bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Modeling the PSD in Emulsion Polymerization a Finished Problem? An Overview
Authors: Sheibat‐Othman Nida , Vale Hugo M. , Pohn Jordan M. , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: March 2017

Significant progress has been made over the past 20–30 years in terms of the ability to develop and solve mechanistic models of emulsion polymerization processes, and in particular models for prediction of the particle size distribution. However, this does not imply that modeling of these economically important processes is by any means a “solved problem,” or that it is no longer necessary to perform fundamental research in this area. There are a number of areas where strong scientific work would increase the understanding of the process, including events in the aqueous phase, radical entry into growing particles, monomer partitioning, and especially the mechanisms and modeling of particle coagulation.

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Towards rigorous robust optimal control via generalized high‐order moment expansion
Authors: Houska Boris , Li Jiaqi C. , Chachuat Benoît
Published: March 2017

This study is concerned with the rigorous solution of worst‐case robust optimal control problems having bounded time‐varying uncertainty and nonlinear dynamics with affine uncertainty dependence. We propose an algorithm that combines existing uncertainty set‐propagation and moment‐expansion approaches. Specifically, we consider a high‐order moment expansion of the time‐varying uncertainty, and we bound the effect of the infinite‐dimensional remainder term on the system state, in a rigorous manner, using ellipsoidal calculus. We prove that the error introduced by the expansion converges to zero as more moments are added. Moreover, we describe a methodology to construct a conservative, yet more computationally tractable, robust optimization problem, whose solution values are also shown to converge to those of the original robust optimal control problem. We illustrate the applicability and accuracy of this approach with the robust time‐optimal control of a motorized robot arm.
Efficient removal of hexavalent chromium and lead from aqueous solutions by s‐triazine containing nanoporous polyamide
Authors: Dinari Mohammad , Haghighi Atefeh
Published: March 2017

s‐Triazine containing dicarboxylic acid was synthesized. Then, it was reacted with 1,3‐phenylenediamine in molten tetrabutylammonium bromide to formed soluble aromatic polyamide with good yield and moderate inherent viscosity of 0.35 dL g−1. The solubility and flexibility of polyamides are low. So, we used ether group such as di(4‐aminephenyl) ether in building polyamide. The structure of monomer and polymer was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the thermal properties of synthesized polyamide, and their results show that this polymer had a good thermal stability. The surface morphology of s‐triazine containing polyamide was studied by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and the results show that it has a porous morphology and moderate Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface (367 m2 g−1). It was further investigated for Pb (II) and Cr(VI) ion removal by optimizing the parameters including pH and contact time. The maximum uptakes of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) at pH 5.0 and pH 4.0 are 57% and 76%, respectively. Also, sorption kinetics of this polymer was investigated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrate permeability of semi‐permeable membranes prepared from binary blends of cellulose triacetate and chitosan
Authors: Eo Kyungbok , Hwang Daehyeon , Lee Kyoungsun , Kim Myoeum , Choi Kyusol , Kwon Yong Ku
Published: March 2017

Semi‐permeable membranes of binary polymer blends of cellulose triacetate (CTA) and chitosan (CS) were produced to harvest microalgal biomass for biofuels. Relatively thick membranes of polymer blends containing more than 70% CTA were prepared via solution blending in formic acid. Various characterization methods revealed that both polymers are immiscible at the molecular level at room temperature. However, they were macroscopically compatible and exhibited uniform physical properties due to the molecular interactions between CTA and CS with the same cellulosic backbone containing two linear polysaccharides through a β‐1,4 glycosidic bond. Careful visual inspection revealed that these membranes are transparent and their light transmittance was greater than 90% at all blend compositions. All membranes showed excellent tensile strength at all compositions and the maximum tensile strength was 52.4 MP from the membrane with a CTA/CS weight ratio of 9:1. The
permeability of these blend films increased with increasing CS content and the maximum value was 44.28 mg/m2/day. To improve the
permeability or transfer rate of the CTA/CS membranes, the porous CTA/CS membranes were also prepared using various amounts of silica nanoparticles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:192–197, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GOPS) on the electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS films
Authors: Håkansson Anna , Han Shaobo , Wang Suhao , Lu Jun , Braun Slawomir , Fahlman Mats , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier , Fabiano Simone
Published: March 2017

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been reported as a successful functional material in a broad variety of applications. One of the most important advantages of PEDOT:PSS is its water‐solubility, which enables simple and environmental friendly manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, this also implies that pristine PEDOT:PSS films are unsuitable for applications in aqueous environments. To reach stability in polar solvents, (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GOPS) is typically used to cross‐link PEDOT:PSS. Although this strategy is widely used, its mechanism and effect on PEDOT:PSS performance have not been articulated yet. Here, we present a broad study that provides a better understanding of the effect of GOPS on the electrical and electronic properties of PEDOT:PSS. We show that the GOPS reacts with the sulfonic acid group of the excess PSS, causing a change in the PEDOT:PSS film morphology, while the oxidation level of PEDOT remains unaffected. This is at the origin of the observed conductivity changes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 814–820
Adaptive model predictive control of nonlinear systems with state‐dependent uncertainties
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Yang Lixing , Sun Yu , Deng Kun
Published: March 2017

This paper studies adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) of systems with time‐varying and potentially state‐dependent uncertainties. We propose an estimation and prediction architecture within the min‐max MPC framework. An adaptive estimator is presented to estimate the set‐valued measures of the uncertainty using piecewise constant adaptive law, which can be arbitrarily accurate if the sampling period in adaptation is small enough. Based on such measures, a prediction scheme is provided that predicts the time‐varying feasible set of the uncertainty over the prediction horizon. We show that if the uncertainty and its first derivatives are locally Lipschitz, the stability of the system with AMPC can always be guaranteed under the standard assumptions for traditional min‐max MPC approaches, while the AMPC algorithm enhances the control performance by efficiently reducing the size of the feasible set of the uncertainty in min‐max MPC setting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bridging Reading Comprehension and Conceptual Change in Science Education: The Promise of Refutation Text
Authors: Sinatra Gale M. , Broughton Suzanne H.
Published: March 2017

The use of texts in science classrooms has waned significantly over the past two decades. However, recently, researchers have shown renewed interest in the use of refutation texts as a tool for promoting conceptual change and science learning. In this article, we examine the intersection of conceptual change and reading comprehension research in science education. We begin by explaining how researchers in conceptual change have turned their interests toward text comprehension. We then examine models of reading comprehension that contribute to our understanding of how text can promote science learning in general and conceptual change in particular. Next, we examine recent empirical research concerning the effect of refutation text in promoting conceptual change in science. We close with suggestions for future research that seeks to integrate these two areas for the advancement of both scientific literacy and literacy skill development.
Multilingual Practices, Critical Literacies, and Visual Culture: A Focus on African Contexts
Authors: Hoffman James V. , Rogers Theresa , Sailors Misty , Tierney Robert
Published: March 2017

In this essay, we review and comment on three books that focus on language, literacy, and visual and cultural communication: English as a Local Language: Post‐Colonial Identities and Multilingual Practices by Christina Higgins; Literacy and Power by Hilary Janks; and South African Visual Culture, edited by Jeanne van Eeden and Amanda du Preez. Each of these books takes a critical stance toward language, literacy, and culture and each is focused on particular contexts in Africa. Taken as a whole, these books reveal the complexity of social practices that surround literacy in particular contexts through the careful examination of historical contexts, power relationships, and social interactions. While focused on African contexts, the arguments related to language diversity, multimodal literacy practices, and cultural representations of meaning in these books have global relevance.
Reading Leveled Books in −Assessment‐Saturated Classrooms: A Close Examination of Unmarked Processes of Assessment
Authors: Kontovourki Stavroula
Published: March 2017

This article examines the reading of leveled books and the assessment of students’ reading levels in a public school classroom. The purpose of the research study was to examine how these processes of assessment, which often go unnoticed, shaped the ways reading and readers were defined. The research was located in a third grade, public school classroom in a large metropolitan city in the United States. Theoretically grounded in sociocultural perspectives on literacy and poststructural notions of power and positioning, the research methodology involved a series of nested case studies of the classroom as a whole and of one particular reader, whose performances allowed a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics of reading levels and reading leveled books in the particular classroom. Data analysis involved the thematic analysis of reading events with the purpose of identifying the materials, norms, and routines connected to reading leveled books. Attention was paid to processes of naming, to students’ efforts to discipline selves and others, and to the meaning of reading as measurable that extended beyond the boundaries of the local classroom and into broader institutional contexts. This allowed tracing and interpreting the productive and regulatory power of leveling. The findings show that reading leveled books and assessing students’ levels were integral parts of schooled literacy as performed in the particular classroom. The study offers grounded theoretical hypotheses about the intersection of reading instruction and assessment and calls readers to consider the complexities of reading and reading instruction in elementary classrooms.
Combining Contextual and Morphemic Cues Is Beneficial During Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition: Semantic Transparency in Novel Compound Word Processing
Authors: Brusnighan Stephen M. , Folk Jocelyn R.
Published: March 2017

In two studies, we investigated how skilled readers use contextual and morphemic information in the process of incidental vocabulary acquisition during reading. In Experiment 1, we monitored skilled readers’ eye movements while they silently read sentence pairs containing novel and known English compound words that were either semantically transparent (e.g., milkshake, drinkblend) or opaque (e.g., cocktail, deskdoor) in informative and neutral sentence contexts. In Experiment 2, we included a postreading vocabulary test following self‐paced reading, which allowed for an examination of word learning success. We found that readers showed processing time advantages for novel transparent compounds in informative contexts, when contextual and morphemic information converged on a meaning. Conversely, these readers showed processing time disadvantages for novel opaque compounds in informative contexts when contextual and morphemic information conflicted as to the interpretation of the novel compound. Postreading vocabulary test performance revealed that readers retained new word meanings after a single exposure, and retention rates were significantly improved as a result of combining contextual and morphemic cues. Further, readers spent more time reading sentences containing novel words for which they subsequently correctly identified the meaning of the novel word. The data suggest that skilled readers automatically decompose novel compound words, that readers’ ability to derive word meanings for novel English compounds is aided by pooling contextual and morphemic sources of information, and that readers’ monitoring of their comprehension when reading texts containing novel words leads to further gains in vocabulary knowledge.
Transnationalism and Literacy: Investigating the Mobility of People, Languages, Texts, and Practices in Contexts of Migration
Authors: Lam Wan Shun Eva , Warriner Doris S.
Published: March 2017

This review of research offers a synthesis and analysis of research studies that address issues of language and literacy practices and learning in transnational contexts of migration. We consider how theoretical concepts from transnational migration studies, including particular Boudieusian‐inspired concepts such as transnational social field, capital, and habitus, as well as sociolinguistic studies of language and transnational space, might inform and extend the field of literacy research. We mobilize these concepts in relation to each other as interpretive frames for discussing an emerging body of empirical studies that address various aspects of language and literacy practices as they are intertwined with issues of cross‐border relations and mobility. Studies reviewed examine practices in families and communities, practices among youth and within educational settings, and practices with transnational media (broadcast and digital communications). We argue that as a whole these studies show the important role of language and literacy practices in constructing and maintaining social relations across borders, and in how migrants navigate and position themselves in various social fields within and across national boundaries. We consider the intergenerational process in the family in mediating participation in these social practices, how language ideologies at multiple scale levels influence family and youth practices, and the variable ways in which institutional structures of schooling position the transnational affiliations and linguistic resources of migrant students.
Reading Attitudes of Middle School Students: Results of a U.S. Survey
Authors: McKenna Michael C. , Conradi Kristin , Lawrence Camille , Jang Bong Gee , Meyer J. Patrick
Published: March 2017

To examine the current state of reading attitudes among middle school students in the United States, a survey was developed and administered to 4,491 students in 23 states plus the District of Columbia. The instrument comprised four subscales measuring attitudes toward: recreational reading in print settings, recreational reading in digital settings, academic reading in print settings, and academic reading in digital settings. Factor analysis confirmed the factor structure corresponding to the four subscales, and reliability coefficients for these subscales ranged from 0.78 to 0.86. Correlations among the subscales varied considerably, due largely to the recreational digital subscale. Analyses of variance subsequently confirmed a pattern for the recreational digital subscale that differed from that of the others. For academic digital, recreational print, and academic print, the attitudes of females were more positive than those of males; however, for attitudes toward recreational reading in digital settings, the pattern was reversed. In addition, results for three of the subscales showed a gradual worsening of attitudes from 6th to 8th grade. The exception was academic print, for which attitudes did not differ by grade. No interactions were observed between grade and gender for any of the subscales. Results are discussed in the context of attitude theory and the rapid evolution of digital literacy and its social uses by adolescents.
A Rapid Pipeline to Model Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Simultaneous CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
Authors: Bell Scott , Peng Huashan , Crapper Liam , Kolobova Ilaria , Maussion Gilles , Vasuta Cristina , Yerko Volodymyr , Wong Tak Pan , Ernst Carl
Published: March 2017

The development of targeted therapeutics for rare neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) faces significant challenges due to the scarcity of subjects and the difficulty of obtaining human neural cells. Here, we illustrate a rapid, simple protocol by which patient derived cells can be reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using an episomal vector and differentiated into neurons. Using this platform enables patient somatic cells to be converted to physiologically active neurons in less than two months with minimal labor. This platform includes a method to combine somatic cell reprogramming with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing at single cell resolution, which enables the concurrent development of clonal knockout or knock-in models that can be used as isogenic control lines. This platform reduces the logistical barrier for using iPSC technology, allows for the development of appropriate control lines for use in rare neurodevelopmental disease research, and establishes a fundamental component to targeted therapeutics and precision medicine.
Endothelial Progenitors: A Consensus Statement on Nomenclature
Authors: Medina Reinhold J. , Barber Chad L. , Sabatier Florence , Dignat-George Francoise , Melero-Martin Juan M. , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Ohneda Osamu , Randi Anna M. , Chan Jerry K.Y. , Yamaguchi Teruhide , Van Hinsbergh Victor W.M. , Yoder Mervin C. , Stitt Alan W.
Published: March 2017

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) nomenclature remains ambiguous and there is a general lack of concordance in the stem cell field with many distinct cell subtypes continually grouped under the term “EPC.” It would be highly advantageous to agree on standards to confirm an endothelial progenitor phenotype and this should include detailed immunophenotyping, potency assays, and clear separation from hematopoietic angiogenic cells which are not endothelial progenitors. In this review, we seek to discourage the indiscriminate use of “EPCs,” and instead propose precise terminology based on defining cellular phenotype and function. Endothelial colony forming cells and myeloid angiogenic cells are examples of two distinct and well-defined cell types that have been considered EPCs because they both promote vascular repair, albeit by completely different mechanisms of action. It is acknowledged that scientific nomenclature should be a dynamic process driven by technological and conceptual advances; ergo the ongoing “EPC” nomenclature ought not to be permanent and should become more precise in the light of strong scientific evidence. This is especially important as these cells become recognized for their role in vascular repair in health and disease and, in some cases, progress toward use in cell therapy.
One‐Step In Situ Growth of Iron–Nickel Sulfide Nanosheets on FeNi Alloy Foils: High‐Performance and Self‐Supported Electrodes for Water Oxidation
Authors: Yuan Cheng‐Zong , Sun Zhong‐Ti , Jiang Yi‐Fan , Yang Zheng‐Kun , Jiang Nan , Zhao Zhi‐Wei , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Xu An‐Wu
Published: March 2017

Efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are highly required for the cost‐effective generation of clean energy from water splitting. For the first time, an integrated OER electrode based on one‐step direct growth of metallic iron–nickel sulfide nanosheets on FeNi alloy foils (denoted as FeNi3S2/FeNi) is reported, and the origin of the enhanced OER activity is uncovered in combination with theoretical and experimental studies. The obtained FeNi3S2/FeNi electrode exhibits highly catalytic activity and long‐term stability toward OER in strong alkaline solution, with a low overpotential of 282 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 54 mV dec−1. The excellent activity and satisfactory stability suggest that the as‐made electrode provides an attractive alternative to noble metal‐based catalysts. Combined with density functional theory calculations, exceptional OER performance of FeNi3S2/FeNi results from a combination of efficient electron transfer properties, more active sites, the suitable O2 evolution kinetics and energetics benefited from Fe doping. This work not only simply constructs an excellent electrode for water oxidation, but also provides a deep understanding of the underlying nature of the enhanced OER performance, which may serve as a guide to develop highly effective and integrated OER electrodes for water splitting.
Concise Review: MSC-Derived Exosomes for Cell-Free Therapy
Authors: Phinney Donald G. , Pittenger Mark F.
Published: March 2017

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is undergoing extensive evaluation as a cellular therapy in human clinical trials. Because MSCs are easily isolated and amenable to culture expansion in vitro there is a natural desire to test MSCs in many diverse clinical indications. This is exemplified by the rapidly expanding literature base that includes many in vivo animal models. More recently, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes and microvesicles (MV), are being examined for their role in MSC-based cellular therapy. These vesicles are involved in cell-to-cell communication, cell signaling, and altering cell or tissue metabolism at short or long distances in the body. The exosomes and MVs can influence tissue responses to injury, infection, and disease. MSC-derived exosomes have a content that includes cytokines and growth factors, signaling lipids, mRNAs, and regulatory miRNAs. To the extent that MSC exosomes can be used for cell-free regenerative medicine, much will depend on the quality, reproducibility, and potency of their production, in the same manner that these parameters dictate the development of cell-based MSC therapies. However, the MSC exosome's contents are not static, but rather a product of the MSC tissue origin, its activities and the immediate intercellular neighbors of the MSCs. As such, the exosome content produced by MSCs appears to be altered when MSCs are cultured with tumor cells or in the in vivo tumor microenvironment. Therefore, careful attention to detail in producing MSC exosomes may provide a new therapeutic paradigm for cell-free MSC-based therapies with decreased risk.
Application of geopolymer paste for concrete repair
Authors: Ding Yung‐Chin , Cheng Ta‐Wui , Dai Yu‐Sheng
Published: March 2017

In this study, ground granulated blast furnace slag and coal fly ash were used as raw materials to prepare geopolymer paste as repair material for concrete structure. The functional properties, such as compressive strength, fluxural strength, and bonding strength between slag/fly ash based geopolymer paste and paste substrate were investigated. The SiO2
/Na2O molar ratio of the alkali activator plays an important role on the strength of geopolymer paste. The nature of the geopolymeric reaction product was examined using FTIR and NMR. The compressive strengths and flexural strength of the geopolymer paste were 47 MPa and 16 MPa, respectively. For concrete substrate bonded with geopolymer paste, the compressive strength test shows up to 120% repairing rate can be achieved. By comparing with Portland cement, it can be proved that the slag/fly ash based geopolymer paste has very good potential for further engineering development in the future.
Effect of a nitric oxide donor on maternal hemodynamics in fetal growth restriction
Authors: Tiralongo G. M. , Pisani I. , Vasapollo B. , Khalil A. , Thilaganathan B. , Valensise H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effect on maternal cardiovascular parameters of treatment with a nitric oxide (NO) donor and plasma volume expansion in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

Twenty‐six pregnant women with a diagnosis of FGR were treated with transdermal patches of a NO donor and plasma volume expansion by co‐administration of oral fluids. We compared the treated group to a historical control group of untreated FGR patients. Hemodynamic indices were obtained using the UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor system.

Results

At diagnosis, the two groups were similar in terms of maternal and hemodynamic characteristics. In the treated group, we found a significant increase in maternal cardiac output and stroke volume and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance after 2 weeks of therapy. No significant differences were found 2 weeks after diagnosis in the untreated group. The treated group delivered infants with higher birth‐weight centile than did the untreated control group.

Conclusions

The combined therapeutic approach of NO donor administration and plasma volume expansion in FGR apparently improves significantly maternal hemodynamic indices. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Modeling and simulation of multi‐scale transients for PMSG‐based wind power systems
Authors: Ye Hua , Yue Bo , Li Xuan , Strunz Kai
Published: March 2017

In a wind energy conversion system (WECS), multiple‐time‐scale transients that cover a wide frequency range from low‐frequency transient stability up to high‐frequency switching events are observed. This paper presents a methodology of modeling diverse transients for a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based WECS within the same study. Multiple physical areas of the PMSG‐based WECS are given depending on the appearance of carriers contained in the considered waveforms. In order to eliminate different carrier frequencies, the PMSG and generator‐side voltage source converter (VSC) are modeled in the dq0‐reference frame. On the other hand, the grid‐side VSC and utility grid are dealt with in the multi‐scale model of the network in which the shift frequency is available. The switching‐function and average‐value models of the VSC are selected depending on the carrier shifted. In addition, interface between the control and electrical subsystems is redesigned to offset the computation error caused by one time‐step delay. Two test cases are performed to study the wind power fluctuations and faults ride‐through. The results show that the proposed multi‐scale model is able to simulate slow‐changing dynamic responses up to high‐frequency transients accurately while decreasing the simulation burden. In comparison with the results obtained from the EMTP (electromagnetic transients program) type simulators, the effectiveness and accuracy of the multi‐scale model are verified. Copyright © 2017 The Authors Wind Energy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Nanomedicine approaches to improve cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Qiu Hui , Min Yuanzeng , Rodgers Zach , Zhang Longzhen , Wang Andrew Z.
Published: March 2017

Significant advances have been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy by orchestrating the body's immune system to eradicate cancer cells. However, safety and efficacy concerns stemming from the systemic delivery of immunomodulatory compounds limits cancer immunotherapies expansion and application. In this context, nanotechnology presents a number of advantages, such as targeted delivery to immune cells, enhanced clinical outcomes, and reduced adverse events, which may aid in the delivery of cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory agents. With this in mind, a diverse range of nanomaterials with different physicochemical characteristics have been developed to stimulate the immune system and battle cancer. In this review, we will focus on some recent developments and the potential advantages of utilizing nanotechnology within the field of cancer immunotherapy. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1456. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1456

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Evaluating ultraviolet sensitivity of adventitious agents in biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Meunier Sarah M , Sasges Michael R , Aucoin Marc G
Published: March 2017

Incidents of contamination in biopharmaceutical production have highlighted the need to apply alternative or supplementary disinfection techniques. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a well-established method for inactivating a broad range of microorganisms, and is therefore a good candidate as an orthogonal technique for disinfection. To apply UV as a safeguard against adventitious agents, the UV sensitivity of these target agents must be known so that the appropriate dose of UV may be applied to achieve the desired level of inactivation. This document compiles and reviews experimentally derived 254 nm sensitivities of organisms relevant to biopharmaceutical production. In general, different researchers have found similar sensitivity values despite a lack of uniformity in experimental design or standardized quantification techniques. Still, the lack of consistent methodologies has led to suspicious UV susceptibilities in certain instances, justifying the need to create a robust collection of sensitivity values that can be used in the design and sizing of UV systems for the inactivation of adventitious agents.
Long term survival and cardiopulmonary outcome in children with Hurler syndrome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Lum Su Han , Stepien Karolina M. , Ghosh Arunabha , Broomfield Alexander , Church Heather , Mercer Jean , Jones Simon , Wynn Robert
Published: March 2017

Premature death in untreated children with Hurler syndrome (HS) in the first decade of life is largely due to life‐threatening cardiopulmonary complications. We examined the long‐term survival and cardiopulmonary outcome in 54 children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital from 1985 to 2008. The median age at first HSCT was 15.1 months. Eighteen had graft failure and nine died after first HSCT. Of 18 patients with graft failure, 17 underwent second HSCT and the remaining one was lost to follow‐up (LOF). Twelve were alive‐and‐engrafted after second HSCT. The overall survival at one year and 20‐years was the same at 73.7%. Six children were followed up at the referral centers and excluded from cardiopulmonary endpoint review. Of the 33 evaluable children for the cardiopulmonary endpoints, nine (27.3%) had normal cardiac assessment. Of the four children on angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors, two had mild cardiomyopathy and two had aortic valvular replacement. Twenty (60%) had mild/moderate mitral and/or aortic insufficiencies. Two had overnight hypoxia needing nocturnal non‐invasive support. Enzyme level and donor chimerism are important predictors of long‐term cardiac outcome.
Risk Perception and Psychological Distress in Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cicero G , De Luca R , Dorangricchia P , Lo Coco G , Guarnaccia C , Fanale D , Calò V , Russo A
Published: March 2017

Oncological Genetic Counselling (CGO) allows the identification of a genetic component that increases the risk of developing a cancer. Individuals’ psychological reactions are influenced by both the content of the received information and the subjective perception of their own risk of becoming ill or being a carrier of a genetic mutation. This study included 120 participants who underwent genetic counselling for breast and/or ovarian cancer. The aim of the study was to examine the relation between their cancer risk perception and the genetic risk during CGO before receiving genetic test results, considering the influence of some psychological variables, in particular distress, anxiety and depression. Participants completed the following tools during a psychological interview: a socio‐demographic form, Cancer Risk Perception (CRP) and Genetic Risk Perception (GRP), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Distress Thermometer (DT). The data seem to confirm our hypothesis. Positive and significant correlations were found between the observed variables. Moreover, genetic risk perception determined an increase in depressive symptomatology and cancer risk perception led to an increase in anxious symptomatology, specifically in participants during cancer treatment. The present results suggest the importance of assessing genetic and cancer risk perception in individuals who undergo CGO, to identify those who are at risk of a decrease in psychological well‐being and of developing greater psychological distress.
Patterns in the autotomized adults of two sympatric, closely related grasshopper species in their natural habitat
Authors: Miura Kazumi
Published: March 2017

Insects have various defense responses to natural enemies, including autotomy. Detailed knowledge of autotomy patterns and frequencies in the wild is required to make reliable inferences concerning the fitness benefits and costs of the consequences of autotomy. However, few quantitative surveys have been conducted on the frequency of autotomized insects in the wild. Here, I examined data on autotomy in adult Parapodisma tanbaensis and Parapodisma subastris grasshoppers, which are sympatric, closely related species, collected over two consecutive years at three field sites in Kyoto, Japan. To investigate what traits were related to the frequency of autotomized adults, I recorded the species, sex, body size, and hind leg status after sampling adults because, according to previous research, these four parameters can be used to make predictions about the frequency of autotomized adults in the wild. There was a significant interaction effect between grasshopper sex and the sampling season on the frequency of autotomized adults and a non‐linear increase in the frequency of autotomized adults as the season advanced. However, there were no significant effects caused by species or body size. Thus, a sexual difference existed in the occurrence and disappearance of autotomized adults in the wild as the season advanced. The ecological and evolutionary factors and mechanisms causing this pattern are discussed.
Antibacterial Mechanism of Octamethylene‐1,8‐Bis(Dodecyldimethylammonium Bromide) Against E. coli
Authors: Zhao Xiaofang , Li Yahong , Yuan Hao , Yin Jianhua , Hu Mingming
Published: March 2017

The antibacterial activity of the cationic dimeric amphiphile octamethylene‐1,8‐bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12‐8‐12) against the Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli was measured and compared with the monomeric amphiphile dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12‐8‐12 was about 1/20 of DTAB. By measuring the activity of β‐galactosidase and the image of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, it was revealed that the cationic amphiphile 12‐8‐12 interacted with the negatively charged membrane of E. coli and disrupted the membrane integrity, thus leading to the release of intracellular contents and the death of bacteria. To further explore the antibacterial mechanism, the interactions of cationic amphiphile 12‐8‐12 with biomacromolecules (bovine serum albumin (BSA) and salmon sperm DNA) were studied by measuring the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA and the zeta potential of DNA. It was shown that the antibacterial action site of cationic amphiphile was not only on the bacterial membrane but also on the intracellular contents such as protein and DNA.
Gender and other risk factors associated with risky behaviours among Nigerian adolescents
Authors: Akanni Oluyemi O. , Koleoso Olaide N. , Olashore Anthony A. , Adayonfo Ehigiator O. , Osundina Adeagbo F. , Ayilara Olaniyi O.
Published: March 2017

Risky behaviours in adolescents, apart from substance use, and their associate factors, have not been thoroughly investigated in Nigeria. Hence, there is a need to study the prevalence of risky behaviours and their relationship with gender and other potential risk factors. Data comprising socio‐demographic, risky behaviours, personality traits, religious orientation and substance use were obtained from 300 randomly selected secondary school students. Two risk groups (low and high) based on the number of risky behaviours were determined. Male was a risk factor for theft (OR = 2.1; 95%CI = 1.17–3.95), bullying (OR = 2.76; 95%CI = 1.37–5.56) and fighting (OR = 2.14; 95%CI = 1.35–3.40). Fifty‐two (17.3%) of the students were of high‐risk behaviour group. Furthermore, private school (β = 1.05; P = 0.010), poor perceived relationship with teachers (β = 1.21; P = 0.002), polygamy (β = 1.20; P = 0.002) and lifetime cigarette use (β = 1.07; P = 0.027) were predictors of high‐risk behaviour group. Substantial proportion of adolescents in Nigeria exhibit risky behaviours of which gender and other factors play a significant role.
Chronic physical illnesses in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are independently associated with higher rates of psychiatric rehospitalization; a cross-sectional study in Croatia
Authors: Filipcic I. , Simunovic Filipcic I. , Ivezic E. , Matic K. , Tunjic Vukadinovic N. , Vuk Pisk S. , Bodor D. , Bajic Z. , Jakovljevic M. , Sartorius N.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Increased physical morbidity in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is well documented. However, much less is known about the association between somatic comorbidities and psychosis treatment outcomes.

Subjects and methods:

This cross-sectional study, nested within the larger frame of a prospective cohort study, was done in 2016 at Psychiatric Hospital Sveti Ivan, Zagreb, Croatia. Data were collected on a consecutive sample of 301 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who achieved a stable therapeutic dosage. Key outcome was the number of psychiatric rehospitalizations since diagnosis of the primary psychiatric illness. Predictors were number of physical and psychiatric comorbidities. By robust regression, we controlled different clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle confounding factors.

Results:

The number of chronic somatic comorbidities was statistically significantly associated with a larger number of psychiatric rehospitalizations, even after the adjustment for number of psychiatric comorbidities and large number of other clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle variables.

Conclusions:

Chronic somatic comorbidities are associated with higher rates of psychiatric rehospitalization independently of psychiatric comorbidities and other clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. Therefore, to treat psychosis effectively, it may be necessary to treat chronic somatic comorbidities promptly and adequately. Chronic somatic comorbidities should be considered equally important as the SSD, and should be brought to the forefront of psychiatric treatment and research with the SSD as one entity. The integrative approach should be the imperative in clinical practice.
Pipe jet noise reduction using co-axial swirl pipe
Authors: Balakrishnan P. , Srinivasan K.
Published: March 2017

The present experimental work highlights the acoustic far field and flow field characteristics of confined co-axial swirling pipe jets. Co-axial confinements with six vanes at angles of 0°, 20° and 40° are considered here. Two pipe lengths of L/D=0.5 and 2 are studied. The Mach numbers studied range from 0.85 to 1.83. An increase in the pipe length causes suppression of the transonic tones in non-swirl pipe jets. Swirl reduces the low frequency noise components and increases the high-frequency components compared to non-swirl jet. The broadband shock associated noise is mitigated by the swirl pipe jets. However, the screech tone is completely eliminated by the swirl pipe jets. Further, swirl pipe jets radiate low levels of noise at all the emission angles compared to non-swirl pipe jets, for both the pipe length cases at supersonic Mach numbers. Increase in the pipe length enhances the shock associated noise and OASPL for the non-swirl pipe jet. Centreline pitot survey and schlieren visualisation show a reduction in core length, reduction in the number of shock cells, weakening/destruction of the shock cells by the swirl pipe jets compared to the non-swirl pipe jets.
Two-dimensional phoretic swimmers: the singular weak-advection limits
Authors: Yariv Ehud
Published: March 2017

Because of the associated far-field logarithmic divergence, the transport problem governing two-dimensional phoretic self-propulsion lacks a steady solution when the Péclet number $\mathit{Pe}$ vanishes. This indeterminacy, which has no counterpart in three dimensions, is remedied by introducing a non-zero value of $\mathit{Pe}$, however small. We consider that problem employing a first-order kinetic model of solute absorption, where the ratio of the characteristic magnitudes of reaction and diffusion is quantified by the Damköhler number $\mathit{Da}$. As $\mathit{Pe}\rightarrow 0$ the dominance of diffusion breaks down at distances that scale inversely with $\mathit{Pe}$; at these distances, the leading-order transport represents a two-dimensional point source in a uniform stream. Asymptotic matching between the latter region and the diffusion-dominated near-particle region provides the leading-order particle velocity as an implicit function of $\log \mathit{Pe}$. Another scenario involving weak advection takes place under strong reactions, where $\mathit{Pe}$ and $\mathit{Da}$ are large and comparable. In that limit, the breakdown of diffusive dominance occurs at distances that scale as $\mathit{Da}^{2}/\mathit{Pe}$.
Photon polarizability and its effect on the dispersion of plasma waves
Authors: Dodin I. Y. , Ruiz D. E.
Published: March 2017

High-frequency photons travelling in plasma exhibit a linear polarizability that can influence the dispersion of linear plasma waves. We present a detailed calculation of this effect for Langmuir waves as a characteristic example. Two alternative formulations are given. In the first formulation, we calculate the modified dispersion of Langmuir waves by solving the governing equations for the electron fluid, where the photon contribution enters as a ponderomotive force. In the second formulation, we provide a derivation based on the photon polarizability. Then, the calculation of ponderomotive forces is not needed, and the result is more general.
Candelariella blastidiata sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Candelariaceae) from Eurasia and North America, and a key for grey thalli Candelariella
Authors: YAKOVCHENKO Lidia S. , VONDRÁK Jan , OHMURA Yoshihito , KORCHIKOV Evgeny S. , VONDRÁKOVA Olga S. , DAVYDOV Evgeny A.
Published: March 2017

Candelariella blastidiata Yakovchenko sp. nov. is described. This corticolous species is characterized by biatorine yellow apothecia, a grey squamulose thallus with marginal and lower side blastidia, 8-spored asci, and a northern circumpolar distribution. Candelariella subdeflexa has previously been confused with C. blastidiata, but our analyses of phenotypic and DNA sequence data revealed C. blastidiata should be distinguished from C. subdeflexa. A worldwide key for Candelariella species with grey thalli is provided.
Taxonomic survey compared to ecological sampling: are the results consistent for woodland epiphytes?
Authors: ELLIS C. J. , COPPINS B. J.
Published: March 2017

Field survey by a taxonomist or specialist biologist (‘taxonomic survey’) provides a comprehensive inventory of species in a habitat. Common and conspicuous species are rapidly recorded and search effort can be targeted to inconspicuous or rare species. However, the subjective nature of taxonomic survey limits its usefulness in ecological monitoring and analysis. In contrast, ‘ecological sampling’, focused on the standardized use of repeated sub-units such as quadrats, is designed to quantify the observational error of results, allowing for more robust statistical treatment. Nevertheless, the spatial extent of recording will be lower during ecological sampling, and rarities might be missed. Despite their differences, these two approaches are often assumed to be congruent for decision making. Taxonomic survey is commonly used to identify priority sites for conservation (including species-rich sites, or those with many rare/threatened species) while ecological sampling is used to design conservation strategy by relating species richness or composition to habitat dynamics. If these contrasting approaches are indeed congruent, then trends in species richness and community composition, detected by ecological sampling, will mirror the results of taxonomic survey so that management confidently protects the attributes for which a site was prioritized. This study performed both taxonomic survey and ecological sampling for lichen epiphytes in 13 woodland study sites in Scotland. To understand the procedure of taxonomic survey, fieldwork by a professional taxonomist was structured by effort into 15-minute time intervals. As expected, taxonomic survey discovered more species per site, while ecological sampling (allowing a measure of species frequency) resolved greater variation in community composition. However, the patterns of richness and species composition obtained from the different methods were correlated, suggesting an overall high degree of congruence in identifying and then managing priority sites. Furthermore, when exploring the taxonomic survey in detail, we found that a minimum effort of 45 minutes was required to accurately determine species richness differences among contrasting woodland sites.
Island biogeography of insect conservation in urban green spaces
Authors: FATTORINI SIMONE , MANTONI CRISTINA , DE SIMONI LIVIA , GALASSI DIANA M.P.
Published: March 2017

Because of their isolation, biotic communities of urban green spaces are expected to be similar to those of oceanic islands. This should be particularly true for insects, which represent an important component of urban faunas. The equilibrium theory of island biogeography (ETIB) allows for the formulation of some hypotheses regarding the influence of the geographical characteristics of green spaces on insect species richness and extinction risk. Based on island biogeography principles, we present eight predictions on how green space characteristics should influence insect species richness and loss. We analysed the current literature in order to determine which predictions were supported and which were not. We found that many studies gave outcomes that support ETIB predictions about the effects of area and isolation of green spaces; we found no strong support for predictions about shape and extent of native habitat in the literature that we reviewed. Most of the available studies dealt with patterns in species richness, whereas insect species loss has been rarely investigated. Future developments in the application of island biogeography principles to urban insect conservation should address temporal trends in species persistence and the analysis of species co-occurrence and nestedness.