bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of rock fragmentation during rockfalls and rock avalanches via 3‐D discrete element analyses
Authors: Zhao Tao , Crosta Giovanni Battista , Utili Stefano , De Blasio Fabio Vittorio
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the characteristics of dynamic rock fragmentation and its influence on the postfailure fragment trajectory. A series of numerical simulations by discrete element method (DEM) were performed for a simple rock block and slope geometry, where a particle agglomerate of prismatic shape is released along a sliding plane and subsequently collides onto a flat horizontal plane at a sharp kink point. The rock block is modeled as an assembly of bonded spherical particles with fragmentation arising from bond breakages. Bond strength and stiffness were calibrated against available experimental data. We analyzed how dynamic fragmentation occurs at impact, together with the generated fragment size distributions and consequently their runout for different slope topographies. It emerges that after impact, the vertical momentum of the granular system decreases sharply to nil, while the horizontal momentum increases suddenly and then decreases. The sudden boost of horizontal momentum can effectively facilitate the transport of fragments along the bottom floor. The rock fragmentation intensity is associated with the input energy and increases quickly with the slope angle. Gentle slopes normally lead to long spreading distance and large fragments, while steep slopes lead to high momentum boosts and impact forces, with efficient rock fragmentation and fine deposits. The fragment size decreases, while the fracture stress and fragment number both increase with the impact loading strain rate, supporting the experimental observations. The fragment size distributions can be well fitted by the Weibull's distribution function.
Winter climate change and fine root biogenic silica in sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum): Implications for silica in the Anthropocene
Authors: Maguire Timothy J. , Templer Pamela H. , Battles John J. , Fulweiler Robinson W.
Published: March 2017

Winter temperatures are projected to increase over the next century, leading to reductions in winter snowpack and increased frequency of soil freezing in many northern forest ecosystems. Here we examine biogenic silica (BSi) concentrations in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) fine roots collected from a snow manipulation experiment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (New Hampshire, USA). Increased soil freezing significantly lowered the BSi content of sugar maple fine roots potentially decreasing their capacity to take up water and dissolved nutrients. The reduced silica uptake (8 ± 1 kmol silica km−2) by sugar maple fine roots is comparable to silica export from temperate forest watersheds. We estimate that fine roots account for 29% of sugar maple BSi, despite accounting for only 4% of their biomass. These results suggest that increased frequency of soil freezing will reduce silica uptake by temperate tree roots, thereby changing silica availability in downstream receiving waters.
Forecasting the properties of the solar wind using simple pattern recognition
Authors: Riley Pete , Ben‐Nun Michal , Linker Jon A. , Owens M. J. , Horbury T. S.
Published: March 2017

An accurate forecast of the solar wind plasma and magnetic field properties is a crucial capability for space weather prediction. However, thus far, it has been limited to the large‐scale properties of the solar wind plasma or the arrival time of a coronal mass ejection from the Sun. As yet there are no reliable forecasts for the north‐south interplanetary magnetic field component, Bn (or, equivalently, Bz). In this study, we develop a technique for predicting the magnetic and plasma state of the solar wind Δt hours into the future (where Δt can range from 6 h to several weeks) based on a simple pattern recognition algorithm. At some time, t, the algorithm takes the previous Δt hours and compares it with a sliding window of Δt hours running back all the way through the data. For each window, a Euclidean distance is computed. These are ranked, and the top 50 are used as starting point realizations from which to make ensemble forecasts of the next Δt hours. We find that this approach works remarkably well for most solar wind parameters such as v, np, Tp, and even Br and Bt, but only modestly better than our baseline model for Bn. We discuss why this is so and suggest how more sophisticated techniques might be applied to improve the prediction scheme.
Mercury's Caloris basin: Continuity between the interior and exterior plains
Authors: Rothery David A. , Mancinelli Paolo , Guzzetta Laura , Wright Jack
Published: March 2017

The smooth plains on the floor of Mercury's Caloris basin and those almost entirely surrounding it beyond its rim are usually accepted to be younger than the rim materials and to be lava flows rather than impact melt. High‐resolution imaging shows that the emplacement of interior and exterior plains was concurrent, with evidence of both inward and outward flow while they were being emplaced. The Caloris rim is breached in two places by continuous smooth plains that seamlessly connect interior and exterior plains. The gross‐scale spectral and compositional distinctiveness of interior and exterior plains is blurred on a scale of several tens of kilometers, which could reflect interfingering of flow units less than a few hundred kilometers long that tapped melt sources of different composition and/or depth inside and outside the basin followed by local mixing of regolith. Flows occurring both inside and outside the basin should be included in estimates of the total erupted volume.
Types of Ocean Surface Waves, Wave Classification
Authors: Toffoli Alessandro , Bitner‐Gregersen Elzbieta M.
Published: March 2017

The overall oscillatory motion on the ocean surface is a combination of a large variety of different types of waves. All these waves are primarily classified according to the generation and restoring mechanisms, which induce oscillations within a wide band of periods and associated wavelengths. The resulting waves and induced motion through the water column affect a large number of marine processes and engineering activities that take place on the surface and in the most superficial sublayers of ocean. These include the exchange of heat and gases, ocean mixing, transport of sediment, coastal morphology, seakeeping, offshore engineering, and renewable energy among many others. A description of the different types of ocean surface waves and their concurrent classification is presented.
Interaction inL2Classrooms
Authors: Long Michael H.
Published: March 2017

In one of the most common classroom interaction patterns, teachers initiate (I), usually via closed, display questions, students respond (R), and teachers provide feedback (F), usually in the form either of praise or “error correction.” The IRF structure has some positive functions, but creates problems with regard to learnability, the quality of input and output, and the quantity of student practice opportunities. Fortunately, research has shown that more beneficial interaction patterns for language learning can be achieved as a result of changes at either or both of two levels: methodological principles (MPs) and pedagogic procedures (PPs). The changes are free (no expensive technology is required) and easily implemented, and result in lessons that are more intellectually engaging and fun, and in classroom interaction that facilitates second language (L2) learning.
Implementation of TomoEDGE in the independent dose calculator CheckTomo
Authors: Schopfer Mathieu , Thomas Simon J. , Tudor G. Samuel J. , Bourhis Jean , Bochud François , Moeckli Raphaël
Published: March 2017

Purpose

CheckTomo is an independent dose calculation software for tomotherapy. Recently, Accuray (Accuray Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) released an upgrade of its tomotherapy treatment device, called TomoEDGE Dynamic Jaws, which improves the quality of treatment plans by enhancing the dose delivery with the help of jaws motion. This study describes the upgrade of CheckTomo to that new feature.

Methods

To account for the varying width and off‐axis shift of dynamic jaws fields, the calculation engine of CheckTomo multiplies the treatment field profile by a penumbral filter and shifts the dose calculation grid. Penumbral filters were obtained by dividing the edge field profiles by that of the corresponding nominal field. They were sampled at widths 1.0, 1.8, and 2.5 cm at isocenter in the edges of the 2.5 and 5 cm treatment field.

Results

The upgrade of CheckTomo was tested on 30 patient treatments planned with dynamic jaws. The gamma pass rate averaged over 10 abdomen plans was 95.9%, with tolerances of 3 mm/3%. For 10 head and neck plans, the mean pass rate was 95.9% for tolerances of 4 mm/4%. Finally, misplacement and overdosage errors were simulated. In each tested cases, the 2 mm/3% gamma pass rate fell below 95% when a 4 mm shift or 3% dose difference was applied.

Conclusions

These results are equivalent to what CheckTomo achieves in static jaws cases. So, in terms of dose calculation accuracy and errors detection, the upgraded version of CheckTomo is as reliable for dynamic jaws plans as the former release was for static cases.
A Waterborne Coating System for Preparing Robust, Self‐healing, Superamphiphobic Surfaces
Authors: Zhou Hua , Wang Hongxia , Niu Haitao , Zhao Yan , Xu Zhiguang , Lin Tong
Published: March 2017

Existing coating systems for preparing superamphiphobic surfaces are predominantly confined to small‐scale uses due to the heavy use of organic solvents. Waterborne coating treatment is highly desirable for the high safety, low cost, and nonenvironmental impact, but it remains difficult to develop due to the problems in forming durable, homogeneous coating from an aqueous dispersion of amphiphobic substances. In this study, the authors have proved that lyophobic nanoparticles, fluorinated alkyl silane (FAS), and fluorocarbon surfactant can form a stable dispersion in water, suitable for preparing durable superamphiphobic surfaces on various solid substrates. A series of substrates including fabrics, sponge, wood, glass, and metal, after being coated with this ternary coating system, shows superamphiphobicity with low contact angle hysteresis. The coating is durable enough against physical abrasion, repeated washing, boiling in water, and strong acid/base attacks. Benefiting from FAS, the coating also has a self‐healing ability against both physical and chemical damages. The unexpected stability of the ternary dispersion is a result of the synergistic interaction of the three ingredients. Results from this study may promote the wide development of safe and cost‐efficient superamphiphobic techniques for diverse applications.
Controlled 3D Assembly of Graphene Sheets to Build Conductive, Chemically Selective and Shape‐Responsive Materials
Authors: Woltornist Steven J. , Varghese Deepthi , Massucci Daniel , Cao Zhen , Dobrynin Andrey V. , Adamson Douglas H.
Published: March 2017

Driven by the surface activity of graphene, electrically conductive elastomeric foams have been synthesized by the controlled reassembly of graphene sheets; from their initial stacked morphology, as found in graphite, to a percolating network of exfoliated sheets, defining hollow spheres. This network creates a template for the formation of composite foams, whose swelling behavior is sensitive to the composition of the solvent, and whose electrical resistance is sensitive to physical deformation. The self‐assembly of graphene sheets is driven thermodynamically, as graphite is found to act as a 2D surfactant and is spread at high‐energy interfaces. This spreading, or exfoliation, of graphite at an oil/water interface stabilizes water‐in‐oil emulsions, without the need for added surfactants or chemical modification of the graphene. Using a monomer such as butyl acrylate for the emulsion's oil phase, elastomeric foams are created by polymerizing the continuous oil phase. Removal of the aqueous phase then results in robust, conductive, porous, and inexpensive composites, with potential applications in energy storage, filtration, and sensing.
Achieving High Pseudocapacitance of 2D Titanium Carbide (MXene) by Cation Intercalation and Surface Modification
Authors: Li Jian , Yuan Xiaotao , Lin Cong , Yang Yanquan , Xu Le , Du Xin , Xie Jinglin , Lin Jianhua , Sun Junliang
Published: March 2017

Supercapacitors attract great interest because of the increasing and urgent demand for environment‐friendly high‐power energy sources. Ti3C2, a member of MXene family, is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors owing to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the highest gravimetric capacitance of the MXene‐based electrodes is still relatively low (245 F g−1) and the key challenge to improve this is to exploit more pseudocapacitance by increasing the active site concentration. Here, a method to significantly improve the gravimetric capacitance of Ti3C2Tx MXenes by cation intercalation and surface modification is reported. After K+ intercalation and terminal groups (OH−/F−) removing , the intercalation pseudocapacitance is three times higher than the pristine MXene, and MXene sheets exhibit a significant enhancement (about 211% of the origin) in the gravimetric capacitance (517 F g−1 at a discharge rate of 1 A g−1). Moreover, the as‐prepared electrodes show above 99% retention over 10 000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the large interlayer voids of Ti3C2 and lowest terminated surface group concentration. This study demonstrates a new strategy applicable to other MXenes (Ti2CTx, Nb2CTx, etc.) in maximizing their potential applications in energy storage.
Effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for emergency and protective services employees: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Witt Katrina , Milner Allison , Allisey Amanda , Davenport Lauren , LaMontagne Anthony D.
Published: March 2017

Background

This brief report summarizes the international literature on the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs for protective and emergency services employees.

Methods

A systematic search of 11 electronic databases was undertaken until June 30, 2015. Quantitative meta‐analysis was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of these programs on suicide rates at post‐intervention. Qualitative analyses were also used to identify program components that may be associated with reductions in suicide rates.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included. Only six reported sufficient information on suicide rates to enable inclusion in quantitative analyses, however. On average, these programs were associated with an approximate halving in suicide rates over an average follow‐up period of 5.25 years (SD = 4.2; range: 1–11) (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.45, 95%CI 0.31–0.65; five studies; I2 14.8%). Few programs integrated activities at the primary prevention level.

Conclusion

A greater focus on the relatively neglected area of workplace primary prevention could further improve suicide prevention effectiveness. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:394–407, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender differences in occupations and complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms: Representative sample of South Korean workers
Authors: Park Jungsun , Han Bo‐young , Kim Yangho
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The present study examines gender differences in occupations, occupational hazards, and musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean workers.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from the fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS).

Results

Relative to “managers,” men who were “craft and related trades workers,” “equipment, machine operating and assembling workers,” and in “elementary occupations” were more likely to report back pain (ORs: 2.08, 2.33, and 2.71, respectively); women who were “skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers” were more likely to report back pain (OR: 3.96). Back pain was more likely to be reported in men exposed to “carrying/moving heavy loads,” “painful/tiring postures,” and “repetitive hand/arm movements” (ORs: 1.20, 2.26, and 1.28, respectively).

Conclusion

Men and women workers differed in their reporting of ergonomic risk factors, and complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:342–349, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability of self‐reported questionnaire on occupational radiation practices among diagnostic radiologic technologists
Authors: Kim Moon Jung , Cha Eun Shil , Ko Yousun , Chun Byung Chul , Lee Won Jin
Published: March 2017

Background

We aimed to assess the reliability of a self‐reported questionnaire on occupational radiation practices among radiologic technologists.

Methods

We enrolled 941 participants who had repeatedly completed the questionnaire from the 2012–2013 radiologic technologists’ health study in South Korea. We used percentage agreement, kappa statistics, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess the reliability of responses on work practices.

Results

Overall agreement for ever‐never diagnostic radiation procedures was high (87.5–97.5%), and κ values indicated substantial agreement (0.66–0.86) in all procedures except cephalometric and intraoral radiography. For the information of year of work start and working duration, high agreement was obtained (ICC: 0.99 and 0.98, respectively). However, use of a worn dosimeter and of personal protective equipment showed only moderate to substantial agreement.

Conclusions

Self‐reported information on working practices regarding radiation exposure in radiologic technologists was reliable enough for epidemiologic studies. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:377–385, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of occupational cosmic radiation exposure among airline personnel: Agreement between a job‐exposure matrix, aggregate, and individual dose estimates
Authors: Talibov Madar , Salmelin Raili , Lehtinen‐Jacks Susanna , Auvinen Anssi
Published: March 2017

Background

Job‐exposure matrices (JEM) are used for exposure assessment in occupational studies, but they can involve errors. We assessed agreement between the Nordic Occupational Cancer Studies JEM (NOCCA‐JEM) and aggregate and individual dose estimates for cosmic radiation exposure among Finnish airline personnel.

Methods

Cumulative cosmic radiation exposure for 5,022 airline crew members was compared between a JEM and aggregate and individual dose estimates.

Results

The NOCCA‐JEM underestimated individual doses. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.37, proportion of agreement 64%, kappa 0.46 compared with individual doses. Higher agreement was achieved with aggregate dose estimates, that is annual medians of individual doses and estimates adjusted for heliocentric potentials.

Conclusions

The substantial disagreement between NOCCA‐JEM and individual dose estimates of cosmic radiation may lead to exposure misclassification and biased risk estimates in epidemiological studies. Using aggregate data may provide improved estimates. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:386–393, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum levels of interleukin‐6 may predict organ dysfunction earlier than SOFA score
Authors: Shimazui Takashi , Matsumura Yosuke , Nakada Taka‐aki , Oda Shigeto
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate the clinical utility of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), procalcitonin (PCT), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) as predictive markers in consideration of the time‐course changes in critically ill patients with organ dysfunction.

Methods

Serum levels of IL‐6, PCT, CRP, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were measured sequentially in 92 patients during their initial 5 days following admission to the intensive care unit. Maximum values were analyzed. Patients were assigned to a low ( ≤ 8), intermediate ( > 8 and ≤ 16), or high ( > 16 and ≤ 24) SOFA score group.

Results

There were significant differences in the maximum serum levels of IL‐6 and PCT among the three SOFA score groups (IL‐6, P < 0.0001; PCT, P = 0.0004). Specifically, comparisons between the groups revealed significant differences in IL‐6 levels (low versus intermediate, P = 0.0007; intermediate versus high, P = 0.0010). The probability of patients with the maximum value was greatest on day 1 (56.5%) for IL‐6, on day 1 (39.1%) or day 2 (38.0%) for PCT, on day 3 (39.1%) for CRP, and on day 1 (43.5%) for SOFA score. The median (interquartile range) peak day of IL‐6 was day 1 (1–2), which was significantly earlier than that of SOFA score at day 2 (1–3) (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

Serum levels of IL‐6 reflected the severity of organ dysfunction in critically ill patients most accurately compared to PCT and CRP. Interleukin‐6 elevated soonest from the insult and reached its peak earlier than SOFA score.
High‐grade traumatic torso visceral injury with hemodynamic instability: effectiveness of transarterial embolization using n‐butyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: Tsurukiri Junya , Ohta Shoichi , Hoshiai Akira , Sano Hidefumi , Okumura Eitaro , Tsubouchi Nobuhiko , Konishi Hiroyuki , Yukioka Tetsuo
Published: March 2017

Trauma patients with uncontrolled hemorrhage encountering coagulopathy are often associated with poor outcome. Recently, the concept of damage control interventional radiology, which focuses on “speedy stoppage of bleeding” by interventional radiology among trauma patients with hemodynamic instability and acute traumatic coagulopathy, was proposed as an alternative to damage control surgery. N‐butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) has been used as a liquid embolic agent in various non‐traumatic situations, where it has been shown to have a high technical success rate and low recurrent bleeding rate, especially in patients with coagulopathy. In this case, we treated a young patient with hemodynamic instability caused by a high‐grade hepatic injury, who underwent arterial embolization (AE) using NBCA assisted with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and achieved successful hemostasis. A review of published works using PUBMED was carried out, and 10 published reports involving 23 trauma patients who underwent AE using NBCA were identified. Among them, only four reports involving five trauma patients with torso visceral injuries were identified. Three of five patients who were hemodynamically unstable underwent AE using NBCA, resulting in the stabilization of hemodynamics. We concluded that AE with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta as a damage control interventional radiology procedure might be acceptable for the hemodynamically unstable hepatic injury, and NBCA could be one of the effective hemostatic agents for this purpose, in cases of trauma‐induced coagulopathy.
Local anesthetic toxicity: acute and chronic management
Authors: Sekimoto Kenichi , Tobe Masaru , Saito Shigeru
Published: March 2017

Local anesthetics are commonly used medicines in clinical settings. They are used for pain management during minor interventional treatments, and for postoperative care after major surgeries. Cocaine is the well‐known origin of local anesthetics, and the drug and related derivatives have long history of clinical usage for more than several centuries. Although illegal use of cocaine and its abuse are social problem in some countries, other local anesthetics are safely and effectively used in clinics and hospitals all over the world. However, still this drug category has several side‐effects and possibilities of rare but serious complications. Acute neurotoxicity and cardiac toxicity are derived from unexpected high serum concentration. Allergic reactions are observed in some cases, especially following the use of ester structure drugs. Chronic toxicity is provoked when nerve fibers are exposed to local anesthetics at a high concentration for a long duration. Adequate treatments for acute toxic reactions can secure complete recovery of patients, and careful use of drugs prevents long‐lasting neurological complications. In addition to respiratory and circulatory management, effectiveness of lipid rescue in the acute toxicity treatment has been certified in many clinical guidelines. Prevention of the use of high concentration of local anesthetics is also validated to be effective to decrease the possibility of nerve fiber damage.
Indications of early intubation for patients with inhalation injury
Authors: Onishi Shinya , Osuka Akinori , Kuroki Yuichi , Ueyama Masashi
Published: March 2017

Aim

For patients with inhalation injury, the indications for early intubation are diverse. The purpose of this study was to identify the most reliable symptoms, physical findings, and medical examinations with which to determine the indications for early intubation in patients with inhalation injury.

Methods

We retrospectively collected patient data from medical records. Collected data included age, sex, burn size, symptoms, physical findings, carboxyhemoglobin levels (COHb), and bronchial wall thickness (BWT) determined from chest computed tomography images. We analyzed the relationships between these findings and the early intubation. We performed fiberoptic bronchoscopy in all patients, and analyzed the relationships between bronchoscopic severity and other findings.

Results

Of the 205 patients, 80 patients were diagnosed as having inhalation injury, and 34 patients were intubated. Burn size, facial burns, neck burns, use of accessory respiratory muscles, and COHb seemed to be related with intubation, whereas singed nasal hair was not. If the patients suffered ≥27% total body surface area burn and BWT ≥3.5 mm, the positive predictive value for early intubation was 1.00. If the patients suffered smaller cutaneous burn without neck burn, and their COHb <4.0%, the negative predictive value for early intubation was 0.97. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings from above the glottis were mainly related with patients’ symptoms. Findings from below the glottis were mainly related with BWT and COHb.

Conclusions

Patients’ symptoms, especially use of accessory respiratory muscles, are reliable, and BWT and COHb are also useful tools, for determining the indication for early intubation.
Model development for work of fracture of hybrid composites
Authors: Hajiha Hamideh , Sain Mohini
Published: March 2017

The theoretical modeling for work of fracture of hybrid composites was investigated. Current available models for the work of fracture mostly consider single fiber composites and are not supported by experimental evidence. This is due to the complex nature of work of fracture, and presence of far too many variables for the experimental validation such as interaction of fibers with matrix and with each other. In this work, a model was developed for hybrid composites based on the modification of rule of mixtures, considering pull‐out, fracture, debonding, and stress redistribution for fibers along fracture for matrix. Later, the model was experimentally evaluated by GF‐hemp‐PP hybrid composites, and showed a better agreement in comparison to a prevalent model for work of fracture. Aside from matrix failure, the dominant failure mechanisms were fiber stress redistribution for long fiber composites and fiber pull out for short fiber composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44711.
Structural effects on the reprocessability and stress relaxation of crosslinked polyhydroxyurethanes
Authors: Fortman David J. , Brutman Jacob P. , Hillmyer Marc A. , Dichtel William R.
Published: March 2017

Crosslinked polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) networks synthesized from difunctional six‐membered cyclic carbonates and triamines are reprocessable at elevated temperatures through transcarbamoylation reactions. Here we study the structural effects on reprocessability and stress relaxation in crosslinked PHUs. Crosslinked PHUs derived from bis(five‐membered cyclic carbonates) are shown to decompose at temperatures needed for reprocessing, likely via initial reversion of the PHU linkage and subsequent side reactions of the liberated amine and cyclic carbonate. Therefore, several six‐membered cyclic carbonate‐based PHUs with varying polymer backbones and crosslink densities were synthesized. These networks show large differences in the Arrhenius activation energy of stress relaxation (from 99 to 136 kJ/mol) that depend on the network structure, suggesting that transcarbamoylation reactions may be highly affected by both chemical and mechanical effects. Furthermore, all crosslinked PHUs derived from six‐membered cyclic carbonates show mechanical properties typical of thermoset polymers, but recovered as much as 80% of their as‐synthesized tensile properties after elevated temperature compression molding. These studies provide significant insight into factors affecting the reprocessability of PHUs and inform design criteria for the future synthesis of sustainable and repairable crosslinked PHUs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44984.
Fixation of cationic P (st‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion on pigment particles in dyeing of cotton fabrics
Authors: Fang Kunjun , Song Tingle , Zhang Kun , Chen Weichao , Cai Yuqing , Hao Longyun
Published: March 2017

Cationic copolymer emulsions of St, BA, AA, and GMA were successfully synthesized via semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization. The properties of synthesized cationic emulsions were characterized by monomer conversion and solid content, differential scanning calorimeter, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, and centrifugal stability. The film performance of the cationic emulsions formed on cotton fiber surface was observed by scanning electricity microscopy. The influence of cationic emulsions on the color data, K/S values and rubbing fastness of dyed cotton fabrics was also investigated. The results show that P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had larger particle size and higher zeta potential than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. When the films were formed at room temperature, P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion film had better performance than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion film. The addition of GMA monomers improved the film performance. P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion films formed at 120 °C after acetic acid solution treatment had the best water resistance. Dyed cotton fabrics pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had better pigment dyeing performance than those pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. It demonstrates that the addition of GMA monomers further improved the effect of pigment dyeing for cotton fabrics with cationic emulsions as binders. With the increase of P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) concentration, the color performance of dye fabrics improved while the rubbing fastness decreased a little. But, the handle and fastness still meets the use standards for consumers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44987.
Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotube using poly(vinylcarbazole)‐based compatibilizer for reinforcement and conductivity improvement in epoxy composite
Authors: Liu Ren , Chen Yaxin , Ma Qiang , Luo Jing , Wei Wei , Liu Xiaoya
Published: March 2017

A new compatibilizer [P(GMA‐co‐VCz) copolymer] containing carbazole moiety and reactive epoxide group, which can functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making superior epoxy composites, was prepared by a simple one‐pot free radical polymerization. The designed compatibilizer could noncovalently functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) via π‐π interaction as evidenced from fluorescence, Raman, and FTIR spectra analysis, and efficiently disperse MWCNTs in organic solvents. TEM images suggest a good wrapping of P(GMA‐co‐VCz) on MWCNTs surface. P(GMA‐co‐VCz) functionalized MWCNTs were more homogeneously dispersed in epoxy matrix than the case without compatibilizer, indicating that the compatibilizer improves the compatibility between MWCNTs and epoxy resin. In addition, the presence of epoxide groups in compatibilizer could generate covalent bonds with the epoxy matrix and improve the interface interaction between MWCNTs and epoxy matrix. As a result, mechanical and electrical properties of the epoxy composites with compatibilizer were largely improved as compared with those of composites without compatibilizer. The addition of as little as 0.15 wt % of MWCNTs to epoxy matrix affords a great increase of 40% in storage modulus and 52.5% in elongation at break. Furthermore, a sharp decrease of almost 9 orders of magnitude in volume resistivity of epoxy composite is observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45022.
Protein refolding is improved by adding nonionic polyethylene glycol monooleyl ethers with various polyethylene glycol lengths
Authors: Yamamoto Etsushi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: March 2017

Protein refolding from bacterial inclusion bodies is a crucial step for the production of recombinant proteins, but the refolding step often results in significantly lower yields due to aggregation. To prevent aggregation, chemical additives are often used. However, the ability of additives to effectively increase refolding yields are protein dependent, and therefore, it is important to understand the manner in which the substructures of additives confer suitable properties on protein refolding. We focused attention on nonionic detergents, the polyethylene glycol monooleyl ether (PGME) series, and systematically studied the influence of two to 90 polyethylene glycol (PEG) lengths of PGMEs on the refolding of pig muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hen egg white lysozyme, and yeast α‐glucosidase. PGMEs with longer PEG lengths such as PGME20, 50, and 90 suppressed aggregation, and increased refolding yields. Notably, PGME20 increased the LDH yield to 56.7% from 2.5% without additives. According to the refolding kinetic analysis of LDH, compared with PGME50 and 90, the refolding rate constant in PGME20 solutions remained relatively high at a broad range of concentrations because of its weaker steric hindrance of intramolecular interactions involved in folding, leading to a preference for refolding over aggregation. These findings should provide basic guidelines to identify appropriate PEG‐based nonionic detergents for protein refolding.
Enabling complex genetic circuits to respond to extrinsic environmental signals
Authors: Hoynes‐O'Connor Allison , Shopera Tatenda , Hinman Kristina , Creamer John Philip , Moon Tae Seok
Published: March 2017

Genetic circuits have the potential to improve a broad range of metabolic engineering processes and address a variety of medical and environmental challenges. However, in order to engineer genetic circuits that can meet the needs of these real‐world applications, genetic sensors that respond to relevant extrinsic and intrinsic signals must be implemented in complex genetic circuits. In this work, we construct the first AND and NAND gates that respond to temperature and pH, two signals that have relevance in a variety of real‐world applications. A previously identified pH‐responsive promoter and a temperature‐responsive promoter were extracted from the E. coli genome, characterized, and modified to suit the needs of the genetic circuits. These promoters were combined with components of the type III secretion system in Salmonella typhimurium and used to construct a set of AND gates with up to 23‐fold change. Next, an antisense RNA was integrated into the circuit architecture to invert the logic of the AND gate and generate a set of NAND gates with up to 1168‐fold change. These circuits provide the first demonstration of complex pH‐ and temperature‐responsive genetic circuits, and lay the groundwork for the use of similar circuits in real‐world applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1626–1631. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
miRNA engineering of CHO cells facilitates production of difficult‐to‐express proteins and increases success in cell line development
Authors: Fischer Simon , Marquart Kim F. , Pieper Lisa A. , Fieder Juergen , Gamer Martin , Gorr Ingo , Schulz Patrick , Bradl Harald
Published: March 2017

In recent years, coherent with growing biologics portfolios also the number of complex and thus difficult‐to‐express (DTE) therapeutic proteins has increased considerably. DTE proteins challenge bioprocess development and can include various therapeutic protein formats such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), multi‐specific affinity scaffolds (e.g., bispecific antibodies), cytokines, or fusion proteins. Hence, the availability of robust and versatile Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cell factories is fundamental for high‐yielding bioprocesses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potent cell engineering tools to improve process performance of CHO manufacturing cell lines. However, there has not been any report demonstrating the impact of beneficial miRNAs on industrial cell line development (CLD) yet. To address this question, we established novel CHO host cells constitutively expressing a pro‐productive miRNA: miR‐557. Novel host cells were tested in two independent CLD campaigns using two different mAb candidates including a normal as well as a DTE antibody. Presence of miR‐557 significantly enhanced each process step during CLD in a product independent manner. Stable expression of miR‐557 increased the probability to identify high‐producing cell clones. Furthermore, production cell lines derived from miR‐557 expressing host cells exhibited significantly increased final product yields in fed‐batch cultivation processes without compromising product quality. Strikingly, cells co‐expressing miR‐557 and a DTE antibody achieved a twofold increase in product titer compared to clones co‐expressing a negative control miRNA. Thus, host cell engineering using miRNAs represents a promising tool to overcome limitations in industrial CLD especially with regard to DTE proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1495–1510. © 2017 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Awareness, apathy, and depression in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Jacus Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Results from studies on awareness disorders in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are controversial because the methodologies, the “objects” of awareness, and the patients' pathologic stage all vary. Our study aimed to compare scores and correlates of awareness according to the stage of the disease and the assessment method.

Methods

We compared 20 mild AD patients to 20 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, using the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS; patient vs. caregiver report) and the Self‐Consciousness Scale (rating scale). All patients underwent cognitive, psycho‐affective and behavioral assessments (global cognition, executive functions, episodic memory, anxiety‐depression, and apathy measures).

Results

Groups were matched for age, education, and gender. They were comparable on the depression, anxiety, apathy and awareness scales (ps > .05), and differed for all cognitive variables (p < .05). Using the median split approach, greater apathy and lower depression were associated with poorer awareness on the Self‐Consciousness Scale (respectively: odds ratio [OR] = 4.8, p = .03; OR = 4.84, p = .04), and the PCRS (only apathy: OR = 9.3, p = .003). Greater apathy plus lower depression were associated with poorer awareness in both scales (PCRS: OR = 40.5, p = .005; Self‐consciousness scale: OR = 28, p = .012).

Conclusion

These results evidence comparable awareness between AD and MCI patients. The correlates were more affective and behavioral than cognitive, independently from assessment method.
Permeability enhancement of Escherichia coli by single‐walled carbon nanotube treatment
Authors: Mosleh Abdollah , Heintz Anna , Lim Ki‐Taek , Kim Jin‐Woo , Beitle Robert
Published: March 2017

This research investigated the use of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as an additive to increase the permeability of a bacterial cell wall. Recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) that expressed β‐lactamase were exposed to SWNTs under various levels of concentration and agitation. Activity of β‐lactamase in the culture fluid and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the amount of released protein, and visually examine the permeability enhancement of the cells. It was found that β‐lactamase release in the culture fluid occurred in a dose‐dependent manner with treatment by SWNTs and was also dependent on agitation rate. Based on TEM, this treatment successfully caused an increase in permeability without significant damage to the cell wall. Consequently, SWNTs can be used as an enhancement agent to cause the release of intracellular proteins. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:654–657, 2017
President's Page
Authors: Connaway Lynn Silipigni
Published: March 2017

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

ASIS&T President, Lynn Connaway, traveled to Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China in December to visit the Asia Pacific and Taipei Chapters. At several universities she participated in chapter meetings and research forums with faculty and students and promoted ASIS&T membership in the region. ASIS&T plans interesting upcoming events including an ASIS&T Regional Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, Meet the Author webinars and the 2017 Annual Meeting, which will be held in Washington, D.C. October 27‐November 1, 2017. The search for an Executive to replace Dick Hill, who is retiring, is now being conducted by an executive search firm. Hill also became ill in mid‐January, and ASIS&T Director of Finance and Administration, Jan Hatzakos, is serving as Interim Executive Director until he can return or his replacement is hired.
Joint SIG/USE‐SIG/SI Research Symposium: Information Behavior in Workplaces
Authors: Byström Katriina
Published: March 2017

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The 16th Annual Research Symposium for Special Interest Group/Information Needs, Seeking and Use (SIG/USE) was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The focus of the symposium was information behavior and information practices as applicable to workplaces. As technology grows and shifts on a constant basis, so too must workplaces adapt how information is used and accessed. Newer generations in the workforce are expected to be able to learn many new skills, change careers several times and balance work life from home life with boundaries that are less clear than they used to be. Two presentations given by the 2014 and 2015 winners of the Elfreda A. Chatman Research Proposal Award started off the symposium. The 2016 winners of this award were announced by the awards committee chair, Wade Bishop, and included Karen Fisher of the University of Kentucky and Devon Greyson of the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Incorporation of 3D ICT elements into class
Authors: Ayala Alvarez Francisco Javier , Blázquez Parra Elidia Beatriz , Montes‐Tubío Francisco de Paula
Published: March 2017

The fact that there are relatively few job prospects has caused a decline in the vocational profile of students in engineering, while they demand more dynamic and attractive classes. Moreover, the difficulty of the concepts to be transmitted, together with the lack of good spatial visualization abilities of students, makes technical drawing a difficult subject to understand. The present study set out to investigate emerging trends in ICT to find a way to present and manipulate information in class that would serve as both a stimulating element and a tool for performing complex operations, thus improving the teaching methodology of the classes and enhancing students’ motivation. We present the results of an experimental study of the introduction of 3D augmented reality models for practical classes in technical drawing. Several measures are collected for the monitoring of the course by students, and for their motivation, according to the ARCS method. The results indicate a good response to the elements incorporated into first year classes of a university course in Graphic Expression in Engineering. In particular, the experimental group displayed a higher level of motivation, an increased attendance to practical classes, a higher rate of practical work delivered, and a lower percentage of dropouts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:542–549, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21802
MiR‐199a‐5p suppresses tumorigenesis by targeting clathrin heavy chain in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Guo‐hao , Shan Hong , Li Dan , Zhou Bin , Pang Peng‐fei
Published: March 2017

The deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is frequently associated with a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the expression and possible role of miR‐199a‐5p in HCC. The expression of miR‐199a‐5p was measured by quantitative RT‐PCR in HCC. The effect of miR‐199a‐5p was evaluated by cell viability and colony formation assays in HCC cell lines and tumor cell growth assay in xenograft nude mice. Quantitative real time PCR results showed that miR‐199a‐5p was down‐regulated in 77.9 % (67/86) of HCC tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. MiR‐199a‐5p mimic reduced cell viability and colony formation by induction of cell arrest in HCC cell lines and inhibited tumor cell growth in xenograft nude mice, but miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor increased cell viability and colony formation in HCC cell lines and tumor cell growth in xenograft nude mice. Furthermore, CLTC was defined as a potential direct target of miR‐199a‐5p by MiRanda and TargetScan predictions. The dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay results showed that CLTC was a direct target of miR‐199a‐5p. The use of miR‐199a‐5p mimic or inhibitor could decrease or increase CLTC protein levels in HCC cell lines. We conclude that the frequently down‐regulated miR‐199a‐5p can regulate CLTC and might function as a tumor suppressor in HCC. Therefore, miR‐199a‐5p may serve as a useful therapeutic agent for miRNA‐based HCC therapy.
Three‐dimensional representation of microdontia of the maxillary third molar
Authors: Inoue Toshiko , Saito Makoto , Nishimura Fumio , Miyazaki Takashi
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Dentists and maxillofacial surgeons may occasionally encounter various dental anomalies in number, shape, size, eruption, etc. In particular, microdontia is relatively rare. Computed tomography during clinical dental examination is essential for early detection of these anomalies.
Tularemia presenting as suspected necrotic arachnidism
Authors: Sateia Heather F. , Melia Michael T. , Cofrancesco Joseph
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

The true danger of the spider bite stems from misdiagnosis and resultant delay in proper treatment of entities that, unlike spider bites, are not self‐limited. Obtaining a complete exposure and travel history is central to the development of an accurate and appropriate differential diagnosis.
Pancreatic pseudocyst or mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas? A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Joshi Utsav , Poudel Prakash , Ghimire Ram Kumar , Basnet Babin
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Pancreatic cystic neoplasm is difficult to distinguish from pseudocyst as clinical and radiological evidences may not be sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis. This may result in misdiagnosis with inappropriate management. Hence, every effort should be made for their distinction to avoid internal drainage procedures for neoplasms instead of extirpation.
Solubility Study and Thermal Stability Analysis of Calcium Propionate
Authors: Li Tao , Lorenz Heike , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas
Published: March 2017

Solubilities in water and ethanol‐water mixtures as well as the thermal behavior of the food additive calcium propionate were investigated to clarify deviations in published data. Material purified by recrystallization was used to exclude influence of impurities. Investigation of the dissociation process of calcium propionate in aqueous solution indicated that the particular shapes of the solubility curves cannot be attributed to changes in pH. The substance purchased turned out to be a mixture of the monohydrate and anhydrous calcium propionate. A new polymorph of the anhydrous calcium propionate was found and characterized. The results provide a better understanding of calcium propionate and support the development of improved crystallization processes.