bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques based on both physical and biochemical principles
Authors: Tang Wenlai , Jiang Di , Li Zongan , Zhu Liya , Shi Jianping , Yang Jiquan , Xiang Nan
Published: October 2018

Microfluidic technologies for isolating cells of interest from a heterogeneous sample have attracted great attentions, due to the advantages of less sample consumption, simple operating procedure, and high separation accuracy. According to the working principles, the microfluidic cell sorting techniques can be categorized into biochemical (labeled) and physical (label‐free) methods. However, the inherent drawbacks of each type of method may somehow influence the popularization of these cell sorting techniques. Using the multiple complementary isolation principles is a promising strategy to overcome this problem, therefore there appears to be a continuing trend to integrate two or more sorting methods together. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques relied on both physical and biochemical principles, with emphasis on the mechanisms of cell separation. The biochemical cell sorting techniques enhanced by physical principles and the physical cell sorting techniques enhanced by biochemical principles, are first introduced. Then, we highlight on‐chip magnetic‐activated cell sorting, on‐chip fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, multi‐step cell sorting and multi‐principle cell sorting techniques, which are based on both physical and biochemical separation mechanisms. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the integrated microfluidics for cell sorting are discussed.
Rates of planimetric change in a proglacial gravel‐bed braided river: Field measurement and physical modelling
Authors: Middleton L. , Ashmore P. , Leduc P. , Sjogren D.
Published: October 2018

Planimetric change was measured on daily hydrographs over two meltwater seasons using time‐lapse images of the proglacial, gravel, braided, Sunwapta River, Canada. Significant planimetric change occurred on 10–15 days per year. Area of planimetric change correlated with peak and total daily meltwater hydrograph discharge. A clear threshold discharge can be identified below which no planform activity occurs, an intermediate range over which change occurs conditionally, and a peak flow range at which significant change always occurs. Field conditions were reproduced in a physical model in a laboratory flume. Photogrammetric DEMs of bed morphology and measurements of bedload output were made for each hydrograph experimental run. The physical model results for planimetric change had a threshold discharge for change, and trend with discharge, similar to the field data. The model data also show that planimetric change correlates strongly with volumes of erosion/deposition measured from successive DEMs, and with bedload transport rate. The relation between planimetric change and topographic change is also apparent from previous cross‐section surveys at the field site. The results highlight the planimetric dynamics of braiding rivers in relation to discharge forcing, and the relationship between planimetric change, morphological change, and bedload transport in braided rivers. This also points to the potential use of measurements of planimetric change from time‐lapse imagery as a low‐cost method for high‐frequency monitoring for braiding dynamics and also a surrogate for bedload transport measurement. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of obstacle density on the travel time of the visually impaired people
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zeng Jian , Liu Xiaoyang , Ding Siyuan
Published: October 2018

Because China has put more emphasis on people with disabilities, their living conditions and protection have received increasing attention. In an emergency, the visually impaired people are limited in their ability to evacuate, especially along egress paths with obstacles. This paper studied the relationship between the travel time of visually impaired people and obstacle density in their path. Eight sighted people and 32 people with visual impairments were chosen to carry out the walking experiment. The results of the experiment showed that the travel time of sighted people was shorter than that of visually impaired people under the same obstacle and non‐obstacle situations. Based on the analysis of variance of travel time, it was clear from the results that the travel time of the visually impaired people rapidly increased when there were obstacles. When the obstacle density was kept to within a certain range, there was no obvious increase in travel time. Once the density exceeded this range, there was another obvious increase. Based on this result, it can be seen that keeping the obstacle density to within a certain range could be helpful for the visually impaired people during an evacuation when the egress paths cannot be made obstacle‐free.
Precarious Aging: Insecurity and Risk in Late Life
Authors: Grenier Amanda , Phillipson Christopher
Published: October 2018

Population aging and longevity in the context of declining social commitments raise concerns about disadvantage, inequality, and the well‐being of older people. In this short piece, we use the concept of precarity as a lens to understand new and sustained forms of insecurity that affect late life, and we illustrate how these risks, when experienced over time and in relation to conditions such as austerity, can deepen disadvantage.
Co‐creating Environments: Empowering Elders and Strengthening Communities through Design
Authors: Kiyota Emi
Published: October 2018

Working with elders around the world has taught me that those living in grass huts in Africa with children at their feet are often happier than people in assisted‐living homes with a chandelier over their heads. My work in design consultancy and in fifteen years of running a nonprofit, Ibasho, that aims to co‐create socially integrated and sustainable communities that value their elders has allowed me to learn much about how architects and designers can contribute to helping people live a good life in late life. People often need supportive services or other adaptations as they age, but do they really need—or want—the luxury environment few are accustomed to? The challenge for architects and designers is not to create a built environment whose carefully curated facades hide lives of quiet desperation. It is to help elders access the support they need without upending their lives or severing virtually all ties to their communities.
Population Aging and the Sustainability of the Welfare State
Authors: Gusmano Michael K. , Okma Kieke G. H.
Published: October 2018

Many older people need external support for their daily living. A large minority of older adults with low or modest pension incomes face financial strains from the high cost of illness, and many older people in urban areas live in social isolation. Indeed, population aging has become a policy topic of concern. The policy debate since the end of the twentieth century about the future of public pensions and health and long‐term care programs has increasingly framed the growing numbers of older people in alarmist terms. Unfounded claims about the unaffordability and unsustainability of social policies supporting older people have become common currency, often disguised as concerns about intergenerational justice. Such claims and concerns hinder clear thinking about proper social and fiscal policies, housing, health care, and labor markets to safeguard the well‐being of older people in aging societies.
Response of head and neck epithelial cells to a DNA damage‐differentiation checkpoint involving polyploidization
Authors: Sanz‐Gómez Natalia , Freije Ana , Ceballos Laura , Obeso Sergio , Sanz J. Ramón , García‐Reija Fe , Morales‐Angulo Carmelo , Gandarillas Alberto
Published: October 2018

Background

Squamous epithelia of the head and neck undergo continuous cell renewal and are continuously exposed to mutagenic hazard, the main cause of cancer. How they maintain homeostasis upon cell cycle deregulation is unclear.

Methods

To elucidate how head and neck epithelia respond to cell cycle stress, we studied human keratinocytes from various locations (oral mucosa, tonsil, pharynx, larynx, and trachea). We made use of genotoxic or mitotic drugs (doxorubicin [DOXO], paclitaxel, and nocodazole), or chemical inhibitors of the mitotic checkpoint kinases, Aurora B and polo‐like‐1. We further tested the response to inactivation of p53, ectopic cyclin E, or to the chemical carcinogen 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).

Results

All treatments provoked DNA damage or mitosis impairment and strikingly triggered squamous differentiation and polyploidization, resulting in irreversible loss of clonogenic capacity.

Conclusion

Keratinocytes from head and neck epithelia share a cell‐autonomous squamous DNA damage‐differentiation response that is common to the epidermis and might continuously protect them from cancer.
Topological applications of multilayer perceptrons and support vector machines in financial decision support systems
Authors: Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Guotai Chi , Moula Fahmida–E– , Azad A.S.M. Sohel , Khan Mohammed Shamim Uddin
Published: October 2018

The heart of this study is particularly on risk assessment of financial decision support systems (FDSSs), to advance the model performance and improve classification accuracy. To conquer the downsides of the classical models, statistical intelligence (SI) technologies, for example, multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and support vector machines (SVMs), have been deliberated in FDSS applications. Recently, the prestigiousness of SI approaches has been confronted by the latest prediction learners. Therefore, to ensure the competitive performance of SI mechanisms, the current investigation scrutinizes the topological applications of MLPs and SVMs over eight different databases with equivalent combinations in credit scoring and bankruptcy predictions example sets. The experimental results reveal that MLP5‐5 and MLP4‐4, that is, the sigmoid activation function with five and four hidden layers, are the feasible topologies for the MLP algorithm, and on all databases in all performance criterions, SVM trained with the linear kernel function (SVM‐1) achieves better prediction results. From the “Baseline” family, random forest learner brings significant improvements in financial decisions. Lastly, FDSSs are found to be correlated with the nature of databases and the performance criterions of the trained algorithms. The results of this study, however, have practical and managerial implications to make a range of financial and nonfinancial strategies. With these contributions, therefore, our study not only supplements earlier evidence but also enhances the predictive performance of SI algorithms for financial decision support applications.
Effects of information sharing on banking credit and economic growth in developing countries: Evidence from the West African Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Loaba Salamata , Zahonogo Pam
Published: October 2018

This article aims to analyse the information sharing effect on bank credit and economic growth in West African Economic and Monetary Union. A simultaneous model was tested on panel data covering the period of 2005–2015. Using the credit register cover, the results found by the two‐stage least square and three‐stage least square methods indicate that high information sharing does not result in obviously high bank credit and economic growth. However, results also show a nonlinear relationship between information sharing and banking credit and a nonlinear relationship between information sharing and economic growth. The results show the necessity for promoting information sharing structures.
Mechanical stress protects against osteoarthritis via regulation of the AMPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Yang , Kong Yawei , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhang He , Gang Yi , Bai Lunhao
Published: October 2018

Mechanical stress plays a key role in regulating cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of mechanical stress on articular cartilage. A total of 80 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10 for each group): control group (CG), OA group (OAG), and CG or OAG subjected to low‐, moderate‐, or high‐intensity treadmill exercise (CL, CM, CH, OAL, OAM, and OAH, respectively). Chondrocytes were obtained from the knee joints of rats; they were cultured on Bioflex 6‐well culture plates and subjected to different durations of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) with or without exposure to interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). The results of the histological score, immunohistochemistry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western‐blot analyses indicated that there were no differences between CM and CG, but OAM showed therapeutic effects compared with OAG. However, CH and OAH experienced more cartilage damage than CG and OAG, respectively. CTS had no therapeutic effects on collagen II of normal chondrocytes, which is consistent with findings after treadmill exercise. However, CTS for 4 hr could alleviate the chondrocyte damage induced by IL‐1β by activating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and suppressing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65. Our findings indicate that mechanical stress had no therapeutic effects on normal articular cartilage and chondrocytes; mechanical stress only caused damage with excessive stimulation. Still, moderate biomechanical stress could reduce sensitization to the inflammatory response of articular cartilage and chondrocytes through the AMPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Diastereodivergent Synthesis of Pyrazoline Derivatives through [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Baylis–Hillman Adducts and Nitrilimines
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Zhou Leijie , Gao Xing , Wu Yang , Wang Qijun , Guo Zhenyan , Huang Jiaxing , Guo Hongchao
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a [3 + 2] cycloaddition of Baylis–Hillman adducts and nitrilimines has been achieved under mild reaction conditions, providing a concise approach to access biologically important pyrazoline derivatives.
γ‐Valerolactone as a Promising Bio‐Compatible Media for One‐Pot Synthesis of Spiro[indoline‐3,4'‐pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene Derivatives
Authors: Diwan Furqan , Farooqui Mazahar
Published: October 2018

A general, highly efficient, and green protocol for the synthesis of biologically important spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene derivatives is developed by one‐pot, three‐component approach involving substituted isatin, active methylene group, and 4‐hydroxy coumarin. This report describes the use of γ‐valerolactone as a green reaction media for a variety of substrates. The advantageous features of this methodology are the environmentally benign character, operational simplicity, high yield processing (91–96%), easy handling, and the reaction medium can be recycled and reused several times without significant loss of its efficiency.
Accuracy of Targeting Under the Rural Employment Guarantee Programme: A Comparison Between West Bengal and Rest of India
Authors: Das Upasak
Published: October 2018

One major success indicator of any welfare programme is accuracy of targeting of the benefits to the intended population. Using data from 2009–2010 and 2011–2012, this paper assesses targeting in terms of participation of the poorer households in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the Indian state of West Bengal and compares it with rest of the country. Although implementation of the programme in the state has been poor, the targeting performance is found to be fair in comparison to other parts. The findings lay emphasis on improvement in other dimensions of the programme to realise the optimal benefits. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion MRI of cancer: From low to high b‐values
Authors: Tang Lei , Zhou Xiaohong Joe
Published: October 2018

Following its success in early detection of cerebral ischemia, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has been increasingly used in cancer diagnosis and treatment evaluation. These applications are propelled by the rapid development of novel diffusion models to extract biologically valuable information from diffusion‐weighted MR signals, and significant advances in MR hardware that has enabled image acquisition with high b‐values. This article reviews recent technical developments and clinical applications in cancer imaging using DWI, with a special emphasis on high b‐value diffusion models. The article is organized in four sections. First, we provide an overview of diffusion models that are relevant to cancer imaging. The model parameters are discussed in relation to three tissue properties—cellularity, vascularity, and microstructures. An emphasis is placed on characterization of microstructural heterogeneity, given its novelty and close relevance to cancer. Second, we illustrate diffusion MR clinical applications in each of the following three categories: 1) cancer detection and diagnosis; 2) cancer grading, staging, and classification; and 3) cancer treatment response prediction and evaluation. Third, we discuss several practical issues, including selection of image acquisition parameters, reproducibility and reliability, motion management, image distortion, etc., that are commonly encountered when applying DWI to cancer in clinical settings. Lastly, we highlight a few ongoing challenges and provide some possible future directions, particularly in the area of establishing standards via well‐organized multicenter clinical trials to accelerate clinical translation of advanced DWI techniques to improving cancer care on a large scale.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:23–40.
Pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs of Lake Chalco as indicators of paleolimnological changes in high‐elevation tropical central Mexico since MIS 5
Authors: Torres‐Rodríguez Esperanza , Lozano‐García Socorro , Caballero‐Miranda Margarita , Ortega‐Guerrero Beatriz , Sosa‐Nájera Susana , Debajyoti‐Roy Priyadarsi
Published: October 2018

Aquatic pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) from a 72‐m‐long sediment core from Lake Chalco in central Mexico document macrophyte vegetation and paleolimnological conditions during the last glacial (∼85–10.8 k cal a BP). We compared macrophyte vegetation and NPP records with data for authigenic carbonate deposition estimated from concentrations of total inorganic carbon. We estimated saline and variable trophic conditions during the last glacial. An association indicative of higher salinity conditions characterized by NPP and diatom assemblages characteristic of alkaline and saline environments is documented. Changes in hydrophyte taxa and microalgae assemblages were related to trophic level fluctuations. Higher salinity environments were contemporary with arid intervals reconstructed based on abundances of inorganic carbonate. Two main periods were evident in this record: (i) 85–29 k cal a BP [Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5b–MIS 3] characterized by saline conditions with high abundance of Type‐TXA, and variable high carbonate content, and (ii) 29–10.8 k cal a BP (MIS 2–MIS 1) when conditions changed to higher trophic levels and lower salinities, characterized by extremely low values of Type‐TXA and carbonate content. Spring and summer insolation and latitudinal position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the last glacial were considered as possible controllers of the recorded paleoenvironmental changes.
Investigating Raman spectra and density functional theory calculations on SrAl2O4 polymorphs
Authors: Rojas‐Hernandez Rocío Estefanía , More Wilfredo , Rubio‐Marcos Fernando , Fernandez José Francisco
Published: October 2018

SrAl2O4 is a long‐lasting material that combines several favorable attributes in comparison with their inorganic luminescent predecessor. In addition, it is an intriguing material combining a structural polymorphism with potential application such as in solar cells, biological labeling and imaging, and security encode. Here, we unambiguously determinate the Raman spectra for hexagonal and monoclinic polymorphs. Specifically, the Raman mode assignment of phonon modes obtained experimentally is done for the first time by modeling these structures following the principle calculations within the framework of the density functional theory. Several functionals are evaluated, considering the agreement of the calculated modes with the experimental data. The optimized structure is obtained, first, on the basis of minimizing the total energy of the structure. The calculated vibrational modes show qualitative agreement with the experimental observation. This study offers a new insight to study the relationships between structural and optical behavior in this system, providing tools to design new technological applications.
Quantifying alkyl chain disorder in crystalline models of lipid bilayers using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rich Anne M. , Bhattacharyya Saroj , Aldilla Vina R. , Beves Jonathon E. , Bhadbhade Mohan , Kumar Naresh , Luis Ena T. , Marjo Christopher E.
Published: October 2018

Crystalline bis‐N‐alkyl‐chlorotriazines 2–6 can be considered multilayers of lipid bilayers comprising a rigid hydrogen‐bonded tape in the polar layer separated by a lipid region of small to medium‐length alkyl chains. The persistent ordering of these tapes acts as a scaffold in the solid state enabling measurement of temperature‐induced conformational changes in the “lipid phase” using X‐ray crystallography. The alkyl chains in these structures are loosely packed but generally ordered at low temperature, undergoing a slow transition to a disordered structure clearly observed in the Raman spectrum. The longer‐chain derivatives 4–6 show a distinct Raman spectrum for the ordered and disordered crystallographic phases enabling a least squares fitting at each temperature point. Calibration of the Raman fit values for 5 and 6 using powder X‐ray diffraction allows a quantification of each phase and highlights the unique response of each derivative with temperature. This approach for quantifying the onset of disorder and structural phase transitions should be relevant to a wide range of lipid‐based systems.
New product development processes and knowledge transfer in automotive projects: An empirical study
Authors: Lee Nam S. , Ram Jiwat
Published: October 2018

We report on the process management of a new product development project in Renault Samsung Motors, Inc., which is an international joint venture between Renault and Samsung, and also a part of strategic alliance between Renault and Nissan. The data collected from multiple sources were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The findings show that (a) companies entering into concurrent technology/knowledge transfer by sharing platforms should consider their organizational capabilities carefully before introducing platforms from partner companies. Nevertheless, a company does not have to lower its standard in choosing a platform in order to match its underdeveloped organizational capabilities. Rather, customer expectations and market requirements should be the basis of selecting a platform to be introduced, and (b) developing a similar project organization structure and processes in a strategic alliance is effective in building trust and improving knowledge sharing/transfer between firms and between functions. The study contributes to development of two areas of management theory: (1) management of knowledge, and (2) expertise transfer in alliance/international business new product development projects and intricacies involved in it. Managerially, the implications are that the ownership and control of an international joint venture have a deep impact on the management of organization structure and processes. In turn, these may promote or inhibit effective cooperation and knowledge transfer between partner companies and their functions.
Compact dual‐band fractal hexagonal ring monopole antenna for RFID and GSM applications
Authors: Djafri K. , Challal M. , Azrar A. , Dehmas M. , Aksas R. , Mouhouche F.
Published: October 2018

A novel compact dual‐band fractal antenna suitable for radio frequency identification (RFID) and GSM 1800 applications is developed and presented in this paper. This is achieved by adequate combination of three slotted hexagonal fractal rings which resulted in a significantly reduced size structure that can operate in the frequency ranges [0.895‐0.962 GHz] and [1.706‐1.856 GHz] that cover the frequency bands allocated to the intended applications. The proposed antenna has been fabricated and its reflection coefficient measured where a good agreement is observed with the simulated results.
A framework for motion correction of background suppressed arterial spin labeling perfusion images acquired with simultaneous multi‐slice EPI
Authors: Suzuki Yuriko , Okell Thomas W. , Chappell Michael A. , van Osch Matthias J.P.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

When using simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) EPI for background suppressed (BGS) arterial spin labeling (ASL), correction of through‐plane motion could introduce artefacts, because the slices with most effective BGS are adjacent to slices with the least BGS. In this study, a new framework is presented to correct for such artefacts.

Methods

The proposed framework consists of 3 steps: (1) homogenization of the static tissue signal over the different slices to eliminate most inter‐slice differences because of different levels of BGS, (2) application of motion correction, and (3) extraction of a perfusion‐weighted signal using a general linear model. The proposed framework was evaluated by simulations and a functional ASL study with intentional head motion.

Results

Simulation studies demonstrated that the strong signal differences between slices with the most and least effective BGS caused sub‐optimal estimation of motion parameters when through‐plane motion was present. Although use of the M0 image as the reference for registration allowed 82% improvement of motion estimation for through‐plane motion, it still led to residual subtraction errors caused by different static tissue signal between control and label because of different BGS levels. By using our proposed framework, those problems were minimized, and the accuracy of CBF estimation was improved. Moreover, the functional ASL study showed improved detection of visual and motor activation when applying the framework as compared to conventional motion correction, as well as when motion correction was completely omitted.

Conclusion

When combining BGS‐ASL with SMS‐EPI, particular attention is needed to avoid artefacts introduced by motion correction. With the proposed framework, these issues are minimized.
Parallel block‐preconditioned monolithic solvers for fluid‐structure interaction problems
Authors: Jodlbauer D. , Langer U. , Wick T.
Published: October 2018

In this work, we consider the solution of fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) problems using a monolithic approach for the coupling between fluid and solid subproblems. The coupling of both equations is realized by means of the arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian framework and a nonlinear harmonic mesh motion model. Monolithic approaches require the solution of large ill‐conditioned linear systems of algebraic equations at every Newton step. Direct solvers tend to use too much memory even for a relatively small number of degrees of freedom and, in addition, exhibit superlinear growth in arithmetic complexity. Thus, iterative solvers are the only viable option. To ensure convergence of iterative methods within a reasonable amount of iterations, good and, at the same time, cheap preconditioners have to be developed. We study physics‐based block preconditioners, which are derived from the block‐LDU factorization of the FSI Jacobian, and their performance on distributed memory parallel computers in terms of two‐ and three‐dimensional test cases permitting large deformations.
Nonprofit cash holdings and spending: The missing role of government funding
Authors: Lee Shinwoo , Woronkowicz Joanna
Published: October 2018

Charitable nonprofit organizations have long been under scrutiny with regard to how they manage excess funds, particularly cash holdings. Given previous empirical evidence, agency problems have been treated as an effective lens to explain the consequences of cash holdings among nonprofits. That is, nonprofit managers spend cash holdings for their own interests as opposed to the social interests of the organization. This study revisits the question of how charities manage extra cash and further examines the role of government funding in nonprofits' spending decisions. The results suggest that nonprofit managers make decisions on how to manage extra cash in accordance with the level of cash holdings; therefore, agency problems do not effectively explain how nonprofits manage extra cash. Furthermore, the results illustrate two contrasting roles of government funding in nonprofits' financial behavior: government funding may be used to monitor unscrupulous behaviors among managers, but it may also restrain nonprofits from investing in human capital.
Psychometric evaluation of the Texas revised inventory of grief in a sample of bereaved family caregivers
Authors: Holm Maja , Alvariza Anette , Fürst Carl‐Johan , Öhlen Joakim , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: October 2018

The Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) was developed to measure the intensity of grief after the death of a close person. It consists of two scales: TRIG I (past behaviors) and TRIG II (present feelings). Because of inconsistencies in previous validations, the instrument needs to be further validated, hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TRIG in a sample of bereaved family caregivers in Sweden. The TRIG was translated to Swedish according to standard principles, and 129 bereaved family caregivers completed the questionnaire. Parallel analysis was used to decide the number of factors to extract, followed by confirmatory factor analysis. An ordinal version of Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the scales. Construct validity was tested against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The factor analyses resulted in one factor being retained for both scales. The internal consistency was excellent (α > 0.9) for both scales. Construct validity was supported by strong correlations between TRIG I and TRIG II as well as moderate correlations between the TRIG scales and HADS. In conclusion, the TRIG has sound psychometric qualities and the two scales should be treated as unidimensional measures of grief. Hence, the instrument is suited to be used in the context of palliative care.
Synergetic Effect of Brønsted/Lewis Acid Sites and Water on the Catalytic Dehydration of Glucose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Heteropolyacid‐Based Ionic Hybrids
Authors: Zhao Pingping , Cui Hongyou , Zhang Yunyun , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yong , Zhang Yali , Xie Yujiao , Yi Weiming
Published: October 2018

The effective dehydration of glucose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has attracted increasing attention. Herein, a series of sulfonic‐acid‐functionalized ionic liquid (IL)–heteropolyacid (HPA) hybrid catalysts are proposed for the conversion of glucose to HMF. A maximum total yield of HMF and levoglucosan (LGA; ≈71 %) was achieved in the presence of pyrazine IL‐HPA hybrid catalyst [PzS]H2PW in THF/H2O–NaCl (v/v 5:1). The mechanism of glucose dehydration was studied by tailoring the Brønsted/Lewis acid sites of the hybrid catalysts and altering the solvent composition. It was found that water and heteropolyanions have a significant effect on the reaction kinetics. Heteropolyanions are able to stabilize the intermediates and promote the direct dehydration of glucose and intermediate LGA to HMF. A small amount of water could facilitate the conversion of glucose to LGA and suppress the dehydration of LGA to levoglucosenone. In addition, the synergetic effect of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites and a little water was conducive to accelerated proton transfer, which improved the yield of HMF from glucose dehydration.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Time‐Dependent DFT Calculations of 1‐Methyl‐5‐phenyl‐5H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐3,6‐dione and Its Starting Precursor in Different Solvents
Authors: Hamada Nagwa M. M.
Published: October 2018

In this study, 2‐mercapto‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐quinazolin‐4‐one (1), which exists as a thiol and thione tautomer, was treated with acetylacetone to give the target compound, namely, 1‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐5H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐3,6‐dione (2). The spectroscopic data, including UV/Vis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass data, of this compound were recorded. The molecular structures of the starting material (1) and the product (2) were optimized by using density functional theory (DFT) by employing the B3LYP exchange correlation with the 6‐311G (d, p) and 6‐31G++ (d, p) basis sets. The electronic spectra were determined based on time‐dependent DFT calculations in three different solvents (i.e., chloroform, ethanol, and acetonitrile) starting from the same solvated run of the optimized geometry with the same two basis sets. The solvent effects were considered based on the polarizable continuum model (PCM), and the energetic behavior of the compounds and the total static dipole moment (μ) in different solvents were examined in the two basis sets; the results showed that the total energy of the compounds decreased upon increasing the polarity of the solvent. Time‐dependent DFT calculations were performed to analyze the electronic transitions for various excited states that reproduced the experimental band observed in the UV/Vis spectrum. A study on the electronic properties, such as the HOMO and LUMO energies, was performed by the time‐independent DFT approach. Using the gauge‐independent atomic orbital method (GIAO), the 1H NMR chemical shifts were calculated and correlated with the experimental ones. The computed results showed that the introduction of different dielectric media had a slight effect on the stability and reactivity of the title compound as well as on the Milliken atomic charges and the molecular geometry. Besides, the molecular electrostatic potential of target product 2 was evaluated in different solvents.
Fabrication and performance of a polyurethane hybrid composite with waste red mud
Authors: Yang Zhengpeng , Shuai Bo , Zhang Xuefeng , Yu Huiling , Zhang Haibo , Jia Yuanheng , Zhang Chunjing , Guan Xuemao
Published: October 2018

Polyurethane‐based organic–inorganic hybrid composite is attracting increasing attention due to its excellent performance and low cost. Herein, a facile and effective strategy has been proposed for the fabrication of polyurethane/red mud hybrid composite by anchoring red mud particles into a polyurethane frame. The resulting hybrid composite was mainly composed of amorphous polyurethane and crystalline red mud, and its probable formation mechanism was proposed. The polyurethane/red mud composite with micron particles uniformly embedded into the organic phase exhibited satisfactory mechanical performance, and its compressive and flexural strength could come up to 38.6 and 12.4 MPa after complete curing, respectively. Moreover, the hybrid composite displayed impressive thermal stability, flame retardancy, storage stability, and reinforcement performance. The obtained polyurethane/red mud composite shows potential applications in multiple fields (roadway, dam, underground engineering, etc.). POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2424–2431, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigating Thermal and Surface Properties of Low‐Density Polyethylene/Nanoperlite Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications
Authors: Heidari Behzad Shiroud , Davachi Seyed Mohammad , Sahraeian Razi , Esfandeh Masoud , Rashedi Hamid , Seyfi Javad
Published: October 2018

Nanocomposites films based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and different compositions of treated and untreated nanoperlite were prepared via melt mixing of the ingredients on a corotating twin‐screw extruder and then film blowing the nanocomposites. The physical dispersion of the nanocomposites is confirmed using Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) method. According to the thermal studies, the nanocomposites with untreated nanoperlite showing higher melting temperature and crystallinity, while their thermal stability is lower than nanocomposites with treated nanoperlite. The thermal and FTIR‐ATR studies also revealed the ethylene absorption of the nanocomposites. According to the surface energy results, the treatment of the nanoparticles completely changes the surface behavior and hydrophobicity of the films. Finally, peel color index and field study observations showed that increase in nanoperlite will increase the shelf life of the fruits; however, the nanocomposite with 6% untreated nanoperlite is the best choice for the packaging applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2929–2937, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The experience of medical communication in adults with acute leukemia: Impact of age and attachment security
Authors: Fraser Brooke , Korenblum Chana , Mah Kenneth , Watt Sarah , Malfitano Carmine , Rydall Anne , Schimmer Aaron , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: October 2018

Background

Health care providers' (HCPs) communication with cancer patients provides both information and support. Younger patient age and greater difficulty accepting support (attachment security) have been linked to poorer communication experiences with HCPs. The present secondary data analysis examined the impact of age group and attachment security on perceived communication problems with HCPs in adults with acute leukemia (AL).

Methods

The sample included 95 younger (age < 40 years) and 225 older (age ≥ 40 years) patients with newly diagnosed or recently relapsed AL. We assessed avoidant and anxious attachment security (reluctance to accept support and fear of its unavailability, respectively) with the modified 16‐item Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. The impact of age group and attachment security on perceived communication problems, measured with the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System‐Medical Interaction Subscale, was assessed based on the presence and extent of communication problems.

Results

Younger patients (OR = 1.79‐1.82, P = .030) and those with greater avoidant (OR = 1.44, P = .001) or anxious attachment (OR = 1.38, P = .009) were more likely to report communication problems. A similar relationship was found between age (β's = −.17‐.19, P = .015‐.025), avoidant (β = .29, P = .013), or anxious attachment (β = .17, P = .031), and the extent of communication problems. A significant age‐group × avoidant‐attachment interaction (β = −.31, P = .008) suggested that more avoidant attachment was associated with more perceived communication problems in the younger but not in the older group.

Conclusions

Younger patients with AL, especially those more reluctant to seek or accept support, perceive more communication problems with their HCPs than older patients. Greater attention by HCPs to their communication with younger patients is needed.
Elimination of Australian epidemic strain (AES1) pseudomonas aeruginosa in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center
Authors: Kevat Ajay , Carzino Rosemary , Massie John , Harrison Jo , Griffiths Amanda L.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

In this cohort study spanning an 18‐year period, we evaluated the prevalence and associated mortality rate of epidemic strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA), especially Australian Epidemic Strain Type 1 (AES1), in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center practicing cohort segregation and early PsA eradication.

Methods

Cohort segregation was introduced in January 2000. PsA clonal strain was determined by pulse‐field‐gel‐electrophoresis (PFGE) at the time of routine collection of airway specimens. Children with PsA underwent eradication treatment with anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics over 2‐3 months. We analyzed changes in prevalence and mortality from 1999 to 2016.

Results

The prevalence of AES1 declined from 69 (20%) in 1999 to 16 (5.4%) in 2006, to 1 (0.4%) in 2016. The prevalence of PsA overall diminished less over the same period, from 128 (37%) patients in 1999 to 57 (23%) in 2016. New acquisition of AES1 became less common over time, with no new cases identified from 2011. Those who contracted AES1 had a greater risk of death than those who did not (Odds Ratio 4.9, 95%CI 2.5‐9.6). Patients with other AES PsA types were uncommon (AES2 n = 5, AES5 n = 2, AES14 n = 3, AES19 n = 1).

Conclusions

Cohort segregation was associated with reduction in AES1 prevalence ascertained by PFGE surveillance for patients in a single large pediatric cystic fibrosis center. Other alterations in practice such as early eradication treatment may also have contributed to reduced PsA prevalence. These factors combined with the transition of chronically infected patients over time to adult centers has eliminated AES1 from our clinic, with an accompanying mortality decrease.
Structural biology of G protein‐coupled receptor signaling complexes
Authors: Edward Zhou X. , Melcher Karsten , Eric Xu H.
Published: October 2018

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors that mediate numerous cell signaling pathways, and are targets of more than one‐third of clinical drugs. Thanks to the advancement of novel structural biology technologies, high‐resolution structures of GPCRs in complex with their signaling transducers, including G‐protein and arrestin, have been determined. These 3D complex structures have significantly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanism of GPCR signaling and provided a structural basis for signaling‐biased drug discovery targeting GPCRs. Here we summarize structural studies of GPCR signaling complexes with G protein and arrestin using rhodopsin as a model system, and highlight the key features of GPCR conformational states in biased signaling including the sequence motifs of receptor TM6 that determine selective coupling of G proteins, and the phosphorylation codes of GPCRs for arrestin recruitment. We envision the future of GPCR structural biology not only to solve more high‐resolution complex structures but also to show stepwise GPCR signaling complex assembly and disassembly and dynamic process of GPCR signal transduction.
On 3d Seiberg‐Like Dualities with Two Adjoints
Authors: Hwang Chiung , Kim Hyungchul , Park Jaemo
Published: October 2018

We study 3‐d theories with two adjoints and fundamental flavors along with D‐type superpotential. For superpotential with n odd, we propose the 3d dualities, which we motivate from the dimensional reduction of the related 4‐d theory. We consider the factorization of the superconformal index and match precisely the vortex partition function of the dual pairs. In the language of the Higgs branch localization, the nonzero contribution of the vortex partition function comes from the discrete Higgs vacua of the massively deformed theory, which precisely matches with that of the dual theory. We also clarify the monopole operators parametrizing the Coulomb branch of such theories. Existence of independent monopole operators of charge 2 is crucial to describe the Coulomb branch.
de Sitter Extrema and the Swampland
Authors: Roupec Christoph , Wrase Timm
Published: October 2018

Recently it has been conjectured that string theory does not allow for dS vacua or dS extrema. To scrutinize such a conjecture, it is important to study concrete string theory compactifications and spell out their assumptions and potential shortcomings. We do so for one particular class of string compactifications, namely classical compactifications of type II string theory with fluxes, D‐branes and O‐planes on manifolds with SU(3) structure. In particular, we revisit previously found dS critical points, construct many new ones and check whether they invalidate the dS swampland conjecture.
Magnetoacoustic Relaxation by Cr2+ Jahn–Teller Centers Revealed from Elastic Moduli
Authors: Gudkov Vladimir V. , Bersuker Isaac B. , Zhevstovskikh Irina V. , Sarychev Maksim N. , Zherlitsyn Sergei , Yasin Shadi , Korostelin Yuri V.
Published: October 2018

Magnetoacoustic investigations of the ZnSe:Cr2+ crystal with sphalerite structure, performed in Faraday geometry, show that there is a new channel of relaxation by the Cr2+ Jahn–Teller (JT) centers, induced by the magnetic field. A new method is worked out that allows to extract the relaxation time, either from the temperature changes of the elastic modulus in fixed magnetic field or from the magnetic field dependences at fixed temperatures. Application of both approaches to the imaginary part of the elastic modulus prove their efficiency and indicate that the magnetic field‐dependent relaxation rate reaches the magnitude of about 106 s−1 at T = 1.3 K.
Frequency‐Division Multiplexing in Magnonic Logic Networks Based on Caustic‐Like Spin‐Wave Beams
Authors: Heussner Frank , Nabinger Matthias , Fischer Tobias , Brächer Thomas , Serga Alexander A. , Hillebrands Burkard , Pirro Philipp
Published: October 2018

Wave‐based data processing by spin waves (SW) and their quanta, magnons, is a promising technique to overcome the challenges which CMOS‐based logic networks are facing nowadays. The advantage of these quasi‐particles lies in their potential for the realization of energy efficient devices on the micro‐ to nanometer scale due to their charge‐less propagation in magnetic materials. In this paper, the frequency dependence of the propagation direction of caustic‐like spin‐wave beams in microstructured ferromagnets is studied by micromagnetic simulations. Based on the observed alteration of the propagation angle, an approach to spatially combine and separate spin‐wave signals of different frequencies is demonstrated. The presented magnetic structure constitutes a prototype design of a passive circuit enabling frequency‐division multiplexing (FDM) in magnonic logic networks. It is verified that spin‐wave signals of different frequencies can be transmitted through the device simultaneously without any interaction or creation of spurious signals. Due to the wave‐based approach of computing in magnonic networks, the technique of FDM can be the basis for parallel data processing in single magnonic devices, enabling the multiplication of the data throughput.
Assisted reproductive technologies in Microtus genus
Authors: Okada Konosuke , Kageyama Atsuko
Published: October 2018

Background

Microtus genus is one of the experimental animals showing unique characteristics, and some species have been used as various research models. In order to advance the utilization of Microtus genus, the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is a key point. This review introduces recent progress in the development of ARTs for Microtus genus, especially Microtus montebelli (Japanese field vole).

Methods

Based on previous and our publications, current status of the development of ARTs was summarized.

Results

In M. montebelli, ARTs, such as superovulation, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo transfer, sperm cryopreservation, and nonsurgical artificial insemination, have considerably been established by using the procedures which were originally devised for mice and partly modified. However, when the methods for M. montebelli were applied to Microtus arvalis and Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, all protocols of ARTs except for sperm cryopreservation were technologically invalid.

Conclusion

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are considerably established in M. montebelli, and this fact allows this species to be potentially useful as a model animal. However, since ART protocols of M. montebelli are mostly invalid for other species of the Microtus genus, it is necessary to improve them specifically for each of other species.