited a significantly higher sensitivity to KU60648 than MMR‐proficient cells and that overexpression of MLH1 in MLH1‐deficient cells resulted in a decrease of cell sensitivity. KU60648 efficiency seems to be associated with reduced DSB repair capacity. Since the molecular testing of colon tumors for MLH1 expression is a clinical standard we believe that MLH1 is a much better marker and a greater number of patients would benefit from KU60648 treatment.
Towards a Best Practice for the Use of Active Non‐contact Surface Scanning to Record Human Skeletal Remains from Archaeological Contexts
Authors: Errickson D. , Grueso I. , Griffith S. J. , Setchell J. M. , Thompson T. J. U. , Thompson C. E. L. , Gowland R. L.
Published: February 2017

Active surface scanners emit light or a laser stripe to record the exterior surface of an object or landscape, providing results in three dimensions. The use of active surface scanners to record anthropological and archaeological contexts has increased within the last few years, creating a number of sub‐contexts within these disciplines and allowing a further development of certain applications, such as quantitative analysis, the use of replicas in education and museums and the creation of digital databases archived in institutions. However, with guidance, this paper aims to assess the advantages and disadvantages of active surface scanning and the potential for research with regard to the recording and analysis of human skeletal remains. The key advantages and uses identified include quantitative digitisation, geometric morphometric studies, conservation, preservation, documentation and reconstruction. However, surface scanning also has some limitations, including cost, technological expertise, the need for a power source, computing requirements and data size. Overall, the application of active surface scanning technology to archaeological skeletal remains will provide a vital digital archive that will serve to preserve the integrity of this fragile and finite resource for future generations. This is particularly important within the current developer‐funded environment in which many skeletal collections, including those yielding unique or unusual pathological or morphological features, are re‐buried, with only very limited time for analysis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘If This Was a Normal Situation’: Challenges and Potentials for Deliberative Democratic Peacebuilding in Kosovo's Emerging Governance Networks
Authors: Delaney Aogán , Van Der Haar Gemma , Van Tatenhove Jan
Published: February 2017

The link between public administration and conflict resolution is traditionally understood through the ‘democratic peace’ thesis, which holds that war is less likely in democracies than in non‐democracies. Limited success with post‐conflict democratisation missions has opened space for renewed research on three strands of ‘deeper democracy’: decentralisation, participation and deliberation. This article reports on the study of deliberative democratic practices in emerging governance networks in Prishtina. Through an investigation of three contentious issues in Prishtina's public spaces, research combines documentary sources with field interviews with governance actors to identify factors that enable and constrain the scope for deliberative decision‐making in governance networks. Case studies point to six main influences: ‘securitisation’, trust building, ‘mandate parallelism’, structural patterns of inclusion and exclusion, network structures and the properties of governed public spaces. In addition, two frames are found to be particularly resistant to deliberative engagement: Kosovo's status and ethnic identities. We formulate a tentative conclusion to be further investigated: in contexts where distrust is high, deliberative governance requires a rigid adherence to an overarching reference framework that can create discursive space within which relative deliberation can take place. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughening polylactide with a catalyzed epoxy‐acid interfacial reaction
Authors: Thurber Christopher , Gu Liangliang , Myers Jason C. , Lodge Timothy P. , Macosko Christopher W.
Published: February 2017

Polylactide (PLA) is a promising material, with favorable modulus, renewable sources, and biodegradability. However, its low extension at break (4–7%) and toughness (notched Izod, 26 J/m) limit its applications (Anderson et al., Polym. Rev., 48, 85 (2008)). PLA toughening has been the subject of recent reviews, and is the basis for several commercial products. This work aims to increase PLA toughness using rubbery, linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), glycidyl methacrylate functional PE compatibilizer (EGMA), and novel catalysts that promote copolymer formation at the interface of immiscible blends of PLA and EGMA/LLDPE. Droplet size was reduced from 2.7 µm to 1.7 µm with addition of 5 wt% EGMA, and further to 1.0 µm with the addition of cobalt octoate catalyst. Extension at break of 200% is achieved with only 5 wt% EGMA, 15 wt% LLDPE, and 0.01 M cobalt octoate, leading to an increase in tensile toughness of over an order of magnitude (compared to neat PLA). This work demonstrates that catalysts can reduce the amount of reactive compatibilizer necessary to achieve a given PLA toughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:28–36, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental study of shrinkage and ejection forces of reinforced polypropylene based on nanoclays and short glass fibers
Authors: Garcia M. C. R. , Netto A. C. S. , Pontes A. J.
Published: February 2017

This study presents the influence of nanoclays and glass fibers on the shrinkage and ejection forces of polypropylene‐based composites for tubular parts produced by injection molding. An instrumented mold was used to measure cavity pressure, surface temperature and ejection forces in the tubular parts during the injection cycle. The materials used for the study were polypropylene homopolymer Domolen 1100L, nanoclays for polyolefin nanocomposites (P‐802 nanoMax, used in percentages of 2%, 6%, and 10%) and reinforced polypropylene homopolymer with a content of 10% and 30% glass fiber (Domolen P1‐013‐V10‐N and Domolen P1‐102‐V30‐N, respectively). Part shrinkage was measured 48 h after production. The results show that the incorporation of nanoclays reduces shrinkage and ejection forces while glass fibers decrease shrinkage and increase ejection forces due to an increase in elastic modulus. Nanoclays decrease the ejection forces when compared to glass fibers and pure PP. The effects of nanoclays are less pronounced than those of glass fibers. Moldings produced with different materials were also analyzed to assess the effect of mold temperature on the ejection forces. Shrinkage rises slightly by increasing the mold temperature while the ejection force decreases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:55–62, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Values that Underlie and Undermine Well–Being: Variability across Countries
Authors: Sortheix Florencia M. , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: February 2017

We examined relations of 10 personal values to life satisfaction (LS) and depressive affect (DEP) in representative samples from 32/25 countries ( N = 121 495). We tested hypotheses both for direct relations and cross–level moderation of relations by Cultural Egalitarianism. We based hypotheses on the growth versus self–protection orientation and person–focus versus social–focus motivations that underlie values. As predicted, openness to change values (growth/person) correlated positively with subjective well–being (SWB: higher LS, lower DEP) and conservation values (self–protection/social) correlated negatively with SWB. The combination of underlying motivations also explained more complex direct relations of self–transcendence and self–enhancement values with SWB. We combined an analysis of the environmental context in societies low versus high in Cultural Egalitarianism with the implications of pursuing person–focused versus social–focused values to predict how Cultural Egalitarianism moderates value–SWB relations. As predicted, under low versus high Cultural Egalitarianism, (i) openness to change values related more positively to SWB, (ii) conservation values more negatively, (iii) self–enhancement values less negatively and (iv) self–transcendence values less positively. Culture moderated value–SWB relations more weakly for DEP than for LS. Culture moderated value–LS relations more strongly than the socio–economic context did. This study demonstrates how the cultural context shapes individual–level associations between values and SWB. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Proteomic analysis of the cullin 4B interactome using proximity‐dependent biotinylation in living cells
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Li Shupeng , Liu Pingting , Lee Frankie H. F. , Wong Albert H. C. , Liu Fang
Published: February 2017

Cullin 4B (CUL4B) mutations have been implicated in mental retardation and dopamine‐related behaviors due to disruptions in their interaction with cullin‐RING E3 ligases (CRLs). Thus, further identification of CUL4B substrates can increase the knowledge of protein homeostasis and illuminate the role of CUL4B in neuropsychiatric disease. However, the transient nature of the coupling between CUL4B and its substrates is difficult to detect in vivo using current approaches, thus hampers efforts to investigate functions of CRLs within unperturbed living systems. In this study, we sought to discover CUL4B interactants with or without dopamine stimulation. BirA (118G) proximity‐dependent biotin labeling combined with LC‐MS was employed to biotinylate and identify transient and weak interactants of CUL4B. After purification with streptavidin beads and identified by LC‐MS, a total of 150 biotinylated proteins were identified at baseline condition, 53 of which are well‐known CUL4B interactants. After dopamine stimulation, 29 proteins disappeared and were replaced by 21 different protein interactants. The altered CUL4B interactants suggest that CUL4B regulates protein turnover and homeostasis in response to dopamine stimulation. Our results demonstrate the potential of this approach to identify novel CUL4B‐related molecules in respond to cellular stimuli, which may be applied to other types of signaling pathways.
A new high‐performance blue to transmissive electrochromic material and use of silver nanowire network electrodes as substrates
Authors: Yuksel Recep , Ataoglu Emre , Turan Janset , Alpugan Ece , Ozdemir Hacioglu Serife , Toppare Levent , Cirpan Ali , Emrah Unalan Husnu , Gunbas Gorkem
Published: February 2017

Synthesis of a novel, high‐performance blue to transmissive switching electrochromic material is described. The polymer (P1) was prepared by both electrochemical (P1E) and chemical (P1C) means from the corresponding monomer. The electrochemically synthesized polymer (P1E) revealed 64% optical contrast change (on ITO) in the visible region and very fast switching times of 0.32 s (coloration) and 0.90 s (bleaching). On the other hand, the chemically synthesized, solution processable polymer (P1C) also showed a high optical contrast value (49%, on ITO) with very fast switching times of 0.86 s for coloration and 0.57 s for bleaching. These high optical contrast values coupled with fast switching times place these materials along with high‐performance blue to transmissive electrochromic polymers. Significantly, these improved characteristics were achieved by side chain engineering of a known, inferior blue to transmissive polymer, PBEBT. Towards fabrication of flexible electrochromic devices, the performance of P1C was also tested on silver nanowire network electrodes. Even though the full potential of the material could not be demonstrated, a good optical contrast of 24% was achieved using these electrodes. Under the same potential range allowed by silver nanowire network electrodes, P1C on ITO showed an optical contrast of 30%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1680–1686
Facile Preparation of AP/Cu(OH)2 Core‐Shell Nanocomposites and Its Thermal Decomposition Behavior
Authors: Hao Gazi , Liu Jie , Liu Qiaoe , Xiao Lei , Ke Xiang , Gao Han , Du Ping , Jiang Wei , Zhao Fengqi , Gao Hongxu
Published: February 2017

Ammonium perchlorate (AP)/Cu(OH)2 core‐shell nanocomposites were successfully synthesized using a facile ultrasonic assisted‐coprecipitation synthesis route. The obtained AP/Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites were characterized by means of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Its thermal decomposition was studied under the non‐isothermal conditions with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter (TG‐DSC) techniques. In this procedure, SEM and TEM observations revealed that Cu(OH)2 nanoparticles with an average size of 10–15 nm were uniformly deposited on the surface of AP particles. Detailed characterization results indicated that the existence of evidence of Cu(OH)2. As expected, it was found that the AP/Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites with mass fraction of 2 wt % Cu(OH)2 remarkably decreased the peak temperature of high temperature decomposition of AP by 80.2 °C from approximately 441.3 °C to 361.1 °C. As compared with pure AP, the AP/Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites show lower impact and friction sensitivity. These results may lead to potential applications of the AP/Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites in the composite solid propellants for accelerating the thermal decomposition of AP.
Using social network theory to analyze the effectiveness of environment, safety and health management for two petrochemical companies
Authors: Horng Jao‐Jia , Liao Kuang‐Yu , Wang Shun‐Yeng
Published: February 2017

The social network analysis theory was used to explore two domestic petrochemical companies on their environmental, safety, and health (ESH) management system and operation effectiveness. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses by NodeXL and statistical tools were applied through the survey questionnaires to observe the results of social network among two management systems. From the background information of those individuals, parameters and network diagrams, we could identify three kinds of specialized network personnel: Central persons, marginal men and information agents, in order to understand the organization work, and information flows and influence patterns. Two companies showed differences in their International Standard Organization (ISO) based management systems and actual functioning systems. The centrality parameter indicated that some managers lack network connections to others and some members' knowledge could not be adequately used owing to the faults in organization structures. These problems would lower the effectiveness of management systems. Our analysis also showed positive correlations between the trustworthiness among members as well as the recognition networks. This study showed that the network analysis could be a good reference for the high‐level managers to understand their ESH system, to evaluate the organization efficiency and to analyze their future development and operation needs. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 121–132, 2017
Epitaxial lateral overgrowth of GaxIn1 − xP toward direct GaxIn1 − xP/Si heterojunction
Authors: Omanakuttan Giriprasanth , Stergiakis Stamoulis , Sahgal Abhishek , Sychugov Ilya , Lourdudoss Sebastian , Sun Yan‐Ting
Published: February 2017

The growth of GaInP by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) was studied on planar GaAs, patterned GaAs for epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG), and InP/Si seed templates for corrugated epitaxial lateral overgrowth (CELOG). First results on the growth of direct GaInP/Si heterojunction by CELOG is presented. The properties of GaxIn(1 − x)P layer and their dependence on the process parameters were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, including reciprocal lattice mapping (XRD‐RLM), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), photoluminescence (PL), and Raman spectroscopy. The fluctuation of Ga composition in the GaxIn(1 − x)P layer was observed on planar substrate, and the strain caused by the composition variation is retained until relaxation occurs. Fully relaxed GaInP layers were obtained by ELOG and CELOG. Raman spectroscopy reveals that there is a certain amount of ordering in all of the layers except those grown at high temperatures. Orientation dependent Ga incorporation in the CELOG, but not in the ELOG GaxIn(1 − x)P layer, and Si incorporation in the vicinity of direct GaxIn(1 − x)P/Si heterojunction from CELOG are observed in the SEM‐EDS analyses. The high optical quality of direct GaInP/Si heterojunction was observed by cross‐sectional micro‐PL mapping and the defect reduction effect of CELOG was revealed by high PL intensity in GaInP above Si.
The exact Fermi potential yielding the Hartree–Fock electron density from orbital‐free density functional theory
Authors: Finzel Kati , Ayers Paul W.
Published: February 2017

The exact expression for the Fermi potential yielding the Hartree–Fock electron density within an orbital‐free density functional formalism is derived. The Fermi potential, which is defined as that part of the potential that depends on the particles’ nature, is in this context given as the sum of the Pauli potential and the exchange potential. The exact exchange potential for an orbital‐free density functional formalism is shown to be the Slater potential.
Theoretical investigation toward organophosphine‐catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates with azomethine imines: Mechanism, origin of stereoselectivity, and role of catalyst
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qiao Yan , Wang Yang , Tang Mingsheng , Wei Donghui
Published: February 2017

A computational study on the detailed mechanism and stereoselectivity of the chiral phosphine‐catalyzed C(sp2)H activation/[3 + 3] annulation between Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates and C,N‐cyclic azomethine imines has been performed. Generally, the catalytic cycle consists of two stages, that is, C(sp2)H activation companied by the dissociation of the t‐BuO
group forming phosphonium enolate, and [3 + 3] cycloaddition process followed by regeneration of the catalyst. The calculated results indicate that C(sp2)H activation is rate‐determining while [3 + 3] cycloaddition is stereoselectivity‐determining. Furthermore, the advantageous hydrogen bond interactions and less steric hindrance in the RR configurational CC bond forming transition states should be responsible for the favorability of RR‐configured product among the four possible products. The special role of the organocatalyst was also identified by natural bond orbital (NBO) and global reactivity index (GRI) analyses. The mechanistic insights obtained in the present study should be useful for understanding the novel organocatalytic C(sp2)H activation and cycloaddition cascade reaction of MBH carbonates, and thus provide valuable clues on rational design of efficient organocatalysts for the C(sp2)H activation/functionalizations.
Correlations between mercury concentration, and stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen of amino acids in scalp hair from whale meat eaters and heavy fish eaters
Authors: Endo Tetsuya , Ogasawara Hideki , Hayasaka Moriaki , Hotta Yohei , Kimura Osamu , Petzke Klaus J.
Published: February 2017

Rationale

As mercury (Hg) accumulation in marine animals generally increases with increased trophic level (δ15N values) through the food web, predators accumulate higher levels of Hg. The main source of human Hg intake is the consumption of fish and other marine animals, and Hg concentration in scalp hair is the preferred marker for evaluating consumption of marine animals. Difference in δ15N values between trophic and source amino acids of human consumers could enable us to estimate the trophic level of the consumer without knowing the bulk δ15N value of their prey.

Methods

We measured the δ15N values of 15 amino acids in scalp hair from heavy fish eaters and whale meat eaters using isotope ratio monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (irm‐GC/MS), and investigated the correlations between Hg concentrations in the hair and the δ15N values of the individual constituent amino acids.

Results

The δ15N values for all trophic amino acids (Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Pro, Asx and Glx) increased with increases in Hg concentration (p < 0.01), with the highest correlation being with Glx (R2 = 0.725). In contrast, the δ15N value for Thr decreased with increases in Hg concentration (R2 = 0.663, p < 0.01). The difference in δ15N values between Glx and Thr was positively correlated with Hg concentration, showing the highest correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.773, p < 0.01) among the various combinations for amino acids.

Conclusions

The difference in δ15N values between Glx and Thr appears to be the best proxy for the estimation of Hg concentration in scalp hair. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observer‐based controllers with data dropout rate adaptation
Authors: Dolz Daniel , Peñarrocha Ignacio , Sanchis Roberto
Published: February 2017

In this work, we address the observer‐based control problem for networked control systems with an unknown time‐varying packet arrival rate (PAR) and under root mean square‐norm bounded disturbances. We assume packetized transmissions of both measurement and control input through a communication network with successful delivery acknowledgement. Using the measurement reception state and the control transmission acknowledgement, we derive a filter to estimate the PAR. We consider that the PAR changes sporadically from a constant value to another one; that is, it has two different behaviours: transient and steady state. While the observer only updates the state estimation using the current received measurements, the controller computes the control action employing the current state estimation and the previous applied control input. We propose to schedule both the observer and controller with rational functions of the PAR estimation. We show that the separation principle applies, and then, seeking higher performance accuracy, we develop an optimization
observer and controller design procedure that considers the two possible behaviours of the PAR. This optimization procedure attempts to maximize the estimation and control performances for each of the possible constant values of the PAR while offering robustness against PAR estimation errors and variations of the PAR. By exploiting sum‐of‐squares decomposition techniques, the design procedure involves an optimization problem over polynomials. A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of a general linear heat‐ODE system coupling at an intermediate point
Authors: Zhou Zhongcheng , Ren Zhigang , Xu Chao
Published: February 2017

This paper considers the stabilization of a general linear heat‐ODE system coupling at an intermediate point which is an extension from our previous work on stabilizing a coupled system of a heat PDE and a second‐order ODE. A novel backstepping transformation is proposed which can overcome the difficulty of using the one proposed in our previous work to a more general system considered in the current paper. Existence of smooth kernels in both the forward and inverse transformations is proved. Also, we show that forward and inverse transformations are a mutually inverse pair governed by the kernels equations. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller design is demonstrated with some numerical examples for heat‐ODE systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.