bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Nanoparticles Volume Fraction on Turbulent Forced Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient of Nanofluid in a Circular Tube
Authors: Vahidinia Farhad , Keshtegar Behrooz , Miri Mohadeseh
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the statistical analysis of the effect of nanoparticles volume fraction on one of the most important thermal characteristics turbulent flow of nanofluid i.e. convection heat transfer coefficient, inside a circular tube with uniform wall heat flux is investigated numerically. Also, water as a base fluid and Al2O3 as suspended particles with a diameter of 36 nm are considered. Heat transfer characteristics are computed using the solution of elliptic equations based on discrete the finite volume method and the second order upwind. The relationship between pressure and velocity using SIMPLEC algorithm is established. In this study, the variation of volume fraction of nanoparticles is assumed in the range of 0 to 6%. The best probability distribution function of the heat transfer parameters are selected using chi square test that various probability distribution such as: Gamma, Normal, Lognormal, Gumbel, and Frechet are evaluated based on numerical analysis of tube flow. After reviewing the results, it was found that with increasing volume fraction of nanoparticles, the convective heat transfer coefficient increases. On the other hand, the convective heat transfer coefficients with regard to variation of volume fraction of nanoparticles follow Gumbel Max probability distribution function.
Effect of nanoparticles on heat transfer in heat exchangers
Authors: Mahrooghi Ali , Moghiman Mohammad
Published: March 2017

In this paper, forced convection flow and heat transfer of a Al2O3/Water nanofluid have beeninvestigated numerically by single and two phase (volume of fluid) models. Nanofluid flows inside the innertube of the isothermally concentric circular and sinusoidal double tube heat exchangers while hot pure waterflows in the outer tube. The single-phase and two-phase models is used to simulate the nanofluid forcedconvection of 2% and 3% volume concentrations. The renormalization group k-ε model is used to simulateturbulence in ANSYS FLUENT 15.0. Results show that the overall heat transfer coefficient increases withnanoparticle volume concentrations in the heat exchangers. The highest overall heat transfer coefficient rates aredetected, for each concentration and shape, corresponding to the highest flow rate for the sinusoidal tube heatexchanger . The maximum overall heat transfer coefficient enhancement is 220% for the particle volumeconcentration of 3% at the inner tube of concentric sinusoidal double tube heat exchanger corresponding to flowrate =10 LPM. The results reveal that the Al2O3/water pressure drop along the inner tube of circular andsinusoidal double tube heat exchanger increases by about 3% and 5% for volume concentrations of 2% and 3%,respectively, given flow rate compared to the base fluid.Comparison of these results with Rohit S. Khedkar‘spublished experimental data, showed good agreement.
The Effect of Mechanical and Geometric Parameters on the Shear and Axial Failures of Columns in Reinforced Concrete Frames
Authors: Farahmand Hooman , Kakavand Mohammad Reza Azadi , Tafreshi Shahriar Tavousi , Hafiz Pooria Hafiz
Published: March 2017

Experimental research activities and post-earthquake considerations have demonstrated that reinforcedconcrete columns with light or widely spaced transverse reinforcement are vulnerable to shear failure duringearthquakes. According to this point by using failure limit curve, we can assess the effective parameters in shearand axial failure of reinforced concrete columns in framed buildings. In the current study by flexural, shear andaxial springs which are used in series, shear and axial failures and important effective parameters have beenassessed, Besides 5,10 and 15 story models with different amounts of initial axial load ratio have been analyzedby nonlinear push-over analysis. The results of analytical models contain behavior of buildings based on differentinitial axial load ratio and different spacing of transverse reinforcement are compared
The effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on the psychological well-being of breast cancer patients
Authors: Jamshidifar Zahra , Shemirani Shohreh Mortezaei , Ahramian Afshin , Ahmadi Armindokht , Lory Salva Shamsedini , Moradi-Joo Mohammad
Published: March 2017

Many cancer patients become very anxious and stressed in response to cancer diagnosis. The fear of disease symptoms incidence, the loss of abilities and facing death, creates serious crisis for the patient and threatens one’s well-being. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on the psychological well-being of breast cancer patients. For this purpose, 24 patients with breast cancer in Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital were selected through available sampling and were tested in terms of psychological well-being questionnaire. The results of analysis of covariance data, showed that positive psychotherapy is effective on the subscales of dominance, relationships and acceptance of psychological well-being in these patients but had no effect on the autonomy, growth, and goal. Therefore, this therapy can be used as an effective approach for the treatment of cancer patients.
APPROACH PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF SECONDARY METABOLITES OF MAYTENUS GUIANENSIS KLOTZSCH EX REISSEK (CELASTRACEAE)
Authors: Lima Renato Abreu , Hurtado Fernanda Bay , Meneguetti Dionatas Ulisses , Facundo João Bezerra , Militão Júlio Sancho , Facundo Valdir Alves
Published: March 2017

The Brazilian Amazon rainforest, even for its richness and biological diversity, can offer the oppotunity for innovative and efficient discovery of molecules with potential use in large scale. The interest in secondary metabolites have grown tremendously in recent amazonian essential oils and plant extracts, the Maytenus guianensis is a shrub native to our region, being popularly known as fruit-werewolf. The leaves are used as anti-inflammatory and infections is also indicated in the treatment of arthritis and hemorrhoids. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the classes of secondary metabolites from the ethanol extract of the fruits, leaves and shell of M. guianensis. We carried out the identification of secondary metabolites with plant extract using specific reagents alkaloids, glycosides cardiotonic, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and triterpenes, based on coloration and precipitation. It was found that all the studied structures show botanical alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids and tannins using any specific reagents. However, the absence of a secondary metabolite which can serve as raw material for synthesis of bioactive substances, particularly drugs and are used in many preparations to benefit human health, such as in the production of food and biological activity against microrganisms.
Safe Drinking Water: Lessons from the Other Side of the Atlantic
Authors: Spagnuolo Francesca , Cristiani Eloisa
Published: March 2017

Drinking water standards in the united states and the EU aim to protect human health from arsenic, a persistent contaminant found in water.
Valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97) inhibitors relieve Mitofusin-dependent mitochondrial defects due to VCP disease mutants
Authors: Zhang Ting , Mishra Prashant , Hay Bruce A , Chan David , Guo Ming
Published: March 2017

Missense mutations of valosin-containing protein (VCP) cause an autosomal dominant disease known as inclusion body myopathy, Paget disease with frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The pathological mechanism of IBMPFD is not clear and there is no treatment. We show that endogenous VCP negatively regulates Mitofusin, which is required for outer mitochondrial membrane fusion. Because 90% of IBMPFD patients have myopathy, we generated an in vivo IBMPFD model in adult Drosophila muscle, which recapitulates disease pathologies. We show that common VCP disease mutants act as hyperactive alleles with respect to regulation of Mitofusin. Importantly, VCP inhibitors suppress mitochondrial defects, muscle tissue damage and cell death associated with IBMPFD models in Drosophila. These inhibitors also suppress mitochondrial fusion and respiratory defects in IBMPFD patient fibroblasts. These results suggest that VCP disease mutants cause IBMPFD through a gain-of-function mechanism, and that VCP inhibitors have therapeutic value.
YAP is essential for mechanical force production and epithelial cell proliferation during lung branching morphogenesis
Authors: Lin Chuwen , Yao Erica , Zhang Kuan , Jiang Xuan , Croll Stacey , Thompson-Peer Katherine , Chuang Pao-Tien
Published: March 2017

Branching morphogenesis is a fundamental program for tissue patterning. We show that active YAP, a key mediator of Hippo signaling, is distributed throughout the murine lung epithelium and loss of epithelial YAP severely disrupts branching. Failure to branch is restricted to regions where YAP activity is removed. This suggests that YAP controls local epithelial cell properties. In support of this model, mechanical force production is compromised and cell proliferation is reduced in Yap mutant lungs. We propose that defective force generation and insufficient epithelial cell number underlie the branching defects. Through genomic analysis, we also uncovered a feedback control of pMLC levels, which is critical for mechanical force production, likely through the direct induction of multiple regulators by YAP. Our work provides a molecular pathway that could control epithelial cell properties required for proper morphogenetic movement and pattern formation.
Gender bias in scholarly peer review
Authors: Helmer Markus , Schottdorf Manuel , Neef Andreas , Battaglia Demian
Published: March 2017

Peer review is the cornerstone of scholarly publishing and it is essential that peer reviewers are appointed on the basis of their expertise alone. However, it is difficult to check for any bias in the peer-review process because the identity of peer reviewers generally remains confidential. Here, using public information about the identities of 9000 editors and 43000 reviewers from the Frontiers series of journals, we show that women are underrepresented in the peer-review process, that editors of both genders operate with substantial same-gender preference (homophily), and that the mechanisms of this homophily are gender-dependent. We also show that homophily will persist even if numerical parity between genders is reached, highlighting the need for increased efforts to combat subtler forms of gender bias in scholarly publishing.
The Non-Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: a meta-analysis and clinical considerations
Authors: Henry Brandon Michael , Sanna Silvia , Graves Matthew J. , Vikse Jens , Sanna Beatrice , Tomaszewska Iwona M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Walocha Jerzy A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: March 2017

Background

The Non-Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (NRLN) is a rare embryologically-derived variant of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN). The presence of an NRLN significantly increases the risk of iatrogenic injury and operative complications. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of the overall prevalence of the NRLN, its origin, and its association with an aberrant subclavian artery.

Methods

Through March 2016, a database search was performed of PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, BIOSIS, SciELO, and Web of Science. The references in the included articles were also extensively searched. At least two reviewers judged eligibility and assessed and extracted articles. MetaXL was used for analysis, with all pooled prevalence rates calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using the Chi2test and the I2statistic.

Results

Fifty-three studies (33,571 right RLNs) reported data on the prevalence of a right NRLN. The pooled prevalence estimate was 0.7% (95% CI [0.6–0.9]). The NRLN was found to originate from the vagus nerve at or above the laryngotracheal junction in 58.3% and below it in 41.7%. A right NRLN was associated with an aberrant subclavian artery in 86.7% of cases.

Conclusion

The NRLN is a rare yet very clinically relevant structure for surgeons and is associated with increased risk of iatrogenic injury, most often leading to temporary or permanent vocal cord paralysis. A thorough understanding of the prevalence, origin, and associated pathologies is vital for preventing injuries and complications.
Temporal patterns and geographic heterogeneity of Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks in French Polynesia and Central America
Authors: Hsieh Ying-Hen
Published: March 2017

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission has been reported in 67 countries/territories in the Oceania region and the Americas since 2015, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare ZIKV as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2016, due to its strong association with medical complications such as microcephaly and Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS). However, a substantial gap in knowledge still exists regarding differing temporal pattern and potential of transmission of ZIKV in different regions of the world.

Methods

We use a phenomenological model to ascertain the temporal patterns and transmission potential of ZIKV in various countries/territories, by fitting the model to Zika case data from Yap Island and French Polynesia in the Oceania region and 11 countries/territories with confirmed case data, namely, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, and Suriname, to pinpoint the waves of infections in each country/territory and to estimate the respective basic reproduction number R0.

Results

Six of these time series datasets resulted in statistically significant model fit of at least one wave of reported cases, namely that of French Polynesia, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Suriname and Saint Martin. However, only Colombia and Guatemala exhibited two waves of cases while the others had only one wave. Temporal patterns of the second wave in Colombia and the single wave in Suriname are very similar, with the respective turning points separated by merely a week. Moreover, the mean estimates of R0 for Colombia, Guatemala and Suriname, all land-based populations, range between 1.05 and 1.75, while the corresponding mean estimates for R0 of island populations in French Polynesia, Puerto Rico and Saint Martin are significantly lower with a range of 5.70–6.89. We also fit the Richards model to Zika case data from six main archipelagos in French Polynesia, suggesting the outbreak in all six island populations occurred during the same time, albeit with different peak time, with mean R0 range of 3.09–5.05.

Discussion

Using the same modeling methodology, in this study we found a significant difference between transmissibility (as quantified by R0) in island populations as opposed to land-based countries/territories, possibly suggesting an important role of geographic heterogeneity in the spread of vector-borne diseases and its future course, which requires further monitoring. Our result has potential implications for planning respective intervention and control policies targeted for island and land-based populations.
Can video playback provide social information for foraging blue tits?
Authors: Hämäläinen Liisa , Rowland Hannah M. , Mappes Johanna , Thorogood Rose
Published: March 2017

Video playback is becoming a common method for manipulating social stimuli in experiments. Parid tits are one of the most commonly studied groups of wild birds. However, it is not yet clear if tits respond to video playback or how their behavioural responses should be measured. Behaviours may also differ depending on what they observe demonstrators encountering. Here we present blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) videos of demonstrators discovering palatable or aversive prey (injected with bitter-tasting Bitrex) from coloured feeding cups. First we quantify variation in demonstrators’ responses to the prey items: aversive prey provoked high rates of beak wiping and head shaking. We then show that focal blue tits respond differently to the presence of a demonstrator on a video screen, depending on whether demonstrators discover palatable or aversive prey. Focal birds faced the video screen more during aversive prey presentations, and made more head turns. Regardless of prey type, focal birds also hopped more frequently during the presence of a demonstrator (compared to a control video of a different coloured feeding cup in an empty cage). Finally, we tested if demonstrators’ behaviour affected focal birds’ food preferences by giving individuals a choice to forage from the same cup as a demonstrator, or from the cup in the control video. We found that only half of the individuals made their choice in accordance to social information in the videos, i.e., their foraging choices were not different from random. Individuals that chose in accordance with a demonstrator, however, made their choice faster than individuals that chose an alternative cup. Together, our results suggest that video playback can provide social cues to blue tits, but individuals vary greatly in how they use this information in their foraging decisions.
Exploring differential health effects of work stress: a latent class cluster approach
Authors: Mayerl Hannes , Stolz Erwin , Waxenegger Anja , Freidl Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Background

While evidence highlights the detrimental health consequences of adverse working conditions, effect sizes vary by the stressor examined. In this study, we aimed to explore the differential effects various constellations of job demands have on prevalent symptom clusters.

Methods

We analysed self-reported data from a nationwide Austrian survey (N= 16,466), based on a cross-sectional design. By means of latent class analysis, a set of items was used to assess the burden from several job demands as well as the frequency of occurrence of mental and physical symptoms in order to identify stress profiles and symptom clusters, respectively.

Results

Analysis revealed four subgroups that each demonstrated a typological response pattern regarding job demands and health symptoms, respectively. The revealed stress profiles were found to be strongly related to the symptom clusters, while the effects differed considerably depending on the types of demands experienced.

Conclusion

The current study presents an alternative method of examining the stress-health link by using a combined person- and variable-centred approach. The findings suggest a hierarchy in stress exposure with the most pronounced health consequences found for a synchronous burden from physical, psychosocial and organizational demands.
A cross sectional survey on health-related quality of life of elementary school students using the Korean version of the EQ-5D-Y
Authors: Kim Sang-Kyu , Jo Min-Woo , Kim Seon-Ha
Published: March 2017

Background and Objective

The Korean version of the EQ-5D-Y was launched in 2015 by the EuroQol group. Currently, there is no HRQOL data obtained by using the EQ-5D-Y in Korea. This study aimed to measure health-related quality of life of Korean elementary school students using the EQ-5D-Y.

Methods

Elementary school students were recruited from 11 primary schools in Gyungbuk, South Korea. The EQ-5D-Y was self-administered in the sample population. Demographic characteristics were collected from the subjects’ parents or guardians. The percentage of respondents reporting problems and VAS scores were calculated. Feasibility of the EQ-5D-Y was assessed by analysing the proportion of missing responses. The percentage of reported problems on the dimensions and VAS score between groups were compared by demographic factors.

Results

A total of 2,494 questionnaires were collected. There were 24 (0.96%) missing responses on the EQ-5D-Y and 187 (7.5%) missing VAS score responses. The proportion of reported problems ranged from 2.3% on the mobility dimension to 9.8% on the “having pain or discomfort” dimension. There was no significant difference in the proportion of problems by age group in male participants. However, in females, the older group reported significantly more problems on the “having pain or discomfort” and “feeling worried, sad, or unhappy” dimensions compared to the younger group. Students living with parents with the lowest educational level reported significantly more problems on the “looking after myself” and “doing usual activities” dimensions than did those living with parents with higher levels of education.

Discussion

This study showed the distribution of health-related quality of life and explored the feasibility of the EQ-5D-Y for measuring health-related quality of life in Korean elementary school students. Further studies are required to examine other psychometric properties of the Korean EQ-5D-Y.
The Safety of Preoperative Amino Acid (Elental) Loading in Colon Cancer Surgery: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Ota Mitsuyoshi , Suwa Yusuke , Suzuki Shinsuke , Suwa Hirokazu , Momiyama Masashi , Ishibe Atsushi , Watanabe Kazuteru , Akiyama Hirotoshi , Endo Itaru
Published: March 2017

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety of preoperative amino acid plus carbohydrate drink (Elental) loading in colon cancer surgery. Prolonged preoperative fasting increases insulin resistance, and current evidence recommends carbohydrate drinks 2 hours before surgery. We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with a preoperative diagnosis of colon cancer who underwent surgery. The patients received 600 mL of Elental the night before surgery and 300 mL of Elental 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia. Primary end point was the safety of preoperative amino acid (Elental) loading in colon cancer surgery. Safety measurement was anastomotic leakage and aspiration pneumonia. Secondary end points were incidence rate of incisional surgical site infection, recovery of bowel movement, length of hospital stay, postoperative nutritional status, and insulin resistance. A total of 80 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study from February 2013 to January 2014. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 3 patients (3.8%), and there was no aspiration pneumonia. The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was 2 patients (2.5%). The median times of first flatus, defecation after surgery, and postoperative hospital stay were 1 day, 2 days, and 6 days, respectively. The insulin resistance recovered to a preoperative level after 3 days after surgery. The preoperative amino acid plus carbohydrate drink (Elental) loading 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia in colon cancer surgery is safe, and incisional surgical site infection rate and recovery of bowel movement and insulin resistance are feasible.
Effect of Graphene Oxidation Rate on Adsorption of Poly‐Thymine Single Stranded DNA
Authors: Kim Ho Shin , Farmer Barry L. , Yingling Yaroslava G.
Published: March 2017

In order to understand how oxidation rate of graphene surfaces affects single‐stranded poly‐thymine, poly(T)20, structure during physisorption, all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations are performed. In aqueous solutions, poly(T)20 is a complex structure with stacked and coiled regions. However, on the graphene surfaces, there are three different regimes for the adsorption process, which heavily depends on the surface oxidation: (1) on pristine graphene or graphene oxide (GO) with low oxygen coverage (GO 5%) the stacked poly(T)20 structure becomes unfolded due to formation of strong π–π interactions with the surface, (2) on graphene oxide with moderate oxygen coverage (GO 10%–25%) the structure of poly(T)20 is well preserved because of the balance between van der Waals and electrostatic interactions, and (3) on graphene oxide with high oxygen content (GO 30%–60%) stacked poly(T)20 structure is locally disrupted due to formation of strong hydrogen bonds with the surface. Moreover, surface roughness due to the presence of oxygen groups plays a pivotal role in structural retention of poly(T)20 by preventing its nucleobases from forming π–π stacking interactions with the surface.
Suppression of Hysteresis Effects in Organohalide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hou Yi , Scheiner Simon , Tang Xiaofeng , Gasparini Nicola , Richter Moses , Li Ning , Schweizer Peter , Chen Shi , Chen Haiwei , Quiroz Cesar Omar Ramirez , Du Xiaoyan , Matt Gebhard J. , Osvet Andres , Spiecker Erdmann , Fink Rainer H. , Hirsch Andreas , Halik Marcus , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: March 2017

Thin‐film solar cell based on hybrid perovskites shows excellent light‐to‐power conversion efficiencies exceeding 22%. However, the mixed ionic‐electronic semiconductor hybrid perovskite exhibits many unusual properties such as slow photocurrent instabilities, hysteresis behavior, and low‐frequency giant capacitance, which still question us so far. This study presents a direct surface functionalization of transparent conductive oxide electrode with an ultrathin ≈2 nm thick phosphonic acid based mixed C60/organic self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) that significantly reduces hysteresis. Moreover, due to the strong phosphonates bonds with indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, the SAM/ITO substrates also exhibit an excellent recyclability merit from the perspective of cost effectiveness. Impedance studies find the fingerprint of an ion‐based diffusion process in the millisecond to second regime for TiO2‐based devices, which, however, is not observed for SAM‐based devices at these low frequencies. It is experimentally demonstrated that ion migration can be considerably suppressed by carefully engineering SAM interfaces, which allows effectively suppressing hysteresis and unstable diode behavior in the frequency regime between ≈1 and 100 Hz. It is suggested that a reduced density of ionic defects in combination with the absence of charge carrier accumulation at the interface is the main physical origin for the reduced hysteresis.
Degradation Mechanism and Lifetime Improvement Strategy for Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Song Wook , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: March 2017

Providing adequate lifetimes for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been a challenging issue for a long time because of the naturally weak chemical bonds of organic materials that can be damaged during electrical processes that drive light emission. The lifetime of OLEDs has been dramatically extended to the point where commercialization is feasible due to the development of stable materials and device structures that lessen the damage of the organic materials. However, the lifetime of high efficiency OLEDs represented by phosphorescent OLEDs is still short, and this prevents full utilization in red, green and blue colors. The lifetime of the blue phosphorescent OLEDs is particularly short, i.e., less than one tenth of the lifetime of conventional blue fluorescent OLEDs. Therefore, a large increase in the lifetime of the blue phosphorescent OLEDs is essential. In this work, recent results on the degradation mechanism and operational stability of blue phosphorescent OLEDs are reviewed by classifying them into material and device related approaches. In addition, ideal material and device plans to reach the lifetimes required for commercialization in blue phosphorescent OLEDs are proposed.
Defect‐Induced Fano Resonances in Corrugated Plasmonic Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Ningning , Singh Leena , Cui Tiejun , Singh Ranjan , Zhu Yiming , Zhang Weili
Published: March 2017

A novel defect‐induced planar meta‐atom that supports multiple Fano resonances in a defective corrugated metallic disk (CMD) structure is proposed. Numerical and experimental results reveal that multiple Fano resonances can be excited at terahertz frequencies when the symmetry of the CMD is broken by introducing a small angular defect. These multiple Fano resonances result from mutual coupling between the bright dipolar mode evoked by the edge of the wedge‐shaped slice and dark multipole spoof localized surface plasmon modes. Furthermore, the influence of the angle of defect on the Q‐factor and the resonance intensity of the quadrupolar resonance peak is investigated. Large values of figure of merit are obtained due to higher Fano resonance intensity and Q‐factor. Results from two defective slices in the CMD structure validate the mechanism of the observed phenomenon. The findings of this work would enable a defect‐induced Fano resonance platform for biosensing, terahertz domain filtering, and strong light–matter interactions.
Rapid Access to Indeno[1,2‐c]quinolines via Brønsted Acid‐ Catalyzed Cascade Reaction
Authors: Boominathan Siva Senthil Kumar , Wang Jeh‐Jeng
Published: March 2017

A Brønsted acid‐catalyzed annulation strategy has been developed to construct indeno[1,2‐c]quinolines. This tandem synthetic method proceeds through a sequential electrophilic addition followed by a Friedel–Crafts‐type reaction. A variety of tetracyclic compounds was obtained in moderate to high yields under mild reaction conditions in a short time.

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Elastic polyurethane foams containing graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Piszczyk Łukasz , Kosmela Paulina , Strankowski Michał
Published: March 2017

Elastic polyurethane foams were produced from two‐component polyurethane systems (SPECFLEX NE 113 izocyjanian/NR 816 poliol system—SPC and Elastic MBMarket company system POLYOL ET MB 500/ISO ET MB 800—ET) by using a one‐step method. The foams were a graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in the amount ranging from 1 to 2 wt.%. The effect of the nanofiller on polyurethane matrix was determined by analyzing the chemical structure, static and dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal stability of reinforced foams. The application of the carbon nanofiller resulted in increased density and hardness of the obtained composites. The addition of the nanofiller caused a shift in glass transition temperature toward lower temperature values, and an increase in the Young's modulus, but did not significantly affected the thermal stability of the obtained composites. The research results showed that graphene nanoplatelets nanofiller can be successfully used as a modifier of mechanical and thermal properties in elastic polyurethane foams.
Iron‐Catalyzed Anti‐Markovnikov Hydroamination of Vinylpyridines
Authors: Peng Yahui , Qin Cong , Chen Xiaobei , Li Jianjun , Li Hao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2017

An efficient, green and atom‐economical iron‐catalyzed hydroamination of vinylpyridines with azoles has been developed. This reaction works smoothly for a diverse range of vinylpyridines and azoles, including diazoles and triazoles. The reaction was catalyzed by 5 mol % FeCl3 in toluene at 110 °C for 3 h to afford the anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination products in moderate to excellent yields and excellent selectivities.
A Polyoxoniobate–Polyoxovanadate Double‐Anion Catalyst for Simultaneous Oxidative and Hydrolytic Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants
Authors: Dong Jing , Hu Jufang , Chi Yingnan , Lin Zhengguo , Zou Bo , Yang Song , Hill Craig L. , Hu Changwen
Published: March 2017

A novel double‐anion complex, H13[(CH3)4N]12[PNb12O40(VVO)2⋅(VIV4O12)2]⋅22 H2O (1), based on bicapped polyoxoniobate and tetranuclear polyoxovanadate was synthesized, characterized by routine techniques and used in the catalytic decontamination of chemical warfare agents. Under mild conditions, 1 catalyzes both hydrolysis of the nerve agent simulant, diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP) and selective oxidation of the sulfur mustard simulant, 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). In the oxidative decontamination system 100 % CEES was transformed selectively to nontoxic 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide and vinyl ethyl sulfoxide using nearly stoichiometric 3 % aqueous H2O2 with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 16 000 h−1. Importantly, the catalytic activity is maintained even after ten recycles and CEES is completely decontaminated in 3 mins without formation of the highly toxic sulfone by‐product. A three‐step oxidative mechanism is proposed.
Trimetallic Oxyhydroxide Coralloids for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Pi Yecan , Shao Qi , Wang Pengtang , Lv Fan , Guo Shaojun , Guo Jun , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2017

Trimetallic oxyhydroxides are one of the most effective materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis, a key process for water splitting. Herein, we describe a facile wet‐chemical method to directly grow a series of coralloid trimetallic oxyhydroxides on arbitrary substrates such as nickel foam (NF) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The amount of iron in these oxyhydroxide sponges on NF and CNTs was precisely controlled, revealing that the electrocatalytic activity of the WCoFe trimetallic oxyhydroxides depends on the Fe amount in a volcano‐like fashion. The optimized W0.5Co0.4Fe0.1/NF catalyst exhibited an overpotential of only 310 mV to deliver a large current density of 100 mA cm−2 and a very low Tafel slope of 32 mV dec−1. It also showed superior stability with negligible activity decay after use in the OER for 21 days (>500 h). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the addition of Fe leads to an on average lower Co oxidation state, which contributes to the enhanced OER performance.
Filtering patent maps for visualization of diversification paths of inventors and organizations
Authors: Yan Bowen , Luo Jianxi
Published: March 2017

In the information science literature, recent studies have used patent databases and patent classification information to construct network maps of patent technology classes. In such a patent technology map, almost all pairs of technology classes are connected, whereas most of the connections between them are extremely weak. This observation suggests the possibility of filtering the patent network map by removing weak links. However, removing links may reduce the explanatory power of the network on inventor or organization diversification. The network links may explain the patent portfolio diversification paths of inventors and inventing organizations. We measure the diversification explanatory power of the patent network map, and present a method to objectively choose an optimal tradeoff between explanatory power and removing weak links. We show that this method can remove a degree of arbitrariness compared with previous filtering methods based on arbitrary thresholds, and also identify previous filtering methods that created filters outside the optimal tradeoff. The filtered map aims to aid in network visualization analyses of the technological diversification of inventors, organizations, and other innovation agents, and potential foresight analysis. Such applications to a prolific inventor (Leonard Forbes) and company (Google) are demonstrated.
Types of personal information categorization: Rigid, fuzzy, and flexible
Authors: Oh Kyong Eun
Published: March 2017

This study aims to identify different styles of personal digital information categorization based on the mindscape of the categorizers. To collect data, a questionnaire, a diary study, and 2 semistructured interviews were conducted with each of 18 participants. Then a content analysis was used to analyze the data. Based on the analysis of the data, this study identified 3 different types of categorizers: (i) rigid categorizers, (ii) fuzzy categorizers, and (iii) flexible categorizers. This study provides a unique way to understand personal information categorization by showing how it reflects the mindscapes of the categorizers. In particular, this study explains why people organize their personal information differently and have different tendencies in developing and maintaining their organizational structures. The findings provide insights on different ways of categorizing personal information and deepen our knowledge of categorization, personal information management, and information behavior. In practice, understanding different types of personal digital information categorization can make contributions to the development of systems, tools, and applications that support effective personal digital information categorization.
Athena: ESA's X‐ray observatory for the late 2020s
Authors: Barcons X. , Barret D. , Decourchelle A. , den Herder J. W. , Fabian A. C. , Matsumoto H. , Lumb D. , Nandra K. , Piro L. , Smith R. K. , Willingale R.
Published: March 2017

Observations of the X‐ray sky after the next decade will most likely be dominated by Athena (Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics), the second large mission of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015–2035 programme. Athena has been conceived to address the “Hot and Energetic Universe” science theme, which focuses on the assembly and evolution of hot baryons in cosmic structures as well as the physics and energetic output generated by accreting super‐massive black holes, along with the relationship between the two processes, dubbed cosmic feedback. Thanks to its transformational capabilities, Athena will enable bringing all of today's XMM‐Newton's hot science topics to a new stage. In this paper, we summarize the Athena science case, science requirements, as well as the expected mission performance, mission concept, and its status.
Future of X‐ray reverberation from AGN
Authors: Fabian A. C. , Alston W. N. , Cackett E. M. , Kara E. , Uttley P. , Wilkins D. R.
Published: March 2017

XMM‐Newton is capable of making a transformational advance in our understanding of how luminous accreting black holes work, by dedicating about 10% of future observing time to long observations, of order megaseconds, to X‐ray variable active galactic nuclei (AGN) research. This would enable reverberation studies, already a commonplace feature of AGN, to proceed to the next level and follow the behavior of the powerful dynamic corona. Such a dedicated legacy program can only be carried out with XMM‐Newton.
Dose‐finding methods for Phase I clinical trials using pharmacokinetics in small populations
Authors: Ursino Moreno , Zohar Sarah , Lentz Frederike , Alberti Corinne , Friede Tim , Stallard Nigel , Comets Emmanuelle
Published: March 2017

The aim of phase I clinical trials is to obtain reliable information on safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and mechanism of action of drugs with the objective of determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In most phase I studies, dose‐finding and PK analysis are done separately and no attempt is made to combine them during dose allocation. In cases such as rare diseases, paediatrics, and studies in a biomarker‐defined subgroup of a defined population, the available population size will limit the number of possible clinical trials that can be conducted. Combining dose‐finding and PK analyses to allow better estimation of the dose‐toxicity curve should then be considered. In this work, we propose, study, and compare methods to incorporate PK measures in the dose allocation process during a phase I clinical trial. These methods do this in different ways, including using PK observations as a covariate, as the dependent variable or in a hierarchical model. We conducted a large simulation study that showed that adding PK measurements as a covariate only does not improve the efficiency of dose‐finding trials either in terms of the number of observed dose limiting toxicities or the probability of correct dose selection. However, incorporating PK measures does allow better estimation of the dose‐toxicity curve while maintaining the performance in terms of MTD selection compared to dose‐finding designs that do not incorporate PK information. In conclusion, using PK information in the dose allocation process enriches the knowledge of the dose‐toxicity relationship, facilitating better dose recommendation for subsequent trials.
Comparative pharmacokinetic study of pyranocoumarins and khellactone in normal and acute lung injury rats after oral administration of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn extracts using a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Kang An , Xie Tong , Zhu Dong , Dong Yu , Wen Hongmei , Pei Yuqiong , Shan Jinjun , Di Liuqing
Published: March 2017

Pyranocoumarins are the main constitutes in Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn and possess various biological activities. In this article, we developed and validated a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the targeted quantification of the pyranocoumarins, praeruptorin A, praeruptorin B and praeruptorin E, and khellactone, which is a common metabolite of these pyranocoumarins in rat plasma samples. We then performed a comparative pharmacokinetic study of these pyranocoumarins and khellactone in normal and lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats following oral administration of P. praeruptorum Dunn extracts. Calibration curves gave desirable linearity (r > 0.99) and the lower limit of quantifications were sufficient for quantitative analysis. The precision and accuracy were assessed by intra‐batch and inter‐batch assays, and the relative standard deviations were all within 10.23% and the accuracy (relative error) was between −5.52% and 8.68%. The extraction recoveries, matrix effects and stability were also acceptable. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that the area under the concentration–time curve (0–t) of khellactone in ALI rats was significantly decreased compared with the normal rats. Meanwhile, the systemic exposures of these pyranocoumarins were slightly higher in the ALI rats than those in normal rats were. The pharmacokinetic study in the pathological state might provide information that was more comprehensive to guide the clinical usage of P. praeruptorum Dunn.
Study finds correlation between high unemployment rates and gun violence on campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2017

A correlation between gun violence and unemployment rates was found in a study conducted by Northwestern University and published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. The study found that the probability of gun violence at K–12 schools and higher education institutions increases when it is more difficult for people coming out of schools to secure jobs. The study, entitled “Economic Insecurity and the Rise in Gun Violence at US Schools,” analyzed data on statistics on gun violence in schools, as well as economic metrics including unemployment rates, foreclosure rates, and consumer confidence from the years 1990 to 2013.
Efficient Synthesis of Furfuryl Alcohol and 2‐Methylfuran from Furfural over Mineral‐Derived Cu/ZnO Catalysts
Authors: Yang Xiaohai , Xiang Xiaomin , Chen Hongmei , Zheng Hongyan , Li Yong‐Wang , Zhu Yulei
Published: March 2017

Two kinds of typical mineral‐derived Cu/ZnO catalysts consisting of aurichalcite and zincian malachite were introduced for furfural hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) and 2‐methylfuran (2‐MF) in a fixed‐bed reactor. Under proper reaction conditions, high yields of FOL (above 99 %) and 2‐MF (94.5 %) could be obtained over the aurichalcite Cu/ZnO catalyst (AC‐CZ), whereas the best yield of 2‐MF was only 76.9 % (0.5 h−1) over the zincian malachite Cu/ZnO catalyst (ZM‐CZ). The normalized productivity of 2‐MF was 43.5 mol kgCu−1 h−1 and 17.4 mol kgCu−1 h−1 for AC‐CZ and ZM‐CZ, respectively (LHSV=1.5 h−1). The catalysts were characterized by XRD analysis, Raman spectra, CO IR spectroscopy, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, N2O titration, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The far better performance of AC‐CZ in furfural hydrogenation was ascribed to its higher dispersion of copper species, superior copper surface area, better surface acidity distribution, and stronger Cu0–ZnO synergy. In addition, the surface acidity of the catalysts seemed to have a higher influence on 2‐MF production than the Cu surface area, but the optimal balance of both factors still needs to be investigated systematically.
Enantioseparation and enantioselective behavior of trichlorfon enantiomers in sediments
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Feng , Nie Jing , Ouyang Xiao–Kun , Wang Yang–Guang , Wu Wei–Jian
Published: March 2017

Trichlorfon (TF), an organophosphorus insecticide, has been widely used in seawater aquaculture; it is easily degraded to the highly toxic insecticide, dichlorvos (DDVP). In this study, the enantioseparation of TF enantiomers, as well as their degradation behavior and product (DDVP) formation in mariculture pond sediments, was investigated. The results show that both TF enantiomers degrade into DDVP, which is the main degradation product. Furthermore, S‐(+)‐TF is preferentially degraded under natural conditions, suggesting that TF enantiomers degrade enantioselectively. Nevertheless, the degradation behavior of TF enantiomers is not enantiospecific under sterile conditions. The formation of DDVP and the enantiospecific degradation of TF enantiomers are attributed to the activities of microbes present in the sediments.
Color‐emotion associations, designing color schemes for urban environment‐architectural settings
Authors: Manav Banu
Published: March 2017

Color in urban design has become an important issue, each city may present different colors which help to define and describe its architectural features. In the study, color in urban design with architectural setting is studied, façade colors are analyzed with a specific emphasis on the following research questions; “Can color schemes be designed in respect to color‐emotion associations?” and “Are color‐emotion associations affective while designing architectural setting‐urban environment?.” Non‐color experts, 170 people, from different European and non‐European countries were asked to match the most appropriate adjectives with the given street views in accordance to their color schemes. In the first step, the effect of color is identified in relation to architectural environment‐urban setting, second the relative effect of color is studied as a component of the material. A categorical specification on color cognition and linguistic level of representation is attempted. The results can be a starting point to highlight the importance of preparing color schemes in regard to color‐emotion associations. Abstract color schemes may also provide us an idea about image setting, especially at design process stage. In the study, keywords are linked as environment‐response pairs; such as quiet, calming, lively, exclusive, reserved, and natural. Human psychophysical structure such as “warm‐cool,” “heavy‐light” in regard to visualizing certain colors are evaluated and described in terms of building materials.
Cumulative current‐magnetizing method for a capacitor‐discharged impulse magnetizer
Authors: Pai Fu‐Sheng , Hsieh Min‐Fu , Wang Yi‐Ping
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a cumulative current‐magnetizing method for magnetization of permanent magnet, aimed at alleviating the bulky capacitor problem of traditional capacitor‐discharged impulse magnetizers. The method employs circuit resonance to boost the output voltage. The resonant alternative current (ac) voltage is then directly discharged to the magnetizing coil without using any rectifier. The proposed resonant ac discharge repeats a number of times over several milliseconds. This allows the magnetizing current to increase incrementally until it reaches the peak that is sufficient to fully magnetize the permanent magnet. With this design, the energy for magnetization is accumulated by small steps, and each increment would require much lower energy. This results in smaller capacitors needed compared to traditional designs. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, several pieces of ferrite magnet without being pre‐magnetized were tested using the developed magnetizer. The test results support the feasibility and practicability of the scheme for potential applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.