bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An All‐solid‐state Polymeric Membrane Ca2+‐selective Electrode Based on Hydrophobic Alkyl‐chain‐functionalized Graphene Oxide
Authors: Yin Tanji , Li Jinghui , Qin Wei
Published: November 2016

An all‐solid‐state polymeric membrane Ca2+‐selective electrode based on hydrophobic octadecylamine‐functionalized graphene oxide has been developed. The hydrophobic composite in the ion‐selective membrane not only acts as a transduction element to improve the potential stability for the all‐solid‐state Ca2+‐selective electrode, but also is used to immobilize Ca2+ ionophore with lipophilic side chains through hydrophobic interactions. The developed all‐solid‐state Ca2+‐selective electrode shows a stable potential response in the linear range of 3.0×10−7–1.0×10−3 M with a slope of 24.7±0.3 mV/dec, and the detection limit is (1.6±0.2 )×10−7 M (n=3). Additionally, due to the hydrophobicity and electrical conductivity of the composite, the proposed all‐solid‐state ion‐selective electrode exhibits an improved stability with the absence of water layer between the ion‐selective membrane and the underlying glassy carbon electrode. This work provides a simple, efficient and low‐cost methodology for developing stable and robust all‐solid‐state ion‐selective electrode with ionophore immobilization.
Co2O3‐NH2‐MCM‐41 Decorated Graphite as an Effective Electrode: Synthesis, Characterization and its Application for Electro‐catalytic Oxidation of Acid Red 1
Authors: Fan Yiang , Wu Yunhai , Fang Peng , Sha Haitao , Cha Ligen , Ming Zhu
Published: November 2016

The graphite electrode decorated with Co2O3‐NH2‐MCM‐41 was successfully fabricated and the potential for applying this electrode for electro‐catalytic oxidation of Acid Red 1 (AR1) was investigated. The Co2O3‐NH2‐MCM‐41 was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). Electrochemical measurements including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to investigate electrochemical activity of graphite anode with Co2O3‐NH2‐MCM‐41. The electro‐catalytic oxidation process was carried out via varying different parameters such as voltage, electrolyte pH, electrolyte concentration, current density and interelectrode distance. The results revealed the maximum removal ratio of AR1 was 99.8 %. The AR1 solution was tested during the degradation process by CV analysis at different scan rates, UV‐Vis spectral analysis and gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The linear relationship between peak current and scan rates indicated an adsorption controlled process for AR1 degradation, UV‐Vis analysis revealed that the degradation process took place through reactions such as destruction of azo groups, benzene ring, naphthalene ring and so on, GC/MS analysis demonstrated that AR1 was finally destructed to small molecules by analyzing intermediates during degradation process.
A Printed and Microfabricated Sensor Device for the Sensitive Low Volume Measurement of Aqueous Ammonia
Authors: Brannelly N. T. , Killard A. J.
Published: November 2016

The measurement of low concentrations of ammonia in small sample volumes is required in biological, biomedical and environmental measurement applications. However, achieving this without instrumentation remains challenging. Here, sensor devices for the measurement of ammonia in a liquid were developed. These were based on the fabrication of polyaniline nanoparticle films onto screen printed interdigitated electrodes using inkjet printing and their integration into a polymer microfabricated device with polytetrafluroethylene membrane and air flow path between the membrane and the sensor. Samples of ammonia in phosphate buffered saline of 52 μL were measured using electrochemical impedance. While water vapour and ions from the buffer did result in a decrease in sensor impedance, this was eradicated by displacement of the headspace above the sensor with air. This, in combination with the adjustment of the sample to pH to 11 allowed the quantification of ammonia from 0 to 200 μM with a limit of detection of 25 μM. The device has the potential to be used for sensitive, low volume measurement applications of ammonia at point‐of‐test and point‐of‐care.
A Polymer Multilayer Based Amperometric Biosensor for the Detection of Lactose in the Presence of High Concentrations of Glucose
Authors: Lopez Francesca , Ma Su , Ludwig Roland , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ruff Adrian
Published: November 2016

We report on the development of an amperometric polymer multilayer‐based biosensor for the determination of lactose in the presence of high concentrations of glucose. The sensor platform consists of a two‐layer system with the first layer (sensing layer) comprising cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) bound by electrostatic interactions in a favourite orientation for efficient direct electron transfer. The second layer on top of the sensing element consists of a specifically designed hydrophilic polymer which co‐entraps glucose oxidase (GOx) and catalase (CAT). This bi‐enzymatic system is able to remove glucose (up to a concentration of at least 140 mM) in the outer layer of the modified electrode and thus prevents the interfering analyte from reaching the active CDH layer. Moreover, the concomitantly generated H2O2 is efficiently removed by means of CAT. The linear range for the detection of lactose was from 10 to 100 μM. The sensor is able to detect lactose at low concentrations in lactose‐free milk samples. Sample pre‐treatment consist of a simple dilution step. Quantification of the lactose content in lactose‐free dairy products showed that the amount of lactose is below the threshold given by the manufacturer.
A Fast Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance,which Acquires Frequency and Bandwidth on Multiple Overtones
Authors: Petri Judith , Hochstädt Sebastian , Nentwig Tristan , Pausch Ansgar , Langhoff Arne , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: November 2016

An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) is described, which measures the shifts of frequency and bandwidth on multiple harmonics with a time‐resolution of 10 milliseconds. The technique requires the process under study to be repetitive. Examples are square wave amperometry and cyclovoltammetry. Data acquisition is fast because the raw data consist of traces of the electrical admittance at fixed frequencies. A few (∼10) such time traces are acquired sequentially at a set of frequencies evenly spaced around the crystal's resonance. Since all time‐traces are triggered by the same repetitive process, plots of the conductance G(ωi, t) and the susceptance B(ωi, t) from constant time delays, t, versus frequency can be produced a posteriori. The shifts, ΔG(ωi) and ΔB(ωi) quantify a difference between two resonance curves, pertaining to the sample's reference state and the state at time t. Fitting a difference of two resonance curves to these data, one obtains shifts of frequency, Δf(t) and shifts of bandwidth, ΔΓ(t), versus time. This procedure is repeated for the different overtones. Given the repetitive nature of the process, one may accumulate and average, which lowers the noise down to a few tens of mHz. The capabilities of this instrument are demonstrated with two examples, which are copper deposition/dissolution and electro‐responsivity of a polymer film containing weakly acidic side groups.
Sulfonated char from waste tire rubber used as strong acid catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Sánchez‐Olmos L. A. , Medina‐Valtierra J. , Sathish‐Kumar K. , Sánchez Cardenas M.
Published: November 2016

A new acid catalyst based in a carbonaceous solid was functionalized using sulfuric acid as source of SO3H acid groups. This carbon‐based material prepared by the pyrolysis of waste tire rubber was used either as catalyst or as catalytic support. The pyrolysis process was performed with a flow of N2 at relatively low temperature to obtain a mesoporous carbon and achieve an effective sulfonation. The sulfonation method of carbon obtained from tire rubber was through direct immersion into concentrated H2SO4 under reflux. The mesoporous solids were characterized by several analytic techniques including an elemental analysis derived from scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). These ones indicated the presence of polycyclic disordered carbon plates in the carbonaceous structure with a low surface area and wide pores that provided many surface acid sites. The high catalytic activity and stability of this catalyst is related to the acid site density of Bronsted acid sites and to its homogeneous distribution. The hydrophobicity presented by this material favorably prevented hydration of hydrophilic OH and SO3H functional groups. The transesterification and esterification of waste oil under sub‐critical methanol mainly in the presence of sulfonated char were achieved. Hence, it was required shorter times, low temperature and significantly, a low amount of methanol compared to other studies. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 619–626, 2017
Preparation and performance of Ni‐based catalysts supported on Ca12Al14O33 for steam reforming of tar in coke oven gas
Authors: Xie Huaqing , Yu Qingbo , Zhang Jianrong , Liu Jialin , Zuo Zongliang , Qin Qin
Published: November 2016

The catalytic activities of the Ni‐based catalysts with Ca12Al14O33 as carrier for the steam reforming of tar from coke oven gas were studied. The carriers were prepared with three methods, high temperature roasting (HTR), coprecipitation (CP) and sol−gel (SG), respectively. Compared to the catalyst with CP, the catalyst with HTR showed stronger peaks of NiO as well as Ca12Al14O33, similar to the one with SG, and had obviously higher catalytic activity than those with CP and especially with Al2O3 as carrier, just slightly lower than that with SG. When the calcination temperature was 1350°C (HTR‐1350), the prepared catalyst showed the strongest peaks of Ca12Al14O33 and NiO and the highest surface area, resulting in the excellent performance for tar reforming. For Ni/Mg−Ca12Al14O33 catalyst with HTR‐1350, the catalytic activity and stability were improved as the reforming temperature and the steam/carbon ratio (S/C) rose, and especially at 850°C and the S/C ratio of 12:1, the hydrogen yield can reach 93.16%, with the carbon conversion reaching 97.14%. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 729–735, 2017
Decomposing the linkages between energy consumption, air pollution, climate change, and natural resource depletion in Pakistan
Authors: Zaman Khalid , Abdullah Iqra , Ali Muneeb
Published: November 2016

This study aims at examining the causal relationship between energy consumption, natural resources, environmental pollution (i.e., CO2 emissions) and climate change (i.e., Greenhouse gas emissions ‐ GHG) in the context of Pakistan, over the period of 1975–2012. The study applied bivariate cointegration and Granger causality technique for robust inferences. The results show that energy demand increases gas rents, natural resource rents, and oil rents while it exhausts the natural resources. Natural resources further affected by air pollution and climate change in a country. The results of Granger causality indicate that there is a bidirectional causality between (i) energy consumption and net forest depletion, (ii) energy demand and oil rent, (iii) forest rents and CO2 emissions, (iv) natural resource depletion and GHG emissions, and (v) net forest depletion and GHG emissions, while, there is a unidirectional causality running from CO2 emissions to oil rents, from net forest depletion to CO2 emissions, and from GHG emissions to forest rent, mineral rent, natural gas rent, and oil rent in a country. Finally, the study confirmed the “neutrality hypothesis” between coal rent, natural resource rent, and GHG emissions in Pakistan. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 638–648, 2017
Association between depression and resilience in older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wermelinger Ávila Maria Priscila , Lucchetti Alessandra Lamas Granero , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: November 2016

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine whether resilience is associated with depressive symptoms in geriatric populations.

Method

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed (up to March 2015) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis recommendations on three databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science) with no language restrictions, using a Boolean expression. For inclusion in the study, articles had to assess the older population (60 years or older), assess both depressive and resilience symptoms, and investigate the association between these two variables. Articles not employing validated resilience and depression scales or assessing populations younger than 60 years were excluded. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results

A total of 1094 articles were retrieved from the three databases, 367 of which were duplicates and therefore excluded, giving 727 articles for analysis. Of these articles, seven met the eligibility criteria. All of the included articles were observational and cross‐sectional, found an inverse relationship between depression and resilience, and were conducted in three countries: the USA, China, and Belgium. A moderate inverse correlation was found on the meta‐analysis (r = −0.35, 95% confidence interval: −0.41 to −0.28).

Conclusion

Few studies were found on this subject in the older population. An association between greater resilience and less depressive symptomatology was identified, albeit based on cross‐sectional studies. These results highlight the need for further studies in the area and the importance of fostering the use of interventions to promote resilience in older adults as a means of preventing and managing depressive symptoms in this population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contradictions in the American dream: High educational aspirations and perceptions of deteriorating institutional support
Authors: Aronson Pamela
Published: November 2016

This study examines contradictions in the “American Dream” during the Great Recession: young adults maintained high educational aspirations, yet perceived little opportunity for their educational achievements to help them fulfil their dreams of financial prosperity and work stability. Based on in‐depth interviews with 85 young college students and recent graduates, this study found that college enrolment was propelled by the recession, as a college degree, and often a graduate or professional degree, was perceived as an increasingly necessary credential. Despite these high educational aspirations, students and recent graduates were fearful about their capacity to find future work and they expressed concerns about the collapse of employment opportunity. Many were also wary of educational institutions, which they viewed as unable to prepare them for a shrinking job market. These perceptions reveal a contradiction in the “American Dream:” although young adults have high aspirations and achievements, they have lost confidence in the educational and work institutions upon which they must depend.
A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR THE EXPANSION OF REFLECTIVE PRACTICE AND SUPERVISION: EVALUATION OF A PILOT TRAINING SERIES FOR INFANT MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Shea Sarah E. , Goldberg Sheryl , Weatherston Deborah J.
Published: November 2016

The Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health identified a need for reflective supervision training for infant mental health (IMH) specialists providing home‐based services to highly vulnerable infants and their families. Findings indicate that this pilot of an IMH community mental health professional development model was successful, as measured by the participants’ increased capacity to apply reflective practice and supervisory knowledge and skills. Furthermore, IMH clinicians demonstrated an increase in the frequency of their use of reflective practice skills, and their supervisors demonstrated an increase in their sense of self‐efficacy regarding reflective supervisory tasks. Finally, the evaluation included a successful pilot of new measures designed to measure reflective practice, contributing to the growing body of research in the area of reflective supervision.
In vivo terahertz reflection imaging of human scars during and after the healing process
Authors: Fan Shuting , Ung Benjamin S. Y. , Parrott Edward P. J. , Wallace Vincent P. , Pickwell‐MacPherson Emma
Published: November 2016

We use terahertz imaging to measure four human skin scars in vivo. Clear contrast between the refractive index of the scar and surrounding tissue was observed for all of the scars, despite some being difficult to see with the naked eye. Additionally, we monitored the healing process of a hypertrophic scar. We found that the contrast in the absorption coefficient became less prominent after a few months post‐injury, but that the contrast in the refractive index was still significant even months post‐injury. Our results demonstrate the capability of terahertz imaging to quantitatively measure subtle changes in skin properties and this may be useful for improving scar treatment and management.

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Prevalence and clinical impact of cachexia in chronic illness in Europe, USA, and Japan: facts and numbers update 2016
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Anker Markus S. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: November 2016

Cachexia is a serious clinical consequence of almost all chronic diseases when reaching advanced stages. Its prevalence ranges from 5–15% in end‐stage chronic heart failure to 50–80% in advanced malignant cancer. Cachexia is also frequently occurring in patients with chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or neurological diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Mortality rates of patients with cachexia range from 15–25% per year in severe COPD through 20–40% per year in patients with chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease to 20–80% in cancer cachexia. In the industrialized world (North America, Europe, and Japan) where epidemiological data are to some degree available, the overall prevalence of cachexia (due to any disease and not necessarily associated with hospital admission) is growing with the growth of the chronic illness prevalence, and it currently affects around 0.5–1.0% of the population, i.e. around 6–12 million people. From this, one can estimate that 1.5–2 million deaths are occurring in patients with cachexia per year. It is also a very significant health problem in other parts of the globe, but epidemiological data are scarce. The multifactorial nature of cachexia is now much better understood, and particularly, the role of inflammatory mediators and the imbalance of anabolism and catabolism are considered important therapeutic targets. Several approaches to develop cachexia and muscle wasting treatments have failed to be successful in phase III clinical trials, but new approaches are in development. Given the high prevalence and very high mortality associated with cachexia, advances are urgently needed for patients worldwide.
Incorporating an Early Detection System Into Routine Clinical Practice in Two Community Hospitals
Authors: Dummett B. Alex , Adams Carmen , Scruth Elizabeth , Liu Vincent , Guo Margaret , Escobar Gabriel J.
Published: November 2016

Efforts to improve outcomes of patients who deteriorate outside the intensive care unit have included the use of rapid response teams (RRTs) as well as manual and automated prognostic scores. Although automated early warning systems (EWSs) are starting to enter clinical practice, there are few reports describing implementation and the processes required to integrate early warning approaches into hospitalists' workflows. We describe the implementation process at 2 community hospitals that deployed an EWS. We employed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's iterative Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act approach. Our basic workflow, which relies on having an RRT nurse and the EWS's 12‐hour outcome time frame, has been accepted by clinicians and has not been associated with patient complaints. Whereas our main objective was to develop a set of workflows for integrating the electronic medical record EWS into clinical practice, we also uncovered issues that must be addressed prior to disseminating this intervention to other hospitals. One problematic area is that of documentation following an alert. Other areas that must be addressed prior to disseminating the intervention include the need for educating clinicians on the rationale for deploying the EWS, careful consideration of interdepartment service agreements, clear definition of clinician responsibilities, pragmatic documentation standards, and how to communicate with patients. In addition to the deployment of the EWS to other hospitals, a future direction for our teams will be to characterize process‐outcomes relationships in the clinical response itself. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S25–S31. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
The different paths to post‐merger identification for employees from high and low status pre‐merger organizations
Authors: Lipponen Jukka , Wisse Barbara , Jetten Jolanda
Published: November 2016

A well‐known downside of organizational mergers is that employees fail to identify with the newly formed organization. We argue that developing an understanding of factors that affect post‐merger identification requires taking the pre‐merger status of the merger partners relative to each other into account. This is because relative pre‐merger status determines employees' susceptibility to different aspects of the merger process. Specifically, for employees of a high status pre‐merger organization, we expected post‐merger identification to be strongly influenced by (i) pre‐merger identification and (ii) the perceived change in the status. In contrast, we expected post‐merger identification of employees of a low status pre‐merger organization to be strongly affected by the perceived justice of the merger event. Longitudinal data were obtained from a merger of two public sector organizations and the results supported our hypotheses. Our study shows that the extent to which pre‐merger identification, status change, and justice are important determinants of post‐merger identification depends on the relative pre‐merger status of the merger partners. Our discussion focuses on theoretical implications and managerial ramifications of these findings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective solid‐phase extraction using a molecularly imprinted polymer for the analysis of patulin in apple‐based foods
Authors: Lucci Paolo , Moret Sabrina , Bettin Sara , Conte Lanfranco
Published: November 2016

The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of a molecularly imprinted polymer as a selective solid‐phase extraction sorbent for the clean‐up and pre‐concentration of patulin from apple‐based food products. Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet absorbance detection was used for the analysis of patulin. The molecularly imprinted polymer was applied, for the first time, to the determination of patulin in apple juice, puree and jam samples spiked within the maximum levels specified by the European Commission No. 1881/2006. High recoveries (>77%) were obtained. The method was validated and found to be linear in the range 2–100 μg/kg with correlation coefficients greater than 0.965 and repeatability relative standard deviation below 11% in all cases. Compared with dispersive solid‐phase extraction (QuEChERS method) and octadecyl sorbent, the molecularly imprinted polymer showed higher recoveries and selectivity for patulin.

The application of Affinisep molecularly imprinted polymer as a selective sorbent material for detection of patulin fulfilled the method performance criteria required by the Commission Regulation No. 401/2006, demonstrating the suitability of the technique for the control of patulin at low ppb levels in different apple‐based foods such as juice, puree and jam samples.
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography with Fourier transform mass spectrometry of monosaccharide anhydrides
Authors: Matějíček David , Vašíčková Jana
Published: November 2016

A fast, selective, and sensitive method for the determination of three monosaccharide anhydrides (galactosan, mannosan, levoglucosan), based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography and Fourier transform mass spectrometry, was successfully developed. The simple experimental stationary phase and mass spectrometry performance screening allowed the selection of the best available chromatographic and mass spectrometry conditions. Thus, the chromatographic separation was performed on a highly selective stationary phase containing a zwitterionic phosphorylcholine group and the monosaccharide anhydrides were detected as [M+HCOO]− adduct in the negative mode. The method showed accuracy in the range of 84–111 and 89–102% with interbatch precision expressed as relative standard deviations of 5.6–15.4 and 5.0–9.0% for the aerosol extract and snow samples, respectively. The limit of quantification in absolute values ranged from 10 to 30 pg, the limit of quantification, expressed as concentration, ranged was 0.3–0.9 ng/m3 for aerosol and 10–20 ng/mL for snow samples. The method was successfully applied for the determination of monosaccharide anhydrides in aerosol and snow samples.
Systematic review of compound action potentials as predictors for cochlear implant performance
Authors: van Eijl Ruben H. M. , Buitenhuis Patrick J. , Stegeman Inge , Klis Sjaak F. L. , Grolman Wilko
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The variability in speech perception between cochlear implant users is thought to result from the degeneration of the auditory nerve. Degeneration of the auditory nerve, histologically assessed, correlates with electrophysiologically acquired measures, such as electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs) in experimental animals. To predict degeneration of the auditory nerve in humans, where histology is impossible, this paper reviews the correlation between speech perception and eCAP recordings in cochlear implant patients.

Data Sources

PubMed and Embase.

Review Methods

We performed a systematic search for articles containing the following major themes: cochlear implants, evoked potentials, and speech perception. Two investigators independently conducted title‐abstract screening, full‐text screening, and critical appraisal. Data were extracted from the remaining articles.

Results

Twenty‐five of 1,429 identified articles described a correlation between speech perception and eCAP attributes. Due to study heterogeneity, a meta‐analysis was not feasible, and studies were descriptively analyzed. Several studies investigating presence of the eCAP, recovery time constant, slope of the amplitude growth function, and spatial selectivity showed significant correlations with speech perception. In contrast, neural adaptation, eCAP threshold, and change with varying interphase gap did not significantly correlate with speech perception in any of the identified studies.

Conclusions

Significant correlations between speech perception and parameters obtained through eCAP recordings have been documented in literature; however, reporting was ambiguous. There is insufficient evidence for eCAPs as a predictive factor for speech perception. More research is needed to further investigate this relation. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:476–487, 2017
IT Outsourcing—A Source of Innovation? Microeconometric Evidence for Germany
Authors: Bertschek Irene , Erdsiek Daniel , Trenz Manuel
Published: November 2016

Does IT outsourcing really influence firms' process innovativeness? We investigate this question with a distinguished view on manufacturing and service sectors. Previous studies suggest firms sourcing out IT services to external service providers are generally more process innovative. Based on a firm‐level data set comprising 1452 firms from the German manufacturing and services sectors, the econometric analysis confirms a positive and significant relationship between IT outsourcing and process innovation activity on an aggregate level. As proposed by our framework of differences between manufacturing and service firms, a more detailed analysis reveals that this positive relationship only holds for services firms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derivation and analysis of an effective model for biofilm growth in evolving porous media
Authors: Schulz Raphael , Knabner Peter
Published: November 2016

The present article deals with the growth of biofilms produced by bacteria within a saturated porous medium. Starting from the pore‐scale, the process is essentially described by attachment/detachment of mobile microorganisms to a solid surface and their ability to build biomass. The increase in biomass on the surface of the solid matrix changes the porosity and impedes flow through the pores. Using formal periodic homogenization, we derive an averaged model describing the process via Darcy's law and upscaled transport equations with effective coefficients provided by the evolving microstructure at the pore‐scale. Assuming, that the underlying pore geometry may be described by a single parameter, for example, porosity, the level set equation locating the biofilm‐liquid interface transforms into an ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the parameter. For such a setting, we state significant analytical and algebraic properties of these effective parameters. A further objective of this article is the analytical investigation of the resulting coupled PDE–ODE model. In a weak sense, unique solvability either global in time or at least up to a possible clogging phenomenon is shown. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immer vorwärts, nie zurück
Authors: Schildhauer Monika , Dube Henry
Published: November 2016

Damit sich Moleküle wie Motoren verhalten, dürfen sie sich nur in eine Richtung bewegen. Ob das funktioniert, hängt davon ab, ob in den Molekülen Asymmetrie vorliegt. Diese molekularen Motoren bewegen sich mit Frequenzen im Kilo‐ und Megahertzbereich; Licht gibt ihnen die Energie dafür.
Mehr Elfenbeinturm
Authors: Seidl Markus
Published: November 2016

Das Nützlichkeitsdenken hat sämtliche Lebensbereiche erfasst. Alles wird an seinem Zweck oder seinem Verwertungspotenzial gemessen. Wie geht es dabei der Grundlagenforschung? Besteht ihr Sinn allein in ihrem (sozio‐)ökonomischen Nutzen?
Chance der Verfahrenstechnik
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: November 2016

Mitarbeiter in der Produktions‐ und Fertigungstechnik der chemischen Industrie wollen mit Industrie 4.0 die Arbeit verändern.
Effects of canola and high‐oleic‐acid canola oils on abdominal fat mass in individuals with central obesity
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Kris‐Etherton Penny M. , West Sheila G. , Lamarche Benoît , Jenkins David J.A. , Fleming Jennifer A. , McCrea Cindy E. , Pu Shuaihua , Couture Patrick , Connelly Philip W. , Jones Peter J.H.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To determine the effect of diets low in saturated fatty acids and high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids on body composition in participants at risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

This study was a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding study. Participants (n = 101, ages 49.5 ± 1.2, BMI 29.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2) were randomized to five isocaloric diets containing treatment oils: Canola, CanolaOleic, CanolaDHA, Corn/Safflower, and Flax/Safflower. Each diet period was 4 weeks followed by a 2‐ to 4‐week washout period.

Results

Canola (3.1 kg, P = 0.026) and CanolaOleic oil diets (3.09 kg, P = 0.03) reduced android fat mass compared with the Flax/Saff oil diet (3.2 kg), particularly in men. The decrease in abdominal fat mass was correlated with the reduction in blood pressure after the Canola (systolic blood pressure: r = 0.26, P = 0.062; diastolic blood pressure: r = 0.38, P = 0.0049) and CanolaOleic oil diets (systolic blood pressure: r = 0.39 P = 0.004; diastolic blood pressure: r = 0.45, P = 0.0006). The decrease in abdominal fat mass also was associated with a reduction in triglyceride levels after the CanolaOleic oil diet (r = 0.42, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Diets high in MUFA (compared with PUFA) reduced central obesity with an accompanying improvement in MetS risk factors. Diets high in MUFA may be beneficial for treating and perhaps preventing MetS.
Does Body Mass Index Modify Memory, Reasoning, and Speed of Processing Training Effects in Older Adults
Authors: Clark Daniel O. , Xu Huiping , Callahan Christopher M. , Unverzagt Frederick W.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To describe 10‐year trajectories of cognitive performance by body mass index (BMI) class and to investigate BMI differences in response to memory, reasoning, and speed of processing training in older adults.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the multisite, randomized trial Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly. There were 701 older adults with normal weight, 1,081 with overweight, and 902 with obesity (mean age 73.6) randomized to memory training, reasoning training, speed of processing training, or no‐training control group. Participants completed memory, reasoning, and speed of processing tests. Baseline sociodemographic, health, and chronic disease measures were included as covariates in analyses.

Results

The 10‐year trajectories of memory, reasoning, or speed of processing performance did not differ by BMI status among the participants randomized to the untrained control arm. The training effect on the reasoning and speed of processing outcomes did not differ by BMI status. The training effect on the memory outcome in participants with a BMI indicating obesity, however, was just 38% of that observed in participants with normal‐weight BMI.

Conclusions

These analyses of data from the largest trial of cognitive training ever conducted suggest that older adults with obesity may be less responsive to memory training.
Hepatic Steatosis is Common in Adolescents with Obesity and PCOS and Relates to De Novo Lipogenesis but not Insulin Resistance
Authors: Cree‐Green Melanie , Bergman Bryan C. , Coe Gregory V. , Newnes Lindsey , Baumgartner Amy D. , Bacon Samantha , Sherzinger Ann , Pyle Laura , Nadeau Kristen J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Increased liver fat and type 2 diabetes are prevalent in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cause excess mortality, yet little is known about their development during adolescence. The objective of this study was to measure hepatic steatosis and related metabolic contributors in girls with obesity, with and without PCOS.

Methods

Nondiabetic adolescents with obesity, 41 with PCOS (PCOS; age 15.0 [13.0‐16.0] years, BMI 35.2 ± 0.61 kg/m2) and 30 without PCOS (OB; age 14.5 [13.0‐17.0], BMI 33.2 ± 1.8), were studied. Visceral and liver fat were assessed with MRI. Serum measures included androgens and 16:1 and 18:1 N7 fatty acids specific to de novo lipogenesis. Adipose, hepatic, and peripheral insulin sensitivity (IS) were assessed with a four‐phase hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp with isotope tracers.

Results

Forty‐nine percent of the PCOS group had hepatic steatosis versus fourteen percent of the OB group (P = 0.02), and the PCOS group had higher N7 (43 ± 4 vs. 29 ± 5 nmol/g; P = 0.02). Peripheral IS was lower in PCOS (9.4 [7.2‐12.3] vs. 14.5 [13.1‐18.05 mg/lean kg/min]; P < 0.001) as was hepatic (P = 0.006) and adipose IS (P = 0.005). Percent liver fat correlated with N7 (R = 0.46, P = 0.02) and visceral fat (R = 0.42, P < 0.001), not androgens or peripheral IS.

Conclusions

Nearly 50% of nondiabetic girls with PCOS and obesity have hepatic steatosis, which relates to visceral fat and lipogenesis, but not to IS or androgens.
How Strongly Does Appetite Counter Weight Loss? Quantification of the Feedback Control of Human Energy Intake
Authors: Polidori David , Sanghvi Arjun , Seeley Randy J. , Hall Kevin D.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To quantify the feedback control of energy intake in response to long‐term covert manipulation of energy balance in free‐living humans.

Methods

A validated mathematical method was used to calculate energy intake changes during a 52‐week placebo‐controlled trial in 153 patients treated with canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter inhibitor that increases urinary glucose excretion, thereby resulting in weight loss without patients being directly aware of the energy deficit. The relationship between the body weight time course and the calculated energy intake changes was analyzed using principles from engineering control theory.

Results

It was discovered that weight loss leads to a proportional increase in appetite resulting in eating above baseline by ∼100 kcal/day per kilogram of lost weight—an amount more than threefold larger than the corresponding energy expenditure adaptations.

Conclusions

While energy expenditure adaptations have often been considered the main reason for slowing of weight loss and subsequent regain, feedback control of energy intake plays an even larger role and helps explain why long‐term maintenance of a reduced body weight is so difficult.
3D Printers for the Fabrication of Micro‐Optical Elements
Authors: Niesler Fabian , Tanguy Yann
Published: November 2016

3D printing enables faster innovation speeds in various scientific and industrial application fields. Only recently, researchers and developers have started to take advantage of additive manufacturing for the production of functional optics where users benefit from fast and flexible design iterations as well as freedom of design. For the fabrication of miniaturized optical systems, however, most of the 3D printing technologies available in the market today do not provide the resolution and precision needed to complement established micro‐optics manufacturing technologies.
Acute myeloid leukemia therapy elicits durable complete response in chemoradio‐resistant metastatic paraganglioma
Authors: Sait Sameer , Kobos Rachel , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Pandit‐Taskar Neeta , Modak Shakeel
Published: November 2016

Few effective therapeutic options exist for patients with metastatic paraganglioma (PGL). We report the case of a 16‐year‐old male who developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 30 months following the treatment for metastatic PGL. PGL had been refractory to 131I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine and temozolomide therapy. However, there was a major reduction in primary tumor allowing its gross total resection, and complete resolution of metastatic disease following AML‐directed therapy that included daunorubicin, cytarabine, and etoposide. He remains in remission for both AML and PGL, 48 months post AML chemotherapy. Alternative chemotherapeutic agents should be considered for metastatic PGL resistant to conventional therapy.
Development and validation of case‐finding algorithms for the identification of patients with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis in large healthcare administrative databases
Authors: Sreih Antoine G. , Annapureddy Narender , Springer Jason , Casey George , Byram Kevin , Cruz Andy , Estephan Maya , Frangiosa Vince , George Michael D. , Liu Mei , Parker Adam , Sangani Sapna , Sharim Rebecca , Merkel Peter A. ,   for the Vasculitis Patient‐Powered Research Network
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate case‐finding algorithms for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's, GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic GPA (Churg–Strauss, EGPA).

Methods

Two hundred fifty patients per disease were randomly selected from two large healthcare systems using the International Classification of Diseases version 9 (ICD9) codes for GPA/EGPA (446.4) and MPA (446.0). Sixteen case‐finding algorithms were constructed using a combination of ICD9 code, encounter type (inpatient or outpatient), physician specialty, use of immunosuppressive medications, and the anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody type. Algorithms with the highest average positive predictive value (PPV) were validated in a third healthcare system.

Results

An algorithm excluding patients with eosinophilia or asthma and including the encounter type and physician specialty had the highest PPV for GPA (92.4%). An algorithm including patients with eosinophilia and asthma and the physician specialty had the highest PPV for EGPA (100%). An algorithm including patients with one of the diagnoses (alveolar hemorrhage, interstitial lung disease, glomerulonephritis, and acute or chronic kidney disease), encounter type, physician specialty, and immunosuppressive medications had the highest PPV for MPA (76.2%). When validated in a third healthcare system, these algorithms had high PPV (85.9% for GPA, 85.7% for EGPA, and 61.5% for MPA). Adding the anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody type increased the PPV to 94.4%, 100%, and 81.2% for GPA, EGPA, and MPA, respectively.

Conclusion

Case‐finding algorithms accurately identify patients with GPA, EGPA, and MPA in administrative databases. These algorithms can be used to assemble population‐based cohorts and facilitate future research in epidemiology, drug safety, and comparative effectiveness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring safety in a phase III real‐world effectiveness trial: use of novel methodology in the Salford Lung Study
Authors: Collier Sue , Harvey Catherine , Brewster Jill , Bakerly Nawar Diar , Elkhenini Hanaa F. , Stanciu Roxana , Williams Claire , Brereton Jacqui , New John P. , McCrae John , McCorkindale Sheila , Leather David
Published: November 2016

Background

The Salford Lung Study (SLS) programme, encompassing two phase III pragmatic randomised controlled trials, was designed to generate evidence on the effectiveness of a once‐daily treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in routine primary care using electronic health records.

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe and discuss the safety monitoring methodology and the challenges associated with ensuring patient safety in the SLS. Refinements to safety monitoring processes and infrastructure are also discussed. The study results are outside the remit of this paper. The results of the COPD study were published recently and a more in‐depth exploration of the safety results will be the subject of future publications.

Achievements

The SLS used a linked database system to capture relevant data from primary care practices in Salford and South Manchester, two university hospitals and other national databases. Patient data were collated and analysed to create daily summaries that were used to alert a specialist safety team to potential safety events. Clinical research teams at participating general practitioner sites and pharmacies also captured safety events during routine consultations. Confidence in the safety monitoring processes over time allowed the methodology to be refined and streamlined without compromising patient safety or the timely collection of data. The information technology infrastructure also allowed additional details of safety information to be collected.

Conclusion

Integration of multiple data sources in the SLS may provide more comprehensive safety information than usually collected in standard randomised controlled trials. Application of the principles of safety monitoring methodology from the SLS could facilitate safety monitoring processes for future pragmatic randomised controlled trials and yield important complementary safety and effectiveness data. © 2016 The Authors Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Lichtfelder in Raum und Zeit
Authors: Baum Peter
Published: November 2016

Oszillierende elektromagnetische Felder sind die Grundlage jeglicher Elektronik und aller Licht‐Materie‐Wechselwirkung. Die entscheidenden Prozesse spielen sich dabei oft in Zeiten ab, die kürzer als eine Schwingungsperiode des Lichts sind. Ein an der LMU München entwickeltes Elektronenmikroskop mit extrem kurzen Impulsen kann nun die kleinsten und schnellsten elektrodynamischen Prozesse in Raum und Zeit direkt sichtbar machen.
Periodates as Potential Replacements for Perchlorates in Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Brusnahan Jason S. , Shaw Anthony P. , Moretti Jared D. , Eck William S.
Published: November 2016

The periodate salts NaIO4 and KIO4 are critically evaluated as potential replacements for KClO4 in pyrotechnic compositions. Key differences between the physical and chemical properties of the periodate and perchlorate oxidizers are presented. The thermochemical characteristics of binary flash/incendiary compositions containing Al, MgAl, or Mg as the fuel and periodate or perchlorate salts as oxidizers were studied using the FactSage 6.4 software package. The computational results are compared to existing experimental data. The tendency of NaIO4 to form gaseous Na, an emitter of yellow light, in such reactions promotes high luminous efficiencies. Due to a lack of literature addressing the stability and aging characteristics of periodate‐containing formulations, it is recommended that further research should be undertaken to evaluate potential chemical incompatibilities. Other concerns, including the availability and toxicological properties of the periodates, are also discussed.
Sulfur in oleylamine as a powerful and versatile etchant for oxide, sulfide, and metal colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Yuan Bin , Tian Xinchun , Shaw Santosh , Petersen Reese E. , Cademartiri Ludovico
Published: November 2016

Understanding of crystal growth is essential to the design of materials with improved properties. Unfortunately, still very little is understood about the basic growth mechanisms of nanostructures, even in the most established colloidal synthetic routes. Etching is one of the most important mechanisms to consider during particle growth, but it is rarely considered in the syntheses of oxide or chalcogenide nanostructures. Here, we report that the most common precursor for the synthesis of sulfide nanostructures – the mixture of sulfur and oleylamine – acts as a very powerful etchant for oxide, chalcogenide, and metal nanostructures. Specifically, we discuss its effect on several nanoparticle compositions (PbS, Cu2S, Fe3O4, and Au) and compare it to control conditions in which only oleylamine is present. Our experiments suggest that the etching results from the evolution of H2S from the sulfur–oleylamine precursor. We predict that the simultaneous role of this precursor as both etchant and ligand stabilizer will make it a useful tool for the chemical post‐processing (e.g., size reduction, focusing of size distributions, faceting) of nanocrystal dispersions.
Strained germanium for applications in spintronics
Authors: Morrison Christopher , Myronov Maksym
Published: November 2016

Germanium (Ge) is another group‐IV semiconductor material, which recently started attracting tremendous attention in spintronics following success of silicon (Si). The crystal inversion symmetry of Si and Ge precludes the spin relaxation of conduction electrons by the Dyakonov–Perel mechanism, resulting in a long spin relaxation time. Since the proposal of the spin FET in 1990 by Datta and Das, semiconductor materials have been studied for their spin–orbit (S–O) interactions, particularly those that can be modified by an applied electric field, such as the Rashba S–O interaction, in order to create devices that utilise spin modulation and control to perform logic operations. Since then new proposals have appeared. Nowadays they include spin transistors with several different operating principles, spin‐based diodes, spin‐based field programmable gate arrays, dynamic spin‐logic circuits, spin‐only logic, spin communication and others. In this review, the focus will be made on presenting recent progress in Ge spintronics including the key advances made. The absence of Dresselhaus S–O coupling in Ge enables a longer spin diffusion length when compared to III–V semiconductor materials. Evidence of a strong Rashba S–O interaction in strained Ge quantum wells has begun to emerge. Also, the first experimental demonstration of room‐temperature spin transport in Ge has recently been reported.