bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary stability of a cementless acetabular cup in a cohort of patient‐specific finite element models
Authors: O'Rourke Dermot , Al‐Dirini Rami MA , Taylor Mark
Published: August 2017

The primary stability achieved during total hip arthroplasty determines the long‐term success of cementless acetabular cups. Pre‐clinical finite element testing of cups typically use a model of a single patient and assume the results can be extrapolated to the general population. This study explored the variability in predicted primary stability of a Pinnacle® cementless acetabular cup in 103 patient‐specific finite element models of the hemipelvis and examined the association between patient‐related factors and the observed variability. Cups were inserted by displacement‐control into the FE models and then a loading configuration simulating a complete level gait cycle was applied. The cohort showed a range of polar gap of 284–1112 μm and 95th percentile composite peak micromotion (CPM) of 18–624 μm. Regression analysis was not conclusive on the relationship between patient‐related factors and primary stability. No relationship was found between polar gap and micromotion. However, when the patient‐related factors were categorised into quartile groups, trends suggested higher polar gaps occurred in subjects with small and shallow acetabular geometries and cup motion during gait was affected most by low elastic modulus and high bodyweight. The variation in primary stability in the cohort for an acetabular cup with a proven clinical track record may provide benchmark data when evaluating new cup designs. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1012–1023, 2018.
Analysing how cultural factors influence the efficiency of tourist destinations in Chile
Authors: Figueroa Víctor , Herrero Luis César , Báez Andrea , Gómez Mafalda
Published: August 2017

The present work is framed within the line of research addressing efficiency evaluation of tourist destinations, where regions are taken as territorial units able to determine their tourist appeal, and tourist flow is taken as the variable to be optimized. A virtual production function is therefore devise considering tourist flows as output and accommodation capacity and other tourist and cultural resources as the main inputs. We examine Chile as case study, a country with a growing number or tourists and increased investment in tourist and cultural infrastructures. We follow a two‐stage model, estimating regional performance using data envelopment analysis and analysing the impact of external variables on efficiency applying bootstrap techniques and truncated regression models. Empirical results show that cultural endowments and activities together with natural resources determine Chilean regional efficiency in optimizing tourist flow, particularly in attracting international tourism. Thus, policy recommendations to improve regional management of tourist and cultural attractions are derived. This study contributes to increase applications in tourist destinations efficiency in Latin America, where works are still scarce.
Effects of rangeland management on survival of female greater prairie‐chickens
Authors: Winder Virginia L. , McNew Lance B. , Pitman James C. , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: August 2017

Identifying relationships between habitat selection and population processes is important for habitat management and wildlife conservation. For prairie‐obligate species, space use and demography in extant grasslands are influenced by habitat conditions caused by rangeland management practices associated with livestock production. Greater prairie‐chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) are an indicator species for native tallgrass prairie ecosystems, but populations have declined in the Flint Hills ecoregion of eastern Kansas, USA because of intensification of rangeland management practices, including annual prescribed fire and high stocking densities. Patch‐burn grazing is a rotational system that provides heterogeneous habitats and can improve productivity of grassland birds, but the effects of grazing systems on habitat use or survival of greater prairie‐chickens are unknown. We used 3 types of survival analyses to investigate impacts of rangeland management on female greater prairie‐chickens in the central Flint Hills during 2011–2013: Kaplan–Meier models and Cox proportional hazards to examine factors affecting annual survival rates, hazard functions to assess seasonal patterns of mortality, and Andersen–Gill models to explore the links between habitat selection and cause‐specific mortality risk. Females captured at properties managed with patch‐burn grazing had annual survival rates (0.61 ± 0.07 SE) that were 35% higher than females on properties managed with annual burning and intensive early cattle stocking (0.45 ± 0.06). Moreover, females that selected habitats associated with intensive management had increased mortality risk and were particularly vulnerable to avian predators, whereas females that selected habitats created by patch‐burn grazing experienced lower overall mortality risk but were more vulnerable to mammalian predators. Overall mortality risk was significantly reduced under patch‐burn grazing management, and widespread implementation of annual spring burning and intensive early stocking is likely depressing survival of greater prairie‐chickens in the Flint Hills ecoregion. Our results join a growing body of evidence that patch‐burn grazing can provide higher quality grassland habitats for native wildlife species than current rangeland management associated with intensive cattle production. © 2017 The Wildlife Society
Novel Core–Shell PS‐co‐PBA@SiO2 Nanoparticles Coated on PP Separator as “Thermal Shutdown Switch” for High Safety Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liao Haiyang , Zhang Haiyan , Qin Gai , Hong Haoqun , Li Zhenghui , Lin Yingxi , Li Liuqing
Published: August 2017

Thermal runaway is a hazardous behavior of lithium‐ion batteries under extreme conditions and is mainly cause for restraint of its commercial applications in development of high‐power and high‐rate lithium‐ion batteries. In this paper, a new dual‐functions coating layer fabricated from polystyrene‐poly(butyl acrylate) copolymer encapsulated silica nanoparticles as “thermal shutdown switch” with a reasonable shutdown temperature of ≈80 °C is designed and coated on polypropylene separator. The shell polymer owing to its self‐adhesion upon glass transition temperature (Tg) can retard off the Li+ conduction between the electrodes, thus prevents cell from thermal runaway, the core nanoparticles protect the separator from significantly thermal shrinkage when the cell temperature keeps going up. Moreover, the coated separator has no negative affection on the normal electrochemical performance of the batteries, thereby implying that this coating layer provides a simple and effective approach to control the safety of commercial lithium‐ion batteries by internal self‐protecting.
Symptom clusters in adults with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Conley Samantha , Proctor Deborah D. , Jeon Sangchoon , Sandler Robert S. , Redeker Nancy S.
Published: August 2017

Symptoms (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with reduced quality of life. Understanding how IBD symptoms cluster and the clinical and demographic factors associated with symptom clusters will enable focused development of symptom management interventions. The study purposes were to (i) identify symptom cluster membership among adults with IBD and (ii) examine associations between demographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education) and clinical factors (smoking status, time since diagnosis, medication type, IBD type, disease activity), and membership in specific symptom cluster groups. We conducted a retrospective study of data from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) Partners Cohort and used Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures to measure pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression. The sample included 5,296 participants with IBD (mean age 44, 72% female). In latent class analysis (LCA), four groups of participants were identified based on symptoms: “low symptom burden” (26% of sample), “high symptom burden” (38%), “physical symptoms” (22%), and “psychological symptoms” (14%). In multinomial regression, female gender, smoking, corticosteroids, Crohn's disease, and active disease state were associated with membership in the high symptom burden group. Additional research is needed to test interventions that may be effective at reducing symptom burden for individuals with IBD.
Association Between Peripheral Adipokines and Inflammation Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Graßmann Sophie , Wirsching Jan , Eichelmann Fabian , Aleksandrova Krasimira
Published: August 2017

Objective

Obesity‐induced inflammation potentially promotes a variety of chronic conditions. This study aimed to summarize cross‐sectional associations between adipose tissue‐derived hormones (leptin and adiponectin) and inflammatory biomarkers (C‐reactive protein [CRP], interleukin [IL]‐6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) by means of meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of the databases EMBASE and MEDLINE (PubMed) up to January 2017 was conducted. Data were independently extracted and evaluated by two reviewers. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random‐effects models.

Results

After the initial search, 5,907 publications were retrieved; of these, an overall 60 studies with 45,210 participants were deemed eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. Positive correlations with inflammatory biomarkers were observed for leptin (pooled Rho = 0.35, 0.20, and 0.20 for CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, respectively), whereas the respective correlations with adiponectin were negative (pooled Rho = −0.18, −0.14, and −0.12 for CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, respectively). Stratification by age showed that the observed correlations tended to be weaker with the increasing age of participants. No apparent differences were observed by sex and adiposity status.

Conclusions

This is the first quantitative synthesis of human studies on the association between circulating adipokines and inflammation biomarkers. Potential influence of age on these associations requires further evaluation.
Simultaneous actuator and sensor fault estimation for discrete‐time Lipschitz nonlinear systems in finite‐frequency domain
Authors: Gu Ying , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the problem of actuator and sensor fault reconstruction simultaneously with finite‐frequency specifications for discrete‐time Lipschitz nonlinear systems. First, an augmented system description is given by extending the sensor fault as an auxiliary state vector. Then, a multiobjective unknown input proportional‐integral observer is designed, and the nonlinear error dynamics are transformed into a linear parameter‐varying system based on the use of a reformulated Lipschitz property. Sufficient conditions for the design of a fault estimator with 2 finite‐frequency
performances are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities where a slack variable is introduced to reduce the conservativeness of the design. The proposed method can provide less restrictive linear matrix inequality conditions and get a better fault estimation performance than the existing one in the full frequency domain. Simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Whole genome sequencing identifies etiology of recurrent male intrauterine fetal death
Authors: Shehab Omar , Tester David J. , Ackerman Nicholas C. , Cowchock F. Susan , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To identify the underlying genetic cause for recurrent intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) of males.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing was performed on DNA from five healthy obligatory carrier females and an unaffected male offspring of a multigenerational pedigree with recurrent second‐trimester IUFD of males (n = 19). When documented, all deaths occurred at ≤20 weeks of gestation. Hydrops fetalis was diagnosed at death in the most recent case.

Results

Following variant filtering based on a recessive X‐linked inheritance pattern, a rare FOXP3 frameshift mutation (p.D303fs*87) that results in a premature truncation of the protein was discovered. Sanger sequencing confirmed the mutation in the affected fetus. The FOXP3 gene encodes for a transcriptional regulator critical to the function of regulatory T cells. FOXP3 mutations are associated with immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome which exclusively affects males and may present with a potentially life‐threatening complex autoimmune disorder in early childhood.

Conclusions

Here, we demonstrate the utility of whole genome sequencing‐based pedigree analysis to identify the genetic cause for recurrent IUFD when chromosome studies, including microarray analysis, are normal. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of FOXP3‐mediated IUFD in males. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures and thermochemistry of methyl ethyl sulfide and its hydroperoxides: HOOCH2SCH2CH3, CH3SCH(OOH)CH3, CH3SCH2CH2OOH, and radicals
Authors: Song Guanghui , Bozzelli Joseph W.
Published: August 2017

Hydroperoxides and the corresponding peroxy radicals are important intermediates during the partial oxidation of methyl ethyl sulfide (CH3SCH2CH3) in both atmospheric chemistry and in combustion. Structural parameters, internal rotor potentials, bond dissociation energies, and thermochemical properties (ΔHfo, So and Cp(T)) of 3 corresponding hydroperoxides CH2(OOH)SCH2CH3, CH3SCH(OOH)CH3, CH3SCH2CH2OOH of methyl ethyl sulfides, and the radicals formed via loss of a hydrogen atom are important to understanding the oxidation reactions of MES. The lowest energy molecular structures were identified using the density functional B3LYP/6‐311G(2d,d,p) level of theory. Standard enthalpies of formation (ΔHfo298) for the radicals and their parent molecules were calculated using the density functional B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31 + G(2d,p), and the composite CBS‐QB3 ab initio methods. Isodesmic reactions were used to determine ∆Hfo values. Internal rotation potential energy diagrams and rotation barriers were investigated using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level theory. Contributions for So298 and Cp(T) were calculated using the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation based on the structures and vibrational frequencies obtained by the density functional calculations, with contributions from torsion frequencies replaced by internal rotor contributions. The recommended values for enthalpies of formation of the most stable conformers of CH3SCH2CH2, CH2(OOH)SCH2CH3, CH3SCH(OOH)CH3, and CH3SCH2CH2OOH are −14.0, −33.0, −37.2, and −32.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Group additivity values were developed for estimating properties of structurally similar and larger sulfur‐containing peroxides. Groups for use in group additivity estimation of sulfur peroxide thermochemical properties were developed.
Mechanosynthesis of a Copper complex for redox initiating systems with a unique near infrared light activation
Authors: Garra P. , Dumur F. , Morlet‐Savary F. , Dietlin C. , Gigmes D. , Fouassier J. P. , Lalevée J.
Published: August 2017

The first use of a new mechanosynthesized copper complex (Cu(acac)(2dppba)) as a initiator for the redox and redox photoactivated polymerization of methacrylates under air is proposed. This paper (i) describes the mechanosynthesis of this complex, (ii) outlines the relative efficiency of the complex for redox polymerization (mechanosynthesized product vs. solvent synthesized product), (iii) follows the polymerization enhancement under a 405 nm light, and (iv) demonstrates the high performance of this complex in near infrared photoactivated redox polymerization where a completely colorless polymer is obtained (unprecedented under NIR irradiations, 785 nm, here). The light activated polymerization exhibit higher conversions, better time controls (activation control) and higher surface conversions than redox polymerization. The mechanosynthesis is well characterized by two solvent‐free methods (visual color change and Electron Spin Resonance) and two solvent‐based methods (high resolution‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS) and UV–vis spectrometry). The involved mechanisms are discussed. Mechanosynthesis of copper complexes opens new perspectives for copper (photo)redox polymerization catalysts as the environmental impact and economical costs of the complex synthesis are significantly reduced. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3646–3655
Core@shell Cu/hydrocarbon plasma polymer nanoparticles prepared by gas aggregation cluster source followed by in‐flight plasma polymer coating
Authors: Kylián Ondřej , Kuzminova Anna , Vaydulych Mykhailo , Cieslar Miroslav , Khalakhan Ivan , Hanuš Jan , Choukourov Andrei , Slavínská Danka , Biederman Hynek
Published: August 2017

Core@shell Cu/hydrocarbon plasma polymer nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared using a gas aggregation cluster source followed by in‐flight plasma polymer coating of produced Cu NPs. Conventional plasma polymerization of vapors of n‐Hexane or acetone has been applied. It is shown that this strategy for core@shell NPs production enables to achieve homogeneous shells with thickness in nanometer scale without impact on the properties of metallic cores (crystallinity, optical properties). In addition, it has been proved that the chemical properties of shells may be controlled by use of different organic precursors that enables production of NPs with different wettabilities.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma in the airway of an HIV‐positive child
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Kappos Alexia , Janson Jacques
Published: August 2017

We describe a case of an extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) in an HIV‐positive child. An 11‐ year‐old, HIV‐infected female patient, on antiretroviral therapy since 2010, was referred with difficult to control asthma and bronchiectasis. The lesion was identified on CT chest following persisting reduced air entry and unilateral wheezing on the right. Rigid bronchoscopy identified a large pedunculated fleshy mass in the right main bronchus. Biopsy revealed it to be a plasmacytoma. Right main bronchus sleeve resection was done with complete removal of the tumor. Histology confirmed it to be a solitary plasmacytoma localized to the right main bronchus.
Greenhouse and field‐based studies on the distribution of dimethoate in cotton and its effect on Tetranychus urticae by drip irrigation
Authors: He Jiangtao , Zhou Lijuan , Yao Qiang , Liu Bo , Xu Hanhong , Huang Jiguang
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is an important pest of cotton. We investigated the efficacy of dimethoate in controlling T. urticae by drip irrigation. Greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to determine the efficacy of dimethoate to T. urticae and the absorption and distribution of dimethoate in cotton.

RESULTS

Greenhouse results showed that cotton leaves received higher amounts of dimethoate compared with cotton roots and stems, with higher amounts in young leaves compared with old leaves and cotyledon having the lowest amounts among leaves. Field results showed the efficacy of dimethoate to T. urticae by drip irrigation varied by volume of dripping water, soil pH and dimethoate dosage. Dimethoate applied at 3.00 kg ha–1 with 200 m3 ha–1 water at weak acidic soil pH (5.70–6.70) through drip irrigation can obtain satisfactory control efficacy (81.49%, 7 days) to T. urticae, without negatively impacting on its natural enemy Neoseiulus cucumeris. The residue of dimethoate in all cotton seed samples were not detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the effectiveness of applying dimethoate by drip irrigation for control of T. urticae on cotton. This knowledge could aid in the applicability of dimethoate by drip irrigation for field management of T. urticae populations. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Limited fitness costs of herbicide‐resistance traits in Amaranthus tuberculatus facilitate resistance evolution
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Davis Adam S , Tranel Patrick J
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The fitness cost of herbicide resistance (HR) in the absence of herbicide selection plays a key role in HR evolution. Quantifying the fitness cost of resistance, however, is challenging, and there exists a knowledge gap in this area. A synthetic (artificially generated) Amaranthus tuberculatus population segregating for five types of HR was subjected to competitive growth conditions in the absence of herbicide selection for six generations. Fitness costs were quantified by using a combination of phenotyping and genotyping to monitor HR frequency changes over generations.

RESULTS

In the absence of herbicide selection, a significant fitness cost was observed for resistance to acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides, but not for resistances to atrazine (non‐target‐site resistance mechanism), protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors, 4‐hydroxyphenylpryuvate dioxygenase inhibitors or glyphosate. Glyphosate resistance was conferred by multiple mechanisms in the synthetic population, and further analysis revealed that one mechanism, amplification of the 5‐enolypyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene, did decrease in frequency.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that herbicide‐resistance mitigation strategies (e.g. herbicide rotation) that rely on the existence of fitness costs in the absence of herbicide selection likely will be largely ineffective in many cases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy in Caenorhabditis elegans and Globodera pallida: evidence for an ivermectin‐activated decrease in lipid stores
Authors: Smus Justyna P , Ludlow Elizabeth , Dallière Nicolas , Luedtke Sarah , Monfort Tual , Lilley Catherine , Urwin Peter , Walker Robert J , O'Connor Vincent , Holden‐Dye Lindy , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Macrocyclic lactones are arguably the most successful chemical class with efficacy against parasitic nematodes. Here we investigated the effect of the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin on lipid homeostasis in the plant parasitic nematode Globodera pallida and provide new insight into its mode of action.

RESULTS

A non‐invasive, non‐destructive, label‐free and chemically selective technique called Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy was used to study lipid stores in G. pallida. We optimised the protocol using the free‐living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and then used CARS to quantify lipid stores in the pre‐parasitic, non‐feeding J2 stage of G. pallida. This revealed a concentration of lipid stores in the posterior region of J2 s within 24 h of hatching which decreased to undetectable levels over the course of 28 days. We tested the effect of ivermectin on J2 viability and lipid stores. Within 24 h, ivermectin paralysed J2 s. Counterintuitively, over the same time‐course ivermectin increased the rate of depletion of J2 lipid, suggesting that in ivermectin‐treated J2 s there is a disconnection between the energy requirements for motility and metabolic rate. This decrease in lipid stores would be predicted to negatively impact on J2 infective potential.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the benefit of macrocyclic lactones as seed treatments may be underpinned by a multilevel effect involving both neuromuscular inhibition and acceleration of lipid metabolism. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Competitive Growth Mechanism of WS2/MoS2 Vertical Heterostructures at High Temperature
Authors: Ren Hui , Guan Lixiu , Chen Guifeng , Chen Shiqiang , Tao Junguang , Chen Hongjian
Published: August 2017

The morphology of Van der Waals heterostructures is one of the most important factors that influence the device performance in practical applications. Herein, we used two‐step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to grow WS2/MoS2 vertical heterostructures on SiO2/Si substrate at high temperature. Optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to characterize their morphology and structure properties. At high temperature, the edge atoms in the MoS2 matrix are ready to detach in two different manners. Through competition between desorption of MoS2 and adsorption of WS2, two unusual morphologies with dendritic and tassel edges are formed, which are otherwise not observed for purely thermal desorption of MoS2 at the same condition. The growth mechanisms are discussed in terms of both thermodynamics and kinetic factors.
Large Anhysteretic Deformation of Shape Memory Alloys at Postcritical Temperatures and Stresses
Authors: Chernenko Volodymyr A. , L'vov Victor A. , Kabra Saurabh , Aseguinolaza Ivan R. , Kohl Manfred , Hosoda Hideki , Barandiaran Jose M.
Published: August 2017

Magnetic and nonmagnetic shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit thermoelastic martensitic transformations (MTs) which are hysteretic due to their first‐order nature. According to the thermodynamic Landau theory of phase transitions, which assumes ideal thermoelastic equilibrium at each point of the MT interval, the hysteresis is explained by the different limits of stability for austenite and martensite in the phase diagram. No interactions on the phase boundaries are taken into account. In the real alloys, the hysteresis of MT is related not only to the stability intervals of two phases but also to the processes of nucleation and growth of the resultant phase inside the parent phase. In turn, the features of these processes are related to the heights of energy barriers caused by the incompatibility of austenitic and martensitic lattices, crystal defects and some other physical factors. However, the defects, normally, play a minor role in the width of MT hysteresis if compared to the thermodynamic and crystallographic factors. A reduction of hysteresis of MT in SMAs, being crucial for technology, presents a challenging problem for science. A decrease of hysteresis width of MT was observed recently for the single crystals of ferromagnetic SMAs such Ni–Fe(Co)–Ga and Fe–Pd on approaching of their transformation paths to the critical point in stress–temperature phase diagram. Moreover, the superelastic and shape memory properties characterized by the nearly‐zero hysteresis width were observed in the postcritical transformational regime. Here we show that both the Landau‐type theory of ferroelastic phase transitions and neutron diffraction experiments carried out under axial compression describe the essential features of these properties. We also interpret the experimentally observed anhysteretic phenomena in Ni–Mn–Ga thin films and nanobeam actuators in terms of their postcritical state.
Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review
Authors: Nazari Somayeh , Rameshrad Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: August 2017

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been considered as an herbal drug since ancient time. Nowadays, it is a well‐known spice that possesses worth pharmacological effects. However, some relevant articles have revealed negative impacts of licorice in health. By considering the great wishes in using herbal medicine, it is important to show adverse effects of herbal medicine in health. At present, there are misunderstandings toward the safety of herbal medicines. Herein, we gathered scientific research projects on the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin to highlight their safety. In this regards, we categorized our findings about the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin in acute, sub‐acute, sub‐chronic, and chronic states. Besides, we discussed on the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of licorice and glycyrrhizin as well as their developmental toxicity. This review disclosed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin salts are moderately toxic. They need to be used with caution during pregnancy. G. glabra and glycyrrhizin possess selective cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells. The most important side effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin are hypertension and hypokalemic‐induced secondary disorders. Licorice side effects are increased by hypokalemia, prolonged gastrointestinal transient time, decreased type 2 11‐beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, hypertension, anorexia nervosa, old age, and female sex. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic INS‐1E β cells Induced by Calcium Dysregulation
Authors: Viskupicova Jana , Zizkova Petronela , Rackova Lucia , Horakova Lubica
Published: August 2017

Natural standardized flavonoid extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster, Pycnogenol (Pyc), was recently found to decrease intensively the activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase of rabbit skeletal muscle (SERCA1). On the basis of this inhibitory effect in a cell‐free system and similarities of SERCA1 to its other isoforms, proapoptotic properties of Pyc may be expected in cellular systems. Pycnogenol (40–100 μg/mL) induced a concentration‐dependent decrease of the viability of pancreatic INS‐1E β cells associated with induction of apoptosis. In addition, intracellular Ca2+ level increase was found along with reduction of protein expression level of SERCA2b and impairment of insulin secretion by β cells. These facts indicate that Pyc may induce apoptosis by impairment of calcium homeostasis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Study of DifferentAcorusSpecies in Potentiating Neuronal Differentiation in Cultured PC12 Cells
Authors: Lam Kelly Y.C. , Huang Yun , Yao Ping , Wang Huaiyou , Dong Tina T.X. , Zhou Zhongyu , Tsim Karl W.K.
Published: August 2017

Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR), the rhizome ofAcorus tatarinowiiSchott, is a common traditional Chinese medicine being used clinically for mental disorder. However, otherAcorusspecies herbs are all having the same Chinese name ‘Chang Pu’, making the confusion in herbal market. Acori Graminei Rhizoma (AGR) and Acori Calami Rhizoma (ACR) are common adulterants of ATR. Here, we aim to provide a comparative analysis between ATR, AGR, and ACR in potentiating neuronal differentiation. Volatile oil, derived fromAcorusspecies, was applied onto cultured PC12 cells, and various parameters were determined: (i) transcriptional activation of neurofilament promoters was determined by the promoter‐driven luciferase activity assay; (ii) the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells was captured and measured; and (iii) the neurofilament expression and its underlying mechanism were analyzed by western blotting. The co‐treatment of ATR, AGR, or ACR volatile oil with low concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) could potentiate the NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation in cultured PC12 cells. In addition, application of protein kinase A inhibitor H89 in cultures blocked the induction of neurofilament. Among these threeAcorusspecies, ATR volatile oil showed the highest NGF‐induced induction in neurite outgrowth and neurofilament expression, as compared with that of AGR and ACR. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Run Rules median control charts for monitoring process mean in manufacturing
Authors: Tran Kim Phuc
Published: August 2017

Recent studies show that Shewhart median (
) chart is simpler than the Shewhart
chart and it is robust against outliers, but it is often rather inefficient in detecting small or moderate process shifts. The statistical sensitivity of a Shewhart control chart can be improved by using supplementary Run Rules. In this paper, we propose the Phase II median Run Rules type control charts. A Markov chain methodology is used to evaluate the statistical performance of these charts. Moreover, the performance of proposed charts is investigated in the presence of a measurement errors and modelled by a linear covariate error model. An extensive numerical analysis with several tables and figures to show the statistical performance of the investigated charts is provided for both cases of measurement errors and no measurement errors. An example illustrates the use of these charts.
Improved bounds and algorithms for graph cuts and network reliability
Authors: Harris David G. , Srinivasan Aravind
Published: August 2017

Karger (SIAM Journal on Computing, 1999) developed the first fully‐polynomial approximation scheme to estimate the probability that a graph G becomes disconnected, given that its edges are removed independently with probability p. This algorithm runs in time to obtain an estimate within relative error . We improve this run‐time through algorithmic and graph‐theoretic advances. First, there is a certain key sub‐problem encountered by Karger, for which a generic estimation procedure is employed; we show that this has a special structure for which a much more efficient algorithm can be used. Second, we show better bounds on the number of edge cuts which are likely to fail. Here, Karger's analysis uses a variety of bounds for various graph parameters; we show that these bounds cannot be simultaneously tight. We describe a new graph parameter, which simultaneously influences all the bounds used by Karger, and obtain much tighter estimates of the cut structure of G. These techniques allow us to improve the runtime to ; our results also rigorously prove certain experimental observations of Karger and Tai (Proc. ACM‐SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, 1997). Our rigorous proofs are motivated by certain non‐rigorous differential‐equation approximations which, however, provably track the worst‐case trajectories of the relevant parameters. A key driver of Karger's approach (and other cut‐related results) is a bound on the number of small cuts: we improve these estimates when the min‐cut size is “small” and odd, augmenting, in part, a result of Bixby (Bulletin of the AMS, 1974).
A synthetic estimator for the efficacy of clinical trials with all‐or‐nothing compliance
Authors: Antonelli Joseph , Han Bing , Cefalu Matthew
Published: August 2017

A critical issue in the analysis of clinical trials is patients' noncompliance to assigned treatments. In the context of a binary treatment with all or nothing compliance, the intent‐to‐treat analysis is a straightforward approach to estimating the effectiveness of the trial. In contrast, there exist 3 commonly used estimators with varying statistical properties for the efficacy of the trial, formally known as the complier‐average causal effect. The instrumental variable estimator may be unbiased but can be extremely variable in many settings. The as treated and per protocol estimators are usually more efficient than the instrumental variable estimator, but they may suffer from selection bias. We propose a synthetic approach that incorporates all 3 estimators in a data‐driven manner. The synthetic estimator is a linear convex combination of the instrumental variable, per protocol, and as treated estimators, resembling the popular model‐averaging approach in the statistical literature. However, our synthetic approach is nonparametric; thus, it is applicable to a variety of outcome types without specific distributional assumptions. We also discuss the construction of the synthetic estimator using an analytic form derived from a simple normal mixture distribution. We apply the synthetic approach to a clinical trial for post‐traumatic stress disorder.
Survival trees for interval‐censored survival data
Authors: Fu Wei , Simonoff Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2017

Interval‐censored data, in which the event time is only known to lie in some time interval, arise commonly in practice, for example, in a medical study in which patients visit clinics or hospitals at prescheduled times and the events of interest occur between visits. Such data are appropriately analyzed using methods that account for this uncertainty in event time measurement. In this paper, we propose a survival tree method for interval‐censored data based on the conditional inference framework. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the tree is effective in uncovering underlying tree structure, performs similarly to an interval‐censored Cox proportional hazards model fit when the true relationship is linear, and performs at least as well as (and in the presence of right‐censoring outperforms) the Cox model when the true relationship is not linear. Further, the interval‐censored tree outperforms survival trees based on imputing the event time as an endpoint or the midpoint of the censoring interval. We illustrate the application of the method on tooth emergence data.
Parenting stress in caregivers of children with chronic physical condition—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pinquart Martin
Published: August 2017

On the basis of the parenting stress model we compared levels of parenting stress in families with and without a child with a chronic physical condition and analysed correlates of parenting stress in families with a child with a chronic condition. A systematic search through electronic databases identified 547 relevant studies that were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Parents of children with a chronic condition showed small to moderate elevations of general parenting stress and stress related to the parent–child relationship in particular. They showed moderate to large elevations in health‐related parenting stress. Parents of children with cancer, cerebral palsy, HIV infection or AIDS, and spina bifida showed the highest levels of parenting stress. Stress levels also varied by illness severity and duration, child age, parental gender and mental health, marital status, marital quality, and levels of perceived support. Behaviour problems of the child and low parental mental health were the strongest correlates of parenting stress. The present results assist with identifying parents at highest needs for interventions aimed at reducing parenting stress. These interventions should address the reduction of child behaviour problems, the promotion of parental mental health, the increase in marital quality and social support in general, and skills for dealing with stressors.
Wafer‐Scale Fabrication of Suspended Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays by Silver Liquid Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Siyu , Nshimiyimana Jean Pierre , Deng Ya , Hou Gu , Chi Xiannian , Hu Xiao , Zhang Zongzhi , Wu Pei , Wang Gongtang , Chu Weiguo , Sun Lianfeng
Published: August 2017

Suspended single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have advantages in mechanical resonators and highly sensitive sensors. Large‐scale fabrication of suspended SWNTs array devices and uniformity among SWNTs devices remain a great challenge. This study demonstrates an effective, fast, and wafer‐scale technique to fabricate suspended SWNT arrays, which is based on a dynamic motion of silver liquid to suspend and align the SWNTs between the prefabricated palladium electrodes in high temperature annealing treatment. Suspended, strained, and aligned SWNTs are synthesized on a 2 × 2 cm2 substrate with an average density of 10 tubes per micrometer. Under the optimal conditions, almost all SWNTs become suspended. A promising formation model of suspended SWNTs is established. The Kelvin four‐terminal resistance measurement shows that these SWNT array devices have extreme low contact resistance. Meanwhile, the suspended SWNT array field effect transistors are fabricated by selective etching of metallic SWNTs using electrical breakdown. This method of large‐scale fabrication of suspended architectures pushes the study of nanoscale materials into a new stage related to the electrical physics and industrial applications.
Effects of fly ash fineness, nano silica, and curing types on mechanical and durability properties of fly ash mortars
Authors: Arel Hasan Ş. , Shaikh Faiz U. A.
Published: August 2017

The effects of nano silica (NS), three different fly ash contents, two curing types and exposure to sulfate solution on mechanical and durability properties of two types of fly ash mortars are evaluated in this study. Results show that the wet‐cured mortars containing finer fly ash exhibited higher compressive strength at all ages than that containing coarser fly ash. The addition of colloidal NS improved the compressive strength of both types of fly ash mortars at all ages with significant improvement at early ages. The effect of steam curing slightly improved the 3‐day compressive strength of control cement mortar and both fly ash mortars with reduction starts from 7 days onwards. However, the addition of NS improved the compressive strengths at all ages of all fly ash concretes subjected to steam curing. The exposure to sulfate solution adversely affected the compressive strength at all ages of all fly ash concretes irrespective of fly ash contents, fineness types, and NS addition. Fly ash mortars containing finer fly ash exhibited slightly higher drying shrinkages but lower rate of water sorption than the mortars containing coarser fly ash. The addition of NS significantly increased the drying shrinkage and decreased the rate of water sorption of both types of fly ash mortars containing all fly ash contents.
Green marketing cradle‐to‐cradle: Remanufactured products in Asian markets
Authors: Wang Pengji , Kuah Adrian T. H.
Published: August 2017

Remanufacturing, a key circular economy practice, is a new way of sustainable thinking without depleting additional economic resources. Because remanufactured goods come from direct reuse of returned or already used goods, the environmental impacts of production are reduced and product longevity is extended; therefore, these products can be considered “green products.” Are they appealing to the green consumers, however? Our questionnaire survey of more than 1,168 consumers from eight Asian countries shows that the “real” green market for remanufactured products is not yet ready. Reactions to green attributes of remanufactured products are disproportionate from Asian consumers with different consumption values. Status‐ and value‐conscious consumers may buy into remanufactured products if they perceive them as greener. However, the findings suggest that environmentally conscious consumers do not show a high appreciation for the green concept of remanufactured products in Asia. The results highlight important takeaways for remanufacturers in the circular economy and those selling remanufactured products: to identify and define the right selling point of “greenness” to align with Asian consumers' inherent values.
Climate policies and nationally determined contributions: reconciling the needed ambition with the political economy
Authors: Vogt‐Schilb Adrien , Hallegatte Stephane
Published: August 2017

Countries have pledged to stabilize global warming at a 1.5–2°C increase. Either target requires reaching net zero emissions before the end of the century, which implies a major transformation of the economic system. This study reviews the literature on how policymakers can design climate policies and their nationally determined contributions to reach zero‐net emissions before the end of the century in a socially and politically acceptable manner. To get the ambition right, policymakers can use sectoral roadmaps with targets and indicators that track progress toward zero emissions (e.g., regarding renewable power or reforestation). Indeed, monitoring economy‐wide emissions‐reductions alone would not ensure that short‐term action contributes meaningfully to the long‐term decarbonization goal. To get the political economy right, climate policies can be designed so that they contribute to nonclimate objectives and create broad coalitions of supporters. For instance, carbon taxes revenues can fund social assistance and infrastructure investment, while reducing tax evasion and informality. To minimize social and economic disruptions and avoid stranded assets, policymakers can also start with a low carbon price level and use complementary policies. Designed at the sector level, complementary policies such as performance standards or feebates for cars, building norms, or moratoriums on new coal power plants can be negotiated in partnership with local stakeholders and trigger a transition to zero carbon that does not directly affect existing polluting capital.WIREs Energy Environ2017, 6:e256. doi: 10.1002/wene.256

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Characterization of ashes from greenhouse crops plant biomass residues using X‐ray fluorescence analysis and X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Garzón Eduardo , Morales Laura , Martínez‐Blanes José M. , Sánchez‐Soto Pedro J.
Published: August 2017

A characterization of ashes obtained by thermal treatments on greenhouse crops plant biomass residues is presented. The chemical analysis, by X‐ray fluorescence (wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence), and phase analysis, by X‐ray diffraction, of the resultant ashes are reported. Thermal treatments of selected samples of these residues increase the relative amounts of inorganic Mg, Si, P, and S in the ashes, being these amounts as high as increasing temperature. As an opposite effect, Na, Cl, and K contents decrease as increasing temperature by a volatilization process of the chlorides, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The crystalline phase analysis of the ashes demonstrates the formation of inorganic constituents of the biomass, including alkaline chlorides and calcium salts (calcite, anhydrite, and apatite). Progressive thermal treatments induce the formation of new silicate phases (akermanite and grossularite) and silica (α‐quartz and cristobalite). Furthermore, the particle size of the starting biomass samples does not influence the evolution of the crystalline phases by thermal treatments. In contrast, a previous leaching using water and subsequent heating at 1,000 °C produces the formation of periclase (MgO), lime (CaO), and the silicate gehlenite, without the presence of anhydrite. This study is interesting for future investigations on the residues as a profitable biomass source for energy production and sustainable large‐scale management. Some potential applications of the resultant ashes can be proposed.
Minimum variation log-aesthetic surfaces and their applications for smoothing free-form shapes
Authors: Suzuki Sho , Gobithaasan R.U. , Salvi Péter , Usuki Shin , Miura Kenjiro T.
Published: August 2017

The log-aesthetic curve, which includes the logarithmic (equiangular) spiral, clothoid, and involute of a circle, achieves a control over curvature distribution by defining its shape as an integral form of its curvature and they are expected to be utilized for the field of design. However, it is very difficult to extend it to surfaces and the existing formulations have some problems that they cannot use arbitrary boundary curves. In this paper, we propose “minimum variation log-aesthetic surface” as a new formulation for the log-aesthetic surface. Based on variational principle our method can generate surfaces by minimizing the objective function newly proposed in this paper for given arbitrary boundary curves.

Highlights We propose a “minimum variation log-aesthetic surface” as a new formulation of log-aesthetic surface. We derived a new objective function based on variational principle and our method can generate surfaces by minimizing the objective function. We generate bi-cubic B-spline surfaces by minimizing the new objective function. Numerical examples indicate that it can be used for practical aesthetic design.