bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitive Amperometric Determination of Thiocyanates at Ionic Liquid Nanohybrid Kaolinite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Nguelo Bruno Boniface , Dedzo Gustave Kenne , Tonle Ignas Kenfack , Detellier Christian , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: January 2018

Electrochemical sensors have been developed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with organo‐kaolinite hybrid materials. These materials were obtained by the grafting of four ionic liquids (1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐benzylpyridinium chloride, 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐(tert‐butyl)pyridinium chloride, 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐ethylpyridinium chloride and 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐methylpyridinium chloride) on the interlayer aluminol surfaces of kaolinite. With the presence of ionic liquids in the interlayer space of kaolinite, the hybrid materials acquired anion exchange properties and were successfully applied as electrode modifier for the electroanalysis of thiocyanate (SCN−), an anion of medical and environmental concern. A pre‐concentration/detection strategy was used to overcome the interfering effect of the electrolytic solution. After the optimisation of some key experimental parameters (sodium nitrate as electrolyte, 5 min of accumulation time) calibration curves were plotted. Excellent linearity was obtained in the low concentration region (1×10−6 M to 4×10−5 M). The lowest detection limit (15 nM) was obtained with the benzylpyridinium functionalized kaolinite and the highest (60 nM) with the methylpyridinium functionalized kaolinite. Interfering anions (NO3−, Cl−, SO42− and CH3COO−) present in the pre‐concentration solution were found to interfere with SCN− but the sensors remained stable and produced reproducible signals. The most sensitive sensor was successfully applied for the amperometric determination of SCN− in human saliva samples.
Experimental study of the combustion characteristics of methanol‐gasoline blends pool fires in a full‐scale tunnel
Authors: Tian Xiangliang , Zhong Maohua , Shi Congling , Zhang Peihong , Liu Chang
Published: January 2018

The combustion characteristics of methanol‐gasoline blends pool fires were studied in a series of full‐scale tunnel experiments conducted with different methanol and gasoline blends. The parameters were measured including the mass loss rate, the pool surface temperature, the fire plume centerline temperature, the ceiling temperature, the smoke layer temperature profile, the flame height, and the smoke layer interface height. The gasoline components were analyzed by GC‐MS. The effects of azeotropism on the combustion characteristics of the different blends were discussed. On the basis of the results of the fire plume centerline temperature, the ceiling temperature, and the flame height, it shows that the tunnel fire regime gradually switches from fuel controlled to ventilation controlled with increasing gasoline fractions in the blends. The fire plume can be divided into 3 regions by the fire plume centerline temperature for the different blends. The N‐percentage rule to determine the smoke layer interface height is found to be applicable for tunnel fires with different blends for N = 26.
Ephrin‐A1‐EphA4 signaling negatively regulates myelination in the central nervous system
Authors: Harboe Mette , Torvund‐Jensen Julie , Kjaer‐Sorensen Kasper , Laursen Lisbeth S.
Published: January 2018

During development of the central nervous system not all axons are myelinated, and axons may have distinct myelination patterns. Furthermore, the number of myelin sheaths formed by each oligodendrocyte is highly variable. However, our current knowledge about the axo‐glia communication that regulates the formation of myelin sheaths spatially and temporally is limited. By using axon‐mimicking microfibers and a zebrafish model system, we show that axonal ephrin‐A1 inhibits myelination. Ephrin‐A1 interacts with EphA4 to activate the ephexin1‐RhoA‐Rock‐myosin 2 signaling cascade and causes inhibition of oligodendrocyte process extension. Both in myelinating co‐cultures and in zebrafish larvae, activation of EphA4 decreases myelination, whereas myelination is increased by inhibition of EphA4 signaling at different levels of the pathway, or by receptor knockdown. Mechanistically, the enhanced myelination is a result of a higher number of myelin sheaths formed by each oligodendrocyte, not an increased number of mature cells. Thus, we have identified EphA4 and ephrin‐A1 as novel negative regulators of myelination. Our data suggest that activation of an EphA4‐RhoA pathway in oligodendrocytes by axonal ephrin‐A1 inhibits stable axo‐glia interaction required for generating a myelin sheath.
Is “end of life” a special case? Connecting Q with survey methods to measure societal support for views on the value of life‐extending treatments
Authors: Mason Helen , Collins Marissa , McHugh Neil , Godwin Jon , Van Exel Job , Donaldson Cam , Baker Rachel
Published: January 2018

Preference elicitation studies reporting societal views on the relative value of end‐of‐life treatments have produced equivocal results. This paper presents an alternative method, combining Q methodology and survey techniques (Q2S) to determine the distribution of 3 viewpoints on the relative value of end‐of‐life treatments identified in a previous, published, phase of this work. These were Viewpoint 1, “A population perspective: value for money, no special cases”; Viewpoint 2, “Life is precious: valuing life‐extension and patient choice”; and Viewpoint 3, “Valuing wider benefits and opportunity cost: the quality of life and death.”

A Q2S survey of 4,902 respondents across the United Kingdom measured agreement with these viewpoints; 37% most agreed with Viewpoint 1, 49% with Viewpoint 2, and 9% with Viewpoint 3. Regression analysis showed associations of viewpoints with gender, level of education, religion, voting preferences, and satisfaction with the NHS.

The Q2S approach provides a promising means to investigate how in‐depth views and opinions are represented in the wider population. As demonstrated in this study, there is often more than 1 viewpoint on a topic and methods that seek to estimate that averages may not provide the best guidance for societal decision‐making.
A new analysis ofVIXusing mixture of regressions: Examination and short‐term forecasting for the S & P 500 market
Authors: Miljkovic Tatjana , SenGupta Indranil
Published: January 2018

A novel approach to the analysis of S & P 500 market fluctuations is proposed using a K‐component mixture of regressions model. The Barndorff‐Nielsen and Shephard stochastic model is employed where the estimates of jumps of log‐returns are governed by Lévy subordinators. DailyVIXandVIX2close prices are analyzed as the indicators of log‐return volatility and the corresponding variance of the S & P 500 index using the mixture model. The behavior of the S & P 500 market from 1 August 2005 to 31 December 2009 is analyzed and forecasted. A set of rules are provided to predict monthly fluctuation in the S & P 500 market. The procedure used in this paper gives a novel approach for constructing an “indicator”of non‐Gaussian jump of an empirical data set in finance using mixture of regression (Gaussian) analysis.
Impact of relaxation of the one‐child policy on maternal mortality in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Sun Wen , Liu Shiliang , He Fang , Du Lili , Guo Yanfang , El‐Chaar Darine , Wen Shi Wu , Chen Dunjin
Published: January 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of the one‐child policy in China on maternal mortality.

Methods

The present retrospective study included maternal death data from Guangdong, China, from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015; data from 2013 were excluded because they were not available. Maternal deaths were divided into legal and illegal pregnancies based on adherence to the one‐child policy. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was compared between the groups, temporal trends in the MMR were examined, and comparisons were made of the causes of death and access to maternity care.

Results

The final analysis included 847 520 live deliveries and 383 maternal deaths. The MMR among legal pregnancies declined moderately from 18.5 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries in 2006 to 12.2 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries in 2015 (P=0.029), whereas the MMR among illegal pregnancies declined dramatically from 1268.4 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries to 177.5 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries (P<0.001). The proportion of avoidable maternal deaths decreased and access to quality maternity care improved among illegal pregnancies during the study period.

Conclusions

Maternal mortality among illegal pregnancies declined with relaxation of the one‐child policy in China.
The impact of preapheresis white blood cell count on autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection efficiency and HSC infusion side effect rate
Authors: Sakashita Araci. M. , Kondo Andrea T. , Yokoyama Ana Paula H. , Lira Sanny M. C. , Bub Carolina B. , Souza Aline M. , Cipolletta Andrea N. F. , Alvarez Kelen C. , Hamerschlak Nelson , Kutner Jose M. , Chiattone Carlos S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (PBSC) collection efficiency (CE) is reportedly affected by the patient's blood properties; however, studies to identify factors correlated with CE have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, variables such as stem cell graft granulocyte content and patient age, sex, and underlying disease, may be associated with hematopietic stem cell (HSC) infusion‐related adverse reactions. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of preleukapheresis PB granulocyte count and PBSC harvest variables with CD34+collection yield and efficiency, and thawed HSC infusion side effect occurrence.

Patients and methods

We evaluated data from 361 patients who had undergone autologous PBSC transplant. Large volume leukapheresis was the method for PBSC collection. Complete Blood Count and CD34+ cell enumeration were performed in the preapheresis PB and the apheresis product sample. The PBSC grafts were submitted to non‐controlled rate freezing after addition of 5% DMSO plus 6% hidroxyethylstarch as a cryoprotectant solution. The cryopreserved graft was thawed in a 37°C water bath and then infused without further manipulation.

Results

The CD34+ yield was associated with preapheresis PB CD34+ count and immature granulocyte count. The PBSC CE was negatively correlated with preapheresis white blood cell (WBC), immature granulocyte and granulocyte count. The leukapheresis product total nucleated cell (TNC) and granulocyte content was correlated with the thawed graft infusion side effect occurrence.

Conclusion

This study has shown that preapheresis PB WBC and granulocyte counts were associated with leukapheresis CE. Additionally, the leukapheresis product TNC and granulocyte content was correlated with thawed graft infusion side effect occurrence.
If You Are Going to Pay Within the Next 24 Hours, Press 1: Automatic Planning Prompt Reduces Credit Card Delinquency
Authors: Mazar Nina , Mochon Daniel , Ariely Dan
Published: January 2018

People often form intentions but fail to follow through on them. Mounting evidence suggests that such intention‐action gaps can be narrowed with prompts to make concrete plans about when, where, and how to act to achieve the intention. In this paper, we pushed the notion of plan‐concreteness to test the efficacy of a prompt under a minimalist automated calling setting, where respondents were only prompted to indicate a narrower duration within which they intent to act. In a field experiment, this planning prompt significantly helped people to pay their past dues and get out of debt delinquency. These results suggest that minimalist automatic planning prompts are a scalable, cost‐effective intervention.
Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard
Authors: Buckinx Fanny , Landi Francesco , Cesari Matteo , Fielding Roger A. , Visser Marjolein , Engelke Klaus , Maggi Stefania , Dennison Elaine , Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Allepaerts Sophie , Bauer Jurgen , Bautmans Ivan , Brandi Maria Luisa , Bruyère Olivier , Cederholm Tommy , Cerreta Francesca , Cherubini Antonio , Cooper Cyrus , Cruz‐Jentoft Alphonso , McCloskey Eugene , Dawson‐Hughes Bess , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , Laslop Andrea , Petermans Jean , Reginster Jean‐Yves , Rizzoli René , Robinson Sian , Rolland Yves , Rueda Ricardo , Vellas Bruno , Kanis John A.
Published: January 2018

Background

All proposed definitions of sarcopenia include the measurement of muscle mass, but the techniques and threshold values used vary. Indeed, the literature does not establish consensus on the best technique for measuring lean body mass. Thus, the objective measurement of sarcopenia is hampered by limitations intrinsic to assessment tools. The aim of this study was to review the methods to assess muscle mass and to reach consensus on the development of a reference standard.

Methods

Literature reviews were performed by members of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis working group on frailty and sarcopenia. Face‐to‐face meetings were organized for the whole group to make amendments and discuss further recommendations.

Results

A wide range of techniques can be used to assess muscle mass. Cost, availability, and ease of use can determine whether the techniques are better suited to clinical practice or are more useful for research. No one technique subserves all requirements but dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry could be considered as a reference standard (but not a gold standard) for measuring muscle lean body mass.

Conclusions

Based on the feasibility, accuracy, safety, and low cost, dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry can be considered as the reference standard for measuring muscle mass.
Stickstoffverlagerung unter spätbeweidetem Grünland
Authors: Sauer Stephan , Harrach Tamas
Published: January 2018

Auf drei Grünlandstandorten unterschiedlicher Wasserspeicherkapazität wurde im Herbst 1993 ein Modellversuch zur Stickstoffdynamik unter Kot‐ und Harnflecken angelegt. Unter den Exkrementstellen wurde über Saugkerzen Bodenwasser entnommen und auf verschiedene Stickstofffraktionen hin untersucht. Die Berechnung der Sickerwassermengen und Stickstotffrachten erfolgte mit einem Speicherzellenmodell. Der schnelle Anstieg der Ammoniumkonzentrationen unter den Urinflecken auf 30 bis 60 mg NH4−N/I war trotz, geringer Bodentemperaluren auf eine schnelle Hydrolyse des Harnstoffs zurückzuführen. Mit sinkenden Ammoniumwerten stiegen die Nitratkonzentrationen kontinuierlich auf 160 mg NO3−N/I an und fielen erst wieder mit einsetzendem Pflanzenwachstum im Frühjahr. Unter den Kotflecken war nur eine geringe Nitratverlagerung zu verzeichnen. Für die Hamflecken wurde ein N‐Austrag von 150 bis 320 kg/ha, für die Kotflecken von 3 bis 28 kg/ha berechnet. Der Nitratfraktion kam mit 83% die größte Bedeutung zu, gefolgt von Norg‐ (11%) und der Ammoniumfraktion (6%). Von einer geschätzten Besatzleistung (Spätbeweidung) ausgehend berechnete sich eine durch Urinflecken bedeckte Bodenoberfläche von 1% bis 3%.
History of fires and vegetation since the Neolithic in the Cantabrian Mountains (Spain)
Authors: Carracedo Virginia , Cunill Raquel , García‐Codron Juan Carlos , Pèlachs Albert , Pérez‐Obiol Ramon , Soriano Joan Manuel
Published: January 2018

Fire has been one of the main causes of disturbance of vegetation over time, and since the Neolithic has become an irreplaceable tool for the opening of forest spaces and maintenance of pastures. Previous studies showed that the intensity and effects of wildfires are related to the biomass and controlled by climate factors. However, in regions such as Cantabria, where agriculture and livestock have spread throughout the territory since prehistory, fires should also be closely related to human land uses. The aim of this paper was to investigate the history of fires and vegetation since the Neolithic in the Cantabrian Mountains, using sedimentary charcoal and pollen data to study the role of human activities in the processes that have shaped ecosystems throughout the Holocene. The asynchrony and quantitative differences in the results obtained at different sites indicate significant variations in fire patterns at regional scale since the Neolithic, although the type and size of each basin also had a strong influence on charcoal accumulation. Maximum values for charcoal accumulation rate at La Molina were observed between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age but occurred after about 3500 cal years BP at El Cueto de la Avellanosa. At El Sertal, low charcoal accumulation rate values were observed, probably because the sequence begins in a space that already had been cleared; the maximum values occurred during the most recent millennium. These data provide evidence that fire has been a key factor in forest retreat and in maintaining open landscapes since the Neolithic.
Spatial behavior in high‐order partial differential equations
Authors: Leseduarte Mari Carme , Quintanilla Ramon
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study the spatial behavior of solutions to the equations obtained by taking formal Taylor approximations to the heat conduction dual‐phase‐lag and 3‐phase‐lag theories, reflecting Saint‐Venant's principle. In a recent paper, 2 families of cases for high‐order partial differential equations were studied. Here, we investigate a third family of cases, which corresponds to the fact that a certain condition on the time derivative must be satisfied. We also study the spatial behavior of a thermoelastic problem. We obtain a Phragmén‐Lindelöf alternative for the solutions in both cases. The main tool to handle these problems is the use of an exponentially weighted Poincaré inequality.
Evaluating the Effect of Dam Removals on Yellow-Phase American Eel Abundance in a Northeastern U.S. Watershed
Authors: Turner Sara M. , Chase Bradford C. , Bednarski Michael S.
Published: January 2018

The negative effects of dams and the benefits of dam removal for anadromous fish populations have been well documented. Effects of dams on catadromous Anguillidae species may be less drastic, although documentation of the response of catadromous fishes to dam removal is limited. We developed a mark–recapture study design to estimate the abundance of catadromous American Eel Anguilla rostrata within a small coastal watershed and compare abundance estimates before and after barrier removal. In the Mill River, Taunton, Massachusetts, four dams have or will be modified for passage or removed. Mark–recapture sampling and modeling methods were developed and applied in Lake Sabbatia, the source of the Mill River, over 4 years from the initiation of restoration. Rectangular eel traps had higher CPUE than double-funnel traps used in previous studies, and a tag retention study found high retention rates by using established methods (94% overall). Abundances of yellow-phase American Eels have increased with improved passage and recruitment to sampling gear during the study period. Dam removal could have substantial benefits to the coastwide stock of American Eels, and methods to evaluate changes in abundances are important for resource management as well as restoration ecology and project selection.
From micro‐ to macro‐structures in multiple sclerosis: what is the added value of diffusion imaging
Authors: Cercignani Mara , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia
Published: January 2018

Diffusion imaging has been instrumental in understanding damage to the central nervous system as a result of its sensitivity to microstructural changes. Clinical applications of diffusion imaging have grown exponentially over the past couple of decades in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). For several reasons, MS has been extensively researched using advanced neuroimaging techniques, which makes it an ‘example disease’ to illustrate the potential of diffusion imaging for clinical applications. In addition, MS pathology is characterized by several key processes competing with each other, such as inflammation, demyelination, remyelination, gliosis and axonal loss, enabling the specificity of diffusion to be challenged. In this review, we describe how diffusion imaging can be exploited to investigate micro‐, meso‐ and macro‐scale properties of the brain structure and discuss how they are affected by different pathological substrates. Conclusions from the literature are that larger studies are needed to confirm the exciting results from initial investigations before current trends in diffusion imaging can be translated to the neurology clinic. Also, for a comprehensive understanding of pathological processes, it is essential to take a multiple‐level approach, in which information at the micro‐, meso‐ and macroscopic scales is fully integrated.
A systematic assessment of key design and performance characteristics of drug exposure registries requested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Pinnow Ellen , Major Jacqueline M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate contributions to postmarket safety assessments and identify potential factors for enhancing implementation and utilization of registries in regulatory decision‐making.

Methods

Registry documents (e.g., protocols, reports) submitted to the FDA were identified up to January 2016 through an extensive, systematic review of internal records and resources. We characterized nonpregnancy drug exposure registries based on prespecified design elements, performance, and regulatory impact.

Results

A total of 65 registries were identified: 56 registries were open and 9 closed. Among open registries, 20% were pending, 14% delayed, and 16% ongoing less than ≤3 years. Most registries (82%) examined safety issues that originally arose from clinical trials; most frequent safety issues investigated included infections, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and liver toxicity. Although 74% of registries ascertained baseline health conditions and monitored concomitant medication use, fewer (45%) considered drug exposure duration or dosage. Thirty‐seven percent of non pending registries had enrollment below sample size expectation. Seventeen registries published findings in journals/conference proceedings, 13 from open registries. Three closed registries generated results that contributed to product label changes. High‐performance registries scored higher in design metrics related to sample size considerations (76% versus 62%) and adequate analysis plan (53% versus 35%), and interim report submission (76% versus 65%). There was a significant difference in proportion of registries with clear primary objectives between high versus not high performing registries (100% versus 78%).

Conclusions

This study suggests clear objectives, patient accrual/retention efforts, adequate analysis plans, and interim reports contribute to the performance of drug exposure registries.
The impact of English language learner status on screening for emotional and behavioral disorders: A differential item functioning (DIF) study
Authors: Lambert Matthew C. , Garcia Allen G. , January Stacy‐Ann A. , Epstein Michael H.
Published: January 2018

There have been significant changes in the racial/ethnic and linguistic background of students attending public schools in the United States. The number of public‐school students who are English language learners (ELLs) participating in programs of language assistance has more than doubled over the past two decades. In 1993–1994, 5.1% of public‐school students in the United States were ELLs, or an estimated 2.1 million students. As of 2014–2015, 9.4% of students were ELLs, or an estimated 4.6 million students. It is estimated that by 2030, upward of 40% of school children will speak English as a second language. Meeting the needs of students who are not proficient in English is challenging for school professionals and even more so if they are identified for special services. Researchers have found that ELL students live in situations with numerous high‐risk factors, including poverty, inadequate schools, poor and violent neighborhoods, and limited access to adequate health care, mental health services, and schools. As a group, these students are more likely to underperform academically, have a lower grade point average, and drop out of school compared to non‐ELL Latino students.
One‐pot synthesis of block copolymers by ring‐opening polymerization and ultraviolet light‐induced ATRP at ambient temperature
Authors: Lei Lin , Li Feifei , Zhao Haixiu , Wang Yuntao
Published: January 2018

We successfully synthesized poly(l‐lactide)‐b‐poly (methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers at ambient temperature by combining ultraviolet light‐induced copper‐catalyzed ATRP and organo‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) in one‐pot. The polymerization processes were carried out by three routes: one‐pot simultaneous ATRP and ROP, one‐pot sequential ATRP followed by ROP, and one‐pot sequential ROP followed by ATRP. The structure of the block copolymers is confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography, which suggests that the polymerization method is facile and attractive for preparing block copolymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 699–704
Rapid Visualization of Latent Fingerprints with Color‐Tunable Solid Fluorescent Carbon Dots
Authors: Wang Chan , Zhou Jingdan , Lulu Lu , Song Qijun
Published: January 2018

Latent fingerprints (LFPs) imaging is the most important approach to identify individuals, and there is a persisting need for the development of simple, rapid, accurate, and universal LFPs recognition methods. The nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐doped solid fluorescent carbon dots (N,S‐SFCD) are synthesized with a simple microwave‐assisted method by using l‐glutathione and citric acid as precursors. The obtained N,S‐SFCD has a uniform size from 2 to 7 nm with quantum yield over 48%. The presence of heteroatoms and functional groups on the surface endows the N,S‐SFCD with good dispersibility and strong fluorescence emission, and overcomes the typical aggregation‐induced fluorescence quenching, thus allowing the N,S‐SFCD to be used in both solution and their powder forms. Furthermore, the color‐tunable fluorescence, electrostatic interaction with fingerprints, and good stability enable N, S‐SFCD to act as an excellent chemosensor for fluorescence imaging. LFPs are detected with high resolution through powder method, and their second‐ and third‐level substructures are clearly identified. The method is validated for LFPs visualization on various substrates, and aged (7, 15, and 30 d) LFPs can also be successfully stained with N,S‐SFCD. The results demonstrate that the N,S‐SFCD as a developer has great potential in LFPs imaging for forensic investigations.
Deformation Mechanisms in Nanotwinned Tungsten Nanopillars: Effects of Coherent Twin Boundary Spacing
Authors: Xu Shuozhi , Chavoshi Saeed Zare , Su Yanqing
Published: January 2018

Nano‐scale coherent twin boundaries (CTBs) significantly alter the mechanical and electrical properties of metallic materials. Despite a number of studies of the nanotwinned nanopillars in face‐centered cubic metals, investigations of them in body‐centered cubic (BCC) systems are rare. In this Letter, we explore the uniaxial deformation mechanisms of BCC tungsten nanopillars containing nano‐scale {112} CTBs using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our work reveals a novel tension–compression asymmetric stress–strain response and deformation behavior, in conjunction with the effects of CTB spacing. With a relatively large CTB spacing, the plastic deformation in nanotwinned nanopillars is mainly controlled by dislocation nucleation from surface/CTB intersections, gliding on distant and adjacent slip planes under tensile and compressive loading, respectively; as a result, the tensile yield stress is almost invariant with respect to the CTB spacing, while the compressive yield stress increases with a decreasing CTB spacing. As the CTB spacing reduces to 1 nm, detwinning, exhibited by annihilation of {112} twin layers as a result of partial dislocations gliding on CTBs, is observed in both tension and compression; at higher strains, however, {111} incoherent twin boundaries, whose resistance to cracking contributes to strain hardening, are formed under tensile loading but not under compressive loading.
Stability analysis and design of nonlinear sampled‐data systems under aperiodic samplings
Authors: Hooshmandi K. , Bayat F. , Jahed‐Motlagh M. R. , Jalali A. A.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the problem of exponential stability analysis and the design of sampled‐data nonlinear systems have been studied using a polytopic linear parameter‐varying approach. By means of modeling a new double‐layer polytopic formulation for nonlinear sampled‐data systems, a modified form of piecewise continuous Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is proposed. This approach provides less conservative robust exponential stability conditions by using Wirtinger's inequality in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The distances between the real continuous parameters of the plant and the measured parameters of the controller are modeled by convex sets, and the analysis/design conditions are given at the vertices of some hyper‐rectangles. In order to get tractable linear matrix inequality conditions for the stabilization problem, we performed relaxation by introducing a slack variable matrix. Under the new stability criteria, an approach is introduced to synthesize a sampled‐data polytopic linear parameter‐varying controller considering some constraints on the location of the closed‐loop poles in the presence of uncertainties on the varying parameters. It is shown that the proposed controller guarantees the exponential stability of the closed‐loop system for aperiodic sampling periods smaller than a known value, ie, maximum allowable sampling period. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified and compared with some state‐of‐the‐art existing approaches through numerical simulations.
Effects of hydropeaking on benthic invertebrate community composition in two central Norwegian rivers
Authors: Kjærstad G. , Arnekleiv J. V. , Speed J. D. M. , Herland A. K.
Published: January 2018

Hydropower regulations can have dramatic impacts on river ecological communities. The operation of hydropower stations is related to power demands, but their releases in the receiving water body causes sudden changes in flow, which in turn affect the biota. The effects of such flow variations on benthic invertebrates is not fully understood. Here, we studied the effects of duration and intensity of hydropeaking on benthic invertebrates in two rivers over a 3.5‐year period. We used both quantitative (Surber) and semiquantitative (kick samples) sampling methods to compare the ramping zone with the permanently water covered zone downstream of the hydropower plant, and with corresponding unaffected upstream areas. The ramping zone had a different invertebrate community composition and lower benthic density than other areas, especially after hydropeaking. Mayflies and chironomids were most negatively affected by hydropeaking and oligochaetes largely unaffected. Chironomids and the mayfly Baetis rhodani were able to recolonize the ramping zone and almost reach densities similar to deeper areas within 48 days following hydropeaking. The relative abundance of filter feeders tended to increase and gatherers/collectors tended to decrease from the ramping zone towards the deep, permanently water covered areas. In corresponding areas upstream of the power plant, the relative abundance of different functional feeding groups was the same in the mid‐channel and shore sites. Our study shows that hydropeaking has clear impacts on the functional structure of benthic invertebrates below the power plants. The ecological impact of hydropeaking on invertebrate communities should thus be taken into account, for example, by reducing the amplitude and duration of flow fluctuations.
Triphenylphosphine/Isocyanide Mediated Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine, Enamine Ketones and Secondary Ketimines
Authors: Shah Tariq A. , Raza Waseem , Muneer M. , Mir Niyaz A. , Ahmad Musheer
Published: January 2018

The reaction of 1:1 zwitterionic intermediate generated in situ from dibenzoylacetylene and triphenylphosphine with 2‐aminobenzimidazole afforded Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine in good yields while as the reaction with 2‐amino derivatives of benzothiazole, thiazole and isoxazole gave enamine ketones. Protonation of the highly reactive 1:1 intermediate produced in the reaction between alkyl isocyanides and dibenzoylacetylene by aldehydes (containing acidic hydrogen) gave highly functionalized secondary ketenimines. The products were generated in good yields and characterized by standard analytical techniques such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction has been established for six structures. Short reaction time, good yields, fairly mild conditions and simple work‐up procedure are the notable advantages of this synthetic protocol.
Biomimetic Total Synthesis of Mbandakamine A and Further Antiplasmodial Naphthylisoquinoline Dimers
Authors: Schies Christine , Seupel Raina , Feineis Doris , Gehrold Andreas , Schraut Michaela , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: January 2018

The first total synthesis of mbandakamine A, an unsymmetrically coupled dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid with a high steric hindrance, is described. Key step was the phenol‐oxidative cross‐coupling of its two 5,8’‐linked monomeric units, 5‐epi‐korupensamine E and 8‐O‐methylkorupensamine A. These two naphthylisoquinolines were synthesized atroposelectively by applying the ′lactone method′. As an alternative to the largely separate synthesis of the two monomers, both of them were provided simultaneously, by the – intentionally non‐selective – O‐demethylation of a late joint precursor, thus shortening the synthesis substantially. Oxidative coupling of a 1:1 mixture of the two monomers provided mbandakamine A as a single atropisomer, along with four further naphthylisoquinoline dimers, nearly all of them based on new coupling types. Some of these new quateraryls showed excellent antiplasmodial activities, in particular the 6’‐6’’‐coupled main product.
Direct thrust‐controlled PMSLM servo system based on back‐stepping control
Authors: Tang Chuansheng , Duan Zhengyong
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an alternative approach to achieve speed, thrust, and flux regulation is presented for the drive system of permanent magnet synchronous linear motors (PMSLMs). The conventional proportional–integral (PI) speed regulator based direct thrust control (DTC) of PMSLM has problems of degrading the system performances, such as high thrust, flux, and current ripple, high‐frequency noise caused by high thrust ripples, and the difficulty to accurately adapting to varying parameters and external loads. We propose an adaptive back‐stepping control based DTC for PMSLM servo system. The PI speed regulator and two hysteresis regulators in the classical DTC system are substituted by one adaptive back‐stepping controller. The uncertainties in the system are estimated online using adaptive techniques. Moreover, a space vector modulation (SVM) scheme is employed to ensure that the inverter switching frequency remains fixed. The stability of the proposed method is verified by the Lyapunov stable theory, which is difficult to achieve in the classical DTC method. Simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of Time to Operation on Value of Care in Acute Care Surgery
Authors: Loftus Tyler J. , Rosenthal Martin D. , Croft Chasen A. , Stephen Smith R. , Efron Philip A. , Moore Frederick A. , Mohr Alicia M. , Brakenridge Scott C.
Published: January 2018

Background

As reimbursement models evolve, there is increasing emphasis on maximizing value‐based care for inpatient conditions. We hypothesized that longer intervals between admission and surgery would be associated with worse outcomes and increased costs for acute care surgery patients, and that these associations would be strongest among patients with high‐risk conditions.

Methods

We performed a 5‐year retrospective analysis of three risk cohorts: appendectomy (low‐risk for morbidity and mortality, n = 618), urgent hernia repair (intermediate‐risk, n = 80), and laparotomy for intra‐abdominal sepsis with temporary abdominal closure (sTAC; high‐risk, n = 102). Associations between the interval from admission to surgery and outcomes including infectious complications, mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges were assessed by regression modeling.

Results

Median intervals between admission and surgery for appendectomy, hernia repair, and sTAC were 9.3, 13.5, and 8.1 h, respectively, and did not significantly impact infectious complications or mortality. For appendectomy, each 1 h increase from admission to surgery was associated with increased hospital LOS by 1.1 h (p = 0.002) and increased intensive care unit (ICU) LOS by 0.3 h (p = 0.011). For hernia repair, each 1 h increase from admission to surgery was associated with increased antibiotic duration by 1.6 h (p = 0.007), increased hospital LOS by 3.3 h (p = 0.002), increased ICU LOS by 1.5 h (p = 0.001), and increased hospital charges by $1918 (p < 0.001). For sTAC, each 1 h increase from admission to surgery was associated with increased antibiotic duration by 5.0 h (p = 0.006), increased hospital LOS by 3.9 h (p = 0.046), increased ICU LOS by 3.5 h (p = 0.040), and increased hospital charges by $3919 (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Longer intervals from admission to surgery were associated with prolonged antibiotic administration, longer hospital and ICU length of stay, and increased hospital charges, with strongest effects among high‐risk patients. To improve value of care for acute care surgery patients, operations should proceed as soon as resuscitation is complete.
Predictive Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in Submucosal Invasive Colorectal Carcinoma: A New Proposal of Depth of Invasion for Radical Surgery
Authors: Han Jeonghee , Hur Hyuk , Min Byung Soh , Lee Kang Young , Kim Nam Kyu
Published: January 2018

Background

Patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) in submucosal invasive colorectal carcinoma (SM cancer) require additional surgical treatment after endoscopic dissection. However, because additional radical resection after endoscopic local resection may be unnecessary for cases without LNM, more specific criteria are required in order to diminish the incidence of further radical resection after endoscopic dissection.

Methods

A total of 492 patients with biopsy‐proven SM cancer who underwent curative surgery between January 2008 and December 2012 were collected and were divided into LNM group and no LNM group. The cutoff value for the depth of submucosal invasion was analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In this retrospective study, the association between LNM and clinicopathologic factors was analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The depth of submucosal invasion of 1900 μm was determined as the cutoff value by ROC curve. Significant, independent predictive factors for LNM included the depth of submucosal invasion >1900 μm (odds ratio [OR] 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–18.3; p < 0.001), venous invasion (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.5; p = 0.03), and poorly differentiated/mucinous adenocarcinoma (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.3–30.8; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the depth of submucosal invasion (>1900 μm), vascular invasion and poorly differentiated/mucinous carcinoma were predictive factors of LNM in patients with SM cancer. These predictors may help to reduce the incidence of unnecessary surgery after endoscopic resection.
Phase Ib study evaluating safety and clinical activity of the anti-HER3 antibody lumretuzumab combined with the anti-HER2 antibody pertuzumab and paclitaxel in HER3-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Schneeweiss Andreas , Park-Simon Tjoung-Won , Albanell Joan , Lassen Ulrik , Cortés Javier , Dieras Veronique , May Marcus , Schindler Christoph , Marmé Frederik , Cejalvo Juan Miguel , Martinez-Garcia Maria , Gonzalez Iria , Lopez-Martin Jose , Welt Anja , Levy Christelle , Joly Florence , Michielin Francesca , Jacob Wolfgang , Adessi Céline , Moisan Annie , Meneses-Lorente Georgina , Racek Tomas , James Ian , Ceppi Maurizio , Hasmann Max , Weisser Martin , Cervantes Andrés
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the safety and clinical activity of comprehensive human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family receptor inhibition using lumretuzumab (anti-HER3) and pertuzumab (anti-HER2) in combination with paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods This phase Ib study enrolled 35 MBC patients (first line or higher) with HER3-positive and HER2-low (immunohistochemistry 1+ to 2+ and in-situ hybridization negative) tumors. Patients received lumretuzumab (1000 mg in Cohort 1; 500 mg in Cohorts 2 and 3) plus pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose [LD] followed by 420 mg in Cohorts 1 and 2; 420 mg without LD in Cohort 3) every 3 weeks, plus paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 weekly in all cohorts). Patients in Cohort 3 received prophylactic loperamide treatment. Results Diarrhea grade 3 was a dose-limiting toxicity of Cohort 1 defining the maximum tolerated dose of lumretuzumab when given in combination with pertuzumab and paclitaxel at 500 mg every three weeks. Grade 3 diarrhea decreased from 50% (Cohort 2) to 30.8% (Cohort 3) with prophylactic loperamide administration and omission of the pertuzumab LD, nonetheless, all patients still experienced diarrhea. In first-line MBC patients, the objective response rate in Cohorts 2 and 3 was 55% and 38.5%, respectively. No relationship between HER2 and HER3 expression or somatic mutations and clinical response was observed. Conclusions Combination treatment with lumretuzumab, pertuzumab and paclitaxel was associated with a high incidence of diarrhea. Despite the efforts to alter dosing, the therapeutic window remained too narrow to warrant further clinical development. Trial registration: on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT01918254 first registered on 3rd July
2013.
The effect of different iron concentrations on lead accumulation in hydroponically grown Matthiola flavida Boiss
Authors: Heidari Dehno Amin , Mohtadi Ahmad
Published: January 2018

The general relationship between heavy metals and mineral nutrition of plants grown in polluted environments is one of the most important factors for modifying the toxic properties of these metals. To study the effect of iron and lead pollution on the growth of Matthiola flavida a factorial research was undertaken in the form of a completely randomized design with four replications in hydroponic culture. After germination, seedlings were transferred to a hydroponic culture. During the pre‐treatment step, a series of plants contained enough iron (+Fe), whereas the second series was without iron (−Fe). After the pre‐treatment step, both series of plants were treated with three levels of iron as FeEDDHA and two levels of lead as Pb(NO3)2. The results showed that in both series of plants, lead reduced the root growth, shoot height, shoot and root dry weight. For 5 µM lead concentration, with increasing concentration of iron in the nutrient solution, concentration of lead in the roots and shoots decreased. For 1 µM concentration of lead, increasing the iron concentration in the nutrient solution reduced the concentration of lead in the roots, but had no significant effect on the amount of lead in shoots. Lead accumulation in shoots and roots of plants with Fe was more than plants without Fe. Also, in low concentrations of iron, the amount of iron in shoot increased with the increase of lead concentration in the nutrient solution. The results showed that in lead pollution, iron has a positive effect on investigated traits.
Fault Rupture Directivity of Large Earthquakes in Himalaya
Authors: Srivastava H. N. , Verma Mithila , Bansal B. K.
Published: January 2018

The paper examines the predominant fault rupture directivity during large earthquakes in different sectors of the Himalaya which influences strong ground motion and damage scenario. The nature of the faulting of earthquakes vis-à-vis their rupture directivity has been discussed. It is found that the rupture directivity near the Indo-Eurasian plate boundary varies from place to place i.e. either along the strike direction of the faults or at right angles to it. The secondary meizoseismal areas as observed for 1505 Dharchula, 1803 Uttarakhand, 1905 Kangra earthquakes in the Himalaya and 2001 Bhuj earthquake in stable continental region suggest that they are a fairly good indicator of predominant rupture directivity since the latter accentuates the site response up to a longer distance. The resulting larger ground motions, therefore, need to be incorporated in the design of engineering structures by suitable modifications in the BIS code.
Plug Shaped Burrows Conichnus - Conostichus from the Late Cretaceous of Bagh Group, Gujarat, Western India
Authors: Patel Satish J. , Shitole Apurva D. , Joseph Jaquilin K.
Published: January 2018

Plug-shaped ichnofossils Conichnus conicus, Conostichus broadheadi and C. stouti are found in the intercalated micritic sandstone and sandy allochemic limestone shale sequence of Bagh Group, Narmada district, Gujarat. These ichnospecies occur at two stratigraphic levels and shows distinct morphological features interpreted as resting/dwelling structures of sea anemone. The occurrence of these ichnospecies along with oyster fossils genera like Bosostrea and Indostrea indicate shallow marine environment.
Paleoseismological Investigations along Joggers Park Fault, Port Blair, South Andaman: Implications towards Delineation of Blind Thrusting and Related Crustal Deformation through Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Techniques (ERT and VES)
Authors: Bhat Gulam Rasool , Balaji S. , Bali Bikram S. , Iqbal Vazeem , Balakrishna  , Hussain Hamid
Published: January 2018

A comprehensive paleoseismological investigations was carried out along Joggers Park Fault (striking NW-SE) reveals pervasive traces of active compressional tectonics (blind thrusting) and shallow-surface recent tectonic signatures along the fault. The geometry and trends in the tectonic deformation of the blind zone (shallow-subsurface stratigraphy) were examined with GPR and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and vertical electrical sounding (VES), strongly demonstrates severe tectonic deformation (persistent tectonic style) from Quaternary to Holocene times in a compressive stress regime. The surface manifestation of deformation (topographic expression) along the fault can be marked as hanging wall uplift and can be visually observed in the exposed sections at nearly half kilometer distance from the table land of Joggers Park in the form of a well-defined disconnected high angle thrust fault scarp (reverse fault). The reverse fault kinematically and intimately linked with underlying fault geometry provides adduced evidence to evaluate strike displacement profiles (displacement length relationship) along the fault. In addition, deformed stacked colluvial wedge below the scarp represents a powerful basis to calibrate recent and long term slip rates of the underlying fault.