bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BrainMap VBM: An environment for structural meta‐analysis
Authors: Vanasse Thomas J. , Fox P. Mickle , Barron Daniel S. , Robertson Michaela , Eickhoff Simon B. , Lancaster Jack L. , Fox Peter T.
Published: May 2018

The BrainMap database is a community resource that curates peer‐reviewed, coordinate‐based human neuroimaging literature. By pairing the results of neuroimaging studies with their relevant meta‐data, BrainMap facilitates coordinate‐based meta‐analysis (CBMA) of the neuroimaging literature en masse or at the level of experimental paradigm, clinical disease, or anatomic location. Initially dedicated to the functional, task‐activation literature, BrainMap is now expanding to include voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) studies in a separate sector, titled: BrainMap VBM. VBM is a whole‐brain, voxel‐wise method that measures significant structural differences between or within groups which are reported as standardized, peak x–y–z coordinates. Here we describe BrainMap VBM, including the meta‐data structure, current data volume, and automated reverse inference functions (region‐to‐disease profile) of this new community resource. CBMA offers a robust methodology for retaining true‐positive and excluding false‐positive findings across studies in the VBM literature. As with BrainMap's functional database, BrainMap VBM may be synthesized en masse or at the level of clinical disease or anatomic location. As a use‐case scenario for BrainMap VBM, we illustrate a trans‐diagnostic data‐mining procedure wherein we explore the underlying network structure of 2,002 experiments representing over 53,000 subjects through independent components analysis (ICA). To reduce data‐redundancy effects inherent to any database, we demonstrate two data‐filtering approaches that proved helpful to ICA. Finally, we apply hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to measure network‐ and disease‐specificity. This procedure distinguished psychiatric from neurological diseases. We invite the neuroscientific community to further exploit BrainMap VBM with other modeling approaches.
fMRI connectivity of expressive language in young children and adolescents
Authors: Youssofzadeh Vahab , Vannest Jennifer , Kadis Darren S.
Published: May 2018

Studies of language representation in development have shown a bilateral distributed pattern of activation that becomes increasingly left‐lateralized and focal from young childhood to adulthood. However, the level by which canonical and extra‐canonical regions, including subcortical and cerebellar regions, contribute to language during development has not been well‐characterized. In this study, we employed fMRI connectivity analyses (fcMRI) to characterize the distributed network supporting expressive language in a group of young children (age 4–6) and adolescents (age 16–18). We conducted an fcMRI analysis using seed‐to‐voxel and seed‐to‐ROI (region of interest) strategies to investigate interactions of left pars triangularis with other brain areas. The analyses showed significant interhemispheric connectivity in young children, with a minimal connectivity of the left pars triangularis to subcortical and cerebellar regions. In contrast, adolescents showed significant connectivity between the left IFG seed and left perisylvian cortex, left caudate and putamen, and regions of the right cerebellum. Importantly, fcMRI analyses indicated significant differences between groups at 3 anatomical clusters, including left IFG, left supramarginal gyrus, and right cerebellar crura, suggesting a role in the functional development of language.
Rab37 in lung cancer mediates exocytosis of soluble ST2 and thus skews macrophages toward tumor‐suppressing phenotype
Authors: Tzeng Hong‐Tai , Su Ching‐Chin , Chang Chih‐Peng , Lai Wu‐Wei , Su Wu‐Chou , Wang Yi‐Ching
Published: May 2018

Interplay between cancer epithelial cells and the surrounding immune cells shape the tumor microenvironment to promote cancer progression. Tumor‐associated macrophages are well recognized for their roles in cancer progression. Accumulating evidence also indicates implication of Rab small GTPase‐mediated exocytosis in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism for Rab‐mediated exocytosis in regulation of macrophage polarization is not clear. We have previously identified Rab37 as a metastasis suppressor in lung cancer. In our study, we identified a novel Rab37 trafficking cargo soluble ST2 (sST2), which skewed macrophage polarization toward anti‐tumoral M1‐like phenotype in vitro. We further demonstrated that Rab37‐mediated sST2 secretion significantly increased the ratio of M1 vs. M2 in xenografts and thus reduced tumor growth. Moreover, lung cancer patients with low Rab37, low sST2 and low ratio of M1 vs. M2 macrophages expression profile correlated with worse overall survival examined by Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that this Rab37‐sST2‐M1/M2 expression profile predicted poor prognosis. Our findings reveal a novel regulation of cancerous Rab37 in microenvironmental macrophages polarization, which preferentially shifts to anti‐tumoral phenotype and thereby suppresses lung tumor growth.
Genetic features of multicentric/multifocal intramucosal gastric carcinoma
Authors: Mizuguchi Aya , Takai Atsushi , Shimizu Takahiro , Matsumoto Tomonori , Kumagai Ken , Miyamoto Shin'ichi , Seno Hiroshi , Marusawa Hiroyuki
Published: May 2018

Chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection could lead to the development of gastric cancer. The finding that multiple gastric cancers can develop synchronously and/or metachronously suggests the development of field cancerization in chronically inflamed, H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. The genetic basis of multiple tumorigenesis in the inflamed stomach, however, is not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the microsatellite instability (MSI) status and copy number aberrations (CNAs) of 41 multiple intramucosal early gastric cancers that synchronously or metachronously developed in 19 patients with H. pylori infection. Among the 41 intramucosal gastric carcinomas, 9 (22%) exhibited MSI, and the remaining 32 (78%) exhibited the microsatellite stable (MSS) phenotype. Metachronous multiple intramucosal gastric carcinoma exhibit inter‐tumor heterogeneity by individually acquiring genetic aberrations. All synchronous multiple intramucosal gastric carcinoma pairs shared a common MSI/MSS profile, and CNA analysis revealed that synchronous multiple intramucosal gastric carcinoma pairs with the MSS phenotype shared common aberrations of representative tumor‐suppressor genes, including focal deletion of APC, TP53, CDKN2A, and CDKN2B. Multiregional CNA analysis revealed that heterogeneous gene amplifications/deletions, including PDL1 amplification, evolved under the presence of shared “trunk” genetic alterations in a subpopulation of individual intramucosal gastric carcinomas. These data suggest that multiple gastric carcinomas develop in a multicentric/multifocal manner exhibiting features of inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa, whereas synchronous multiple intramucosal gastric carcinomas could share partially common genetic alterations, possibly via common oncogenic pathways.
Mid‐infrared spectral microimaging of inflammatory skin lesions
Authors: Sebiskveradze David , Bertino Béatrice , Gaydou Vincent , Dugaret Anne‐Sophie , Roquet Manon , Zugaj Didier E. , Voegel Johannes J. , Jeannesson Pierre , Manfait Michel , Piot Olivier
Published: May 2018

Skin is one of the most important organs of the human body because of its characteristics and functions. There are many alterations, either pathological or physiological, that can disturb its functioning. However, at present all methods used to investigate skin diseases, non‐invasive or invasive, are based on clinical examinations by physicians. Thus, diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management rely on the expertise of the practitioner, the quality of the method and the accessibility of distinctive morphological characteristics of each lesion. To overcome the high sensitivity of these parameters, techniques based on more objective criteria must be explored. Vibrational spectroscopy has become as a key technique for tissue analysis in the biomedical research field. Based on a non‐destructive light/matter interaction, this tool provides information about specific molecular structure and composition of the analyzed sample, thus relating to its precise physiopathological state and permitting to distinguish lesional from normal tissues. This label‐free optical method can be performed directly on the paraffin‐embedded tissue sections without chemical dewaxing. In this study, the potential of the infrared microspectroscopy, combined with data classification methods was demonstrated, to characterize at the tissular level different types of inflammatory skin lesions, and this independently from conventional histopathology.
Evaluation of a pictorial method to obtain subject‐specific inertial properties in equine limb segments
Authors: Nauwelaerts Sandra , Clayton Hilary M.
Published: May 2018

Data describing segmental masses and moments of inertia (MOI) of limb segments are required for inverse dynamic calculations. In horses, these values are usually calculated using regression equations that have been developed from a limited number of horses representing a small number of breeds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a scaling method and a pictorial method for estimating of the values of segmental masses, lengths, and MOI in the equine limb segments by comparing their output with the standard technique involving direct measurements. Limbs of 30 horses of various breeds and sizes were disarticulated post mortem. Segmental masses, lengths, and MOI were determined using a standard method based on weighing the segments, measuring their length with calipers, and estimating the MOI from the rotational frequency of a trifilar pendulum. The scaling method used a jack‐knifing procedure to avoid the need for two data sets. The pictorial method was based on digitization of two orthogonal photographs to determine segmental volumes, which were combined with published values for average segment densities to determine the inertial parameters. Scaling method and pictorial method provided comparable estimation of segmental messes and lengths, but the scaling method performed better in estimating segmental MOI. The scaling method worked well enough in the majority of horses but there were a few horses in which it was less effective. The pictorial method sometimes showed a bias correctable by regression equations but it may not warrant the additional effort unless for specific cases.
Phylogenetic analysis of human G9P[8] rotavirus strains circulating in Jiangsu, China between 2010 and 2016
Authors: Xu Cheng , Fu Jianguang , Ai Jing , Zhang Jun , Liu Cheng , Huo Xiang , Bao Changjun , Zhu Yefei
Published: May 2018

Rotavirus A (RVA) is the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age worldwide. G9P[8] is a common RVA genotype that has been persistently prevalent in Jiangsu, China. To determine the genetic diversity of G9P[8] RVAs, 7 representative G9P[8] strains collected from Suzhou Children’s Hospital between 2010 and 2016 (named JS2010‐JS2016) were analyzed through whole‐genome sequencing. All evaluated strains showed the Wa‐like constellation G9‐P[8]‐I1‐R1‐C1‐M1‐A1‐N1‐T1‐E1‐H1. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the VP7 genes of all strains clustered into lineage G9‐III and G9‐VI. With the exception of strain JS2012 (P[8]‐4), the VP4 sequences of all strains belonged to the P[8]‐3 lineage. Sequencing further revealed that amino acid substitutions were present in the antigenic regions of the VP7 and VP4 genes of all strains. Moreover, there were multiple substitutions in antigenic sites I and II of the nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) genes, whereas the other NSP genes were relatively conserved. In conclusion, our phylogenetic analysis of these 7 G9P[8] strains suggests that RVA varied across regions and time. Therefore, our findings suggest that continued surveillance is necessary to explore the molecular evolutionary characteristics of RVA for better prevention and treatment of acute viral gastroenteritis.
Sentinel lymph node metastasis in primary cutaneous basosquamous carcinoma. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kakagia Despoina D. , Zapandioti Polyxeni , Trypsiannis Grigoris , Grekou Alexandra N. , Tsoutsos Dimosthenis
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare, biologically aggressive tumor. This cross‐sectional study aims to define risk factors for subclinical nodal metastasis in primary BSC, and identify the patients who would benefit from routine sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) as part of the initial management.

Methods

A total of 142 patients, with histologically proven BSC without palpable lymph nodes, underwent SLNB after the initial excision. Clinicopathological features and demographics were analyzed between the patients with detected micrometastasis (SLNM) and those with negative SLN.

Results

In 7.7% patients, subcapsular and <0.1 mm SLNM were found. The frequency of SLNM was 0.9%, 11.8%, and 80.0% in patients with maximum lesion diameter ≤ 2 cm, 2.1‐3.0 cm and >3.0 cm, respectively (P < 0.001) and was strongly associated with perineural (P < 0.001; OR = 26.46, 95% CI = 5.62‐124.52) and lymphatic invasion (P < 0.001; OR = 17.35, 95% CI = 4.44‐67.91).

Within 18‐84 months, no recurrence or metastasis were observed in SLNM positive patients. False negative SLNB rate of 15.4% was recorded.

Conclusion

Cutaneous BSC is associated with early nodal metastatic potential. Tumor size >2 cm, lymphatic and perineural invasion are significant determinants for SLN micrometastasis. In the absence of palpable lymphadenopathy, wide resection and SLNB with long‐term follow‐up are highly recommended in these patients.
Multi‐center retrospective study of the prognosis and treatment outcomes of Japanese oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with single lymph node metastasis and extra nodal extension
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Yanamoto Souichi , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Kakei Yasumasa , Okura Masaya , Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Yamada Shin‐ichi , Ota Yoshihide , Umeda Masahiro , Kirita Tadaaki , Kurita Hiroshi , Ueda Michihiro , Komori Takahide ,   Japan Oral Oncology Group (JOOG)
Published: May 2018

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) containing single lymph node metastasis (pN1) with extra nodal extension (ENE) is a rare clinical situation. Therefore, it is unclear whether pN1 with ENE is at high risk of recurrence among the OSCC population, or whether postoperative radiotherapy (RT)/concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is effective in these cases.

Objectives

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the prognosis and compare between no postoperative therapy and postoperative RT/CCRT in pN1 with ENE OSCC patients.

Methods

Clinicopathological data and treatment modalities were investigated. The evaluated endpoints were overall survival (OS) and type of recurrence.

Results

The 3‐year cumulative OS rates for the pN1 only, multiple lymph node metastasis (MLM) only, ENE + MLM, and ENE + pN1 groups were 77.2%, 66.8%, 43.3%, and 66.6%, respectively. In the ENE + pN1 group, the most common cause of death in the surgery only group was from regional failure. The surgery + RT/CCRT group was associated with better disease‐specific survival and OS rates than the surgery only groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prognosis of ENE + pN1 was not as poor as that of ENE + MLM, although both these groups feature ENE. Adjuvant therapy (RT/CCRT) after surgery is recommend for cases of ENE + pN1.
Coarse and fine sediment sources in nested watersheds with eucalyptus forest
Authors: Rodrigues Miriam Fernanda , Reichert José Miguel , Burrow Robert A. , Flores Erico Marlon Moraes , Minella Jean Paolo Gomes , Rodrigues Lilian Alessandra , Oliveira Jussiane Souza Silva , Cavalcante Rosane Barbosa Lopes
Published: May 2018

Knowledge on sediment behavior in watersheds contributes to properly implement soil and water conservation practices and solve sediment‐related environmental problems. We examined the effects of suspended and bedload sediments and location of potential sediment sources. We used geochemical properties to calculate sediment contributions, with sediment fingerprinting approach, in a watershed (0.98 km2) and in a sub‐watershed (0.39 km2) cropped to commercial eucalyptus along with native forest. The sediment sources evaluated were eucalyptus stand, stream bank along the main channel, and unpaved roads in each watershed. Two size‐fractions of source and sediment samples including fine (<0.063 mm) and coarse (0.063–2 mm) particles were analyzed. Particle size and source location in the watershed are major factors affecting the contribution of sediment sources. The closer the sediment source, the higher the sediment source contribution, especially for coarse particles. Runoff connectivity probably explains large changes in sediment source contributions over very short distances between sampling sites. The stream bank had the greater relative contribution to sediment yield, suggesting that the focal point for erosion control practices should be the channel rather than on the slopes with eucalyptus or riparian vegetation. Future studies should consider uncertainties in grouping sediment sources with a much better signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Tracking geomorphic recovery in process‐based river management
Authors: Fryirs Kirstie A. , Brierley Gary J. , Hancock Fergus , Cohen Tim J. , Brooks Andrew P. , Reinfelds Ivars , Cook Nick , Raine Allan
Published: May 2018

Human disturbance induces significant geomorphic changes to river systems. In eastern Australia, land‐use practices such as clearance of forests and riparian vegetation, and removal of wood from channels in the 19th and 20th centuries induced widespread geomorphic impacts. However, since the 1970s, there has been a noticeable shift in the geomorphic condition of many rivers in eastern New South Wales (NSW). This transition to a recovery trajectory reflects a reduction in land‐use pressures and improved farming practices on the one hand and adoption of recovery enhancement approaches to river conservation and rehabilitation by management authorities on the other. Monitoring and tracking changes in condition by state government agencies involves identifying when geomorphic recovery is occurring so that decision‐support frameworks can determine whether river management is required, where, when, and how much to intervene to enhance river recovery and when to opt‐out of management because the system requires little (or no) intervention. Here, we document procedures that are used to manage process‐based, recovery enhancement in NSW. Following a brief review of river change in eastern NSW since European settlement, we outline an approach to identify and measure key geomorphic indicators of river recovery for different river types. We use case studies to demonstrate examples of geomorphic river recovery, prior to showing how state government agencies in NSW are monitoring trajectories and rates of recovery. Broader implications of this ‘good news story’ are discussed.
Intergranular corrosion testing of 6000 aluminum alloys
Authors: Cornejo Marina , Hentschel Thomas , Koschel Diana , Matthies Christiane , Peguet Lionel , Rosefort Marcel , Schnatterer Christian , Szala Elizabeth , Zander Daniela
Published: May 2018

The ISO 11846 Method B is one of the most frequently used corrosion tests to investigate the intergranular corrosion susceptibility of Al‐Mg‐Si(‐Cu) alloys and involves the sample immersion in an aqueous solution containing 30 g/L NaCl and 10 ml/L concentrated HCl for 24 h. Unfortunately, the standard allows for a broad range of parameter variation, for instance the temperature of the test solution and the volume‐to‐surface‐ratio of the solution related to the sample surface area, which causes insufficient reproducibility and reliability of this test method. In the present study, the influence of testing parameter variations within the scope of ISO 11846 Method B on the test results of an almost Cu‐free and a Cu‐containing variant of the 6016 aluminum alloy, both tested in the T4 condition and after a bake‐hardening treatment, was studied in detail. The results show that particularly the volume‐to‐surface‐ratio as well as the surface preparation and the solution temperature significantly influence the test results.
Estimating the age of Hb G‐Coushatta [β22(B4)Glu→Ala] mutation by haplotypes of β‐globin gene cluster in Denizli, Turkey
Authors: Ozturk Onur , Arikan Sanem , Atalay Ayfer , Atalay Erol O.
Published: May 2018

Background

Hb G‐Coushatta variant was reported from various populations’ parts of the world such as Thai, Korea, Algeria, Thailand, China, Japan and Turkey. In our study, we aimed to discuss the possible historical relationships of the Hb G‐Coushatta mutation with the possible migration routes of the world. For this purpose, associated haplotypes were determined using polymorphic loci in the beta globin gene cluster of hemoglobin G‐Coushatta and normal populations in Denizli, Turkey.

Methods

We performed statistical analysis such as haplotype analysis, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, measurement of genetic diversity and population differentiation parameters, analysis of molecular variance using F‐statistics, historical‐demographic analyses, mismatch distribution analysis of both populations and applied the test statistics in Arlequin ver. 3.5 software program.

Results

The diversity of haplotypes has been shown to indicate different genetic origins for two populations. However, AMOVA results, molecular diversity parameters and population demographic expansion times showed that the Hb G‐Coushatta mutation develops on the normal population gene pool. Our estimated τ values showed the average time since the demographic expansion for normal and Hb G‐Coushatta populations ranged from approximately 42,000 to 38,000 ybp, respectively.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that Hb G‐Coushatta population originate in normal population in Denizli, Turkey. These results support the hypothesis that the multiple origin of Hb G‐Coushatta and indicate that mutation may have been triggered the formation of new variants on beta globin haplotypes.
Applications of the Whittaker smoother in NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Cobas Carlos
Published: May 2018

The Whittaker smoother, a special case of penalized least square, is a multipurpose algorithm that has proven to be very useful in many scientific fields, including image processing, chromatography, and optical spectroscopy. It shares many similarities with the Savitzky–Golay algorithm, but it is significantly faster and easier to automate. Its use in nuclear magnetic resonance, however, is not widespread although several applications have recently been published. In this review, the mathematical background of the method and its main applications in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be discussed.
Prediction of Mortality with A Body Shape Index in Young Asians: Comparison with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference
Authors: Lee Da‐Young , Lee Mi‐Yeon , Sung Ki‐Chul
Published: May 2018

Objective

This paper investigated the impact of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) on the risk of all‐cause mortality compared with the impact of waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

This paper reviewed data of 213,569 Korean adults who participated in health checkups between 2002 and 2012 at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in Seoul, Korea. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed on the BMI, WC, and ABSI z score continuous variables as well as quintiles.

Results

During 1,168,668.7 person‐years, 1,107 deaths occurred. As continuous variables, a significant positive relationship with the risk of all‐cause death was found only in ABSI z scores after adjustment for age, sex, current smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, presence of diabetes or hypertension, and history of cardiovascular diseases. In Cox analysis of quintiles, quintile 5 of the ABSI z score showed significantly increased hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality risk (HR [95% CI] was 1.32 [1.05‐1.66]), whereas the risk for all‐cause mortality, on the other hand, decreased in quintiles 3 through 5 of BMI and WC compared with their first quintiles after adjusting for several confounders.

Conclusions

This study showed that the predictive value of ABSI for mortality risk was strong for a sample of young Asian participants and that its usefulness was better than BMI or WC.
Reduced curing kinetic energy and enhanced thermal resistance of phthalonitrile resins modified with inorganic particles
Authors: Song Yuanyuan , Zong Lishuai , Bao Feng , Li Guiyang , Wu Zuoqiang , Li Nan , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: May 2018

The effects of inorganic particles such as Al2O3 and B4C on the solidification kinetics and heat resistance of phthalonitrile resin were investigated. The properties of the blends and the cured products were tested by rheometer, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed that B4C and Al2O3 inorganic particles could prolong the gel time of phthalonitrile resin and broaden the processing window. The curing kinetic analysis showed that the presence of the particles could significantly reduce the curing activation energy of phthalonitrile resins by 72.38 kJ/mol down to 43.03 kJ/mol. Meanwhile, the heat resistance of the phthalonitrile resin was improved. Among them, the blend system combined with 30% B4C showed prominent thermoresistance. And while the Td5% weight loss temperature was 600°C, char yield at 1000°C was higher than 86% under nitrogen atmosphere; while the Td5% weight loss temperature was 581°C, char yield at 1000°C was higher than 80% under air atmosphere. Hence, the resulting resins were good candidate matrix of high‐temperature structural composites.
Preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose‐g‐poly (acrylamide)/montmorillonite superabsorbent composite as a slow‐release urea fertilizer
Authors: Kenawy El‐Refaie , Azaam Mohamed M. , El‐nshar Esraa M.
Published: May 2018

A superabsorbent composite was synthesized through free‐radical graft copolymerization of carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylamide, and montmorillonite by means of a crosslinker such as N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate as an initiator. The preparation mechanism was proposed, and the composite structures were confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The factors influencing the swelling capacity of the composite were determined to accomplish the highly swelling capacity. The composition (15 wt% carboxymethyl cellulose, 5.4 wt% montmorillonite, 82 wt% acrylamide, 0.07 wt% N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide, and 1.1 wt% potassium persulfate) exhibited high swelling capacity; it was selected to be loaded with urea fertilizer, and the release was investigated by measuring the conductivity. The results showed that the new controlled release system has good slow release properties.
Vapochromic polyketone films based on aggregation‐induced enhanced emission
Authors: Iasilli Giuseppe , Scatto Marco , Pucci Andrea
Published: May 2018

Aliphatic polyketone (PK) films physically mixed with moderate amounts (0.6 wt%) of 4,4′‐bis(2‐benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS) fluorophores were demonstrated to be sensitive to volatile organic compounds. Notably, BBS/PK blends were prepared by means of a continuous 1‐step extrusion process in a pilot‐scale twin screw extruder and compression molded followed by rapid quenching in liquid nitrogen to get thin films (thickness of 150 μm) containing molecularly dispersed blue emissive BBS fluorophores. The 0.6 wt% BBS/PK films demonstrated significant vapochromism when exposed to volatile organic compounds characterized by favorable interactions with the polymer matrix such as chloroform. Solvent absorption caused PK matrix plasticization, thus increasing BBS mobility and triggering the self‐associations of molecules into bluish green‐emissive excimers/aggregates thanks to the emersion of the typical band at 500 nm. This phenomenon preferentially involves the BBS/PK film layers close to the air‐contact surface without affecting the bulk characteristics of the PK matrix. The easy modulation of the luminescent properties of PK films by varying the supramolecular organization of BBS dispersed molecules by chemical perturbations, and the use of melt‐processing procedures suggests the use for the first time of aliphatic PK in the development of smart materials for sensing applications.
Post‐polymerization modification of a new reactive monolith for reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography of neutral, polar, and biologically active compounds
Authors: Gökaltun Aslıhan , Tuncel Ali
Published: May 2018

A reactive monolith based on the polymerization of 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, (HPMA‐Cl), with a crosslinking agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA), was synthesized and post‐functionalized with a macromolecular ligand polyethyleneimine. Monolithic columns with controlled permeability and pore structure were prepared by free radical polymerization in the presence of a binary porogenic mixture of isopropanol and decanol. The presence of chloropropyl functionality in the pristine monolith allowed the synthesis of a post‐fuctionalized monolith carrying cationic groups that was used to control the magnitude of electroosmotic flow (EOF) in electrochromatographic separation. In the synthesis of pristine monoliths, the feed concentration of functional monomer (ie, HPMA‐Cl) was changed between 30 and 60 v/v % for obtaining cationic monoliths providing satisfactory electrochromatographic separation. The best electrochromatographic performance was obtained with the polyethyleneimine functionalized monolith prepared by using the pristine monolith obtained by 60% (v/v) monomer concentration. This monolith was used in reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography modes for the separation of alkylbenzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, and nucleosides, using mobile phases with low acetonitrile (ACN) contents ranging between 20% and 35% (v/v). This ACN range was remarkably lower than the content of ACN used on the hydrophilic polymethacrylate‐based monoliths reported previously (ie, >90%). The plate heights up to 5.3 μm were obtained for the separation of nucleosides with the environmental friendly mobile phases whose ACN contents were also remarkably lower than that of similar polymethacrylate‐based monoliths.
Synthesis, characterization, processability, mechanical properties, flame retardant, and oil resistance of chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Nihmath A. , Ramesan M. T.
Published: May 2018

Novel chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (Cl‐NBR) was prepared from NBR by the alkaline hydrolysis of chloroform by using phase‐transfer catalysis. The formation of Cl‐NBR was monitored by 1H‐NMR, UV‐Vis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The percentage of chlorine attached to the rubber chain was estimated by Volhard method. The effect of polar groups on the structural and thermal properties of Cl‐NBR was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis studies. The flame retardant, oil resistance, cure behavior, and mechanical properties of chlorinated elastomer were also analyzed. The proton NMR revealed the attachment of chlorine in the backbone of NBR with new chemical shift values. The C‐Cl stretching of chlorinated NBR was confirmed from Fourier transform infrared. The UV spectrum also supported the formation of chlorinated unit in the NBR chain through the shifts and broadening of absorption peaks. The X‐ray diffraction analysis pattern indicated a decrease in the amorphous domain of NBR with an increase in the level of chemical modification. The increased glass transition temperature obtained from differential scanning calorimetry confirms the increased molecular rigidity of the chlorinated NBR and thermal transitions increased with increase in the level of chemical modification. The thermal stability of Cl‐NBR decreased with an increase in chlorine content. The flame and oil resistance of Cl‐NBR was greatly higher than pure NBR due to the increased polarity of modified rubber. The superior tensile strength of Cl‐NBR (4 times higher than pure NBR) and higher oil resistance find applications in pump diaphragms, aircraft hoses, oil‐lined tubing, and gaskets materials with the excellent flame resistant property.
Particle distribution from in‐plane resin flow in a resin transfer molding process
Authors: Louis Bryan M. , Maldonado Jesus , Klunker Florian , Ermanni Paolo
Published: May 2018

In liquid composite molding (LCM) processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM), particle distribution can be problematic as the particle fillers can be filtered by the reinforcement fibers during the resin infusion process. In this paper, the filtration of alumina and silica nanoparticles in the production of aramid fiber epoxy composites is characterized. The laminates are produced by in‐plane RTM and the effects of selected process variables on the laminate particle distribution are investigated. The objective is to evaluate the assumption that nanoparticles due to their small physical size inherently do not filter in resin infusion processes. The nanosilica particles are found to effectively not filter, while the nanoalumina particles are much more sensitive to filtration as they formed micro‐scale agglomerates as small as a few microns in size prior to injection. The filtration behavior follows a simple theoretical model for micro‐scale particle filtration, already existing in the literature. For the filtration sensitive particles, it was found that the filtration is influenced by the preform fiber volume content. Other common process variables such as resin viscosity, particle concentration in the injected resin, and saturated resin flow time (resin overflow volume) are found to be filtration independent and do not change the filtration behavior. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:22–34, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrochemical reduction of 2,4‐dimethyl(diethyl)‐9‐oxo‐10‐(4‐heptoxyphenyl)‐9H‐thioxanthenium hexafluorophosphates and 2,4‐dimethyl(diethyl)‐9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐ones
Authors: Shundrin Leonid A. , Avrorov Pavel A. , Irtegova Irina G. , Odintsov Danila S. , Poveshchenko Alexander F.
Published: May 2018

Electrochemical reduction of 2,4‐dimethyl(diethyl)‐9‐oxo‐10‐(4‐heptoxyphenyl)‐9H‐thioxanthenium hexafluorophosphates in acetonitrile (MeCN) and N,N‐dimethylformamide is an irreversible 1‐electron process accompanied by the cleavage of the C(Ph)‐S bond in thioxanthenium cations with the formation of the corresponding 2,4‐dimethyl(diethyl)‐9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐ones. One‐electron reversible electrochemical reduction of the latter compounds occurs at more negative potentials and yields the corresponding radical anions, which have been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations at the (U)B3LYP/6‐31+G*/polarizable continuum model level of theory.
Enhancement of Energy Storage Performance by Criticality in Lead‐Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics
Authors: Weyland Florian , Zhang Haibo , Novak Nikola
Published: May 2018

In modern electronic systems and energy conversion, efficient capacitors with large energy densities are needed. Relaxor ferroelectrics show the potential to achieve those requirements. The lead‐free relaxor ferroelectric 0.852(Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3)–0.028(BaTiO3)–0.12(K1/2Bi1/2TiO3) is investigated exhibiting the behavior of a wide range of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3‐based relaxor systems. The criticality of this system is analyzed and a full electric field–temperature phase diagram is constructed. The energy storage performance is determined from polarization measurements in a wide temperature range. It is found that energy density and especially the efficiency is largely increased in the vicinity of the critical end point of the relaxor system. The concept of criticality is widely applicable to lead‐based and lead‐free relaxor ferroelectrics and therefore an important approach to increase energy storage performance in those systems.
Review of social responsibility factors for sustainable development in public–private partnerships
Authors: Yu Yao , Osei‐Kyei Robert , Chan Albert Ping Chuen , Chen Chuan , Martek Igor
Published: May 2018

In recent years, social responsibility (SR) in public–private partnership (PPP) projects has become crucial due to the need for governments and policy‐makers to develop public infrastructures that are sustainable and offer additional social benefits. However, a systematic review of the extant literature on PPP‐SR is lacking. This study therefore addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive review through a three‐stage systematic process. From the review, 38 SR factors are identified from 26 selected papers on PPP‐SR published in peer‐reviewed journals from 1990 to 2016. The most reported SR factors in PPPs include “establishing an environmental management system,” “innovation” and “ensuring accountability, legitimacy and transparency.” The 38 SR factors are classified into three interrelated categories, namely economic, environmental and community development. The findings inform researchers and practitioners of the SR factors that need to be considered to enhance sustainable development in PPPs. Also, the checklist of PPP‐SR is useful for further empirical investigations.
Indolocarbazole (IC) Derivatives as Promising p‐type Organic Semiconductors: A First‐Principle Study of Their Anisotropic Charge Mobilities
Authors: Sahoo Smruti R. , Sahu Sridhar , Sharma Sagar
Published: May 2018

We present a detailed theoretical study of the structural, charge transport, and optical properties of three indolocarbazole derivatives, viz., 11, 12‐Dihydroindolo[2, 3‐a]carbazole (DIC), 5, 10‐dimethyl‐5,10‐dihydrobenzo[a]indolo[2, 3‐c]carbazole (DMDBIC), and 2,11‐dimethoxydibenzo[2, 3:5,6]pyrrolizino[1, 7‐bc]indolo[1, 2,3‐lm]carbazole (DMDPIC). DFT calculations along with previously reported x‐ray crystal structures reveal that the studied compounds are planar and do not undergo significant changes in structure upon oxidation or reduction. The maximum hole anisotropic charge mobilities for DIC was found to be 0.338 cm2 V−1 s−1 at Φ=175.89° and 355.81° and the maximum electron mobility was 0.181 cm2 V−1 s−1 at Φ=85.94° and 265.85°. For DMDBIC, the predicted maximum anisotropic hole, and electron mobility was 0.501 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.775 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively at Φ=56.72° and 236.63°, while for DMDPIC the predicted maximum anisotropic hole and electron mobility as 1.586 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.594 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively at Φ=0° and 180.0°. The calculated mobilities show that these compounds may be suitable candidates as a p‐type organic semiconductor with better stability than acene compounds.
Gold‐Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Coupling Reaction between Alkynes and Aldehydes for the Synthesis of Conjugated Enones
Authors: Gudla Vanajakshi , Swamy Kolukuluri Chaguru , Battula Venkateswara Rao
Published: May 2018

An efficient AuCl3/AgSbF6‐catalysed enone synthesis from coupling of alkynes and aldehydes has been presented. The present reaction is very effective, simple and mild and has wide range of substrate scope. Both aryl (electron rich and electron deficient) and aliphatic aldehydes and terminal and internal arylalkynes participated smoothly in the reaction and provided exclusively trans product. This simple reaction can be coupled with other gold catalysed transformations which involve enones as substrates for further development.
The Insertion Mechanism of a Living Cell Determined by the Stress Segmentation Effect of the Cell Membrane during the Tip–Cell Interaction
Authors: Fan Na , Jiang Hai , Ye Zhiyi , Wu Guiyong , Kang Yuejun , Wang Qun , Ran Xiaolin , Guo Jian , Zhang Guocheng , Wang Guixue , Peng Bei
Published: May 2018

Atomic force microscopy probes are proved to be powerful tools to measure and manipulate the individual cell, providing potential applications for the controlled drug/protein delivery. However, the measured insertion efficiency varies dramatically from 20 to 80%, in some cases, the nanotip can never penetrate the cell membrane no matter how much force is applied to it. Thus, the insertion mechanism of a living cell during the tip–cell interaction must be thoroughly investigated before this technology comes into practical applications. In this work, a multistructural cell model is established to study the tip–membrane interaction. The simulation results show that the stress of the cell membrane can be divided into two stages by the stress segmentation point S. After point S, the stress of the cell membrane increases slightly and most of the indentation force is allocated to the cytoskeleton. This phenomenon is called “stress segmentation effect of the cell membrane,” which confirms the hypothesis based on the experimental studies. Moreover, according to the experimental and numerical studies, the hypothesis of the stress segmentation effect also explains the reason that modifying the cell membrane or using the manmade sharpened nanotip can increase the insertion efficiency.
Engineering Bulk, Layered, Multicomponent Nanostructures with High Energy Density
Authors: Huang Guangwei , Li Xiaohong , Lou Li , Hua Yingxin , Zhu Guangjun , Li Ming , Zhang Hai‐Tian , Xiao Jianwei , Wen Bin , Yue Ming , Zhang Xiangyi
Published: May 2018

The precise control of individual components in multicomponent nanostructures is crucial to realizing their fascinating functionalities for applications in electronics, energy‐conversion devices, and biotechnologies. However, this control remains particularly challenging for bulk, multicomponent nanomaterials because the desired structures of the constitute components often conflict. Herein, a strategy is reported for simultaneously controlling the structural properties of the constituent components in bulk multicomponent nanostructures through layered structural design. The power of this approach is illustrated by generating the desired structures of each constituent in a bulk multicomponent nanomaterial (SmCo + FeCo)/NdFeB, which cannot be attained with existing methods. The resulting nanostructure exhibits a record high energy density (31 MGOe) for this class of bulk nanocomposites composed of both hard and soft magnetic materials, with the soft magnetic fraction exceeding 20 wt%. It is anticipated that other properties beyond magnetism, such as the thermoelectric and mechanical properties, can also be tuned by engineering such layered architectures.
Dynamic Sessile‐Droplet Habitats for Controllable Cultivation of Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Jin Zengjun , Nie Mengyue , Hu Ran , Zhao Tianhu , Xu Jingyue , Chen Dongwei , Yun Juanli , Ma Luyan Z. , Du Wenbin
Published: May 2018

Bacterial biofilms play essential roles in biogeochemical cycling, degradation of environmental pollutants, infection diseases, and maintenance of host health. The lack of quantitative methods for growing and characterizing biofilms remains a major challenge in understanding biofilm development. In this study, a dynamic sessile‐droplet habitat is introduced, a simple method which cultivates biofilms on micropatterns with diameters of tens to hundreds of micrometers in a microfluidic channel. Nanoliter plugs are utilized, spaced by immiscible carrier oil to initiate and support the growth of an array of biofilms, anchored on and spatially confined to the micropatterns arranged on the bottom surface of the microchannel, while planktonic or dispersal cells are flushed away by shear force of aqueous plugs. The performance of the aforementioned method of cultivating biofilms is demonstrated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its derived mutants, and quantitative antimicrobial susceptibility testing of PAO1 biofilms. This method could significantly eliminate corner effects, avoid microchannel clogging, and constrain the growth of biofilms for long‐term observations. The controllable sessile droplet‐based biofilm cultivation presented in this study should shed light on more quantitative and long‐term studies of biofilms, and open new avenues for investigation of biofilm attachment, growth, expansion, and eradication.
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)‐Based Microscale Actuators with 60% Deformation Rate and 1.6 kHz Actuation Speed
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Taek , Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Gil‐Yong , Kim Chung‐Soo , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: May 2018

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are widely utilized as an actuation source in microscale devices, since they have a simple actuation mechanism and high‐power density. However, they have limitations in terms of strain range and actuation speed. High‐speed microscale SMA actuators are developed having diamond‐shaped frame structures with a diameter of 25 µm. These structures allow for a large elongation range compared with bulk SMA materials, with the aid of spring‐like behavior under tensile deformation. These actuators are validated in terms of their applicability as an artificial muscle in microscale by investigating their behavior under mechanical deformation and changes in thermal conditions. The shape memory effect is triggered by delivering thermal energy with a laser. The fast heating and cooling phenomenon caused by the scale effect allows high‐speed actuation up to 1600 Hz. It is expected that the proposed actuators will contribute to the development of soft robots and biomedical devices.
Towards functional safety and security for adaptive and flexible business processes
Authors: Geist Verena , Natschläger Christine , Illibauer Christa , Schewe Klaus‐Dieter
Published: May 2018

Business process management (BPM) provides many benefits for a company including productivity, efficiency, compliance, risk management, consistency, repeatability, and measurability. Many of these aspects also ensure and improve functional safety, privacy, and security in process execution. However, managed business processes lack flexibility; ie, changing a business process requires more effort than ad hoc execution and adaptation. Thus, especially in small companies, the acceptance rate of managed business processes is low. So we claim that in current BPM approaches, the structuredness ensuring functional safety and security concepts contradicts with the objective for flexibility. The main goal of the AdaBPM project is to address this contradiction by providing a formal approach to handle advanced adaptations and exception handling in business processes. The technical objectives of the project include (1) the definition of a basic framework being capable of handling different levels of adaptivity and considering security and safety requirements at the same time, (2) a rigorous process specification language and model refinement methods, (3) static business process adaptations, and (4) dynamic (or ad hoc) adaptations. The result of our research is a general approach for flexible BPM combined with the possibility to nevertheless manage the process and define safety and security restrictions.
Advanced Materials for Capturing Particulate Matter: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Xiao Jing , Liang Jiachen , Zhang Chen , Tao Ying , Ling Guo‐Wei , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: May 2018

Particulate matter (PM) of different sizes is the prominent air pollutant that causes severe health issues. Despite source control, the removal of PM by porous materials is believed to be the most effective way of air purification. Extensive effort has been made toward the construction of advanced materials with both a high filtration efficiency and low pressure drop across them. Weight, transparency, thermal stability, and comfort in different environments are also key parameters for the practical use of such materials. Here, progress in the state of the art of materials for capturing particulate matter is summarized. Their structure, properties, and filtration mechanism are discussed. In addition, some possible directions for the future development of air filters, with regard to materials selection and structural design, are suggested.