bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preface to Special Issue of ChemSusChem on Interfacing Experiment and Theory in the Development of Energy Storage and Devices
Authors: Korth Martin , Balducci Andrea
Published: June 2018

This Editorial discusses the importance of scientists currently working in separate fields—experimental characterization of novel materials and theoretical investigations of electrochemical processes—joining forces to advance the field of energy‐storage materials and devices. Some of these efforts are published in this Special Issue by ChemSusChem.
First identification of a diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, in hair: Application to a doping case and interpretation of the results
Authors: Gheddar L. , Raul JS. , Kintz P.
Published: June 2018

An athlete contested an adverse analytical finding involving hydrochlorothiazide, and requested our laboratory for testing his hair. As there is no reference in the literature about identification of hydrochlorothiazide in hair, several volunteers were first enrolled (4 after a single 25 mg administration and 10 with daily therapeutic treatment). A specific method was developed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS. Hair samples were decontaminated with dichloromethane and 30 mg were incubated in buffer at pH 7.0 for 15 hours at 50°C. Then, 5 mL ethyl acetate was added for extraction. Linearity was observed for hydrochlorothiazide concentrations ranging from 5 to 2000 pg/mg. The limit of quantification was 5 pg/mg. The coefficients of variation (CVs) of repeatability and matrix effect were lower than 20%. Analysis of the 0–2‐cm segment of the 4 volunteers having received a single dose, collected 1 month after administration, was negative at the limit of quantification. The hair of the 10 patients (proximal 2 cm) on daily treatment was positive with concentrations ranging from 12 to 1845 pg/mg, with no correlation between daily dose and concentration. The athlete's hair tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide at 36 pg/mg in the segment corresponding to the period of the urinary control. Since a single exposure to hydrochlorothiazide is not detectable in hair and based on the results of the patients on daily treatment, the concentration found in the athlete has been interpreted as corresponding to repeated exposures, where it was not possible to establish the dosage and the frequency.
Scalability analysis on the smart grid fast automated demand response aggregation Web services for widely distributed building facilities
Authors: Yamada Tomohisa , Suzuki Keita , Ninagawa Chuzo
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we modeled an aggregation communication server of the Fast Automated Demand Response (FastADR) system using an M/M/1 queuing system. Assuming that a very large number of FastADR participating BEMS gateways are widely distributed, scalability of aggregation communication performance was estimated by the M/M/1 transient analysis. Validity of our analysis model was confirmed by realistic wide‐area communication emulation system in the laboratory. Our scalability analysis has shown that at least parallel 25 aggregation systems will be necessary to realize expected communication time of approximately 30 s for an example of FastADR aggregation of 100 MW reduced demand.
A power decoupling control method for an isolated single‐phase AC‐to‐DC converter based on a high‐frequency cycloconverter
Authors: Komeda Shohei , Fujita Hideaki
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a new power decoupling method for a high‐frequency cycloconverter which converts the single‐phase line‐frequency ac input to the high‐frequency ac output directly. The cycloconverter consists of two half‐bridge inverters, two input filter capacitors, and a series‐resonant circuit. The proposed power decoupling method stores the input power ripple at double the line frequency in the filter capacitors. Therefore, the proposed method achieves a unity power factor in ac input and a constant current amplitude in the high‐frequency output without any additional switching device or energy storage element. This paper theoretically discusses the principle and operating performance of the proposed power decoupling method, and the viability is confirmed by using an experimental isolated ac‐to‐dc converter based on the high‐frequency cycloconverter. As a result, the proposed power decoupling method effectively improved the displacement power factor in the line current to more than 0.99 and reduced the output voltage ripple to 4% without any electrolytic capacitor.
Increased right atrial volume measured with cardiac magnetic resonance is associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Bredfelt Anna , Rådegran Göran , Hesselstrand Roger , Arheden Håkan , Ostenfeld Ellen
Published: June 2018

Aims

Pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (PHpre‐cap) has a poor prognosis, especially when caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc‐PAH). Whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)‐based quantification of atrial volumes in PHpre‐cap is beneficial in risk assessment is unknown. The aims were to investigate if (i) atrial volumes using CMR are associated with death or lung transplantation in PHpre‐cap, (ii) atrial volumes differ among four unmatched major PHpre‐cap subgroups, and (iii) atrial volumes differ between SSc‐PAH and idiopathic/familial PAH (IPAH/FPAH) when matched for pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).

Methods and results

Seventy‐five PHpre‐cap patients (57 ± 19 years, 53 female, 43 de novo) with CMR and right heart catheterization were retrospectively included. Short‐axis stacks of cine images were analysed, and right and left atrial maximum (RAVmax and LAVmax) and minimum volume (RAVmin and LAVmin) were indexed for body surface area. Increased (mean + 2 SD) and reduced (mean – 2 SD) volumes were predefined from CMR normal values.

Transplantation‐free survival was lower in patients with increased RAVmax than in those with normal [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–4.0] but did not differ between those with reduced LAVmax and normal (HR 2.0, 95% CI 0.8–5.1). RAVmax and RAVmin showed no differences among unmatched or matched groups (P = ns). When matched for PVR, LAVmax, LAVmin, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure were reduced in SSc‐PAH compared with IPAH/FPAH (95% CI 0.3–21.4, 95% CI 0.8–19.6, and 95% CI 2–7, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with PHpre‐cap and increased right atrial volume measured with CMR had worse clinical outcome. When matched for PVR, left atrial volume was lower in SSc‐PAH than in IPAH/FPAH, consistent with left‐sided underfilling, indicating a potential differentiator between the groups.
Total Determination of Estrogenic Phenolic Compounds in River Water Using a Sensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide and Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
Authors: Braga Guilherme Bettio , Oliveira Ana Elisa Ferreira , Pereira Arnaldo César
Published: June 2018

The contamination of water and wastewater by emerging pollutants, due to the anthropogenic activities, are an environmental problem that generates several negative impacts. In this range of species, steroids have gaining notoriety because their action of endocrine‐disruption. In this work, they are called estrogenic phenolic compounds (EPCs): estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and estriol (E3), for determination using an electrochemical sensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The analytical method developed, allied with the experimental and operational optimizations, proved to be effective for the total quantification of the EPCs in river water. The method shows sensitivity of 1.12 μA/μmol L−1, detection limit of 26.8 nmol L−1 and linear range of 0.16–15 μmol L−1. The similar electrochemical behavior of the four compounds studied (E1, E2, EE2 and E3) and the efficiency of the modified composite (rGO, MIP) in the fabrication of the sensor resulted in high electrical conductivity and selective adsorptivity, respectively.
Sublethal metabolic responses to contaminant mixture toxicity in Daphnia magna
Authors: Wagner Nicole D. , Simpson André J. , Simpson Myrna J.
Published: June 2018

Anthropogenic activity is increasing the presence of contaminants that enter waterways through wastewater effluent and urban and/or agricultural runoff, generally in complex mixtures. Depending on the mode of action of the individual contaminant within the mixture, toxicity can occur due to contaminants having similar or dissimilar modes of action. However, it is unknown how the metabolome responds to sublethal contaminant mixtures in the keystone genus Daphnia. In the present study we examined D. magna metabolic responses to acute sublethal exposure of propranolol, carbamazepine, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as well as in binary (propranolol–carbamazepine, propranolol–PFOS, carbamazepine–PFOS) and tertiary mixtures (carbamazepine–propranolol–PFOS), all at 10% of the median lethal concentration of the population (LC50). The metabolome was measured using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and characterized using principal component analysis, regression analysis, and fold changes in metabolite relative to the unexposed (control) group. The averaged principal component analysis scores plots revealed that carbamazepine–PFOS and carbamazepine–propranolol–PFOS exposures were significantly different from the control treatment. After normalizing the toxicity of each contaminant, we found that some metabolites responded monotonically, whereas others displayed a nonmonotonic response with increasing toxicity units. The single contaminant exposures and 2 binary mixtures (propranolol–carbamazepine, and propranolol–PFOS) resulted in minimal changes in the identified metabolites, whereas the carbamazepine–PFOS and carbamazepine–propranolol–PFOS displayed increases in several amino acid metabolites and decreases in glucose. Overall, our results highlight the sensitivity of the metabolome to distinguish the composition of the contaminant mixtures, with some mixtures displaying heightened responses versus others. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2448–2457. © 2018 SETAC
Effects of low, subchronic exposure of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and commercial 2,4-D formulations on early life stages of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Dehnert Gavin K. , Freitas Mariella B. , DeQuattro Zachary A. , Barry Terence , Karasov William H.
Published: June 2018

Aquatic herbicides are commonly used to control a wide variety of algae and plants, but they also have the potential to contaminate and affect nontarget organisms. However, the impacts of low-level 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide exposure on larval fish are not well understood. We conducted a series of experiments to determine the effects of low concentrations (0.05, 0.50, and 2.00 ppm) of 2 commercial 2,4-D amine salt herbicide formulations (Weedestroy® AM40 [WAM40] and DMA® 4 IVM [DMA4]) and pure 2,4-D on the development and survival of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) at various life cycle stages. Larval survival (30 d post hatch [dph]) was decreased following exposure of eggs and larvae to pure 2,4-D (0.50 ppm; p ≤ 0.001), as well as to WAM40 (0.50 and 2.00 ppm; p ≤ 0.001, p ≤ 0.001) and DMA4 (0.50 and 2.00 ppm; p ≤ 0.001, p ≤ 0.001). The results also narrowed the critical window of exposure for effects on survival to the period between fertilization and 14 dph. Development was not negatively altered by any of the compounds tested, although the commercial formulations increased larval total length and mass at 2.00 ppm. Altogether, the results indicate that the use of 2,4-D herbicides for weed control in aquatic ecosystems at current recommended concentrations (<2 ppm whole lake; <4 ppm spot treatment) could present risks to fathead minnow larval survival. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2550–2559. © 2018 SETAC
Characterization of cadmium and calcium fluxes along the gut, malpighian tubules, and anal papillae of the dipteran Chironomus riparius
Authors: Leonard Erin M. , Belowitz Ryan , Agema Pieter , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Chironomids are often one of the dominant organisms in significantly polluted freshwater. Many invertebrate studies have characterized whole-organism mechanisms of toxicity, for example, assessing cadmium (Cd) uptake via calcium (Ca) channels. However, with the use of the scanning ion-selective electrode technique and an innovative Cd-selective microelectrode, we analyze this relationship at the organ level using a realistic concentration of Cd and Ca in the hemolymph (blood). Generally, Cd fluxes follow the same directional pattern as Ca, although Ca fluxes are approximately 5 times higher than those of Cd. These results correlate well with previous studies indicating that chironomids have a higher affinity for Ca over Cd, which affords them tolerance to Cd toxicity. When saline Ca concentration was increased to 10 times physiological levels, Cd fluxes from the gut lumen into the cells of the midgut regions were reduced by 50 to 80%. Transport of Cd from hemolymph to tissue for the posterior midgut, Malpighian tubule, and proximal ceca was also reduced by approximately 50%. The present results indicate that Cd fluxes into or across the gut and Malpighian tubules are reduced by high Ca, suggesting that Cd may be transported in some cells by similar mechanisms. However, Cd was actively excreted at the anal papillae after a 48-h waterborne exposure to Cd, but this process was independent of Ca and instead may involve a P-glycoprotein-related pump to detoxify Cd. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2542–2549. © 2018 SETAC
Nanostructured Polyaniline: An Efficient Support Matrix for Platinum‐Ruthenium Anode Catalyst in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Das S. , Dutta K. , Kundu P. P. , Bhattacharya S. K.
Published: June 2018

The quest for an efficient catalyst support material for improved deposition of electrocatalyst nanaoparticles towards application in methanol oxidation reaction has been an active field of research for last few decades. The use of highly expensive, although efficient, platinum‐ruthenium (Pt‐Ru) catalyst demands its minimum loading requirement and maximum utilization. We, herein, propose the potentiality of polyaniline (PAni) nanostructures‐based catalyst support materials towards this utilization aspect. It was realized that the PAni nanowhiskers (NWs) support exhibited better dispersion and higher utilization of the deposited Pt‐Ru nanoparticles, as compared to the PAni nanofibers (NFs) and the commercial Vulcan carbon (C) supports. This led to the exhibition of higher electrocatalytic activity, suppressed catalyst poisoning and better stability by the Pt‐Ru/PAni NWs catalyst system. The charge transfer rates of the catalyst systems were found to be in the order Pt‐Ru/PAni NWs > Pt‐Ru/PAni NFs > Pt‐Ru/C. Moreover, the Pt‐Ru/PAni NWs catalyst system demonstrated the lowest solution resistance and the best performance in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
A New Direct Coupling Method for Photovoltaic Module‐PEM Electrolyzer Stack for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yang Z. , Lin J. , Zhang H. , Lin B. , Lin G.
Published: June 2018

A direct coupling hydrogen production system consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) cell and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is established. The expression of the hydrogen production efficiency is derived and the general performance characteristics are revealed. The number of series‐parallel connected PV cell is optimized using the hydrogen production effficiency of the system as objection function. The maximum efficiency and the corresponding optimal values of the number of series‐parallel connected PV cell are obtained. In contrast to optimize the number of series‐parallel connected electrolyzer, a simple and efficent method is proposed. The effects of some important performance parameters, such as types of the solar cells, solar irradiance, and leakage resistance of the electrolyzer stacks on the hydrogen production efficiency of the direct coupling system are examined in detail. It is found that the proposed optimal coupling approach can efficiently improve the hydrogen production efficiency. Moreover, the maximum hydrogen production efficiency of the direct coupling system using the Si solar cell is higher than that of the one using the GdTe and AsGa solar cells. Finally, the hydrogen production efficiency increases as the leakage resistance increases.
Cathode Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Becker F. , Pillath F. , Kallo J.
Published: June 2018

To ensure the required reliability and efficiency of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system, an emergency situation in which the supply of ambient air has to be sealed off, is considered. In this case oxygen from a separate gas tank is fed to the fuel cell system. To prevent the loss of oxygen by the exhaust, the cathode gas can be fed back by cathode gas recirculation while oxygen is injected. Thereby the opportunity to feed back the humidity of the exhaust air for additional fuel cell humidification becomes available. The humidification of a PEFC is essential to ensure high protonic conductivity and reduce voltage losses. However, the water content of the inlet gas has to be regulated to prevent the electrodes from flooding. To control the humidity of the system the gas flow rate, the temperature of the fuel cell and the cathode gas can be adjusted. In addition, the enhanced water content in the system allows increasing the operating temperatures. This work focuses on an experimental study of a 12 kW PEFC‐system with cathode gas recirculation and a phenomenological model to optimize the fuel cell humidification depending on the operating parameters.
Application of a Fixed Monitoring Benchmark Approach to Evaluate Attainment of Time-Variable Water Quality Criteria: Copper Biotic Ligand Model as a Case Study
Authors: Ryan Adam , Santore Robert , Delos Charles
Published: June 2018

In 2007, the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) became the basis for the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) freshwater water quality criteria (WQC) for Cu. Applying the BLM typically results in time-variable WQC, which are not unique to the BLM; they result from any criteria approach that depends on water chemistry (e.g., ammonia criteria or hardness-based equations for metals). However, widespread use of the BLM has renewed interest in developing an approach that considers variability when setting permit limits or benchmarks. To aid in establishing these benchmarks, we developed a fixed monitoring benchmark (FMB) approach: a probability-based method that incorporates time variability in BLM-predicted instantaneous water quality criteria (IWQC) and instream Cu concentrations. The FMB approach provides benchmarks that can be used to simplify implementation of time-variable WQC. Although it appears reasonable to apply this approach to derive a site-specific regulatory limit, the FMB does not technically represent a limit above which aquatic effects are expected. Rather, it represents a fixed concentration intended to yield the same level of protection as time-variable IWQC, which rely upon toxic unit (TU) distribution; each TU is calculated for a single sample using the Cu concentration and IWQC for this sample. The distribution of TUs for a particular site is used to estimate the probability that instream Cu concentrations are below associated IWQC. Our results suggest that Cu variability and corresponding IWQC, and their degree of correlation, indicate the magnitude of the FMB relative to the IWQC distribution. The FMB approach determines a maximum Cu distribution such that the resulting WQC exceedance frequency is consistent with the level of protection that is intended for the applicable water quality standard (WQS). This approach makes use of time-variable BLM-based WQC in regulatory contexts wherein a single benchmark is consistent with past practices and established implementation methods. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:722–735. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

The fixed monitoring benchmark (FMB) approach provides benchmarks that can be used to simplify implementation of time-variable water quality criteria. The magnitude of the FMB for a chemical at a given site will depend upon the relative variability of the chemical to its corresponding WQC and their degree of correlation.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies on delivery preferences in Brazil
Authors: Reiter Marilia , Betrán Ana P. , Marques Fernando K. , Torloni Maria R.
Published: June 2018

Background

Cesarean delivery rates in Brazil are among the highest in the world. User preference is often mentioned as an important factor driving this.

Objectives

To identify, appraise, and synthesize the results of studies into delivery preferences in Brazil.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases were searched, without language restrictions, using “delivery” and “preference” from inception to November 4, 2017.

Selection criteria

Cross‐sectional or cohort studies with quantitative data on delivery preferences of lay persons in Brazil.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers performed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. A meta‐analysis of proportions with a preference for cesarean delivery was performed, including subgroups analyses.

Main results

There were 28 studies with 31 071 participants included. The overall prevalence of preference for cesarean delivery was 27.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.7%–27.7%; 28 studies, n=31 071). Cesarean delivery preference was higher among multiparas with previous cesarean deliveries (58.0%, 95% CI 56.6%–59.3%; nine studies, n=5542) than among multiparas without prior cesarean deliveries (17.3%, 95% CI 16.4%–18.2%; eight studies, n=7903), and among women with private health insurance (44.3%, 95% CI 43.0%–45.6%; nine studies, n=6048) than among those who depended on the public healthcare system (22.7%, 95% CI 22.2%–23.3%; 20 studies, n=24 314).

Conclusions

Overall, most lay persons in Brazil did not prefer to deliver by cesarean.
INTERFACING INFANT MENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE: PERSPECTIVES OF SOUTH AFRICAN SUPERVISORS SUPPORTING LAY MOTHER–INFANT HOME VISITORS
Authors: Bain Katherine , Baradon Tessa
Published: June 2018

This article is part of a project investigating the interfacing of clinically and research‐generated knowledge in the field of infant mental health (IMH) with local cultural models of child care and development. The article explores the experiences and challenges reported by psychology‐trained supervisors in supervision with local, lay, trained home visitors. Supervisors and supervisees were drawn from two early intervention programs which apply relational IMH mental health models in socioeconomically deprived townships in South Africa. Literature that considers supervisors’ experiences of conducting supervision with lay counselors has been limited, and even more so in settings where there are marked cultural and contextual differences between supervisors and supervisees. These differences pose particular challenges regarding the finding of a shared theoretical understanding of the work as well as to the establishment of a secure working alliance. While it was found that psychoanalytic and attachment‐informed theories of infant development are applicable in these South African settings, differences in race, language, education, socioeconomic status, and culture between supervisors and supervisees challenge the supervisor–supervisee relationship and require psychological processing and creative solutions to ensure integrity in the application of the model.
Understanding the economic determinants of the severity of operational losses: A regularized generalized Pareto regression approach
Authors: Hambuckers Julien , Groll Andreas , Kneib Thomas
Published: June 2018

We investigate a novel database of 10,217 extreme operational losses from the Italian bank UniCredit. Our goal is to shed light on the dependence between the severity distribution of these losses and a set of macroeconomic, financial, and firm‐specific factors. To do so, we use generalized Pareto regression techniques, where both the scale and shape parameters are assumed to be functions of these explanatory variables. We perform the selection of the relevant covariates with a state‐of‐the‐art penalized‐likelihood estimation procedure relying onL1‐penalty terms. A simulation study indicates that this approach efficiently selects covariates of interest and tackles spurious regression issues encountered when dealing with integrated time series. Lastly, we illustrate the impact of different economic scenarios on the requested capital for operational risk. Our results have important implications in terms of risk management and regulatory policy.
Structural estimation of behavioral heterogeneity
Authors: Shi Zhentao , Zheng Huanhuan
Published: June 2018

We develop a behavioral asset pricing model in which agents trade in a market with information friction. Profit‐maximizing agents switch between trading strategies in response to dynamic market conditions. Owing to noisy private information about the fundamental value, the agents form different evaluations about heterogeneous strategies. We exploit a thin set—a small sub‐population—to point identify this nonlinear model, and estimate the structural parameters using extended method of moments. Based on the estimated parameters, the model produces return time series that emulate the moments of the real data. These results are robust across different sample periods and estimation methods.
Label‐free volumetric imaging of conjunctival collecting lymphatics ex vivo by optical coherence tomography lymphangiography
Authors: Gong Peijun , Yu Dao‐Yi , Wang Qiang , Yu Paula K. , Karnowski Karol , Heisler Morgan , Francke Ashley , An Dong , Sarunic Marinko V. , Sampson David D.
Published: June 2018

We employ optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence microscopy (OCM) to study conjunctival lymphatics in porcine eyes ex vivo. This study is a precursor to the development of in vivo imaging of the collecting lymphatics for potentially guiding and monitoring glaucoma filtration surgery. OCT scans at 1300 nm and higher‐resolution OCM scans at 785 nm reveal the lymphatic vessels via their optical transparency. Equivalent signal characteristics are also observed from blood vessels largely free of blood (and devoid of flow) in the ex vivo conjunctiva. In our lymphangiography, vessel networks were segmented by compensating the depth attenuation in the volumetric OCT/OCM signal, projecting the minimum intensity in two dimensions and thresholding to generate a three‐dimensional vessel volume. Vessel segmentation from multiple locations of a range of porcine eyes (n = 21) enables visualization of the vessel networks and indicates the varying spatial distribution of patent lymphatics. Such visualization provides a new tool to investigate conjunctival vessels in tissue ex vivo without need for histological tissue processing and a valuable reference on vessel morphology for the in vivo label‐free imaging studies of lymphatics to follow.
Dynamic observation and quantification of type I/II collagen in chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells by second‐order susceptibility microscopy
Authors: Hsueh Chiu‐Mei , Lin Hung‐Ming , Tseng Te‐Yu , Huang Yao‐De , Lee Hsuan‐Shu , Dong Chen‐Yuan
Published: June 2018

Second‐order susceptibility (SOS) microscopy is used to image and characterize chondrogenesis in cultured human mesenchymal stem cells. SOS analysis shows that the SOS tensor ratios can be used to characterize type I and II collagens in living tissues and that both collagen types are produced at the onset of chondrogenesis. Time‐lapse analysis shows a modulation of extracellular matrix results in a higher rate in increase of type II collagen, as compared to type I collagen. With time, type II collagen content stabilizes at the composition of 70% of total collagen content. SOS microscopy can be used to continuously and noninvasively monitor the production of collagens I and II. With additional development, this technique can be developed into an effective quality control tool for monitoring extracellular matrix production in engineered tissues.
Extension and refinement of the recognition motif for Toll-like receptor 5 activation by flagellin
Authors: Ivičak-Kocjan Karolina , Forstnerič Vida , Panter Gabriela , Jerala Roman , Benčina Mojca
Published: June 2018

TLRs sense conserved and essential molecular components of microbes that invade multicellular organisms. The wide range of TLR agonists, differing in size and shape, is recognized either through a single or a pair of binding sites on the ectodomains of TLRs. TLR5 recognizes bacterial flagellin through two distinct binding sites on the ectodomain, the first facilitating primary binding of flagellin and the second guiding receptor dimerization necessary for signaling. The regions of flagellin recognized by TLR5 encompass key functional regions within the D1 domain of flagellin, which is also required for the assembly of functional flagella. In addition to previously identified binding sites at the N-terminal and central segment of the TLR5 ectodomain, we extended the TLR5’-D1 interaction interface on TLR5 and showed a species-specific recognition relevance of this extended region. In addition, we showed that the loop and following β-hairpin region of flagellin, previously proposed to participate in the TLR5-flagellin dimerization interface, is not accountable for these species-specific differences. We further identified residues that contribute to the interaction between two TLR5 ectodomains in an active signaling complex. Our work demonstrates that flagellin is recognized by TLR5 through a more extensive interaction surface than previously characterized.

Site directed mutagenesis of TLR5 and flagellin identified functional residues beyond crystallized TLR5:flagellin complex and mapped TLR5 dimerization interface.
Predicting workplace relational dynamics using an affective model of relationships
Authors: Lopez‐Kidwell Virginie , Niven Karen , Labianca Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Integrating insights from the organizational social networks and workplace affect literatures, the authors propose a dynamic model of relationships, focusing on the affect experienced within dyadic work relationships to predict their trajectory over time: either improving, declining, or static. The feelings each partner typically experiences within an ongoing relationship (trait relational affect) can be distinguished according to their hedonic tone and activation level, and the combination of both dyadic partners' trait relational affect is predictive of the relationship trajectory. Furthermore, the emotions each partner experiences during specific interactional episodes (state relational affect) can alter and disrupt this relationship trajectory, either temporarily or permanently, to the extent that they diverge from the trait relational affect that is typically experienced. A given relationship trajectory over time leads to the development of different types of informal work ties (strong, negative, or weak), which are associated with a wealth of organizational consequences including effort, motivation, performance, and innovation. The model addresses criticisms that organizational social network research neglects the role of affect and views networks as static entities. The model further provides affect researchers with a novel framework that considers affect as a relational rather than individual phenomenon.
LagLoc—a new surgical technique for locking plate systems
Authors: Triana Miguel , Gueorguiev Boyko , Sommer Christoph , Stoffel Karl , Agarwal Yash , Zderic Ivan , Helfen Tobias , Krieg James C , Krause Fabian , Knobe Matthias , Richards Robert Geoff , Lenz Mark
Published: June 2018

Treatment of oblique and spiral fractures remains challenging. The aim of this study was to introduce and investigate the new LagLoc technique for locked plating with generation of interfragmentary compression, combining the advantages of lag screw and locking‐head‐screw techniques. Oblique fracture was simulated in artificial diaphyseal bones, assigned to three groups for plating with a seven‐hole locking compression plate. Group I was plated with three locking screws in holes one, four, and seven. The central screw crossed the fracture line. In group II the central hole was occupied with a lag screw perpendicular to fracture line, whereas holes one and seven were occupied with locking screws. Group III was instrumented applying the LagLoc technique as follows. Hole four was predrilled perpendicularly to the plate, followed by overdrilling of the near cortex and insertion of a locking screw—crossing the fracture line—whose head was covered by a holding sleeve to prevent temporarily the locking in the plate hole and generate interfragmentary compression. Subsequently, the screw head was released and locked in the plate hole. Holes one and seven were occupied with locking screws. Interfragmentary compression in the fracture gap was measured using pressure sensors. All screws in the three groups were tightened with 4 Nm torque. Interfragmentary compression in group I (167 ± 25 N) was significantly lower in comparison to groups II (431 ± 21 N) and III (379 ± 59 N), p ≤ 0.005. The difference in compression between groups II and III remained not significant (p = 0.999). The new LagLoc technique offers an alternative tool to generate interfragmentary compression with the application of locking plates by combining the biomechanical advantages of lag screw and locking screw fixations. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2886–2891, 2018.
Survival and habitat selection of wood duck ducklings
Authors: Dyson Matthew E. , Schummer Michael L. , Barney Ted S. , Fedy Bradley C. , Henry Hugh A. L. , Petrie Scott A.
Published: June 2018

Survival and habitat selection during brood‐rearing influences reproductive success and waterfowl population dynamics. For effective management, it is important to understand vital rates and habitat choice range wide. We investigated survival and habitat selection of female wood ducks (Aix sponsa) and ducklings at Long Point, Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada in 2014. We captured incubating females (n = 40) in nest boxes and used radio‐telemetry to monitor survival and habitat use to 30 days post‐hatch. Four female mortalities occurred during brood‐rearing and apparent brood and duckling survival were 0.42 (85% CI = 0.33, 0.51) and 0.16 (85% CI = 0.14, 0.18), respectively. Duckling survival was negatively associated with brood size and distance of first movement, whereas survival was positively associated with precipitation. Successful brood‐rearing wood ducks selected forested wetlands and habitats that provided dense vegetative cover. Conservation and restoration of forested wetlands and similar cover should increase the availability of brood‐rearing habitat. Placement of nest boxes close to selected land cover types and strategies associated with reducing inflated clutch sizes may improve offspring survival. Our spatially explicit habitat selection model informs spatial prioritization of habitat conservation and nest box placement strategies within the Great Lakes region. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
A novel magnetoelectric biomagnetic susceptometer on iron level detection with mice tissue in vitro
Authors: Xi Hao , Lu Meng‐Chien , Luo Hao‐Su , Yang Q. X. , Zhang Q. M.
Published: June 2018

Iron plays a vital role in human body. Liver iron concentration (LIC) is directly correlated with total body iron and can be an important indicator to a variety of pathologies. Non‐invasive methods to quantitatively assess tissue iron with low‐cost and high sensitivity have drawn vast interests and investments. Among various methods, the magnetoelectric (ME) sensor‐based biomagnetic liver susceptometer (BLS) is of great promise because it operates at room temperature but with the same principle as that of the well‐developed SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device). Here, we report a magnetoelectric (ME) sensor‐based BLS system exploiting the recently developed PIN‐PMN‐PT piezoelectric single crystal. The newly developed ME BLS, which employs the horizontal scanning mechanism with a water bath interface to automatically eliminate the diamagnetic background of the tissues and irregular shape of torso, exhibits an overall sensitivity advancement (300×) to the sensor system previously reported. A linear correlation (R2 = 0.97) found between the system measurements and the biopsy data demonstrates the validity of the system. The ability to detect signals from only 3 cc of mouse liver tissue samples suggests a high spatial resolution which could be used for finer scanning and enable magnetic distribution image and profiling.
A personalized, Monte Carlo‐based method for internal dosimetric evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals in children
Authors: Papadimitroulas Panagiotis , Erwin William D. , Iliadou Vasiliki , Kostou Theodora , Loudos George , Kagadis George C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Herein, we introduce a methodology for estimating the absorbed dose in organs at risk that is based on specified clinically derived radiopharmaceutical biodistributions and personalized anatomical characteristics.

Methods

To evaluate the proposed methodology, we used realistic Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and computational pediatric models to calculate a parameter called in this work the “specific absorbed dose rate” (SADR). TheSADRis a unique quantitative metric in that it is specific to a particular organ. It is defined as the absorbed dose rate in an organ when the biodistribution of radioactivity over the whole body is considered. Initially, we applied a validation procedure that calculated specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) from mono‐energetic photon sources in the range of 10 keV–2 MeV and compared them with previously published data. We calculated theSADRs for five different radiopharmaceuticals (99mTc‐MDP,123I‐mIBG,131I‐MIBG,131I‐NaI, and153Sm‐EDTMP) based on their biodistributions at four or five different times; the biodistributions were derived from the clinical scintigraphic data of pediatric patients. We used six models representing male and female patients aged 5, 8, and 14 yr to investigate the absorbed dose variability due to anatomical variations. TheGATEMonte Carlo toolkit was used to calculate absorbed doses per organ. Finally, we compared theSADRmethodology to that ofOLINDA/EXM1.1 using rescaled masses according to the studied models. Four target organs were considered for calculating the absorbed doses.

Results

The ratios ofSAFs calculated withGATEsimulations to those based on previously published data were between 0.9 and 2.2 when the liver was used as a source organ. Subsequently, we usedGATEto calculate a dataset ofSADRs for the six pediatric models. TheSADRs for pediatric models whose total body weights ranged from 20 to 40 kg varied up to approximately 90%, whereas those for models of similar body masses varied less than 15%. Finally, we found absorbed dose discrepancies of approximately 10–150% between theSADRmethodology andOLINDAfor two different radiopharmaceuticals. Absorbed doses fromSADRs and from individualized S‐values in the same pediatric model differed approximately 1–50%.

Conclusions

Because pediatric radiopharmaceutical dosimetric estimates demonstrate large variation due to the patient's anatomical characteristics, personalized data should be considered. Using ourSADRmethod in a larger population of phantoms and for a variety of radiopharmaceuticals could enhance the personalization of dosimetry in pediatric nuclear medicine. The proposed methodology provides the advantage of creating time‐dependent organ dose rate curves.
Relational exchange in nonprofits: The role of identity saliency and relationship satisfaction
Authors: Taylor Jennifer A. , Miller‐Stevens Katrina
Published: June 2018

In practice and research pertaining to charitable giving, the emphasis has been on identifying the characteristics and motivations of donors, but few have asked why donors continue to support a particular nonprofit. This study examines the relationship between renewing donors and nonprofits and their impact on charitable giving levels using identity salience and relationship satisfaction as key mediators of nonprofit relational exchange. In a survey of 719 repeat donors in the United States, to a broad range of nonprofit organizations, identity saliency and relationship satisfaction are introduced as mediating constructs, and the results confirm that both constructs partially guide donor motivations and charitable giving. Theoretically, this suggests that the more a donor identifies with a nonprofit organization and the more satisfied the donor is in the relationship with the organization, the higher their intention to donate. This finding supports previous research in segmentation strategies and service‐dominant logic in the nonprofit sector. Managerial implications of this research include indication of a paradigmatic shift from relational exchange to transformational exchange (or value cocreation) in nonprofit organizations' approach to donor cultivation.
Investigating on plasma polymerization of polyethersulfone membranes by ethylene for membrane distillation
Authors: Pedram Sara , Mortaheb Hamid Reza , Arefi‐Khonsari Farzaneh
Published: June 2018

A novel hydrophobic membrane was developed by means of plasma polymerization of the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane using ethylene as the precursor to obtain appropriate performance in the membrane distillation (MD). The effects of plasma treating parameters including duration time, gas pressure, and power on the surface properties of the treated membranes as well as their MD performances were discussed. The surface properties of the treated samples were evaluated in terms of the surface morphology, chemistry, porosity and pore size, roughness, hydrophobicity, and Liquid Entry Pressure (LEP). The treated hydrophobic PES membranes with water contact angles of as high as 115° were obtained at high pressures and moderate powers. Response surface methodology was applied for modeling and optimization of the Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) system to separate benzene as a volatile organic compound from water. The plasma treated membranes showed fluxes at least as high as those of the commercial polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes.
Calabi‐Yau Threefolds with Small Hodge Numbers
Authors: Candelas Philip , Constantin Andrei , Mishra Challenger
Published: June 2018

A list of Calabi‐Yau threefolds is presented with holonomy groups that are precisely , rather than a subgroup, with small Hodge numbers, which are understood to be those manifolds with height . With the completion of a project to compute the Hodge numbers of free quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau threefolds, most of which were computed in Refs. [1–3] and the remainder in Ref. [4], many new points have been added to the tip of the Hodge plot, updating the reviews by Davies and Candelas in Refs. [1,5]. In view of this and other recent constructions of Calabi‐Yau threefolds with small height, an updated list is produced.
Climate change exacerbates pest damage through reduced pesticide efficacy
Authors: Matzrafi Maor
Published: June 2018

Pesticide efficacy is strongly associated with environmental conditions. Conditional resistance defined as a reduction in pesticide sensitivity under changed environmental conditions has been widely detected under climatic changes such as elevated temperatures and CO2 enrichment. Given the effects of environmental conditions on pesticide sensitivity, many of the putative resistance reports made by farmers may be due to pesticide application followed by non‐optimal environmental conditions rather than the evolution of resistance. This type of conditional resistance may be the result of phenotypic plasticity or epigenetic changes in response to environmental changes. Elevated temperatures and CO2 enrichment can directly lead to reduced pesticide efficacy by altering pesticide metabolism and translocation, or indirectly increasing pesticide detoxification in host‐plants thus reducing pesticide availability for the target pest. Stress‐related signal transduction pathways, as well as physiological changes, can both be associated with accelerated pesticide detoxification under climatic changes. The possibility for parallel mechanisms controlling these responses in different pest species should be considered. It is proposed that the same mechanisms leading to non‐target site resistance in pests may also play a role in conditional resistance, suggesting we can predict the pesticides to which pests are likely to be less responsive under changing climatic conditions. Using adjuvants to improve pesticide translocation or reduce pesticide metabolism, alongside with new technologies such as using nanoparticles may result in higher pesticide functionality under the projected climate change. Exploring the physiological, transcriptional and biochemical basis underlying conditional resistance is crucial in maintaining future pest management under changing environmental conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
What initiates, what postpones return migration intention? The case of Turkish immigrants residing in Germany
Authors: Tezcan Tolga
Published: June 2018

This study endeavours to identify the determinants of return migration intentions of Turks living in Germany. The decision‐making patterns of potential return migrants are examined by seeking to answer three main research questions: (a) what are the main factors that push Turkish immigrants to consider return migration? (b) What are the main challenges postponing or promoting hesitation in the return decision? (c) what strategies are adopted to overcome those challenges? I conducted in‐depth interviews with 20 Turks living in Germany. Findings show that return migration intentions are associated with economic conditions, stigmatisation in both countries, social networks, commitment to the homeland, and perceived discriminatory attitudes. This study provides evidence that return migration intentions are formed through complex decision‐making processes based on economic and noneconomic factors. Although these factors may cause hesitation or postpone plans to return, all detected challenges were managed through specific coping strategies.
PBPK Model of Morphine Incorporating Developmental Changes in Hepatic OCT1 and UGT2B7 Proteins to Explain the Variability in Clearances in Neonates and Small Infants
Authors: Emoto Chie , Johnson Trevor N. , Neuhoff Sibylle , Hahn David , Vinks Alexander A. , Fukuda Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2018

Morphine has large pharmacokinetic variability, which is further complicated by developmental changes in neonates and small infants. The impacts of organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) genotype and changes in blood‐flow on morphine clearance (CL) were previously demonstrated in children, whereas changes in UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7) activity showed a small effect. This study, targeting neonates and small infants, was designed to assess the influence of developmental changes in OCT1 and UGT2B7 protein expression and modified blood‐flow on morphine CL using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The implementation of these three age‐dependent factors into the pediatric system platform resulted in reasonable prediction for an age‐dependent increase in morphine CL in these populations. Sensitivity of morphine CL to changes in cardiac output increased with age up to 3 years, whereas sensitivity to changes in UGT2B7 activity decreased. This study suggests that morphine exhibits age‐dependent extraction, likely due to the developmental increase in OCT1 and UGT2B7 protein expression/activity and hepatic blood‐flow.