bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance chemotherapy to reduce the risk of a metachronous Wilms tumor in children with bilateral nephroblastomatosis
Authors: Ortiz Michael V. , Fernandez‐Ledon Shannon , Ramaswamy Kavitha , Forlenza Christopher J. , Shukla Neerav N. , Kobos Rachel , Heaton Todd E. , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Steinherz Peter G.
Published: October 2018

From 2009 to 2018, 10 consecutive patients with Wilms tumors and bilateral nephroblastomatosis, who had completed standard therapy, were provided a maintenance chemotherapy regimen consisting of vincristine and dactinomycin every 3 months for 12 months in order to prevent an early metachronous Wilms tumor. One patient (10%) with Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome developed a new tumor, without anaplasia. There were no significant toxicities reported during maintenance. All patients are currently alive with no evidence of disease. Further investigations are recommended to determine the utility of this approach.
The effect of fluorination of aramid fibers on vinyl ester composites
Authors: Wirti Marilu , Biondo Gabriel Roman Ros , Romanzini Daiane , Amico Sandro C. , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: October 2018

Composite materials are associated with low densities and high mechanical performance, thus favoring protection of personnel, military vehicles and aircrafts. Polyaramid fibers like Kevlar®, are well‐known for their ballistic performance, but their chemically inert and smooth surface hinders interaction with polymeric resins. The objective of this work is to surface treat aramid fibers with fluoride to improve fiber reactivity and interfacial adhesion with a thermoset matrix. The Kevlar®/vinyl ester composites were prepared by compression molding and characterized. Composites with treated fibers had lower void content and higher glass transition temperature, stiffness, storage and loss module. Nevertheless, they showed lower tensile strength, impact strength, damping, and adhesion factors. The treated fiber composites also presented higher adhesion between fibers and matrix, resulting in less chain segment movement and higher energy dissipation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymeric composite reinforced by non‐crimp fabric: Effects of anisotropy and configuration on tensile and compressive behaviors
Authors: Fontes Raphael Siqueira , Oliveira Giorgio André Brito , de Aquino Eve Maria Freire
Published: October 2018

Glass fiber‐reinforced plastics offer a wide range of application possibilities, especially regarding the use of new reinforcement configurations developed by the industry worldwide. Concerning these reinforcing materials, highlights are given to high performance fabrics such as hybrid and non‐crimp fabrics (NCFs). However, the study of the mechanical behavior of composite laminates based on this type of reinforcement finds itself difficult due to the effects of hybridization (different forms of coupled fabrics), as well as anisotropy (influence of the orientation of the fibers relative to the loading direction) present in these fabrics. In this sense, this work aims to develop a composite laminate reinforced by four layers of multiaxial E‐glass fiber NCF using epoxy vinyl ester resin commercially named Derakane Momentum 411–350 as matrix. The main objective is to analyze its strength and stiffness from the perspective of the effects of loading type (tensile and compressive tests), laminate configuration (stacking sequence), and anisotropy (orientation of the fibers/loading direction). Comparative studies were developed, in addition to macroscopic characterization of the mechanical fracture according to ASTM standards. The results showed that the laminate configuration have different influences, depending on the loading type (tensile or compressive loading). In terms of anisotropy, the test specimens aligned at ±45° presented a great reduction in the mechanical properties, both in tensile and compressive loading. Also, in comparison with the literature, it is observed that the LNCF laminate presented similar or higher mechanical behavior, validating the results obtained in this work. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2231–2243, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
PVDF/halloysite nanocomposite‐based non‐wovens as gel polymer electrolyte for high safety lithium ion battery
Authors: Khalifa Mohammed , Janakiraman S. , Ghosh Sudipto , Venimadhav A. , Anandhan S.
Published: October 2018

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposite non‐wovens was synthesized and its suitability as a separator in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) was explored. In this study, HNT played a key role in reducing the average diameter of the electrospun fibers and uplifted the porosity of the non‐wovens thereby improving their electrolyte uptake. Due to a reduction in crystallinity and increased % porosity of the PVDF/HNT non‐wovens, the ionic conductivity (1.77 mScm−1) and ionic transport across the separator were improved. Moreover, this GPE separator exhibited high tensile and puncture strength with negligible thermal shrinkage and a higher melting temperature compared with a commercially available separator, which is vital from the safety perspective. The cycling performance of Li/GPE/LiCoO2 cell was evaluated and it exhibited a high capacity of 138.01 mAhg−1 with 97% coulombic efficiency for the initial cycle. The cell was stable and retained its high performance with little loss in capacity even after repeated charge–discharge cycles. Such a combination of high ionic conductivity, tensile strength with low thermal shrinkage is seen to be very rare in polymer‐based separators. It is noteworthy that this novel GPE outperformed the commercial separator also in the cycle performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2320–2334, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Engineered poly(lactic acid)‐talc biocomposites for melt processing: Effects of co‐blending with poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene terephthalate) on thermal and mechanical behavior
Authors: Barletta Massimiliano , Aversa Clizia , Pizzi Elisa , Puopolo Michela , Vesco Silvia
Published: October 2018

This article deals with the design and manufacturing of a novel class of PLA‐based material specifically engineered for injection molding, suitable for food contact and characterized by a good balance of mechanical properties and thermal resistance. A commercial PLA grade was modified by blending it with microlamellar talc as reinforcing filler, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) as secondary polymeric phases. Ternary blend/talc biocomposites were achieved. The different constituents of the biocomposites were compatibilized by reactive compounding extrusion using maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted PLA (PLA‐MA). The thermal properties of the compounds prior and after injection molding were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical response of the injection molded materials was evaluated by flat indentation and flexural tests. The mechanical properties of the PLA/talc‐based biocomposites and crystallinity of PLA can be controlled by fine tuning the blend by the addition of PBS and PBT in the formulation. In particular, biocomposites characterized by good strength and toughness can be obtained by injection molding, without affecting thermal stability. Based on the experimental findings, the PLA‐based formulations pose; therefore, solid bases for replacing oil‐based plastics in several markets, specifically in the segment of food and pharmaceutical packaging. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:264–273, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
High performance and moisture stable humidity sensors based on polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers by improving electric conductivity
Authors: Choi Sejin , Lee Hu Min , Kim Han Seong
Published: October 2018

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based nanofiber was successfully produced for a high performance and stable humidity sensor via a solution‐blowing spinning method. The performances of the manufactured sensors, including the impedance change with relative humidity (RH), moisture stability, and response and recovery times, were investigated. To improve charge carrier transfer, which is the main mechanism of humidity sensing, especially under low RH conditions, lithium chloride was used and displayed the best linearity in the impedance change with RH. Fast response and recovery times of 1.7 and 16.1 s were, respectively, achieved with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the sensors showed excellent moisture stability, owing to the hydrophobicity of PVDF, and this was demonstrated via repeatability testing and scanning electron microscopy. The humidity sensing mechanism was discussed using complex impedance spectra. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:304–310, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of Polystyrene/Hydrophobic SiO2 Composite Particles via Oil‐in‐Water Pickering Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Elkalla Eslam , Kaewsaneha Chariya , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: October 2018

The aim of this work is to present a facile Pickering emulsion polymerization method for the synthesis of submicron polystyrene/SiO2 core/shell composite particles. The commercial hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles were used as stabilizing agent for creating a stable oil‐in‐water emulsion. Although the adsorption of hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles in the emulsion system was unfavorable in terms of thermodynamics, by ultrasound treatment, self‐assembly of hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles effectively stabilized oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsions during polymerization. Using 3 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles (based on styrene monomer) and 1:10 volume ratio of styrene monomer:water, the composite particles having average size of 790 nm and relatively narrow particles distribution were produced. With decreasing the volume ratio, smaller composite particles were created. Results from scanning electron microscope revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles were located exclusively at the surface of the polystyrene latex particles. The SiO2 content, determined by thermogravimetric analysis, was 12.6 wt.% in the composite particles. The route reported here may be used for the preparation of other composite nanostructures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E195–E199, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mixing‐sequence controlled selective localization of carbon nanoparticles in PLA/PCL blends
Authors: de Aguiar Jéssica , Decol Marindia , Pachekoski Wagner Maurício , Becker Daniela
Published: October 2018

This work proposes modifying the adding sequence of components during the production of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) ternary systems with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GN), in order to analyze the nanoparticles’ selective localization in terms of the competition between different factors, such as kinetics, thermodynamics, rheology, and geometry. In the studied system, the PLA's viscosity is higher than the PCL's and the difference in interactions between the CNT or the GN/PLA and the CNT or the GN/PCL is small, meaning the viscosity effects could dominate. However, other factors, such as thermodynamics and geometry, can be observed to compete with the rheological factor, depending on the mixing sequences. Depending on the processing time, a competition between thermodynamics and rheological factors could be observed when the nanoparticles had contact first with the thermodynamically favored phase. The competition between geometrical and rheological factors was observed in the presence of GN in the PLA phase, in the system in which the GN was added first to the PLA phase, which is the phase of lowest affinity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:323–329, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and performance of three‐layered structure composite membrane for heavy metal ions and hazardous dyes rejection
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Liu Yuan , Shuai Zhang , Wang Chenyi
Published: October 2018

A three‐layered structure composite membrane was successfully fabricated by electrospinning cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) fibrous layers and coating the chitosan (CS) solution on the CA/PHBV substrate as a barrier layer. For obtaining the proper mechanical property and high filtration performance, different content of glycerol was investigated to mix in CS coating solution. The ovalbumin tests showed that this triple‐structure type of filtration media exhibited a high flux rate (up to 730 L/m2 h at the feed pressure of 0.15 MPa) and an excellent rejection rate (98%). The permeation flux of the membrane was significantly higher than other reported electrospun fiber membranes with similar rejection ratios. The CA/PHBV‐CS composite membrane was also used to remove disperse dye and metal ion for water purification. These prepared membranes exhibited efficient adsorption separation performance toward disperse yellow dye with the maximum adsorption capacity reaching up to 188.52 mg/g. The equilibrium absorption capacities of the three tested ions (Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III)) were 46.26, 88.31, and 190.14 mg/g, respectively. Consequently, these membranes can be promising materials in wastewater treatment. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E322–E329, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A novel method for industrial manufacturing of thermoplastic multilayer films: Processing, microstructure, and properties
Authors: Qu Jin‐ping , Luo Yue
Published: October 2018

This article reports a facile approach for industrial‐scale manufacturing of multilayer coextrusion‐blown films by developing a novel rotation homogenization distribution (RHD) method. Materials in this unique process are subjected to a flow field combining both shear circulation and pressure flow. In RHD, circumferential shear causes a laminar flow, where the stable interface between layers can be obtained, and assigns melt evenly to the entire circumferential direction. This equipment has been used to prepare multilayer low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films under various shear rates by altering the mandrel rotation speed. The effects of mandrel rotation speed on the microstructure, morphology, and properties of bilayer LDPE films were investigated. Multilayer LDPE films with superior interfacial stability and uniform layer distribution, which differ from the multiple melt channels in conventional multilayer coextrusion blown facilities, were successfully fabricated using the proposed equipment. Evident enhancements were observed in thermal shrinkage and mechanical properties of the multilayer films, especially in the transverse direction. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E339–E349, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
N2supercritical jet to modify the characteristics of polymer material surfaces: Influence of the process parameters on the surface topography
Authors: Khalsi Yosri , Heim Frederic , Lee Jason T. , Tazibt Abdel
Published: October 2018

Foreign body reaction (FBR) is a critical issue to be addressed when polymeric implants are considered in the medical field to treat pathologies involving hernia repair, revascularization strategies in arterial disease, and aneurysm or heart valve replacement. The natural porosity of textile materials tend to induce exaggerated tissue ingrowth which may prevent the implants from remaining flexible. One hypothesized way to limit the FBR process is to increase the material surface roughness. Supercritical N2jet particle projection is a novel technique to provide enough velocity to particles to induce plastic deformation on the impacted surface. This work investigates the influence of supercritical N2jet projection parameters like jet static pressure, standoff distance (SoD), particle size and density on the roughness that can be obtained on polyester flat polymer surfaces. Results bring out that particles generate craters on the polymeric impacted surface, with size increases correlated with the jet pressure and the particle diameter. With a pressure of 1,000 bars, 300‐mm SoD, and a particle mass flowrate of 0.6 g/s, it is possible to obtain a uniform 5 μm roughness on the impacted surface. This value is in the range of the 10 μm fiber size which is commonly used in medical textile implants. Basically, result brings out that whatever the particle size or particle flow rate, the SoD has the most significant effect on the roughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:616–624, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of thermo‐oxidative aging on the dynamical mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of glass fiber‐reinforced PA10T composites
Authors: Wang Jian , He Yong , Jin Longming , Zhou Dengfeng , Guo Jianbing
Published: October 2018

Unveiling the fundamental thermal‐oxidative aging mechanism and thermal degradation kinetics of the poly(decamethyleneterephthalamide) (PA10T)/ glass fiber (GF) composites under different aging temperatures (160°C, 200°C, and 240°C) for 0–50 days will facilitate the understanding of the interaction between matrix PA10T and GF. The results revealed that the decrease of mechanical properties referring to tensile strength, flexural strength and notched impact strength, and the occurrence of debonding phenomenon between PA10T matrix and GF were increasingly obvious after longer aging time at higher aging temperature. At the same time, the decline of crystalline was mainly ascribed to the thermal‐oxidative aging effect, which triggered the deterioration of mechanical properties of PA10T/GF composites. Accordingly, the enhancement of rigidity were probably attributed to the higher temperature aging effect with the aging time prolonging in PA10T/GF composites, while the interfacial debonding between GF and resin matrix obviously occurred with the increase of aging time. In a word, it is believed that investigating the fundamental thermal‐oxidative aging of PA10T/GF composites would be beneficial to optimize and control the service life and applications of materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:643–656, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Radical polymerization of radical‐labeled monomers: The triarylmethyl‐based radical monomer as an example
Authors: Edeleva Mariya V. , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Rogozhnikova Olga Yu. , Tormyshev Victor M. , Troitskaya Tatiana I. , Bagryanskaya Elena G.
Published: October 2018

Recent development of spin‐labeled nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) involving successful polymer preparation with high livingness and narrow dispersity in the presence of persistent trityl‐based stable radicals attached to the initiators (90% recovery of a trityl radical signal after the polymerization) led us to the preparation of stable organic radical polymers based on trityl radical‐substituted monomers using NMP as the method of polymerization despite the claims in the literature about its expected failure. Here, we present successful radical polymerization and NMP of a trityl radical‐based tri‐ and mono‐monomer yielding more than 90% recovery of the trityl radical signal. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2656–2664
From patent to product? 50 years of low‐pressure plasma sterilization
Authors: Fiebrandt Marcel , Lackmann Jan‐Wilm , Stapelmann Katharina
Published: October 2018

The development of new sterilization methods is still a major topic. The need for new techniques arises from the development of new instruments and the usage of different materials. Especially in the case of plastics with their beneficial properties, for example, in the field of implantology, plasma sterilization is seen as a promising alternative to the standard methods. However, 50 years after the first patent and although low‐pressure plasmas show excellent inactivation performance (>log 6 reduction), only one commercial system is available on the market for a distinct application. We will give a short review about known plasma sterilization mechanisms, the different plasma sterilization systems in use, analyze possible challenges for an industrial process and comment on possible solutions for a broader acceptance and utilization of low‐pressure plasma sterilization.
Urinary Glycopeptide Analysis for the Investigation of Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Belczacka Iwona , Pejchinovski Martin , Krochmal Magdalena , Magalhães Pedro , Frantzi Maria , Mullen William , Vlahou Antonia , Mischak Harald , Jankowski Vera
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Urine is a rich source of potential biomarkers, including glycoproteins. Glycoproteomic analysis remains difficult due to the high heterogeneity of glycans. Nevertheless, recent advances in glycoproteomics software solutions facilitate glycopeptide identification and characterization. The aim is to investigate intact glycopeptides in the urinary peptide profiles of normal subjects using a novel PTM‐centric software—Byonic.

Experimental design

The urinary peptide profiles of 238 normal subjects, previously analyzed using CE–MS and CE–MS/MS and/or LC–MS/MS, are subjected to glycopeptide analysis. Additionally, glycopeptide distribution is assessed in a set of 969 patients with five different cancer types: bladder, prostate and pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma.

Results

A total of 37 intact O‐glycopeptides and 23 intact N‐glycopeptides are identified in the urinary profiles of 238 normal subjects. Among the most commonly identified O‐glycoproteins are Apolipoprotein C‐III and insulin‐like growth factor II, while titin among the N‐glycoproteins. Further statistical analysis reveals that three O‐glycopeptides and five N‐glycopeptides differed significantly in their abundance among the different cancer types, comparing to normal subjects.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Through the established glycoproteomics workflow, intact O‐ and N‐glycopeptides in human urine are identified and characterized, providing novel insights for further exploration of the glycoproteome with respect to specific diseases.
Surface Mediated Synthesis of 2D Covalent Organic Networks: 1,3,5‐Tris(4‐bromophenyl)benzene on Au(111)
Authors: Doyle Catherine M. , McGuinness Cormac , Lawless Anna P. , Preobrajenski Alexei B. , Vinogradov Nikolay A. , Cafolla Attilio A.
Published: October 2018

Covalent organic networks derived from surface‐mediated self‐assembly of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐bromophenyl)benzene into two‐dimensional networks on Au(111) have been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and by X‐ray spectroscopic methods. High resolution soft X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (SXPS) using synchrotron radiation have been used to study the formation of the 1,3,5‐tris(4‐bromophenyl)benzene‐derived 2D networks by observing temperature‐dependent C 1s and Br 3d core level XPS spectra. X‐ray absorption (XA) measurements of the formation of these 2D networks have been obtained at the C K‐edge where their temperature and angular dependence are examined. The results of these XPS and XA spectroscopic measurements are compared to detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐bromophenyl)benzene molecules to aid the interpretation of the features of these spectra.
An improved variable sample size and sampling interval S control chart
Authors: Khoo Michael B.C. , See May Yen , Chong Nger Ling , Teoh Wei Lin
Published: October 2018

The standard deviation chart (S chart) is used to monitor process variability. This paper proposes an upper‐sided improved variable sample size and sampling interval (VSSIt) S chart by improving the existing upper‐sided variable sample size and sampling interval (VSSI) S chart through the inclusion of an additional sampling interval. The optimal designs of the VSSIt S chart together with the competing charts under consideration, such as the VSSI S and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) S charts, by minimizing the out‐of‐control average time to signal (ATS1) and expected average time to signal (EATS1) criteria, are performed using the MATLAB programs. The performances of the standard S, VSSI S, EWMA S, and VSSIt S charts are compared, in terms of the ATS1 and EATS1 criteria, where the results show that the VSSIt S chart surpasses the other charts in detecting moderate and large shifts, while the EWMA S is the best performing chart in detecting small shifts. An illustrative example is given to explain the implementation of the VSSIt S chart.
Latent change‐point detection in ordinal categorical data
Authors: Wang Junjie , Ding Dong , Su Qin
Published: October 2018

Statistical process control (SPC) techniques have been widely used for online surveillance and offline diagnosis in many applications. Because of cost constraint or technical difficulty, it is quite common that the quality of products or service is measured by ordinal factors with ordered attribute levels such as excellent, acceptable, and unacceptable. This article studies phase I analysis of such ordinal categorical processes to identify change points. By assuming that attribute levels are determined by a latent continuous variable, this work suggests a modified log‐linear model to characterize ordinal information among the attribute levels. Then a change‐point detection method is proposed on the basis of the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT). Simulation results prove the method's strong detection power, high diagnostic accuracy, and robustness under various distributions of the latent variable.
Fractional clique decompositions of dense graphs
Authors: Montgomery Richard
Published: October 2018

For each , we show that any graph G with minimum degree at least has a fractional Kr‐decomposition. This improves the best previous bounds on the minimum degree required to guarantee a fractional Kr‐decomposition given by Dukes (for small r) and Barber, Kühn, Lo, Montgomery, and Osthus (for large r), giving the first bound that is tight up to the constant multiple of r (seen, for example, by considering Turán graphs). In combination with work by Glock, Kühn, Lo, Montgomery, and Osthus, this shows that, for any graph F with chromatic number , and any , any sufficiently large graph G with minimum degree at least has, subject to some further simple necessary divisibility conditions, an (exact) F‐decomposition.
Single Molecule DNA Resensing Using a Two‐Pore Device
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Liu Xu , Zhao Yanan , Yu Jen‐Kan , Reisner Walter , Dunbar William B.
Published: October 2018

A nanofluidic device is presented that, enables independent sensing and resensing of a single DNA molecule translocating through two nanopores with sub‐micrometer spacing. The device concept is based upon integrating a thin nitride membrane with microchannels etched in borosilicate glass. Pores, coupled to each microchannel, are connected via a fluid‐filled half‐space on the device backside, enabling translocation of molecules across each pore in sequence. Critically, this approach allows for independent application of control voltage and measurement of trans‐pore ionic current at each of the two pores, leading to 1) controlled assessment of molecular time of flight, 2) voltage‐tuned selective molecule recapture, and 3) ability to acquire two correlated translocation signatures for each molecule analyzed. Finally, the rare cocapture of a single chain threading simultaneously through each of the two pores is reported.
Highly Dispersed Fullerenols Hamper Osteoclast Ruffled Border Formation by Perturbing Ca2+ Bundles
Authors: Gu Weihong , Chen Kui , Zhao Xiaoyi , Geng Huan , Li Juan , Qin Yanxia , Bai Xue , Chang Ya‐Nan , Xia Shibo , Zhang Jiaxin , Ma Sihan , Wu Zhonghua , Xing Gengyan , Xing Gengmei
Published: October 2018

Osteoporosis, a common and serious bone disorder affecting aged people and postmenopausal women, is characterized by osteoclast overactivity. One therapeutic strategy is suppressing the bone resorption function of hyperactive osteoclasts, but there is no effective drug in clinical practice so far. Herein, it is demonstrated that fullerenols suppress the bone resorption of osteoclasts by inhibiting ruffled borders (RBs) formation. The RBs formation, which is supported by well‐aligned actin bundles (B‐actins), is a critical event for osteoclast bone resorption. To facilitate this function, osteoclast RBs dynamics is regulated by variable microenvironments to bundle F‐actins, protrude cell membrane, and so on. B‐actin perturbation by fullerenols is determined here, offering an opportunity to regulate osteoclast function by destroying RBs. In vivo, the therapeutic effect of fullerenols on overactive osteoclasts is confirmed in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone erosion. Collectively, the findings suggest that fullerenols adhere to F‐actin surfaces and inhibit RBs formation in osteoclasts, mainly through hampering Ca2+ from bundling F‐actins, and this is likely due to the stereo‐hindrance effect caused by adherent fullerenols.
Microparticle Delivery of Protein Markers for Single‐Cell Western Blotting from Microwells
Authors: Kim John J. , Chan Peggy P. Y. , Vlassakis Julea , Geldert Alisha , Herr Amy E.
Published: October 2018

Immunoblotting confers protein identification specificity beyond that of immunoassays by prepending protein electrophoresis (sizing) to immunoprobing. To accurately size protein targets, sample analysis includes concurrent analysis of protein markers with known molecular masses. To incorporate protein markers in single‐cell western blotting, microwells are used to isolate individual cells and protein marker‐coated microparticles. A magnetic field directs protein‐coated microparticles to >75% of microwells, so as to 1) deliver a quantum of protein marker to each cell‐laden microwell and 2) synchronize protein marker solubilization with cell lysis. Nickel‐coated microparticles are designed, fabricated, and characterized, each conjugated with a mixture of histidine‐tagged proteins (42.3–100 kDa). Imidazole in the cell lysis buffer solubilizes protein markers during a 30 s cell lysis step, with an observed protein marker release half‐life of 4.46 s. Across hundreds of individual microwells and different microdevices, robust log‐linear regression fits (R2 > 0.97) of protein molecular mass and electrophoretic mobility are observed. The protein marker and microparticle system is applied to determine the molecular masses of five endogenous proteins in breast cancer cells (GAPDH, β‐TUB, CK8, STAT3, ER‐α), with <20% mass error. Microparticle‐delivered protein standards underpin robust, reproducible electrophoretic cytometry that complements single‐cell genomics and transcriptomics.
Evaluating filter fuzzy analogy homogenous ensembles for software development effort estimation
Authors: Hosni Mohamed , Idri Ali , Abran Alain
Published: October 2018

Researchers have developed and evaluated many techniques to deliver accurate estimates of the effort required to complete a new software program. Among these, analogy has emerged as a very promising technique, in particular the fuzzy analogy estimation technique that uses the fuzzy logic concepts in order to deal with both categorical and numerical data. The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) evaluate the impact of 3 filters on the predictive ability of single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques and (2) assess whether filters could be a source of diversity for fuzzy analogy ensembles. Moreover, it compares the filter single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques with fuzzy analogy ensembles built without using feature selection over 6 datasets. The overall results suggest that (1) more accurate estimates are generated when filters were used with single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques, (2) filter single fuzzy analogy techniques outperformed filter fuzzy analogy ensembles, and (3) fuzzy analogy ensembles without feature selection were more accurate than filter single and ensemble techniques. Therefore, though the use of feature selection techniques led single and ensemble fuzzy analogy to generate accurate estimations, they failed to be a source of diversity for fuzzy analogy ensembles. Hence, constructing fuzzy analogy homogenous ensembles that combine single fuzzy analogy techniques with different parameter configurations still generate better accuracy than filter fuzzy analogy ensembles. However, further empirical evaluations of filter/wrappers fuzzy analogy ensembles are required in order to confirm or refute these findings.
Investigation on Gasification Reaction Behavior and Kinetic Analysis of Iron Coke Hot Briquette under Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Chu Mansheng , Guo Bingyu , Bao Jiwei , Zhao Wei , Liu Zhenggen , Tang Jue
Published: October 2018

Gasification reaction behavior of iron coke as well as kinetic parameters is extremely important for its quality evaluation and practical application in an actual blast furnace. However, there are few researches on the gasification behavior of iron coke, especially for iron coke hot briquette (ICHB) prepared by hot briquetting process. In this paper, the gasification reaction behavior of ICHB is experimentally investigated under isothermal conditions. Meanwhile, the kinetic analysis for the gasification process of ICHB and the related mechanism are carried out. The results demonstrate that the increase of the reaction temperature causes the significant rise of the carbon conversion rate and the reaction rate of ICHB, while the post‐reaction strength is evidently decreased. The size degradation of ICHB after reaction is increasingly serious as the reaction temperature goes up, and more pores as well as cracks are generated inside the gasified ICHB. During the gasification, the reduction of iron oxide, the oxidization of metal iron, and the generation reaction of fayalite are concomitantly occurred. The most probable mechanism function is confirmed. Based on this model, the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor are conducted, which are 144.77 kJ mol−1 and 999.37 min−1, respectively.
Preparation and Characterization of Oxidized Starch/CuO Nanocomposite Hydrogels Applicable in a Drug Delivery System
Authors: Gholamali Iman , Hosseini Seyed Nabiollah , Alipour Eskandar , Yadollahi Mehdi
Published: October 2018

To develop a new drug delivery approach, oxidized starch/CuO nanocomposite hydrogels were successfully prepared in‐situ during the formation of CuO nanoparticles within swollen oxidized starch hydrogels. Analysis and characterization of the prepared hydrogels are carried out using different experimental techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix, while SEM micrographs shows that nanoparticles ranged from 39 to 50 nm within the same matrix. The number of CuO nanoparticles increased with increasing Cu2+ concentration. The swelling behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogels is studied at pH 2.1 and 7.4, and exhibits a pH sensitive swelling ratio, compared to the neat oxidized starch hydrogel. In vitro drug release tests are carried out to assess the effectiveness of this novel type of nanocomposite as a controlled drug delivery system. Sustained and controlled drug release is observed for CuO nanoparticles containing oxidized starch, which increases with higher CuO nanoparticle content.
Frequency‐Dependent EEG Corresponding to EMG under Voluntary Movement
Authors: Tanaka Yasuto , Saga Norihiko
Published: October 2018

The brain‐machine interface was studied using electroencephalography (EEG) to extract relevant signals of body movement. We aimed to correlate the motor command in EEG and muscle movement represented by electromyography (EMG) using a time series of each signal. Corresponding components of muscle movement to the brain wave spectrogram representing a motor command are sought through comparison of the EMG power envelope and the wavelet‐processed EEG. Results showed that the timing and peak of event‐related EEG power corresponds to the EMG power envelope in a high‐γ bandwidth (55 to 63 Hz) at the primary motor cortex (C3), indicative of phase‐dependent EEG–EMG connection. Such timing and phase coincidence between EEG and EMG suggests event‐related synchronization in the primary motor cortex serving as a motor command that initiates muscle activity. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Molecular cloning and characterization of two ARNT (ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2) genes in Atlantic croaker and their expression during coexposure to hypoxia and PCB77
Authors: Rahman Md Saydur , Thomas Peter
Published: October 2018

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) is an important transcriptions factor that binds/coactivates drug‐metabolizing genes in vertebrates. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of two ARNT (ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2) genes and their mRNA and protein expression in liver tissues of Atlantic croaker after co‐exposure to hypoxia and 3,3′,4,4′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77). The full‐length croaker ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2 genes encode proteins of 537 and 530 amino acids, respectively, and are highly homologous to ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2 genes of other vertebrates. ARNT mRNAs are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. Hypoxia (dissolved oxygen: 1.7 mg/L) exposure (1‐4 weeks) did not affect hepatic ARNTs mRNA levels. Dietary PCB77 treatment (2 and 8 μg/g body weight/day for 4 weeks) caused marked increases in ARNTs mRNA and protein levels in normoxic fish. However, coexposure to hypoxia and PCB77 for 4 weeks significantly blunted the increase in ARNTs mRNA and protein levels in response to PCB77 exposure. These results suggest that ARNT activity and functions induced by exposure to PCB aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists could be compromised in croaker inhabiting hypoxic coastal regions.
Combined explanations of B-physics anomalies: the sterile neutrino solution
Authors: Azatov Aleksandr , Barducci Daniele , Ghosh Diptimoy , Marzocca David , Ubaldi Lorenzo
Published: October 2018

Abstract

In this paper we provide a combined explanation of charged- and neutral-current B-physics anomalies assuming the presence of a light sterile neutrino N

R
which contributes to the B → D
(*)
τν processes. We focus in particular on two simplified models, where the mediator of the flavour anomalies is either a vector leptoquark U
1

μ

∼ (3, 1, 2/3) or a scalar leptoquark S
1 ∼ (

$$ \overline{\mathbf{3}} $$

3
¯

, 1, 1/3). We find that U
1

μ

can successfully reproduce the required deviations from the Standard Model while being at the same time compatible with all other flavour and precision observables. The scalar leptoquark instead induces a tension between B

s
mixing and the neutral-current anomalies. For both states we present the limits and future projections from direct searches at the LHC finding that, while at present both models are perfectly allowed, all the parameter space will be tested with more luminosity. Finally, we study in detail the cosmological constraints on the sterile neutrino N

R
and the conditions under which it can be a candidate for dark matter.
Conservation of asymptotic charges from past to future null infinity: Maxwell fields
Authors: Prabhu Kartik
Published: October 2018

Abstract

On any asymptotically-flat spacetime, we show that the asymptotic symmetries and charges of Maxwell fields on past null infinity can be related to those on future null infinity as recently proposed by Strominger. We extend the covariant formalism of Ashtekar and Hansen by constructing a 3-manifold of both null and spatial directions of approach to spatial infinity. This allows us to systematically impose appropriate regularity conditions on the Maxwell fields near spatial infinity along null directions. The Maxwell equations on this 3-manifold and the regularity conditions imply that the relevant field quantities on past null infinity are antipodally matched to those on future null infinity. Imposing the condition that in a scattering process the total flux of charges through spatial infinity vanishes, we isolate the subalgebra of totally fluxless symmetries near spatial infinity. This subalgebra provides a natural isomorphism between the asymptotic symmetry algebras on past and future null infinity, such that the corresponding charges are equal near spatial infinity. This proves that the flux of charges is conserved from past to future null infinity in a classical scattering process of Maxwell fields. We also comment on possible extensions of our method to scattering in general relativity.
Effective field theory for chaotic CFTs
Authors: Haehl Felix M. , Rozali Moshe
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We derive an effective field theory for general chaotic two-dimensional conformal field theories with a large central charge. The theory is a specific and calculable instance of a more general framework recently proposed in [1]. We discuss the gauge symmetries of the model and how they relate to the Lyapunov behaviour of certain correlators. We calculate the out-of-time-ordered correlators diagnosing quantum chaos, as well as certain more fine-grained higher-point generalizations, using our Lorentzian effective field theory. We comment on potential future applications of the effective theory to real-time thermal physics and conformal field theory.
Contribution of Nursing to Risk Factor Management as Perceived by Patients with Established Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Scholte op Reimer Wilma J.M. , Jansen Chris H. , de Swart Esther A.M. , Boersma Eric , Simoons Maarten L. , Deckers Jaap W.
Published: October 2018

Background: Guidelines stress the importance of risk factor management in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Aims: To evaluate whether guidelines on patient education in risk factor management are followed in clinical practice and to assess the contribution of nursing to risk factor management as perceived by patients with established CHD. Methods: Within three Dutch hospitals consecutive patients were identified after a first coronary–artery bypass graft, a first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or hospital admission for acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia ( n=357). Data were collected through patient interviews at least 6 months after hospital admission. Results: Among smokers, overweight patients, patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyle, respectively 75, 36, 67, 61 and 49% reported that information on presence or management of these risk factors was provided. The proportion of patients informed by nurses ranged from 14% (lowering cholesterol) to 23% (increasing physical activity), while 55% (lowering cholesterol) to 71% (stop smoking) were informed by physicians. Conclusion: Many patients with established CHD and cardiovascular risk factors do not remember ever having received information about management of their risk factors. Clearly, there is a substantial potential to improve professionals’ compliance to guidelines on risk factor management, including those on patient education. The perceived contribution of nurses to risk factor management is small compared to that of physicians and other caregivers. If risk factor management is felt to be a main responsibility of nurses, current nursing activities in this area should be reconsidered within an improved organisational structure.
Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation: A View from the United Kingdom
Authors: Thompson David R.
Published: October 2018

Cardiac rehabilitation has assumed more prominence over the past decade, due largely to an increase in user demand, an improvement in the evidence base and an enhancement of its status. This paper presents a view from the United Kingdom and suggests some ways in which cardiac rehabilitation can be improved by focusing on a number of key issues: service organisation and delivery, process and outcome measurement, performance management, and education, training and continuing professional development. The paper concludes that there is a need to make cardiac rehabilitation more widely available using creative and flexible approaches to enhance access, participation and adherence.
Automated Purification of Dye Terminator Sequencing Reactions: An Approach to High-Throughput Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing of Large Templates
Authors: Gernon Amy , Woldu Ermias , Godlevski Michele , Wilson Willie , Gilmore Rodney C. , Grant Delores J. , Chatterjee Pradeep K. , Kephar Dan
Published: October 2018

Demands for higher quantity and quality of sequence data during genome sequencing projects have led to a need for completely automated reagent systems designed to isolate, process, and analyze DNA samples. While much attention has been given to methodologies aimed at increasing the throughput of sample preparation and reaction setup, purification of the products of sequencing reactions has received less scrutiny despite the profound influence that purification has on sequence quality. Commonly used and commercially available sequencing reaction cleanup methods are not optimal for purifying sequencing reactions generated from larger templates, including bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and those generated by rolling circle amplification. Theoretically, these methods would not remove the original template since they only exclude small molecules and retain large molecules in the sample. If the large template remains in the purified sample, it could understandably interfere with electrokinetic injection and capillary performance. We demonstrate that the use of MagneSil® paramagnetic particles (PMPs) to purify ABI PRISM® BigDye® sequencing reactions increases the quality and read length of sequences from large templates. The high-quality sequence data obtained by our procedure is independent of the size of template DNA used and can be completely automated on a variety of automated platforms.
The LabMatrix™ System
Authors: Zhou Peng , Young Lincoln , Lynch Kristin
Published: October 2018

The LabMatrix™ is a prototyping system designed to give the user a practical and versatile platform for testing microfluidic applications in the fields of health care and life sciences. The LabMatrix™ system consists of a microfluidic breadboard and cover that align and secure a series of specially designed LabMatrix™ microfluidic chips. Chips are easily arranged and rearranged into a user-defined fluidic network. The LabMatrix™ system is designed with maximum flexibility in mind, providing the user with a means to prototype a wide range of microfluidic applications in a short period.
Robotic Nucleic Acid Isolation Using a Magnetic Bead Resin and an Automated Liquid Handler for Biological Agent Simulants
Authors: Bailey Andrew M. , Pajak Laura , Fruchey Isaac R. , Cowan Cristopher A. , Emanuel Peter A.
Published: October 2018

The events that occurred following the mailing of Bacillus anthracis-laced envelopes through the postal system has highlighted the need to perform biological screening on large numbers of environmental samples. High-throughput screening that relies on integrated robotic systems to speed analysis has been undertaken to handle the surge in samples requiring testing in events involving weapons of mass destruction. These automated screening systems require DNA extraction methods capable of handling environmental samples that contain inhibitors and have target organisms at low concentrations. This study describes the development of a method for the detection of the biological warfare agent simulants Erwinia herbicola and Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores using paramagnetic bead-based resin with an automated liquid handler and environmental samples.