bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and thermal properties of wood fibers reinforced poly(lactic acid)/thermoplasticized starch composites
Authors: N. Raghu , Kale Amey , Raj Anand , Aggarwal Pankaj , Chauhan Shakti
Published: December 2017

Thermoplasticized starch (TPS) filled poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends are usually found to have low mechanical properties due to poor properties of TPS and inadequate adhesion between the TPS and PLA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reinforcing effect of wood fibers (WF) on the mechanical properties of TPS/PLA blends. In order to improve the compatibility of wood with TPS/PLA blends, maleic anhydride grafted PLA (MA‐g‐PLA) copolymer was synthesized and used. TPS, TPS/PLA blends, and WF reinforced TPS/PLA composites were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion and injection molded. Scanning electron microscope and crystallinity studies indicated thermoplasticity in starch. WF at two different weight proportions, that is, 20% and 40% with respect to TPS content were taken and MA‐g‐PLA at 10% to the total weight was chosen to study the effect on mechanical properties. At 20% WF and 10% MA‐g‐PLA, the tensile strength exhibited 86% improvement and flexural strength exhibited about 106% improvement over TPS/PLA blends. Increasing WF content to 40% further enhanced tensile strength by 128% and flexural strength by 180% with respect to TPS/PLA blends. Thermal behavior of blends and composites was analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46118.
Improving the toughening in poly(lactic acid)‐thermoplastic cassava starch reactive blends
Authors: Bher Anibal , Auras Rafael , Schvezov Carlos E.
Published: December 2017

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a physical blend of PLA and thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) (PLA‐TPCS), and reactive blends of PLA with TPCS using maleic anhydride as compatibilizer with two different peroxide initiators [i.e., 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2,5‐dimethylhexane (L101) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP)] PLA‐g‐TPCS‐L101 and PLA‐g‐TPCS‐DCP were produced and characterized. Blends were produced using either a mixer unit or twin‐screw extruder. Films for testing were produced by compression molding and cast film extrusion. Morphological, mechanical, thermomechanical, thermal, and optical properties of the samples were assessed. Blends produced with the twin‐screw extruder resulted in a better grade of mixing than blends produced with the mixer. Reactive compatibilization improved the interfacial adhesion of PLA and TPCS. Scanning electron microscopy images of the physical blend showed larger TPCS domains in the PLA matrix due to poor compatibilization. However, reactive blends revealed smaller TPCS domains and better interfacial adhesion of TPCS to the PLA matrix when DCP was used as initiator. Reactive blends exhibited high values for elongation at break without an improvement in tensile strength. PLA‐g‐TPCS‐DCP provides promising properties as a tougher biodegradable film. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46140.
Intraseasonal variation of the East Asian summer monsoon associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Li Xinyu , Gollan Gereon , Greatbatch Richard J. , Lu Riyu
Published: December 2017

We investigate the daily variability of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) by projecting daily wind anomaly data onto the two major modes of an interannual multivariate Empirical Orthogonal Functions analysis. Mode 1, closely resembling the Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern and referred to as PJ‐mode, transits from positive to negative phase around mid‐summer consistent with the Meiyu rains predominantly being an early summer phenomenon. Mode 2, which is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and referred to as ISM‐mode, peaks in late July and early August and is associated with rainfall farther north over China. We then analyze the relation between the intraseasonal variation of the EASM and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) by analyzing circulation anomalies following MJO events. In the lower troposphere, the circulation anomalies associated with the MJO most strongly project on the PJ‐mode. MJO phases 1–4 (5–8) favor the positive (negative) phase of the PJ‐mode by favoring the anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomalies over the subtropical western North Pacific. In the upper troposphere, the circulation anomalies associated with the MJO project mainly on the ISM‐mode.
Descriptive assessment of inappropriate vocalizations emitted by persons diagnosed with dementia
Authors: Leon Yanerys , Gregory Meagan K. , Flynn‐Privett Ashley , Ribeiro Aurelia
Published: December 2017

Individuals diagnosed with dementia often emit disruptive inappropriate vocalizations, and functional analyses of inappropriate vocalizations in this population have produced inconclusive results. One reason may be that researchers have not presented the relevant antecedents or delivered consequences that were qualitatively similar to those typically delivered in the individual's environment. The purpose of this study was to identify environmental events that may be related to inappropriate vocalizations emitted by individuals with dementia. A 2‐part descriptive assessment was conducted (narrative and structured). Conditional and unconditional probabilities were calculated to determine antecedent and consequent events that were correlated with inappropriate vocalizations. Results showed that at least 1 antecedent event was correlated with inappropriate vocalizations, and attention was likely to follow the occurrence of inappropriate vocalizations for all participants.
Lessons learned about prevalence and growth rates of abdominal aortic aneurysms from a 25-year ultrasound population screening programme
Authors: Oliver-Williams C , Sweeting M J , Turton G , Parkin D , Cooper D , Rodd C , Thompson S G , Earnshaw J J
Published: December 2017

Background

This study aimed to assess how the prevalence and growth rates of small and medium abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) (3·0–5·4 cm) have changed over time in men aged 65 years, and to evaluate long-term outcomes in men whose aortic diameter is 2·6–2·9 cm (subaneurysmal), and below the standard threshold for most surveillance programmes.

Methods

The Gloucestershire Aneurysm Screening Programme (GASP) started in 1990. Men aged 65 years with an aortic diameter of 2·6–5·4 cm, measured by ultrasonography using the inner to inner wall method, were included in surveillance. Aortic diameter growth rates were estimated separately for men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, and those who had a small or medium AAA, using mixed-effects models.

Results

Since 1990, 81 150 men had ultrasound screening for AAA (uptake 80·7 per cent), of whom 2795 had an aortic diameter of 2·6–5·4 cm. The prevalence of screen-detected AAA of 3·0 cm or larger decreased from 5·0 per cent in 1991 to 1·3 per cent in 2015. There was no evidence of a change in AAA growth rates during this time. Of men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, 57·6 (95 per cent c.i. 54·4 to 60·7) per cent were estimated to develop an AAA of 3·0 cm or larger within 5 years of the initial scan, and 28·0 (24·2 to 31·8) per cent to develop a large AAA (at least 5·5 cm) within 15 years.

Conclusion

The prevalence of screen-detected small and medium AAAs has decreased over the past 25 years, but growth rates have remained similar. Men with a subaneurysmal aorta at age 65 years have a substantial risk of developing a large AAA by the age of 80 years.
Progression patterns under BRAF inhibitor treatment and treatment beyond progression in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Hassel Jessica C. , Buder‐Bakhaya Kristina , Bender Carolin , Zimmer Lisa , Weide Benjamin , Loquai Carmen , Ugurel Selma , Slynko Alla , Gutzmer Ralf ,   the German Dermatooncology Group (DeCOG/ADO)
Published: December 2017

Despite markedly improved treatment options for metastatic melanoma, resistance to targeted therapies such as BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) or BRAFi plus MEK inhibitors (MEKi) remains a major problem. Our aim was to characterize progression on BRAFi therapy and outcome of subsequent treatment. One hundred and eighty patients with BRAF‐mutant metastatic melanoma who had progressed on treatment with single‐agent BRAFi from February 2010 to April 2015 were included in a retrospective data analysis focused on patterns of progression, treatment beyond progression (TBP) and subsequent treatments after BRAFi therapy. Analysis revealed that 51.1% of patients progressed with both new and existing metastases opposed to progression of only preexisting (28.3%) or only new (20.6%) metastases. Exclusive extracranial progression occurred in 50.6% of patients compared to both extra‐ and intracranial (29.4%) or sole cerebral progression (20%). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that single site progression and primary response to BRAFi were associated with improved progression‐free survival. Progression with exclusively new or only existing metastases and a baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) of 0 were associated with prolonged overall survival (OS). TBP had no significant impact on OS. Other subsequent treatments showed low efficacy with the exception of anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. In conclusion we identified specific patterns of progression which significantly correlate with further prognosis after progression on BRAFi treatment. In contrast to previously published data, we could not demonstrate a significant survival benefit for BRAFi TBP. Subsequent therapies had strikingly low efficacy except for PD‐1 inhibitors.
The “side‐BASE technique”: Combined side branch anchor balloon and balloon assisted sub‐intimal entry to resolve ambiguous proximal cap chronic total occlusions
Authors: Roy James , Hill Jonathan , Spratt James C.
Published: December 2017

Failure to penetrate the proximal cap or cross with equipment remains the most frequent cause of procedural failure in CTO PCI. In the “BASE” technique concerns were raised over the risk of proximal side branch loss. We here describe the evolution of this technique and highlight examples where the sub‐intimal space was accessed proximal to the occlusion by using the side branch. This technique can be of use both in resolving proximal cap ambiguity and also in cases where there is difficulty crossing a resistant proximal cap.
Overview of Monoamine Transporters
Authors: Aggarwal Shaili , Mortensen Ole V.
Published: December 2017

The dopamine (DAT), serotonin (SERT), and norepinephrine (NET) transporters, which are collectively referred to as monoamine transporters (MATs), play significant roles in regulating the neuronal response to these neurotransmitters. MATs terminate the action of these neurotransmitters by translocating them from the synaptic space into the presynaptic neurons. These three transmitters are responsible for controlling a number of physiological, emotional, and behavioral functions, with their transporters being the site of action of drugs employed for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, and psychostimulant abuse. Provided in this unit is information on the localization and regulation of MATs and the structural components of these proteins most responsible for the translocation process. Also included is a brief description of the evolution of ligands that interact with these transporters, as well as current theories concerning the pharmacological effects of substances that interact with these sites, including the molecular mechanisms of action of uptake inhibitors and allosteric modulators. Data relating to the presence, structure, and functions of allosteric modulators are included as well. The aim of this review is to provide background information on MATs to those who are new to this field, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of compounds that interact with these substrate transport sites. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The baubellum is more developmentally and evolutionarily labile than the baculum
Authors: Lough‐Stevens Michael , Schultz Nicholas G. , Dean Matthew D.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the evolutionary forces that influence sexual dimorphism is a fundamental goal in biology. Here, we focus on one particularly extreme example of sexual dimorphism. Many mammal species possess a bone in their penis called a baculum. The female equivalent of this bone is called the baubellum and occurs in the clitoris, which is developmentally homologous to the male penis. To understand the potential linkage between these two structures, we scored baculum/baubellum presence/absence across 163 species and analyzed their distribution in a phylogenetic framework. The majority of species (N = 134) shared the same state in males and females (both baculum and baubellum present or absent). However, the baubellum has experienced significantly more transitions, and more recent transitions, so that the remaining 29 species have a baculum but not a well‐developed baubellum. Even in species where both bones are present, the baubellum shows more ontogenetic variability and harbors more morphological variation than the baculum. Our study demonstrates that the baculum and baubellum are generally correlated across mammals, but that the baubellum is more evolutionarily and developmentally labile than the baculum. The accumulation of more evolutionary transitions, especially losses in the baubellum, as well as noisier developmental patterns, suggests that the baubellum may be nonfunctional, and lost over time.
Siglec‐1 inhibits RSV‐induced interferon gamma production by adult T cells in contrast to newborn T cells
Authors: Jans Jop , Unger Wendy W.J. , Vissers Marloes , Ahout Inge M.L. , Schreurs Inge , Wickenhagen Arthur , de Groot Ronald , de Jonge Marien I. , Ferwerda Gerben
Published: December 2017

Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) plays an important role in the antiviral immune response during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Monocytes and T cells are recruited to the site of RSV infection, but it is unclear whether cell‐cell interactions between monocytes and T cells regulate IFN‐γ production. In this study, micro‐array data identified the upregulation of sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐type lectin 1 (Siglec‐1) in human RSV‐infected infants. In vitro, RSV increased expression of Siglec‐1 on healthy newborn and adult monocytes. RSV‐induced Siglec‐1 on monocytes inhibited IFN‐γ production by adult CD4+ T cells. In contrast, IFN‐γ production by RSV in newborns was not affected by Siglec‐1. The ligand for Siglec‐1, CD43, is highly expressed on adult CD4+ T cells compared to newborns. Our data show that Siglec‐1 reduces IFN‐γ release by adult T cells possibly by binding to the highly expressed CD43. The Siglec‐1‐dependent inhibition of IFN‐γ in adults and the low expression of CD43 on newborn T cells provides a better understanding of the immune response against RSV in early life and adulthood.
Cultural learning and the Clovis colonization of North America
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Buchanan Briggs
Published: December 2017

The timing of the earliest colonization of North America is debatable, but what is not at issue is the point of origin of the early colonists: Humans entered the continent from Beringia and then made their way south along or near the Pacific Coast and/or through a corridor that ran between the Cordilleran and Laurentide ice sheets in western North America. At some point, they abandoned their Arctic‐based tool complex for one more adapted to an entirely different environment. That new techno‐complex is termed “Clovis”; its dispersal allows us to examine, at a fine scale, how colonization processes played out across a vast continent that at the time had, at best, a very small resident population. Clovis has figured prominently in American archeology since the first Clovis points were identified in eastern New Mexico in the 1930s. However, the successful marriage of learning models grounded in evolutionary theory and modern analytical methods that began roughly a decade ago has begun to pay significant dividends in terms of what we know about the rapid spread of human groups across the last sizable landmass to witness human occupation.
RREB1–MKL2 fusion in biphenotypic “oropharyngeal” sarcoma: New entity or part of the spectrum of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcomas?
Authors: Siegfried Aurore , Romary Claire , Escudié Fréderic , Nicaise Yvan , Grand David , Rochaix Philippe , Barres Béatrice , Vergez Sébastien , Chevreau Christine , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Le Guellec Sophie
Published: December 2017

An increasing number of sarcomas displaying a primitive, monomorphic spindle cell phenotype have been shown to harbor recurrent gene fusions, including biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (SNS). Occurring in the sinonasal area of middle‐aged patients, SNS is a locally aggressive tumor harboring in 90% of cases recurrent gene fusions involving the PAX3 gene, in which the chimeric transcription factor induces an aberrant dual myogenic and neural phenotype. Here, we report an unusual oropharyngeal monomorphic spindle cell sarcoma in a 53‐year‐old man that revealed a novel RREB1–MKL2 gene fusion by RNA sequencing with the Illumina TruSight RNA Fusion Panel. The gene fusion was validated by RT‐PCR. Although the tumor location is unusual (but head and neck seated), most of the other clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic (focal combined expression of S100 protein, SMA, desmin, and myogenin) and oncogenic data suggest that this biphenotypic “oropharyngeal” sarcoma is closely related to the biphenotypic SNS spectrum. Notably, the RREB1–MKL2 chimeric transcription factor encoded by this fusion gene produced an increase in MKL2 expression, which regulates both neural and myogenic differentiation, mimicking the crucial role of PAX3 reported in SNS oncogenesis. NGS and especially RNA sequencing may be used to identify new candidate fusion oncogenes in soft tissue tumors, which would help in updating the existing classification. In turn, this would lead to better therapeutic management of patients.
Jurassic sedimentary provenances of the Hongshan and Huobuxun sags in the eastern segment of the northern Qaidam Basin: Basin–Mountain coupling
Authors: Shu Dongge , Xu Shumei , Wu Shan , Li Sanzhong , Wang Dahua , Xiao Yongjun , Wu Xiangfeng , Wang Jinduo , Somerville Ian
Published: December 2017

The Hongshan and Huobuxun sags are located in the eastern segment of the northern Qaidam Basin, and the provenances of Jurassic deposits in the two sags are unclear. Based on the tectonic setting of the northern Qaidam Basin before the Jurassic, this paper discusses provenances of the two sags by field geological survey, analysis of detritus, and heavy minerals of the Jurassic strata. The Jurassic sedimentation in the Hongshan Sag mainly came from the Zongwulong Orogen and the Oulongbuluke and Kuerleike mountains, and the Xitie Mountain was the secondary provenance. The Jurassic deposits of the Houbuxun Sag mainly came from the Xitie and Aimunike and Dadakenwula mountains. Because of the barrier of the Zongwulong Orogen, the sources of Jurassic deposits from the South Qilian Caledonian Orogen were much fewer. Four Jurassic provenance systems of the Hongshan and Huobuxun sags are recognized through heavy mineral assemblages: Kuerleike–Zongwulong, Zongwulong–Oulongbuluke, Xitie, and Aimunike–Dadakenwula mountains provenance systems. Based on the provenance analysis of the two sags, the paper further discusses the basin–mountain system in the eastern segment of the northern Qaidam Basin during the Jurassic. The two sags were not an open connected basin as considered by some geologists but two isolated sags. The Kuerleike, Oulongbuluke, and Zongwulong mountains together constituted the northern sedimentary boundary of the Hongshan Sag, and the southern sedimentary boundary was the Xitie Mountain. The northern boundary of the Huobuxun Sag was the Xitie, Aimunike, and Dadakenwula mountains, which separated the Hongshan Sag from the Huobuxun Sag, resulting in the two sags to evolve independently into the faulted basins during the Jurassic.
Origin and petrogenetic implications of garnet from Rb‐rich pegmatites in North Qinling Orogen, China
Authors: Feng Yonggang , Lei Ruxiong , Ju Minghui , Song Gongshe , Xu Feng
Published: December 2017

A group of Rb‐rich granitic pegmatites near Ziyugou, Danfeng, in the North Qinling Orogen lack typical lithological zoning and have a simple mineralogy dominated by quartz + microcline + albite with garnet in minor quantities. Biotite is rare, and muscovite was mostly formed during greisenization. Graphic texture can be observed within the pegmatites near the contact with the country rock. The pegmatites have localized garnet‐rich zones that contain 5–15 vol.% garnet and accessory zircon, columbite, xenotime, and thorite. The pegmatites are peraluminous (A/CNK = ~1.02–1.23) and contain low Ca but high alkali and elevated Rb (~600–1300 ppm). In REE patterns and spider diagrams, the pegmatites exhibit a pronounced negative Eu anomaly, strong Ti, P, Sr, and Ba depletion, and enrichment of Rb, HFSE, and HREE. In addition, the garnet‐rich zones contain lower K and Rb but higher Na, Mn, Fe, Zr, Hf, Nb, Y, Th, and U concentrations than the part with graphic texture and accessory garnet. Two types of garnets occur in the pegmatites. Type 1 garnet is well‐zoned and closely associated with the above‐mentioned HFSE minerals in the garnet‐rich zones, whereas Type 2 garnet included in either feldspar or quartz defining graphic texture has no associated HFSE minerals. Both types of garnets are almandine‐spessartine solid solution and contain trace to minor amounts of pyrope, grossular, and uvarolite. Based on garnet chemistry, Type 1 garnet can be subdivided into two subtypes, namely, Type 1a with higher Alm content and Type 1b with higher Sps and Prp contents. Unlike garnets from LCT‐type pegmatites but similar to those from NYF‐type pegmatites, the garnets from the Ziyugou pegmatites contain up to 1.12 wt.% Y2O3 and 1.16 wt.% Yb2O3, which makes garnet the main carrier of Y and HREE. This explains why the garnet‐rich part contains higher Y and HREE. Type 1 garnet has higher Mn/Fe ratio than Type 2 garnet, indicating that the garnet‐rich part of the pegmatites likely represents a more evolved melt. Although the pegmatites somehow show S‐type granite affinity (i.e., elevated Rb concentration and strong depletion in Sr and Ba), the HFSE and HREE enrichment of the pegmatites and garnet chemistry suggest that the pegmatites may have had a hybridized source.
Effects of modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the older spouse caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese communities: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mei Yongxia , Lin Beilei , Li Yingshuang , Ding Chunge , Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: December 2017

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the burden, positive experience, and life satisfaction of older spouse caregivers and the life satisfaction of stroke survivors.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial by using 75 older stroke couples recruited from communities in Zhengzhou, China. We randomly assigned participants to 1 of 3 groups: Group 1 (G1, 25 couples, all attend intervention) and Group 2 (G2, 22 couples, only caregivers attend intervention), who participated in a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy, and a waiting list (control) group (G3, 28 couples). Interviewers blinded to treatment group assignment administered the life satisfaction to both stroke survivors and caregivers, caregiver burden, and positive experience for caregivers, at preintervention, immediately postintervention, and at 1 month and 3 months after cessation of the intervention.

Results

We found a statistically significant interaction between treatment groups and assessment time points for the 4 outcome measures (P < .001). Although the effects were decreased after intervention at 1 month, the improvement in caregivers' positive experience, life satisfaction, burden, and life satisfaction of stroke survivors were still significant (P < .001).

Conclusions

The use of a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy in this study sample improved the life satisfaction of stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers, improved the positive experience of caregivers, and decreased the burden of caregivers.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α drives nonalcoholic fatty liver progression by triggering hepatocyte release of histidine‐rich glycoprotein
Authors: Morello Elisabetta , Sutti Salvatore , Foglia Beatrice , Novo Erica , Cannito Stefania , Bocca Claudia , Rajsky Martina , Bruzzì Stefania , Abate Maria Lorena , Rosso Chiara , Bozzola Cristina , David Ezio , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Albano Emanuele , Parola Maurizio
Published: December 2017

Mechanisms underlying progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are still incompletely characterized. Hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases, but the actual role of HIF‐2α in the evolution of NAFLD has never been investigated in detail. In this study, we show that HIF‐2α is selectively overexpressed in the cytosol and the nuclei of hepatocytes in a very high percentage (>90%) of liver biopsies from a cohort of NAFLD patients at different stages of the disease evolution. Similar features were also observed in mice with steatohepatitis induced by feeding a methionine/choline‐deficient diet. Experiments performed in mice carrying hepatocyte‐specific deletion of HIF‐2α and related control littermates fed either a choline‐deficient L‐amino acid–defined or a methionine/choline‐deficient diet showed that HIF‐2α deletion ameliorated the evolution of NAFLD by decreasing parenchymal injury, fatty liver, lobular inflammation, and the development of liver fibrosis. The improvement in NAFLD progression in HIF‐2α‐deficient mice was related to a selective down‐regulation in the hepatocyte production of histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRGP), recently proposed to sustain macrophage M1 polarization. In vitro experiments confirmed that the up‐regulation of hepatocyte HRGP expression was hypoxia‐dependent and HIF‐2α‐dependent. Finally, analyses performed on specimens from NAFLD patients indicated that HRGP was overexpressed in all patients showing hepatocyte nuclear staining for HIF‐2α and revealed a significant positive correlation between HIF‐2α and HRGP liver transcript levels in these patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that hepatocyte HIF‐2α activation is a key feature in both human and experimental NAFLD and significantly contributes to the disease progression through the up‐regulation of HRGP production. (Hepatology 2018;67:2196‐2214).
Pentanuclear Heterometallic String Complexes with High‐Bond‐order Units [Ni23+−Mo24+−Ni2+(bna)4X2]3+ (X = Cl, NCS)
Authors: Hsu Ssu‐chieh , Lin Geng‐Min , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Chen Chun‐hsien , Peng Shie‐Ming
Published: December 2017

Our quest for ligands toward the synthesis of functional metal string complexes started from α‐pyridylamido anions. With the modulation of naphthyridylamido anions, the ligands carry less negative charge to be balanced and, thus, to some extent, can tune the oxidation state of the metal centers and the strength of metal–metal interactions. For example, the formation of Ni23+, a mixed‐valence moiety, has been demonstrated. In this paper, high‐bond‐order units of M2 (Mo2 or Ru2) and Ni23+ are introduced and supported by four equatorial ligands of the bisnaphthyridylamido anion (bna−). The resulting compounds are [Ni2Mo2Ni(bna)4Cl2](PF6)3 (1), [Ni2Mo2Ni(bna)4(NCS)2](PF6)3 (2), and [Ni2Ru2Ni(bna)4Cl2](ClO4)3 (3). X‐ray crystallography reveal quadruply bonded characteristics with Mo–Mo distances of 2.133(2) and 2.109(2) Å for 1 and 2, respectively. The Ni2 moieties have a short Ni–Ni distance of 2.331(5) for 1 and 2.334(4) Å for 2, suggesting the formation of mixed‐valence Ni23+ units. It appears that there are no significant metal–metal interactions between Mo2 and its neighboring Ni centers. Characterization using magnetism, voltammetry, electronic absorption, and single‐molecule conductance, however, shows significant influence of Mo2 on the properties of the metal string complexes.
Efficacy of metacognitive therapy in improving mental health: A meta‐analysis of single‐case studies
Authors: Rochat Lucien , Manolov Rumen , Billieux Joël
Published: December 2017

Objective

Metacognitive therapy and one of its treatment components, the attention training technique, are increasingly being delivered to improve mental health. We examined the efficacy of metacognitive therapy and/or attention training technique on mental health outcomes from single‐case studies.

Method

A total of 14 studies (53 patients) were included. We used the d‐statistic for multiple baseline data and the percentage change index to compute the effect sizes.

Results

Metacognitive therapy has a large effect on depression, anxiety, other psychopathological symptoms, and all outcomes together. Effect sizes were significantly moderated by the number of sessions, the severity and duration of symptoms, and patient gender, but not by study quality or attention training technique when used as a stand‐alone treatment. At the follow‐up, 77.36% of the individuals were considered recovered or had maintained improvement.

Conclusion

Metacognitive therapy and attention training technique strongly contribute to improving mental health outcomes. This study effectively informs evidence‐based practice in the clinical milieu.
Analysis of thyreostats in bovine feces using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Witek Sebastian , Wozniak Barbara , Matraszek‐Zuchowska Iwona , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: December 2017

A method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography was developed and validated to detect six thyreostatic compounds: tapazole, thiouracil, methylthiouracil, dimethylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, and phenylthiouracil in faeces of bovine. Thyreostats were extracted from the matrix with a mixture of methanol and buffer (pH = 8). Next step was derivatization of analytes with 3‐iodobenzylbromide. The liquid chromatographic separation of derivatives was obtained on a SB‐C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm; 1.8 μm, Agilent) with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/0.1% acetic acid within 7.5 min. The analysis was performed on a Shimadzu NEXERA X2 ultra‐high performance liquid chromatograph with triple quadrupole MS 8050 instrument operating in positive electrospray ionization mode. Depending on the target compound, two or three diagnostic signals (selected reaction monitoring transitions) were monitored. The procedure was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Recovery and repeatability met the performance criteria specified by this document for banned compounds. The recovery ranged from 97.5 to 110.5%, and repeatability did not exceed 14.1%. Decision limits and detection capabilities were below 10 μg/kg. The highest decision limits and detection capabilities concentrations were observed for phenylthiouracil of 3.48 and 6.96 μg/kg, respectively.
Enantioseparation and determination of asenapine in biological fluid micromatrices by HPLC with diode array detection
Authors: Protti Michele , Vignali Alice , Sanchez Blanco Teresa , Rudge James , Bugamelli Francesca , Ferranti Anna , Mandrioli Roberto , Mercolini Laura
Published: December 2017

Asenapine is a recent drug approved in the European Union for the treatment of bipolar disorder. An original approach has been developed for asenapine analysis in patients treated with the drug, including miniaturized microsampling procedures, separation and quantitation of drug enantiomers. An original enantioselective method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was developed and applied to the determination of asenapine enantiomer levels in innovative haematic samples: four micromatrices have been tested, two based on dried matrix spots (dried blood spots and dried plasma spots) and two based on volumetric absorptive microsampling (from blood and plasma). Chiral separation was achieved on a cellulose‐tris(3,5 dimethylphenylcarbamate) column, with a mobile phase containing bicarbonate buffer and acetonitrile. The method was validated with satisfactory results of linearity and precision on all matrices that showed also a significant performance in terms of stability, feasibility and reliability, when compared to fluid plasma sampling, handling and processing. Among micromatrices, both volumetric absorptive microsampling types were superior to dried matrix spots in terms of data reproducibility and correspondence with plasma levels. The bioanalytical approach proposed herein provides for the first time a chiral high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of asenapine enantiomers, coupled to a very effective microsampling strategy.
Ligation versus no ligation of spontaneous portosystemic shunts during liver transplantation: Audit of a prospective series of 66 consecutive patients
Authors: Gomez Gavara Concepcion , Bhangui Prashant , Salloum Chady , Osseis Michael , Esposito Francesco , Moussallem Toufic , Lahat Eylon , Fuentes Liliana , Compagnon Philippe , Ngongang Norbert , Lim Chetana , Azoulay Daniel
Published: December 2017

The management of large spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) during liver transplantation (LT) is a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to compare the short‐term and longterm outcomes of SPSS ligation versus nonligation during LT, when both options are available. From 2011 to 2017, 66 patients with SPSS underwent LT: 56 without and 10 with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), all of whom underwent successful thrombectomy and could have portoportal reconstruction. The SPSS were either splenorenal (n = 40; 60.6%), left gastric (n = 16; 24.2%), or mesenterico‐iliac (n = 10; 15.1%). Following portoportal anastomosis, the SPSS was ligated in 36 (54.4%) patients and left in place in 30 (45.5%) patients, based on the effect of the SPSS clamping/unclamping test on portal vein flow during the anhepatic phase. Intraoperatively, satisfactory portal flow was obtained in both groups. Primary nonfunction (PNF) and primary dysfunction (PDF) rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Nonligation of SPSS was significantly associated with a higher rate of postoperative encephalopathy (P < 0.001) and major postoperative morbidity (P = 0.02). PVT occurred in 0 and 3 patients in the ligated and nonligated shunt group, respectively (P = 0.08). A composite end point, which included the relevant complications in the setting of SPSS in LT (ie, PNF and PDF, PVT, and encephalopathy) was present in 16 (44.4%) and 22 (73.3%) patients of the ligated and nonligated shunt group, respectively (P = 0.02). Patient (P = 0.05) and graft (P = 0.02) survival rates were better in the ligated shunt group. In conclusion, the present study supports routine ligation of large SPSS during LT whenever feasible. Liver Transplantation 24 505–515 2018 AASLD.
Detection of Cadmium Ion in Potable Water Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Taneja Parul , Manjuladevi V. , Gupta Rajiv , Gupta Raj Kumar
Published: December 2017

The presence of heavy metal e.g. cadmium in potable water is one of the major threats on our health. It should be detected and removed from potable water before consumption. The maximum permissible concentration of cadmium ion in drinking water lies in the range of 2–10 ppb. The consumption of excessive cadmium through potable water can lead to cancer, and can affect the organs like kidney and lungs severely. In this article, we report the development of a piezoelectric based sensor for the detection of cadmium ion in water. A functional layer of nanocomposite of single walled carbon nanotubes and beewax was deposited by spin coating technique onto 5 MHz AT‐cut quartz crystal wafers and the shift in resonance due to physioadsorption of cadmium from water medium was recorded. We find a very stable linear response curve with the lowest detectable concentration of 5.2 ppb. The change in the morphology of the functional layer before and after adsorption of cadmium is studied using atomic force microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope. The presence of calcium ion in water medium affected the response curves of cadmium sensing. We found a systematic variation in sensitivity towards Cd ion due to the presence of Ca ion in water medium.
Electronic and Optical Properties of GaAs Bilayer
Authors: Bahuguna Bhagwati P. , Saini L. K. , Sharma Rajesh O.
Published: December 2017

In the present work, we have systematically studied structural, electronic and optical properties of buckled GaAs bilayer with and without spin‐orbit coupling by density functional theory. Buckled GaAs bilayer have direct band gap of 0.70 eV at high symmetric Г‐point which is low as compare to GaAs monolayer. Optical properties such as real and imaginary part of dielectric functions, refractive index, extinction coefficient, absorption spectrum and reflectivity are well studied using density function theory. The calculated optical properties show that the buckled GaAs bilayer can be beneficial for optoelectronic and light emitting devices.
ALD Grown ZnO on Polymeric Template
Authors: Mathur Aakash , Pal Dipayan , Chattopadhyay Sudeshna
Published: December 2017

ZnO thin film was grown on polystyrene template using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. The synthesized thin film was characterized using X‐ray reflectivity, X‐ray diffraction, and photoluminescence. X‐ray reflectivity confirms the growth of ZnO thin film with bulklike electron density, on top of polystyrene film without causing any perturbation in the underneath polymeric template. The X‐ray diffraction result reveals the crystalline structure of the ALD grown ZnO. Photoluminescence (PL) study of ZnO thin film on polymeric template shows the presence of strong characteristic near band edge emission (NBE) in the UV range along with a defect related deep level emission (DLE) in the visible region. The results confirm the growth of good quality crystalline ZnO thin film on polymeric template maintaining a sharp interface in metal‐oxide/polymer hybrid structure.
Time Domain Dielectric Spectroscopic Studies of Potassium Oleate and Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride in Acetate Buffer Solution
Authors: Gopalakrishnan D. , Kumbharkhane A. C. , Sampathkumar R.
Published: December 2017

Dielectric relaxation studies of acetate buffer solutions of anionic potassium oleate (PO) and cationic cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) surfactants at four different temperatures 283, 288, 293 and 298 K as a function of surfactant concentrations have been carried out in the 10 MHz to 30 GHz frequency range using time domain dielectric spectroscopy. Both the surfactants exhibit a significant rise of dielectric constant with increasing concentration. The corrected loss spectra of both the surfactants in aqueous buffer solution show up as peaks close to 1.4 GHz, and 14.5 GHz respectively. In agreement with the standard interpretation, we assigned the dominant mode at high frequency around 14.5 GHz to bulk water relaxation. The other peak around 1.4 GHz is attributed to hydration water reorientation of the surfactant micelles and has obtained detailed information on their temperature and concentration dependence. The relaxation times of bulk water and hydration water were calculated using Single Debye and Cole‐Cole method respectively. The activation enthalpy and activation entropy for the dipolar orientation for the surfactants at different concentrations have been calculated from the Arrhenius plot.
The existence of ‐bounded solution operators of the thermoelastic plate equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Suma'inna
Published: December 2017

We consider the linearized thermoelastic plate equation with the Dirichlet boundary condition in a general domain Ω, given by

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4687:mma4687-math-0004
with the initial condition u|(t=0)=u0, ut|(t=0)=u1, and θ|(t=0)=θ0 in Ω and the boundary condition u=∂νu=θ=0 on Γ, where u=u(x,t) denotes a vertical displacement at time t at the point x=(x1,⋯,xn)∈Ω, while θ=θ(x,t) describes the temperature. This work extends the result obtained by Naito and Shibata that studied the problem in the half‐space case. We prove the existence of
‐bounded solution operators of the corresponding resolvent problem. Then, the generation of C0 analytic semigroup and the maximal Lp‐Lq‐regularity of time‐dependent problem are derived.
Leveraging the nugget parameter for efficient Gaussian process modeling
Authors: Bostanabad Ramin , Kearney Tucker , Tao Siyu , Apley Daniel W. , Chen Wei
Published: December 2017

Gaussian process (GP) metamodels have been widely used as surrogates for computer simulations or physical experiments. The heart of GP modeling lies in optimizing the log‐likelihood function with respect to the hyperparameters to fit the model to a set of observations. The complexity of the log‐likelihood function, computational expense, and numerical instabilities challenge this process. These issues limit the applicability of GP models more when the size of the training data set and/or problem dimensionality increase. To address these issues, we develop a novel approach for fitting GP models that significantly improves computational expense and prediction accuracy. Our approach leverages the smoothing effect of the nugget parameter on the log‐likelihood profile to track the evolution of the optimal hyperparameter estimates as the nugget parameter is adaptively varied. The new approach is implemented in the R package GPM and compared to a popular GP modeling R package (GPfit) for a set of benchmark problems. The effectiveness of the approach is also demonstrated using an engineering problem to learn the constitutive law of a hyperelastic composite where the required level of accuracy in estimating the response gradient necessitates a large training data set.
On a Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman approach for coordinated optimal aircraft trajectories planning
Authors: Parzani Céline , Puechmorel Stéphane
Published: December 2017

In the context of future air traffic management, an increasing importance is given to environmental considerations and especially fuel consumption. It is thus advisable to make an optimal use of external conditions knowledge, like wind or temperature, to reduce the total fuel needed to complete a flight. On the other hand, safety must be guaranteed all over the trajectory: encounters below the regulatory separation minima, termed as conflicts, must never occur. In this paper, we consider the problem of optimally planning conflict free aircraft trajectories, based on a minimal time criterion and taking into account an ambient wind field. Aircraft motions are restricted to the horizontal plane only to reduce the dimension of the problem and to avoid costly changes of flight level. Since global optimality for the whole set of aircraft is sought after, the admissible space is modeled after a Cartesian product of the individual, 2‐dimensional state spaces with forbidden configurations removed. A Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman approach in the so‐called configuration space obtained that way is then applied to get a coordinated, conflict‐free optimal planning. One of the main advantages of this method is the insurance of getting a global optimum without having to rely on a complex initialization procedure. In this work, the Ultra‐Bee scheme is adapted to configuration spaces and solved in a 4‐dimensional plus time setting.
Severity of arterial defects in the retina correlates with the burden of intracerebral haemorrhage in COL4A1‐related stroke
Authors: Ratelade Julien , Mezouar Nicolas , Domenga‐Denier Valérie , Rochey Ambre , Plaisier Emmanuelle , Joutel Anne
Published: December 2017

Mutations in the α1 (COL4A1) or α2 (COL4A2) chains of collagen type IV, a major component of the vascular basement membrane, cause intracerebral haemorrhages with variable expressivity and reduced penetrance by mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Here we sought to investigate the cellular mechanisms of COL4A1‐related intracerebral haemorrhage and identify a marker for haemorrhage risk stratification. A combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy analyses were used to analyse the brain parenchyma, cerebrovasculature, and retinal vessels of mice expressing the disease‐causing COL4A1 p.G498V mutation. Mutant mice developed cerebral microhaemorrhages and macroscopic haemorrhages (macrohaemorrhages), the latter with reduced penetrance, mimicking the human disease. Microhaemorrhages that occurred in early postnatal life were associated with a transient, generalized increase in blood–brain barrier permeability at the level of capillaries. Macrohaemorrhages, which occurred later in life, originated from deep brain arteries with focal loss of smooth muscle cells. Similar smooth muscle cell loss was detected in retinal arteries, and a time‐course analysis of arterial lesions showed that smooth muscle cells are recruited normally in arterial wall during development, but undergo progressive apoptosis‐mediated degeneration. By assessing in parallel the extent of these retinal arterial lesions and the presence/absence of macrohaemorrhages, we found that the arterial lesion load in the retina is strongly correlated with the burden of macrohaemorrhages. We conclude that microhaemorrhages and macrohaemorrhages are driven by two distinct mechanisms. Moreover, smooth muscle cell degeneration is a critical factor underlying the partial penetrance of COL4A1‐related macrohaemorrhages, and retinal imaging is a promising tool for identifying high‐risk patients. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The view‐factor effect shaping ofI‐Vcharacteristics
Authors: Peled Assaf , Appelbaum Joseph
Published: December 2017

The diffuse radiation collected by PV modules is coupled with a view‐factor of the module to sky, which varies across the module surface in multiple‐row installations. The view‐factor variation inflicts current mismatch between the module strings by virtue of the nonuniform solar flux absorbed by the module's cells, leading in turn to an overall reduction in performance. The following study establishes a theoretical framework for predicting the step‐wise properties of the module I‐V curve following the current mismatch induced by the view‐factor. To illustrate the steps pattern, synthetic I‐V curves are derived by using the 5‐parameter PV cell single‐diode model in conjunction with 3 additional parameters that account for the cell's avalanche breakdown. We investigate the steps pattern as well as the power losses incurred by the view‐factor by simulating different types of PV deployments over a range diffuse radiation rates. For a tilted module installed on a horizontal plane, for instance, the study predicts a reduction in power ranging 2.8% to 25%, depending on the precentage diffuse radiation on the site in question.