bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization of Aldimines: General Mechanism and Role of Catalyst
Authors: Li Xue , Tang Mingsheng , Wang Yanyan , Wang Yang , Li Zhongjun , Qu Ling‐Bo , Wei Donghui
Published: April 2018

One of the most challenging questions in the Lewis base organocatalyst field is how to predict the most electrophilic carbon for the complexation of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and reactant. This study provides a valuable case for this issue. Multiple mechanisms (A, B, C, D, and E) for the intramolecular cyclization of aldimine catalyzed by NHC were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). The computed results reveal that the NHC energetically prefers attacking the iminyl carbon (AIC mode, which is associated with mechanisms A and C) rather than attacking the olefin carbon (AOC mode, which is associated with mechanisms B and D) or attacking the carbonyl carbon (ACC mode, which is associated with mechanism E) of aldimine. The calculated results based on the different reaction models indicate that mechanism A (AIC mode), which is associated with the formation of the aza‐Breslow intermediate, is the most favorable pathway. For mechanism A, there are five steps: (1) nucleophilic addition of NHC to the iminyl carbon of aldimine; (2) [1,2]‐proton transfer to form an aza‐Breslow intermediate; (3) intramolecular cyclization; (4) the other [1,2]‐proton transfer; and (5) regeneration of NHC. The analyses of reactivity indexes have been applied to explain the chemoselectivity, and the general principles regarding the possible mechanisms would be useful for the rational design of NHC‐catalyzed chemoselective reactions.
Eco‐innovation strategies: A panel data analysis of Spanish manufacturing firms
Authors: Jové‐Llopis Elisenda , Segarra‐Blasco Agustí
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the determinants of eco‐innovation strategy in Spanish manufacturing firms. Using panel data of 3,201 Spanish firms for the period 2008–14, we specify a dynamic random probit model controlling for sample selection. The empirical results confirm that public regulations and R&D efforts encourage firms to place eco‐innovation activities among their strategic priorities, although subsidies are not found to be a distinctive driver. Furthermore, we find that eco‐innovation is highly persistent at the firm level, past eco‐innovation behavior being clearly of key importance in explaining the current state of a firm's eco‐innovation orientation. In contrast, market factors are not found to be a key driver for eco‐innovative firms.
Know how the latest OCR guidance impacts no‐contact orders, interim measures
Authors: Starich Megan
Published: April 2018

Higher ed institutions and their counsel have been studying the Sept. 22, 2017, Q&A from the Office for Civil Rights after it released the document and rescinded the detailed policy statements and guidance provided in the 2011 "Dear Colleague Letter" and the 2014 Q&A on Title IX and sexual violence.
Effects of Different Copper Loadings on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2‐SiO2 Prepared at a Low Temperature for the Oxidation of Organic Pollutants in Water
Authors: Čižmar Tihana , Lavrenčič Štangar Urška , Fanetti Mattia , Arčon Iztok
Published: April 2018

The objective of this research is to examine how Cu modification can improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2‐SiO2, to explain the correlation between the Cu concentration and the chemical state of Cu cations in the TiO2‐SiO2 matrix, and the photocatalytic activity under UV/solar irradiation. The Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by a low‐temperature sol–gel method from organic Cu, Si and Ti precursors with various Cu concentrations (0.05–3 mol %). The sol–gels were dried at 150 °C to obtain the photocatalysts in a powder form. The photocatalytic activity was determined by using a fluorescence‐based method of terephthalic acid decomposition. An up to three times increase in photocatalytic activity is obtained if the TiO2‐SiO2 matrix is modified with Cu in a narrow concentration range from 0.05 to 0.1 mol %. At higher Cu loadings, the photocatalytic activity of the Cu‐modified photocatalysts is lower than that of the un‐modified reference TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalyst. XRD was used to show that all Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 composites with different Cu concentrations have the same crystalline structure as un‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 composites. The addition of Cu does not change the relative ratio between the anatase and brookite phases or unit cell parameters of the two TiO2 crystalline structures. We used Cu K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses to determine the valence state and local structure of Cu cations in the Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalysts. The results elucidate the mechanism responsible for the improved photocatalytic activity. In samples with a low Cu content, which exhibit the highest activity, Cu−O−Ti connections are formed, which suggests that the activity enhancement is caused by the attachment of CuII cations on the surface of the photocatalytically active TiO2 nanoparticles, so CuII cations may act as free‐electron traps, which reduce the intensity of recombination between electrons and holes at the TiO2 photocatalyst surface. At higher Cu loadings no additional Cu−O−Ti connections are formed, instead only Cu−O−Cu connections are established. This indicates the formation of amorphous or nanocrystalline copper oxide, which hinders the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.
Modelling dispersion of immiscible fluids in a turbulent Couette flow
Authors: Eskin Dmitry , Vikhansky Alexander
Published: April 2018

Dispersion of immiscible fluids in a Couette device, in which the inner cylinder rotates whereas the outer one is immobile, is modelled. The developer's version of the STARCCM+ commercial CFD code is employed for simulations. The CFD‐population balance technique, recently implemented into the code, is a basis for the computations. The Reynolds stress turbulence model along with the Daly and Harlow transport model are employed for modelling two‐dimensional axisymmetric flow field. Formation of a stable emulsion (no coalescence) is considered. Computational results are compared with experimental data available in the literature. A low‐rate coalescence is formally introduced for accurately fitting these data. Effects of both the Couette device height and the inner to outer radius ratio on droplet size distributions are also studied using the STAR‐CCM+ CFD code. Different physical phenomena influencing the dispersion process are discussed.
Flocculation‐assisted dewatering of fluid fine tailings using a volute screw press
Authors: Wang Chen , Najafi Aref , Masliyah Jacob , Liu Qingxia , Xu Zhenghe
Published: April 2018

A flocculation‐assisted process to continuously dewater oil sands fluid fine tailings using a volute screw press was developed. An anionic‐cationic flocculant scheme was applied first to flocculate essentially all suspended solids in the fluid fine tailings. The concept of elastic and plastic deformations for metallic solids was extended and successfully applied to describing compression and subsequent water release characteristics of the flocculated sediments. The newly‐developed “controlled vertical strain test” (CVST) provided a good measure of the impact of flocculants on the compressive dewaterability of flocculated sediments. A new empirical parameter named “compression dewatering index” (CDI) was obtained from the sediment compression response curve of the CVST. Field tests at Canadian Natural Resources Limited with a prototype volute screw press showed a linear correlation between the CDI and the filter cake dry solids content produced by the volute screw press. Under process conditions in this study, a stackable cake containing 55–60 wt% solids at a 5–7 kg dry solids/h production rate was achieved by applying the volute screw press to the flocculated fluid fine tailings.

The novel findings from this study could serve as a useful theoretical framework for future research on flocculation‐assisted dewatering of fluid fine tailings by elevated external mechanical forces, as encountered in centrifuge and filtration.
A Combined 25Mg Solid‐State NMR and Ab Initio DFT Approach to Probe the Local Structural Differences in Magnesium Acetate Phases Mg(CH3COO)2 ⋅ nH2O (n=0, 1, 4)
Authors: Seymour Valerie R. , Day Stephen P. , Scholz Gudrun , Scheurell Kerstin , Iuga Dinu , Griffin John M. , Kemnitz Erhard , Hanna John V. , Smith Mark E.
Published: April 2018

Multinuclear (1H, 13C, 25Mg) solid‐state NMR data is reported for a series of magnesium acetate phases Mg(CH3COO)2 ⋅ nH2O (n=0 (two polymorphs), 1, 4). The central focus here is 25Mg as this set of compounds provides an expanded range of local magnesium coordinations compared to what has previously been reported in the literature using NMR. These four compounds provide 10 distinct magnesium sites with varying NMR interaction parameters. One of the anhydrous crystal structures (α) has an MgO7 site which is reported, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. For those phases with a single crystal structure, a combination of magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR at high magnetic field (20 T) and first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrates the value of including 25Mg in NMR crystallography approaches. For the second anhydrate phase (β), where no single crystal structure exists, the multinuclear NMR data clearly show the multiplicity of sites for the different elements, with 25Mg satellite transition (ST) MAS NMR revealing four inequivalent magnesium environments, which is new information constraining future refinement of the structure. This study highlights the sensitivity of 25Mg NMR to the local environment, an observation important for several sub‐disciplines of chemistry where the structural chemistry of magnesium is likely to be crucial.
High‐Quality Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Film for Lead‐Free Inverted Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells with 2.2 % Efficiency
Authors: Gao Weiyin , Ran Chenxin , Xi Jun , Jiao Bo , Zhang Wenwen , Wu Mincai , Hou Xun , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: April 2018

All‐inorganic double‐metal perovskite materials have recently gained much attention due to their three dimensionality (3D) and non‐toxic nature to replace lead‐based perovskite materials. Among all those double perovskite materials, theoretical works have demonstrated that Cs2AgBiBr6 shows high stability and possesses a suitable band gap for solar‐cell applications. However, the film‐forming ability of Cs2AgBiBr6 is found to be the utmost challenge hindering its development in thin‐film solar‐cell devices. In this work, a high‐quality Cs2AgBiBr6 film with ultra‐smooth morphology, micro‐sized grains, and high crystallinity is realized via anti‐solvent dropping technology and post‐annealing at high temperature. After optimization, the first example of an inverted planar heterojunction solar‐cell device based on Cs2AgBiBr6 exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 2.23 % with VOC=1.01 V, JSC=3.19 mA/cm2, and FF=69.2 %. Besides, the device shows no hysteresis and a high stability.
An Electricity Price Forecasting Model with Fuzzy Clustering Preconditioned ANN
Authors: ITABA SATOSHI , MORI HIROYUKI
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a hybrid model of fuzzy clustering and ANN (Artificial Neural Network) is proposed for electricity price forecasting. Due to the complicated behavior of electricity price in power markets, market players are interested in maximizing profits while minimizing risks. As a result, more accurate models are required to deal with electricity price forecasting. This paper proposes a new method that makes use of fuzzy clustering preconditioned GRBFN (Generalized Radial Basis Function Network) to provide more accurate predicted prices. Fuzzy clustering plays a key role to prevent the number of learning data from decreasing at each cluster. GRBFN is one of efficient ANNs to approximate nonlinear systems. Furthermore, a modified GRBFN model is developed to improve the performance of GRBFN with the use of DA (Deterministic Annealing) clustering for the parameters initialization and EPSO (Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization) for optimizing the parameters of GRBFN. The proposed method is successfully applied to real data of ISO New England, USA.
Voltage Regulation Utilizing Electric Vehicle Rapid Chargers in a Distribution System
Authors: NAKAMURA YUTA , HARA RYOICHI , KITA HIROYUKI , TANAKA EIICHI
Published: April 2018

From growing interests in the environment issues, promotion of photovoltaic power generation (PV) is accelerated in the world. Meanwhile, rapid chargers (RCs) for popularized electric vehicles are being installed in urban areas. These two trends in distribution system might cause severer voltage fluctuation problems. On the other hand, a RC can provide the reactive power support, which is capable of voltage regulation. Based on this viewpoint, this paper proposes a new framework of voltage regulation, in which the reactive power compensation by RCs is actively utilized. The proposed voltage regulation method combines two different control functions with consideration for over‐compensation avoidance. This paper ascertains the validity of proposed voltage regulation method through numerical simulations.
Folate deficiency increases chromosomal damage and mutations in hematopoietic cells in the transgenic mutamouse model
Authors: LeBlanc Danielle P. , Behan Nathalie A. , O'Brien Jason M. , Marchetti Francesco , MacFarlane Amanda J.
Published: April 2018

Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects, and is also associated with some cancers. In vitro, folate deficiency increases mutation frequency and genome instability, as well as exacerbates the mutagenic potential of known environmental mutagens. Conversely, it remains unclear whether or not elevated folic acid (FA) intakes are beneficial or detrimental to the induction of DNA mutations and by proxy human health. We used the MutaMouse transgenic model to examine the in vivo effects of FA deficient, control, and supplemented diets on somatic DNA mutant frequency (MF) and genome instability in hematopoietic cells. We also examined the interaction between FA intake and exposure to the known mutagen N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) on MF. Male mice were fed the experimental diets for 20 weeks from weaning. Half of the mice from each diet group were gavaged with 50 mg/kg body weight ENU after 10 weeks on diet and remained on their respective diet for an additional 10 weeks. Mice fed a FA‐deficient diet had a 1.3‐fold increase in normochromatic erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) frequency (P = 0.034), and a doubling of bone marrow lacZ MF (P = 0.035), compared to control‐fed mice. Mice exposed to ENU showed significantly higher bone marrow lacZ and Pig‐a MF, but there was no effect of FA intake on ENU‐induced MF. These data indicate that FA deficiency increases mutations and MN formation in highly proliferative somatic cells, but that FA intake does not mitigate ENU‐induced mutations. Also, FA intake above adequacy had no beneficial or detrimental effect on mutations or MN formation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:366–374, 2018. © 2018 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2018.
Cloud Computing Can Increase Information Security
Authors: Jeffery Eric
Published: April 2018

The information technology pendulum swings among insource/outsource, onshore/offshore, best of breed/consolidated solution, cloud provider/on‐premises environment, and in other manners.
Residential Demand‐Charge Proposals Vary Across the United States
Authors: Proudlove Autumn
Published: April 2018

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has an established history of energy policy research and analysis, beginning with development of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) in 1995. The center has expanded these efforts over the years and now publishes several quarterly report series focused on tracking policy changes related to solar, grid modernization, energy storage, and electric vehicles. One of these report series—The 50 States of Solar—examines distributed solar policy and rate‐design changes under consideration across the country, specifically looking at changes proposed by states, investor‐owned utilities, and large public power utilities (those with at least 100,000 customers).
FERC's 1999 Pipeline Policy Could Face Environmental Headwinds
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: April 2018

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's review of its policy statement on natural gas pipelines is not unusual or surprising.
New Role for Utilities Leads to Business Opportunities
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: April 2018

Much has been written and generalized about the changing nature of the electric utility industry and its business model.
How do administrative borders affect accessibility to hospitals? The case of Sweden
Authors: Meng Xiangli , Carling Kenneth , Håkansson Johan , Rebreyend Pascal
Published: April 2018

An administrative border might hinder the optimal allocation of a given set of resources by restricting the flow of goods, services, and people. In this paper, we address the question: Do administrative borders lead to poor accessibility to public service? In answering the question, we have examined the case of Sweden and its regional administrative borders and hospital accessibility. We have used detailed data on the Swedish road network, its hospitals, and its geo‐coded population. We have assessed the population's spatial accessibility to Swedish hospitals by computing the inhabitants' distance to the nearest hospital. We have also elaborated several scenarios ranging from strongly confining regional borders to no confinements of borders and recomputed the accessibility. Our findings imply that administrative borders are only marginally worsening the accessibility.
The glutathione cycle: Glutathione metabolism beyond the γ‐glutamyl cycle
Authors: Bachhawat Anand Kumar , Yadav Shambhu
Published: April 2018

Glutathione was discovered in 1888, over 125 years ago. Since then, our understanding of various functions and metabolism of this important molecule has grown over these years. But it is only now, in the last decade, that a somewhat complete picture of its metabolism has emerged. Glutathione metabolism has till now been largely depicted and understood by the γ‐glutamyl cycle that was proposed in 1970. However, new findings and knowledge particularly on the transport and degradation of glutathione have revealed that many aspects of the γ‐glutamyl cycle are incorrect. Despite this, an integrated critical analysis of the cycle has never been undertaken and this has led to the cycle and its errors perpetuating in the literature. This review takes a careful look at the γ‐glutamyl cycle and its shortcomings and presents a “glutathione cycle” that captures the current understanding of glutathione metabolism. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(7):585–592, 2018
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA SNHG14 contributes to gastric cancer development through targeting miR‐145/SOX9 axis
Authors: Liu Zhao , Yan Yan , Cao Sizhe , Chen Yi
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to elucidate the roles of long non‐coding RNA SNHG14 in gastric cancer development. LncRNA SNHG14 was markedly up‐regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of SNHG14 significantly inhibited SGC‐7901 cell viability, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, miR‐145 was negatively regulated by SNHG14 and the effects of SNHG14 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins and EMT‐markers were reversed by inhibition of miR‐145 at the same time. Furthermore, SOX9 was verified as a functional target of miR‐145, and miR‐145 regulated tumor malignant behaviors through regulating SOX9. Besides, knockdown of SNHG14 inhibited the expression of p‐PI3 K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR and promoted PTEN expression, where miR‐145 inhibition had opposite effects. Moreover, the activated PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway caused by miR‐145 inhibition was counteracted after knockdown of SOX9. Our findings indicate that up‐regulation of lncRNA SNHG14 may contribute to gastric cancer development via targeting miR‐145/SOX9 axis and involving in PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway. SNHG14‐miR‐145/SOX9 axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer treatment.
HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype and perioperative blood transfusion are not conducive to the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Shen‐Kang , Yang Lei‐Lei , Chen Rui , Lu Yong , Zheng Yong‐Hua
Published: April 2018

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a disease associated with a higher incidence and mortality, and some host genetic polymorphisms have been reported as potential factors contributing to the development of GC. In view of this, the study was conducted to investigate the effects of HLA‐DQB1 gene polymorphisms and perioperative blood transfusion on prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

A total of 142 patients with GC (case group) and 150 healthy controls (control group) were enrolled. Relationship between HLA‐DQB1 gene polymorphisms, perioperative blood transfusion, and clinical pathological parameters of patients with GC after operation was analyzed. Kaplan‐Meier curve was applied for analyzing survival rate of patients with GC, and Cox multivariate regression analysis for prognostic factors of patients with GC.

Results

The frequency of HLA‐DQB1*03 gene was increased in patients with GC. Patients with GC with HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype had higher number of tumor size >6 cm, deeper depth of infiltration, higher LNM rate, and later stage of disease. Patients with HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype had lower survival rate compared with other genotypes. Anemia before operation, depth of infiltration in T3 stage and T4 stage, LNM in N1 stage and N2 stage, and HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype were regarded as independent risk factors for patients with GC.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype and perioperative blood transfusion are not conducive to the prognosis of patients with GC, which could provide a reference for the treatment of GC.
Robust self cleaning polypyrrole‐polysulfone blend hollow fiber membrane for biofouling mitigation
Authors: Mukherjee Munmun , De Sirshendu
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Persistent biofouling of membrane is the most commonly encountered problem during separation diminishing the throughput of the system. Many techniques have been adopted to mitigate biofouling. This paper describes the fabrication of polysulfone and polypyrrole blend hollow fiber membrane with outstanding self‐cleaning potential. Blending of polypyrrole promoted excellent anti‐biofouling surface against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The impact of flow rate and pressure on membrane performance was also evaluated during the separation process.

RESULTS

Loading of polypyrrole resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity, permeability, zeta potential and tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the appearance of macrovoids with increase of polypyrrole concentration, indicating the porous structure of the membrane. Hollow fibers exhibited negative potential at pH 7, leading to excellent anti‐biofouling surface. Roughness of fibers was dramatically reduced from 120 to 3 nm with polypyrrole concentration imparting superior self cleaning surface on the membrane. Fluorescence microscopy analyses revealed significant reduction in bacteria adhesion on 1 wt% polypyrrole loaded fibers. Modified membrane showed striking antibacterial property due to the leakage of cytoplasmic materials through lysis, as supported by A260nm absorption study. Morphological analysis of the used blend membrane showed almost no deposition of bacteria even after a long run, holding the promise of biofouling mitigation.

CONCLUSION

Modification of membrane by polypyrrole imparted an outstanding self‐cleaning property to the hollow fiber; hence, it is a simple and scalable approach to prevent biofouling during long‐term performance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Inter‐decadal change of leading pattern of spring rainfall over southern China during 1901–2010
Authors: Cheng Zhigang , Qiao Yunting , Jian Maoqiu , Siems Steven T.
Published: April 2018

Spring rainfall over southern China experiences both strong inter‐annual variability and inter‐decadal variability. Employing the monthly precipitation data from 1901 to 2010, this research examines the inter‐decadal change of the leading pattern of spring rainfall over southern China. Based on the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, four distinctive precipitation periods (epochs) have been identified: 1901–1937, 1938–1958, 1959–1994 and 1995–2010. During the first and third epochs, the centre of the inter‐annual variation of spring rainfall is located in the South China (SC) region. Low‐latitude climate forcing plays an important role in the inter‐annual variation of the spring rainfall anomaly over the SC region within these epochs. During typical eastern Pacific El Niño conditions, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) is stronger, driving an abnormally warm, moist southeasterly air mass across the South China Sea and onto the SC region. In addition, an anomalous vertical circulation is forced with ascent over the warmer eastern Pacific, descent over the cooler western Pacific and ascent again over the SC region. During the second and fourth epochs, the maximum of the leading mode of the spring precipitation anomaly is located in the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) region. Counter to the first and third epochs, the leading mode of the spring rainfall anomaly is mainly attributed to mid‐ and high‐latitude forcing during the second epoch. In the wet years a negative Eurasian teleconnection (EU) wave train is observed with a positive anomaly in 500 hPa geopotential height located over southern Japan. The WPSH is located further to the north, bringing more water vapour into the MLRYR region from the northwestern Pacific. During the fourth epoch, the EU wave train and WPSH are similar to those of the second epoch. Furthermore, a central Pacific El Niño pattern is evident in the wet years, suggesting a wider teleconnection.
Distinct Trauma Types in Military Service Members Seeking Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Litz Brett T. , Contractor Ateka A. , Rhodes Charla , Dondanville Katherine A. , Jordan Alexander H. , Resick Patricia A. , Foa Edna B. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Mintz Jim , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Peterson Alan L. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: April 2018

We examined the frequency of trauma types reported in a cohort of service members seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and compared symptom profiles between types. In this observational study, 999 service members (9.2% women; Mage = 32.91 years; 55.6% White) were evaluated using a standardized assessment procedure to determine eligibility for clinical trials. Participants were evaluated for DSM‐IV‐TR‐defined PTSD using the PTSD Symptom Scale–Interview; all participants reported a Criterion A event. Independent evaluators rated descriptions of Criterion A events as belonging to trauma types at a high degree of reliability, κ = 0.80. Aggregated non‐life‐threat primary trauma types were more frequently endorsed than aggregated life‐threat types, 95% CI [17.10%, 29.20%]. Participants who endorsed moral injury–self traumas had a higher level of reexperiencing (d = 0.39), guilt (hindsight bias, d = 1.06; wrongdoing, d = 0.93), and self‐blame (d = 0.58) symptoms, relative to those who reported life threat–self. Participants who experienced traumatic loss had greater reexperiencing (d = 0.39), avoidance (d = 0.22), guilt (responsibility, d = 0.39), and greater peri‐ and posttraumatic sadness (d = 0.84 and d = 0.70, respectively) symptoms, relative to those who endorsed life threat–self. Relative to life threat–self, moral injury–others was associated with greater peri‐ (d = 0.36) and posttraumatic (d = 0.33) betrayal/humiliation symptoms, and endorsement of aftermath of violence was associated with greater peri‐ (d = 0.84) and posttraumatic sadness (d = 0.57) symptoms. War zone traumas were heterogeneous, and non‐life‐threat traumas were associated with distinct symptoms and problems.
Long‐term outcome of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis
Authors: van Veen Martinus M. , Dusseldorp Joseph R. , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: April 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the long‐term effect and treatment stability of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients treated with highly selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis between August 2009 and August 2015. Primary outcome was time to recommencing treatment for periocular synkinesis. Palpebral fissure width was measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at long‐term ( > 2.5 years) follow‐up. Mean units of botulinum toxin used pre‐ and postoperatively were compared.

Results

Of the 12 patients, 10 could be included. Only one was free of treatment for periocular synkinesis at a follow‐up of 3.5 years. The other nine patients recommenced treatment with botulinum toxin after a median time of 1.2 (interquartile range 0.6–2.6) years. Palpebral fissure width while smiling was significantly different between the pre‐ and postoperative (P = 0.008) and preoperative and long‐term (P = 0.008) measurements. Postoperatively, previously refractory patients demonstrated good response to botulinum toxin treatments.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that most patients require renewed pharmacological treatment of periocular synkinesis after neurectomy. Although the effect of neurectomy in the treatment of refractory synkinesis does not appear to be sustained, patients usually experience a symptom‐free interval and demonstrate larger palpebral fissure width at long‐term follow‐up compared to preoperative measurements.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2291–2295, 2018
Pulsed Lasers for Industrial Applications
Authors: Jansen Florian , Budnicki Aleksander , Sutter Dirk
Published: April 2018

Material processing with ultrashort pulses provides the user with a variety of benefits. The significantly reduced heat affected zone and the ability to machine numerous different materials are the most striking features. The key for commercial viability of industrial ultrashort‐pulse lasers is long‐term reliability in an industrial environment in combination with sufficient parameter flexibility in terms of different pulse lengths, pulse energies, and pulse repetition rates. Trumpf's TruMicro laser portfolio is designed to fulfill these requirements by using the know‐how of many tens of thousands of operational hours for individual lasers and accumulated tens of millions of operational hours in industrial environment. The TruMicro portfolio includes nanosecond lasers of up to 2000 W average power within the TruMicro 7000 series. The ultrashort‐pulse lasers TruMicro 2000 and TruMicro 5000 currently cover a power range of 10 – 150 W and are based on fiber‐ and, respectively, thin‐disk technology.
CFRP is Demanding – Also on Laser Cutting
Authors: Schneider Frank , Petring Dirk
Published: April 2018

Composite materials as glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP and CFRP) are among the most promising materials to achieve the demanding goals of lightweight design. In competition with other materials as high‐strength steel or light metals, the market forecast for carbon fiber reinforced materials predicts a continuous growth around ten percent per year as it was achieved in the recent years [1]. This underlines the importance of CFRP in the lightweight material mix. Aerospace and automotive are the major growth drivers in this market. Even though the material costs take a large share for parts made of CFRP, efficient production technologies are in demand.
Insight into the Process
Authors: Otto Andreas , Vázquez Rodrigo Gómez , Hartel Udo
Published: April 2018

Despite the steadily improving methods for process diagnostics in laser beam welding the fluid dynamics within the weld pool responsible for defects like pore formation, humping or spiking are not understood sufficiently. The multiphysical simulation model presented within this contribution is not only a powerful tool to reliably predict processing results like weld depth and width or temperature distributions but also helps to reveal the reasons for the above mentioned welding defects.
Land‐use change and land degradation on the Mongolian Plateau from 1975 to 2015—A case study from Xilingol, China
Authors: Batunacun  , Nendel Claas , Hu Yunfeng , Lakes Tobia
Published: April 2018

Land degradation is a severe environmental problem on a regional and global scale that is often aggravated by intensive land‐use and climate change. The arid to semi‐arid Xilingol in Inner Mongolia, China, is an example of an area that has witnessed continuous land degradation for decades, in spite of numerous attempts to reverse this trend. In this study, land‐use and land‐cover change (LUCC) between 1975 and 2015 was investigated for Xilingol based on multi‐temporal remote sensing images. The aim of the study was to derive detailed information on LUCC over space and time as a basis for assessing ecological and social consequences of land degradation in a bid to develop better strategies for combating land degradation. Two main LUCC processes and two distinct phases were identified: During Phase 1 (1975–2000), the LUCC pattern was dominated by land degradation, affecting 11.4% (22,937 km2) of the total area. During Phase 2 (2000–2015), land restoration increased (12.0% or 24,161 km2) whereas degradation continued, resulting in a further 9.5% (19,124 km2) of degraded land. The transition pattern changed accordingly. Our findings show that, in spite of notable restoration successes in the past, grassland degradation continues to be the main ecological and environmental problem in Xilingol, requiring the continued attention of decision‐makers. Strategic land‐use management has already had a significant influence on LUCC in this area, leading to the expectation that science‐based land‐use strategies can be developed to further reduce land degradation in Xilingol.
The influences of thorny bamboo growth on the bacterial community in badland soils of southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu‐Te , Whitman William B. , Coleman David C. , Shiau Yo‐Jin , Jien Shih‐Hao , Chiu Chih‐Yu
Published: April 2018

The badland soils originated from mudstone in southwestern Taiwan are inhospitable for plant growth because of their high‐salinity and poor physicochemical properties. Thorny bamboo is one of the few plants that can survive in these soils. To investigate the responses of the soil bacterial communities to plant cover, bare soils and soils from thorny bamboo plantations were analyzed with the barcoded pyrosequencing technique.ActinobacteriaandProteobacteriapredominated in the bare soil communities, butAcidobacteria,Actinobacteria, andProteobacteriawere the most abundant groups in the thorny bamboo soils. Environmental stress may have selected forActinobacteriain the bare community. Canonical correspondence analysis of the distributions of abundant operational taxonomic units also revealed consistent differences between the communities in the bamboo and bare soils. The bacterial diversity in the bamboo soils was also higher than that in the bare soils. The soluble organic carbon and nitrogen in bamboo soils were significantly higher, but electrical conductivity was lower than that in the bare soils. These soil properties, as well as soil pH, were related to the structure and diversity of the bacterial communities. Statistical analyses also indicated that these factors affected the distribution ofAcidobacteria,Actinobacteria,Alphaproteobacteria, andGammaproteobacteria. Analysis of thiocyanate oxidation activity revealed higher activity in the bare than in the bamboo soils, further suggesting differences in structure and metabolic activity between bamboo and bare soil microbial communities. Apparently, growth of thorny bamboo in the badland soil changed soil properties, which in turn directly and/or indirectly affected soil bacterial structure and diversity.
Lipocalin‐Type Prostaglandin D Synthase Is a Novel Phytocannabinoid‐Binding Protein
Authors: Elmes Matthew W. , Volpe Anthony D. , d'Oelsnitz Simon , Sweeney Joseph M. , Kaczocha Martin
Published: April 2018

Lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS; EC:5.3.99.2) is an enzyme with dual functional roles as a prostaglandin D2‐synthesizing enzyme and as an extracellular transporter for diverse lipophilic compounds in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Transport of hydrophobic endocannabinoids is mediated by serum albumin in the blood and intracellularly by the fatty acid binding proteins, but no analogous transport mechanism has yet been described in CSF. L‐PGDS has been reported to promiscuously bind a wide variety of lipophilic ligands and is among the most abundant proteins found in the CSF. Here, we examine the binding of several classes of endogenous and synthetic ligands to L‐PGDS. Endocannabinoids exhibited low affinity toward L‐PGDS, while cannabinoid metabolites and synthetic cannabinoids displayed higher affinities for L‐PGDS. These results indicate that L‐PGDS is unlikely to function as a carrier for endocannabinoids in the CSF, but it may bind and transport a subset of cannabinoids.
Endo/Exo Reactivity Ratios in Living Vinyl Addition Polymerization of Substituted Norbornenes
Authors: Tsai Steven D. , Register Richard A.
Published: April 2018

Substituted norbornenes may be enchained by vinyl addition polymerization (VAP), through the norbornene double bond. Such monomers are generally prepared by Diels–Alder cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene and the corresponding olefin, which leads to a mixture of endo and exo stereoisomers with potentially very different reactivity, but these differences have not previously been quantified (e.g., as copolymerization reactivity ratios rendo and rexo). A living Pd‐based VAP initiator is employed and the consumption of endo and exo monomers to high conversions is measured to determine rendo and rexo; since the polymerization is living, the products are gradient copolymers. For norbornenes bearing n‐butyl, norbornyl, or methylhexafluoroisopropanol substituents, rexo = 1–4, and rexo rendo = 0.2–0.8, indicating only moderate deviations from ideal copolymerization behavior. By contrast, for norbornene bearing a pentamethyldisiloxane substituent, rendo is indistinguishable from zero, indicating that the endo isomer is effectively incapable of homopropagation. However, since the polymerization is living, propagation resumes (and chain extension proceeds) when additional exo monomer is charged.
Functionally Graded Polyurethane/Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites
Authors: Natterodt Jens C. , Meesorn Worarin , Zoppe Justin O. , Weder Christoph
Published: April 2018

The preparation and investigation of functionally graded polymer nanocomposites, which have a concentration gradient of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) along one direction, is reported here. As a test bed, a series of nanocomposites consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) and 0–15% w/w CNCs is prepared via solvent casting and the mechanical properties of films of these materials are characterized by dynamic mechanical analyses and tensile tests. The formation of graded materials is accomplished by lamination of films with varying CNC content. The processing conditions are optimized to achieve intimate fusion of the individual layers. The elimination of internal interfaces is evidenced by an elongation at break of up to 500%. In order to explore potential applications of graded PU/CNC nanocomposites, structure‐dependent actuation in response to water is demonstrated in a bioinspired architecture. In addition, the damping behavior of cylindrical shaped composites is investigated by way of compression tests. The results show that functionally graded PU/CNC composites show good damping behavior over a much larger range of forces than the neat PU or the homogeneous nanocomposites.
Parent‐centered communication at time of pediatric cancer diagnosis: A systematic review
Authors: Hentea Cristiana , Cheng Erika R. , Bauer Nerissa S. , Mueller Emily L.
Published: April 2018

There are limited data focused on parental communication needs surrounding the time when a child is diagnosed with cancer. In this systematic review, we synthesized current literature on communication preferences of parents at the time of their child's diagnosis of cancer. We identified 16 studies that yielded 4 major themes parents recognized as important: communication style, content, logistics, and healthcare team. We further identified several concepts that inform parent‐centered communication practice. The ensuing pediatric oncology parent‐centered communication concept map is meant as a tool to expand providers’ communication experience at the time of a new cancer diagnosis.
Views of parents of children with sickle cell disease on pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Darbari Isha , O'Brien Jeanne E. , Hardy Steven J. , Speller‐Brown Barbara , Thaniel Lisa , Martin Brenda , Darbari Deepika S. , Nickel Robert S.
Published: April 2018

Pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an option for parents who have a child with sickle cell disease (SCD) to have another child without SCD. We conducted a survey of 19 parents with at least one child with SCD to investigate views on PGD. Before education, 44% of parents were aware of PGD. All parents rated PGD education as important. All parents considering another child also reported interest in using PGD if insurance covered its costs. Parents who have a child with SCD appear to be interested in PGD and educational tools informing this group about PGD should be developed.
Recent advances in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) for in situ analysis of endogenous molecules in plants
Authors: Qin Liang , Zhang Yawen , Liu Yaqin , He Huixin , Han Manman , Li Yanyan , Zeng Maomao , Wang Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) as a label‐free and powerful imaging technique enables in situ evaluation of a tissue metabolome and/or proteome, becoming increasingly popular in the detection of plant endogenous molecules.

Objective

The characterisation of structure and spatial information of endogenous molecules in plants are both very important aspects to better understand the physiological mechanism of plant organism.

Methods

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) is a commonly‐used tissue imaging technique, which requires matrix to assist in situ detection of a variety of molecules on the surface of a tissue section. In previous studies, MALDI‐MSI was mostly used for the detection of molecules from animal tissue sections, compared to plant samples due to cell structural limitations, such as plant cuticles, epicuticular waxes, and cell walls. Despite the enormous progress that has been made in tissue imaging, there is still a challenge for MALDI‐MSI suitable for the imaging of endogenous compounds in plants.

Results

This review summarises the recent advances in MALDI‐MSI, focusing on the application of in situ detection of endogenous molecules in different plant organs, i.e. root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed.

Conclusion

Further improvements on instrumentation sensitivity, matrix selection, image processing and sample preparation will expand the application of MALDI‐MSI in plant research.
Water‐induced mechanically adaptive behavior of carboxylated acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber reinforced by bacterial cellulose whiskers
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Liping , Yin Qing , Jia Hongbing , Wang Dongni , Li Geng , Yin Biao , Ji Qingmin , Xu Zhaodong
Published: April 2018

Water‐induced mechanically adaptive rubber nanocomposites were prepared by mixing bacterial cellulose whiskers (BCWs) suspension with carboxylated acerlonitrile‐butadiene rubber (XNBR) latex, followed by latex blending method. The introduction of BCWs into XNBR enhanced the tensile storage modulus (E') significantly, which originated from the formation of a rigid 3D filler network within matrix as well as the interfacial interaction between filler and matrix. The water uptake ratio of nanocomposite films increased with BCWs content, from 5.5% for neat XNBR to 54% for nanocomposite with 20 phr (parts per hundred rubber) BCWs. Upon submersed in water, the nanocomposite films showed dramatic decrease in E′, especially for which filled with high BCWs loadings. For example, E′ of nanocomposite with 20 phr BCWs was decreased by 98.04% after equilibrium swelling compared with only 52.02% for nanocomposite with 3 phr BCWs. The remarkable water‐triggered modulus changes are attributed to the disentanglement of BCWs network after swelling. The prepared XNBR–BCWs nanocomposites with mechanically adaptive properties could contribute to develop the new type of rubber‐based smart materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:58–65, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Secondary prostate cancer screening outcomes by race in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial
Authors: Miller Eric A. , Pinsky Paul F. , Black Amanda , Andriole Gerald L. , Pierre‐Victor Dudith
Published: April 2018

Background

Despite disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates between black and white men, there is still insufficient data available to assess potential differences in the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening by race. Although the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial is underpowered to detect a difference by race in prostate‐cancer specific mortality, because of the large study size, there are still sufficient numbers to examine secondary screening outcomes. The objective of this analysis is to examine whether differences exist between black and white participants with respect to screening false‐positive rates, biopsy follow‐up of men with positive screens, tumor characteristics, and overdiagnosis of prostate cancer.

Methods

Participants from the PLCO included men aged 55‐74 years at baseline. Cancer diagnoses and deaths were identified through study update questionnaires, records of biopsy procedures, and linkage with the National Death Index. Cancer characteristics were obtained by medical abstractors. We used chi‐squared tests to assess differences in false‐positive rates, biopsy follow‐up, and tumor characteristics. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare incidence and mortality rates adjusting for age and survival rates adjusting for Gleason scores.

Results

Black men were slightly more likely (14.5%) to have a false‐positive PSA test compared to white men (12.4%; P = 0.02) but less likely to have a false‐positive digital rectal exam (DRE) (10.9% vs 14.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among all men who were screened, black men were significantly more likely to undergo a biopsy than white men (16.5% vs 13.8%, respectively [P = 0.003]) but there was no difference when limited to those with a positive PSA test. Prostate cancer tumors were more likely to be aggressive and to have metastasized in black men compared to white men. Disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival rates were comparable to those seen in population‐based data.

Conclusions

There was evidence that false‐positive test results differed by race and screening test. Consistent with previous studies, cancer outcomes, and tumor characteristics were all more unfavorable in black men.