bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of intramedullary nails composed of a new β‐type Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy with low Young's modulus on fracture healing in mouse tibiae
Authors: Fujisawa Hirokazu , Mori Yu , Kogure Atsushi , Tanaka Hidetatsu , Kamimura Masayuki , Masahashi Naoya , Hanada Shuji , Itoi Eiji
Published: January 2018

The influence of Young's moduli of materials on the fracture healing process remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of intramedullary nails composed of materials with low Young's moduli on fracture repair. We previously developed a β‐type Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy with low Young's modulus close to that of human cortical bone. Here, we prepared two Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloys with Young's moduli of 45 and 78 GPa by heat treatment, and compared their effects on fracture healing. Fracture and nailing were performed in the right tibiae of C57BL/6 mice. The bone healing process was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), histomorphometry, and RT‐PCR. We found larger bone volumes of fracture callus in the mice treated with the 45‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy as compared with the 78‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy in micro‐CT analyses. This was confirmed with histology at day 14, with accelerated new bone formation and cartilage absorption in the 45‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn group compared with the 78‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn group. Acp5 expression was lower in the 45‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn group than in the 78‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn group at day 10. These findings indicate that intramedullary fixation with nails with a lower Young's modulus offer a greater capacity for fracture repair. Our 45‐GPa Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy is a promising material for fracture treatment implants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2841–2848, 2018.
A gateway to healing: A community‐based brief intervention for victims of violence
Authors: Trabold Nicole , O'Malley Allison , Rizzo Lisa , Russell Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Interventions for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health priority. This study used semistructured, in‐depth interviews to explore key features and self‐reported changes associated with a community‐based, trauma‐informed brief intervention (TIBI) for victims of IPV. Using open coding of transcripts and cross‐case analysis to determine prominent patterns and themes within and between participants, TIBI was perceived as beneficial, safe, and innovative. Positive changes, including improved physical health, psychological well‐being, quality of life, confidence, hope, and personal control, were reported and maintained postintervention. Key features of the intervention were described as increased IPV knowledge, which women attributed as the gateway to healing, learning how to reframe thoughts in a productive way and developing various skills in coping with IPV. This research provides preliminary evidence that a community‐based TIBI is both acceptable to clients and potentially useful in reducing the negative consequences of IPV.
The City of Johannesburg can end AIDS by 2030: modelling the impact of achieving the Fast‐Track targets and what it will take to get there
Authors: Stuart Robyn M , Fraser‐Hurt Nicole , Kerr Cliff C , Mabusela Emily , Madi Vusi , Mkhwanazi Fredrika , Pillay Yogan , Barron Peter , Muzah Batanayi , Matsebula Thulani , Gorgens Marelize , Wilson David P
Published: January 2018

Introduction

In 2014, city leaders from around the world endorsed the Paris Declaration on Fast‐Track Cities, pledging to achieve the 2020 and 2030 HIV targets championed by UNAIDS. The City of Johannesburg – one of South Africa's metropolitan municipalities and also a health district – has over 600,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), more than any other city worldwide. We estimate what it would take in terms of programmatic targets and costs for the City of Johannesburg to meet the Fast‐Track targets, and demonstrate the impact that this would have.

Methods

We applied the Optima HIV epidemic and resource allocation model to demographic, epidemiological and behavioural data on 26 sub‐populations in Johannesburg. We used data on programme costs and coverage to produce baseline projections. We calculated how many people must be diagnosed, put onto treatment and maintained with viral suppression to achieve the 2020 and 2030 targets. We also estimated how treatment needs – and therefore fiscal commitments – could be reduced if the treatment targets are combined with primary HIV prevention interventions (voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), an expanded condom programme, and comprehensive packages for female sex workers (FSW) and young females).

Results

If current programmatic coverage were maintained, Johannesburg could expect 303,000 new infections and 96,000 AIDS‐related deaths between 2017 and 2030 and 769,000 PLHIV by 2030. Achieving the Fast‐Track targets would require an additional 135,000 diagnoses and 232,000 people on treatment by 2020 (an increase in around 80% over 2016 treatment numbers), but would avert 176,000 infections and 56,500 deaths by 2030. Assuming stable ART unit costs, this would require ZAR 29 billion (USD 2.15 billion) in cumulative treatment investments over the 14 years to 2030. Plausible scale‐ups of other proven interventions (VMMC, condom distribution and FSW strategies) could yield additional reductions in new infections (between 4 and 15%), and in overall treatment investment needs. Scaling up VMMC in line with national targets is found to be cost‐effective in the medium term.

Conclusions

The scale‐up in testing and treatment programmes over this decade has been rapid, but these efforts must be doubled to reach 2020 targets. Strategic investments in proven interventions will help Johannesburg achieve the treatment targets and be on track to end AIDS by 2030.
Projected changes in the evolution of drought on various timescales over the Czech Republic according to Euro‐CORDEX models
Authors: Potopová Vera , Štěpánek Petr , Zahradníček Pavel , Farda Aleš , Türkott Luboš , Soukup Josef
Published: January 2018

The main objective of this study was to project changes in the evolution of drought characteristics (frequency, duration and magnitude) during the 21st century in lowlands, highlands and mountainous regions in the Czech Republic (CR). We focused on the multi‐scalar nature of droughts as a function of the variables that govern the balance of moisture during climate change, such as precipitation, which supplies moisture, and temperature, which modulates evapotranspiration. Thereby, this issue is addressed with two drought indices, i.e. the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and the standardized precipitation index (SPI), for various lags (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months). To assess the impact of climate change on drought characteristics, a set of eight regional climate models (RCMs) simulations were selected for further analysis driven by five different global circulation models (GCMs) carried out in the frame of Euro‐CORDEX. Future drought changes were developed for the two representative concentration scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). For the temporal evolution of the droughts, the monthly drought indices were calculated over the entire study period from 1961 to 2100. The SPEI showed a higher frequency in the categories of severe droughts and extreme droughts than the SPI, while the SPEI yielded fewer events in the extreme wet categories. The probability distribution of the SPEI‐6 under the RCP8.5 scenario shifted more than one and a half standard deviations in lowlands at the end of the century, peaking at −1.65 (with a probability of 10.5%). This meant that severe droughts, according to the current climate criteria, will become the new norm in the period 2071–2100.
Productivity and nutrient use efficiency of maize, sorghum, and cotton in the West African Dry Savanna
Authors: Amouzou Kokou Adambounou , Naab Jesse B. , Lamers John P.A. , Becker Mathias
Published: January 2018

Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to improve food security and support livelihoods in West Africa, where soil nutrient deficiencies and rainfed production systems prevail. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies of three dominant crops (maize, sorghum, and cotton) under different soil management strategies in the dry savanna of northern Benin. Data were collected for each crop in experiments with (1) an un‐amended soil as control, (2) a low use of external inputs, (3) an integrated soil–crop management practice, and (4) a high mineral fertilizer use, as treatments. Data were collected through researcher‐managed and farmer‐managed on‐farm trials in 2014 and 2015, and analyzed using linear robust mixed effects model and Pearson's correlation. Above‐ground biomass accumulation did not differ significantly among the control, integrated soil–crop management practice, and high mineral fertilizer use up to 30, 50, and 60 d after planting for maize, cotton, and sorghum, respectively. Thereafter, the differences in growth were substantial for each crop with highest biomass monitored with high mineral fertilizer use and lowest with the control. Biomass and economic yields at harvest were highest under high mineral fertilizer use and integrated soil–crop management practice, although the magnitude was crop‐specific. With the integrated soil–crop management practice and high mineral fertilizer use, N and P uptake by all crops was higher than for the un‐amended soil conditions. Inter‐seasonal changes in N uptake were higher for sorghum and cotton, but lower for maize. The highest agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery of N and P as well as positive N and P partial balances were obtained with the integrated soil–crop management practice for all three crops tested. The integrated soil–crop management strategy gave the highest yields and significantly improved N and P use efficiencies. The findings can contribute to formulating site and crop‐specific recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in the Dry Savanna zone of West Africa.
The effect of drought and nitrogen fertiliser addition on nitrate leaching risk from a pasture soil; an assessment from a field experiment and modelling
Authors: Shepherd Mark , Lucci Gina , Vogeler Iris , Balvert Sheree
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

A combination of field experiment and modelling tested the hypothesis that dry summers increase the risk of nitrogen (N) leaching from pasture owing to a combination of: soil N accumulation in a dry summer; slow recovery of drought‐affected pasture in the autumn; and the resultant inefficient use of fertiliser N by the pasture.

RESULTS

In the experiment, pasture response to urea and apparent N recovery in autumn after the drought was half that of irrigated pasture (7 vs 13 kg dry matter kg−1 N; 28 vs 52% apparent recovery; P < 0.05). There was more soil mineral N at the start of drainage (P < 0.001) as a result of this inefficient fertiliser N use. Modelling of pasture growth in six different drought years demonstrated that subsequent N leaching risk after rewetting was inversely related to pasture N uptake during rewetting in the autumn.

CONCLUSION

When the period between post‐drought pasture recovery and the onset of drainage is short, N leaching risk increases. Nitrogen leaching is determined by the type of autumn (slow or fast growing conditions before drainage) and the amount of fertiliser N applied. The latter can be managed by a farmer, but the former cannot. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous analysis of tropane alkaloids in teas and herbal teas by liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap)
Authors: Romera‐Torres Ana , Romero‐González Roberto , Martínez Vidal José Luis , Garrido Frenich Antonia
Published: January 2018

A new method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 13 tropane alkaloids in tea and herbal teas using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to an Exactive‐Orbitrap analyzer. A mixture of methanol, water, and formic acid was used for the extraction of the target compounds followed by a solid‐phase extraction step. The validated method provided recoveries from 75 to 128% with intra‐ and interday precision lower than or equal to 24% (except for apoatropine). Limits of quantification ranged from 5 to 20 μg/kg. Eleven tea and herbal tea samples and two contaminated samples with Datura stramonium seeds were analyzed. Tropane alkaloids were detected in six samples with concentrations from 5 (apoatropine) to 4340 μg/kg (sum of physoperuvine, pseudotropine, and tropine), whereas concentrations from 5 (apoatropine) to 1725 μg/kg (sum of physoperuvine, pseudotropine, and tropine) were found in the contaminated samples.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of the Ultrasonic Attenuation Coefficient and Backscatter Coefficient Measured in the Right Lobe of the Liver in Adults With Known or Suspected Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Han Aiguo , Andre Michael P. , Deiranieh Lisa , Housman Elise , Erdman John W. , Loomba Rohit , Sirlin Claude B. , O'Brien William D.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient (AC) and backscatter coefficient (BSC) measured in the livers of adults with known or suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

The Institutional Review Board approved this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant prospective study; informed consent was obtained. Forty‐one research participants with known or suspected NAFLD were recruited and underwent same‐day ultrasound examinations of the right liver lobe with a clinical scanner by a clinical sonographer. Each participant underwent 2 scanning trials, with participant repositioning between trials. Two transducers were used in each trial. For each transducer, machine settings were optimized by the sonographer but then kept constant while 3 data acquisitions were obtained from the liver without participant repositioning and then from an external calibrated phantom. Raw RF echo data were recorded. The AC and BSC were measured within 2.6 to 3.0 MHz from a user‐defined hepatic field of interest from each acquisition. The repeatability and reproducibility were analyzed by random‐effects models.

Results

The mean AC and log‐transformed BSC (logBSC) were 0.94 dB/cm‐MHz and –27.0 dB, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.88 to 0.94 for the AC and 0.87 to 0.95 for the logBSC acquired without participant repositioning. For between‐trial repeated scans with participant repositioning, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.80 to 0.84 for the AC and 0.69 to 0.82 for the logBSC after averaging results from 3 within‐trial images. The variability introduced by the transducer was less than the repeatability error.

Conclusions

Hepatic AC and BSC measures using a reference phantom technique on a clinical scanner are repeatable and reproducible between transducers in adults with known or suspected NAFLD.
Addition of graphene sheets enhances reductive dissolution of arsenic and iron from arsenic contaminated soil
Authors: Chen Zheng , Li Heng , Ma Wende , Fu Dun , Han Kezeng , Wang Haitao , He Ning , Li Qingbiao , Wang Yuanpeng
Published: January 2018

The deposition of slag from a realgar tailing mine has caused serious land degradation to those farming and mining coexisting areas. However, nanomaterial‐mediated biogeochemical arsenic cycle from arsenic‐enriched soil was severely limited. In this study, the environmental impact of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO) on the speciation and mobilization of Fe/As from the flooding of arsenic‐enriched soil was investigated. Regarding overall performance, rGO exhibited a more significant facilitation than GO on mediating microbial reduction of Fe(III)/As(V). The maximal levels of soluble Fe(II) and As(III) in the soil supplemented with acetate alone were 53.58 g.m−3 and 9592 mg·m−3 during the 50‐day culture period. Nearly 1.37‐fold and 1.15‐fold of As(III) levels were released when amending with rGO acetate and GO acetate. Meanwhile, approximately 1.40‐fold and 1.24‐fold of Fe(II) levels were released under the same conditions. The underlying mechanism was correlated with the interactions between graphene and microbial activities. The properties of GO have been evolved through microbial reduction and eventually exhibited characteristics similar to rGO. Additionally, the application of graphene potentially altered the compositions of the microbial community and increased the abundance of some metal‐reducing bacteria (e.g., Bacillus, Geobacter, and Desulfitobacterium), thereby favouring the dissolved organic matter bioavailability for bioreduction of Fe(III)/As(V). In addition, promotion of the electron transfer process of As(V)/Fe(III) reduction was predominantly responsible for the crucial role that rGO exhibited as a special redox‐active mediator and electrical conductor. These findings might provoke more consideration of the integrated ecological effects of graphene and evaluate their environmental impact on land degradation.
Convergence of nuclear magnetic shieldings and one‐bond 1J(11B1H) indirect spin–spin coupling constants in small boron molecules
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Buczek Aneta , Broda Małgorzata A. , Gajda Łukasz , Ignasiak Monika
Published: January 2018

Self‐consistent field Hartree–Fock (SCF‐HF), density functional theory (B3LYP, KT1, KT2, and KT3), and coupled‐cluster calculations of the nuclear magnetic shielding constants of BH and BH3 molecules have been conducted to characterize the convergence of individual results obtained with correlation‐ and polarization‐consistent basis sets. The individual 11B and 1H NMR parameters were estimated in the complete basis set limit and compared with benchmark literature results. The SCF‐HF and density functional theory B3LYP predicted boron shieldings and shielding anisotropies of BH significantly differed from the results obtained by coupled‐cluster with single, double, and perturbative treatment of triple excitations, CCSD(T) approach. The best agreement between the CCSD(T)/complete basis set limit estimated boron shieldings was obtained for KT3 density functional (~5.7 ppm). The 1H NMR parameters predicted at B3LYP and CCSD(T) levels of theory differed by less than 1 ppm, and the SCF‐HF calculated proton shieldings and shielding anisotropies also nicely agreed with our coupled‐cluster results. The 1J(11B1H) parameters, calculated with B3LYP and KT3 functionals, accurately reproduced the earlier reported benchmark value for BH molecule. The SCF‐HF, B3LYP, and KT3 calculated boron shieldings of BH3 differed from the CCSD(T) values by 13.2, −16.8, and −2.1 ppm, respectively.
Adaptive anisotropic integration scheme for high‐order fictitious domain methods: Application to thin structures
Authors: Legrain G. , Moës N.
Published: January 2018

A novel integration scheme is proposed for fictitious domain finite element methods. It relies on the use of a surface tracking strategy based on anisotropic mesh adaptation. Thanks to an error estimator, the method builds iteratively an adapted anisotropic mesh that is refined near the geometrical interface and elongated in the direction of a small curvature. This strategy allows to decrease the integration cost, which can be problematic for high‐order fictitious domain methods. In addition, it opens the possibility for the creation of unfitted solid shell strategies that can be used for the treatment of thin structures. Numerical studies show that the method leads to promising results for both integration cost and behavior with respect to locking.
Wear behavior of light‐cured dental composite reinforced with silane‐treated nanosilica filler
Authors: Kumar Shiv Ranjan , Patnaik Amar , Bhat I.K.
Published: January 2018

In this study, the effect of varying different weight fraction of silane‐treated nanosilica (0‐15 wt%) on the wear behavior of Bisphenol‐A glycidyl methacrylate/tri‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–based dental composite was analyzed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and thermo‐gravimetric analysis were used to characterize silane‐treated filler. The in vitro wear tests were performed up to 20 000 cycles using dental wear simulator. Four different working conditions were discussed including 2‐body wear in distilled water and artificial saliva as well as 3‐body wear in slurry of poppy seed mixed in distilled water and poppy seed mixed in artificial saliva. The results suggested that composites with increased in nanosilica fillers exhibited lower wear volume and smoother worn surface in all working mediums. In 2‐body abrasive wear, the wear rate in distilled water was 10.05% more than that in artificial saliva condition. However, in 3‐body abrasive wear, the wear rate in slurry of poppy seed mixed in artificial saliva was 15.96% more than that in the medium of poppy seed mixed in distilled water condition. Also, the 2‐body abrasive wear rate was 56% and 22% more than the 3‐body abrasive wear rate in the slurry of distilled water and artificial saliva condition, respectively.
Resident cell lineages are preserved in pulmonary vascular remodeling
Authors: Crnkovic Slaven , Marsh Leigh M , El Agha Elie , Voswinckel Robert , Ghanim Bahil , Klepetko Walter , Stacher‐Priehse Elvira , Olschewski Horst , Bloch Wilhelm , Bellusci Saverio , Olschewski Andrea , Kwapiszewska Grazyna
Published: January 2018

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the main pathological hallmark of pulmonary hypertension disease. We undertook a comprehensive and multilevel approach to investigate the origin of smooth muscle actin‐expressing cells in remodeled vessels. Transgenic mice that allow for specific, inducible, and permanent labeling of endothelial (Cdh5‐tdTomato), smooth muscle (Acta2‐, Myh11‐tdTomato), pericyte (Cspg4‐tdTomato), and fibroblast (Pdgfra‐tdTomato) lineages were used to delineate the cellular origins of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Mapping the fate of major lung resident cell types revealed smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as the predominant source of cells that populate remodeled pulmonary vessels in chronic hypoxia and allergen‐induced murine models. Combining in vivo cell type‐specific, time‐controlled labeling of proliferating cells with a pulmonary artery phenotypic explant assay, we identified proliferation of SMCs as an underlying remodeling pathomechanism. Multicolor immunofluorescence analysis showed a preserved pattern of cell type marker localization in murine and human pulmonary arteries, in both donors and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients. Whilst neural glial antigen 2 (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4) labeled mostly vascular supportive cells with partial overlap with SMC markers, PDGFRα‐expressing cells were observed in the perivascular compartment. The luminal vessel side was lined by a single cell layer expressing endothelial markers followed by an adjacent and distinct layer defined by SMC marker expression and pronounced thickening in remodeled vessels. Quantitative flow cytometric analysis of single cell digests of diverse pulmonary artery layers showed the preserved separation into two discrete cell populations expressing either endothelial cell (EC) or SMC markers in human remodeled vessels. Additionally, we found no evidence of overlap between EC and SMC ultrastructural characteristics using electron microscopy in either donor or IPAH arteries. Lineage‐specific marker expression profiles are retained during pulmonary vascular remodeling without any indication of cell type conversion. The expansion of resident SMCs is the major underlying and evolutionarily conserved paradigm of pulmonary vascular disease pathogenesis. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A facile method to prepare nanoscale polyacrylonitrile particles grafted aramid fibers for superior interfacial and mechanical properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Xie Fei , Xing Lixin , Liu Li , Liu Yuguang , Xu Huifang , Zhong Zhengxiang , Jia Chuyuan , Huang Yudong
Published: January 2018

A very simple and efficient method was developed to improve the interfacial properties of aramid fibers reinforced composites. The aramid fibers and the acrylonitrile (AN) monomers were mutually irradiated by γ‐ray in cyclohexane solution, initiating AN to polymerize on the fibers surface. Surface morphologies, chemical structure, mechanical behavior, thermal stability of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) grafted aramid fibers and interfacial properties of their composites were systematically characterized. The results indicated that the linear PAN fantastically united to be nanoscale particles with 200 nm size, and grafted on the aramid fibers surface uniformly and compactly. Despite a slight decrease with 4°C in fiber heat resistance, the mass loss of the PAN‐grafted fibers significantly reduced. Surprisingly, the interfacial shear strength of PAN grafted aramid fibers improved by 71.50% from 36.33 ± 1.08 to 62.31 ± 1.32 MPa. Moreover, the tensile strength of aramid fibers enhanced slightly. This surface modification strategy is facile to prepare, highly efficient to enhance interface, adaptable to other organic fibers, and meaningful in multifunctional applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2436–E2444, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Voltage‐dependent photocurrent in irradiated GaAs solar cells
Authors: Salzberger Manuel , Rutzinger Martin , Nömayr Christel , Lugli Paolo , Zimmermann Claus G.
Published: January 2018

GaAs single junction cells, representative of the middle cell in triple junction Ga 0.5In 0.5P/GaAs/Ge cells, were irradiated with various fluences of 1‐ and 3‐MeV electrons as well as 1‐MeV protons. The light I‐V curves measured at room temperature exhibit a voltage‐dependent photocurrent. The photocurrent is modeled taking into account the voltage‐dependent width of the space charge region in combination with a strongly decreased minority carrier diffusion length. By extracting the width of the space charge region from capacitance measurements and the base layer diffusion length from the external quantum efficiency of the cell, the experimental behavior is reproduced accurately.
Impact of bulk impurity contamination on the performance of high‐efficiency n‐type silicon solar cells
Authors: Richter Armin , Benick Jan , Fell Andreas , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: January 2018

The experimental variation of wafer thickness and resistivity at device level combined with a comprehensive device simulation study allows the identification of dominating recombination‐induced power loss mechanisms in high‐efficiency n‐type silicon solar cells (A. Richter et al, Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 173, p. 96, 2017). Under the assumption of specific Shockley‐Read‐Hall (SRH) recombination parameters, impurity recombination within the silicon bulk was identified as one main source for efficiency losses particularly for solar cells made of high‐resistivity silicon. In this work, we extend that analysis approach focusing on the SRH recombination parameters in order to investigate whether certain properties of these recombination‐active impurities can be identified using this kind of simulation‐based analysis. Reported SRH recombination parameters of various common impurities (eg, Fe, Cr, or Ni) were considered. It was found that a dominating role of certain impurities as Cu, Au, Co, or Zn can be excluded. A general simulation study as a function of the fundamental SRH recombination parameters allowed us to reduce the possible SRH parameters significantly in particular of the capture cross‐section ratio of electrons and holes. These results demonstrate that our analysis approach, which combines an experimental variation of wafer thickness and resistivity with a comprehensive device simulation, can provide deep insights into the solar cells loss mechanisms. In particular, the conclusions regarding SRH recombination are of importance for solar cells made of n‐type silicon as there are no meta‐stable impurity states formed that would allow a direct identification of impurity recombination–related power loss as reported for p‐type Si.
Deposition of SiOx coatings by inductively coupled plasma: Effect of pulsed hexamethyldisiloxan flow
Authors: Brochhagen Markus , Chur Sascha , Layes Vincent , Böke Marc , Benedikt Jan
Published: January 2018

In this work, the deposition of SiOx films from O2/hexamethyldisiloxan (HMDSO) or Ar/HMDSO mixtures in an inductively coupled plasma is investigated. Substrate temperature and electron density are measured during the deposition process. Furthermore, the deposited layers are analyzed with a profilometer (thickness), infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Processes with continuous and pulsed HMDSO flows are compared to characterize the effect of surface treatment of a grown layer. Pure O2 or Ar plasmas between the HMDSO gas flow pulses can offer a “post‐oxidation” or “post‐treatment” of the grown films. The discharge dynamics during the different phases are also investigated by time‐resolved electron density measurements. This approach has led to formation of carbon and Si‐OH group free SiOx films even without addition of O2 gas under atmospheric pressure conditions.
State of the art of user packaging interaction (UPI)
Authors: Mumani Ahmad , Stone Richard
Published: January 2018

User packaging interaction (UPI) has evolved in packaging research because of its importance to users, manufacturers, and designers. A great deal of work addressing problems and suggesting potential improvements has been directed toward UPI. However, this work is not easily accessible to researchers as it lacks a cohesive structure. This paper serves as a platform for UPI researchers by presenting previous work UPI in an organized structure based on stages of interaction. Over 100 articles were reviewed to identify the scope of research in this area and then categorized according to stages of interaction. During the review of more articles, these stages of interaction were modified to ensure that they reflected all the reviewed articles. The review process resulted in the enumeration of the following stages: at point of purchase, checking out, handling, opening, and disposal. The related articles in each category are presented and discussed, and potential future work is presented. The articles were further categorized according to the age and gender of users under test, and packaging and product types considered. The review process has revealed different issues in the current research structure of UPI including the comprehensibility of the conducted research and the distribution of the reviewed articles. On the basis of this review, a model is proposed for improving the UPI by quantitatively evaluating the package design and affordances provided at each interaction stage.
Decentralized and adaptive control of multiple nonholonomic robots for sensing coverage
Authors: Abdul Razak Rihab , Srikant Sukumar , Chung Hoam
Published: January 2018

This work deals with decentralized control of multiple nonholonomic mobile sensors for optimal coverage of a given area for sensing purposes. We assume a density function over the region to be covered, which can be viewed as a probability density of the phenomena to be sensed. The density function is unknown but assumed to be linearly parameterized with unknown parameter weights. We consider a second‐order dynamic model for the mobile agents and derive decentralized adaptive control laws to achieve optimal coverage of the region. We then consider the case where the dynamic model of the agents are not fully known, and then develop parameter adaptation laws to achieve the optimal coverage objective. We test the derived algorithms using simulations and compare our proposed controllers with kinematics‐based controllers. We find that the feedback control design based on the dynamic model performs significantly better than controllers solely relying on kinematic models. Furthermore, for the unknown dynamics case, our controller outperforms the nonadaptive controller with poor initial parameter estimates.
Comments on ‘Admissibility and static output‐feedback stabilization of singular Markovian jump systems with defective statistics of modes transitions’
Authors: Vasquez Luis , Chávez‐Fuentes Jorge R.
Published: January 2018

This document shows that the proof of Theorem 3.3 in the work of Liu et al (Int J Robust Nonlinear Control. 2015. 10.1002/rnc.3108) is incorrect and, thus, the theorem is not proved. Since the results of the paper are strongly based on this theorem, the problem has to be addressed. If a natural correction is introduced, the problem still holds. Therefore, a new linear matrix inequality is proposed here to show its equivalence with the stochastic stability of a Markov jump linear singular system under a similar assumption as that in the work of Liu et al.
Surface mass spectrometry as a new approach for the characterisation of coffee
Authors: Trindade Gustavo F. , Rosa Lucio L. F. S. , Stori Elis M. , Dos Santos Carla E. L. , Watts John F.
Published: January 2018

Coffee is the most widely traded tropical agricultural commodity in the world with global production for 2016 of over 151 million 60‐kg bags, according to the International Coffee Organization. Such popularity and its chemical complexity demand the development of analytical chemistry methodologies for the characterisation of different coffee compounds. This paper proposes the use of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) for this purpose. The main steps involving sample preparation and spectra acquisition are described alongside initial multivariate analysis results.
A DFT study of H2O dissociation on metal‐precovered Fe (100) surface
Authors: Zhang Chuan‐Hui , Chen Bao , Sun Dong‐Bai
Published: January 2018

The H2O adsorption and dissociation on the Fe (100) surface with different precovered metals are studied by density functional theory. On both kinds of metal‐precovered surface, H2O molecules prefer adsorb on hollow sites than bridge and top sites. The impurity energy difference is proportional to the adsorption energy, but the adsorbates are not sensitive to the adsorption orientation and height relative to the surface. The Hirshfeld charge analysis shows that water molecules act as an electron donor while the surface Fe atoms act as an electron acceptor. The rotation and dissociation of H2O molecule occur on the Co‐ and Mn‐precovered surfaces. Some H2O molecules are dissociated into OH and H groups. The energy barriers are about 0.5 to 1.0 eV, whose are consistence with the experimental data. H2O molecules can be dissociated more easily at the top site on Co‐precovered surface 1 than that at bridge site on Mn‐precovered surface 2 because of the lower reaction barrier. The dispersion correction effects on the energies and adsorption configurations on Co‐precovered surface 1 were calculated by OBS + PW91. The dispersion contributions can improve a bit of the bond energy of adsorbates and weaken the hydrogen bond effect between adsorption molecules a little.
Trimethyl borate‐treated polytetrafluoroethylene micropowders with improved hydrophilic and adhesive properties based on coordination bond theory
Authors: Long XiaoYun , He LiFen , Zhang Yan , Ge Mingqiao
Published: January 2018

Based on coordination bond theory, the current study proposes a novel method to modify the surface of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders. The samples were treated with trimethyl borate in the n‐hexane solution, and this improves the hydrophilic and adhesive properties of PTFE micropowders. The surface properties of treated samples were evaluated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, contact angle measurement, settling velocity measurement, and adhesive property measurement. Trimethyl borate treatment led to an evident increase in the hydrophilic and adhesive properties of PTFE micropowders. The water contact angle of PTFE micropowders decreased from 115° to 85.4°, while the ethanol contact angle of PTFE micropowders decreased from 39.8° to 11.2° owing to the combination of the trimethyl borate with PTFE micropowders as indicated by the X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry spectra. Furthermore, the settling velocity of powders dispersed in ethanol/water (1/10) solution (pH = 8.5) improved (with a settlement ratio exceeding 20% in 60 minutes), and the fracture stress of the powders/resin composite membrane increased from 4.68 to 6.67 MPa while the elongation at the yield of membrane increased from 25.4% to 31.5%.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles Using Shewanella oneidensis: Application for Click Chemistry
Authors: Kimber Richard L. , Lewis Edward A. , Parmeggiani Fabio , Smith Kurt , Bagshaw Heath , Starborg Toby , Joshi Nimisha , Figueroa Adriana I. , van der Laan Gerrit , Cibin Giannantonio , Gianolio Diego , Haigh Sarah J. , Pattrick Richard A. D. , Turner Nicholas J. , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: January 2018

Copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) have a wide range of applications as heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, a novel green biosynthesis route for producing Cu‐NPs using the metal‐reducing bacterium, Shewanella oneidensis is demonstrated. Thin section transmission electron microscopy shows that the Cu‐NPs are predominantly intracellular and present in a typical size range of 20–40 nm. Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy demonstrates the Cu‐NPs are well‐dispersed across the 3D structure of the cells. X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy analysis show the nanoparticles are Cu(0), however, atomic resolution images and electron energy loss spectroscopy suggest partial oxidation of the surface layer to Cu2O upon exposure to air. The catalytic activity of the Cu‐NPs is demonstrated in an archetypal “click chemistry” reaction, generating good yields during azide‐alkyne cycloadditions, most likely catalyzed by the Cu(I) surface layer of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, cytochrome deletion mutants suggest a novel metal reduction system is involved in enzymatic Cu(II) reduction and Cu‐NP synthesis, which is not dependent on the Mtr pathway commonly used to reduce other high oxidation state metals in this bacterium. This work demonstrates a novel, simple, green biosynthesis method for producing efficient copper nanoparticle catalysts.
Wnt/β-Catenin/TCF Pathway Is a Phase-Dependent Promoter of Colony Formation and Mesendodermal Differentiation During Human Somatic Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Cevallos Ricardo Raúl , Rodríguez-Martínez Griselda , Gazarian Karlen
Published: January 2018

Somatic cell reprogramming is a biphasic phenomenon that goes through a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, called initiation phase, followed by a maturation phase wherein reprogramming cells acquire pluripotency. Here, we show that these phases display a differential response to Wnt signaling activation. Wnt signaling increases colony formation by promoting cellular epithelialization during the initiation phase in a TCF7-dependent manner. However, during maturation phase, it is also responsible for inducing mesendodermal differentiation, which is negatively regulated by TCF7L1. Thus, Wnt signaling inhibition or TCF7L1 overexpression downregulates mesendodermal gene expression without perturbing pluripotency. Together, our results demonstrate that a phase-specific modulation of Wnt signaling leads to an improved reprogramming efficiency in terms of colony output and pluripotency acquisition. This work provides new insights into the cell context-dependent roles of Wnt signaling during human somatic cell reprogramming.
Mechanism underlying the effect of long‐term exposure to low dose of pesticides on DNA integrity
Authors: Alleva Renata , Manzella Nicola , Gaetani Simona , Bacchetti Tiziana , Bracci Massimo , Ciarapica Veronica , Monaco Federica , Borghi Battista , Amati Monica , Ferretti Gianna , Tomasetti Marco
Published: January 2018

Pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, are widely used in intensive agriculture. Recently, the long‐term effects of pesticide exposure were found to be associated with many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the long‐term effect of low‐level exposure to a mixture of pesticides on DNA damage response (DDR) in relation to individual detoxifying variability. A residential population chronically exposed to pesticides was enrolled, biological/environmental pesticide levels; paroxonase 1 (PON‐1) activity and 192 Q/R polymorphism and DDR were evaluated at three different periods of pesticide exposure. OGG1‐dependent DNA repair activity was decreased in relation to pesticide exposure. The increase of DNA lesions and pesticide levels in the intensive pesticide‐spraying period was independent on PON‐1 activity. Next, human bronchial epithelial and neuronal cells were used as a model for in vitro evaluation of the mechanistic effect of pesticides. Pesticides induced mitochondrial dysfunction leading to ROS formation. ROS from mitochondria induced DNA damage, which in turn induced OGG1‐dependent DNA repair activity through 8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) expression and activation. Even though OGG1 was overexpressed, an inhibition of its activity, associated with DNA lesion accumulation, was found at prolonged pesticide‐exposure. A post‐translational regulation of OGG1 by pesticide may be postulated. Taken together, long‐term exposure to low‐levels of pesticides affects DDR resulting in accumulation of DNA lesions that eventually may lead to cancer or neurological disorders.
MA‐XRF investigation of the Altenberg Retable from 1330
Authors: Hoffmann P. , Flege S. , Ensinger W. , Wolf F. , Weber C. , Seeberg S. , Sander J. , Schultz J. , Krekel C. , Tagle R. , Wittkopp A.
Published: January 2018

The Altenberg Retable is one of the most important works of German art from the early 14th century. Composed of a shrine, a Madonna figure, and painted wings, it once adorned the high altar of the convent church in Altenberg/Lahn. The side and rear walls of the shrine were overpainted in 1609. Although conventional methods such as infrared reflectography and X‐ray radiography could not reveal the underlying medieval paint layer, we succeeded by conducting μ‐X‐Ray fluorescent studies. The latter measurements included a handheld spectrometer as well as μ‐X‐Ray fluorescent large area scanner. Nine sections of the side and rear walls were examined as well as a field on one of the wings (as a reference). In each section, spectra were recorded that comprised about 20 elements ranging from K to Bi. Maps of Ca, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, and Pb were evaluated and interpreted on the basis of the results of prior color sampling analysis. By superposing several element maps, the original medieval iconographic program with its rows of standing saints could be revealed. With the help of iconographic comparison, these saints could be identified: St. Christopher in the central part of the rear wall, flanked by the 4 female saints Clare, Agnes, Dorothy, and Barbara. On the side walls, the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the deacons Stephen and Lawrence were depicted. Discussed are not only different scenarios of usage for these images behind the altar but also the limits and possibilities of the measurement technology in this specific application.
Genetic Counselors’ Experiences and Interest in Telegenetics and Remote Counseling
Authors: Zierhut Heather A. , MacFarlane Ian M. , Ahmed Zahra , Davies Jill
Published: January 2018

In 2009, the National Society of Genetic Counselors Service (NSGC) Delivery Model Task Force defined genetic counseling service delivery models including telephone (genetic counseling provided remotely by telephone) and telegenetics (counseling provided remotely using videoconferencing). Little is known about the experience of genetic counselors practicing telemedicine in the USA. We sought to evaluate perceived satisfaction, advantages, disadvantages, and barriers to the practice and implementation of telegenetics by practicing genetic counselors. A 21‐question online survey was distributed via the NSGC's member directory. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were used to analyze data. A total of 344 surveys were completed of which 235 (68.3%) respondents had delivered genetic counseling via telemedicine and 109 (36.6%) had not. Overall genetic counseling providers who had provided telegenetics were satisfied or very satisfied with their position (91%) and those who were not performing telegenetics were at least slightly interested in a telehealth position (92%).The most common appealing reasons for working in or wanting to work in telemedicine included an innovative approach to healthcare delivery, aspects of remote positions such as the ability to work from home, and flexibility of hours. Unappealing characteristics of telemedicine included the inability to see nonverbals, limited psychosocial counseling, and limited social interaction with colleague that is associated with remote positions. Barriers to implementation of telegenetics were noted by 53% of respondents with the largest barrier being billing and reimbursement. The results of this work suggest that telegenetics service organizations could consider increasing social interactions, attempting to use the preferred method of care (video) to increase ability to see nonverbals, offering flexible work hours, and allowing time to address psychosocial issues as they arise in consultations.
Oligomeric amyloid β preferentially targets neuronal and not glial mitochondrial‐encoded mRNAs
Authors: Mastroeni Diego , Nolz Jennifer , Khdour Omar M. , Sekar Shobana , Delvaux Elaine , Cuyugan Lori , Liang Winnie S. , Hecht Sidney M. , Coleman Paul D.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Our laboratories have demonstrated that accumulation of oligomeric amyloid β (OAβ) in neurons is an essential step leading to OAβ‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.

Methods

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and matching control hippocampal neurons, astrocytes, and microglia were isolated by laser‐captured microdissection from the same subjects, followed by whole‐transcriptome sequencing. Complementary in vitro work was performed in OAβ‐treated differentiated SH‐SY5Y, followed by the use of a novel CoQ10 analogue for protection. This compound is believed to be effective both in suppressing reactive oxygen species and also functioning in mitochondrial electron transport.

Results

We report decreases in the same mitochondrial‐encoded mRNAs in Alzheimer's disease laser‐captured CA1 neurons and in OAβ‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells, but not in laser‐captured microglia and astrocytes. Pretreatment with a novel CoQ10 analogue, protects neuronal mitochondria from OAβ‐induced mitochondrial changes.

Discussion

Similarity of expression changes in neurons from Alzheimer's disease brain and neuronal cells treated with OAβ, and the effect of a CoQ10 analogue on the latter, suggests a pretreatment option to prevent OAβ toxicity, long before the damage is apparent.