bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of crude oil inventory announcements on prices: Evidence from derivatives markets
Authors: Miao Hong , Ramchander Sanjay , Wang Tianyang , Yang Jian
Published: April 2017

This study examines the impact of weekly crude oil storage announcements on oil futures and options prices. We document evidence of a strong announcement day effect on both markets, and find prices to move in anticipation of the inventory surprise. Futures returns significantly decrease with positive surprises and increase with negative surprises. There is no evidence of an asymmetric impact on futures prices. Near‐the‐money options exhibit the greatest price sensitivity, and the magnitude of the price response of both futures and options declines with maturity. The results remain robust even after controlling for various macroeconomic and other storage‐related news variables.
Hierarchical calibration and validation for modeling bench‐scale solvent‐based carbon capture. Part 1: Non‐reactive physical mass transfer across the wetted wall column
Authors: Wang Chao , Xu Zhijie , Lai Canhai , Whyatt Greg , Marcy Peter , Sun Xin
Published: April 2017

A hierarchical model calibration and validation are proposed for quantifying the confidence level of mass transfer prediction using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, where the solvent‐based carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is simulated and the predicted results are compared to the corresponding bench‐scale experimental data. Two unit problems with an increasing level of complexity are proposed to break down the complex physical/chemical processes of solvent‐based CO2 capture into relatively simpler problems to separate the effects of physical transport and chemical reaction. This paper focuses on the calibration and validation of the first unit problem, i.e., the CO2 mass transfer across a falling ethanolamine (MEA) film in the absence of chemical reaction. This problem is investigated both experimentally and numerically using non‐reactive nitrous oxide (N2O) as a surrogate for CO2. To capture motion of the gas‐liquid interface, a volume of fluid method is employed with a one‐fluid formulation to compute the mass transfer between the two phases. Parallel bench‐scale experiments are designed and conducted to validate and calibrate the CFD models using a general Bayesian calibration approach. Two important transport parameters, Henry's constant and gas diffusivity, are calibrated to produce the posterior distributions, which will be used as input for the second unit problem to address the chemical absorption of CO2 across the MEA falling film, where both mass transfer and chemical reaction are involved. Mass transfer coefficients predicted by CFD are also compared with those predicted by the traditional/empirical correlations under both steady and wavy falling film conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative radiotherapy for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with intermediate risk of recurrence: A case match study
Authors: Barry Conor P. , Wong Daniel , Clark Jonathan R. , Shaw Richard J. , Gupta Ruta , Magennis Patrick , Triantafyllou Asterios , Gao Kan , Brown James S.
Published: April 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) on recurrence and survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of intermediate recurrence risk.

Methods

Intermediate risk patients, defined as pT1, pT2, pN0, or pN1 with at least one adverse pathological feature (eg, lymphovascular/perineural invasion), were identified from the head and neck databases of the Liverpool Head and Neck Cancer Unit and the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute. Patients who received surgery and PORT were case matched with patients treated by surgery alone based on pN, pT, margins, and pathological features.

Results

Ninety patients were matched into 45 pairs. There was significant improvement (P = .039) in locoregional control with PORT (84%) compared with surgery alone (60%), which was concentrated in the pN1 subgroup (P = .036), but not the pN0 subgroup (P = .331).

Conclusion

PORT significantly improves locoregional control for intermediate risk OSCC.
Changing youth attitudes toward the police through community policing programming
Authors: Leroux Elisabeth J. , McShane Kelly
Published: April 2017

This article presents an evaluation of a community policing program designed to increase youths’ positive attitudes toward the police. A total of 45 youth attended the program and were surveyed at 3 time points: before program commencement, after program completion, and after a 4‐month follow‐up time period. Four program outcomes were examined: global attitudes toward the police, perception of the police, distributive justice of the police, and perception of police discrimination. Overall, participation in the program was effective in reducing perceptions of police discrimination and increasing attitudes toward the police among all youth. Findings also support the program as a remedial intervention for youth with past negative encounters with the police. The evaluation is discussed in the context of promoting the successful implementation of future community policing programs targeted toward at‐risk youth.
Exhaustive generation of k‐critical ‐free graphs
Authors: Goedgebeur Jan , Schaudt Oliver
Published: April 2017

We describe an algorithm for generating all k‐critical ‐free graphs, based on a method of Hoàng et al. (A graph G is k‐critical H‐free if G is H‐free, k‐chromatic, and every H‐free proper subgraph of G is ‐colorable). Using this algorithm, we prove that there are only finitely many 4‐critical ‐free graphs, for both and . We also show that there are only finitely many 4‐critical ‐free graphs. For each of these cases we also give the complete lists of critical graphs and vertex‐critical graphs. These results generalize previous work by Hell and Huang, and yield certifying algorithms for the 3‐colorability problem in the respective classes. In addition, we prove a number of characterizations for 4‐critical H‐free graphs when H is disconnected. Moreover, we prove that for every t, the class of 4‐critical planar ‐free graphs is finite. We also determine all 52 4‐critical planar P7‐free graphs. We also prove that every P11‐free graph of girth at least five is 3‐colorable, and show that this is best possible by determining the smallest 4‐chromatic P12‐free graph of girth at least five. Moreover, we show that every P14‐free graph of girth at least six and every P17‐free graph of girth at least seven is 3‐colorable. This strengthens results of Golovach et al.
Paddy management on different soil types does not promote lignin accumulation
Authors: Urbanski Livia , Kölbl Angelika , Lehndorff Eva , Houtermans Miriam , Schad Peter , Zhang Gang-Lin , Utami Sri Rahayu , Kögel-Knabner Ingrid
Published: April 2017

Paddy soil management is generally thought to promote the accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM) and specifically lignin. Lignin is considered particularly susceptible to accumulation under these circumstances because of the recalcitrance of its aromatic structure to biodegradation under anaerobic conditions (i.e., during inundation of paddy fields). The present study investigates the effect of paddy soil management on SOM composition in comparison to nearby agricultural soils that are not used for rice production (non‐paddy soils). Soil types typically used for rice cultivation were selected, including Alisol, Andosol and Vertisol sites in Indonesia (humid tropical climate of Java) and an Alisol site in China (humid subtropical climate, Jiangxi province). These soil types represent a range of soil properties to be expected in Asian paddy fields. All upper‐most A horizons were analysed for their SOM composition by solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and for lignin‐derived phenols by the CuO oxidation method. The SOM composition was similar for all of the above named parent soil types (non‐paddy soils) and was also not affected by paddy soil management. A substantial proportion (up to 23%) of the total aryl‐carbon in some paddy and non‐paddy soils was found to originate from condensed aromatic‐carbon (e.g., charcoal). This may be attributed to the burning of crop residues. On average, the proportion of lignin was low and made up 20% of the total SOM, and showed no differences between straw, particulate organic matter (POM), and the bulk soil material. The results from CuO oxidation are consistent with the data obtained from solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The extraction of lignin‐derived phenols revealed low VSC (vanillyl, syringyl, cinnamyl) values for all investigated soils in a range (4 to 12 g kg−1 OC) that was typical for agricultural soils. In comparison to adjacent non‐paddy soils, the data do not provide evidence for a substantial accumulation of phenolic lignin‐derived structures in the paddy soils, even for those characterized by higher organic carbon (OC) contents (e.g., Andosol‐ and Alisol (China)‐derived paddy soils). We conclude that the properties of the parent soil types are more important for the lignin content of the soils than the effect of paddy management itself.
Arrhenius equation modeling for the shelf life prediction of tomato paste containing a natural preservative
Authors: Jafari Seid Mahdi , Ganje Mohammad , Dehnad Danial , Ghanbari Vahid , Hajitabar Javad
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The shelf life of tomato paste with microencapsulated olive leaf extract was compared with that of samples containing a commercial preservative by accelerated shelf life testing. Based on previous studies showing that olive leaf extract as a rich source of phenolic compounds can have antimicrobial properties, application of its encapsulated form to improve the storage stability of tomato paste is proposed here.

RESULTS

Regarding total soluble solids, the control and the sample containing 1000 µg g−1 sodium benzoate had the lowest (Q10 = 1.63) and highest (Q10 = 1.88) sensitivity to temperature changes respectively; also, the microencapsulated sample containing 1000 µg g−1 encapsulated olive leaf extract (Q10 = 1.83) followed the sample containing 1000 µg g−1 sodium benzoate in terms of the highest kinetic rates. In the case of consistency, the lowest and highest activation energies (Ea) corresponded to samples containing 1000 µg g−1 non‐encapsulated olive leaf extract and 1000 µg g−1 microencapsulated olive leaf extract respectively.

CONCLUSION

Interestingly, samples containing microencapsulated olive leaf extract could maintain the original quality of the tomato paste very well, while those with non‐encapsulated olive leaf extract rated the worst performance (among all specimens) in terms of maintaining their quality indices for a long time period. Overall, the shelf life equation was able to predict the consistency index of all tomato paste samples during long‐time storage with high precision. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective extraction of tiliroside from the flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri (wall.) Meisn
Authors: Gao Die , Fu Qi‐Feng , Wang Lu‐Jun , Wang Dan‐Dan , Zhang Kai‐Lian , Yang Feng‐Qing , Xia Zhi‐Ning
Published: April 2017

Nano‐sized molecularly imprinted polymers for tiliroside were successfully prepared by a precipitation polymerization method. Acrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, azobisisobutyronitrile, and acetonitrile/dimethyl sulfoxide were used as functional monomer, cross‐linker, initiator, and porogen, respectively. The structural features and morphological characterization of tiliroside‐imprinted polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The adsorption experiments indicated that the tiliroside‐imprinted polymers exhibited high selective recognition property to tiliroside. Scatchard analysis indicated that the homogeneous‐binding sites were formed in the polymers. The selectivity test revealed that the adsorption capacity and selectivity of polymers to tiliroside was significantly higher than that of rutin, astragalin, and kaempferol. Finally, the tiliroside‐imprinted polymers were employed as adsorbents in solid‐phase extraction for the extraction of tiliroside from the ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri (wall.) Meisn. The results demonstrated that the extraction recoveries of tiliroside ranged from 69.3 to 73.5% by using tiliroside‐imprinted polymers coupled with solid‐phase extraction method. These results indicated that the tiliroside‐based molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction method was proven to be an effective technique for the separation and enrichment of tiliroside from natural medicines.
Broadband light scattering and photoluminescence enhancement from plasmonic Vogel's golden spirals
Authors: Guo Ke , Du Mengqi , Osorio Clara I. , Koenderink A. Femius
Published: April 2017

Periodic arrays of plasmonic nanoantennas can enhance the directionality of light emission of nearby fluorophores and, therefore, have a great potential for a broad range of applications. Unfortunately, their narrow spectral bandwidth and the anisotropy of their optical resonances limit the use of these structures in applications such as solid state lighting. In this article, we study an alternative for periodic structures: Vogel's golden spirals. These spirals are deterministic structures with an approximate circular symmetry and a Fourier transform that is much more broadband than that of periodic lattices. Combining k‐space Stokes polarimetry and theoretical calculations, we first investigate the light scattering from Vogel's arrays and the coupling between individual nanoantennas. Next, photoluminescence measurements show that the spirals can enhance the forward emission of incoherent fluorescent sources embedded in a waveguide that also encloses the spiral. The enhancement occurs over a broad spectral band, proving the potential of Vogel's golden spirals for broadband light‐emitting devices.

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Ethylene Polymerization over MgCl2/SiO2 Bi‐Supported Ziegler–Natta Hybrid Titanium/Vanadium Catalysts
Authors: Fu Ting , Liu Zhen , Cheng Ruihua , He Xuelian , Tian Zhou , Liu Boping
Published: April 2017

MgCl2/SiO2 bi‐supported Ziegler–Natta hybrid titanium/vanadium catalysts are synthesized with magnesium acetate as Mg source under different reaction sequences with TiCl4 and VOCl3. The activities of Ti/V hybrid catalysts are almost between those of MgTi/Si and MgV/Si catalysts. The hybrid titanium/vanadium catalyst prepared by coreaction with TiCl4 and VOCl3 shows higher activity than those prepared via two‐step reaction method. Regarding kinetic curves of ethylene polymerization, comonomer effect, and polymer properties, hybrid catalysts prepared through two‐step reaction method are inclined to exhibit more traits of the second active species supported during catalyst preparation. The vanadium species can adjust the molecular weight of polymers more efficiently by adding hydrogen with the sacrifice of catalytic activity for MgTiV/Si and MgTi‐V/Si catalysts. The one‐step coreaction method is more advantageous in catalytic activity, hydrogen response, and 1‐hexene incorporation than the two‐step reaction method for the MgCl2/SiO2 bi‐supported Ziegler–Natta hybrid titanium/vanadium catalyst system.

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Homogeneous 1‐based structures and interpretability in random structures
Authors: Koponen Vera
Published: April 2017

Let V be a finite relational vocabulary in which no symbol has arity greater than 2. Let be countable V‐structure which is homogeneous, simple and 1‐based. The first main result says that if is, in addition, primitive, then it is strongly interpretable in a random structure. The second main result, which generalizes the first, implies (without the assumption on primitivity) that if is “coordinatized” by a set with SU‐rank 1 and there is no definable (without parameters) nontrivial equivalence relation on M with only finite classes, then is strongly interpretable in a random structure.
Patterns of medical management of overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the United States
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Goldman Howard B. , Luo Xuemei , Carlsson Martin O. , Chapman Douglass , Zou Kelly H. , Russell David , Ntanios Fady , Esinduy Canan B. , Clemens J. Quentin
Published: April 2017

Aims

Overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent conditions that place a large burden on the United States (US) health care system. We sought to analyze patterns of prescription medication usage for incident OAB in men and women, and for incident BPH in men using US health insurance claims data.

Materials and Methods

This study used Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Research databases. The data were pooled from diverse points of care. BPH subjects included men age 18+ with the first and last two diagnoses of BPH ≥30 days apart and no BPH diagnosis for 1 year prior. OAB subjects included men and women age 18+, who were diagnosed similarly with incident OAB. The type of medication, medication continuation (persistence), and switching to a different medication were analyzed through September 30, 2013.

Results

Medication persistence was much higher overall for BPH than OAB (56% vs 34%, respectively, P < 0.0001), and was highest among men with BPH age 65+ (62%). Patients age 18‐64 were less likely to continue medication than older adults (age 65+) for both BPH and OAB. A 9.4% of patients in the OAB cohort and 6.9% of men with BPH switched from one medication to another.

Conclusions

Persistence was higher with BPH than OAB medications overall, whereas switching rates were higher in the OAB group. The lower persistence of OAB medication may be due to less efficacy or tolerability. The possibility of under treatment of OAB also warrants future investigations.
The evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength in women with pelvic floor dysfunction: A reliability and correlation study
Authors: Navarro Brazález Beatriz , Torres Lacomba María , de la Villa Pedro , Sánchez Sánchez Beatriz , Prieto Gómez Virginia , Asúnsolo del Barco Ángel , McLean Linda
Published: April 2017

Aims

The purposes of this study were: (i) to evaluate the reliability of vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry, vaginal dynamometry; and surface (transperineal) electromyography (sEMG), when evaluating pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and/or activation; and (ii) to determine the associations among PFM strength measured using these assessments.

Methods

One hundred and fifty women with pelvic floor disorders participated on one occasion, and 20 women returned for the same investigations by two different raters on 3 different days. At each session, PFM strength was assessed using palpation (both the modified Oxford Grading Scale and the Levator ani testing), manometry, and dynamometry; and PFM activation was assessed using sEMG.

Results

The interrater reliability of manometry, dynamometry, and sEMG (both root‐mean‐square [RMS] and integral average) was high (Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient [CCC] = 0.95, 0.93, 0.91, 0.86, respectively), whereas the interrater reliability of both palpation grading scales was low (Cohen's Kappa [k] = 0.27‐0.38). The intrarater reliability of manometry (CCC = 0.96), and dynamometry (CCC = 0.96) were high, whereas intrarater reliability of both palpation scales (k = 0.78 for both), and of sEMG (CCC = 0.79 vs 0.80 for RMS vs integral average) was moderate. The Bland‐Altman plot showed good inter and intrarater agreement, with little random variability for all instruments. The correlations among palpation, manometry, and dynamometry were moderate (coefficient of determination [r2] ranged from 0.52 to 0.75), however, transperineal sEMG amplitude was only weakly correlated with all measures of strength (r2 = 0.23‐0.30).

Conclusions

Manometry and dynamometry are more reliable tools than vaginal palpation for the assessment of PFM strength in women with pelvic floor disorders, especially when different raters are involved. The different PFM strength measures used clinically are moderately correlated; whereas, PFM activation recorded using transperineal sEMG is only weakly correlated with PFM strength. Results from perineal sEMG should not be interpreted in the context of reporting PFM strength.
The impact of nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy on lower urinary tract function: Prospective assessment of patient‐reported outcomes and frequency volume charts
Authors: Haga Nobuhiro , Hata Junya , Matsuoka Kanako , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Sato Yuichi , Ogawa Soichiro , Ishibashi Kei , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2017

Aims

To elucidate the effects of a nerve‐sparing (NS) procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the associations between the NS procedure and LUTS and urinary function were investigated.

Methods

The participants in this study were 200 consecutive patients who underwent RARP. These patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral NS groups and the non‐NS group. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, frequency‐volume chart, uroflowmetry, 1‐h pad test, and the 5‐item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire were evaluated before and after RARP.

Results

The total IPSS score was significantly lower in the unilateral (P = 0.03) and bilateral NS groups (P = 0.03) than in the non‐NS group after RARP. Diurnal maximum voided volume (MVV) values were significantly greater in the bilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (P = 0.002). Nocturnal frequency was significantly decreased in the unilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (3 months P = 0.01, 12 months P = 0.01). Erectile function was significantly better in both the unilateral NS group (P < 0.0001) and the bilateral NS group (P = 0.02) than in the non‐NS group 12 months after RARP.

Conclusions

The NS procedure in RARP has the possibility to improve not only erectile function, but also LUTS, owing to both the increase of MVV and the decrease of nocturia. Therefore, the NS procedure is also recommended from the viewpoint of early improvement of LUTS and lower urinary tract dysfunction after RARP.
An inexact sample average approximation approach for the stochastic connected facility location problem
Authors: Bardossy M. Gisela , Raghavan S.
Published: April 2017

The sample average approximation (SAA) approach is a widely used technique, based on Monte‐Carlo simulation, often applied to large‐scale stochastic optimization problems. In this approach, a set of sample average problems with multiple copies of sampled scenarios are generated and solved exactly. In other words, there is an implicit assumption that the sample average problems are solvable to optimality. In some instances, however, the sample average problems might be NP‐hard problems, often difficult or impractical to solve to optimality. In this article, we broaden the scope of the SAA approach and show that even without solving the sample problems to optimality, by combining a heuristic and a lower bounding approach, high‐quality solutions with tight confidence bounds on the optimal solution value can be obtained. We demonstrate this “inexact SAA approach” on two problems. First, we apply it to the Stochastic Connected Facility Location (SConFL) problem, the motivating application for this article, that arises in the design of telecommunications networks. As an additional application, we also use it for the Stochastic Uncapacitated Facility Location (SUFL) problem. Our computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of the inexact SAA approach. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(1), 19–33 2017
Topology optimization of vehicle rear suspension mechanisms
Authors: Kim Suh In , Kang Seok Won , Yi Yong‐Sub , Park Joonhong , Kim Yoon Young
Published: April 2017

As suspensions critically affect the ride and handling performance of vehicles, considerable efforts have been made to improve their design by an optimization method. In this paper, we propose a topology optimization–based method for suspension synthesis by using a 3‐dimensional model constructed with nonlinear bars and zero‐length springs that discretize the 3‐dimensional space between the chassis frame and a vehicle wheel. For optimization, bar cross‐sections and spring stiffness values are used as design variables alongside the nodal positions of bar elements as shape optimization variables to simultaneously optimize the topology and shape. To verify the proposed approach, 2 types of design problems were solved: recovering known suspension mechanisms for a given set of wheel trajectories and synthesizing unknown suspension mechanisms that satisfy several design constraints typically used in the automobile industry. Through these examples, possibilities to design new and advanced suspensions by the proposed optimization method are clearly demonstrated.
Weight loss in videoconference and in‐person iDiet weight loss programs in worksites and community groups
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Brown Carrie , Urban Lorien E. , O'Toole James , Gamache Madeleine M. Gould , Weerasekara Yasoma K. , Roberts Susan B.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To examine the association of program delivery factors with weight loss (WL) in enrollees in iDiet®, a commercial WL program.

Methods

Data were from 644 adults enrolling in an 11‐week group WL program and 461 who reported weight to 11 weeks (complete reporters). Predictors of %WL were analyzed using ANCOVA, including meeting type (in‐person vs. videoconference), participant type (worksite employees vs. community members), age, gender, BMI, and payment structure.

Results

Mean starting BMI was 32.4 ± 7.1 (mean ± SD); WL was 6.1 ± 3.9% in all enrollees in an intention‐to‐treat analysis and 7.4 ± 3.4% in complete reporters. Videoconference participants, older adults, and enrollees in incentivized programs were more likely to be complete reporters (P < 0.004). %WL at 11 weeks was not associated with gender, starting BMI, or videoconference versus in‐person groups. Worksite participants had greater %WL than community participants (+1.2%, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in %WL between programs paid by the employee or employer. Greater %WL was achieved by individuals ≥30 versus < 30 years (+2.2%, P < 0.001) and by those enrolling in January‐March versus April‐June (+1.4%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

iDiet participants had clinically impactful mean WL. The observed high mean WL in worksites and videoconference‐delivered programs broadens options for scalable WL program implementation.
Lineage switch under blinatumomab treatment of relapsed common acute lymphoblastic leukemia without MLL rearrangement
Authors: Zoghbi Annabelle , zur Stadt Udo , Winkler Beate , Müller Ingo , Escherich Gabriele
Published: April 2017

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T‐cell engaging αCD19 antibody used in refractory or relapsed B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recently, lineage switch to a myeloid phenotype has been described following CD19 targeting treatment in three pediatric patients with mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) rearranged ALL. We report the case of a female who received blinatumomab for a first relapse of ALL without MLL alterations. She suffered from a second relapse early after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and was treated with blinatumomab again. During this treatment, the leukemia lost CD19 expression as well as nearly all other B‐cell markers, while still harboring the initial minimal residual disease marker, and switched to a myeloid phenotype.
Multiwall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline: Poly‐m‐toulidine: Poly‐o‐toulidine nanocomposites—Synthesis, properties & field emission
Authors: Husain Samina , Shumaila  , Kumar Avshish , Husain M.
Published: April 2017

Present paper reports synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyaniline (PAni), MWCNTs/poly‐o‐Toluidine (PoT), and MWCNTs/poly‐m‐Toluidine (PmT) nanocomposites using in situ interfacial polymerization method. Field‐emission results show that among the PAni derivatives, the maximum value of field enhancement factor is obtained for MWCNTsTCE/PmT with corresponding lowest value of turn‐on field. The turn‐on field of the nanocomposites lies between 0.6 and 1.2 V/μm and there is a significant increase in the field enhancement factor (2.22 × 103–3.57 × 103). The average outer diameter of MWCNTs increases from 7–15 nm to 50–80 nm upon polymer coating. Raman spectrum confirms the interactions between polymer and CNTs. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E955–E961, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigating mechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polymer blends and three component hybrid composites based on polyvinyl alcohol, polyaniline, and few layer graphene
Authors: Khan Munawar , Khan Ahmad Nawaz , Saboor Abdul , Gul Iftikhar Hussain
Published: April 2017

To achieve the suitable set of synergistic mechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties, polymer blends based on varying the concentration of conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) in insulative matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as well as hybrid composites by adding few layer graphene (FLG) in PVA/PANI polymer blends are prepared using solution casting method. In PVA/PANI blends, by increasing the concentration of PANI, dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), and total shielding efficiency (SET) of PVA are enhanced from 4 to 80, 0.72 to 164, and 2.5 to 30 dB at 100 Hz, respectively, at the considerable loss of its mechanical properties particularly the tensile strength from 23.9 to 8.5 MPa. For hybrid composites of PVA/PANI/FLG, mechanical as well as dielectric and EMI shielding properties are remarkably enhanced at very low loading levels of FLG. The incorporation of small amounts of FLG in PVA/PANI‐10 wt%, the ε′, ε″, and SETare increased from 4 to 7,907, 0.5 to 406,947.5 and 2.5 to 99 dB at 100 Hz, respectively, along with the considerable increase in the mechanical properties such as tensile strength from 15.7 to 36.3 MPa and modulus from 0.1 to 0.96 GPa at the loss of strain. In comparison to PVA/PANI blends, hybrid composites of PVA/PANI/FLG become a promising system for microwave absorption applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3686–3695, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polypyrrole functionalized polyester needlepunched nonwoven fabrics for electro‐magnetic interference shielding
Authors: Maity Subhankar , Chatterjee Arobindo
Published: April 2017

Development of electro‐magnetic shield is an important research area since few decades to protect electronic devices and even human beings from harmful effects of electro‐magnetic rays. Textile based flexible shields are also developed as functionalized materials for this purpose. In this work, needlepunched nonwoven textile based electro‐conductive fabric is prepared by in‐situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole and their effectiveness as electro‐magnetic shield is explored. 33Box‐Behnken design is used to investigate the influence of manufacturing process parameters of neddlepunched nonwoven fabric such as fabric gsm, punching density and depth of needle penetration on the polypyrrole add‐on, surface resistivity and electro‐magnetic shielding effectiveness. Surface resistivity as low as 18 Ω (with 16.28% polypyrrole add‐on) is obtained for a typical composite fabric. The shielding effectiveness of this fabric is found to be 20.07 dB at 4 GHz frequency. It has been found that the primary mechanism of the shielding is the absorption of electro‐magnetic rays into these composite fabrics rather than reflection from their surface. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3696–3704, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The validity of the observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio in congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an era of standardized neonatal treatment; a multicenter study
Authors: Snoek Kitty G. , Peters Nina C. J. , van Rosmalen Joost , van Heijst Arno F. J. , Eggink Alex J. , Sikkel Esther , Wijnen René M. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Cohen‐Overbeek Titia E. , Tibboel Dick
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the predictive value of observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio (O/E LHR) for survival and chronic lung disease (CLD) in survivors of left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in an era of standardized neonatal treatment, and to evaluate the predictive value of the O/E LHR trajectory for survival.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed in two high‐volume CDH centers in the Netherlands in prenatally detected, isolated left‐sided CDH patients born between 2008 and 2014. O/E LHR and liver position were determined using 2D‐ultrasonography at three time points during gestation from 19 weeks onwards. Ultrasound measurements were performed on stored ultrasound data by one single experienced operator blinded to postnatal outcome.

Results

Of the 122 included cases, 77.9% survived of whom 38.9% developed CLD. A significant association was found between the first measured O/E LHR and survival and development of CLD in survivors. Prenatal liver position did not have additional predictive value. No significant association was found between the trajectory of the O/E LHR and survival.

Conclusion

In an era of standardized neonatal treatment for neonates with CDH, the first measured O/E LHR per patient significantly predicts survival and development of CLD in survivors in isolated left‐sided CDH infants. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact on spina bifida screening of shifting prenatal Down syndrome maternal serum screening from the second trimester to the first
Authors: Spaggiari Emmanuel , Dreux Sophie , Stirnemann Julien J. , Czerkiewicz Isabelle , Houfflin‐Debarge Véronique , Segonne Alexandra , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Ville Yves , Muller Francoise
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Shifting screening for trisomy 21 to the first trimester has resulted in the loss of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein screening for spina bifida. The aim of this study was to study the impact on open spina bifida prenatal screening.

Study design

We reviewed prenatally diagnosed cases of spina bifida over three years: 2009 (only second‐trimester screening, MSM2T), 2010 (transient period) and 2011 (majority first‐trimester screening, MSM1T). Cases were assigned to three groups based on maternal serum markers (MSM2T, MSM1T and ‘not performed’). Gestational age at diagnosis of spina bifida was compared between these three groups and between the years 2009 and 2011.

Results

Median gestational ages at diagnosis of the 742 spina bifida cases between the three groups were 22 weeks [18+6–23], 22+1 weeks [21+3–23] and 21+4 weeks [14+1–23], respectively (P < 0.005). The diagnosis was made at 14–20 weeks in 34.7% for MSM2T group versus 8.5% for MSM1T (P < 0.001). Spina bifida diagnosis at 14–20 weeks declined from 38.8% in 2009 to 13.3% in 2011 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Loss of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein had a tangible effect on the gestational age at diagnosis of spina bifida and resulted in a decrease of 25% of cases of spina bifida detected before 20 weeks. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychosocial impact of contralateral risk reducing mastectomy (CRRM) on women: A rapid review
Authors: Collins Karen , Gee Melanie , Clack Anna , Wyld Lynda
Published: April 2017

Objectives

For women who have been diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer, there is an increasing trend for them to request removal of the contralateral healthy breast, the so‐called contralateral risk reducing mastectomy (CRRM). The current literature is only just beginning to identify patient‐reported reasons for undergoing CRRM and associated patient‐reported outcomes. It is also unclear whether women at moderate/high risk of developing a subsequent primary contralateral breast cancer report similar outcomes to those considered to be at low/average risk. This lack of knowledge provides the rationale for this review.

Methods

A rapid review methodology was undertaken to identify and explore the published research literature focused on the longer term (>5 y) psychosocial impacts on women who undergo CRRM.

Results

Fifteen studies were identified. No UK studies were identified. High satisfaction and psychosocial well‐being were consistently reported across all studies. Reducing the risk of a subsequent contralateral breast cancer and therefore reducing cancer‐related anxiety, and satisfaction with cosmesis, were key themes running across all studies explaining satisfaction. Dissatisfaction was associated with adverse effects such as poor cosmesis, body image changes, femininity, sexual relationships, reoperations for acute and longer term complications, and reconstructive problems.

Conclusions

Satisfaction and psychological well‐being following CRRM was consistently high across all studies. However, the findings suggest women need to be more fully informed of the risks and benefits of CRRM and/or immediate/delayed reconstruction to support informed decision making.
A three‐parameter two‐state model of receptor function that incorporates affinity, efficacy, and signal amplification
Authors: Buchwald Peter
Published: April 2017

A generalized model of receptor function is proposed that relies on the essential assumptions of the minimal two‐state receptor theory (i.e., ligand binding followed by receptor activation), but uses a different parametrization and allows nonlinear response (transduction) for possible signal amplification. For the most general case, three parameters are used: Kd, the classic equilibrium dissociation constant to characterize binding affinity; ε, an intrinsic efficacy to characterize the ability of the bound ligand to activate the receptor (ranging from 0 for an antagonist to 1 for a full agonist); and γ, a gain (amplification) parameter to characterize the nonlinearity of postactivation signal transduction (ranging from 1 for no amplification to infinity). The obtained equation, , resembles that of the operational (Black and Leff) or minimal two‐state (del Castillo‐Katz) models, , with εγ playing a role somewhat similar to that of the τ efficacy parameter of those models, but has several advantages. Its parameters are more intuitive as they are conceptually clearly related to the different steps of binding, activation, and signal transduction (amplification), and they are also better suited for optimization by nonlinear regression. It allows fitting of complex data where receptor binding and response are measured separately and the fractional occupancy and response are mismatched. Unlike the previous models, it is a true generalized model as simplified forms can be reproduced with special cases of its parameters. Such simplified forms can be used on their own to characterize partial agonism, competing partial and full agonists, or signal amplification.
Visualization of dislocation behavior in HVPE‐grown GaN using facet controlling techniques
Authors: Matsubara Tohoru , Goubara Shin , Yukizane Kota , Inomoto Ryo , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: April 2017

We achieve low threading dislocation (TD) density in the order of 104–105 cm−2 over the whole surface of hydride‐vapor‐phase‐epitaxy (HVPE)‐grown GaN, using a facet controlling technique. The SiO2‐striped mask patterns used in this method have 10 μm masking regions and 200 μm‐wide windows for selective area growth. Although this GaN layer was grown using patterned masks, no concentration of dislocations was observed over the whole surface of the GaN layer. We also visualized the unique dislocation behavior over the entire selectively grown GaN layer area. Three‐dimensional distributions of dislocation densities for both the threading and in‐plane dislocations of the HVPE‐grown GaN were obtained by the three dimensional cathodoluminescence imaging using inclined polished specimens.
Tunable structural and electrical properties of zigzag CdS nanotubes: A density functional study
Authors: Das Monoj , Mukherjee Prajna , Chowdhury Somnath , Gupta Bikash C.
Published: April 2017

We report structural and electrical properties such as wall thickness, binding energy, curvature energy, band‐gap energy, work function etc. of various zigzag CdS nanotubes within the framework of density functional theory. Binding energy calculation reveals that all the nanotubes studied here are stable and they follow classical elasticity law. The wall thickness, band‐gap, and work function of the tubes are found to decrease with increasing tube diameter. Quantitatively, the band‐gap may be tuned from 1.711 to 2.162 eV and from 0.871 to 1.291 eV, respectively, while the work function may be varied from 6.081 to 6.239 eV and from 4.679 to 4.911 eV, respectively, by changing parameters such as diameter and atomic arrangement of the tubes. The results may be useful in designing various nanoscale devices.
A new reliability evaluation method for networks with imperfect vertices using BDD
Authors: Pan Zhusheng , Xing Liudong , Mo Yuchang
Published: April 2017

As an efficient data structure for representation and manipulation of Boolean functions, binary decision diagrams (BDDs) have been applied to network reliability analysis. However, most of the existing BDD methods on network reliability analysis have assumed perfectly reliable vertices, which is often not true for real‐world networks where the vertices can fail because of factors such as limited resources (eg, power and memory) or harsh operating environments. Extensions have been made to the existing BDD methods (particularly, edge expansion diagram and boundary set–based methods) to address imperfect vertices. But these extended methods have various constraints leading to problems in accuracy or space efficiency. To overcome these constraints, in this paper, we propose a new BDD‐based algorithm called ordered BDD dependency test for K‐terminal network reliability analysis considering both edge and vertex failures. Based on a newly defined concept “dependency set”, the proposed algorithm can accurately compute the reliability of networks with imperfect vertices. In addition, the proposed algorithm has no restrictions on the starting vertex for the BDD model construction. Comprehensive examples and experiments are provided to show effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Construction of an efficient multivariate dynamic screening system
Authors: Li Jun , Qiu Peihua
Published: April 2017

Recently, multivariate dynamic screening system (MDySS) has been proposed in the literature for monitoring processes whose in‐control distributions change over time. Multivariate dynamic screening system has broad applications, ranging from monitoring of dynamic engineering systems, such as nuclear reactors, airplanes, and other durable goods, to early disease detection. Conventional construction of MDySS is appropriate only in cases when sampling rate of observations is the same in Phase I and Phase II process monitoring, and the process observations are independent. In practice, these assumptions are rarely valid. In this paper, we propose a new construction of the MDySS method, which is shown to be more reliable than the conventional construction in various cases. The new construction is demonstrated using a real data from the SHARe Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
SANSA—hybrid terrestrial–satellite backhaul network: scenarios, use cases, KPIs, architecture, network and physical layer techniques
Authors: Ziaragkas Georgios , Poziopoulou Georgia , Núñez‐Martínez José , Baranda Jorge , Moreno Isaac , Tsinos Christos , Maleki Sina , Sharma Shree Krishna , Alodeh Maha , Chatzinotas Symeon
Published: April 2017

Shared Access terrestrial–satellite backhaul Network enabled by Smart Antennas (SANSA) is a project funded by the EU under the H2020 program. The main aim of SANSA is to boost the performance of mobile wireless backhaul networks in terms of capacity, energy efficiency and resilience against link failure or congestion while easing the deployment in both rural and urban areas and assuring at the same time an efficient use of the spectrum. This paper provides an overview and the first results of the project, and, more specifically, it describes the regulatory environment, the State of The Art of mobile backhauling technologies regarding Ka band, the scenarios, the use cases and the key performance indicators along with the SANSA architecture, network (NET) and physical (PHY) layer techniques used to enhance wireless backhauling capabilities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected Synthesis of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazines using extraordinary effect of SBA‐Pr‐SO3H as the Nano–catalyst
Authors: Fathi Vavsari Vaezeh , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Balalaie Saeed , Badiei Alireza , Golmohammadi Farhad , Ramezanpour Sorour , Rominger Frank
Published: April 2017

Unexpected synthesis of 1,3,4‐oxadiazines has been accomplished through three‐component reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanide, hydrazide derivatives and cyclic ketones in the presence of a catalytic amount of SBA−Pr‐SO3H as an efficient catalyst. A range of spirooxadiazine derivatives were synthesized in high yields in a concise way. The same three‐component reaction in the presence of other acidic catalysts led to the synthesis of hydrazino amides. The formation of 1,3,4‐oxadiazines is related to the pore size and structure of SBA−Pr‐SO3H which spatial orientation of intermediate onto it leads to the formation of the oxadiazine ring.
Catalytic Performance of Ferrierite with Different Crystal Grain Sizes during Skeletal Isomerization of 1‐Butene
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Xu Chenyu , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Yueyuan , Deng Jun , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: April 2017

Ferrierite (FER) zeolite with small crystal grain size was successfully prepared by a kind of hydrothermal synthesis with aging procedure using ethylenediamine (EDA) as template. The zeolite was characterized by a series of analyses. Aging procedure decreased the crystal grain sizes and no significant change was found in the ratio of Si/Al and acid sites. Eventually, FER zeolite with small crystal grain size ranging from 150nm to 800nm showed high isobutene selectivity and good stability during skeletal isomerization of 1‐butene. The reaction was divided into two stages because of the change in the conversion of 1‐butene. Coke deposited at reaction stage II primarily caused the deactivation of FER zeolite. FER Zeolite with small crystal grain led to not only a lower rate of coke deposition but also more coke content than FER zeolite with normal crystal grain size.
Photoluminescence and Scintillation Modulation Upon UV/X‐ray‐Induced Photochromism in Europium Tungstate Phosphors
Authors: Sobrinho Ms. Josiane A. , Monteiro Jorge H. K. S. , Davolos Marian R. , Cebim Marco A. , Pires Ana M.
Published: April 2017

Rare earth (RE) tungstates with general formula REW2O6(OH)3 (RE = YIII or EuIII) were synthesized by hydrothermal method by using different citric acid contents. The prepared samples exhibit both UV and X‐ray‐induced photochromism at room temperature, as well as photomodulated luminescence. The presence of citric acid residues improves the photochromism when the samples are UV‐irradiated, but has a secondary effect when the material is exposed to X‐ray, evidencing particular mechanisms of action in each case. The emission profiles, in its turn, are similar independently of irradiation source. The continuous irradiation leads to color changes of samples concomitantly to the suppression of EuIII emission, without variations in the point symmetry of EuIII, but showing differences in the quenching behaviour according the excitation energy. The observed photochromic effect is stable and persists for several hours, which can be reversed by heating the irradiated material in air for a few minutes, when the restitution of emission intensity takes place. The observed properties make these materials promising for ionizing radiation detection and optical data storage.