bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Past as Prologue: How the Early Years of the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution Helped Shape the Program at Age Fifteen
Authors: Alexander Robert W. , O'Leary Rosemary
Published: January 2014

This article reflects empirically on the early history and evolution of the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (USIECR) to analyze how and why this public entity not only has survived in an ever‐changing political environment but also has succeeded in shaping a robust environmental conflict resolution field. The authors use Quinn and Rohrbaugh's (1981) competing values framework, as well as theories about organizational birth and early evolution, as lenses through which to view this organizational birth and evolution. Project data derive from sixty interviews carried out in the early years of USIECR, as well as archival materials, government documents, and participant observation. The authors conclude that a balanced approach to strategic leadership from early planning phases to adolescent reauthorization resulted in success and set the stage for the accomplishments that USIECR celebrates on its fifteenth birthday, an occasion for all government‐based environmental conflict resolution programs to reflect on their own strategic approaches for achieving success.
Drug‐drug interaction and doping, part 1: An in vitro study on the effect of non‐prohibited drugs on the phase I metabolic profile of toremifene
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , de la Torre Xavier , Fiacco Ilaria , Palermo Amelia , Botrè Francesco
Published: January 2014

The present study was designed to provide preliminary information on the potential impact of metabolic drug‐drug interaction on the effectiveness of doping control strategies currently followed by the anti‐doping laboratories to detect the intake of banned agents. In vitro assays based on the use of human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP isoforms were designed and performed to characterize the phase I metabolic profile of the prohibited agent toremifene, selected as a prototype drug of the class of selective oestrogen receptor modulators, both in the absence and in the presence of medicaments (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, cimetidine, ranitidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, nefazodone) not included in the World Anti‐Doping Agency list of prohibited substances and methods and frequently administered to athletes. The results show that the in vitro model developed in this study was adequate to simulate the in vivo metabolism of toremifene, confirming the results obtained in previous studies. Furthermore, our data also show that ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole and nefazodone cause a marked modification in the production of the metabolic products (i.e. hydroxylated and carboxylated metabolites) normally selected by the anti‐doping laboratories as target analytes to detect toremifene intake; moderate variations were registered in the presence of fluconazole, paroxetine and fluoxetine; while no significant modifications were measured in the presence of ranitidine and cimetidine. This evidence imposes that the potential effect of drug‐drug interactions is duly taken into account in anti‐doping analysis, also for a broader significance of the analytical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should we screen for misophonia in patients with eating disorders? A report of three cases
Authors: Kluckow Hannah , Telfer James , Abraham Suzanne
Published: January 2014

In this case report, the authors describe three cases of misophonia in people with eating disorders. Misophonia is a condition where a specific trigger sound provokes an intense emotional reaction in an individual. Case 1 is a 29‐year‐old with childhood eating issues, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa whose trigger was a high‐pitched female voice. Case 2 is a 15‐year‐old diagnosed with anorexia nervosa after misophonia onset. Her trigger was people chewing and eating noisily. Case 3 is a 24‐year‐old woman who presented with anorexia nervosa prior to misophonia onset. Her trigger was the clinking and chewing of her mother and aunt eating cereal. All three cases identified an eating‐related trigger sound with a violent aversive reaction and coping mechanisms involving eating avoidance or having a full mouth. Misophonia may be associated with presentations of eating disorders. This case report adds to the literature about the presentation of misophonia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:558–561)
Determination of metabolic organic acids in cerebrospinal fluid by microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Danč Ladislav , Bodor Róbert , Troška Peter , Horčičiak Michal , Masár Marián
Published: January 2014

A new MCE method for the determination of oxalic, citric, glycolic, lactic, and 2‐ and 3‐hydroxybutyric acids, indicators of some metabolic and neurological diseases, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was developed. MCE separations were performed on a PMMA microchip with coupled channels at lower pH (5.5) to prevent proteins interference. A double charged counter‐ion, BIS‐TRIS propane, was very effective in resolving the studied organic acids. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 μM were obtained with the aid of contact conductivity detector implemented directly on the microchip. RSDs for migration time and peak area of organic acids in artificial and CSF samples were <0.8 and <9.7%, respectively. Recoveries of organic acids in untreated CSF samples on the microchip varied from 91 to 104%. Elimination of chloride interference, a major anionic constituent of CSF, has been reached by two approaches: (i) the use of coupled channels microchip in a column switching mode when approximately 97–99% of chloride was removed electrophoretically in the first separation channel and (ii) the implementation of micro‐SPE with silver‐form resin prior to the MCE analysis, which selectively removed chloride from undeproteinized CSF samples.
Iterative multiuser detection for LDPC MIMO SC‐FDMA communication systems
Authors: Lee Shun‐Rong , Ueng Fang‐Biau , Wang Hsuan‐Fu , Chang Yu‐Kuan
Published: January 2014

In order to provide high quality services, current communication systems require high‐data transmission rate and good error performance. Because single‐carrier frequency division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) is with the desirable characteristics of orthogonal frequency division multiple access and the low peak‐to‐average power ratio of single‐carrier transmission schemes, it has been adopted as the uplink transmission scheme in 3GPP long‐term evolution to approach the demand for data transmission rates and error performance. By combining multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) techniques with the SC‐FDMA modulation scheme, MIMO SC‐FDMA systems can achieve high data rates over broadband wireless channels. In this paper, we propose the iterative multiuser detection scheme for the low‐density parity‐check‐coded MIMO SC‐FDMA communication systems. On the basis of the property of space‐frequency block coding, we develop the frequency domain minimum mean‐squared error and zero‐forcing equalisers with multiuser interference cancellation technique on each subcarrier to recover the transmitted symbols. Some simulation examples for uplink scenario are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CityWatch: exploiting sensor data to manage cities better
Authors: Manzoor Atif , Patsakis Constantinos , Morris Alistair , McCarthy Jessica , Mullarkey Gabriel , Pham Han , Clarke Siobhán , Cahill Vinny , Bouroche Mélanie
Published: January 2014

Persistent urbanisation of our planet places a continuous strain on cities’ resources and the quality of service delivery. While increasing city infrastructure might help alleviate this problem, the scale and complexity of future cities mean that this approach is unsustainable. Cities, however, are becoming increasingly instrumented with a myriad of sensors, both fixed and mobile. While a number of systems aim to exploit such sensors to gather information and to provide a real‐time view of the city, existing approaches are application‐specific, hindering their scalability and reuse. Using the city of Dublin (Ireland) as a testbed, this paper describes our iterative consultation process with city stakeholders to design CityWatch, an urban‐scale data sensing and dissemination framework. In particular, it presents the resulting design of two prototype applications, the requirements on the overall framework, an initial implementation, and discusses the early results of ongoing trials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A control and decision system for smart buildings using wireless sensor and actuator networks
Authors: de Farias Claudio , Soares Henrique , Pirmez Luci , Delicato Flávia , Santos Igor , Carmo Luiz Fernando , de Souza José , Zomaya Albert , Dohler Mischa
Published: January 2014

A research field that makes use of information and communication technologies to provide solutions to contemporaneous environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and global warming is the ‘smart building’ field. The use of wireless sensor and actuator networks (WSANs) emerges as an alternative for the use of information and communication technologies in the smart buildings. However, most of smart building applications make use of centralised architectures with sensing nodes transmitting messages to a base station wherein, effectively, the control and decision processes happen. In this context, we present CONDE, a decentralised CONtrol and DEcision‐making system for smart building applications using WSANs. CONDE main contributions are as follows: (i) the decentralisation of the control and decision‐making processes among WSAN nodes, saving energy of both the WSAN and the building; (ii) the integration of applications through sharing the sensed data and chaining decisions between applications within the WSAN, also saving energy of both the WSAN and the building; and (iii) the provision of a consensual multilevel decision that takes into account the cooperation among nodes to have a broader view of the monitored building. Performed experiments have shown CONDE gains in terms of the following: (i) response time; (ii) system efficiency; and (iii) energy savings from the network and the building. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MDMA and heightened cortisol: a neurohormonal perspective on the pregnancy outcomes of mothers used ‘Ecstasy’ during pregnancy
Authors: Parrott Andrew C. , Moore Derek G. , Turner John J.D. , Goodwin Julia , Min Meeyoung O. , Singer Lynn T.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The illicit recreational drug 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy has strong neurohormonal effects. When taken by recreational users at dance clubs and raves, it can generate an 800% increase in the stress hormone cortisol, whereas drug‐free users show chronically raised levels of cortisol. The aim here is to critically debate this neurohormonal influence for the children of pregnant MDMA‐using mothers.

Methods

High levels of cortisol are known to be damaging for neuropsychobiological well‐being in adult humans. MDMA can damage foetal development in laboratory animals, and the prospective Drugs and Infancy Study was established to monitor the effects of MDMA taken recreationally by pregnant women.

Results

The Drugs and Infancy Study revealed that young mothers, who took MDMA during the first trimester of pregnancy, gave birth to babies with significant gross psychomotor retardation. These mothers would have experienced high levels of cortisol due to Ecstasy/MDMA use, and since cortisol can cross the placenta, this is likely to have also occurred in the foetus.

Conclusions

In terms of causation, the developmental problems may reflect a combination of neurotransmitter and neurohormonal effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, with serotonergic activity being influenced by the high levels of cortisol. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition in younger adults and the contribution of B group vitamins
Authors: Pipingas Andrew , Camfield David A. , Stough Con , Scholey Andrew B. , Cox Katherine H.M. , White David , Sarris Jerome , Sali Avni , Macpherson Helen
Published: January 2014

Objective

Cognitive benefits of multivitamins have been observed in the elderly, but fewer trials have investigated younger, healthy cohorts. This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study investigated the cognitive effects of 16‐week multivitamin supplementation in adults aged 20–49 years.

Method

A total of 138 participants aged 20–50 years were randomised and 116 completed the trial. The participants completed a computerised battery of cognitive tasks before and after 16‐week supplementation with a multivitamin containing minerals and herbs or placebo. Blood measures of homocysteine, vitamin B6, B12 and folate were collected at both time points.

Results

In men, there was a strong trend (p = 0.01; which did not reach significance when adjusted for multiple comparisons) for the multivitamin to improve performance on the incongruent stroop task, a measure of selective attention and response inhibition. There were no cognitive benefits of multivitamin supplements in women. Multivitamin supplementation substantially increased blood levels of vitamin B6, B12 and folate in both genders and decreased homocysteine in men. In men who received the multivitamin, improved stroop congruent performance was associated with increased vitamin B6 levels.

Conclusion

Multivitamin supplementation may be useful for maintaining levels of B vitamins. The effects of multivitamins on speeded attention such as the stroop task in young adults warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A series of pharmacokinetic studies of ceftaroline fosamil in select populations: Normal subjects, healthy elderly subjects, and subjects with renal impairment or end‐stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis
Authors: Riccobene Todd , Jakate Abhijeet , Rank Doug
Published: January 2014

Ceftaroline fosamil is a parenteral cephalosporin indicated for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia. Ceftaroline, the active component of ceftaroline fosamil, exhibits broad‐spectrum bactericidal activity against gram‐positive organisms, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as common gram‐negative pathogens. The objective of the studies presented herein was to establish the pharmacokinetic profile of ceftaroline in healthy subjects and special populations of interest, such as elderly subjects, subjects with renal impairment, or subjects with end‐stage renal disease on intermittent hemodialysis. The mean half‐life of ceftaroline in healthy subjects was approximately 2.6 hours, and urinary excretion was the primary route of elimination. Ceftaroline Cmax and AUC values increased in proportion to dose increases within the range of 50–1000 mg, demonstrating an approximately linear pharmacokinetic profile following intravenous infusion. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftaroline were modestly altered in elderly subjects compared with younger adults, which was attributed to decreased renal function in elderly subjects. Ceftaroline pharmacokinetic parameters varied with different degrees of renal impairment, resulting in recommended dosage adjustments for patients with moderate to severe impairment. Ceftaroline fosamil was generally well tolerated regardless of age or severity of renal impairment.
Angiogenesis in costal cartilage graft laryngotracheoplasty: A corrosion casting study in piglets
Authors: Kus Lukas H. , Negandhi Jaina , Sklar Michael C. , Eskander Antoine , Estrada Marvin , Harrison Robert V. , Campisi Paolo , Forte Vito , Propst Evan J.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the timing and degree of angiogenesis following anterior costal cartilage graft laryngotracheoplasty in an animal model.

Study Design

Randomized controlled animal model.

Methods

Twelve pigs were included in this study. Three control pigs were perfused with intravascular methyl methacrylate, and overlying tissue was corroded with potassium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, leaving only a cast of vessels. Nine pigs underwent anterior costal cartilage graft laryngotracheoplasty and were survived for various lengths of time (3 for 48 hours, 3 for 10 days, 3 for 3 weeks) prior to corrosion casting. Transition zones between trachea and cartilage graft as well as the graft itself were analyzed for signs of angiogenesis (budding, sprouting, intussusception) and hypoxic or degenerative vessel features (extravasation, corrugation, circular constriction) using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Angiogenesis peaked above control levels 48 hours after laryngotracheoplasty (P < .0001) and decreased 10 days and 3 weeks following surgery (P < .001, P < .0001, respectively) while remaining elevated above control levels (P < .0001, P < .005, respectively). There was no difference in hypoxic or degenerative features across surgical and control groups. Sprouting angiogenesis dominated over intussusception preoperatively (P < .0001) and 3 weeks following surgery (P < .05). However, there was no difference in type of angiogenesis 48 hours and 10 days following surgery.

Conclusion

Angiogenesis peaked by 48 hours following costal cartilage graft laryngotracheoplasty and persisted for at least 3 weeks (although decreased) after surgery in this animal model. Hypoxic or degenerative processes did not appear to play a role in tracheal revascularization during the first 3 postoperative weeks.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope 124:2411–2417, 2014
An ultra‐black silicon absorber
Authors: Steglich Martin , Lehr Dennis , Ratzsch Stephan , Käsebier Thomas , Schrempel Frank , Kley Ernst‐Bernhard , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: January 2014

An ultra‐black (A > 99%) broadband absorber concept on the basis of a needle‐like silicon nanostructure called Black Silicon is proposed. The absorber comprises Black Silicon established by inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP‐RIE) on a highly doped, degenerated silicon substrate. Improved absorbers also incorporate an additional oxide capping layer on the nanostructures and reach an absorptance of A > 99.5% in the range of 350 to 2000 nm and A ∼ 99.8% between 1000 and 1250 nm. Fabrication of the absorbers is consistent with CMOS standards and requires no lithography. (Picture: Kasper, Friedrich‐Schiller‐University Jena)
The Dominance of Chronic Pain: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Ojala Tapio , Häkkinen Arja , Karppinen Jaro , Sipilä Kirsi , Suutama Timo , Piirainen Arja
Published: January 2014

Background

Chronic pain is not only a physical disorder, but also a complex combination of biopsychosocial symptoms affecting each other. When in chronic pain, the patient's entire body becomes a source of pain, and eventually the pain occupies the patient's mind and entire life. The aim of the present study was to examine the life experience and management of chronic pain from the patient's perspective.

Methods

Thirty‐four participants with chronic pain were interviewed. For 21 of the participants, the duration of pain was more than five years. Most of the participants had degenerative spinal pain. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi's four‐phase phenomenological method.

Results

The results indicated that chronic pain impaired the participant's psychosocial well‐being by controlling thoughts and making life itself painful. When life is filled with pain, the entire life is seen through pain. Continuity, unpredictability and the fear of the pain decreased quality of life. As a result of the interviews, the following subthemes were identified, based on the essential theme of ‘the dominance of chronic pain’: namely: ‘pain is the master’, ‘life is not worth living’, ‘contextual pain’ and ‘waiting and hoping’.

Conclusions

Chronic pain may decrease the quality of the patient's life to such an extent that it may be regarded as not worth living. Multidisciplinary management of chronic pain may lead to a better health status and diminish the adverse consequences of chronic pain. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ERRα augments HIF‐1 signalling by directly interacting with HIF‐1α in normoxic and hypoxic prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zou Chang , Yu Shan , Xu Zhenyu , Wu Dinglan , Ng Chi‐Fai , Yao Xiaoqiang , Yew David T , Vanacker Jean‐Marc , Chan Franky L
Published: January 2014

Adaptation of cancer cells to a hypoxic microenvironment is important for their facilitated malignant growth and advanced development. One major mechanism mediating the hypoxic response involves up‐regulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) expression, which controls reprogramming of energy metabolism and angiogenesis. Oestrogen‐related receptor‐α (ERRα) is a pivotal regulator of cellular energy metabolism and many biosynthetic pathways, and has also been proposed to be an important factor promoting the Warburg effect in advanced cancer. We and others have previously shown that ERRα expression is increased in prostate cancer and is also a prognostic marker. Here we show that ERRα is oncogenic in prostate cancer and also a key hypoxic growth regulator. ERRα‐over‐expressing prostate cancer cells were more resistant to hypoxia and showed enhanced HIF‐1α protein expression and HIF‐1 signalling. These effects could also be observed in ERRα‐over‐expressing cells grown under normoxia, suggesting that ERRα could function to pre‐adapt cancer cells to meet hypoxia stress. Immunoprecipitation and FRET assays indicated that ERRα could physically interact with HIF‐1α via its AF‐2 domain. A ubiquitination assay showed that this ERRα–HIF‐1α interaction could inhibit ubiquitination of HIF‐1α and thus reduce its degradation. Such ERRα–HIF‐1α interaction could be attenuated by XCT790, an ERRα‐specific inverse agonist, resulting in reduced HIF‐1α levels. In summary, we show that ERRα can promote the hypoxic growth adaptation of prostate cancer cells via a protective interaction with HIF‐1α, suggesting ERRα as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bamboo fabric reinforced polypropylene and poly(lactic acid) for packaging applications: Impact, thermal, and physical properties
Authors: Rawi Nurul Fazita Mohammad , Jayaraman Krishnan , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: January 2014

The main objective of this study is to explore the potential of using totally green composites made from renewable resources in packaging applications as compared to conventional thermoplastics. In this work, we undertook a comparative study of the functional properties related to the packaging applications of bamboo fabric–Polypropylene (PP) and bamboo fabric–Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. Results indicate that Charpy impact strength was increased from 37.5 to 126 J/m for bamboo fabric–PLA composites and 204 to 278 J/m for bamboo fabric–PP composites compared to the pure polymers. Drop weight impact tests were also performed and the same trend was observed. Results of thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and heat deflection temperature analysis have shown that the addition of bamboo fabric improved the thermal resistance of these composites. Results indicate that bamboo fabric is a potential reinforcement for PLA composites, but possible packaging applications should avoid high humidity environment. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1888–1899, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
In situ preparation of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube composites and their properties
Authors: Wang Jinhuan , Jiao Qingze , Li Hansheng , Zhao Yun , Guo Bingzhi
Published: January 2014

In order to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polyimide (PI) matrix and the interfacial interaction between CNTs and PI, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA)‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐ODA) were synthesized by oxidation and amidation reactions. The structures and morphologies of CNTs‐ODA were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Then a series of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube (PI/CNT‐ODA) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. CNTs‐ODA were homogeneously dispersed in PI matrix. The influence of CNT‐ODA content on mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were enhanced with the increase in CNT‐ODA loading. When the content of CNTs‐ODA was 3 wt%, the tensile strength of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was up to 169.07 MPa (87.11% higher than that of neat PI). The modulus of PI/CNTs‐ODA was increased by 62.64%, while elongation at break was increased by 66.05%. The improvement of the mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites were due to the strong chemical bond and interfacial interaction between CNTs‐ODA and PI matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1952–1959, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simulation prediction of the preform deformation and resin flow in vacuum infusion process
Authors: Yang Bo , Jin Tianguo , Li Jianguang , Bi Fengyang
Published: January 2014

Prediction of the preform thickness changes occur during processing is a focus and nodus of filling simulation for vacuum infusion process (VI), while accurate preform compaction models are too complicated to be adopted. In this article, an alternative approach is introduced to overcome this problem, in which the preform deformation and the accompanying resin storage/release are calculated in the additional element associated with each unit of the discretized model geometry instead of solving the coupled resin flow/preform deformation governing equations directly, so the complex compaction models can be adopted. Fluent software is used as the development environment to implement the above approach to guarantee the simulation precision and broad applicability. Simulation examples show that the proposed approach can provide fairly accurate predictions, the lubrication effect and the time‐delay effect of the preform deformation are well represented in the simulation results. The applicability of the approach introduced in this article on the arbitrary complex domains is also verified. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1968–1979, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microemulsion route to fabrication of silver and platinum‐polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Salabat Alireza , Saydi Hassan
Published: January 2014

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)‐platinum and PMMA‐silver nanocomposites have been produced using polymerization of W/O microemulsions. MMA monomer was used as the oil or continues phase of the microemulsion system and polymerized following formation of Pt and Ag nanoparticles in the fluid medium. The UV‐vis absorption spectra have been used to trace the growth process of the nanoparticles in the microemulsion system. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to determine the morphology and particle size of the Pt and Ag particles in the synthesized nanocomposites. Image analyses of TEM micrographs confirm that the Pt and Ag particles in the synthesized nanocomposites have a narrow size distribution. Meanwhile, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify polymer‐nanoparticles interaction in nanocomposite bulk. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2023–2028, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of plasticized PLA/NH2‐CNTs nanocomposite: potential of NH2‐CNTs to improve electroactive shape memory properties
Authors: Alam Javed , Alam Manawwer , Arockiasamy Dass Lawrence , Shanmugharaj A. M. , Raja Mohan
Published: January 2014

A polymer nanocomposite system comprising epoxidized soya oil plasticized‐polylactic acid (PLA) and amine functionalized carbon nanotubes (NH2 functionalized‐CNTs) has been prepared with the aim of producing electrically conductive PLA products suitable for shape memory (SM) applications. An influence of the addition of NH2 functionalized‐CNTs on thermal, mechanical properties, and morphology development of plasticized PLA/NH2 functionalized‐CNTs nanocomposite was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, tensile tests, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy, respectively. In addition, electroactive SM behavior in resulting nanocomposite was evaluated by a bending test, and the recovery process was recorded with video camera. The results showed that SM behavior in nanocomposite was influenced by NH2 functionalized‐CNTs weight percent in matrix. Nanocomposite with 5 wt% NH2 functionalized‐CNTs showed optimum values of shape recovery due to its relatively high electrical conductivity, and an adequate degree of crosslinking between NH2 functionalized‐CNTs and plasticized PLA matrix. However, more than 5 wt% loading of NH2 functionalized‐CNTs dropped down an elongation at break, while tensile at break increased with the increasing of CNTs weight percent in matrix. Interesting point in this study is that all improvements in the properties of resulting PLA/NH2 functionalized‐CNTs nanocomposite sheet were observed at very low filler content, while other literature reports where large quantities of CNTs were used. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2129–2136, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and mechanical properties of epoxy/diamond nanocomposites
Authors: Guo Hui , Sheng Haitong , Peng Xuegang , Yu Xiaoyan , Naito Kimiyoshi , Qu Xiongwei , Zhang Qingxin
Published: January 2014

Nanodiamond (ND) has recently attracted much attention for its outstanding mechanical and other interesting properties. Surface functionalization of ND is necessary for applications in polymers. In this study, ND particles were functionalized with amine by covalent linking of triethylene tetramine, and further grafted with epoxy which was cured with amine curing agent. The particle dispersion and mechanical properties of epoxy/ND nanocomposites were evaluated. Both fracture toughness and storage modulus of epoxy resin were significantly improved with a low loading of ND‐NH2 particles. The morphological structure of the epoxy/ND nanocomposites was examined, and toughening mechanism was explored. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2144–2149, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Efficiency of electric field catalysis in nucleophilic and electrophilic addition to polyenes
Authors: Yosipof Abraham , Basch Harold , Hoz Shmaryahu
Published: January 2014

The energetics of nucleophilic addition of pyridine to polyenes of various lengths and the corresponding protonation of these polyenes by methyl ammonium fluoride was computationally determined using ab initio methods. These reactions were also studied in the presence of an electric field (2.5 and 5 MV/cm) oriented along the polyene long axis in the direction which will enhance the reaction. Assuming linearity over a long range, and extrapolating the data for 2.5 MV/cm to 10 nm chain length gave a reduction in the activation energy of the nucleophilic addition of 7 orders of magnitudes implying a ~105 rate enhancement. Conversely, the longer the chain, the smaller is the electric field needed to catalyze the reaction. The transition state locations of the various reactions were determined using the slopes of the Ea versus E0 plots as well as the Marcus α values. It turns out the efficiency of electric field catalysis is a function of the transition state location. The latter is the transition state (more endothermic reaction) and the more efficient is the electric field catalysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman active phonon modes of cubic In2O3
Authors: Kranert Christian , Schmidt‐Grund Rüdiger , Grundmann Marius
Published: January 2014

magnified image

We introduce a symmetry assignment for the Raman active phonon modes for the cubic modification of indium sesqui‐oxide In2O3. Using a resonant excitation at $\lambda _{\rm exc} = 325\;{\rm nm},$ we observed 19 out of 22 expected first‐order Raman modes, of which many have not been reported before. This knowledge on the Raman spectrum is crucial for the interpretation of obtained Raman spectra, both resonantly and non‐resonantly ex‐ cited, and for the material characterization based on it. The phonon mode symmetry was determined based on polarized measurements on two In2O3 thin films with (001) and (111) orientation. The measurements were carried out at T = 10 K to minimize the linewidth for the separation of spectrally close lines. Besides the energy of the different phonon modes, we give their linewidths and relative intensities. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
How much does owner type matter for firm performance? Manufacturing firms in China 1998–2007
Authors: Xia Fan , Walker Gordon
Published: January 2014

Who owns the firm (the state, private ownership, foreign investors) has long been an important topic for research on organizations. This paper estimates how much ownership contributes to firm performance, compared to other factors, including industry, region, firm size, year, and the firm itself. The data are on manufacturing firms in mainland China from 1998 to 2007. We find that the effect of owner type is significant and pervasive across regions and interacts with both geography and time, reflecting China's decentralized system and the strong trend in privatization. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and macro‐economic changes in India and the implications for the residential energy demand
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhes C.
Published: January 2014

India, as a rising economic power, has undergone significant macro‐economic and structural changes in recent decades. The accelerated economic growth in recent times has brought wide‐ranging changes in life styles and behaviors of its growing population. At the same time, the population is undergoing a structural change and as this continues in the future, the country has the potential to reap the population dividend. As a consequence of these changes, the country is experiencing increased migration to urban areas, visible signs of consumerism in the fast‐growing middle‐class segment of the population, and an increasing trend of mimicking international styles. This paper provides an overview of the macro‐economic and structural changes in India and considers the implications of such changes on India's residential energy needs. It suggests that life‐style changes will have a significant implication on Indian future energy demand but there is a window of opportunity to follow a low‐carbon pathway by adopting ‘smart’ technologies and creating efficient infrastructure. However, it requires a coordinated effort at various levels. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:535–539. doi: 10.1002/wene.108

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
The Acute Surgical Unit Model Verses the Traditional “On Call” Model: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nagaraja Vinayak , Eslick Guy D. , Cox Michael R.
Published: January 2014

Background

The acute surgical unit (ASU) is a novel model for the provision of emergency general surgery care. The ASU model was initially developed in New South Wales hospitals during 2005 and 2006. Several studies have analysed the effects on patient outcomes and timeliness of care for nontrauma patients presenting with acute general surgical conditions. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis to determine the efficacy of the ASU model compared with the traditional on‐call model for specific conditions.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Original data were extracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odd ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results

The search identified 18 studies; appendectomy (n = 9), acute cholecystitis (n = 7), and small‐bowel obstruction (SBO) (n = 2). In the appendectomy cohort, the proportion of appendicular perforation were similar in pre‐ASU and ASU period (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 0.77–1.37, p = 0.13). The incidence of complications in the appendectomy cohort was significantly lower in the ASU group; 14.5 % pre‐ASU and 10.9 % post‐ASU (OR 1.649, 95 % CI 0.732–3.714, p = 0.009). The negative appendectomy rate was similar for the pre‐ and post‐ASU groups (OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.88–1.31, p = 0.83). Likewise the conversion rate to open surgery and total hospital stay were similar between the two groups. The proportion of night time operations reduced significantly in the ASU period (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.32–2.74, p = 0.001). In the acute cholecystitis cohort, the conversion rate to open surgery was significantly higher in the pre‐ASU group (15.1 %) compared with the post‐ASU group (7.5 %) (OR 1.879, 95 % CI 1.072–3.293, p = 0.04) The incidence of complications was higher in the pre‐ASU (14 %) compared with the post‐ASU (6.8 %) group (OR 2.231, 95 % CI 1.372–3.236, p = 0.03). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in the ASU period (5.3 vs. 3.7 days, p = 0.0063). There was insufficient data available to analyse outcomes for SBO.

Conclusions

The ASU model provides a safe surgical environment for patients and is associated with a reduced complication rate for appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. There is a reduced conversion rate and a shorter length of stay for patients with acute cholecystitis. Overall, the ASU model has translated to better outcomes for patients presenting with acute general surgical conditions.
Significance of TP53 mutations as predictive markers of adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in completely resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Xiaoli , Rousseau Vanessa , Sun Haiji , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Filipits Martin , Pirker Robert , Popper Helmut , Mendiboure Jean , Vataire Anne-Lise , Le Chevalier Thierry , Soria Jean Charles , Brambilla Elisabeth , Dunant Ariane , Hainaut Pierre
Published: January 2014

Adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy only marginally improves survival in patients with completely resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have evaluated the predictive value of mutations in TP53, encoding the tumour suppressor p53, in the International Adjuvant Lung Cancer Trial (IALT), a randomized trial of adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy against observation. TP53 (exons 4–8) was sequenced in 524 archived specimens of IALT patients with a median follow‐up of 7.5 years. Predictive analyses were based on Cox models adjusted for clinical and pathological variables. P‐values ≤0.01 were considered as significant. Mutations were detected in 221 patients (42%) and had no predictive value for the effect of chemotherapy (interaction between TP53 and treatment: p = 0.17 for Overall Survival (OS); p = 0.06 for Disease‐Free Interval, (DFS)). However, among patients with mutations, outcome appeared worse in treatment compared to observation arms (HR for OS = 1.36 (95% CI [0.97–1.31), p = 0.08; DFS = 1.40 (95% CI [1.01–1.95]), p = 0.04). When grouping mutations into classes according to predicted effects on protein structure, the tendency towards worse outcomes was restricted to “structure” mutations affecting residues of the hydrophobic core that are not located at the p53 protein‐DNA interface (HR for death in this class vs wild‐type T53 = 1.66; 95% CI [1.10–2.52], p = 0.02). Overall, TP53 mutations are not significant predictors of outcome in this trial of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, although a specific class of structural mutations may be associated with a tendency towards worse outcomes upon treatment.
‘You Just Went In and You Got It All Sorted Straightaway’ – What is the Appeal of a Community-Based Mobile Stop Smoking Service?
Authors: Bains Manpreet , Venn Andrea , Murray Rachael L. , McNeill Ann , Jones Laura L.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Not enough smokers access existing stop smoking services (SSS). Developing more accessible and effective SSS is important, particularly for smokers from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups where smoking is more prevalent.

Aims: To consider smokers’ reasons for accessing a community-based mobile SSS (MSSS) for initial and follow-up consultations, and to explore their experiences of the service over time.

Methods: The MSSS was delivered in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Nottingham (UK). Thirty-six smokers were interviewed, and 11 of these also completed follow-up interviews four to six weeks after their quit date. Interviews were analysed using the framework approach.

Results: Many participants had considered quitting before they had knowledge of the MSSS. Features of the MSSS participants found appealing for both initial and follow-up consultations included the drop-in format, convenient times and locations that fit around their existing routines, and that the service was informal and held in a non-health setting. Participants found visiting standard SSS, particularly clinics held in health settings, stressful and formal resulting in them feeling uncomfortable discussing smoking in these settings.

Conclusions: Developing instantly accessible and convenient SSS that can be delivered in familiar and informal settings within smokers’ communities may facilitate access and help to retain service users over time.
Gaussian beam evolution in nonlinear inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Berczynski P. , Kravtsov Yu. A. , Tikhonchuk V.
Published: January 2014

The method of nonlinear complex geometrical optics (NCGO) is proposed in this paper for description of the evolution of a spatially narrow Gaussian beam (GB) in an inhomogeneous nonlinear plasma. NCGO method deals with first-order ordinary differential equations for the complex curvature of the wave front and for GB amplitude and for second-order ordinary differential equation for GB width. Thus, NCGO simplifies the description of GB diffraction and self-focusing effects as compared to the known methods of plasma physics and this way it can be assumed to be attractive and comprehensive approach in problems of plasma heating by electromagnetic waves. Moreover, we demonstrate in this paper some regularity for nonlinear inhomogeneous plasma in the framework of which central ray of a GB is not subjected to nonlinear refraction within NCGO method boundary applicability. On the contrary, the beam width, wave front curvature, and GB amplitude are modified by diffraction and self-focusing processes. General properties of the beam propagation are illustrated with results of numerical modeling for two particular cases: GB diffraction and self-focusing along curvilinear trajectory with torsion in axially symmetric plasma column and GB reflection from nonlinear inhomogeneous plasma layer. We prove in this paper that NCGO is new effective method of plasma physics, which can be applied for improvement of ray tracing techniques and plasma diagnostics.
FDTD study of the effects of the doubly ionized ions on the plasma immersion ion implantation process
Authors: Sharifian M. , Sadeghi Y.
Published: January 2014

The plasma sheath dynamics adjacent to the cathode in the presence of electrons, ions, and doubly ionized ions have been simulated in this work. The aim of the present investigation is, therefore, to study the effect of the doubly ionized ions on the characteristics of the plasma sheath dynamics such as potential distribution, sheath length, and ions dose and velocity near the surface (cathode). It was shown that the presence of the doubly ionized ions can increase the normalized potential of all positions in sheath region, sheath length, and ion/doubly ionized ions density ratio on the target. Obtained results may be helpful for analyzing the practical results of the surface operations such as ion implantation and plasma polymerization, etc.
Modifying the food environment for childhood obesity prevention: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Penney Tarra L. , Almiron-Roig Eva , Shearer Cindy , McIsaac Jessie-Lee , Kirk Sara F. L.
Published: January 2014

The prevention of childhood obesity is a global priority. However, a range of complex social and environmental influences is implicated in the development of obesity and chronic disease that goes beyond the notion of individual choice. A population-level approach recognises the importance of access to and availability of healthy foods outside the home. These external food environments, in restaurants, supermarkets, and in school, or recreation and sports settings, are often characterised by energy dense, nutrient-poor food items that do not reflect the current nutritional guidelines for health. In addition, our understanding of these broader influences on nutritional intake is still limited. Particularly, lacking is a clear understanding of what constitutes the food environment, as well as robust measures of components of the food environment across different contexts. Therefore, this review summarises the literature on food environments of relevance to childhood obesity prevention, with a focus on places where children live, learn and play. Specifically, the paper highlights the approaches and challenges related to defining and measuring the food environment, discusses the aspects of the food environment unique to children and reports on environmental characteristics that are being modified within community, school and recreational settings. Results of the review show the need for a continued focus on understanding the intersection between individual behaviour and external factors; improved instrument development, especially regarding validity and reliability; clearer reported methodology including protocols for instrument use and data management; and considering novel study design approaches that are targeted at measuring the relationship between the individual and their food environment.
Marsupial teams of robots: deployment of miniature robots for swarm exploration under communication constraints
Authors: Couceiro Micael S. , Portugal David , Rocha Rui P. , Ferreira Nuno M. F.
Published: January 2014

Mobile Ad hoc Networks have attracted much attention in the last years, since they allow the coordination and cooperation between agents belonging to a multi-robot system. However, initially deploying autonomously a wireless sensor robot network in a real environment has not taken the proper attention. Moreover, maintaining the connectivity between agents in real and complex environments is an arduous task since the strength of the connection between two nodes (i.e., robots) can change rapidly in time or even disappear. This paper compares two autonomous and realistic marsupial strategies for initial deployment in unknown scenarios, in the context of swarm exploration: Random and Extended Spiral of Theodorus. These are based on a hierarchical approach, in which exploring agents, named scouts, are autonomously deployed through explicit cooperation with supporting agents, denoted as rangers. Experimental results with a team of heterogeneous robots are conducted using both real and virtual robots. Results show the effectiveness of the methods, using a performance metric based on dispersion. Conclusions drawn in this work pave the way for a whole series of possible new approaches.