bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposed Methodology for Determining Reverse Osmosis Unit Integrity for Pathogen Removal Credit
Authors: Vickers James C.
Published: July 2018

It is intuitive to suggest that reverse osmosis (RO), which is used for the removal of dissolved solutes (salts), can also be used to achieve the removal of virus, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. The challenge is that the use of conductivity for water quality monitoring of the RO process lacks sufficient sensitivity, and a direct integrity test that translates water quality performance to regulatory compliance for pathogen removal has not been established or accepted as a practice. The basis of this article is as follows: It is proposed for a production‐level (e.g., 1 mgd or larger) RO system that the sensitivity can be increased by using the results of a conductivity profile, which is an existing diagnostic tool used to identify integrity defects within an RO unit. The proposed direct integrity test methodology uses the results of a conductivity profile to (1) determine that RO unit integrity exists within statistical limits, (2) isolate and differentiate between the conductivity associated with diffusion and with a defect, and (3) calculate the log removal value (LRV) that would be associated with an RO membrane defect. The resulting calculation approach significantly increases the sensitivity of the LRV calculation and is supported by full‐scale testing data using MS2 coliphage as the challenge organism.
Thermische Materialeigenschaften von Brandschutzmaterialien für Naturbrandbeanspruchungen
Authors: Zehfuß Jochen , Sander Lisa , Schaumann Peter , Weisheim Waldemar
Published: July 2018

Zum Schutz von Stahlbauteilen vor einer Brandeinwirkung können Brandschutzmaterialien in Form von Brandschutzplatten, Brandschutzputzen oder reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen zur Anwendung kommen. Ihre thermische Schutzwirkung führt zu einer verzögerten Erwärmung des zu schützenden Stahlbauteils und gewährleistet dadurch einen ausreichend langen Feuerwiderstand. Die Brandschutzmaterialien werden i. d. R. anhand von Brandprüfungen nach der Einheits‐Temperaturzeitkurve (ETK) ausgelegt und entsprechende Verwendbarkeitsnachweise erstellt. Eine detaillierte Kenntnis der thermischen Materialeigenschaften der Brandschutzmaterialien ist hierfür nicht erforderlich. Die bauaufsichtlich eingeführten Eurocodes ermöglichen neben der Standardbemessung nach der ETK grundsätzlich auch eine leistungsbasierte Bemessung für ein natürliches Brandszenario. Im Gegensatz zur ETK, die von einem schnellen und kontinuierlichen Temperaturanstieg ausgeht, wird bei einem Naturbrandszenario ein realistisches Modell eines Brands (Entwicklungsphase, Vollbrand und Abkühlphase) abgebildet, dessen Verlauf in Abhängigkeit von den vorhandenen Brandlasten, den Ventilationsverhältnissen und der Brandraumgeometrie individuell ist. Die Auslegung der Schutzmaßnahmen für natürliche Brände kann daher nicht auf Grundlage der Standard‐Brandprüfungen erfolgen. Für die leistungsbasierte Bemessung brandbeanspruchter geschützter Stahlbauteile ist die temperaturabhängige Formulierung der thermischen Materialkennwerte sowohl für einen Temperaturanstieg als auch eine anschließende Abnahme der Brandbeanspruchung unabdingbar. Bis dato sind die thermischen Materialkennwerte von Brandschutzbekleidungen insbesondere für die Abkühlphase lückenhaft.

In diesem Beitrag werden daher experimentelle Untersuchungen der thermischen Materialkennwerte von Brandschutzplatten, ‐putzen und reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen für die Aufheiz‐ und Abkühlphase vorgestellt.
Detection of carcinoembryonic antigen in peritoneal fluid of patients undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with complete mesogastric excision
Authors: Xie D , Wang Y , Shen J , Hu J , Yin P , Gong J
Published: July 2018

Background

Surgery for gastric cancer may result in free intraperitoneal cancer cells. This study aimed to determine whether laparoscopic gastrectomy with complete mesogastric excision (D2 + CME) reduces the number of free intraperitoneal cancer cells.

Methods

Patients with gastric cancer who had a conventional D2 or D2 + CME laparoscopic distal gastrectomy between April 2015 and February 2017 were included in the study. Intraoperative peritoneal washings were collected before and after tumour resection. Reverse transcriptase–quantitative real-time PCR for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was used to assess the presence of gastric cancer cells.

Results

Eighty-five patients underwent conventional D2 lymphadenectomy and 76 had the D2 + CME procedure. Of 161 peritoneal fluid samples obtained before gastrectomy, 137 (D2, 72; D2 + CME, 65) had low CEA expression indicative of no cancer cells. After gastrectomy, high CEA expression was detected in 23 of the 72 samples (32 per cent) from patients in the D2 group, and in ten of the 65 samples (15 per cent) from the D2 + CME group. In the overall cohort, mean CEA expression level after gastrectomy was lower in the D2 + CME group than in the D2 group (P = 0·0038). In patients with low CEA expression before gastrectomy, disease-free survival in the D2 + CME group was better than that in the D2 group (P = 0·033).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with complete mesogastric excision reduces the number of free intraperitoneal cancer cells and is associated with a better disease-free survival than conventional D2 gastrectomy.
Evaluation of CHK1 activation in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and its potential as a therapeutic target in vitro
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Førsund Mette S. , Trope Claes G. , Nesland Jahn M. , Holm Ruth , Slipicevic Ana
Published: July 2018

CHK1 is an important regulator of the cell cycle and DNA damage response, and its altered expression has been identified in various tumors. Chk1 inhibitors are currently being evaluated as monotherapy and as potentiators of chemotherapy in clinical settings. However, to our knowledge, no previous study has investigated either the activation status or the therapeutic potential of CHK1 targeting in vulvar cancer. Therefore, we examined the expression status of activated CHK1 forms pCHK1Ser345, pCHK1Ser317, pCHK1Ser296, and pCHK1Ser280 in 294 vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC) using immunohistochemistry and analyzed their relationships with various clinicopathological variables and clinical outcome. To aid translation of preclinical studies, we also assessed cell sensitivity to the Chk1 inhibition in two vulvar cancer cell lines. Compared to the levels of pCHK1Ser345, pCHK1Ser317, pCHK1Ser296, and pCHK1Ser280 in normal vulvar squamous epithelium, high nuclear pCHK1Ser345 expression was found in 57% of vulvar carcinomas, whereas low nuclear pCHK1Ser317, pCHK1Ser296, and pCHK1Ser280 expressions were observed in 58%, 64%, and 40% of the cases, respectively. Low levels of pCHK1Ser317 and pCHK1Ser280 in the nucleus correlated significantly with advanced tumor behaviors and aggressive features. None of pCHK1Ser345, pCHK1Ser317, pCHK1Ser296, and pCHK1Ser280 forms were identified as prognostic factors. In vitro inhibition of CHK1 by small molecular inhibitors or siRNA reduced viability by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis of vulvar cancer cell lines. In summary, we conclude that cellular functions regulated by CHK1 are phosphorylation/localization‐dependent and deregulation of CHK1 function occurs in VSCC and might contribute to tumorigenesis. Targeting CHK1 might represent as a useful antitumor strategy for the subgroup of VSCC harboring p53 mutations.
Uncommon cause of liver abscess
Authors: Dias Andre R. , Szor Daniel J. , Ferreira Claudia B. A. , Navarro Carmen L.
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Gastrointestinal perforation by fishbone causing a liver abscess is a rare entity, but should be included in the differential diagnosis to avoid delay in the treatment.
Virtual Collection of Portuguese Catalysis
Authors: Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Burke Anthony J.
Published: July 2018

This Editorial presents a Virtual Collection of articles based on the International Symposium on Synthesis and Catalysis (ISySyCat) and presented here as the Portuguese Conference on Catalysis. For a frame of reference, a brief look at the history of catalysis in Portugal and the development of catalysis research is also described. Catalysis plays a pivotal role in contemporary organic and organometallic synthesis, which are of relevance to both academic and industrial chemists alike. To celebrate the scope and depth of Portuguese catalysis we, the Guest Editors, Armando Pombeiro and Anthony Burke, are publishing a Virtual Collection of articles in collaboration with ChemCatChem. In this issue we collect the first wave of contributions, which include homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysis, from upstream research on understanding catalyst mechanisms to catalytic process design.
Metal‐Free Halogen(I) Catalysts for the Oxidation of Aryl(heteroaryl)methanes to Ketones or Esters: Selectivity Control by Halogen Bonding
Authors: Guha Somraj , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: July 2018

Metal‐free halogen(I) catalysts were used for the selective oxidation of aryl(heteroaryl)methanes [C(sp3)−H] to ketones [C(sp2)=O] or esters [C(sp3)−O]. The synthesis of ketones was performed with a catalytic amount of NBS in DMSO solvent. Experimental studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the formation of halogen bonding (XB) between the heteroarene and N‐bromosuccinimide, which enabled imine–enamine tautomerism of the substrates. No additional activator was required for this crucial step. Isotope‐labeling and other supporting experiments suggested that a Kornblum‐type oxidation with DMSO and aerobic oxygenation with molecular oxygen took place simultaneously. A background XB‐assisted electron transfer between the heteroarenes and halogen(I) catalysts was responsible for the formation of heterobenzylic radicals and, thus, the aerobic oxygenation. For selective acyloxylation (ester formation), a catalytic amount of iodine was employed with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in aliphatic carboxylic acid solvent. Several control reactions, spectroscopic studies, and Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD–DFT) calculations established the presence of acetyl hypoiodite as an active halogen(I) species in the acetoxylation process. With the help of a selectivity study, for the first time we report that the strength of the XB interaction and the frontier orbital mixing between the substrates and acyl hypoiodites determined the extent of the background electron‐transfer process and, thus, the selectivity of the reaction.
Mesoscopic FRET Antenna Materials by Self‐Assembling Iridium(III) Complexes and BODIPY Dyes
Authors: Bagnall Andrew J. , Santana Vega Marina , Martinelli Jonathan , Djanashvili Kristina , Cucinotta Fabio
Published: July 2018

This study presents a new design of light‐harvesting antenna materials using two dyes organised into mesoporous silica: an iridium(III) complex and a BODIPY‐derived surfactant that undergo Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), acting, respectively, as donor and acceptor. The chemical structure of each dye determines the position taken within the micellar templates used for the synthesis of the silica host, which maintains mesopore order as shown by TEM imaging. Steady‐state and time‐resolved UV‐visible spectroscopy revealed that incorporation of the iridium complex into the silica shields it from oxygen‐induced quenching and allows a degree of control over the donor–acceptor distance, yielding FRET efficiencies from 24 to 76 % and tuneable emission ranges. Such silica‐based antennae show promising properties for the realisation of polychromatic sensitisers for photovoltaics and photocatalysis.
A Pilot‐Scale Diatomite Membrane Bioreactor for Slightly Polluted Surface Water Treatment
Authors: Sun Wen , Li Cuimei , Dong Bingzhi , Chu Huaqiang
Published: July 2018

In the Huai River basin in China, seasonal pollution, especially excess ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), threatens the water quality. This study investigates the performance of a pilot‐scale diatomite membrane bioreactor (DE‐MBR) for treating slightly polluted surface water (Huai River). Removal efficiencies for the chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), NH4+‐N, and turbidity, as well as the molecular weight (MW) of the raw water, mixed liquor and effluent, particle size of the bio‐diatomite, trans‐membrane pressure (TMP) of the system, and microscopic characteristics of the membrane, are monitored for 135 days. The results shows that (1) with the diatomite addition of 4 g L−1, the DE‐MBR contributes to significant removals of CODMn and NH4+‐N; (2) the TMP increases at an average rate of 0.04 kPa/day during the running period; (3) the MW distributions and natural organic matter fraction demonstrates that a significant increase of biopolymers occurs in the mixed liquor; (4) the highest removal rate of the charged hydrophilic acids indicates that aromatic proteins are more likely to be removed by the DE‐MBR compared to humic‐like substances; and (5) microscopic observations shows that hydrophobic micromolecular organics are the main contributors leading to hydraulically irreversible membrane fouling.
Donor−Acceptor‐Functionalized Subphthalocyanines for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Gotfredsen Henrik , Neumann Timo , Storm Freja Eilsø , Muñoz Alberto Viñas , Jevric Martyn , Hammerich Ole , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Freitag Marina , Boschloo Gerrit , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: July 2018

Boron subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) are attractive as light harvesting materials in photovoltaic devices. Here we present the synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties, and device performances of a series of donor−acceptor‐functionalized SubPc derivatives incorporating a carboxylic acid for anchoring onto TiO2. Liquid‐ and solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were prepared from three compounds, and a triad system consisting of two aniline donor moieties and a benzothiadiazole acceptor moiety was found to exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the series (PCE=1.54 %; solid‐state device). The compounds were prepared by stepwise acetylenic coupling reactions. In addition, we present the synthesis and optical properties of a SubPc derivative incorporating three anilino‐substituted 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobutadiene units, prepared by the [2+2] cycloaddition between three ethynyl units at the SubPc periphery and three tetracyanoethylene molecules followed by electrocyclic ring‐opening reactions.
Secrecy performance analysis of AF relaying with relay selection scheme over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Chu Shao‐I
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and intercept behavior for the amplify‐and‐forward network over Nakagami‐m fading channels. Relay selection schemes are evaluated. The optimal and suboptimal criterions require the instantaneous and statistical channel state information of the eavesdroppers' channels, respectively. The enhanced 2‐hop criterion needs the additional information of the target secrecy rate for relay selection. Theoretical analysis reveals that the diversity order of the SOP is dominated by the minimum fading figures of the source‐relay and relay‐destination channels, while that of the intercept probability depends on the fading figure of the relay‐destination channel. In the multirelay scenario, the optimal, suboptimal, and enhanced 2‐hop scheme achieve the same diversity orders of the SOP. For the intercept probability, the optimal and second‐hop relay selection schemes provide the same diversity order, while the diversity orders of the suboptimal and enhanced 2‐hop schemes are the same. Simulation results finally substantiate the accuracy of the theoretical analysis.
The last 50 years of climate‐induced melting of the Maliy Aktru glacier (Altai Mountains, Russia) revealed in a primary ecological succession
Authors: Cazzolla Gatti Roberto , Dudko Anastasia , Lim Artem , Velichevskaya Alena I. , Lushchaeva Inna V. , Pivovarova Alice V. , Ventura Stefano , Lumini Erica , Berruti Andrea , Volkov Igor V.
Published: July 2018

In this article, we report and discuss the results obtained from a survey of plants, microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), and soil elements along a chronosequence in the first 600 m of the Maliy Aktru glacier's forefront (Altai Mountains, Russia). Many glaciers of the world show effects of climate change. Nonetheless, except for some local reports, the ecological effects of deglaciation have been poorly studied and have not been quantitatively assessed in the Altai Mountains. Here, we studied the ecological changes of plants, fungi, bacteria, and soil elements that take the form of a primary ecological succession and that took place over the deglaciated soil of the Maliy Aktru glacier during the last 50 year. According to our measurements, the glacier lost about 12 m per year during the last 50 years. Plant succession shows clear signs of changes along the incremental distance from the glacier forefront. The analysis of the plant α‐ and β‐diversity confirmed an expected increase of them with increasing distance from the glacier forefront. Moreover, the analysis of β‐diversity confirmed the hypothesis of the presence of three main stages of the plant succession: (a) initial (pioneer species) from 30 to 100 m; (b) intermediate (r‐selected species) from 110 to 120–150 m; and (c) final (K‐selected species) from 150 to 550. Our study also shows that saprotrophic communities of fungi are widely distributed in the glacier retreating area with higher relative abundances of saprotroph ascomycetes at early successional stages. The evolution of a primary succession is also evident for bacteria, soil elements, and CO2 emission and respiration. The development of biological communities and the variation in geochemical parameters represent an irrefutable proof that climate change is altering soils that have been long covered by ice.
Detection of fog and smoke particles with discrete near infrared light
Authors: Momma Eiichiro , Nakano Shoichiro , Ono Takashi , Okayasu Katsuya , Nemoto Masahiko , Ebata Hiromichi , Mammoto Atsushi
Published: July 2018

This research aims at active detection of fog and smoke composed of micrometer/submicrometer order particles. Fog scatters light and causes poor visibility of the driver. Since poor visibility can cause serious traffic accidents, detection, and measurement of fog is an important technique in road traffic. Detection of smoke constituted by particles as well as mist is also an important technique for rapid extinguishing of fire. In this paper, we focused attention on the phenomenon that particles composing fog and smoke scatter and attenuate near infrared light. And we examined active detection combining discrete near infrared light and a near infrared camera. As a result, it was shown that detection is possible in both fog and smoke.
Hypercoordinated Fluoro(pentafluoroethyl)stannanes and ‐stannates
Authors: Klösener Johannes , Wiesemann Markus , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: July 2018

The treatment of phenyl‐protected pentafluoroethylstannanes, Sn(C2F5)4–nPhn (n = 1–3), with anhydrous HF results in the formation of the corresponding fluorostannanes which are associated in the solid state but form monomeric and dimeric fluoride complexes in solution. Due to the pronounced Lewis acidity caused by the electron‐withdrawing pentafluoroethyl groups, these stannanes represent suitable precursors for the synthesis of neutral, monoanionic and dianionic hexacoordinate tin(IV) complexes. The employment of an excess of cesium fluoride and 1,10‐phenanthroline exclusively leads to the octahedral complexes [Sn(C2F5)nF6–n]2– (n = 2–4) and [Sn(C2F5)nF4–n(phen)] (n = 1–3). The addition of bases, donating solvents as well as LiF, on the other hand, selectively affords salts containing dinuclear anions of the form [(C2F5)3Sn(µ‐F)3Sn(C2F5)3]– and [(C2F5)2F2Sn(µ‐F)2SnF2(C2F5)2]2–.
Adsorptive Voltammetry for the Determination of Ochratoxin A Using Enrichment Effect by Cationic Surfactants
Authors: Sultana Ayesha , Sazawa Kazuto , Okazaki Takuya , Islam Md. Saiful , Hata Noriko , Sugawara Kazuharu , Kuramitz Hideki
Published: July 2018

A rapid and simple electrochemical method was utilized for the determination of the presence of classic fungal metabolite ochratoxin A (OTA) based on differential pulse adsorptive voltammetry, using the carbon nanotube paste (CNTP) electrode. OTA showed a clear oxidation peak, and the CNTP electrode exhibited a more sensitive response to OTA oxidation than the glassy carbon, the plastic formed carbon, and the carbon paste electrodes. The addition of long‐chain cationic surfactants, such as benzethonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (zephiramine), enhanced the electrochemical response of OTA. Under optimized experimental conditions, the calibration plots are linear in the 5×10−6−5×10−5 M OTA concentration range, and the limit of detection is 1.1×10−6 M. In order to improve the selectivity for OTA determination, we attempted to combine this adsorptive stripping voltammetric technique with “sequestration electrochemistry,” based on the specific interaction occurring between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and OTA. The peak current of OTA oxidation decreased substantially as a result of OTA‐BSA binding. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the application of this proposed method of hydrodynamic adsorptive voltammetry, using a micro‐droplet and a rotating disk electrode, improves the approach's sensitivity and reduces the time and sample volume required for the analysis.
Statistical harmonization corrects site effects in functional connectivity measurements from multi‐site fMRI data
Authors: Yu Meichen , Linn Kristin A. , Cook Philip A. , Phillips Mary L. , McInnis Melvin , Fava Maurizio , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Weissman Myrna M. , Shinohara Russell T. , Sheline Yvette I.
Published: July 2018

Acquiring resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets at multiple MRI scanners and clinical sites can improve statistical power and generalizability of results. However, multi‐site neuroimaging studies have reported considerable nonbiological variability in fMRI measurements due to different scanner manufacturers and acquisition protocols. These undesirable sources of variability may limit power to detect effects of interest and may even result in erroneous findings. Until now, there has not been an approach that removes unwanted site effects. In this study, using a relatively large multi‐site (4 sites) fMRI dataset, we investigated the impact of site effects on functional connectivity and network measures estimated by widely used connectivity metrics and brain parcellations. The protocols and image acquisition of the dataset used in this study had been homogenized using identical MRI phantom acquisitions from each of the neuroimaging sites; however, intersite acquisition effects were not completely eliminated. Indeed, in this study, we found that the magnitude of site effects depended on the choice of connectivity metric and brain atlas. Therefore, to further remove site effects, we applied ComBat, a harmonization technique previously shown to eliminate site effects in multi‐site diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cortical thickness studies. In the current work, ComBat successfully removed site effects identified in connectivity and network measures and increased the power to detect age associations when using optimal combinations of connectivity metrics and brain atlases. Our proposed ComBat harmonization approach for fMRI‐derived connectivity measures facilitates reliable and efficient analysis of retrospective and prospective multi‐site fMRI neuroimaging studies.
Chronic differences in white matter integrity following sport‐related concussion as measured by diffusion MRI: 6‐Month follow‐up
Authors: Lancaster Melissa A. , Meier Timothy B. , Olson Daniel V. , McCrea Michael A. , Nelson Lindsay D. , Muftuler L. Tugan
Published: July 2018

Recent studies demonstrated evidence of physiological changes in the brain following sport‐related concussion (SRC) that persisted beyond the point at which athletes achieved full symptom recovery. Diffusion MRI techniques have been used to study brain white matter (WM) changes following SRC; however, longitudinal studies that follow injured athletes from the acute to chronic stages of injury are sparse. The current study explores potential persisting effects of the injury, which serves as a follow‐up to our previous work that reported WM changes in the acute and subacute phase of SRC recovery. Concussed high school and collegiate football players (n = 17) and well‐matched teammate controls (n = 20) were followed up at 6 months postinjury with diffusion tensor (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) as well as measures of self‐reported symptoms, cognitive functioning, and balance. Results of tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyses revealed continued widespread decreased mean and axial diffusivity compared to control subjects in 6‐month follow‐up scans. On the other hand, kurtosis metrics, which were significantly higher in concussed athletes in the acute phase, had normalized. WM tract regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were created from significant clusters in the TBSS analysis, and linear mixed effects (LME) analyses were used to look at longitudinal changes in these ROIs over time. LME analyses revealed few time × group interactions indicating findings were relatively stable over time. In addition, acute concussion symptoms predicted diffusivity measures at 6 months postinjury. Findings indicate that DTI and DKI may be useful tools in assessing concussion severity, recovery, and possible long‐term effects of concussion.
M‐payment service: Interplay of perceived risk, benefit, and trust in service adoption
Authors: Park Jungkun , Amendah Eklou , Lee Younghee , Hyun Hyowon
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to examine the effects of perceived risk, perceived benefits, and trust on consumers’ intention to use mobile payment, or m‐payment. In addition, different effects of some demographic factors (e.g., income, age, education) on m‐payment usage were examined. The sample of 457 respondents was used to analyze the causal relationships between the variables and the mean differences of demographic factors in consumer intention to use m‐payment. The results supported the negative relationship between perceived risk, trust, and consumer intention to use m‐payment. A positive relationship between perceived benefits and trust was found. This study revealed that trust mediated consumer intention to use m‐payment. In individual differences of m‐payment adoption, education influenced the relationship between perceived risk and intention to use m‐payments as well as the relationship between trust and intention to use m‐payment. This study provided insights into consumer differences regarding m‐payment adoption and the mediating role of trust between perceived benefits, perceived risk, and intention to use m‐payment.
High‐commitment work systems and middle managers' innovative behavior in the Chinese context: The moderating role of work‐life conflicts and work climate
Authors: Chen Yang , Jiang Yan J. , Tang Guiyao , Cooke Fang L.
Published: July 2018

This study advances research on high‐commitment work systems (HCWSs) and organizational innovation by examining how the configuration of middle managers' work–family issues (i.e., work–family conflict and work climate for sharing family concerns) shape the relationship between HCWSs and innovation performance. Using a matched sample of senior management team members, middle managers, and frontline employees from 113 Chinese manufacturing firms and two waves of survey, we found that HCWSs are associated with enhanced levels of middle managers' innovative behavior, an association that improves innovation performance. The results also show that high levels of work–family conflict weaken the relationship between HCWSs and innovative behavior, but can be attenuated when a work climate better facilitates the sharing of family concerns. The study contributes to the knowledge of the role of HCWSs and contextual conditions of their effects in enhancing organizational innovation performance, with specific implications for the Chinese context.
The dilemma of patient safety work: Perceptions of hospital middle managers
Authors: Sanner Margareta , Halford Christina , Vengberg Sofie , Röing Marta
Published: July 2018

Patient safety continues to be a challenge for health care. Medical errors are not decreasing but continue to show roughly the same patterns in Sweden and other Western countries. This interview study aims to explore how 27 hospital middle managers responsible for patient safety work in a Swedish university hospital perceive this task. A qualitative analysis was performed. A code template was created, and each code was explored in depth and summarized into six categories. We conclude that patient safety work appears to have low priority; hospital top management does not seem to have any real interest in patient safety; incidents are underreported; and the organization of patient safety work seems to be insufficient and carried out insofar as resources are available. These parameters may explain why medical errors remain on a certain level and do not seem to decrease in spite of various support programs.
Quantum mechanical studies on dioxin‐imprinted polymer precursor composites: Fundamental insights to enhance the binding strength and selectivity of biomarkers
Authors: Khan Muntazir S. , Pal Sourav
Published: July 2018

We present a benchmark study of binding energies for dioxin‐imprinted polymer complexes. A density functional theory approach was used for screening the polymerization precursors in the rational design of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) was taken as an imprinted molecule. The geometry optimization, natural bond orbital charge, and molecular electrostatic potential of TCDD and acrylamide (AM) were studied at the M062X level and 6‐31G(d,p) belonging to one of the hybrid density functional theories. The results of molecular electrostatic potential and natural bond orbital charge analysis were comparable. Among the studied functional monomers—AM, methacrylic acid (MAA), itaconic acid, and vinyl pyridine—AM was confirmed as the best functional monomer, because the strongest interaction (the maximum number of hydrogen bonds and the lowest binding energy) occurs between TCDD and AM. The stability property was excellent when the ratio of TCDD and AM was 1:4. The polarizable continuum model was used for solvent calculations. Computational results showed that acetonitrile plays an important role in the MIP formation, as it seems to control the size and the shape of the cavity. The atoms in molecule and Becke surface method have also been applied to understand the nature and strength of the hydrogen bonding interactions in complexes. TCDD‐AM complexes were found involving C–O···Cl and N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds. Good correlations have been established between hydrogen bond lengths versus atoms in molecule topological parameter like electron density ρ(r) and its Laplacian ▽2ρ(r) at the bond critical points. On ground of theoretical results, a series of MIPs were synthesized. The MIP prepared using TCDD as the template, the functional monomer (AM), and the cross‐linker (TRIM) in acetonitrile solvent exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for TCDD. The maximum binding capacity of TCDD on the MIP was 3.7 μg/mg. This research work can provide a theoretical reference for the fabrication and characterization of novel TCDD‐MIPs for environmental applications.
Explaining residents' attitudes towards tourism and tourists: A new approach based on brand theory
Authors: San Martín Héctor , García‐de los Salmones María del Mar , Herrero Ángel , Pérez Andrea
Published: July 2018

Considering host communities as brands in the eyes of local people, our study examines how resident attitudes towards tourism and tourists are influenced by two brand factors: (a) equity perceptions related to their communities (i.e., brand equity) and (b) identification with their communities (i.e., brand identification). Our empirical results indicate that resident attitudes towards tourism are positively influenced by equity perceptions and identification, whereas attitudes towards tourists are positively influenced by attitudes towards tourism and identification with the community. These findings represent a step forward in better understanding how both types of resident attitudes are influenced by nontourism‐related factors.
Preparation of Layer‐by‐Layer Films with Remarkably Different pH‐Stability and Release Properties Using Dual Responsive Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Gundogdu Dilara , Bütün Vural , Erel‐Göktepe Irem
Published: July 2018

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films of micelles of poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐b‐poly[(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)] (PDMA‐b‐PDEA) and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) with remarkably different pH‐stability and release properties are obtained via tuning film deposition conditions in a narrow pH and temperature range. Multilayers constructed at pH 8.5/25 °C or pH 8/30 °C completely disintegrate at physiologically related conditions, whereas film deposition at pH 8/25 °C produces stable films under the same conditions. Importantly, despite their stability, pH 8/25 °C multilayers release a considerable amount of pyrene at moderately acidic pH due to disintegration of the micellar cores. The amount of pyrene increases significantly at body temperature due to lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase behavior of PDMA coronal chains. The difference in properties of multilayers is explained by the extent of association among the layers which can be tuned by film deposition conditions in a narrow pH and temperature range due to dual responsive, that is, pH and temperature behavior of PDMA‐b‐PDEA micelles.
MALAT1 promotes the colorectal cancer malignancy by increasing DCP1A expression and miR203 downregulation
Authors: Wu Chuanqing , Zhu Xiaojie , Tao Kaixiong , Liu Weizhen , Ruan Tuo , Wan Wenze , Zhang Chun , Zhang Weikang
Published: July 2018

The long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 has been proved to promote the cell proliferation, drug resistance, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro and in vivo by regulating the expression of various oncogenes and their protein products. Our previous work discovered that the expression of the mRNA‐decapping enzymes 1a (DCP1A) is upregulated in CRCs. However, the relationships between MALAT1 and DCP1A in the development of CRC and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which MALAT1 and DCP1A may be linked to contribute to the malignancies of CRCs. We found that DCP1A is a direct target molecule of MALAT1. Moreover, by screening the downstream genes of MALAT1, we noticed that microRNA 203(miR203), an oncogene suppressor in numerous cancers, is inversely correlated to both MALAT1 and DCP1A expressions. Following MALAT1 knockdown, we observed overexpression of miR203 accompanied with DCP1A downregulation to a level that reversed the promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro and in vivo, which could be restored by miR203 knockdown or DCP1A overexpression. These results proposed a new molecular mechanism of MALAT‐miR203‐DCP1A axis which is involved with the development and contributes to the malignancy of colorectal cancers.
Notfallmanagement: Botschafter für die Sicherheit
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2018

Die Universität Wuppertal veranstaltet im Auftrag des Auswärtigen Amts internationale Sicherheitsworkshops für die chemische Prozessindustrie. Teilnehmer aus der ganzen Welt lernen dort, Risiken abzuschätzen und Unfälle zu verhüten.
Gold machen im 20. Jahrhundert
Authors: Wienhaus Otto
Published: July 2018

Franz Tausend schaffte es, Menschen davon zu überzeugen, dass er Gold herstellen könne. Warum ihm das sogar im 20. Jahrhundert gelang, wer er war und welche Beziehungen er zu Politikern in Deutschland, zu Chemie und Alchemie hatte – ein Überblick.
Nachhaltige Chemie – Treffen an der RWTH Aachen
Authors: Mersmann Stefanie , Klement Tobias
Published: July 2018

Anfang April fand der vierte Doktorandenworkshop des Netzwerks Sustainable Chemical Synthesis 2.0 (SusChemSys) an der RWTH Aachen statt. 48 Teilnehmer, darunter sechs Industrievertreter, besuchten die eintägige Veranstaltung am Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie. Auf der Tagesordnung standen nicht nur sechs wissenschaftliche Vorträge, sondern auch die Vorstellung von 24 Postern der Doktoranden des Netzwerks. SusChemSys 2.0 ermöglicht als Dachstruktur den wissenschaftlichen Austausch zwischen Arbeitsgruppen aus Chemie und Ingenieurswissenschaften in Nordrhein‐Westfalen. Alle Forscher arbeiten in ihren Einzelprojekten und im Netzwerk daran, Produkte und Prozesse nachhaltiger zu machen.
Analytik auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Kreiss Wolfgang , Klinkner Roman
Published: July 2018

Analytiklabore operieren heute in einem Umfeld, das durch einen wachsenden Markt für Analysen, Kostendruck, Regulierung und Technologiewandel geprägt ist. Dem können die Unternehmen mit maßgeschneiderten Strategien begegnen.
Estimation of hydraulic transmissivity from MRS by varying the porosity exponent in detrital aquifers of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Díaz‐Curiel Jesús , Biosca Bárbara , Doñate‐Matilla Georgina , Rueda‐Quintero Sandra
Published: July 2018

To this date, estimation of hydraulic transmissivity with magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) requires transmissivity values from pumping tests in nearby wells in order to determine a calibration constant from the relationship between both types of data. The use of this technique is limited due to the fact that reported values of this calibration constant are highly variable, even within the same type of aquifer. In order to minimize this shortcoming, a new methodology, which has been developed and presented here, is used to estimate the transmissivity of detrital aquifers with heterogeneous behaviour based only on the results obtained by MRS. The exponents applied to decay time and free porosity used in the expression to compute MRS transmissivity have conventionally been fixed values. In contrast, the work presented here aims to improve the applicability of this technique using a variable exponent for free porosity in each type of aquifer, obtained only from MRS results. In order to achieve this goal, previously published MRS data from four detrital aquifers in the Iberian Peninsula have been used and a relationship between the porosity exponent and a function of decay times and free porosities has been developed. This approach eliminates the need to drill and perform pumping tests in additional boreholes, which has cost and time implications, once the correct expression is determined for a given type of aquifer. The range of values thus obtained for the porosity exponent is similar to that reported in the literature. The deviation of the results obtained with this methodology regarding the results of pumping test is similar to the deviation with conventional process. This suggests that the proposed methodology is appropriate for the aquifers considered, and the approach may be expanded to study other types of aquifers. The drawbacks of the proposal related to the conventional equivalence are explored.
Using broadband seismic networks to optimize microgravity survey strategy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Goncharenko Yuriy , Boddice Daniel , Rodgers Anthony , Atkins Philip , Metje Nicole , Chapman David
Published: July 2018

Microgravity measurements are a useful tool for detecting subsurface features, especially deep targets or those in conductive ground which lie outside the capabilities of other methods based on electromagnetic signal transmission. However, the method is limited by a range of noise sources including vibrational noise from the environment, one source of which being the microseism noise due to ocean waves. This noise travels through the bedrock and manifests itself in the data. It varies as a function of time and location. The effect of the wave noise on microgravity measurements in the United Kingdom was assessed for the first time using a field gravimeter (Scintrex CG5) and a link was demonstrated between the noise from microgravity measurements and those from a broadband seismometer. As a result, a new method for assessing the impact of this noise on microgravity measurements in the United Kingdom is proposed using readily available data from the continuously monitoring seismic network run by the British Geological Survey to create an accurate nowcast. Knowledge of this noise on the day of survey in conjunction with an approximate signal strength of the expected targets can be used to significantly improve survey planning in terms of the optimal observation time at which surveys for particular targets should be conducted, saving time and money on failed microgravity surveys.
The Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Vkorc1l1 Promotes Preadipocyte Differentiation in Mice
Authors: Ding Yi , Cui Jing , Wang Qi , Shen Suqin , Xu Tian , Tang Huiru , Han Min , Wu Xiaohui
Published: July 2018

Objective

Identification of novel regulators involved in adipose development is important to understand the molecular mechanism underlying obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Through isolation and analysis of a vitamin K epoxide reductase Vkorc1l1 mutant, this study aimed to disclose its function and underlying mechanism in adipose development and to obtain valuable insights regarding the mechanism of obesity.

Methods

A Vkorc1l1 mutation recovered from a forward genetic screen for obesity‐related loci in mice was characterized to explore its effects in gene expression, animal metabolism, and adipose development. Adipogenesis was evaluated in both Vkorc1l1 mutant stromal vascular fraction and Vkorc1l1 knockdown preadipocytes. Intracellular vitamin K2 level and the effect of vitamin K2 on adipogenesis were tested in primary preadipocytes.

Results

Vkorc1l1 mutants displayed a considerably lower fat to body weight ratio, substantially decreased plasma leptin, and significantly underdeveloped white adipose tissue. Adipogenic defects related with Vkorc1l1 deficiency were observed both in vivo and in vitro. Vitamin K2 could inhibit adipogenesis in stromal vascular fraction. Increased intracellular vitamin K2 level was detected in Vkorc1l1 mutant preadipocytes.

Conclusions

Vkorc1l1 promotes adipogenesis and possibly obesity. Downregulation of Vkorc1l1 increases intracellular vitamin K2 level and impedes preadipocyte differentiation.
Perinatal outcomes following cell‐free DNA screening in >32 000 women: Clinical follow‐up data from a single tertiary center
Authors: Liang Dong , Lin Ying , Qiao Fengchang , Li Hang , Wang Yan , Zhang Jingjing , Liu An , Ji Xiuqing , Ma Dingyuan , Jiang Tao , Hu Ping , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: July 2018

Objective

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening for aneuploidy was clinically introduced in 2011. We aim to focus on the follow‐up information from a single tertiary center undergoing genome‐wide cfDNA screening to evaluate this technology.

Method

A total of 32 431 cases were retrospectively reviewed. The screening was performed using a BGI protocol, and the cfDNA results were analyzed together with the pregnancy outcomes, confirmatory testing results, and ultrasound findings.

Results

Of the 32 431 cfDNA screening cases, successful follow‐up was conducted in 287 (82.2%) cases with high‐risk cfDNA results, 85 (94.4%) cases with copy number variation (CNV) and rare autosomal trisomy (RAT) results, and 26 060 (81.5%) cases with low‐risk cfDNA results. Among them, 234 with high‐risk cfDNA results chose invasive testing, revealing 169 true positive cases. In cases with CNV and RAT results, 45 cases underwent invasive diagnosis, revealing six pathogenic CNVs and three uniparental disomies. In cases with low‐risk cfDNA results, three false negative cases were confirmed.

Conclusion

Cell‐free DNA screening appears to be effective in detecting the common autosomal aneuploidies, but one‐third of our cohort with high‐risk results rejected confirmatory testing. Our data provide information on the clinical experience of large‐scale whole‐genome cfDNA screening that has global relevance for the implementation of this technology.
Factors moderating the mutual impact of benefit finding between Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Qiuping , Lin Yi , Zhou Huiya , Xu Yinghua , Yang Liping , Xu Yongyong
Published: July 2018

Objective

With growing recognitions of the significance of benefit finding (BF) in cancer practice, research has increased to explore factors that may influence BF in the cancer context. Few studies have focused explicitly on factors influencing BF from the dyadic perspective of cancer patient (CP)‐family caregiver (FC) dyads. The objectives of the study were to examine BF relationship between CPs and FCs and to investigate factors that may modify the BF relationships between CPs and FCs.

Methods

Participants consisted of 772 dyads of CPs and FCs. Three types of variables were collected as potential modifying factors, including CP‐related variables, FC‐related variables, and psychological‐related variables. Descriptive statistics, T test, Pearson correlations, and subgroup analysis were applied to conduct the data analysis.

Results

Cancer patients and FCs experienced similar moderate to high BF ranging from 65% to 81%, with the exception of acceptance, in that CPs had higher levels of acceptance than did FCs (P < .05). Various factors modifying the BF relationships between CPs and FCs were identified, including dyads' gender, marital status, education level, employment status, level of being informed about the disease, and cancer type and treatment, anxiety, depression, and self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Study findings call attention to the BF, as well as related factors, from the dyadic perspective of CP‐FC dyads. Health care professionals need to include FCs of the CPs in their care and provide them with support, to encourage the CP‐FC dyads to share their experience and improve BF together, and to develop a dyadic‐based intervention program to help enhancing dyads BF.
Diameter Effect on the Propagation of Curved Detonation Waves in Micro‐Channel Charges Within a Strong Confinement
Authors: Jiao Qingjie , Song Haitong , Nie Jianxin , Liu Rongqiang , Xu Xinchun , Wen Yuquan
Published: July 2018

The property of detonation wave propagation in micro‐channel charges is one of the most important research areas in the field of explosives. Based on DSD (Detonation Shock Dynamics) theory and a linear assumption for the streamline deflection angle, this paper proposes a theoretical model for curved detonation wave propagation in cylinder‐type micro‐channel charges within a strong confinement of metal tube. Further, dynamic control equations related to the detonation velocity and charge diameter are deduced, a numerical calculation method of detonation velocity and shock front shape is given, and propagation rules for detonation waves with different diameters are obtained. An experiment was designed to test the detonation velocities for micro‐channel charges with a booster explosive. The results closely agree with calculations, validating the propagation model of curved detonation waves. It was found that the detonation velocity loss and shock front curvature in the central axis decreased with increasing diameter in the calculation range. Moreover, the smaller the diameter, the greater the rate of change. It is also shown that the model is suitable for the prediction of diameter effects in micro‐channel charges, which is of significance for structural design and performance optimization in MEMS initiation systems.