bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting of agro‐climatic zones, their drought vulnerability, and precipitation and temperature trends in Pakistan
Authors: Adnan Shahzada , Ullah Kalim , Gao Shouting , Khosa Ashfaq H. , Wang Ziqian
Published: February 2017

Agro‐climatic classification helps to determine the different features of a region. This climatic classification provides a useful insight for a farmer to grow their crops according to the conditions of their region. This study identifies the shifting of moisture index from average values in different agro‐climatic zones of Pakistan. Unpredictable climate remains dominant over long periods. Observational data of precipitation and evapotranspiration were used to determine the agro‐climatic zone during the period 1951–2010. This study reveals that almost 87% of Pakistan is in extremely arid to semi‐arid zones, a 5% decrease in over the last 30 years (1981–2010). The largest decrease of 8% and increase of 5% were observed in the extremely arid and humid zones, respectively. The semi‐arid zone is more vulnerable to drought, while intensity and severity are greater in the extremely arid region. An agro‐climatic regional analysis identifies 1952, 1969, 2000, 2001 and 2002 as years when the most severe droughts were observed during the study period. The trends of precipitation and temperature were performed at 95% significance level on a monthly, seasonal and annual basis over the entire agro‐climatic zone of Pakistan during 1951–2014. The annual precipitation trends show a significant increase of 0.828 mm year−1 in arid regions, whereas the maximum temperature trends shows a significant increase of 0.014 °C year−1 and 0.018 °C year−1 in extremely arid and humid regions, respectively. The trend of minimum temperature shows an increase over the whole region, which may place pressure on the water demands of crops.
Prevalence and behavior of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella strains on raw whole and cut nopalitos (Opuntia ficus‐indica L.) and on nopalitos salads
Authors: Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos A , Gutiérrez‐Alcántara Eduardo J , Torres‐Vitela M Refugio , Rangel‐Vargas Esmeralda , Villarruel‐López Angelica , Castro‐Rosas Javier
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The presence of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella in vegetables is a significant public health concern. Nopalito is a cactaceous that is commonly consumed either raw or cooked in Mexico and other countries. The presence of antibiotic‐resistant Salmonella strains on raw whole nopalitos (RWN, without prickles), raw nopalitos cut into squares (RNCS) and in cooked nopalitos salads (CNS) samples was determined. In addition, the behavior of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolates on RWN, RNCS and CNS at 25° ± 2 °C and 3° ± 2 °C was investigated.

RESULTS

One hundred samples of RWN, 100 of RNCS and 100 more of CNS were collected from public markets. Salmonella strains were isolated and identified in 30, 30 and 10% of the samples, respectively. Seventy multidrug‐resistant Salmonella strains were isolated from all the nopalitos samples. Multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolates survived at least 15 days on RWN at 25° ± 2 °C or 3° ± 2 °C. Multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolates grew in the RNCS and CNS samples at 25° ± 2 °C. However, at 3° ± 2 °C the bacterial growth was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report about multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolation from raw nopalitos and nopalitos salads. Nopalitos from markets are very likely to be an important factor contributing to the endemicity of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella‐related gastroenteritis in Mexico. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnetic resonance imaging of intratympanic gadolinium helps differentiate vestibular migraine from Ménière disease
Authors: Sun Wenfang , Guo Ping , Ren Tongli , Wang Wuqing
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To study the differential diagnosis of vestibular migraine (VM) and Ménière disease (MD) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of intratympanic gadolinium.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Definite MD patients (n = 30) and definite or probable VM patients (n = 30) were included, and the two groups were age and sex matched. Three‐dimensional real inversion recovery (3D‐real‐IR) MRI was performed 24 hours after bilateral intratympanic gadolinium to assess the presence and degree of endolymphatic hydrops (EH). Response rates, amplitudes, latency, and response threshold of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c/oVEMPs) were tested by using air‐conducted sound. Pure tone audiometry was used to evaluate the level of hearing loss.

Results

Different degrees of EH were observed in the cochlea and vestibule in the affected ears of MD patients, but only suspicious cochlear hydrops and no vestibular hydrops was noted in the VM patients. The correlation between the degree of EH and low‐frequency hearing loss was statistically significant. Only the response threshold for c/oVEMP differentiated the MD‐affected side from VM. The latency and amplitude for c/oVEMP showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions

Characteristic pathological changes of MD include EH in the inner ear, and 3D‐real‐IR MRI helps differentiate VM from MD. VM and MD behaved similarly in vestibular dysfunction and their transduction pathway, but MD appeared to be more severe than VM. An association in their pathophysiology may play a part in these responses.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2382–2388, 2017
Creation of Technosols to Decrease Metal Availability in Pyritic Tailings with Addition of Biochar and Marble Waste
Authors: Moreno‐Barriga Fabián , Díaz Vicente , Acosta José A. , Muñoz María Ángeles , Faz Ángel , Zornoza Raúl
Published: February 2017

Creation of Technosols with the use of different materials is a sustainable strategy to reclaim mine tailings and reduce metal mobility. For this purpose, a short‐term incubation experiment was designed with biochars derived from pig manure, crop residues and municipal solid waste added to tailings alone or in combination with marble waste. We aimed to assess the efficiency of the different amendments to decrease Cd, Pb and Zn availability in the Technosols and the fractions where metals were retained. Results showed that all amendments reduced metal mobility, directly related to increases in pH. Those materials with higher content of carbonates were more effective to immobilize metals (~99%). Municipal solid waste was highly effective to decrease metal mobility owing to the higher carbonate content, but addition of marble waste was needed to enhance metal immobilization with pig manure and crop residue. Decreases in Cd mobility were related to retention by the carbonate, Mn/Fe oxides and oxidizable (organic compounds) fractions. Decreases in Pb mobility were related to retention in the Mn/Fe oxides and residual fractions, while decreases in Zn mobility were related to retention in Mn/Fe oxides and oxidizable fractions. Association of Zn and Pb with the oxidizable fraction was also related to the recalcitrance of the organic compounds and so dependent on biochar type. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray showed that biochar showed great affinity to interact with iron oxides, calcium sulfates and phyllosilicates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifunctional Dendrimer Formation Using Thiolactone Chemistry
Authors: Kaya N. Uğur , Du Prez Filip E. , Badi Nezha
Published: February 2017

Thiolactone chemistry is a powerful tool for the design of complex multifunctional architectures. In this study, this versatile click‐inspired synthetic strategy is conducted to prepare multifunctional dendrimer‐like structures. For this purpose, a thiolactone bearing an isocyanate function, prepared in multigram scale, is utilized for multiple step functionalization starting from a 4‐arm star‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol). Amine‐thiol‐acrylate conjugation is carried out in order to form the aforementioned structures. The efficient aminolysis of the thiolactone ring and the reaction of the generated thiol with the double bond of an acrylate derivative are completed in a one‐pot procedure. The choice of the amine and/or acrylate derivatives can allow the introduction of different functional groups for each new generation, potentially leading to multivalent dendrimer‐like structures.

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Effect of Phase Selective Localization of Silica on Mechanical Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Ethyl Vinyl Acetate/Silica Composites
Authors: Ying Teoh Pei , Rahman Rozyanty , Ab. Wahab Mohd Kahar , Uy Lan Du Ngoc
Published: February 2017

Phase selective localization of silica in polymethyl methacrylate/ ethyl vinyl acetate (PMMA/EVA) composite controls the concentration of silica in each PMMA and EVA phases and affects the mechanical properties of the composite. In order to produce the different concentration of silica in each polymer phase, pre‐dispersion of silica into single phase of PMMA and EVA was carried out by using twin screw extruder and heated two rolls mill, respectively. The pre‐dispersed mixture then was compounded with the other polymer by using a twin‐screw extruder and produced PMMA/EVA composites. Conventional method by adding of silica into PMMA/EVA blend was also carried out as control sample. Distinguished morphologies were obtained from different processing, which induced significant effect on mechanical properties of these pre‐dispersed composites. Observation from SEM result, EVA exhibited rod morphology in control composite but more spherical morphology in pre‐dispersion composites. It is assumed that higher concentration of silica in PMMA phase resulted in the optimum mechanical strength of pre‐dispersion of silica in PMMA composites compared to others. In addition, composite prepared by conventional method also showed the lowest mechanical properties.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of ENR Compatibilized NR/NBR Blends Reinforced Nanoclay and Nanosilica
Authors: Romli Ahmad Z. , Mamauod Siti N. L.
Published: February 2017

Properties of the unfilled rubber blends (Natural rubber, NR and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, NBR) were poor due to the absence of reinforcing agent. However, the strength of compound had been improved with the addition of nanofiller. There were two (2) types of nanofillers that had been introduced which are nanoclay (NC) and nanosilica (NS). NR/NBR composites were prepared by open milling process where different amount of nanofiller was added ranging from 1 until 7 phr. There are a few possibilities might occur when using small particles size of fillers especially in term of interaction between rubber‐filler and filler‐filler interaction. Apart from that, different polarity and composition of both rubbers were influenced the interaction between filler and rubber phases. The interaction between non‐polar and polar rubber was enhanced using epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The rubber compound was cured via a conventional sulphur vulcanization system. The cure characteristic result shows that the incorporation of nanofiller does not affect much on the t90. The physical and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) compatibilized NSi‐NR/NBR blends were determined by conducting the density measurements, hardness and tensile tests. The NC filler gave the highest tensile strength compared to NS. On top of that, reduction trend on the tensile strength observed at 3 phr of NS loading due to the formation of NS aggregates. The values of moduli, hardness and densities of vulcanizates increased as the nanofiller loading increased. It occurs due to better filler dispersion in the rubber matrix and strong interaction between filler‐rubber phases. The result shows that NC has more pronounce effect on the physical and mechanical proportion of the rubber vulcanizates.
The Effect of Surface Modification on the Properties of Palygorskite Filled Natural Rubber Nanocomposite
Authors: Othman Nadras , Muttalib Siti Nadzirah Abdul , Ismail Nur Izzati
Published: February 2017

This paper reports the effect of surface modification on the mechanical and morphological properties of palygorskite (PAL) filled natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite. NR/PAL nanocomposites were prepared by co‐coagulating rubber latex with clay suspension and after that, compounded with SMR 20 using melt mixing method. The aim is to investigate the efficiency of surface modification via cation exchange treatment on treated NR/PAL nanocomposite properties as compared to untreated NR/PAL nanocomposite. The organo‐modified palygorskite was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD). The NR/PAL composites were subjected to cure characteristic, tensile, tear, hardness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) testing. The treated NR/PAL nanocomposite showed higher mechanical properties compared to untreated samples. FTIR revealed the functional group from 1‐dodecylammonium chloride react with PAL. The dispersion of PAL in the rubber matrix, can be seen clearly using XRD and SEM/EDX.
Preparation of Micro Fibrillated Cellulose Based on Arenga Pinnata “Ijuk” Fibre for Nucleating Agent of Polypropylene: Characterization, Optimization and Feasibility Study
Authors: Yuanita Evana , Pratama Juniko Nur , Chalid Mochamad
Published: February 2017

The applications of micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) are growing rapidly due to their environment benefit. In the present experiment, MFC from “Ijuk” fibre by chemical method was got. MFC was extracted from the fibre using multistage process, alkaline treatment for the removal of pectin, waxes and impurities on the surface fibre, oxidation treatment with sodium hypochlorite and then hydrolysis treatment with sulphuric acid. The removal of non‐cellulosic components was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR). The treatment lead to increase crystalline part of fibre was demonstrated by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Diameter and surface morphology of MFC was displayed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The MFC had diameters in range 5.4‐5.95 µm. Untreated ijuk fibre still had impurities and waxes and the diameter was 54 µm, on the other hand, the fibre became fibrillated after hydrolysis treatment. The feasibility study of MFC for nucleating agent was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The result showed a new approach for utilization of “Ijuk” fibre to examine MFC potential used as nucleating agent in polypropylene (pp) composite application.
Preparation and Characterization for Sorgum‐Based Micro‐Fibrillated Celluloses
Authors: Ramahdita Ghiska , Ilmiati Salma , Suryanegara Lisman , Khalid Akhmad , Chalid Mochamad
Published: February 2017

The development of micro‐fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is currently a topic of interest among researchers and industry. The aim from this research is to get MFC from sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), which contains about 45.9% of cellulose. Sorghum also has good mechanical properties that promising to be applied as the reinforcement for polymer matrix. The main challenge to get MFC is the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Chemical treatments viz. alkalinization (NaOH 20%), bleaching (NaClO 5%) and acid hydrolysis (H2SO4 25%), were applied to sorghum. Different characterizations such as FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) were used to evaluate this study. FTIR spectroscopy and SEM showed that the chemical treatment effectively reduced lignin and hemicellulose. XRD and FTIR characterization showed the highest crystallinity obtained through alkalinization treatment − acid hydrolysis from 7.5% up to 43.95%. The size of the smallest fibers produced was about 2‐4 microns.
Controlling Ordered Structures of PS‐b‐P2VP Block Copolymer Thin Film by Tuning Solvent Evaporation Rate
Authors: Shamsudin Siti Aisyah , Mikihito Takenaka , Hirokazu Hasegawa
Published: February 2017

Selective solvents for each block were chosen to induce specific blocks of the Polystyrene‐block‐poly(2vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P2VP) block copolymer (BCP) thin film with the purpose of comparing the degree of block swelling affected by solvent vapors onto the thin film. Solvents with high boiling point have been preferred for this study, because these solvents evaporate slowly, and allowing the block copolymer to self‐assemble properly. Toluene and acetic acid were considered as suitable solvents for polystyrene (PS) and poly(2vinylpyridine) (P2VP), respectively. We prepared 1 wt% PS‐b‐P2VP BCP (79.0k‐b‐36.5k kg/mol) solution in a mixed solvent of toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a ratio of 7:3. Then, applied solvent annealing to the thin films with toluene and acetic acid at 21 °C for 3 hours, 6 hours and 9 hours. Thermal annealing to the thin films at 80 °C, 100 °C, 150°C, 200 °C and 250 °C for 24 hours was also applied. The morphology of the resulting thin film has been characterized using the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of the block copolymer structure on thin film revealed highly affected by the evaporation rate owing to the decreased polymer mobility occurred by lower temperature of the solvent with high boiling point.
Thermal, Conductivity and Molecular Interaction Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(methyl acrylate) Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Halim Suhaila Idayu Abdul , Chan Chin Han , Winie Tan
Published: February 2017

Summary Solid polymer electrolytes of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) with addition of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) were studied. Samples were prepared by solution casting method. An existence of single and compositional‐dependant glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEO/PMA systems [studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)] shows miscibility of the binary PEO/PMA blends as well as when added with small of amount of LiClO4 in the molten state and amorphous phase. The systems are miscible in molten state and amorphous phase at high salt content with PEO content in the blends is in excess. In this case, the Tgs of the PEO/PMA blends increase slightly with increasing salt concentration suggesting the molecular interaction of salt with the polymers. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) studies reveal that PEO/PMA 80/20 blend (w/w) added with 0.12 of LiClO4 (YS) shows the highest conductivity (σDC = 1.43 × 10−5 S cm−1) as compared to PEO/LiClO4 system at the same salt concentration (σDC = 6.43 ×10−6 S cm−1). Results of Tg using DSC and molecular interaction from Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggest that blend with PEO in excess, Li+ ions coordinate with ether oxygen of PEO instead of carbonyl oxygen of PMA. Hence, the percolation pathway for these SPEs is lying in the amorphous region of the PEO phase.
Computational Biology and Chemistry in MTi: Emphasis on the Prediction of Some ADMET Properties
Authors: Miteva Maria A. , Villoutreix Bruno O.
Published: February 2017

Our research and teaching group called MTi (Molécules Thérapeutiques in silico) has developed numerous applications available online, thanks to the RPBS platform (Ressource Parisienne en Bioinformatique Structurale), in the field of chemoinformatics, structural bioinformatics and drug design. Since its opening in 2009, over 200 articles/reviews have been reported and involve virtual screening studies, prediction of druggability, analysis of protein‐protein interaction inhibitors, development of databases, data mining and knowledge discovery, as well as combined in silico‐in vitro work to search for new hits and chemical probes acting on original targets in several therapeutic areas. An international training program has also been developed pertaining to the field of in silico drug design. In this review, we present some tools developed in our laboratory with a special emphasis on the prediction of some ADMET properties, compound collection preparation and 3D‐ADMET computations.
Multi‐component diffusion characterization of radiation‐induced white matter damage
Authors: Karunamuni Roshan A. , White Nathan S. , McDonald Carrie R. , Connor Michael , Pettersson Niclas , Seibert Tyler M. , Kuperman Joshua , Farid Nikdokht , Moiseenko Vitali , Dale Anders M. , Hattangadi‐Gluth Jona A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

We used multi‐b‐value diffusion models to characterize microstructural white matter changes after brain radiation into fast and slow components, in order to better understand the pathophysiology of radiation‐induced tissue damage.

Methods

Fourteen patients were included in this retrospective analysis with imaging prior to, and at 1, 4–5, and 9–10 months after radiotherapy (RT). Diffusion signal decay within brain white matter was fit to a biexponential model to separate changes within the slow and fast components. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to obtain estimates of the effect of radiation dose and time on the model parameters.

Results

We found an increase of 0.11 × 10−4 and 0.14 × 10−4 mm2/s in the fast diffusion coefficient per unit dose–time (Gy‐month) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. By contrast, the longitudinal slow diffusion coefficient decreased independently of dose, by 0.18 × 10−4, 0.16 × 10−4, and 0.098 × 10−4 mm2/s at 1, 4, and 9 months post‐RT, respectively.

Conclusions

Radiation‐induced white matter changes in the first year following RT are driven by dose‐dependent increases in the fast component and dose‐independent decreases in the slow component.
Inline Turbidity Measurements of Batch Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Bloch Dimitrie , Bröge Peter , Pauer Werner
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study is to investigate applications of inline turbidity as a tool to monitor optical properties during batch emulsion polymerization and during emulsification with high sample rates. For this purpose, an InPro 8200 turbidity probe with a Trb 8300 transmitter is used in combination with an RC1e Mettler Toledo reaction calorimeter. Reproducible turbidity inline monitoring during emulsification and polymerization is achieved. Turbidity measurements allow the observation of droplet formation as well as the determination of the time needed to reach a certain emulsion state. Therefore, turbidity can be used to optimize the duration of emulsification. Higher stirring speed and longer duration lead to smaller monomer droplets and to faster reaction. Furthermore, inline turbidity can be used to detect the start of the reaction and to identify emulsion stability problems.

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Trifluoroethoxy‐Coated Subphthalocyanine affects Trifluoromethylation of Alkenes and Alkynes even under Low‐Energy Red‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Matsuzaki Kohei , Hiromura Tomoya , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio
Published: February 2017

Photoredox chemical reactions induced by visible light have undergone a renaissance in recent years. Polypyridyl dyes such as Ir(ppy)3 and Ru(bpy)3 are key catalysts in this event, and blue‐ or white‐light irradiation is required for the chemical transformations. However, it remains a challenge to achieve reactions under the lower energy of red light. We disclose, herein, that trifluoroethoxy‐coated subphthalocyanine realizes the red‐light‐driven trifluoromethylation of alkenes and alkynes with trifluoromethyl iodide in good‐to‐high yields. Perfluoroalkylations were also achieved under red light. The reaction mechanism is discussed with the support of UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry of trifluoroethoxy‐coated subphthalocyanine. Light irradiation/dark study also supports the proposed mechanism.
Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) nano‐rods for advanced polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Thakur Vijay Kumar , Li Yuzhan , Wu Hongchao , Kessler Michael R.
Published: February 2017

Nanomaterials based on zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) exhibit numerous outstanding properties that make them ideal candidates for the development of high‐performance composites. Low coefficient of thermal expansion for advanced materials is a promising direction in the field of insulating nanocomposites. However, the agglomeration of zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8)‐based nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a limiting factor in their successful applications, and studies on surface functionalization ZrW2O8 for advanced nanocomposites are very limited. In this work, ZrW2O8 nano‐rods were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and subsequently functionalized in a solvent‐free aqueous medium using dopamine. Both pristine and functionalized nano‐rods were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy techniques, which confirmed the successful functionalization of the nanomaterials. Polymer nanocomposites were also prepared using epoxy resin as a model matrix. Polymer nanocomposites with functionalized ZrW2O8 nano‐rods exhibited low coefficient of thermal expansion and enhanced tensile properties. The improved properties of the nanocomposites render them suitable for electronic applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in polymer precursors and bio‐based polymers synthesized from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Zhang Daihui , Dumont Marie‐Josée
Published: February 2017

In recent years, considerable efforts have been made regarding the synthesis of renewable chemicals from natural resources. 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an interesting platform chemical which has been widely exploited due to its rich chemistry and potential availability. The versatility of HMF has been demonstrated in several areas such as fine chemicals, biofuel precursors, and polymers. In particular, the potential to replace petroleum‐based analogues in the preparation of polymers associated with high performance has been observed owing to the structural rigidity of furan rings. This review aims at critically discuss the current research studies related to the derivatives of HMF, alongside with the synthesis and characterization of (co‐) polymers derived from HMF and its derivatives. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1478–1492
Isolation and prayer as means of solace for Arab women with breast cancer: An in‐depth interview study
Authors: Assaf Ghada Najjar , Holroyd Eleanor , Lopez Violeta
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study explored Arab women's experiences following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Methods

Face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 Arab women attending a public hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic method.

Results

Arab women's experiences following their breast cancer diagnoses and treatments included the themes of (1) protecting one's self from stigma, (2) facing uncertainties and prayers, and (3) getting on with life. Overall, the ways to find solace were through isolation and prayer, which are heavily influenced by religion and spiritual practices. They recommended that to help women with breast cancer, a campaign to raise awareness for early screening is needed as well the need to form a peer‐led support group for women with breast cancer consisting of breast cancer survivors so that they can learn from each other's experiences.

Conclusions

Arab women with breast cancer experienced a myriad of social, cultural, psychological, and relationship difficulties that impacted their overall health and well‐being. The findings also found that these women were not passive agents. They sought to solve problem, move forward, and recreate the meanings in their lives in their own unique ways. Action is needed for possible ways to implement religion‐health partnerships between breast cancer nurses, peer‐led support groups, palliative care services, and religious institutions.
Silver–Copper Hollow Nanoshells as Phase‐Transfer Reagents and Catalysts in the Reduction of 4‐Nitroaniline
Authors: Chen Limei , Hu Peiguang , Peng Yi , Lu Jia En , Rojas‐Andrade Mauricio D. , Chen Shaowei
Published: February 2017

Cysteine‐stabilized Ag–Cu hollow nanoshells are prepared by the coreduction of silver nitrate and cupric nitrate with sodium borohydride in the presence of sodium thiocyanate. Transmission electron microscopic measurements show that the resulting Ag–Cu nanoshells exhibit a rather uniform size of 57.2 ± 11.9 nm with a shell thickness of 7.9 ± 1.6 nm, and the hollow volume ratio is estimated to be ≈62%. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopic studies show that the nanoshells are composed of nanocrystalline Ag and CuO in segregated domains. Consistent results are obtained in X‐ray diffraction measurements. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis shows that the elemental composition of the nanoshells is consistent with the initial feed ratio of the metal salt precursors. When capped with 1‐dodecanethiol, the hollow nanoshells become dispersible in apolar organic solvents and the cavity may be exploited for the effective phase‐transfer of target molecules such as rhodamine 6G between water and organic media. The Ag–Cu nanoshells also show apparent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4‐nitroaniline by sodium borohydride, a performance that is markedly better than that of the solid counterparts and comparable to leading results in recent literature based on relevant metal catalysts.
Estimated Detonation Velocities for TKX‐50, MAD‐X1, BDNAPM, BTNPM, TKX‐55, and DAAF using the Laser–induced Air Shock from Energetic Materials Technique
Authors: Gottfried Jennifer L. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Witkowski Tomasz G.
Published: February 2017

Since new energetic materials are initially produced in very small quantities for both safety and cost reasons, laboratory‐scale methods for characterizing their performance are essential for determining the most promising candidates for scale‐up. Laser‐induced air shock from energetic materials (LASEM) is a promising new method for estimating the detonation velocity of novel explosives using milligram amounts of material, while simultaneously investigating their high temperature chemical reactions. LASEM has been applied to 6 new explosives for the first time: TKX‐50, MAD−X1, BDNAPM, BTNPM, TKX‐55, and DAAF. Emission spectroscopy of the laser excited materials revealed the formation of the high pressure bands of C2 during the ensuing exothermic reactions. The low thermal sensitivity of the materials also led to unusual laser‐material interactions, visualized with high‐speed video. The estimated detonation velocities for the 6 explosives were compared to predicted values from EXPLO5 and CHEETAH. The LASEM results suggest that TKX‐55, BDNAPM, and BTNPM have higher detonation velocities than predicted by the thermochemical codes, while the estimated detonation velocities for MAD−X1 and TKX‐50 are slightly lower than those predicted.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Calixarenes Containing Explosives with High Temperature Stabilities
Authors: Zhang Xingcheng , Xiong Hualin , Yang Hongwei , Cheng Guangbin
Published: February 2017

A few of novel, thermally stable, nitro‐substituted calixanes were successfully synthesized and their spatial configurations also were confirmed. 14,16,34,36,54,56,74,76‐octanitro‐2,4,6,8‐tetraoxa‐1,3,5,7(1,3)‐tetraben‐zenacyclooctaphane (7) as heat‐resistant explosives can be prepared by means of a facile synthetic produced and shows outstanding properties (good thermal stability and high thermal decomposition temperature and energetic performances). It has also been pointed out that the production of compound 7 is very easy on a large scale. All target compounds was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR and elemental analysis, TG and DSC. In this paper, the macrocyclic compounds are introduced into the study as heat‐resistant explosives firstly, which will change the past stagnant situation!
Investigation of exchange coupled bilayer Fe/CuMnAs by pump–probe experiment
Authors: Saidl Vít , Němec Petr , Wadley Peter , Edmonds Kevin W. , Campion Richard P. , Novák Vít , Gallagher Bryan L. , Trojánek František , Jungwirth Tomáš
Published: February 2017

Time‐resolved pump–probe magneto‐optical method was used to study Fe/CuMnAs bilayer. The probe polarization dependence was used to identify and separate parts of detected signals due to Faraday and Voigt magneto‐optical effects that provide information about pump‐induced magnetization precession in ferromagnetic Fe and reduction of the sublattice magnetization in antiferromagnetic CuMnAs layers, respectively. We observe a strong asymmetry in the dependence of the precession phase on the external magnetic field that we attribute to the exchange coupling between Fe and CuMnAs. Unlike in X‐ray magnetic linear dichroism experiments, we do not observe any significant reorientation of magnetic moments in CuMnAs by external magnetic field due to the interlayer exchange coupling with Fe. Differences between these two experimental techniques, providing the distinct pictures, are discussed.
Concepts of antiferromagnetic spintronics
Authors: Gomonay O. , Jungwirth T. , Sinova J.
Published: February 2017

Antiferromagnetic spintronics is an emerging research field whose focus is on the electrical, optical or other means of control of the antiferromagnetic order parameter and its utility in information technology devices. An example of recently discovered new concepts is the Néel spin–orbit torque which allows for the antiferromagnetic order parameter to be controlled by an electrical current in common microelectronic circuits. In this review we discuss the utility of antiferromagnets as active and supporting materials for spintronics, the interplay of antiferromagnetic spintronics with other modern research fields in condensed matter physics, and its utility in future ”More than Moore” information technologies.
Effect of olanzapine on sertraline concentration
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: February 2017

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a good efficacy and safety profile for most patients with depression. However, some patients with depression present with co‐existing psychotic symptoms, and antipsychotic drugs are commonly prescribed with SSRIs to improve clinical response.
Time‐ and State‐Dependent Input Delay‐Compensated Bang‐Bang Control of a Screw Extruder for 3D Printing
Authors: Diagne Mamadou , Bekiaris‐Liberis Nikolaos , Krstic Miroslav
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a delay‐compensated bang‐bang control design methodology for the control of the nozzle output flow rate of screw extruder‐based three‐dimensional printing processes is developed. A geometrical decomposition of the screw extruder in a partially and a fully filled regions allows to describe the material convection in the extruder chamber by a one‐dimensional hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) coupled with an ordinary differential equation. After solving the hyperbolic PDE by the method of characteristics, the coupled PDE–ordinary differential equation's system is transformed into a nonlinear state‐dependent input delay system. The aforementioned delay system is extended to the non‐isothermal case with the consideration of periodic fluctuations acting on the material's convection speed, which represent the process variabilities due to temperature changes in the extruder chamber, resulting to a nonlinear system with an input delay that simultaneously depends on the state and the time variable. Global exponential stability of the nonlinear delay‐free plant is established under a piecewise exponential feedback controller that is designed. By combining the nominal, piecewise exponential feedback controller with nonlinear predictor feedback, the compensation of the time‐dependent and state‐dependent input delay of the extruder model is achieved. Global asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system under the bang‐bang predictor feedback control law is established when certain conditions related to the extruder design and the material properties, as well as to the magnitude and frequency of the materials transport speed variations, are satisfied. Simulations results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation tracking control for multiple rigid bodies on matrix Lie groups: A system decomposition approach
Authors: Sun Junyong , Geng Zhiyong
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses the finite‐time formation tracking control problem for multiple rigid bodies whose dynamics are defined on the matrix Lie groups, including the special Euclidean group SE(2),SE(3) as specific cases. The reference trajectory in a form of rotational and translational motions is generated offline in advance as the virtual leader for tracking. Moreover, the formation time is specified according to the task, and the desired formation shape is given a priori with respect to the virtual leader. By virtue of the system decomposition approach, intrinsic formation tracking laws are derived for arbitrary initial velocities for the rigid bodies. The tracking controllers are intrinsic meaning that the dynamics and controllers are developed in the body‐fixed frame without a global reference frame. Moreover, based on the geometric convex combination on SE(3), the result is extended to the distributed case where only the neighboring agents' state are used. Two numerical simulations on SE(2) and SE(3) are given respectively to illustrate the validity and robustness of the proposed controllers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Click here for mental health support: Extending mental health services to the isolated learner
Authors: Russo Joseph V. , Bruce Mary Alice , Scull Reed
Published: February 2017

Elaine Allen and Jeff Seaman, in a Babson Research Survey Group report published earlier this year, stated that distance education now is considered mainstream, with more than 25 percent of students in higher education taking at least one online course. Students enrolled exclusively online exceed 12.5 percent of the total number of students. Of the more than 2.8 million students exclusively online, public institutions serve almost half the enrollees.
A comprehensive framework for modeling requirements of CSCW systems
Authors: Teruel Miguel A. , Navarro Elena , López‐Jaquero Víctor , Montero Francisco , González Pascual
Published: February 2017

As in any other system, an accurate requirements specification is essential to developing a collaborative system, which has special kinds of requirements that are hard to specify by means of current Requirements Engineering techniques. The Collaborative Systems Requirement Modeling Framework (CSRMF) was developed to address this problem; the original Collaborative Systems Requirement Modeling Language was extended and modeled to properly deal with collaboration and awareness requirements. The developed CSRMF framework consists of 3 components: an Requirements Engineering modeling language able to represent collaboration among users as well as awareness needs, a set of design guidelines that drive Computer Supported Cooperative Work system specification by means of 5 different types of diagrams, and a supporting computer‐aided software engineering tool to specify and validate Computer Supported Cooperative Work system requirements. CSRMF provides Requirements Engineers with a complete solution to the specification of awareness‐demanding collaborative systems, as they can now take advantage of a language and a set of guidelines supported by a tool to guide them in specifying system requirements.
Muir, Roosevelt, and Yosemite National Park as an Emergent Sacred Symbol: An Interaction Ritual Analysis of a Camping Trip
Authors: Curry Timothy J. , Gordon Kiernan O.
Published: February 2017

We argue that interaction ritual (IR) theory provides a temporal and interactional point of origin from which to trace an influential IR chain that became a deciding factor in the unification of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove under federal control within present‐day Yosemite National Park. The emotions generated by the rituals of Roosevelt's and Muir's camping trip in May, 1903 in the short term, however, failed to result in a lasting consensus on ideology. This is a point that Roosevelt's lack of support for Muir in the subsequent controversy over the damming of the Hetch Hetchy Valley clearly documents. A video abstract is available at http://tinyurl.com/myv74yd
Determination of the optimal DR capacity for a commercial building with chiller system and energy storage system
Authors: Son Joonho , Hara Ryoichi , Kita Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Demand response (DR), which is used to shave the peak demand for securing supply reliability in a power system, is one of the promising constitutions for the end users. In a commercial building (COB), the most popular adjustable DR resource (DRR) is the chiller system. More specifically, its power consumption can be reduced by thermal mass control (precooling) in a specified DR duration. On the other hand, installation of energy storage systems (ESSs) is going on at an accelerated pace because of its high economic efficiency. ESSs have been used for peak‐shift operation under the time‐of‐use (TOU) tariff. However, ESS can be also used as an attractive DRR because it can reduce the net load by discharging the ESS for a specified DR duration. Based on this background, this paper presents a method for determining the optimal DR capacity in a COB with a chiller system and ESS. In the proposed scheme, the optimal DR capacity (kW) can be determined so that the total expected cost of a COB becomes minimum by using the chiller system and ESS while avoiding the DR penalty threat adopted in the Korean DR market. Uncertainty in the ambient temperature, the amount of reduction, and DR durations are considered as the scenarios. The estimation and economic evaluation of the proposed scheme is ascertained through case studies. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Visualization method for radiographic films through silver intensity mapping using X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Gonçalves E.A.S. , Oliveira D.F. , Anjos M.J. , Assis J.T. , Oliveira L.F. , Lopes R.T.
Published: February 2017

Radiographic films have a large range of applications. In many of these applications, the behavior of characteristic curves is very important for assessing the image quality and radiography setup. Radiographic film digitization and visualization are always performed by light transmission, and the characteristic curve is known as a behavior of optical density as a function of the radiation exposure. Because optical density is a function of metallic silver generated by chemical development in silver halides, when an image is visualized by light transmission, a silver amount map is indirectly seen. However, this measurement is limited by the optical instrument, and a very weak light signal cannot be distinguished from background light or background noise. In this way, highly exposed films can contain areas with different silver concentrations, but this cannot be seen because the optical density measurement is limited. One of the ways through which it is possible to overcome such limitation is to use a different method for ascertaining the quantity of silver remaining on the developed films, and one of the quantitative techniques that suit this purpose is X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). The purpose of this paper is applying μ‐XRF so as to obtain a point‐by‐point silver intensity map to detect objects with low optical contrast on conventional radiographic films. The results of this work have shown a higher linear range in measurement using XRF, and as consequence, small objects and details in low‐contrast or overexposed radiographic images could be visualized by the silver mapping technique, and the same results could not be achieved using light transmission methods. A first approach about spatial resolution and contrast was made showing strong and weak points of this way to scan radiographic films. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploratory investigation of theoretical predictors of nomophobia using the Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ)
Authors: Argumosa‐Villar Lidia , Boada‐Grau Joan , Vigil‐Colet Andreu
Published: February 2017

Despite the advantages that the development of new technologies has brought to our lives, it is also true that the problematic use of technology can have negative effects on some people, as the prevalence of nomophobia, defined as the fear and anxiety of being unreachable via one's mobile phone. While some authors are beginning to study the relationship of nomophobia with variables such as age, no investigation has yet been carried out into psychological variables. Our study contributes to the literature by looking at personality, self‐esteem, gender and age as predictors of nomophobia, evaluated by the Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ). The study comprised 242 Spanish students (46.7% men and 53.3% women; 49.2% studying for a high school certificate and 50.8% for a university degree). Multiple regressions were conducted, finding that self‐esteem, extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability predict nomophobia. Finally, we discuss these results and provide suggestions for future research.
GABAA receptor expression and white matter disruption in intrauterine growth restricted piglets
Authors: Kalanjati Viskasari P. , Wixey Julie A. , Miller Stephanie M. , Colditz Paul B. , Bjorkman Stella T.
Published: February 2017

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the most common causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. White matter and neuronal injury are major pathophysiological features of the IUGR neonatal brain. GABAA (γ‐aminobutyric acid type A) receptors have been shown to play a role in oligodendrocyte differentiation and proliferation in the neonatal brain and may be a key factor in white matter injury and myelination in IUGR neonates. Whether there are impairments to the GABAergic system and neuronal cytoskeleton in IUGR brain has yet to be elucidated. This study aims to examine GABAA receptor α1 and α3 subunit protein expression and distribution in parietal cortex and hippocampus of the IUGR piglet at four different ages (term = 115 d – days gestational age), 100 d, 104 d, birth (postnatal day 0–P0) and P7 and to examine neuronal and myelination patterns. Significant alterations to GABAA receptor α1 and α3 protein expression levels were observed in the IUGR piglet brain of P7 IUGR piglets with significantly greater α3 expression compared to α1 expression in the hippocampus while there was virtually no difference between the two subunits in the parietal cortex. However a significantly lower α1/α3 ratio was evident in P7 IUGR cortex when compared with P7 NG cortex. Neuronal somatodendrites studied using MAP2 immunohistochemistry showed reduced and disrupted somatodendrites while MBP immunolabelling showed loss of axonal fibres from gestational day 104 d through to P7. These findings provide insights into the effects of IUGR on the development of the GABA system, altered developmental maturation of GABAA receptor subunit expression in the IUGR brain may influence myelination and may partly explain the cognitive disabilities observed in IUGR. Understanding the mechanisms behind grey and white matter injury in the IUGR infant is essential to identifying targets for treatments to improve long‐term outcomes for IUGR infants.