bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD1 and PDL1 expression in primary central nervous system diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma are frequent and expression of PD1 predicts poor survival
Authors: Four Marion , Cacheux Valère , Tempier Ariane , Platero Dolorès , Fabbro Michel , Marin Grégory , Leventoux Nicolas , Rigau Valérie , Costes‐Martineau Valérie , Szablewski Vanessa
Published: December 2016

Primary central nervous system diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (PCNS‐DLBCL) is a rare and aggressive type of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) whit poorly understood pathogenesis. Finding biomarkers associated with patient survival may be important for understanding its physiopathology and to develop new therapeutic approaches. We investigated 32 PCNS‐DLBCL from immunocompetent patients for BCL2, CMYC, LMO2, and P53 expression and for cytogenetic aberrations of BCL2, BCL6, and MYC genes, all known for their prognostic value in systemic DLBCL (s‐DLBCL). We analyzed PD1 and PDL1 protein expression in both tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor cells. Finally, we searched for correlation between biological data and clinical course. The PCNS‐DLBCL expressed BCL2, CMYC, LMO2, and P53 at similar frequency than s‐DLBCL but without significant prognostic on survival. None cases harbored aberrations involving BCL2 and MYC gene whereas BCL6 abnormalities were present in 20.7% of cases but without value on survival. Expression of PD1 in TILs and PDL1 in tumor cells was observed at higher rates than in s‐DLBCL (58% and 37%, respectively). The PD1 expression in TILs correlated with PDL1 expression in tumor cells (P = .001). Presence of PD1 positive TILs was associated with poorer overall survival (P = .011). Patients with PDL1 overexpression tended to better response to chemotherapy (P = .23).

In conclusion PCNS‐DLBCL pathogenesis differs from s‐DLBCL without prognostic value of the phenotypic and cytogenetic parameters known for their pejorative impact in the latter. The PD1/PDL1 pathway plays a strong role in PCNS‐DLBCL and represents an attractive target for this aggressive lymphoma.
Vectorized simulation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport using analytic element method and random walk particle tracking
Authors: Majumder Partha , Eldho T.I.
Published: December 2016

Groundwater contaminant transport processes are usually simulated by the finite difference (FDM) or finite element methods (FEM). However, they are susceptible to numerical dispersion for advection‐dominated transport. In this study, a numerical dispersion‐free coupled flow and transport model is developed by combining the analytic element method (AEM) with random walk particle tracking (RWPT). As AEM produces continuous velocity distribution over the entire aquifer domain, it is more suitable for RWPT than FDM/finite element methods. Using the AEM solutions, RWPT tracks all the particles in a vectorized manner, thereby improving the computational efficiency. The present model performs a convolution integral of the response of an impulse contaminant injection to generate concentration distributions due to a permanent contaminant source. The RWPT model is validated with an available analytical solution and compared to an FDM solution, the RWPT model more accurately replicates the analytical solution. Further, the coupled AEM‐RWPT model has been applied to simulate the flow and transport in hypothetical and field aquifer problems. The results are compared with the FDM solutions and found to be satisfactory. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Commentary on “The Evolutionary Origin of Female Orgasm” by M. Pavlicev and G. Wagner, 2016, J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 326(6):326–337
Authors: Komisaruk Barry R.
Published: December 2016

Evidence is presented as an alternative to the authors' claims that in the course of evolution, a link between orgasm and ovulation has been lost in women, that evolutionary changes in clitoral anatomy underlie this loss, and that women's orgasm plays no significant role in reproduction.
Strengthening Theorems of Dirac and Erdős on Disjoint Cycles
Authors: Kierstead H. A. , Kostochka A. V. , McConvey A.
Published: December 2016

Let be an integer, be the set of vertices of degree at least 2k in a graph G, and be the set of vertices of degree at most in G. In 1963, Dirac and Erdős proved that G contains k (vertex) disjoint cycles whenever . The main result of this article is that for , every graph G with containing at most t disjoint triangles and with contains k disjoint cycles. This yields that if and , then G contains k disjoint cycles. This generalizes the Corrádi–Hajnal Theorem, which states that every graph G with and contains k disjoint cycles.
The Johns Hopkins Venous Thromboembolism Collaborative: Multidisciplinary team approach to achieve perfect prophylaxis
Authors: Streiff Michael B. , Lau Brandyn D. , Hobson Deborah B. , Kraus Peggy S. , Shermock Kenneth M. , Shaffer Dauryne L. , Popoola Victor O. , Aboagye Jonathan K. , Farrow Norma A. , Horn Paula J. , Shihab Hasan M. , Pronovost Peter J. , Haut Elliott R.
Published: December 2016

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of preventable harm in hospitalized patients. The critical steps in delivery of optimal VTE prevention care include (1) assessment of VTE and bleeding risk for each patient, (2) prescription of risk‐appropriate VTE prophylaxis, (3) administration of risk‐appropriate VTE prophylaxis in a patient‐centered manner, and (4) continuously monitoring outcomes to identify new opportunities for learning and performance improvement. To ensure that every hospitalized patient receives VTE prophylaxis consistent with their individual risk level and personal care preferences, we organized a multidisciplinary task force, the Johns Hopkins VTE Collaborative. To achieve the goal of perfect prophylaxis for every patient, we developed evidence‐based, specialty‐specific computerized clinical decision support VTE prophylaxis order sets that assist providers in ordering risk‐appropriate VTE prevention. We developed novel strategies to improve provider VTE prevention ordering practices including face‐to‐face performance reviews, pay for performance, and provider VTE scorecards. When we discovered that prescription of risk‐appropriate VTE prophylaxis does not ensure its administration, our multidisciplinary research team conducted in‐depth surveys of patients, nurses, and physicians to design a multidisciplinary patient‐centered educational intervention to eliminate missed doses of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis that has been funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. We expect that the studies currently underway will bring us closer to the goal of perfect VTE prevention care for every patient. Our learning journey to eliminate harm from VTE can be applied to other types of harm. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S8–S14. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
In vitro evaluation of concentration, labeling effectiveness and stability for 131I‐labeled radioimmunoassay ligand using real‐time detection technology
Authors: Barta Pavel , Janousek Jiri , Zilkova Katerina , Trejtnar Frantisek
Published: December 2016

Radioimmunoassay belongs to the analytical method enabling highly specific and sensitive quantification of molecules. The verification of the real‐time radioimmunoassay technology usefulness for ligand‐quality characteristics evaluation such as concentration, influence of radiolabeling on binding affinity and stability was estimated. The anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor antibody 131I‐cetuximab was employed as the ligand antibody. The concentration of 131I‐cetuximab was derived from the shape of binding curves coming from the ligand‐receptor interaction. The binding curves also allowed the estimation of 131I‐cetuximab binding affinity for different radiolabeling procedures (incubation times 1, 5, and 10 minutes) in stability testing up to 96 hours at 4°C. The stability testing also included comparative analysis by size exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography. The assessment of cetuximab concentrations using real‐time method showed acceptable accordance between real and calculated values. The real‐time method revealed that 1‐minute radiolabeling proved to be the optimal incubation time for direct radioiodination of cetuximab. Stability testing showed the significant change in radioligand affinity by one order at the longest incubation times (72 and 96 hours). Characterization of stability and binding behavior of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies by the verified real‐time method before use in other assays may be employed to eliminate variability and suboptimal antibody performance.
Utility of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to test core antigen in the diagnosis and antiviral therapy management of hepatitis C virus infections
Authors: Wang Linchuan , Chen Wei , Xi Wen , Feng Jin , Dang Pei , Ma Yanfen , Yu Yan
Published: December 2016

In this study, we evaluate the performance of the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for HCV Ag detection in the diagnosis and antiviral therapy management of HCV infections. For the diagnosis of an active HCV infection, the limit of detection of HCV Ag corresponding to HCV RNA level was approximately 7300 IU/mL; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of HCV‐Ag were 88.96, 100, 100, and 91.33%, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between HCV Ag and HCV RNA was 0.891. All patients with negative HCV Ag at interferon‐α2α/ribavirin therapy week 1 achieved a sustained viral response (SVR), and the PPV was 100%; whereas in patients with positive HCV Ag at therapy weeks 12, the NPV for achieving non‐response (NR) was 100%. The results showed that ELISAs for HCV Ag detection could be cost effectively applied to diagnose and evaluate the response to antiviral therapy for HCV infections.
Factors stimulating riboflavin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 725 grown in a semi‐defined medium
Authors: Juarez del Valle Marianela , Laiño Jonathan Emiliano , Savoy de Giori Graciela , LeBlanc Jean Guy
Published: December 2016

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is one of the B‐group water‐soluble vitamins and is essential for energy metabolism of the cell. The aim of this study was to determine factors that affect riboflavin production by Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum CRL 725 grown in a semi defined medium and evaluate the expression of its rib genes. The factors found to enhance riboflavin production in this medium were incubation at 30 °C, and the addition of specific medium constituents, such as casamino acids (10 g L−1), guanosine (0.04 g L−1), and sucrose as carbon source (20 g L−1). In these conditions, higher riboflavin concentrations were directly associated with significant increases in the expression of ribA, ribB, and ribC genes. The culture conditions defined in this work and its application to a roseoflavin resistant mutant of L. plantarum allowed for a sixfold increase in riboflavin concentrations in our semi‐defined medium which were also significantly higher than those obtained previously using the same strain to ferment soymilk. These conditions should thus be evaluated to increase vitamin production in fermented foods.
Using multiple group modeling to test moderators in meta‐analysis
Authors: Schoemann Alexander M.
Published: December 2016

Meta‐analysis is a popular and flexible analysis that can be fit in many modeling frameworks. Two methods of fitting meta‐analyses that are growing in popularity are structural equation modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM). By using SEM or MLM to fit a meta‐analysis researchers have access to powerful techniques associated with SEM and MLM. This paper details how to use one such technique, multiple group analysis, to test categorical moderators in meta‐analysis. In a multiple group meta‐analysis a model is fit to each level of the moderator simultaneously. By constraining parameters across groups any model parameter can be tested for equality. Using multiple groups to test for moderators is especially relevant in random‐effects meta‐analysis where both the mean and the between studies variance of the effect size may be compared across groups. A simulation study and the analysis of a real data set are used to illustrate multiple group modeling with both SEM and MLM. Issues related to multiple group meta‐analysis and future directions for research are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity enhancing injection from a sample reservoir and channel interface in microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Wuethrich Alain , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: December 2016

The stacking of a cationic analyte (i.e., rhodamine B) at the interface between a sample reservoir and channel in a microchip electrophoresis device is described for the first time. Stacking at negative polarity was by micelle to solvent stacking where the dye was prepared in a micellar solution (5 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate in 25 mM phosphoric acid, pH 2.5) and the channel was filled with high methanol content background solution (70% methanol in 50 mM phosphoric acid, pH 2.5). The injection of the stacked dye into the channel was by simple reversal of the voltage polarity with the sample solution and background solution at the anodic and cathodic reservoirs of the straight channel, respectively. The enrichment of rhodamine B at the interface and injection of the stacked dye into the channel was clearly visualized using an inverted fluorescence microscope. A notable sensitivity enhancement factor of up to 150 was achieved after 2 min at 1 kV of micelle to solvent stacking. The proposed technique will be useful as a concentration step for analyte mixtures in simple and classical cross‐channel microchip electrophoresis devices or for the controlled delivery of enriched reagents or analytes as narrow plugs in advanced microchip electrophoresis devices.
Influences of Micelle Formation and Added Salts on the Hydrolysis Reaction Rate of p‐Nitrophenyl Benzoate in Aqueous Buffered Media
Authors: Bayissa Leta Danno , Ohmae Yoshihito , Hojo Masashi
Published: December 2016

The hydrolysis reaction rate of p‐nitrophenyl benzoate (p‐NPB) has been examined in aqueous buffer media of pH 9.18, containing surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and chloride (CTAC), or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at 35°C. Although the rate constant [log (k/s−1)] of p‐NPB hydrolysis has once decreased slightly below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value for CTAB and CTAC, it has begun to increase drastically with micellar formation. With increasing concentrations larger than the CMC value, the log (k/s−1) value has reached the optimal value, i.e., a 140‐ and 200‐fold rate acceleration for CTAB and CTAC, respectively, compared to that without a surfactant. Whereas the anionic surfactant, SDS, has caused only a gradual rate deceleration in the whole concentration range (up to 0.03 mol dm−3). Increases in pH of the buffer have resulted in increases of the hydrolysis rate. In the CTAB micellar solution, the remarkably enhanced rate has been retarded significantly by the addition of only 0.10 mol dm−3 bromide salts. The effects of rate retardation caused by the added salts follows in the order of NaBr > Me4NBr > Et4NBr > Pr4NBr > n‐Bu4NBr. In the absence of surfactant, however, the addition of the bromide salts has accelerated the hydrolysis rate, except for the metallic salt of NaBr, with the order of Me4NBr < Et4NBr < Pr4NBr < n‐Bu4NBr. In the CTAC micellar solution, similar rate retardation effects have been observed in the presence of chloride salts (NaCl, Et4NCl, and n‐Bu4NCl). The effects of added salts have been interpreted from the viewpoints of the changes in activity of the OH− ion and/or the nucleophilicities of the anions from the added salts.
Revisiting the Reactions of t‐BuX (X = Br, I) with Monoalcohols: A Mechanistic Analysis through Numerical Integration and Nonlinear Regression Methods
Authors: Elvas‐Leitão Ruben , Martins Filomena
Published: December 2016

The reactions of two tertiary butyl halides, i.e., t‐BuBr and t‐BuI, with monoalcohols (methanol, i‐propanol, and t‐butanol) have been studied at several temperatures during extended periods of time to acquire kinetic data for both the solvolytic step and the subsequent reactions. Reaction progress was followed by conductimetry, and calibration curves were obtained for all systems under study to derive concentration versus time curves for the significant intermediate species, the formed acid, HX. The GMS comprehensive mechanism, previously proposed by Gonçalves, Martins, and Simões for these reactions, was successfully tested using numerical integration associated with nonlinear regression, confirming the predicted distinct behaviors for methanol (and for that matter also for primary alcohols), secondary, and tertiary alcohols. Results show that accurate rate constants could be obtained in all cases and that the step that follows solvolysis can affect significantly the solvolytic rate constant and therefore any consequent reliable mechanistic analysis.
Questions begging for answers (Part III) – Interesterification
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: December 2016

The interesterification mechanism that assumed the diacylglycerolate anion to be the only catalytically active intermediate has been unchallenged for some forty years. Then, I listed a number of observations that could not be explained by the glycerolate mechanism and proposed a new one in which the enolate anion is the main catalytic intermediate. After independent support had been provided, this enolate mechanism was published as a ’hypothesis paper' [1].

This new mechanism raises further questions but it also shows that it should be possible to reduce the yield loss, which at the moment is the largest cost element of the process, to a possibly negative value. That would make the process far more attractive and could encourage the development of interesterified hardstock to replace partially hydrogenated fats.
Comparison of principal modes and spatial eigenmodes in multimode optical fibre
Authors: Carpenter Joel , Eggleton Benjamin J. , Schröder Jochen
Published: December 2016

Optical waveguide theory is an established part of optical physics. Yet only recently have fundamental phenomena such as spatial eigenmodes and principal modes been demonstrated experimentally. This work leverages recently developed techniques enabling detailed spatiotemporal characterisation of multimode fibre to provide new insights into the fundamentals of fibre propagation. This paper presents detailed analysis of all 420 of a fibre's principal modes and spatial eigenmodes and compares the similarity and differences between these two phenomena. It was found that even over very short lengths, the principal modes can not only significantly suppress modal dispersion but are also a more physically meaningful basis than spatial eigenmodes.

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Effect of anti‐oxidants on the lubricity of B30 biodiesel–diesel blend
Authors: Sundus F. , Fazal M. A. , Masjuki H. H.
Published: December 2016

Biodiesel is used in many countries as blends with diesel fuel. However, the main obstacle in biodiesel/diesel blends acceptance, commercialization worldwide and using higher blends seems to be its ability to oxidise and increase wear and friction of automotive parts. An experimental investigation has been carried out to analyse the effect of three different anti‐oxidants on the lubricity of palm biodiesel–diesel blend (B30) and to optimise anti‐oxidant concentration based on the performance. The three phenolic anti‐oxidants, butylated hydroxytoluene, propylgallate and pyrogallol, were tested using four‐ball tribotester for 1 h with 1500 rpm and 40 kg load, at ambient temperature. These three anti‐oxidants were used in varying concentrations of 200, 400 and 600 ppm. Propylgallate anti‐oxidant showed most effective results by enhancing the lubricity of the blend in terms of reduced wear and friction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification and intercalation of layered zirconium phosphates: a solid‐state NMR monitoring
Authors: Bakhmutov Vladimir I. , Kan Yuwei , Sheikh Javeed Ahmad , González‐Villegas Julissa , Colón Jorge L. , Clearfield Abraham
Published: December 2016

Several layered zirconium phosphates treated with Zr(IV) ions, modified by monomethoxy‐polyethyleneglycol‐monophosphate and intercalated with doxorubicin hydrochloride have been studied by solid‐state MAS NMR techniques. The organic components of the phosphates have been characterized by the 13C{1H} CP MAS NMR spectra compared with those of initial compounds. The multinuclear NMR monitoring has provided to establish structure and covalent attachment of organic/inorganic moieties to the surface and interlayer spaces of the phosphates. The MAS NMR experiments including kinetics of proton‐phosphorus cross polarization have resulted in an unusual structure of zirconium phosphate 6 combining decoration of the phosphate surface by polymer units and their partial intercalation into the interlayer space. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical remeshing strategies with mesh mapping for topology optimisation
Authors: Panesar Ajit , Brackett David , Ashcroft Ian , Wildman Ricky , Hague Richard
Published: December 2016

This work investigates the use of hierarchical mesh decomposition strategies for topology optimisation using bi‐directional evolutionary structural optimisation algorithm. The proposed method uses a dual mesh system that decouples the design variables from the finite element analysis mesh. The investigation focuses on previously unexplored areas of these techniques to investigate the effect of five meshing parameters on the analysis solving time (i.e. computational effort) and the analysis quality (i.e. solution optimality). The foreground mesh parameters, including adjacency ratio and minimum and maximum element size, were varied independently across solid and void domain regions. Within the topology optimisation, strategies for controlling the mesh parameters were investigated. The differing effects of these parameters on the efficiency and efficacy of the analysis and optimisation stages are discussed, and recommendations are made for parameter combinations. Some of the key findings were that increasing the adjacency ratio increased the efficiency only modestly – the largest effect was for the minimum and maximum element size parameters – and that the most dramatic reduction in solve time can be achieved by not setting the minimum element size too low, assuming mapping onto a background mesh with a minimum element size of 1. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcranial Doppler in hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Vieira Camilo , de Oliveira Carolina Nogueira Costa , de Figueiredo Ludmila Araújo Borges , Santiago Rayra Pereira , Adanho Corynne Stephanie Ahouefa , Santana Sanzio Silva , Burak Caroline Lang , Lyra Isa Menezes , Goncalves Marilda Souza
Published: December 2016

Background: Stroke is a severe clinical disorder in sickle cell disease (SCD), and few studies have evaluated transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow velocities in hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC). The guidelines for stroke risk are based on evaluations in sickle cell anemia (SCA) or HbS/β thalassemia.

Procedure: In this study, we compare cerebral blood flow in patients with SCD stratified by genotypes. A total of 1,664 pediatric patients with SCD underwent TCD velocity screening, and the time‐averaged maximum mean velocity (TAMM) was determined in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and distal intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results: Abnormal velocities were not identified in the ACA; therefore, we only use ICA and MCA velocities. TAMM from the left and right in the ICA and MCA was 134.3 ± 32.0 and 134.4 ± 32.6 cm/s in patients with SCA, and 105.2 ± 20.6 and 104.7 ± 20.0 cm/s in the patients with HbSC, respectively. Mean TAMM between right and left ICA/MCA was 134.5 ± 30.5 cm/s in the SCA group, and 104.9 ± 19.3 cm/s in the HbSC group. Notably, our data show that TCD velocities were significantly lower among the patients with HbSC compared to SCA. TAMM was negatively correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit in both genotypes.

Conclusion: These results suggest that a different cut‐off value for abnormal TCD velocities could be considered for patients with HbSC. Additional studies are warranted to determine the actual risk of stroke in HbSC genotype associated with this possible TCD risk value.
Systematic functional analysis of the Ras GTPase family unveils a conserved network required for anterograde protein trafficking
Authors: Caruso Marie‐Elaine , Jenna Sarah , Baillie David L , Bossé Roger , Simpson Jeremy C. , Chevet Eric , Taouji Saïd
Published: December 2016

Phylogeny is often used to compare entire families of genes/proteins. We previously showed that classification of Caenorhabditis elegans Rho GTPases on the basis of their enzymatic properties was significantly different from sequence alignments. To further develop this concept, we have developed an integrated approach to classify C. elegans small GTPases based on functional data comprising affinity for GTP, sub‐cellular localization, tissue distribution and silencing impact. This analysis led to establish a novel functional classification for small GTPases. To test the relevance of this classification in mammals, we focused our attention on the human orthologs of small GTPases from a specific group comprising arf‐1.2, evl‐20, arl‐1, Y54E10BR.2, unc‐108 and rab‐7. We then tested their involvement in protein secretion and membrane traffic in mammalian systems. Using this approach we identify a novel network containing 18 GTPases, and 23 functionally interacting proteins, conserved between C. elegans and mammals, which is involved in membrane traffic and protein secretion.
A model of order–order transition in titanium monoxide TiO1.0
Authors: Kostenko Maxim G. , Sharf Sergey V. , Rempel Andrey A.
Published: December 2016

A new class of defect structures has been proposed, in which point defects of the crystal lattice occupy the sites of two different superstructures simultaneously. The formation of these structural modifications is due to the order‐order equilibrium phase transition of the second order that does not proceed completely. Using atomic‐vacancy ordering in titanium monoxide TiO1.0 as an example, we have studied the permissible ratio between the long‐range order parameters in the structural modification formed by a combination of monoclinic M5X5(mon) (space group C2/m (A2/m)) and cubic M5X5(cub) (space group ) superstructures. With the use of thermodynamic calculations it was shown that the proposed structural modification is equilibrium and should exist instead of the supposed high‐temperature cubic phase Ti5O5(cub).
Analysis of low‐temperature data of Hall‐effect measurements on p‐type InP using a small‐polaron theory
Authors: Kajikawa Yasutomo
Published: December 2016

The low‐temperature data of Hall‐effect measurements on p‐type InP doped with Cd, Zn, or Mg reported by Benzaquen et al., which exhibit the characteristic of nearest‐neighbor hoping conduction in an impurity band, have been analyzed within the two‐band model including the valence band and the impurity band. It is shown that the temperature‐dependent Hall‐effect data can be well fitted by assuming the hopping drift mobility expressed as μib = μib0(T0/T)3/2exp(−T0/T) and the hopping Hall factor expressed as Aib = (kBT/J)exp(−T0H/T) on the basis of a small‐polaron theory. Especially, Hall‐effect sign anomaly observed at low temperature in Mg‐doped InP is well reproduced by assuming a negative Hall effect for hoping conduction. The sign of the Hall coefficient for hoping conduction is discussed in connection with the overlap between the upper and the lower impurity Hubbard bands.
Electron beam modification of vanadium dioxide oscillators
Authors: Belyaev Maksim , Velichko Andrey , Putrolaynen Vadim , Perminov Valentin , Pergament Alexander
Published: December 2016

The paper presents the results of a study of electron‐beam modification (EBM) of VO2‐switch I–V curve threshold parameters and the self‐oscillation frequency of a circuit containing such a switching device. EBM in vacuum is reversible and the parameters are restored when exposed to air at pressure of 150 Pa. At EBM with a dose of 3 C cm−2, the voltages of switching‐on (Vth) and off (Vh), as well as the OFF‐state resistance Roff, decrease down to 50% of the initial values, and the oscillation frequency increases by 30% at a dose of 0.7 C cm−2. Features of physics of EBM of an oscillator are outlined considering the contribution of the metal and semiconductor phases of the switching channel. Controlled modification allows EBM forming of switches with preset parameters. Also, it might be used in artificial oscillatory neural networks for pattern recognition based on frequency shift keying.
Silibinin Inhibits Neutrophilic Inflammation and Mucus Secretion Induced by Cigarette Smoke via Suppression of ERK‐SP1 Pathway
Authors: Park Ji‐Won , Shin Na‐Rae , Shin In‐Sik , Kwon Ok‐Kyoung , Kim Joong‐Sun , Oh Sei‐Ryang , Kim Jae‐hong , Ahn Kyung‐Seop
Published: December 2016

Silibinin, the main ingredient of silymarin, has been used as a traditional drug for over 2000 years to treat a range of liver diseases. Recent studies have also demonstrated that silibinin possesses antiinflammatory and anticancer properties. In the study, we researched the efficacy of silibinin on the development of COPD using a cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced COPD model mice and stimulation of NCI‐H292 cells with CS condensate. Silibinin was administered to mice by oral gavage 1 h before CS exposure for 10 days. In in vitro experiment, we evaluated the effect of silibinin on the expression of MUC5AC in H292 cells stimulated with CS condensate. Furthermore, silibinin suppressed the CS and LPS treatment‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and SP‐1 expression. Silibinin also decreased airway inflammation and reduced the expression of MUC5AC and myeloperoxidase. Furthermore, co‐treatment with silibinin and ERK inhibitors considerably decreased the levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators, ERK phosphorylation, and SP‐1 expression. Taken together, the results indicate that silibinin effectively suppressed the neutrophilic airway inflammation provoked by treatment with LPS and CS, which was closely associated with downregulation of ERK phosphorylation. Therefore, our searching offers that silibinin has a remedical probable for COPD disease. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taped Barrier Test for Internal Bags Used in Boxes of Recycled Paperboard: Update of the Method
Authors: Biedermann‐Brem Sandra , Biedermann Maurus , Grob Koni
Published: December 2016

Internal bags with an integrated functional barrier are a promising solution to avoid food contamination from recycled board packaging. The efficiency of the barrier should be measurable by a simple test that appropriately reflects reality. A previously described test, involving four surrogate substances on a donor paper and silicone paper as a receptor in a taped format (Packag Technol Sci. 2014; 27:713–726), was amended to take into account findings on absorption in the internal bag and the board. The combined effects on migration are now calculated as the percentage of the surrogate substances detected in the receptor compared to the amount in the donor. Because recycled paperboard has absorption properties different from paper, and the pressure onto the barrier depends on the concentration rather than the amount, now recycled paperboard is used as donor matrix. The concentration of the surrogate substances in the donor was further reduced. Donors need to be conditioned before use. Three silicone papers and Tenax® as receptors gave similar results. The comparison with foods showed that the migration into silicone paper was higher than that into bread crumbs, but lower than into rice and polenta by roughly a factor of 2, presumably because of the low mass. A detailed description of the method is provided and further validation of various technical aspects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addition of CsCl reduces ion suppression effects in the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra of triacylglycerol/phosphatidylcholine mixtures and adipose tissue extracts
Authors: Popkova Yulia , Schiller Jürgen
Published: December 2016

Rationale

Ion suppression is a known disadvantage in mixture analysis. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectra of crude adipose tissue extracts are dominated by triacylglycerol (TAG) signals while less abundant phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholines (PC) and particularly phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) are suppressed. It is suggested that addition of an excess of cesium (Cs) ions helps to overcome this problem.

Methods

Selected lipid mixtures of known compositions and organic adipose tissue extracts were investigated by positive ion MALDI‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS). 2,5‐Dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) in methanol was used as the matrix. In selected cases the methanolic DHB solution was saturated by the addition of different solid alkali chlorides (such as NaCl, KCl, RbCl and CsCl). Studies on the solubilities of these salts in methanol and the interaction with DHB (by 13C NMR) were also performed.

Results

Saturation of the DHB matrix with solid CsCl leads to tremendous intensity differences, i.e. the intensities of the TAG signals (which otherwise dominate the mass spectra) are significantly reduced. In contrast, the intensity of small signals of phospholipids increases considerably. Decrease in the TAG signal intensity is particularly caused by the considerable size of the Cs+ ion which prevents successful analyte ionization.

Conclusions

The addition of CsCl improves the detectability of otherwise invisible or weak phospholipid ions. This is a simple approach to detect small amounts of phospholipids in the presence of an excess of TAG. No laborious and time‐consuming separation of the total lipid extract into the individual lipid classes is required. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fuzzy neural network sliding mode controller for vibration suppression in robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Sang Hongqiang , Yang Chenghao , Liu Fen , Yun Jintian , Jin Guoguang
Published: December 2016

Background

It is very important for robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery to achieve a high‐precision and smooth motion control. However, the surgical instrument tip will exhibit vibration caused by nonlinear friction and unmodeled dynamics, especially when the surgical robot system is attempting low‐speed, fine motion.

Methods

A fuzzy neural network sliding mode controller (FNNSMC) is proposed to suppress vibration of the surgical robotic system. Nonlinear friction and modeling uncertainties are compensated by a Stribeck model, a radial basis function (RBF) neural network and a fuzzy system, respectively.

Results

Simulations and experiments were performed on a 3 degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) minimally invasive surgical robot. The results demonstrate that the FNNSMC is effective and can suppress vibrations at the surgical instrument tip.

Conclusions

The proposed FNNSMC can provide a robust performance and suppress the vibrations at the surgical instrument tip, which can enhance the quality and security of surgical procedures.
Molecular‐Level Design of Hierarchically Porous Carbons Codoped with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Capable of In Situ Self‐Activation for Sustainable Energy Systems
Authors: Ai Wei , Wang Xuewan , Zou Chenji , Du Zhuzhu , Fan Zhanxi , Zhang Hua , Chen Peng , Yu Ting , Huang Wei
Published: December 2016

Hierarchically porous carbons are attracting tremendous attention in sustainable energy systems, such as lithium ion battery (LIB) and fuel cell, due to their excellent transport properties that arise from the high surface area and rich porosity. The state‐of‐the‐art approaches for synthesizing hierarchically porous carbons normally require chemical‐ and/or template‐assisted activation techniques, which is complicate, time consuming, and not feasible for large scale production. Here, a molecular‐level design principle toward large‐scale synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus codoped hierarchically porous carbon (NPHPC) through an in situ self‐activation process is proposed. The material is fabricated based on the direct pyrolysis of a well‐designed polymer, melamine polyphosphate, which is capable of in situ self‐activation to generate large specific surface area (1479 m2 g−1) and hierarchical pores in the final NPHPC. As an anode material for LIB, NPHPC delivers a high reversible capacity of 1073 mAh g−1 and an excellent cyclic stability for 300 cycles with negligible capacity decay. The peculiar structural properties and synergistic effect of N and P codopants also enable NPHPC a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction, a key cathodic reaction process of many energy conversion devices (for example, fuel cells and metal air batteries). Electrochemical measurements show NPHPC a comparable electrocatalytic performance to commercial Pt/C catalyst (onset potential of 0.88 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode in alkaline medium) with excellent stability (89.8% retention after 20 000 s continuous operation) and superior methanol tolerance.
Organisational and professional structures shaping the sonographer role in obstetrics
Authors: Thomas Samantha , O'Loughlin Kathleen , Clarke Jillian
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Advances in ultrasound technology along with increased knowledge and expectations of pregnant patients have substantially changed the sonographer role. Sonographers are now the frontline practitioners as patients expect to know the results of a scan immediately, including if there is an adverse outcome. Communicating ‘bad news’ to pregnant patients is very often left to the sonographer without any departmental or organisational policies or protocols in place to guide the actions and communication required in these situations. Where there are protocols in place, the sonographers may not have been included in the decision‐making process and therefore find that these are unclear or not readily accessible and/or they restrict open communication with patients.

Methods

This paper reports on the hierarchical relationships that shape the patient‐sonographer encounter in obstetric ultrasound, particularly those with an adverse outcome, and provides an overview of the legislative, organisational and professional framework that structures the delivery of ultrasound services generally, and obstetric ultrasound services in particular.

Results/Conclusion

There is a need for an evidence‐based and inter‐professional approach to develop departmental policies and protocols to provide clear guidelines, and a definite line of authority that clearly acknowledges the integral role a sonographer plays in their interaction with a patient.
Zusammenhang zwischen Streckgrenzenverhältnis und Zähigkeit bei Stählen mit rd. 420 bis 720 N/mm2 Streckgrenze
Authors: Dahl Winfried , Krabiell Armin
Published: December 2016

Untersuchungen an vier Stählen unterschiedlicher chemischer Zusammensetzungen und/oder Wärmebehandlungen mit Werten des Streckgrenzenverhältnisses von 0,62 bis 0,86. Ermittlung der Festigkeits‐ und Zähigkeitskennwerte an Kleinproben in Zug‐, Kerbschlag‐ und Bruchmechanikversuchen sowie an gekerbten Großzugproben der vollen Blechdicke.
Zum Durchmessereinfluß auf die Eigenspannungen in öl‐ und wasserabgeschreckten Stahlzylindern
Authors: Yu Han‐Jong , Wolfstieg Ulrich , Macherauch Eckard
Published: December 2016

Berechnungen von Eigenspannungsverteilungen in vier Zylindern mit 10 bis 100 mm Dmr. aus dem Stahl Ck45 nach Abschrecken von Austenitisierungstemperatur in Öl und Wasser mit einem speziellen Finite‐Element‐Programm. Erklärung der Entstehung der Eigenspannungen anhand von Plotterbildauszügen. Vergleich und Bewertung der Rechenergebnisse mit experimentellen Ergebnissen im Schrifttum und neuen röntgenographischen Eigenspannungsmessungen.
Beitrag zu den Schmelzgleichgewichten der Eisen‐Aluminium‐ und Eisen‐Phosphor‐Legierungen
Authors: Schürmann Eberhard , Kaiser Heinz‐Peter
Published: December 2016

Überprüfung der Schmelzgleichgewichte der Systeme Eisen–Aluminium und Eisen–Phosphor mit Hilfe der thermischen Analyse und durch Halteversuche. Überarbeitung der Zustandsschaubilder. Angabe des Verlaufs der Liquidus‐ und Soliduslinien und der Konzentrationen der Dreiphasengleichgewichte in den Zweistoffsystemen.
Aluminium nitride probes for application in iron melts
Authors: Fischer Wilhelm Anton , Dören Horst , Janke Dieter
Published: December 2016

Review on high‐temperature properties of aluminium nitride AIN. Investigations on aluminium nitride as a possible solid electrolyte at temperatures around 1600°C. Presentation of available data on the electrical conductivity, the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient of AIN at elevated temperatures. Experimental study on the oxidation behaviour of AIN in oxidizing gases and oxygen‐containing iron melts. EMF measurements on electrochemical cells of the type iron melt ‖ AIN (Al2O3) solid electrolyte ‖ reference representing oxygen and aluminium probes in iron melts under long‐term conditions.
Computation of thermodynamic properties of liquid ferrous alloys from structural measurements
Authors: Waseda Yoshio , Jacob K. Thomas
Published: December 2016

Relation between X‐ray scattering intensities, mean square thermal fluctuations and thermodynamic properties. High temperature X‐ray diffraction study of liquid Fe‐Ni and Fe‐Si alloys using reflection and transmission geometries. Calculation of the structure factor as a function of wave vector. Extrapolation to zero wave vector. Calculation of the concentration‐concentration correlation function defined by A. B. Bhatia and D. E. Thorton. Computation of thermodynamic quantities of mixing ΔG, ΔH and ΔS for the binary alloys. Comparison with direct thermodynamic measurements reported in the literature.
Ein kritischer Beitrag zu der Berechnungsweise des Walzmomentes
Authors: Kastner Barbara , Kastner Piotr
Published: December 2016

Untersuchung der wahren Belastung der Walzen im Walzverfahren. Verteilung der Reibungskräfte und Normalspannungen in der Voreilzone und der Nacheilzone. Kritische Betrachtung einer „angenäherten“ Methode zur Berechnung des Walzmoments.
Einfluß von Magnesiumoxidgehalten auf die Entschwefelung von Roheisen mit Hochofenschlacken
Authors: Schürmann Eberhard , Kolm Ingo
Published: December 2016

Schmelzversuche bei 1550°C zur Entschwefelung von Roheisen durch CaO‐SiO2‐Al2O3‐MgO‐Schlacken. Der Ksi, s‐Wert als geeignete Entschwefelungskennzahl. Umwertung der MgO‐Gehalte in äquivalente CaO‐Gehalte. Angabe von Äquivalenzfaktoren und Berücksichtigung der MgO‐Gehalte bei der Berechnung der Schlackenbasizität.
Eine notwendige Änderung der Dauerfestigkeitsschaubilder bei Schwingfestigkeitsuntersuchungen
Authors: Reik Wolfgang , Mayr Peter , Macherauch Eckard
Published: December 2016

Kraftgeregelte Zug‐Druck‐Wechselversuche an normalgeglühtem Stahl Ck45 mit unterschiedlichen Mittelspannungen. Auswirkung des zyklischen Kriechens auf die Abmessungsstabilität von Bauteilen. Änderungs‐ bzw. Ergänzungsvorschläge zu den Mittel‐spannungsschaubildern von J. H. Smith und B. P. Haigh.
The isothermal δ‐γ transformation of ferritic‐austenitic iron‐chromium‐nickel alloys
Authors: Mundt Ronald , Hoffmeister Hans
Published: December 2016

Quenching from ferritizing temperatures of 1350 and 1250 °C the isothermal δ‐γ transformation of two iron‐chromium‐nickel alloys with 26.0% Cr, 6.9% Ni resp. 30.0% Cr, 7.05% Ni at temperatures between 700 and 1200 °C is studied. Three different transformation stages are revealed indicating grain boundary diffusion controlled growth in the first and last stage while volume diffusion seems to act at least partially in the second stage. Isothermal TTT diagrams are established and activation energies calculated.
Bnfluß des Kohlenstoffgehaltes von 0,015 bis 1 % und der Gefügestruktur auf das Hochtemperaturfestigkeits‐ und ‐zähigkeitsverhalten von Baustählen nach der Erstarrung aus der Schmelze
Authors: Schmidtmann Eugen , Rakoski Fritz
Published: December 2016

Bestimmung der Festigkeit und Brucheinschnürung sowie der Gefügestruktur an Baustählen mit Kohlenstoffgehalten zwischen 0,015 und 1 % im Temperaturbereich von Liquidustemperatur bis 900 °C. Aufnahme von Kenngrößen zur Beurteilung der Innenrißanfälligkeit beim Stranggießen. Ursachen für das unterschiedliche Verformungsverhalten.
Die Analyse unlegierter und niedriglegierter Stähle nach verschiedenen emissionsspektrometrischen Methoden
Authors: Koch Karl‐Heinz , Kretschmer Michael , Grunenberg Dieter
Published: December 2016

Die Glimmlampe als spektrochemische Lichtquelle und ihre Anwendung zur Analyse von Roheisen und Stahl. Analytischer Vergleich mit der Funkenemissionsspektrometrie und der ICP‐Spektrometrie. Angabe der Wiederholstandardabweichungen und Bestimmungsgrenzen.
Qualitätsprüfung nach den Vorschriften des Stahl‐Eisen‐Prüfblattes 1570/71 mittels eines automatischen Bildanalysesystems
Authors: Mehlo Herwig
Published: December 2016

Untersuchung von Stahlproben auf nichtmetallische Einschlüsse gemäß Stahl‐Eisen‐Prüfblatt. Entwicklung eines vollautomatischen Verfahrens zur Klassierung unterschiedlicher Einschlüsse nach Form und Größe entsprechend dem Prüfblatt. Messung von Formparametern und Anschliffflächen der Einschlüsse mit Hilfe eines automatischen Bildanalysators. Erkennung von Zeilen durch Clusterung über Feret‐Durchmesser in und quer zur Zeilenrichtung. Bewertung der Stahlqualität über das K‐ bzw. M‐Verfahren des Prüfblattes.
Erhöhung der Standzeiten von Schnellarbeitsstahl‐Schneidwerkzeugen durch Anwendung belagbildender Stähle
Authors: Pálmai Zoltán
Published: December 2016

Bei Anwendung eines belagbildenden Stahles ist an den mit TiN beschichteten Schnellarbeitsstahlwerkzeugen dieselbe Erscheinung zu beobachten, die bei Hartmetallwerkzeugen bereits bekannt ist. Neue Untersuchungen zeigen, daß der Belag auch im niedrigen Geschwindigkeitsbereich zustande kommt. Als Folge der gemeinsamen Wirkung der TiN‐Schicht und des nichtmetallischen Belags wird die Standzeit vervielfacht und der bei dem Schnellarbeitsstahlwerkzeug zulässige obere Grenzwert der Schnittgeschwindigkeit bedeutend erhöht.
Untersuchungen zur Optimierung der Einstellgeschwindigkeit des EMK‐Meßwertes von Festelektrolytzellen
Authors: Fischer Wilhelm Anton , Kersken Monika , Mach Johannes
Published: December 2016

Die Messung der Sauerstoffaktivität von Stahlschmelzen mit Festelektrolytzellen hat eine weltweite Anwendung gefunden. Heute werden dazu einseitig geschlossene ZrO2 (MgO)‐Röhrchen verwendet, die von Herstellern des In‐ und Auslandes angeboten werden. Das physikalische und elektrochemische Verhalten dieser Röhrchen soll in vollberuhigten Teststahlschmelzen geprüft und der innere Zellaufbau in bezug auf die EMK‐Einstellgeschwindigkeit optimiert werden.
Mehrfaches Biegen von Stahlband mit Längszug
Authors: Kopp Reiner , Hartig Walter
Published: December 2016

Auslegung von Umlenk‐ und Führungsrollensystemen für Stahlband in Kaltwalzwerken und Bandbehandlungslinien. Ansatz zur Berechnung von Formänderungen, Lastspannungen, Eigenspannungen und Zugverlusten im Band. Berücksichtigung des zyklischen Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhaltens des Werkstoffes. Messung von Formänderungen und Zugverlust. Mechanische und röntgenographische Ermittlung der Eigenspannungen.
Effect of molybdenum on the fracture toughness of high‐speed steel quenched matrix
Authors: Pacyna Jerzy , Mazur Adam
Published: December 2016

Differences in the fracture toughness Klc and bending strength of the model alloys imitating by their chemical composition the matrixes of quenched high‐speed steels of various Mo:W relations. The relationship of the thoughness and kinetics of the carbides precipitation at tempering. Quantitative estimation of the toughness increase caused by the substitution of tungsten by molybdenum.