bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic body‐mass scaling of nitrogen excretion relates to body surface area in diverse pelagic invertebrates
Authors: Hirst A. G. , Lilley M. K. S. , Glazier D. S. , Atkinson D.
Published: October 2016

Many physiological and ecological processes depend on body size and the supply of limiting nutrients. Hence, it is important to derive quantitative predictions based on a mechanistic understanding of the influence of body size on metabolic rate and on the ratios of consumed to excreted elements. Among diverse pelagic invertebrates that change shape during ontogeny, recent analysis has demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the body‐mass allometry of respiration rates (measured as the ontogenetic body mass‐scaling exponent bR) and the allometry of body surface area (bA, as predicted from body‐shape changes using a Euclidean model). As many pelagic invertebrates use a large portion of their external body surface for both resource uptake and waste excretion, we predicted that body‐mass scaling exponents for rates of excretion of soluble N (bN) should also then relate to the degree of body‐shape change during growth. We tested this hypothesis using literature data on bN for 39 species of pelagic invertebrates across five different phyla, and find strong support: bN is significantly positively correlated with predicted bA, whilst also co‐varying with bR. Intraspecific differences between bN and bR values reveal ontogenetic shifts in the ratio of O2‐consumed to N‐excreted. We suggest that a variety of factors, including adaptive developmental shifts in the relative anabolism and catabolism of proteins and lipids, may cause these shifts in consumption–excretion ratios. Diverse pelagic invertebrates that dominate vast open water ecosystems falsify the predictions of general metabolic scaling theories built upon resource‐transport networks, but support predictions of surface‐area dependent theory.
Copiotrophic marine bacteria are associated with strong iron‐binding ligand production during phytoplankton blooms
Authors: Hogle Shane L. , Bundy Randelle M. , Blanton Jessica M. , Allen Eric E. , Barbeau Katherine A.
Published: October 2016

Although marine bacteria were identified nearly two decades ago as potential sources for strong iron‐binding organic ligands detected in seawater, specific linkages between ligands detected in natural water and the microbial community remain unclear. We compared the production of different classes of iron‐binding ligands, dissolved iron and macronutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton and bacterioplankton assemblages in a series of iron amended 6‐d incubations. Incubations with high iron additions had near complete macronutrient consumption and higher phytoplankton biomass compared with incubations with low iron additions, but both iron treatments were dominated by diatoms. However, we only detected the strongest ligands in high‐iron treatments, and strong iron‐binding ligands were generally correlated with an increased abundance of copiotrophic bacteria, particularly Alteromonas strains. Ultimately, these robust correlations suggest a potential linkage between copiotrophic bacteria and strong iron‐binding ligand production after iron fertilization events in the marine environment.
Estimating uncertainty in ambient and saturation nutrient uptake metrics from nutrient pulse releases in stream ecosystems
Authors: Brooks Scott C. , Brandt Craig C. , Griffiths Natalie A.
Published: October 2016

Nutrient spiraling is an important ecosystem process characterizing nutrient transport and uptake in streams. Various nutrient addition methods are used to estimate uptake metrics; however, uncertainty in the metrics is not often evaluated. A method was developed to quantify uncertainty in ambient and saturation nutrient uptake metrics estimated from saturating pulse nutrient additions (Tracer Additions for Spiraling Curve Characterization; TASCC). Using a Monte Carlo (MC) approach, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated for ambient uptake lengths (Sw‐amb) and maximum areal uptake rates (Umax) based on 100,000 datasets generated from each of four nitrogen and five phosphorous TASCC experiments conducted seasonally in a forest stream in eastern Tennessee, U.S.A. Uncertainty estimates from the MC approach were compared to the CIs estimated from ordinary least squares (OLS) and non‐linear least squares (NLS) models used to calculate Sw‐amb and Umax, respectively, from the TASCC method. The CIs for Sw‐amb and Umax were large, but were not consistently larger using the MC method. Despite the large CIs, significant differences (based on non‐overlapping CIs) in nutrient metrics among seasons were found with more significant differences using the OLS/NLS vs. the MC method. We suggest that the MC approach is a robust way to estimate uncertainty, as the calculation of Sw‐amb and Umax violates assumptions of OLS/NLS while the MC approach is free of these assumptions. The MC approach can be applied to other ecosystem metrics that are calculated from multiple parameters, providing a more robust estimate of these metrics and their associated uncertainties.
Active dielectric metasurface based on phase‐change medium
Authors: Chu Cheng Hung , Tseng Ming Lun , Chen Jie , Wu Pin Chieh , Chen Yi‐Hao , Wang Hsiang‐Chu , Chen Ting‐Yu , Hsieh Wen Ting , Wu Hui Jun , Sun Greg , Tsai Din Ping
Published: October 2016

We propose all‐dielectric metasurfaces that can be actively re‐configured using the phase‐change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) alloy. With selectively controlled phase transitions on the composing GST elements, metasurfaces can be tailored to exhibit varied functionalities. Using phase‐change GST rod as the basic building block, we have modelled metamolecules with tunable optical response when phase change occurs on select constituent GST rods. Tunable gradient metasurfaces can be realized with variable supercell period consisting of different patterns of the GST rods in their amorphous and crystalline states. Simulation results indicate a range of functions can be delivered, including multilevel signal modulating, near‐field coupling of GST rods, and anomalous reflection angle controlling. This work opens up a new space in exploring active meta‐devices with broader applications that cannot be achieved in their passive counterparts with permanent properties once fabricated.

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Linkage between theory‐based measurement of organizational readiness for change and lessons learned conducting quality improvement–focused research
Authors: Jackson George L. , Roumie Christianne L. , Rakley Susan M. , Kravetz Jeffrey D. , Kirshner Miriam A. , Del Monte Pamela S. , Bowen Michael E. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Weiner Bryan J. , Shaw Ryan J. , Bosworth Hayden B.
Published: October 2016

Organizations have different levels of readiness to implement change in the patient care process. The Hypertension Telemedicine Nurse Implementation Project for Veterans (HTN‐IMPROVE) is an example of an innovation that seeks to enhance delivery of care for patients with hypertension. We describe the link between organizational readiness for change (ORC), assessed as the project began, and barriers and facilitators occurring during the process of implementing a primary care innovation. Each of 3 Veterans Affairs medical centers provided a half‐time nurse and implemented a nurse‐delivered, telephone‐based self‐management support program for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. As the program was starting, we assessed the ORC and factors associated with ORC. On the basis of consensus of medical center and research partners, we enumerated implementation process barriers and facilitators. The primary ORC barrier was unclear long‐term commitment of nursing to provide continued resources to the program. Three related barriers included the need to address: (1) competing organizational demands, (2) differing mechanisms to integrate new interventions into existing workload, and (3) methods for referring patients to disease and self‐management support programs. Prior to full implementation, however, stakeholders identified a high level of commitment to conduct nurse‐delivered interventions fully using their skills. There was also a significant commitment from the core implementation team and a desire to improve patient outcomes. These facilitators were observed during the implementation of HTN‐IMPROVE. As demonstrated by the link between barriers to and facilitators of implementation anticipated though the evaluation of ORC and what was actually observed during the process of implementation, this project demonstrates the practical utility of assessing ORC prior to embarking on the implementation of significant new clinical innovations.
De novo autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation: A focus on glutathione S‐transferase theta 1
Authors: Ibáñez‐Samaniego Luis , Salcedo Magdalena , Vaquero Javier , Bañares Rafael
Published: October 2016

De novo autoimmune hepatitis (DAIH) is a rare clinical condition with features that resemble those of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for nonautoimmune liver disease. The diagnosis of this entity has been based on the presence of biochemical and histological patterns similar to those observed in the primary AIH, although several considerations must be taken into account. The impact of DAIH on graft survival is relevant, and early diagnosis and treatment is associated with a good longterm outcome. Although glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) alloimmune recognition has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of DAIH, further studies are necessary to fully determine its pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors. We review the pathophysiology, the most common histological patterns, the treatment strategies, and the longterm outcomes of DAIH after LT with a special focus on GSTT1. Liver Transplantation 23:75–85 2017 AASLD.
Synthesis and 7Li Ion Dynamics in Polyarylene‐Ethersulfone‐Phenylene‐Oxide‐Based Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Selter Philipp , Grote Stefanie , Brunklaus Gunther
Published: October 2016

A new block‐co‐polymer based on poly(arylene ether sulfone) and nitrile‐functionalized poly(phenylene oxide) is prepared via polycondensation. Upon swelling with Li triflate dispersed in succinonitrile, a polymer electrolyte suitable for application in secondary Li ion batteries is obtained, which at temperatures above 313 K exhibits conductivities of 10−4–10−3 S cm−1. The presence of distinct coordination modes of the Li ions (not discernible from inspection of 7Li chemical shifts) is revealed based on a dynamic contrast identified from a distribution of transverse relaxation times. Three relaxation components reflecting polymer‐bound, partially and fully solvated Li ion species are identified on the basis of Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill NMR data after inverse Laplace transformation and multiexponential relaxation analysis toolkit analysis thus highlighting the versatility of the applied methods.

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Neumann function for a hyperbolic strip and a class of related plane domains
Authors: Akel M. , Begehr H.
Published: October 2016

The harmonic Neumann function is constructed for a class of hyperbolic strips inside the unit disc via the parqueting‐reflection principle. As it turns out this Neumann function is related to the respective Green function, see [the second author, Green function for a hyperbolic strip and a class of related plane domains, Appl. Anal. 93(2014), 2370–2385], in the same way as for the case of e.g. the unit disc or half planes, etc. On this basis the Neumann problem for the Poisson equation is solved in an explicit way. Such explicit solutions serve for applications as in engineering or mathematical physics.
The Influence of Regulatory Focus on the Effect of Product Cues
Authors: Song Doori , Morton Cynthia R.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which informational cues interact with individuals’ motivational states during their evaluation of a product. This article confirms the interaction effects between informational cues and motivational states by examining product attributes and advertising appeals as informational cues, and regulatory focus as a motivational state. The results from three studies indicate that consumers with promotion focus find extrinsic cues as more important and have more favorable evaluation toward a product with superior extrinsic cues. Prevention‐focused consumers, however, perceive intrinsic cues of a product as more important, and thus have more favorable evaluation toward a product with superior intrinsic cues.
Shape Memory of Microscale and Nanoscale Imprinted Patterns on a Supramolecular Polymer Compound
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhao Zhiyang , Karim Alamgir , Weiss R. A.
Published: October 2016

Surface memory effects for micropattern and nanopattern are demonstrated for shape memory compounds composed of mixtures of the zinc salt of a sulfonated poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene‐co‐ethylidene norbornene) ionomer and three different low molar mass fatty acids (FAs): lauric acid (LA), stearic acid (SA), and zinc stearate (ZnSt). This work shows the ability to tune the surface pattern switching temperature (Tc) by simply varying the FA melting point. The melting point of the FA in the ionomer compound is depressed from that of the pure FA due to strong dipolar interactions between the ionomer and the FAs. Surface pattern memory and recovery are shown for compounds with 20 wt% LA, SA, or ZnSt, where Tc = 50, 80, and 100 °C, respectively. Recovery efficiencies for micropatterns are better than 92% for all three compounds and 73% for a nanopattern for the ionomer/ZnSt compound.

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Synthesis of Polystyrene and Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) Mixed Grafted Silica Nanoparticles via a Combination of ATRP and CuI‐Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Click Chemistry
Authors: Wu Lei , Glebe Ulrich , Böker Alexander
Published: October 2016

Binary polystyrene and poly(4‐vinylpyridine) mixed grafted silica nanoparticles (PSt/P4VP‐g‐SNPs) are fabricated using CuI‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (CuAAC) via grafting‐to method. Azide‐terminated PSt and P4VP are synthesized via post‐ and pre‐atom transfer radical polymerization modification, respectively. Then, the polymers are simultaneously anchored onto alkyne‐modified SNPs by CuAAC yielding mixed brushes as shown by Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and thermogravimetric analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneously grafting two distinct polymer chains to synthesize mixed grafted silica nanoparticles using CuAAC technique via grafting‐to method.

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Modeling of Nonlinear Optical Activity of Epoxyamine Oligomers with Binary Chromophore Groups
Authors: Levitskaya Alina I. , Fominykh Olga D. , Balakina Marina Yu.
Published: October 2016

The molecular systems, modeling composite materials, are formed by the epoxy‐amine oligomers with covalently bound chromophore‐containing dendritic fragments (EAD) as a host and additional azo‐chromophores as guests. The relationship between the structure and quadratic nonlinear optical characteristics of the model systems is established by atomistic modeling and quantum chemistry. The effect of the chain length of the model systems and the choice of the dendron structure, in particular, the length of the groups tethering chromophores to the branching center, on the values of first hyperpolarizability is studied. Molecular dynamics, performed for the model systems at various temperatures, reveals chromophores local mobility at temperature close to 130 °C; the calculations being fulfilled with the force field MMFF94s modified in terms of the ESP partial charges estimate at B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level.

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Näherung für elastisch‐plastische Kerbbeanspruchungen einschließend thermisch induzierte Beanspruchungen
Authors: Bosch A. , Rudolph J.
Published: October 2016

Strukturmechanische Belastungen unterscheiden sich maßgeblich von thermischen und somit verformungskontrollierten Belastungen, was sich insbesondere bei der Anwendung von herkömmlichen Kerbnäherungsverfahren zeigt. Im Rahmen dieser Ausarbeitung wird eine Methodik präsentiert, die es erlaubt, elastisch‐plastische Kerbbeanspruchungen infolge thermischer Belastung auf Grundlage fiktiv‐elastischer Berechnungen im Bauteil approximativ zu berechnen. Weiterhin wird gezeigt, wie die erzielten lokalen elastisch‐plastischen Teillösungen für die mechanische und die thermische Belastung miteinander kombiniert werden können und welchen Einfluss das auf die Güte der Ergebnisse hat.
Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bernard Bryan A. , Metman Leonard Verhagen , Levine Laurence , Ouyang Bichun , Leurgans Sue , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: October 2016

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common nonmotor feature in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Data regarding the tolerability and efficacy of anti‐ED medication in the PD population are limited. The aim of this work was to assess the safety and efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of ED in men with PD.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study consisting of two 4‐week arms separated by a 2‐week washout period. Treatment sequence (placebo‐sildenafil vs. sildenafil‐placebo) was randomized. Sildenafil was started at 50 mg and adjusted to 25, 50, or 100 mg after 2 weeks, depending upon side effects. The Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐EF; primary outcome measure) and the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (secondary outcome measure) were obtained at baseline and end of each treatment period. The UPDRS was obtained at each study visit. The difference between group means was tested for statistical significance using t tests.

Results

Twenty men participated and completed both treatment arms of the study. There was one instance of headache as a side effect. There was a significant effect of sildenafil on sexual functioning as measured by the IIEF‐EF domain (P < 0.0001; mean for sildenafil = 23.2 ± 7.0; mean for placebo = 12.3 ± 7.5). There were no treatment effects for quality of life (P = 0.3) or PD symptoms (P = 0.86).

Conclusions

Sildenafil was safe and improved ED in this sample of men with PD. Overall, PD symptoms and quality of life were not impacted by use of sildenafil.
Epidemiological models in semiclassical approximation: an analytically solvable model as a test case
Authors: Mateus L. , Masoero D. , Rocha F. , Aguiar M. , Skwara U. , Ghaffari P. , Zambrini JC. , Stollenwerk N.
Published: October 2016

Stochastic models that can describe real epidemiological processes can become very quickly quite complex. Approximation schemes are a useful tool to understand the qualitative behaviour of such processes. In this paper, we investigate the semiclassical approximation, performed in the context of the Hamilton–Jacobi formalism, for solutions of master equations of stochastic epidemiological systems. In a test case of a previously investigated process, the linear infection model, we can analytically solve Hamilton's equations of motion. This helps to understand generalizations to more complex epidemiological systems as needed to describe realistic cases like multi‐strain systems applicable to dengue fever, for example. The connection between the semiclassical approach for epidemiological systems and the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation in quantum mechanics is also discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digestive fate of dietary carrageenan: Evidence of interference with digestive proteolysis and disruption of gut epithelial function
Authors: Fahoum Lulu , Moscovici Alice , David Shlomit , Shaoul Ron , Rozen Geila , Meyron‐Holtz Esther G. , Lesmes Uri
Published: October 2016

Scope

The objective of this study was to interrogate two mechanisms by which commercial Carrageenans (E407) (CGN) may adversely affect human health: (i) Through modification of gastric proteolysis and (ii) Through affecting gut epithelial structure and function.

Methods and results

Three commercial CGN samples with distinct zeta‐potentials (stable at the pH range of 3–7 and varied with physiological levels of CaCl2) were mixed with milk, soy or egg protein isolates, then subjected to a semi‐dynamic in vitro digestion model and analyzed by SDS‐PAGE. This revealed varying levels of interference with gastric digestive proteolysis and a significant decrease in pepsin activity. Further, a Caco‐2 cell model was used to explore various effects of physiologically digested CGN (pdCGN) on various epithelial cell functions and characteristics. Samples of pdCGN (0.005–0.5 mg/mL) affected the epithelial barrier function, including redistribution of the tight‐junction protein Zonula Occludens (Zo)‐1, changes in cellular F‐actin architecture and increased monolayer permeability to the transfer of macromolecules. Moreover, pdCGN induced elevation in the levels of the pro‐inflammatory IL‐8 receptor CXCR1.

Conclusion

This work raises the possibility that CGN may reduce protein and peptide bioaccessibility, disrupt normal epithelial function, promote intestinal inflammation, and consequently compromise consumer health.
Feasibility and tolerability of whole‐body, low‐intensity vibration and its effects on muscle function and bone in patients with dystrophinopathies: a pilot study
Authors: Petryk Anna , Polgreen Lynda E. , Grames Molly , Lowe Dawn A. , Hodges James S. , Karachunski Peter
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Dystrophinopathies are X‐linked muscle degenerative disorders that result in progressive muscle weakness complicated by bone loss. This study's goal was to evaluate feasibility and tolerability of whole‐body, low‐intensity vibration (WBLIV) and its potential effects on muscle and bone in patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.

Methods

This 12‐month pilot study included 5 patients (age 5.9–21.7 years) who used a low‐intensity Marodyne LivMD plate vibrating at 30–90 Hz for 10 min/day for the first 6 months. Timed motor function tests, myometry, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Motor function and lower extremity muscle strength remained either unchanged or improved during the intervention phase, followed by deterioration after WBLIV discontinuation. Indices of bone density and geometry remained stable in the tibia.

Conclusions

WBLIV was well tolerated and appeared to have a stabilizing effect on lower extremity muscle function and bone measures. Muscle Nerve 55: 875–883, 2017
Fluorchemikalien: Funktionalität und Umweltschutz
Authors: Vierke Lena , Schulte Christoph
Published: October 2016

Das Beispiel der Per‐ und Polyfluoralkylchemikalien zeigt, dass Substanzen schaden können, wenn die Entwickler nur auf die nützlichen Eigenschaften schauen und dabei Gefahren übersehen.
Transaktionen: gut bewertet, gern gekauft
Authors: Schneider Bernd , Mehran Benjamin , Kretzinger Lukas
Published: October 2016

Unternehmensbewertungen – Grundlage für Akquisitionen und Zusammenschlüsse – haben im Chemiemarkt ein neues Rekordhoch erreicht. Das Jahr 2016 könnte ein Jahr der Megadeals werden.
An illustrated comparison of processing methods for phase MRI and QSM: removal of background field contributions from sources outside the region of interest
Authors: Schweser Ferdinand , Robinson Simon Daniel , de Rochefort Ludovic , Li Wei , Bredies Kristian
Published: October 2016

The elimination of so‐called background fields is an essential step in phase MRI and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Background fields, which are caused by sources outside the region of interest (ROI), are often one to two orders of magnitude stronger than tissue‐related field variations from within the ROI, hampering quantitative interpretation of field maps. This paper reviews the current literature on background elimination algorithms for QSM and provides insights into similarities and differences between the many algorithms proposed. We discuss the basic theoretical foundations and derive fundamental limitations of background field elimination. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast diffusion kurtosis imaging of fibrotic mouse kidneys
Authors: Kjølby B.F. , Khan A.R. , Chuhutin A. , Pedersen L. , Jensen J.B. , Jakobsen S. , Zeidler D. , Sangill R. , Nyengaard J.R. , Jespersen S.N. , Hansen B.
Published: October 2016

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is sensitive to tissue microstructure and may therefore be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in brain and body organs. Generally, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in the body is challenging because of the heterogeneous body composition, which can cause image artefacts as a result of chemical shifts and susceptibility differences. In addition, the abdomen possesses physiological factors (e.g. breathing, heartbeat, blood flow) which may severely reduce image quality, especially when echo planar imaging is employed, as is typical in dMRI. Collectively, these challenging measurement conditions impede the use and exploration of DKI in the body. This impediment is further exacerbated by the traditionally large amount of data required for DKI and the low signal‐to‐noise ratio at the b‐values needed to effectively probe the kurtosis regime. Recently introduced fast DKI techniques reduce the challenge of DKI in the body by decreasing the data requirement substantially, so that, for example, triggering and breath‐hold techniques may be applied for the entire DKI acquisition without causing unfeasible scan times. One common pathological condition for which body DKI may be of immediate clinical value is kidney fibrosis, which causes progressive changes in organ microstructure. With its sensitivity to microstructure, DKI is an obvious candidate for a non‐invasive evaluation method. We present preclinical evidence indicating that the rapidly obtainable tensor‐derived mean kurtosis (
) distinguishes moderately fibrotic kidneys from healthy controls. The presence and degree of fibrosis are confirmed by histology, which also indicates fibrosis as the main driver behind the DKI differences observed between groups. We therefore conclude that fast kurtosis is a likely candidate for an MRI‐based method for the detection and monitoring of renal fibrosis. We provide protocol recommendations for fast renal DKI in humans based on a b‐value optimisation performed using data acquired at 3 T in normal human kidney.
Heterogeneous anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of the myelin‐water layers causes local magnetic field perturbations in axons
Authors: Puwal Steffan , Roth Bradley J. , Basser Peter J.
Published: October 2016

One goal of MRI is to determine the myelin water fraction in neural tissue. One approach is to measure the reduction in T2* arising from microscopic perturbations in the magnetic field caused by heterogeneities in the magnetic susceptibility of myelin. In this paper, analytic expressions for the induced magnetic field distribution are derived within and around an axon, assuming that the myelin susceptibility is anisotropic. Previous models considered the susceptibility to be piecewise continuous, whereas this model considers a sinusoidally varying susceptibility. Many conclusions are common in both models. When the magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the axon, the magnetic field in the intraaxonal space is uniformly perturbed, the magnetic field in the myelin sheath oscillates between the lipid and water layers, and the magnetic field in the extracellular space just outside the myelin sheath is heterogeneous. These field heterogeneities cause the spins to dephase, shortening T2*. When the magnetic field is applied along the axon, the field is homogeneous within water‐filled regions, including between lipid layers. Therefore the spins do not dephase and the magnetic susceptibility has no effect on T2*. Generally, the response of an axon is given as the superposition of these two contributions. The sinusoidal model uses a different set of approximations compared with the piecewise model, so their common predictions indicate that the models are not too sensitive to the details of the myelin‐water distribution. Other predictions, such as the sensitivity to water diffusion between myelin and water layers, may highlight differences between the two approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A polytree‐based adaptive polygonal finite element method for topology optimization
Authors: Nguyen‐Xuan H.
Published: October 2016

We propose a highly effective approach using a novel adaptive methodology to perform topology optimization with polygonal meshes, called polytree meshes. Polytree is a hierarchical data structure based on the principle of recursive spatial decomposition of each polygonal element with n nodes into (n + 1) arbitrary new polygonal elements; enabling more efficient utilization of unstructured meshes and arbitrary design domains in topology optimization. In order to treat hanging nodes after each optimization loop, we define the Wachspress coordinate on a reference element and then utilize an affine map to obtain shape functions and their gradients on arbitrary polygons with n vertices and m hanging nodes, called side‐nodes, as the polygonal element with (n + m) vertices. The polytree meshes do not only improve the boundary description quality of the optimal result but also reduce the computational cost of optimization process in comparison with the use of uniformly fine meshes. Several numerical examples are investigated to show the high effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population pharmacokinetics of thrombomodulin alfa in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Takeuchi Masanobu , Tanoshima Reo , Miyagawa Naoyuki , Sarashina Takeo , Kato Hiromi , Kajiwara Ryosuke , Ito Shinya , Goto Hiroaki
Published: October 2016

Background

Thrombomodulin alfa (TM‐α) is a new class of anticoagulant drug for patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of TM‐α and determine the optimal dose in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC.

Procedure

Pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC were administered TM‐α at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg (380 U/kg) over 30 min every 24 hr. Blood samples were taken at steady state before the start, immediately after the end, and 24 hr after the start of the sixth administration. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using sparse samples with the nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling program NONMEM®, version 7.3.

Results

The actual and predicted plasma concentrations of TM‐α based on the final population pharmacokinetic model showed a good linear correlation. Clearance and volume of distribution of TM‐α were affected by body weight. The clearance of TM‐α in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC was higher than that in adults as previously reported. Six of eight patients did not achieve the target trough concentration at steady state. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic simulation based on the estimated pharmacokinetic parameters from the final model demonstrated that TM‐α administered at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg every 24 hr also failed to achieve the target trough concentration at steady state in the majority of pediatric patients.

Conclusions

Our study shows that further dose adjustment of TM‐α is necessary considering the higher clearance per body weight in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC.
Highly sensitive assessment of neuroblastoma minimal residual disease in ovarian tissue using RT‐qPCR—A strategy for improving the safety of fertility restoration
Authors: Grèze Victoria , Brugnon Florence , Chambon Fanny , Halle Pascale , Canis Michel , Amiot Clotilde , Grémeau Anne‐Sophie , Pereira Bruno , Yáñez Peralta Yania , Tchirkov Andrei , Kanold Justyna
Published: October 2016

Background

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is the only option available to preserve fertility in prepubertal females with neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood solid tumor that can spread to the ovaries, with a risk of reintroducing malignant cells after an ovarian graft.

Procedure

We set out to determine whether the analysis of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase), PHOX2B (paired‐like homeobox 2b), and DCX (doublecortin) transcripts using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) could be used to detect NB contamination in ovarian tissue. Analyses were performed on benign ovarian tissue from 20 healthy women between November 2014 and September 2015 at the University Hospital of Clermont‐Ferrand. Pericystic benign ovarian tissues were collected and contaminated with increasing numbers of human NB cells (cell lines IMR‐32 and SK‐N‐SH) before detection using RT‐qPCR.

Results

TH and DCX transcripts were detected in uncontaminated ovarian tissue from all the donors, hampering the detection of small numbers of tumor cells. By contrast, PHOX2B was not detected in any uncontaminated ovarian fragment. PHOX2B levels were significantly increased from 10 NB cells. Our study is the first to evaluate minimal residual disease detection using NB mRNAs in human ovarian tissue. Only PHOX2B was a reliable marker of NB cells contaminating ovarian tissue.

Conclusions

These results are encouraging and offer hope in the near future for grafting ovarian tissue in women who survive cancer, whose fertility has been jeopardized by treatment, and who could benefit from OTC without oncological risk.
Enhancement of crystallinity and toughness of poly (l‐lactic acid) influenced by Ag nanoparticles processed by twin screw extruder
Authors: Bautista‐Del‐Ángel Jesús E. , Morales‐Cepeda Ana B. , Lozano‐Ramírez Tomas , Sanchez Saúl , Karami Shahir , Lafleur Pierre
Published: October 2016

Poly(l‐lactic acid) nanocomposites based on silver nanoparticles (PLA/AgNP) were prepared by melt blending using a twin screw extruder. Nanocomposites at low concentrations were prepared with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt% of AgNP to enhance the crystallinity and improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA. AgNPs smaller than 100 nm which increased the crystallinity of PLA upon the addition were detected by UV–Vis. Crystallinty index of nanocomposites was estimated reaching a maximum of 0.52, where the AgNPs acted as heterogeneous nucleating agent which is correlated with the Ag content. The α and α′ crystals were observed by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X‐ray diffraction, thus lattice spacing of more ordered and distorted crystals were corroborated obtaining a higher fraction of α structures when a high content of nanoparticles was added. Moreover, strain at break and toughness of pure PLA were increased from 4.3% to 16.9% and 2.1 to 7.3 MJ/m3, respectively, modifying the inherent brittleness of PLA. Finally, with the obtained results a correlation was established where more disordered crystals show less resistance to deformation that lead to an enhancement of elongation at break observed in the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2368–2376, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Piezoresistivities of vapor‐grown carbon fiber/silicone foams for tactile sensor applications
Authors: Guo Chen , Kondo Yasuo , Takai Chika , Fuji Masayoshi
Published: October 2016

Due to the growing demand for tactile sensors, the possibility of detecting an external uniaxial pressure by the piezoresistive measuring of a conductive filler/elastomer composite was investigated. A series of piezoresistive models are discussed. Novel highly sensitive piezoresistive foams with excellent elasticity were fabricated using vapor‐grown carbon fiber (VGCF), two‐component silicone elastomer and a new type of thermally expandable micro beads foaming agent to overcome the disadvantages of the silicone elastomer in the utilization of a tactile sensor. Deformations of the foams caused by uniaxial pressure were observed using scanning electron microscopy from cross‐sections. Effects of the VGCF and the foaming agent on the piezoresistivitiy were investigated. The piezoresistive mechanisms of the foams are discussed according to the measurements, and good fit was found between the theoretical calculations and the experimental piezoresistivity measurements. It is found that the addition of the micro beads foaming agent can improve the piezoresistivity of the VGCF/silicone foam and increase the sensitivity and repeatability for its application in a tactile sensor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Microstructured ZnO coatings combined with antireflective layers for light management in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Frantz Jesse A. , Myers Jason D. , Bekele Robel Y. , Busse Lynda E. , Sanghera Jasbinder S.
Published: October 2016

We describe microstructured ZnO coatings that improve photovoltaic (PV) device performance through their antireflective properties and their tendency to scatter incoming light at large angles. In many PV devices, reflection from the transparent conductive top contact significantly degrades performance. Traditional quarter‐wave antireflective (AR) coatings reduce surface reflection but perform optimally for only a narrow spectral range and incident illumination angle. Furthermore, in some types of devices, absorption far from the junction increases the rate of recombination, and light management strategies are required to remedy this. The randomly patterned, microstructured ZnO coatings described in this paper, formed via a simple wet etch process, serve as both an AR layer with superior performance to that of a thin film AR coating alone as well as a large angle forward scatterer. We model formation of the coatings and evaluate their AR properties. When combined with a traditional quarter‐wave MgF2 coating, these microstructured ZnO coatings increase short circuit currents of example Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) devices by over 20% in comparison to those of uncoated devices at normal incidence. A similar improvement is observed for illumination angles of up to 60°. While demonstrated here for CIGS, these structures may prove useful for other PV technologies as well. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Radiometer calibration methods and resulting irradiance differences
Authors: Habte Aron , Sengupta Manajit , Andreas Afshin , Reda Ibrahim , Robinson Justin
Published: October 2016

Accurate solar radiation measured by radiometers depends on instrument performance specifications, installation method, calibration procedure, measurement conditions, maintenance practices, location, and environmental conditions. This study addresses the effect of different calibration methodologies and resulting differences provided by radiometric calibration service providers such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and manufacturers of radiometers. Some of these methods calibrate radiometers indoors and some outdoors. To establish or understand the differences in calibration methodologies, we processed and analyzed field‐measured data from radiometers deployed for 10 months at NREL's Solar Radiation Research Laboratory. These different methods of calibration resulted in a difference of ±1% to ±2% in solar irradiance measurements. Analyzing these differences will ultimately assist in determining the uncertainties of the field radiometer data and will help develop a consensus on a standard for calibration. Further advancing procedures for precisely calibrating radiometers to world reference standards that reduce measurement uncertainties will help the accurate prediction of the output of planned solar conversion projects and improve the bankability of financing solar projects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kang Un‐Beom , Marto Jarrod A.
Published: October 2016

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein that is expressed in many tissues and participates in numerous biological pathways. Mutations in LRRK2 are recognized as genetic risk factors for familial Parkinson's disease (PD) and may also represent causal factors in the more common sporadic form of PD. The structure of LRRK2 comprises a combination of GTPase, kinase, and scaffolding domains. This functional diversity, combined with a potentially central role in genetic and idiopathic PD motivates significant effort to further credential LRRK2 as a therapeutic target. Here, we review the current understanding for LRRK2 function in normal physiology and PD, with emphasis on insight gained from proteomic approaches.
The development of SRM assays is transforming proteomics research
Authors: Manes Nathan P. , Nita‐Lazar Aleksandra
Published: October 2016

Bottom‐up targeted proteomics using SRM is a powerful analytical technology, but it requires the development of SRM assays, which is a complex procedure. Whereas proteome‐wide SRM assays have recently been developed for a small number of species, this is not so for the mouse. In this issue, Percy et al. report the development of hundreds of mouse SRM assays. Their development required shotgun MS to identify proteotypic peptides, synthesis, and LC‐MS characterization of peptide standards, and interlaboratory SRM to robustly assess the quality of the assays. The resulting SRM assays are intended to be used to analyze mouse plasma and cardiac tissue, primarily for cardiovascular disease and cancer research.
Surface functionalized nano‐objects from oleic acid‐derived stabilizer via non‐polar RAFT dispersion polymerization
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Bauri Kamal , Nandi Mridula , De Priyadarsi
Published: October 2016

Surface functionalization in a nanoscopic scaffold is highly desirable to afford nano‐particles with diversified features and functions. Herein are reported the surface decoration of dispersed block copolymer nano‐objects. First, side‐chain double bond containing oleic acid based macro chain transfer agent (macroCTA), poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate) (PMAEO), was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and used as a steric stabilizer during the RAFT dispersion block copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in n‐heptane at 70 °C. We have found that block copolymer morphologies could evolve from spherical micelles, through worm to vesicles, and finally to large compound vesicles with the increase of solvophobic poly(BzMA) block length, keeping solvophilic chain length and total solid content constant. Finally, different thiol compounds having alkyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and protected amine functionalities have been ligated onto the PMAEO segment, which is prone to functionalization via its reactive double bond through thiol‐ene radical reactions. Thiol‐ene modification reactions of the as‐synthesized nano‐objects retain their morphologies as visualized by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. Thus, the facile and modular synthetic approach presented in this study allowed in situ preparation of surface modified block copolymer nano‐objects at very high concentration, where renewable resource derived oleate surface in the nanoparticle was functionalized. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 263–273
Thermal and mechanical properties of random copolymers of diisopropyl fumarate with 1‐adamantyl and bornyl acrylates with high glass transition temperatures
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Sumihara Takayuki
Published: October 2016

We report the thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of random copolymers produced by radical copolymerizations of diisopropyl fumarate (DiPF) with 1‐adamantyl acrylate (AdA) and bornyl acrylate (BoA). The effects of a methylene spacer included in the main chain and bulky ester alkyl groups in the side chain on the copolymer properties are discussed. The produced copolymers are characterized by NMR and UV–vis spectroscopies, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The copolymerization rate and the molecular weight of the copolymers increase with an increase in the acrylate content in feed during the copolymerization (Mw = 25–110 × 103). The onset temperature of decomposition (Td5) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the copolymers also increase according to the content of the acrylate units (Td5 = 296–329 °C and 281–322 °C, Tg = 80–133 °C and 91–106 °C for the copolymers of DiPF with AdA and BoA, respectively). Transparent and flexible copolymer films are obtained by a casting method and their optical properties such as transparency and refractive indices are investigated (nD = 1.478–1.479). The viscoelastic data of the copolymers are collected by DMA measurements under temperature control. The storage modulus decreases at a temperature region over the Tg value of the copolymers, depending on the structure and amount of the acrylate units. The sequence structure of the copolymers is analyzed based on monomer reactivity ratios and composition in order to discuss the copolymer properties related to chain rigidity and sequence length distribution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 288–296
Confirmation of a nanohybrid shish‐kebab (NHSK) structure in composites of PET and MWCNTs
Authors: Heeley Ellen L. , Hughes Darren J. , Crabb Eleanor M. , Bowen James , Bikondoa Oier , Mayoral Beatriz , McNally Tony
Published: October 2016

Here, the confirmation of an oriented nanohybrid shish‐kebab (NHSK) crystalline structure in a series of composites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is reported. The combined use of small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and thermal analysis has been used to investigate the morphology development in PET‐MWCNT nanocomposites under hot isothermal crystallization conditions. The MWCNTs act as both heterogeneous nucleating agents and surfaces (oriented shish structures) for the epitaxial growth of PET crystallites (kebabs) giving an oriented crystalline morphology. In contrast, the PET homopolymer does not show any residual oriented crystalline morphology during isothermal crystallization but gave a sporadic nucleation of a classic unoriented lamellar structure with slower crystallization kinetics. The results provide a valuable insight into the role of MWCNTs as nanoparticulate fillers in the morphology development and subsequent modification of physical properties in engineering polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 132–137
Differences in gene mutations between Chinese and Caucasian cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Zheng Baoying , Cao Ling
Published: October 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is rarely seen in Asian populations. We diagnosed two CF cases. One of them had a novel mutation c.870‐1G>C in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. There have been 38 Chinese CF patients reported in literature from 1974 until the present (2016), 25 different mutations were identified. Only one of these mutations (R553X) is in the Caucasian CF screening panel. The mutations identified in Chinese CF patients are very different from the common Caucasian gene mutations. The CFTR gene mutation spectrum for the Chinese population requires further investigation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E11–E14. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.