bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 3‐Selenylindoles under Eco­friendly Conditions
Authors: Ferreira Natasha L. , Azeredo Juliano B. , Fiorentin Breno L. , Braga Antonio L.
Published: July 2015

The preparation of biologically relevant 3‐selenylindoles by a greener protocol by using a catalytic amount of K2CO3 and ethanol as a biosolvent in a system open to air was explored. Through this easy approach, 3‐selenylindoles with different functionalities were obtained in good yields by a radical pathway.
Synthesis of Pyrimidine‐Fused Benzazepines from 5‐Allyl‐4,6‐dichloropyrimidines
Authors: Acosta‐Quintero Lina M. , Jurado Jorge , Nogueras Manuel , Palma Alirio , Cobo Justo
Published: July 2015

A detailed examination of the synthesis of functionalized 6,11‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[b]pyrimido[5,4‐f]azepines 4 is described. Base‐promoted aromatic nucleophilic substitution of 5‐allyl‐4,6‐dichloropyrimidines 1a–c with different N‐substituted anilines and indoline gave the corresponding aminolysis products 3a–p, which on acid‐promoted intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclization produced the target polysubstituted 6,11‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[b]pyrimido[5,4‐f]azepines 4a–p in moderate to very high yields.
Amperometric Lactate Biosensor Based on Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Benzo[c]cinnoline and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Çelik Ali Cihan , Öztürk Funda , Erden Pınar Esra , Kaçar Ceren , Kılıç Esma
Published: July 2015

Amperometric lactate biosensor based on a carbon paste electrode modified with benzo[c]cinnoline and multiwalled carbon nanotubes is reported. Incorporation of benzo[c]cinnoline acting as a mediator and multiwalled carbon nanotubes providing a conduction pathway to accelerate electron transfer due to their excellent conductivity into carbon paste matrix resulted in a high performance lactate biosensor. The resulting biosensor exhibited a fast response, high selectivity, good repeatability and storage stability. Under the optimal conditions, the enzyme electrode showed the detection limit of 7.0×10−8 M with a linear range of 2.0×10−7 M–1.1×10−4 M. The usefulness of the biosensor was demonstrated in serum samples.
Development of functionalized heterogeneous catalyst from Ceiba pentandra stalk for biodiesel production using Sterculia foetida seed oil
Authors: Karuppiah Subramanian Parthiban , Muthiah Perumalsamy
Published: July 2015

An attempt is made to develop a new carbon‐based solid acid catalyst, processed through sulfonation of carbonized Ceiba pentandra stalks. C. pentandra catalyzes Sterculia foetida oil through esterification and transesterification simultaneously. Physical and chemical characteristics of this novel catalyst had been analyzed by a range of strategies like Scanning Electron Microscope, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. During the optimization study, an optimal yield of 97 wt % was obtained using 18:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 3.5 wt % catalyst concentration and reaction temperature of 498 K. The fuel properties of the produced biodiesel were evaluated and compared with ASTM D6751 biodiesel standard. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 308–314, 2016
Process Features in Writing: Internal Structure and Incremental Value Over Product Features
Authors: Zhang Mo , Deane Paul
Published: July 2015

In educational measurement contexts, essays have been evaluated and formative feedback has been given based on the end product. In this study, we used a large sample collected from middle school students in the United States to investigate the factor structure of the writing process features gathered from keystroke logs and the association of that latent structure with the quality of the final product (i.e., the essay text). The extent to which those process factors had incremental value over product features was also examined. We extracted 29 process features using the keystroke logging engine developed at Educational Testing Service (ETS). We identified 4 factors that represent the extent of writing fluency, local word‐level editing, phrasal/chunk‐level editing, and planning and deliberation during writing. We found that 2 of the 4 factors—writing fluency, and planning and deliberation—significantly related to the quality of the final text, whereas the 4 factors altogether accounted for limited variance in human scores. In 1 of the 2 samples studied, the keystroke‐logging fluency factor added incrementally, but only marginally, to the prediction of human ratings of text‐production skills beyond product features. The limited power of the writing process features for predicting human scores and the lack of clear additional predictive value over product features are not surprising given that the human raters have no knowledge of the writing process leading to the final text and that the product features measure the basic text quality specified in the human scoring rubric. Study limitations and recommendation for future research are also provided.
Analysis of the sesquiterpene fraction of citrus essential oils by using the off‐line combination of high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography‐based methods: a comparative study
Authors: Zoccali Mariosimone , Bonaccorsi Ivana L. , Tranchida Peter Q. , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi , Dugo Giovanni
Published: July 2015

The present investigation is based on the off‐line combination of high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with different high‐resolution gas chromatography (GC) methods (LC//GC), for the analysis of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (SH) fraction of various Citrus essential oils. Attention was directed to such constituents because the SH profile is often highly specific and can vary considerably between different Citrus oil‐types. The (normal phase) HPLC step was exploited for the separation of the hydrocarbons, from the oxygenated compounds, hence generating a simplified sub‐sample. After, the hydrocarbon fraction was concentrated and subjected to analysis, using conventional GC‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (qMS) and GC‐flame ionization detection (FID), comprehensive two‐dimensional GC‐qMS and comprehensive two‐dimensional GC‐FID, and cold‐injection GC‐qMS. The latter approach was exploited to avoid and evaluate solute rearrangements occurring under hot‐injection conditions. The data derived from each approach were compared, to evaluate each analytical approach. Apart from the comparative scopes, an overall highly‐detailed view (both qualitative and quantitative) was attained on the SH fraction of each essential oil, with many constituents reported here for the first time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smart Grid Apps Must Work Together to Work at All
Authors: Collier Steven E.
Published: July 2015

The electricity grid and the electric utility business in the United States are undergoing revolutionary change.
Biomechanics and Kinematic Responses of the Upper Extremity during Isotonic and Isokinetic Wrench‐Turning Tasks
Authors: Wiyor Hanniebey , Akyeampong Joseph , Jiang Zongliang
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using a wrench under isotonic (constant torque) and isokinetic (constant speed) task modes (TM) at three work surface inclinations (WSI) (0°, 45°, and 90°) on the biomechanical (muscle activity) and kinematic (joint posture) responses of the upper extremity. The muscle activity of seven muscles (trapezius posterior deltoid, anterior deltoid, triceps, biceps, brachioradialis, and flexor digitorium) and posture of four body segments (shoulder adduction/abduction, elbow flexion/extension, forearm supination/pronation and wrist flexion/extension) were obtained using surface electromyography and motion tracking, respectively. WSI showed a statistically significant effect on the muscle activity of the posterior deltoid (p = .038), triceps (p = .016), and biceps (p = .021). The least muscle activity was recorded at the 0° WSI in the isotonic TM. WSI had a significant impact on the supination (p = .017) and pronation (p = .011) of the forearm. The 45° WSI had the least impact on forearm postures. Wrenches are widely used in industries, including automobile service and maintenance, manufacturing, carpentry, and general repair work. Their usage poses risks for the development of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity. In spite of this, knowledge of their physical demands and associated impact on the upper extremity has not been well documented. This study provides empirical evidence on the biomechanical and kinematic responses of selected upper extremity muscles and limb segments and highlights task performance and workstation design factors that elicit undue levels of these responses. The results of this work can provide guidance for ergonomic interventions such as optimized task design and/or improved workstation design when it comes to wrench‐turning tasks.
Understanding and Improving Teamwork in Organizations: A Scientifically Based Practical Guide
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Shuffler Marissa L. , Thayer Amanda L. , Bedwell Wendy L. , Lazzara Elizabeth H.
Published: July 2015

Teams are pervasive in today's world, and rightfully so as we need them. Drawing upon the existing extensive body of research surrounding the topic of teamwork, we delineate nine “critical considerations” that serve as a practical heuristic by which HR leaders can determine what is needed when they face situations involving teamwork. Our heuristic is not intended to be the definitive set of all considerations for teamwork, but instead consolidates key findings from a vast literature to provide an integrated understanding of the underpinnings of teamwork—specifically, what should be considered when selecting, developing, and maintaining teams. This heuristic is designed to help those in practice diagnose team‐based problems by providing a clear focus on relevant aspects of teamwork. To this end, we first define teamwork and its related elements. Second, we offer a high‐level conceptualization of and justification for the nine selected considerations underlying the heuristic, which is followed by a more in‐depth synthesis of related literature as well as empirically‐driven practical guidance. Third, we conclude with a discussion regarding how this heuristic may best be used from a practical standpoint, as well as offer areas for future research regarding both teamwork and its critical considerations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibody promiscuity: Understanding the paradigm shift in antigen recognition
Authors: Kaur Harmeet , Salunke Dinakar M.
Published: July 2015

Affinity maturation is associated with reduced malleability of the paratope that optimizes an antibody to bind to the bonafide antigen with high specificity and affinity. However, it has been illustrated that mature antibodies tend to exhibit promiscuity despite acquisition of a relatively rigid binding pocket. Such an attribute is contrary to the established paradigm of specificity in antigen recognition. In this review, an explicit dissection of the underlying mechanisms fostering such versatility in mature antibodies has been done. Polyspecificity is essentially achieved by undergoing minimal structural rearrangement at the paratope complemented with plasticity in interaction with antigen. Besides, the structural invariance of the antigen across species could modulate mature antibody specificity. Polyreactivity has been well documented for germline antibodies as broad spectrum antibody repertoire amplification is primarily governed by recombination event of the genetic machinery, which is further expanded at the structural and functional level of interaction. Degenerate specificity in antigen recognition obviates the need to produce distinct antibody for every incoming epitope © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):498–505, 2015
Post‐translational modifications in regulation of pathogen surveillance and signaling in plants: The inside‐ (and perturbations from) outside story
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saikat , Noor Jewel Jameeta , Gohain Bornali , Gulabani Hitika , Dnyaneshwar Ingole Kishor , Singla Ankit
Published: July 2015

In its lifetime a plant is exposed to pathogens of diverse types. Although methods of surveillance are broadly pathogen‐individualized, immune signaling ultimately connect to common core networks maintained by key protein hubs. Defense elicitations modulate these hubs to re‐allocate energy from central metabolic pathway into processes that execute immunity. Because unregulated defenses severely decrease growth and productivity of the host, signaling regulators within the networks function to achieve cellular equilibrium once the threat is minimized. Protein modifications by post‐translational processes regulate the molecular switches and crosstalks between interconnected pathways spatially and temporally. Covalent modification of host targets connected to hubs are strategies used by most virulent effectors and result in re‐routing signals to suppress host defenses. Resistance is a result of activation of specialized classes of receptors that short‐circuit effector activities by co‐localizing via post‐translational modifications (PTMs) with effector targets. Despite advancement in proteome methodologies, our understanding of how PTMs regulate plant defenses remains elusive. This review presents protein‐modifications as forefront regulators of plant innate immunity. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):524–532, 2015
Exponent of Cross‐Sectional Dependence: Estimation and Inference
Authors: Bailey Natalia , Kapetanios George , Pesaran M. Hashem
Published: July 2015

This paper provides a characterisation of the degree of cross‐sectional dependence in a two dimensional array, {xit,i = 1,2,...N;t = 1,2,...,T} in terms of the rate at which the variance of the cross‐sectional average of the observed data varies with N. Under certain conditions this is equivalent to the rate at which the largest eigenvalue of the covariance matrix of xt=(x1t,x2t,...,xNt)′ rises with N. We represent the degree of cross‐sectional dependence by α, which we refer to as the ‘exponent of cross‐sectional dependence’, and define it by the standard deviation,
, where
is a simple cross‐sectional average of xit. We propose bias corrected estimators, derive their asymptotic properties for α > 1/2 and consider a number of extensions. We include a detailed Monte Carlo simulation study supporting the theoretical results. We also provide a number of empirical applications investigating the degree of inter‐linkages of real and financial variables in the global economy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of piragliatin, a glucokinase activator, on fasting and postprandial plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhi Jianguo , Zhai Suoping
Published: July 2015

To assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of piragliatin, a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multiple‐ascending‐doses study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Fifty‐nine T2D patients were given piragliatin or placebo in a dose‐escalation design as a single dose on day 1 followed by multiple doses on days 3 through 8 at doses of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg twice a day (BID) as well as 200 mg every day (QD). Blood and urine samples were collected for PK analysis. PD assessments included plasma glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon, and GLP‐1. Piragliatin exposure was dose proportional without appreciable accumulation or food effect. Piragliatin treatment at steady state yielded dose‐dependent reductions up to 32.5% and 35.5% for the highest dose in fasting and postprandial plasma glucose. Piragliatin was well tolerated. Mild or moderate hypoglycemia with rapid recovery after sugar‐containing drinks or scheduled meals was the only dose‐limiting adverse event. It is concluded that multiple doses of piragliatin consistently showed rapid, dose‐dependent glucose reduction of fasting and postprandial plasma glucose in T2D patients.
A phase‐1, open‐label, single‐dose study of the pharmacokinetics of buparlisib in subjects with mild to severe hepatic impairment
Authors: Csonka Denes , Hazell Katharine , Waldron Edward , Lorenzo Sebastien , Duval Vincent , Trandafir Lucia , Kobalava Zhanna D.
Published: July 2015

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of single‐dose buparlisib (30 mg) were assessed in subjects with mild to severe hepatic impairment (n = 6 each) relative to healthy controls (n = 13). Blood samples were collected until 336 hours postdose and evaluated by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters (including area under the curve [AUC∞] and Cmax) were derived using noncompartmental analysis. Buparlisib was rapidly absorbed in all groups (median Tmax 1.0–1.3 h). Buparlisib exposure (AUC∞) was moderately increased in subjects with mild (geometric mean ratio [GMR] 1.16; 90%CI 0.81, 1.65), moderate (GMR 1.14; 90%CI 0.80, 1.63), or severe (GMR 1.20; 90%CI 0.84, 1.72) hepatic impairment, relative to healthy controls. Apparent oral clearance was similar across groups. Due to a higher unbound fraction in the severe group (0.21) than all other groups (0.17), subjects with severe hepatic impairment had greater exposure to unbound buparlisib (GMR relative to healthy controls: AUC∞ 1.52; 90%CI 1.09, 2.13; Cmax 1.83; 90%CI 1.42, 2.36). The results indicate that a buparlisib dose adjustment may not be necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. The safety and therapeutic indices should be considered before determining if a dose adjustment is appropriate for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Salting‐out effect of potassium pyrophosphate (K4P2O7) on the separation of biobutanol from an aqueous solution
Authors: Xie Shaoqu , Yi Conghua , Qiu Xueqing
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Recovering biobutanol is expensive because of the large amount of water in the fermentation broth. In this work, potassium pyrophosphate trihydrate (K4P2O7·3H2O), saturated K4P2O7 solution at 298.15 K, and saturated K4P2O7 solution at 333.15 K were used to separate acetone, 1‐butanol, and ethanol (ABE) from an aqueous solution. The salting‐out of ABE resulted in the formation of an organic solvent‐rich phase and an aqueous phase.

RESULTS

The aqueous solution consisted of 26 wt% 1‐butanol, 10 wt% acetone, 4 wt% ethanol, and 60 wt% water. The water content of the organic phase was heavily dependent on the salt concentration and it was 5.21 wt% under K4P2O7‐saturated condition at 298.15 K. More than 99.5% ABE from the aqueous solution was recovered at the salting‐out factor (volume ratio of a K4P2O7 solution to the aqueous solution) of 1.0.

CONCLUSION

The water content of the organic phase could be predicted by the initial K4P2O7 concentration. The water content of the organic phase and the mass fraction of K4P2O7 in the aqueous phase were correlated satisfactorily by a new linear equation. More than 96% of the water from the aqueous solution was removed by the salting‐out method. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Quartic Graphs with Every Edge in a Triangle
Authors: Pfender Florian , Royle Gordon F.
Published: July 2015

We characterize the quartic (i.e., 4‐regular) multigraphs with the property that every edge lies in a triangle. The main result is that such graphs are either squares of cycles, line multigraphs of cubic multigraphs, or are obtained from these by a number of simple subgraph‐replacement operations. A corollary of this is that a simple quartic graph with every edge in a triangle is either the square of a cycle, the line graph of a cubic graph or a graph obtained from the line multigraph of a cubic multigraph by replacing triangles with copies of K1, 1, 3.
“No Bourgeoisie, No Democracy”? The Political Attitudes of the Kenyan Middle Class
Authors: Cheeseman Nic
Published: July 2015

Barrington Moore's famous line ‘no bourgeoisie, no democracy’ is one of the most quoted claims in political science. But has the rise of the African middle class promoted democratic consolidation? This paper uses the case of Kenya to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of the middle class. Analysis of Afrobarometer survey data reveals that the middle class is more likely to hold pro‐democratic attitudes. This suggests that Moore's argument deserves to be taken seriously, at least in some African countries, and that contemporary demographic changes will improve the prospects for democratic consolidation. However, qualitative evidence from the Kenyan 2013 general election raises important questions about the resilience of these attitudes. The middle class may be more inclined to democratic attitudes than their less well‐off counterparts, but class continues to intersect with ethnicity, and its political salience is likely to wax and wane as a result. © 2015 The Authors.Journal of International Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deimination level and peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 expression are elevated in astrocytes with increased incubation temperature
Authors: Enriquez‐Algeciras Mabel , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K. , Serra Horacio M.
Published: July 2015

Astrocytes respond to environmental cues, including changes in temperatures. Increased deimination, observed in many progressive neurological diseases, is thought to be contributed by astrocytes. We determined the level of deimination and expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) in isolated primary astrocytes in response to changes on either side (31°C and 41°C) of the optimal temperature (37°C). We investigated changes in the astrocytes by using a number of established markers and accounted for cell death with the CellTiter‐Blue assay. We found increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ALDH1L1, and J1‐31, resulting from increased incubation temperature and increased expression of TSP1, S100β, and AQP4, resulting from decreased incubation temperature vs. optimal temperature, suggesting activation of different biochemical pathways in astrocytes associated with different incubation temperatures. Mass spectrometric analyses support such trends. The PAD2 level was increased only as a result of increased incubation temperature with a commensurate increased level of deimination. Actin cytoskeleton and iso[4]LGE, a lipid peroxidase modification, also showed an increase with higher incubation temperature. Altogether, these results suggest that temperature, as an environmental cue, activates astrocytes in a different manner on either side of the optimal temperature and that increase in deimination is associated only with the higher temperature side of the spectrum. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of lubricant and autologous bone marrow stromal cell augmentation on immobilized flexor tendon repairs
Authors: Zhao Chunfeng , Ozasa Yasuhiro , Shimura Haruhiko , Reisdorf Ramona L. , Thoreson Andrew R. , Jay Gregory , Moran Steven L. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of the study was to test a novel treatment that carbodiimide‐derivatized‐hyaluronic acid‐lubricin (cd‐HA‐lubricin) combined cell‐based therapy in an immobilized flexor tendon repair in a canine model. Seventy‐eight flexor tendons from 39 dogs were transected. One tendon was treated with cd‐HA‐lubricin plus an interpositional graft of 8 × 105 BMSCs and GDF‐5. The other tendon was repaired without treatment. After 21 day of immobilization, 19 dogs were sacrificed; the remaining 20 dogs underwent a 21‐day rehabilitation protocol before euthanasia. The work of flexion, tendon gliding resistance, and adhesion score in treated tendons were significantly less than the untreated tendons (p < 0.05). The failure strength of the untreated tendons was higher than the treated tendons at 21 and 42 days (p < 0.05). However, there is no significant difference in stiffness between two groups at day 42. Histologic analysis of treated tendons showed a smooth surface and viable transplanted cells 42 days after the repair, whereas untreated tendons showed severe adhesion formation around the repair site. The combination of lubricant and cell treatment resulted in significantly improved digit function, reduced adhesion formation. This novel treatment can address the unmet needs of patients who are unable to commence an early mobilization protocol after flexor tendon repair. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:154–160, 2016.
Strategic Defence Review 1998: Politics, Power, and Influence in Government Decisions
Authors: Grattan Robert , O'Regan Nicholas , Parry Glenn
Published: July 2015

Politics, power, and influence impact upon strategy, where the intention to produce a foreign policy‐based strategic defence review was forgone during last‐minute adjustments and compromises over money.
Technological Alliances and Innovative Performance in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
Authors: Satta Giovanni , Esposito De Falco Salvatore , Penco Lara , Parola Francesco
Published: July 2015

Technological alliances, giving access to information and know‐how held by partners, foster and boost a firm's innovative performance in high‐tech industries.
Measuring Outsourcing Efficacy: An Examination of Performance in the Aerospace Sector
Authors: Davies Laura , White Gareth R.T. , Plant Eoin , Lee Chris
Published: July 2015

On‐site outsourcing can be an effective strategy for organizations but operational performance may be temporarily hindered and recovery from this can take many months.
Prediction of response factors for gas chromatography with flame ionization detection: Algorithm improvement, extension to silylated compounds, and application to the quantification of metabolites
Authors: de Saint Laumer Jean‐Yves , Leocata Sabine , Tissot Emeline , Baroux Lucie , Kampf David M. , Merle Philippe , Boschung Alain , Seyfried Markus , Chaintreau Alain
Published: July 2015

We previously showed that the relative response factors of volatile compounds were predictable from either combustion enthalpies or their molecular formulae only . We now extend this prediction to silylated derivatives by adding an increment in the ab initio calculation of combustion enthalpies. The accuracy of the experimental relative response factors database was also improved and its population increased to 490 values. In particular, more brominated compounds were measured, and their prediction accuracy was improved by adding a correction factor in the algorithm. The correlation coefficient between predicted and measured values increased from 0.936 to 0.972, leading to a mean prediction accuracy of ± 6%. Thus, 93% of the relative response factors values were predicted with an accuracy of better than ± 10%. The capabilities of the extended algorithm are exemplified by (i) the quick and accurate quantification of hydroxylated metabolites resulting from a biodegradation test after silylation and prediction of their relative response factors, without having the reference substances available; and (ii) the rapid purity determinations of volatile compounds. This study confirms that Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and using predicted relative response factors is one of the few techniques that enables quantification of volatile compounds without calibrating the instrument with the pure reference substance.
KCl‐induced high temperature corrosion of selected commercial alloys
Authors: Kiamehr S. , Dahl K. V. , Montgomery M. , Somers M. A. J.
Published: July 2015

Laboratory testing on selected alumina and silica‐forming alloys was performed to evaluate their performance against high temperature corrosion induced by potassium chloride (KCl). The alloys studied were FeCrAlY, Kanthal APM, Nimonic 80A, 214, 153MA and HR160. Exposure was conducted at 600 °C for 168 h in flowing N2(g)+5%O2(g)+15%H2O(g) (vol.%) with samples covered under KCl powder. A KCl‐free exposure was also performed for comparison. Corrosion morphology and products were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). It was observed that alloying with aluminum did not lead to the formation of protective alumina for the studied alloys. The silicon containing stainless steel 153MA showed an analogous performance to low‐silicon austenitic stainless steels of similar chromium and nickel contents. For alloy HR160, a potassium‐chromium‐silicon‐oxygen containing layer forms as the innermost corrosion product. The layer was uniformly distributed over the surface and appears to render some protection as this alloy exhibited the best performance among the investigated alloys. To reveal further aspects of the corrosion mechanism, Nimonic 80A was exposed in static laboratory air for the same duration and temperature with either KCl or K2CO3 deposits. Comparison of results obtained with these experiments showed that both potassium and chlorine can play a role in material degradation by KCl.
Geometric solution strategy of Laplace problems with free boundary
Authors: Poutala Arto , Tarhasaari Timo , Kettunen Lauri
Published: July 2015

This paper introduces a geometric solution strategy for Laplace problems. Our main interest and emphasis is on efficient solution of the inverse problem with a boundary with Cauchy condition and with a free boundary. This type of problem is known to be sensitive to small errors. We start from the standard Laplace problem and establish the geometric solution strategy on the idea of deforming equipotential layers continuously along the field lines from one layer to another. This results in exploiting ordinary differential equations to solve any boundary value problem that belongs to the class of Laplace's problem. Interpretation in terms of a geometric flow will provide us with stability considerations. The approach is demonstrated with several examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymericaly modified clays to preparation of polystyrene nanocomposite by nitroxide mediated radical polymerization and solution blending methods
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Pakzad Mousa , Amirmanesh Mitra
Published: July 2015

Polymericaly modified clays that contain an oligomeric poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethyl styrene) ammonium salt have been prepared and used to preparation of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites. First, PS and poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethyl styrene) [P(St‐co‐CMSt)] were synthesized by nitroxide mediated living free radical polymerization (NMRP) by TEMPO iniferter .Then the copolymer was coupled with N, N‐dimethyl hexadecyl amine to prepare polymeric modifier by anion exchange of chlorine group of chloromethyl styrene (CMSt) by quaternary amine. The synthesized polymeric modifier was mixed with nanoparticle of silica to change the property of clay surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic via cation exchange of Na+ with alkylammonium ions. For synthesizing of nanocomposites, we used polymericaly modified montmorillonite and PS that was synthesized by NMRP technique. Intercalated nanocomposites and in some cases, exfoliated or mixed intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites of all of these polymers have been produced by solution blending method. The prepared materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography techniques. Effect of layered silicates on thermal properties and glass transition temperature of PS was investigated using TGA and DSC techniques. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1127–1134, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interfacial effects on dielectric properties of polymethylmethacrylate‐titania microcomposites and nanocomposites
Authors: Javadi S. , Razzaghi‐Kashani M. , Reis P.N.B. , Balado A.A.
Published: July 2015

It is discussed that dielectric properties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites are influenced by the particle size of titania as a result of changes in the structure and dynamics of polymer chains in the interphase regions around the particles. It is hypothesized that a loosely packed interphase layer, resulted from high stiffness and high cohesion energy of PMMA chains, provides enough free volume for segmental chain movements and dipole orientation along the applied electric field and causes an increase in dielectric properties of nanocomposites at low filler contents. It is shown that the attraction of PMMA toward micro‐titania and nano‐titania is similar by measuring the surface energy of fillers. Dynamics of polymer chains around fillers is investigated by dynamic‐mechanical‐thermal analysis and broadband‐dielectric spectroscopy, and presence of a loosely packed layer is confirmed by measuring thermal and mechanical glass transition temperature of composites. It is concluded that the anomalous enhancement in dielectric properties of 2 vol% nanocomposite, compared to the corresponding microcomposite, can be attributed to the higher volume fraction of loosely packed interphase layers in the nanocomposite. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1158–1166, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer nanocomposites based on (un)modified sepiolite: Flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Bidsorkhi Hossein Cheraghi , Adelnia Hossein , Naderi Nafiseh , Moazeni Nima , Mohamad Zurina
Published: July 2015

Flame retardant ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending using unmodified and modified sepiolite. Modification process of sepiolite was carried out by using 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in water/ethanol medium. Thermal, mechanical, and flame retardancy properties of the prepared nanocomposites were evaluated and compared with each other. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicated that sepiolite fibers are well‐dispersed in EVA matrix. By the addition of (un)modified sepiolite, both flame retardancy and thermal stability characteristics first improved, and then deteriorated, indicating a direct relationship between these properties. It was also found that sepiolite protects carbonyl groups of EVA from further degradation. Most interestingly, a simultaneous increase in both ductility and toughness was observed in the prepared composites. Whatever the evaluated properties were, whether the mechanical, thermal, or flame retardancy, the improved properties were more remarkable when modified sepiolite was utilized. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1302–1310, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
UV‐reactive electrospinning of keratin/4‐vinyl benzene boronic acid–hydroxyapatite/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite nanofibers
Authors: Deniz Duygu Yüksel , Kahraman Memet Vezir , Kuruca Serap Erdem
Published: July 2015

Keratins are the major structural fibrous proteins of hair, feathers, wool, and nail. Because keratin is protein based, cheap, and biocompatible, it has found applications from tissue engineering to textile industry. Simultaneous UV‐reactive electrospinning technique is used to fabricate nanofiber scaffolds with 4‐vinyl benzene boronic acid–hydroxyapatite/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite containing different amounts of keratin. Human hair as keratin supports the scaffolds for cell culture applications in our study. Our aim was to obtain nanofiber scaffolds which were designed to be nontoxic. The structure and the morphology of electrospun membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. For the cell culture applications, endothelium (ECV 304) and sarcoma osteogenic (SAOS) cells were seeded on the electrospun fibrous scaffolds. Nanofiber scaffolds were found to have an average diameter of 350 ± 20 nm. These scaffolds provided a medium for cells to grow. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1371–1377, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of PEG plasticized PLA/G‐POSS nanocomposites
Authors: Kodal Mehmet , Sirin Humeyra , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: July 2015

In this study, the non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of epoxy functionalized poly(hedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) (G‐POSS) reinforced plasticized or unplasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was investigated. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as plasticizer at a constant content of 10% by weight. A micro‐compounder was used to prepare PLA/G‐POSS, PLA/PEG, and PLA/PEG/G‐POSS nanocomposites. G‐POSS content was varied as 1, 3, 7, and 10 wt%. Avrami, Ozawa, and combined Avrami‐Ozawa kinetic models were implemented to understand the non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of aforementioned nanocomposites. Moreover, the nucleation activity of G‐POSS particles was investigated in terms of Dobreva and Gutzow models. The data for kinetic analysis were obtained through differential scanning calorimeter. It was found that the crystallization rate of both plasticized and unplasticized PLA nanocomposites increased with the addition of G‐POSS. It was highlighted that G‐POSS is an effective nucleating agent for plasticized and unplasticized PLA nanocomposites. In parallel, these findings were in good agreement with activation energies obtained from Friedman model. In addition, all kinetic results were supported by polarized optical microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1378–1389, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Accuracy of Migration Distance Measures
Authors: Niedomysl Thomas , Ernstson Ulf , Fransson Urban
Published: July 2015

The spatial dimension in the definition of internal migration usually refers to the distance someone has to move to be regarded as a migrant. Lack of precise data on migration distances, however, has obliged migration researchers to use aggregate distance measures whose accuracy is largely unknown, raising potentially serious validity concerns for research. The aim of this paper is to examine the accuracy of standard aggregate measures of migration distance and to seek practical means for improving their validity. Employing uniquely detailed data where individual migration distances for an entire country's population have been measured with considerable accuracy, the paper compares variants of aggregate distance measures with the actual distance travelled by individual migrants. For the first time, the results shed empirical light on some of the weaknesses of aggregate migration distance measures and, more importantly, also point to their usefulness. The findings show that there is a significant potential to improve the accuracy of migration distance measures; practical suggestions for overcoming the difficulties of using aggregate distance measures are provided. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cobalt(III) Complexes of D‐Galactosylamine
Authors: Lindner Leonie , Klüfers Peter
Published: July 2015

The β‐pyranose isomer of D‐galactosylamine (1) formed complexes with three different cobalt(III) fragments. Crystals containing the dication [Co(tren)(β‐D‐Galp1N2H–1‐κ2N1,O2)]2+ (3) showed coordination through the anomeric amino group (N1) and the deprotonated hydroxy group (O2) of the 4C1 β‐pyranose form, which is also the major isomer of free galactosylamine. The cationic complexes [Co(fac‐dien)(β‐D‐Galp1N2H–1‐κ2N1,O2)]2+ (4) and [Co(phen)2(β‐D‐Galp1N2H–1‐κ2N1,O2)]2+ (5) were analysed by NMR spectroscopy and showed the same coordination mode as 3. In terms of available ligand isomers it was shown that 1 exhibits an anomeric equilibrium in solution of both pyranose and both furanose forms as is typical for the parent glycose, galactose.
Promoting faculty professionalism: a case-based approach
Authors: Dieter Patricia M. , Hudak Nicholas M. , Robinson Peggy R.
Published: July 2015

Introduction Professionalism is a key attribute for health professionals. Yet, it is unknown how much faculty development is directed toward skills and behaviours of faculty professionalism. Faculty professionalism includes boundaries in teacher-student relationships, self-reflection, assuring one’s own fitness for duty, and maintaining confidentiality when appropriate.

Methods For five years, we have incorporated faculty professionalism as a routine agenda item for the monthly Physician Assistant Programme faculty meetings, allowing faculty members to introduce issues they are comfortable sharing or have questions about. We also have case discussions of faculty professionalism within faculty meetings every three months.

Results Faculty professionalism is important in the daily work lives of faculty members and including this as part of routine agendas verifies its importance. A faculty survey showed that a majority look forward to the quarterly faculty professionalism case discussions. These have included attempted influence in the admissions process, student/faculty social boundaries, civic professionalism, students requesting medical advice, and self-disclosure.

Conclusion A preventive approach works better than a reactionary approach to faculty missteps in professionalism. Routine discussion of faculty professionalism normalizes the topic and is helpful to both new and experienced faculty members. We recommend incorporation of faculty professionalism as a regular agenda item in faculty meetings.
FISH is not Suitable as a Standalone Test for Detecting Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities
Authors: Lall Meena , Mahajan Surbhi , Saviour Pushpa , Paliwal Preeti , Joshi Anju , Setia Nitika , Verma Ishwar C.
Published: July 2015

Karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detect fetal chromosome abnormalities. The choice between karyotyping and FISH is still debatable. In a developing country, parents face an emotional and economic constraint of a prenatal test. Therefore, the results of karyotyping and FISH were analyzed to determine the percentage of clinically abnormal fetuses which would be missed by using standalone FISH. Amniotic fluid samples from 9033 high-risk pregnancies were subjected to karyotyping and FISH for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. Karyotype and FISH were normal in 8680 (96.1 %) of these samples and 353 (3.9 %) had abnormal karyotypes: 285 (3.2 %) were aneuploidies, also detected by FISH and 68 (0.7 %) were structural chromosomal aberrations not detected by FISH. Out of these 68 structural aberrations, 40 (0.4 %) were balanced rearrangements with no apparent clinical significance and 28 (0.3 %) were unbalanced rearrangements with potential clinical significance. By standalone FISH, 0.3 % clinically-significant samples would have been missed. A 0.2 % risk of procedure-related abortion may be acceptable but a 0.3 % risk of having an abnormal child may not be acceptable to the parents. FISH may be offered as a first test, followed by karyotyping. Although, karyotyping increases the cost, it is preferable to carry this out once an invasive procedure has been opted for, with its accompanying risk of miscarriage.
The suppressive effect of immune stress on LH secretion is absent in the early neonatal period in rats
Authors: Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Iwasa Takeshi , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Kawami Takako , Kato Takeshi , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru
Published: July 2015

Some physiological functions display weak responses to stress in the early neonatal period; i.e., they exhibit stress hyporesponse periods. In this study, we evaluated whether gonadotropin regulatory factors exhibit stress hyporesponsive periods in male and female rats. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/kg) (LPS group) or saline (control group) on postnatal day (PND) 5, 10, 15, or 25. Then, their serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations and hypothalamic mRNA levels of gonadotropin regulatory factors; i.e., kisspeptin (Kiss1), the kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), were measured at 2 h after the injection. The hypothalamic mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were also measured because they suppress gonadotropin secretion. The serum LH concentration of the LPS group was lower than that of the control group at PND25 in both sexes, but no such difference was seen at PND5, 10, or 15 in either sex. In both sexes, the hypothalamic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)‐6 mRNA expression levels of the LPS group were higher than those of the control group at PND25, but not at PND5 or 10. The hypothalamic IL‐1β mRNA expression level of the LPS group was higher than that of the control group at all time points. The hypothalamic Kiss1, Kiss1r, and GnRH mRNA expression levels of the LPS and control groups did not differ at any time point in either sex. These findings suggest that gonadotropin regulatory factors exhibit stress hyporesponse periods. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) might become responsive to immune stress between PND15 and 25, which could be related to enhanced hypothalamic cytokine expression. The avoidance of infectious stress during the early neonatal period might be important for normal development of the HPG axis.
Patients’ refusal of recommended treatment
Authors: Dickens Bernard M. , Cook Rebecca J.
Published: July 2015

When patients require information to decide whether to accept recommended treatments, a question in both law and ethics is whether the same information is adequate whether they consent or refuse, or whether refusal requires more or repeated information. Refusals of recommended treatment can carry increased risks for patients’ well‐being and so require more emphatic disclosure without imposing pressure. A related question is whether guardians of dependents who would decline recommended treatment for themselves—for instance on religious grounds—can similarly decline it for their dependents. When pregnant women, children, and adolescents are able to give consent for recommended treatment, the question arises whether they are equally competent to refuse it and prevent their decisions being overridden by guardians or courts. Consenting to and refusing medical treatments recommended in one's own or dependents’ best interests might not be the same sorts of decisions and could require different levels of disclosure and capacity.
A case of premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, and arrhythmic storm induced by right ventricular pacing during cardiac resynchronization therapy: Electrophysiological mechanism and catheter ablation
Authors: Pedretti Stefano , Vargiu Sara , Paolucci Marco , Lunati Maurizio
Published: July 2015

A 77‐year‐old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and a cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) device came to our attention due to incessant ventricular tachycardia and multiple implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks. An electrocardiogram showed non‐sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (NSVTs) constantly occurring after each biventricular stimulation. During an electrophysiological study, NSVTs reproducibly recurred only after right ventricular (RV) pacing; LV pacing did not induce any NSVTs.

The activation map was consistent with a localized reentry at the interventricular septum, and a double exit; at the LV exit site, a single radiofrequency energy application immediately interrupted the occurrence of the NSVTs.

Current evidence supports LV pacing to be pro‐arrhythmogenic in few CRT patients. This unusual case shows that RV pacing during CRT could produce frequent ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic storm. Catheter ablation can be considered an effective therapeutic option, especially when CRT maintenance is highly advisable.