bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of NAPL exposure on the wettability and two‐phase flow in a single rock fracture
Authors: Lee Hang Bok , Kim Byung‐Woo
Published: May 2015

Surface‐wetting properties are an important cause of changing the groundwater and two‐phase fluid flows. Various factors affecting the surface wettability were investigated in a parallel‐walled glass fracture with non‐aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) (gasoline, diesel, trichloroethylene, and creosote) wetted surfaces. First, the effect of the duration of NAPL exposure on wettability change was considered at pre‐wet fracture surfaces using the various NAPL species, and the result showed that the surface became hydrophobic after the exposure time of NAPL exceeded 2000 min. Second, the initial wetting state of the surface affected the timing when the wettability change begins as well as the extent of the wettability change in an NAPL‐wetted rock fractures. Under the dry condition, the wettability change was completed within a very short time of exposure to NAPL (~5 min), and then it finally reached the intermediate and weakly NAPL wetting (contact angle of 118°). Under the pre‐wet condition, a relatively long time of exposure (~5000 min) was needed to observe the obvious change of the surface wettability, which was changed up to strongly NAPL wetting (contact angle of 142°). Third, the wettability changed by NAPL exposure was stable and maintained for a long time, regardless of water flushing rate and temperature. Finally, the wettability change by the exposure of NAPL on parallel fracture surfaces was evaluated at various groundwater flow velocities. Result showed that groundwater flow velocity has an important impact upon measured contact angle. Although fracture surfaces were exposed to NAPL at the low groundwater flow velocity, the wettability was not changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the contact time between NAPL and mineral surfaces was not sufficient owing to the pulse‐type movement of NAPL. This implies that the variation of exposure pattern due to groundwater flow on the wettability change can be an important factor affecting the wettability change of fracture surface and migration behaviour at natural fractured rock aquifers in case of NAPL spill. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wear behavior of pressable lithium disilicate glass ceramic
Authors: Peng Zhongxiao , Izzat Abdul Rahman Muhammad , Zhang Yu , Yin Ling
Published: May 2015

This article reports effects of surface preparation and contact loads on abrasive wear properties of highly aesthetic and high‐strength pressable lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics (LDGC). Abrasive wear testing was performed using a pin‐on‐disk device in which LDGC disks prepared with different surface finishes were against alumina pins at different contact loads. Coefficients of friction and wear volumes were measured as functions of initial surface finishes and contact loads. Wear‐induced surface morphology changes in both LDGC disks and alumina pins were characterized using three‐dimensional laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results show that initial surface finishes of LDGC specimens and contact loads significantly affected the friction coefficients, wear volumes and wear‐induced surface roughness changes of the material. Both wear volumes and friction coefficients of LDGC increased as the load increased while surface roughness effects were complicated. For rough LDGC surfaces, three‐body wear was dominant while for fine LDGC surfaces, two‐body abrasive wear played a key role. Delamination, plastic deformation, and brittle fracture were observed on worn LDGC surfaces. The adhesion of LDGC matrix materials to alumina pins was also discovered. This research has advanced our understanding of the abrasive wear behavior of LDGC and will provide guidelines for better utilization and preparation of the material for long‐term success in dental restorations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 968–978, 2016.
Synthesis of piezoelectric and bioactive NaNbO3 from metallic niobium and niobium oxide
Authors: Prado da Silva Marcelo Henrique , da Rocha Daniel Navarro , de Andrade Gobbo Luciano , dos Santos Azevedo Luciana Maria , Louro Luís Henrique Leme , Machado Costa Andréa , Brant de Campos José
Published: May 2015

NaNbO3 was synthesized by two different routes, one using metallic niobium powder, and another using niobium oxide (Nb2O5) powder. In both routes an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was used to hydrothermally treating the powders. In the first approach, the solution concentrations were 3M, 1M, and 0.5M. The second route used solution concentrations of 10M and 12.5M. After the hydrothermal treatments, the powders were heat treated in order to synthesize NaNbO3. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement. The phases were identified by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement. It was observed that the molar concentrations of the solutions had opposing effects for each route. An antiferroelectric phase was found in both routes. In the niobium metallic route, a ferroelectric phase was also synthesized. This study proves that piezoelectric NaNbO3 can be obtained after alkali treatment of both Nb and Nb2O5. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 979–985, 2016.
First‐principle modelling of forsterite surface properties: Accuracy of methods and basis sets
Authors: Demichelis Raffaella , Bruno Marco , Massaro Francesco R. , Prencipe Mauro , De La Pierre Marco , Nestola Fabrizio
Published: May 2015

The seven main crystal surfaces of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) were modeled using various Gaussian‐type basis sets, and several formulations for the exchange‐correlation functional within the density functional theory (DFT). The recently developed pob‐TZVP basis set provides the best results for all properties that are strongly dependent on the accuracy of the wavefunction. Convergence on the structure and on the basis set superposition error‐corrected surface energy can be reached also with poorer basis sets. The effect of adopting different DFT functionals was assessed. All functionals give the same stability order for the various surfaces. Surfaces do not exhibit any major structural differences when optimized with different functionals, except for higher energy orientations where major rearrangements occur around the Mg sites at the surface or subsurface. When dispersions are not accounted for, all functionals provide similar surface energies. The inclusion of empirical dispersions raises the energy of all surfaces by a nearly systematic value proportional to the scaling factor s of the dispersion formulation. An estimation for the surface energy is provided through adopting C6 coefficients that are more suitable than the standard ones to describe OO interactions in minerals. A 2 × 2 supercell of the most stable surface (010) was optimized. No surface reconstruction was observed. The resulting structure and surface energy show no difference with respect to those obtained when using the primitive cell. This result validates the (010) surface model here adopted, that will serve as a reference for future studies on adsorption and reactivity of water and carbon dioxide at this interface. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pteros 2.0: Evolution of the fast parallel molecular analysis library for C++ and python
Authors: Yesylevskyy Semen O.
Published: May 2015

Pteros is the high‐performance open‐source library for molecular modeling and analysis of molecular dynamics trajectories. Starting from version 2.0 Pteros is available for C++ and Python programming languages with very similar interfaces. This makes it suitable for writing complex reusable programs in C++ and simple interactive scripts in Python alike. New version improves the facilities for asynchronous trajectory reading and parallel execution of analysis tasks by introducing analysis plugins which could be written in either C++ or Python in completely uniform way. The high level of abstraction provided by analysis plugins greatly simplifies prototyping and implementation of complex analysis algorithms. Pteros is available for free under Artistic License from http://sourceforge.net/projects/pteros/. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics of bound and unbound telaprevir in cirrhotic patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment
Authors: Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan Sivi , Halabi Atef , Cieslarová Blanka , Aerts Indra , Witek James , Van Solingen‐Ristea Rodica , Luo Donghan
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic parameters of telaprevir (TVR) in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, measure the unbound (pharmacologically active) plasma concentrations of TVR, and determine if any changes in TVR exposure were of clinical relevance. Ten patients with moderate (Child‐Pugh B) hepatic impairment, 10 matched healthy control volunteers, and 4 nonmatched patients with severe (Child‐Pugh C) hepatic impairment received 750 mg TVR every 8 hours for 6 days. Venous blood samples were collected at various times throughout the study. Single‐dose and steady‐state pharmacokinetics of total and unbound TVR were calculated. Safety and tolerability of TVR were also assessed. The mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve values of total and unbound TVR were lower in patients with moderate hepatic impairment compared with matched healthy controls following a single dose and at steady state but did not consistently meet statistical significance. This trend was also present when patients with severe hepatic impairment were compared with the nonmatched healthy controls. However, the safety profile of TVR in the patient and healthy volunteer groups was comparable with previously published data. These results indicate that reduced plasma concentrations of total and unbound TVR in patients with hepatic impairment are unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Kinetic index combining native and postcontrast myocardial T1 in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kachenoura Nadjia , Besson‐Hajji Laila , Graves Martin J , Reid Scott , Soulat Gilles , Ashrafpoor Golmehr , De Cesare Alain , Hagege Albert , Redheuil Alban , Mousseaux Elie
Published: May 2015

Background

To evaluate ability of pre‐ and postcontrast apparent T1* indices, as well as their combination to characterize myocardial structural changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods

Study protocol was approved by institutional review board and informed consent was obtained. T1 mapping was performed using MOLLI sequence (1.5T magnet) on: (i) tubes with known T1 and varied heart‐rates (HR), (ii) 17 HCM (55 ± 15 years) and 18 controls (49 ± 16 years), before contrast and every 5 min over 20 min postcontrast. Global and segmental native T1 (T1*Native), extracellular volume (ECV) and percentage of decrease in myocardial T1* (T1*decay = 100·[1‐T1*Post‐contrast/T1*Native]) were estimated. Correlation coefficients of associations between T1 and LV indices, such as left ventricular wall thickness (WT) and mass index (LVMi) were provided. Receiver operator curve analysis was performed on per‐patient basis to assess ability of T1* indices to identify HCM.

Results

While up to a T1* of 1000 ms the effect of HR was minor, it was more pronounced above 1000 ms. T1*Native (754 ± 76 ms versus 1014 ± 130 ms, P < 0.001), ECV20min (23 ± 5% versus 27 ± 4%, P = 0.005), and T1*decay5, 10, 15 or 20min (38 ± 8% versus 54 ± 6%, P < 0.001) showed significant differences between controls and HCM. Correlation coefficients for associations with WT and LVMi were higher for T1*Native and T1decay, independent of acquisition time (with WT/LVMi: r = 0.58/0.44 (P < 0.05) for T1*Native; r = 0.23 (P < 0.05)/0.23 for ECV20min; r > 0.51/ > 0.45(P < 0.05) for T1*decay5, 20min). T1*Native (97.1%) and T1*decay (91.2%) characterized HCM with higher accuracy (P < 0.02) than ECV (69%).

Conclusion

T1*Native and T1*decay were able to characterize HCM more accurately than ECV, even in the absence of myocardial hypertrophy and late‐gadolinium enhancement. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1713–1722.
A multi‐decadal assessment of the performance of gauge‐ and model‐based rainfall products over Saudi Arabia: climatology, anomalies and trends
Authors: El Kenawy Ahmed M. , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: May 2015

Many arid and semi‐arid regions have sparse precipitation observing networks, which limits the capacity for detailed hydrological modelling, water resources management and flood forecasting efforts. The objective of this work is to evaluate the utility of relatively high‐spatial resolution rainfall products to reproduce observed multi‐decadal rainfall characteristics such as climatologies, anomalies and trends over Saudi Arabia. Our study compares the statistical characteristics of rainfall from 53 observatories over the reference period 1965–2005, with rainfall data from six widely used gauge‐based products, including APHRODITE, GPCC, PRINCETON, UDEL, CRU and PREC/L. In addition, the performance of three global climate models (GCMs), including CCSM4, EC‐EARTH and MRI‐I‐CGCM3, integrated as part of the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), was also evaluated. Results indicate that the gauge‐based products were generally skillful in reproducing rainfall characteristics in Saudi Arabia. In most cases, the gauge‐based products were also able to capture the annual cycle, anomalies and climatologies of observed data, although significant inter‐product variability was observed, depending on the assessment metric being used. In comparison, the GCM‐based products generally exhibited poor performance, with larger biases and very weak correlations, particularly during the summertime. Importantly, all products generally failed to reproduce the observed long‐term seasonal and annual trends in the region, particularly during the dry seasons (summer and autumn). Overall, this work suggests that selected gauge‐based products with daily (APHRODITE and PRINCETON) and monthly (GPCC and CRU) resolutions show superior performance relative to other products, implying that they may be the most appropriate data source from which multi‐decadal variations of rainfall can be investigated at the regional scale over Saudi Arabia. Discriminating these skillful products is important not only for reducing uncertainty in climate, hydrological and environmental assessments but also for advancing model developments in the region.
Implementation of a novel low‐noise InGaAs detector enabling rapid near‐infrared multichannel Raman spectroscopy of pigmented biological samples
Authors: Santos Inês P. , Caspers Peter J. , Bakker Schut Tom , van Doorn Remco , Koljenović Senada , Puppels Gerwin J.
Published: May 2015

Pigmented tissues are inaccessible to Raman spectroscopy using visible laser light because of the high level of laser‐induced tissue fluorescence. The fluorescence contribution to the acquired Raman signal can be reduced by using an excitation wavelength in the near infrared range around 1000 nm. This will shift the Raman spectrum above 1100 nm, which is the principal upper detection limit for silicon‐based CCD detectors. For wavelengths above 1100 nm indium gallium arsenide detectors can be used. However, InGaAs detectors have not yet demonstrated satisfactory noise level characteristics for demanding Raman applications. We have tested and implemented for the first time a novel sensitive InGaAs imaging camera with extremely low readout noise for multichannel Raman spectroscopy in the short‐wave infrared (SWIR) region. The effective readout noise of two electrons is comparable to that of high quality CCDs and two orders of magnitude lower than that of other commercially available InGaAs detector arrays. With an in‐house built Raman system we demonstrate detection of shot‐noise limited high quality Raman spectra of pigmented samples in the high wavenumber region, whereas a more traditional excitation laser wavelength (671 nm) could not generate a useful Raman signal because of high fluorescence. Our Raman instrument makes it possible to substantially decrease fluorescence background and to obtain high quality Raman spectra from pigmented biological samples in integration times well below 20 s. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Network Measures for Knowledge Processes: A Relational Framework
Authors: Thomas Nobin , Vohra Neharika
Published: May 2015

Organizational learning has received increasing attention from scholars for mainly three reasons — debate about the level of analysis, questions about existing organizational theories, and concerns over a robust methodology for measuring learning process. Previous studies have strongly recommended researchers to give more attention towards relationships between people and how those relationships affect people in the organizational learning process. To address these concerns and gaps in literature, a process‐based view of organizational learning is adopted consisting of four distinct subprocesses — information acquisition, information distribution, information interpretation, and organizational memory. This study advances the measurement of organizational learning process using social network analysis and develops measures of organizational learning subprocesses that are multilevel and are able to provide a snapshot of the current process of organizational learning within the organization. This study using a multi‐theoretical, multilevel perspective to examine organizational learning networks has important implications for methodological advances and managerial practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceiving the algae: How feeding‐current feeding copepods detect their nonmotile prey
Authors: Gonçalves Rodrigo J. , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: May 2015

Feeding‐current feeding copepods detect and capture prey individually, but the mechanism by which nonmotile prey is detected has been unclear. Early reports that copepods detect phytoplankton prey at distances of one body length or more led to the hypothesis that solutes leaking from the prey would be carried to the copepod by the sheared feeding current and arrive prior to the prey, thus allowing the copepod to adjust the feeding current to bring the prey within reach of the feeding appendages. Many subsequent studies have been interpreted assuming this mechanism, which appears currently to be the main accepted view. Here, we review the observations available in the literature and add our own data to show that in most cases the prey, whether phytoplankton cells or inert particles, has to be within a few prey radii from the setae of the feeding appendages to elicit a capture response. We further demonstrate that (1) long‐range chemical detection is incompatible with known algal leakage rates and reasonable assumptions of sensitivity, (2) that near‐field chemical detection is constrained by diffusion across the boundary layer of the sensor and takes longer than observed near‐contact times, and (3) that most reported detection distances are well predicted by models of fluid mechanical signal generation and detection. We conclude that near‐field mechanoreception is the common prey detection mode in pelagic copepods. Prey detection distances are thus governed mainly by the reach of the feeding appendages, in contrast to the strong prey size‐dependency implied by remote chemical prey detection.
Fish herbivory as key ecological function in a heavily degraded coral reef system
Authors: Plass‐Johnson Jeremiah G. , Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Jompa Jamaluddin , Wild Christian , Teichberg Mirta
Published: May 2015

Localized impacts, such as eutrophication and overfishing, have been identified as major threats to reefs worldwide, resulting in changes in coral reef community composition, from coral‐dominance to algal‐dominance. Herbivory by fishes is frequently cited as a key process structuring benthic community response to stressors. Here, we experimentally tested the capacity of herbivorous fishes to remove macroalgae along an onshore–offshore spatial gradient in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia; a coral reef system exposed to long‐term anthropogenic disturbances. Bioassays of Sargassum and Padina spp. were collected from the reef flat and transplanted onto the reef slope at five islands varying in distance (1–55 km) from the coastline and city of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Supplementary underwater video deployment and fish surveys were used to identify species‐specific differences in herbivore communities and rates of algal removal. Over a 24 h period, Padina was almost completely removed from the two outermost islands, but removal declined toward shore. With the exception of the site closest to Makassar, more than 50% of all transplanted macroalgae were removed. Species diversity of algal‐consuming fishes and total bites increased toward off‐shore, with only one species, Siganus virgatus (Siganidae), feeding at all sites. These changes in herbivore communities underline the capacity for functional resilience under varying levels of reef degradation. Our results exemplify the complexities of ecological functioning along environmental gradients.
Demicompact linear operators, essential spectrum and some perturbation results
Authors: Chaker Wajdi , Jeribi Aref , Krichen Bilel
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present some results on Fredholm and upper semi‐Fredholm operators involving demicompact operators. Our results generalize many known ones in the literature, in particular those obtained by Petryshyn in and Jeribi et al. in , . They are used to establish a fine description of the Schechter essential spectrum of closed densely defined operators, and to investigate the essential spectrum of the sum of two bounded linear operators defined on a Banach space by means of the essential spectrum of each of the two operators.
Experimental approaches to identify small RNAs and their diverse roles in bacteria – what we have learnt in one decade of MicA research
Authors: Van Puyvelde Sandra , Vanderleyden Jozef , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J.
Published: May 2015

Nowadays the identification of small RNAs (sRNAs) and characterization of their role within regulatory networks takes a prominent place in deciphering complex bacterial phenotypes. Compared to the study of other components of bacterial cells, this is a relatively new but fast‐growing research field. Although reports on new sRNAs appear regularly, some sRNAs are already subject of research for a longer time. One of such sRNAs is MicA, a sRNA best described for its role in outer membrane remodeling, but probably having a much broader function than anticipated. An overview of what we have learnt from MicA led to the conclusion that even for this well‐described sRNA, we still do not have the overall picture. More general, the story of MicA might become an experimental lead for unraveling the many sRNAs with unknown functions. In this review, three important topics in the sRNA field are covered, exemplified from the perspective of MicA: (i) identification of new sRNAs, (ii) target identification and unraveling the biological function, (iii) structural analysis. The complex mechanisms of action of MicA deliver some original insights in the sRNA field which includes the existence of dimer formation or simultaneous cis and trans regulation, and might further inspire the understanding of the function of other sRNAs.
Noncompact‐type Krasnoselskii fixed‐point theorems and their applications
Authors: Xiang Tian , Georgiev Svetlin Georgiev
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we first establish some user‐friendly versions of fixed‐point theorems for the sum of two operators in the setting that the involved operators are not necessarily compact and continuous. These fixed‐point results generalize, encompass, and complement a number of previously known generalizations of the Krasnoselskii fixed‐point theorem. Next, with these obtained fixed‐point results, we study the existence of solutions for a class of transport equations, the existence of global solutions for a class of Darboux problems on the first quadrant, the existence and/or uniqueness of periodic solutions for a class of difference equations, and the existence and/or uniqueness of solutions for some kind of perturbed Volterra‐type integral equations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational approach for robust nondestructive test design maximizing characterization capabilities for solids and structures subject to uncertainty
Authors: Notghi Bahram , Brigham John C.
Published: May 2015

A robust approach to nondestructive test (NDT) design for material characterization and damage identification in solids and structures is presented and numerically evaluated. The generally applicable approach combines maximization of test sensitivity with minimization of test information redundancy, while simultaneously minimizing the effects of uncertain system parameters to determine optimal NDT parameters for robust nondestructive evaluation. In addition, to maintain reasonable computational expense while also allowing for general applicability, a stochastic collocation technique is presented for the quantification of uncertainty in the robust design metrics. The robust NDT design approach was tested through simulated case studies based on the characterization of localized variations in Young's modulus distributions in aluminum structural components utilizing steady‐state dynamic surface excitation and localized measurements of displacement and compared with a purely deterministic NDT design approach. The robust design approach is shown to produce substantially different NDT designs than the analogous deterministic strategy. More importantly, the robust NDT designs are shown to provide significant improvements in the ability to accurately nondestructively evaluate structural properties for the cases considered, when there is significant uncertainty in system parameters and/or aspects of the NDT implementation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No pain, no gain: insights into changing individual volitional behaviour
Authors: Arli Denni , Kubacki Krzysztof , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Pekerti Andre A. , Tkaczynski Aaron
Published: May 2015

Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study is threefold: first, to empirically examine the effect of attitudes on people's intentions towards starting a new physical activity in three weight groups; second, to explore differences within various demographic groups; and finally, to offer research and practical implications for social marketers who are working in the area of physical activity. A total of 1459 respondents participated in an online survey. Our findings indicate that when individuals hold both negative and positive attitudes towards physical activity, they will have higher intentions to start a new physical activity. Empirical examination identified that overweight and obese people have more negative and less positive attitudes than healthier people toward physical activity. The results indicate that overcoming negative attitudes and reinforcing positive attitudes remain as a necessary condition to influence volitional behaviours such as physical activity, which requires cognitive processing and actions in order for the behaviour to be changed. People engaging in physical activities understand both positive and negative effects of physical activities, and they may engage in physical activities despite knowing there are short‐term costs.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene oxide)‐loaded hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin nanofibers
Authors: Hossain M. Forhad , Gong R. Hugh , Rigout Muriel
Published: May 2015

Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) is a modified β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) derivative, which is toxicologically harmless to mammals and other animals. HP‐β‐CD is electrospun from an aqueous solution by blending with a non‐toxic, biocompatible, synthetic polymer poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Aqueous solutions containing different HP‐β‐CD/PEO blends (50:50–80:20) with variable concentrations (4 wt%–12 wt%) were used. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the morphology of the fibers, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of HP‐β‐CD in the fiber. Uniform nanofibers with an average diameter of 264, 244, and 236 nm were obtained from 8 wt% solution of 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 HP‐β‐CD/PEO, respectively. The average diameter of the fiber was decreased with increasing of HP‐β‐CD/PEO ratio. However, a higher proportion of HP‐β‐CD in the spinning solution increased beads in the fibers. The polymer concentration had no significant effect on the fiber diameter. The most uniform fibers with the narrowest diameter distribution were obtained from the 8 wt% of 50:50 solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caution is recommended prior to sildenafil use in vascular anomalies
Authors: Rankin Hannah , Zwicker Kelley , Trenor Cameron C.
Published: May 2015

Since publication of a single case report of lymphatic malformation improvement during sildenafil therapy for pulmonary hypertension, sildenafil use has propagated across multiple vascular anomalies diagnoses. Vascular anomalies are rare conditions, often with poor long‐term outcomes from available therapies, making these patients vulnerable to novel therapy use. We have retrospectively reviewed 14 children with vascular anomalies treated with sildenafil. None of these patients reported improvement of disease while on treatment and some reported side effects including infections and bleeding. Pending more convincing prospective data, we recommend caution prior to sildenafil use for vascular anomalies. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of human amniotic fluid stem cells as an adjunct to promote pulmonary development in a rabbit model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: DeKoninck Philip , Toelen Jaan , Roubliova Xenia , Carter Shea , Pozzobon Michela , Russo Francesca Maria , Richter Jute , Vandersloten Pieter‐Jan , Verbeken Erik , De Coppi Paolo , Deprest Jan
Published: May 2015

What's already known about this topic?

There is increasing evidence that cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells could have a beneficial effect in treating adult lung disease. Amniotic fluid stem cells are a population of cells with multipotent differentiation capacities. Initial reports in rodent CDH models have shown promising evidence using these cells to improve pulmonary development in utero.

What does this study add?

Intra‐tracheal cell therapy with amniotic fluid stem cells in combination with tracheal occlusion in a rabbit CDH model increases the number of alveoli, without major signs of toxicity.
Characterization of the auto‐curing behavior of rapid prototyping materials for three‐dimensional printing using dielectric analysis
Authors: Steinhaus Johannes , Hausnerova Berenika , Moeginger Bernhard , Harrach Mohamed , Guenther Daniel , Moegele Florian
Published: May 2015

Three‐dimensional printing technology applies the high efficiency of the ink jet printer technology to manufacture functional prototypes. To optimize the printing process of PMMA powder containing an initiator and a liquid binder consisting of polymerizable monomers with activator molecules, the knowledge of the curing kinetics is required. Therefore, a methodology was developed to apply dielectric analysis measuring changes of the ion and dipole mobility in terms of a quantity called ion viscosity. Connecting time‐dependent changes of ion viscosity and reaction heat determined by DSC leads to detailed insight into the curing process. The results show that the styrene concentration of the binder determines the curing kinetics—reduces thermal stresses and provides time for stress relaxation. The curing process differs significantly with respect not only to composition of the binder, but also to its aging state. The proposed approach can be implemented directly to a printer to detect dielectric changes of the materials during the manufacturing process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1485–1493, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Breast cancer survivors' perceived medical communication competence and satisfaction with care at the end of treatment
Authors: Brédart Anne , Kop Jean‐Luc , Fiszer Chavie , Sigal‐Zafrani Brigitte , Dolbeault Sylvie
Published: May 2015

Background

Information is a care priority in most breast cancer survivors (BCS). We assessed whether BCS information needs at 8 months after hospital cancer treatment could be related to their age, education level, perceived medical communication competence, satisfaction with care, attachment style, and self‐esteem.

Methods

Of 426 BCS approached during the last week of treatment (T1), 85% completed the Medical Communication Competence Scale, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Satisfaction with Care Questionnaire, Rosenberg's Self‐Esteem Scale and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Supportive Care Needs Survey were completed at T1 and again 8 months later (T2) with a 66% (n = 283) response rate.

Results

Baseline respondents' median (range) age was 56 years (23–86 years). Information needs decreased over time, although some persisted. Multivariate regression analyses evidenced overall higher information needs at T2 in younger BCS and in those dissatisfied with the information provided at T1. Specifically, in younger BCS, higher information needs were related to lower satisfaction with doctors' availability, and in older BCS, they were related to higher self‐perceived competence in information giving, lower self‐perceived competence in information seeking, and lower satisfaction with doctors' information provision. Psychological distress was strongly related to information needs. Education, BCS attachment style, and self‐esteem were not associated with information needs.

Conclusions

In order to enhance supportive care for BCS, younger BCS should be provided with more time to address all their concerns and older BCS should be encouraged to express their specific desires for information. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth‐resolved slow positron beam analysis of ECR proton and argon implanted graphite and boron nitride system
Authors: Ganguly Bichitra Nandi , Menon Ranjini , Yalagoud Nabhiraj P. , Bandyopadhyay Sujit Kumar , Anwand Wolfgang , Brauer Gerhard
Published: May 2015

Layered materials and sp2 hybridized structures like graphite and hexagonal‐boron nitride (h‐BN) have been subjected to electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion beam implantation of proton and argon ions at different fluences and studied primarily employing slow positron beam technique using positron annihilation Doppler broadening spectroscopy (DBS). The results show remarkable structural perturbation effects in the implantation areas around the depth of ∼200–300 nm from the top surface, in both the systems but with glaring differences in the trends of the line shape analysis in terms of S and W parameters. Due to proton and argon ion implantation, structurally damaged lattice with open volume defects exists in graphite. But, for both the ion implantations at the high fluence, profound clustering effect of the respective atoms within the interstitial space are evident in h‐BN. The structural effects of both graphite and h‐BN lattice after the said implantation have been studied and corroborated through grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GI‐Xray) method and Raman scattering spectroscopy as complementary analytical techniques.
Pressure‐induced electrical resistivity saturation of Fe17Si
Authors: Kiarasi Soushyant , Secco Richard A.
Published: May 2015

A large body of work has focused on resistivity saturation in systems where scattering is caused by impurities or by thermal effects. Electrical resistivity saturation is here classified as either static, where impurity scattering causes saturation, or dynamic, where changing external parameters such as temperature or pressure cause saturation. Resistivity measurements up to 5 GPa show pressure‐induced resistivity saturation in Fe17wt%Si by the change in sign from positive to negative of the temperature coefficient of resistivity. The pressure dependence of the Curie temperature is 10.2(8) K GPa−1. The Debye temperature is calculated from the Bloch–Grüneisen equation and yields a pressure dependence of 40(9) K GPa−1.
Evaluation techniques for Gutzwiller wave functions in finite dimensions
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Jan , Schickling Tobias , Bünemann Jörg
Published: May 2015

We give a comprehensive introduction into a diagrammatic method that allows for the evaluation of Gutzwiller wave functions in finite spatial dimensions. We discuss in detail some numerical schemes that turned out to be useful in the real‐space evaluation of the diagrams. The method is applied to the problem of d‐wave superconductivity in a two‐dimensional single‐band Hubbard model. Here, we discuss in particular the role of long‐range contributions in our diagrammatic expansion. We further reconsider our previous analysis on the kinetic energy gain in the superconducting state.
Structured Benefit–risk assessment: a review of key publications and initiatives on frameworks and methodologies
Authors: Mt‐Isa Shahrul , Ouwens Mario , Robert Veronique , Gebel Martin , Schacht Alexander , Hirsch Ian
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The conduct of structured benefit–risk assessment (BRA) of pharmaceutical products is a key area of interest for regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. However, the acceptance of a standardized approach and implementation are slow. Statisticians play major roles in these organizations, and have a great opportunity to be involved and drive the shaping of future BRA.

Method

We performed a literature search of recent reviews and initiatives assessing BRA methodologies, and grouped them to assist those new to BRA in learning, understanding, and choosing methodologies. We summarized the key points and discussed the impact of this emerging field on various stakeholders, particularly statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry.

Results

We provide introductory, essential, special interest, and further information and initiatives materials that direct readers to the most relevant materials, which were published between 2000 and 2013.  Based on recommendations in these materials we supply a toolkit of advocated BRA methodologies.

Discussion

Despite initiatives promoting these methodologies, there are still barriers, one of which being the lack of a consensus on the most appropriate methodologies among stakeholders. However, this opens up opportunities, for statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry especially, to champion appropriate BRA methodology use throughout the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.

Conclusions

This article may serve as a starting point for discussions and to reach a mutual consensus for methodology selection in a particular situation. Regulators and pharmaceutical industry should continue to collaborate to develop and take forward BRA methodologies, and by clear communication develop a mutual understanding of the key issues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Active Packaging on Microbial Stability and Quality of Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Sheng Qi , Guo Xiao‐Na , Zhu Ke‐Xue
Published: May 2015

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of active packaging [oxygen absorber (OA) or oxygen absorber combined with ethanol emitter (OA + EE)] on microbial stability and quality of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) stored at 25 °C. Air‐packaged CSB was taken as control. Microbiological, sensory, physical, thermal and mechanical changes were monitored as a function of treatment and storage time. On day 2 of storage total plate count was reduced by 3.1, 3.7 and 4.4 cfu/g by OA, OA + EE (1% v/v) and OA + EE (3% v/v), respectively (p < 0.05). Yeasts and moulds were inhibited during the entire storage period. No detrimental effects of OA + EE (1% v/v) were observed on organoleptic parameters, whereas OA + EE (3% v/v) gave a strong objectionable flavour and taste. Active packaging significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the increase of potential of hydrogen as compared to the control. No significant effect of active packaging was found on moisture content, water activity, colour and specific volume. An increase in the melting enthalpy of amylopectin crystallite was observed in all samples during storage. The stored CSB samples packaged with OA showed higher values of hardness compared to samples packaged with OA + EE (1% v/v), indicating the potential of ethanol as plasticizer of the protein network. The results indicate the potential application of OA and OA + EE (1% v/v) as an antimicrobial packaging system for CSB preservation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of the one‐electron reduced density matrix from the generalized Pauli exclusion principle
Authors: Chakraborty Romit , Mazziotti David A.
Published: May 2015

The Pauli exclusion principle requires that the occupations of the orbitals lie between zero and one. These Pauli conditions hold for one‐electron reduced density matrices (1‐RDMs) from both open and closed quantum systems. More than 40 years ago, it was recognized that there are additional conditions on the 1‐RDM for closed quantum systems. In this review, we discuss the structure of the 1‐RDM from the generalized Pauli exclusion principle in many‐electron atoms and molecules and the violation of the generalized Pauli principle as a sufficient condition for the openness of a many‐electron quantum system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effects of Upper Limb Exercise Through Yoga on Limb Swelling in Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors – A Pilot Study
Authors: Lai Yen-Ting , Hsieh City C. , Huang Li-Sheng , Liu Wen-Sheng , Lin Shu-Huan , Wang Ling-Li , Chen Shyh-Fang , Lin Chih-Ching
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of yoga on lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Design: Repeated measures before and after the intervention. We enrolled 15 women with breast cancer who had not previously worn elastic clothing to treat lymphedema.

Methods:

The program was led by a certified trainer and consisted of 60-minute sessions, three times a week for 12 weeks. The volumes of the affected and normal limbs were measured. A self-assessed edema score was also recorded.

Findings:

Fifteen patients completed the program, none of whom suffered from complications related to exercise. There was no significant edema after exercise. No significant differences were noted in subgroup analysis by age or the affected arm.

Conclusions:

Yoga does not induce lymphedema.

Clinical Relevance:

Lymphedema is usually treated with uncomfortable elastic clothing, and high-resistance exercise may induce edema. Yoga may be suitable for these patients.
Surface characterization and sorption efficacy of tire‐obtained carbon: experimental and semiempirical study of rhodamine B adsorption
Authors: Saleh Tawfik A. , Al‐Saadi Abdulaziz A.
Published: May 2015

This work focuses on the surface characterization and sorption activity of carbon derived from waste tires. The carbon was prepared by thermal treatment of waste rubber tires, followed by exposure to nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The tired‐obtained activated carbon (AC) was evaluated using a variety of techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscope and Raman spectra reveal existence of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups on AC surface. Scanning electron microscope and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller revealed the porosity of AC is well developed with mesopore structure (mesopore volume of 0.96 cm3/g). AC was tested for Rhodamine B sorption, and the adsorption kinetics well fitted using a pseudo second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm data could be well described by the Langmuir model. Semiempirical calculations using Austin Model 1 were performed to explain the adsorption at molecular level. Binding enthalpies in the range of 0.5–4 kcal/mol of four possible scenarios were computed. We believe the combination between experimental work and semiempirical calculations allows for a better understanding of Rhodamine B molecules adsorption on the AC surface. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Ratiometric Sensor Using Single Chirality Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Carbon Nanotubes: Application to In Vivo Monitoring
Authors: Giraldo Juan P. , Landry Markita P. , Kwak Seon‐Yeong , Jain Rishabh M. , Wong Min Hao , Iverson Nicole M. , Ben‐Naim Micha , Strano Michael S.
Published: May 2015

Advances in the separation and functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) by their electronic type have enabled the development of ratiometric fluorescent SWCNT sensors for the first time. Herein, single chirality SWCNT are independently functionalized to recognize either nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or no analyte (remaining invariant) to create optical sensor responses from the ratio of distinct emission peaks. This ratiometric approach provides a measure of analyte concentration, invariant to the absolute intensity emitted from the sensors and hence, more stable to external noise and detection geometry. Two distinct ratiometric sensors are demonstrated: one version for H2O2, the other for NO, each using 7,6 emission, and each containing an invariant 6,5 emission wavelength. To functionalize these sensors from SWCNT isolated from the gel separation technique, a method for rapid and efficient coating exchange of single chirality sodium dodecyl sulfate‐SWCNT is introduced. As a proof of concept, spatial and temporal patterns of the ratio sensor response to H2O2 and, separately, NO, are monitored in leaves of living plants in real time. This ratiometric optical sensing platform can enable the detection of trace analytes in complex environments such as strongly scattering media and biological tissues.
Medical image compression using vector quantization and system error compression
Authors: Phanprasit Tanasak , Hamamoto Kazuhiko , Sangworasil Manas , Pintavirooj Chuchart
Published: May 2015

A novel medical image compression scheme based on vector quantization (VQ) is proposed in this paper. The advantages of the technique are not only that it yields high compression ratio but also that it maintains a peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR). This new method involves three steps. First, we present a codebook design using discrete wavelet transform (DWT), fuzzy C‐means (FCM), and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. Second, we improve the bit rate using the Huffman coding theme as a method of eliminating the redundant index. Finally, we supplement the system with error compensation to improve the PSNR. With the proposed method, we are able to achieve a bit rate improvement of 24.00% and a PSNR of 10.96% over the conventional method. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An XOR‐based parameterization for instruction register files
Authors: Fujieda Naoki , Ichikawa Shuichi
Published: May 2015

The instruction register file (IRF) shortens and obfuscates instruction sequences by compressing multiple instructions into a packed instruction. The IRF could improve its efficiency by parameterization, but the previously proposed parameterization techniques did not extract the similarity of instructions well. In this paper, we propose an XOR‐based parameterization to utilize the limited capacity of the IRF more efficiently. According to our evaluation, with an improved algorithm of instruction selection, our approach makes 20.2% more dynamic instructions IRF‐resident than the previous techniques. It also reduces the number of instruction fetches from the cache by 6.3% on average. We also confirmed that the hardware overhead of our parameterization was about a quarter of the previous one. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.