bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New technique for treatment of postcatheterization radial artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Babunashvili Avtandil M. , Pancholy Samir B. , Kartashov Dmitriy S.
Published: August 2016

We report a new technique for treatment of radial artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) caused by transradial access (TRA) for coronary angiography. Traditional extrinsic compression with radial flow cessation leads to a local milieu likely associated with an increase in probability of radial artery occlusion (RAO). Our technique involves obtaining ipsilateral radial artery access distal to the neck of the RAP followed by a prolonged sheath dwell time covering the neck of the RAP which allows the RAP sac to thrombose and maintains radial artery lumen patency. © 2016 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic Addition of Fluorinated Benzoic Acids to Butadiene
Authors: Maji Tapan , Maliszewski Mary L. , Smith Mary K. , Tunge Jon A.
Published: August 2016

The rhodium‐catalyzed addition of polyfluorobenzoic acids to butadiene led to a range of branched and linear allylic esters, with preference for the formation of the branched isomer. This method provided branched fluorinated esters in an atom‐economical catalytic addition reaction. The observation that the yield of the addition product depended on the acidity of the starting acid led to the hypothesis that the addition reaction was reversible and thus thermodynamically controlled. Deuterium‐labeling and crossover experiments supported this hypothesis. Ultimately, the dependence of yield on the pKa as reported in this paper may help to guide approaches to high‐yielding additions of acids to dienes.
Rational Design and Synthesis of SnOx Electrocatalysts with Coralline Structure for Highly Improved Aqueous CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Li Yanan , Qiao Jinli , Zhang Xia , Lei Tao , Girma Abel , Liu Yuyu , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2016

Several catalyst materials composed of tin oxide composites (SnOx) with a novel coralline structure are synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal self‐assembly process. The catalysts are then used to prepare a SnOx/GDL (gas diffusion layer) electrode for CO2 electroreduction to formate in 0.5 m KHCO3 aqueous solution. Influential factors, such as hydrothermal synthesis temperature (T)/time (Δt) and the valence state of Sn in the SnOx nanocatalysts, on both catalysts’ morphologies, and Faradaic efficiency for formate production are investigated systematically. By using a SnOx(100–8)/GDL electrode (i.e. T and Δt are 100 °C and 8 h, respectively) as the cathode, the high maximum faradaic efficiency of 87.1 % is achieved at a controlled potential of −1.6 V, which is superior to all the reported SnOx and Sn/SnOx catalysts in the literature. By combining X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis, the coralline‐structured SnOx is observed to be composed of SnO and SnO2, where the SnO is covered by a SnO2 film about 1–2 nm thick, which makes a contribution to the catalytically active sites for CO2 electroreduction. This coralline‐structured SnOx exhibits high durability, as evaluated by a stable catalytic current density of approximately 10 mA cm−2 over 20 h of continuous operation. This work highlights the controlling role of the correct morphology and the valence state of tin oxide on formate formation during CO2 reduction in aqueous solution.
Porous Pt Aggregates Deposited on a Carbon Nanotube Film with High Catalytic Activity and Durability
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Xiao Xia , Li Bing , Huang Xin Xin , Wang Jian Nong
Published: August 2016

For decades, the low durability of Pt‐based catalysts has hindered the application of fuel cells. Here, Pt catalysts with different morphologies and porous structures are prepared by electrochemical deposition on a carbon nanotube film without the use of any surfactants or templates. The Pt particles with spherical, flower‐like, and cubic morphologies consist of fine polyhedron‐ and flake‐shaped Pt crystals. Owing to the presence of faceted crystals, the Pt particles are assembled with porous frame structures. As an example of potential applications, such Pt crystals are demonstrated to have high catalytic activity and durability in hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions under harsh electrochemical cycling conditions. Even in the case of the largest particles consisting of fine polyhedrons, the catalytic performance is much superior to that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst. Therefore, this study suggests a new strategy for morphology control of Pt catalysts and their performance optimization.
Role of Carbonaceous Fragments on the Functionalization and Electrochemistry of Carbon Materials
Authors: Gusmão Rui , Cunha Eunice , Paiva Conceição , Geraldo Dulce , Proença Fernanda , Bento Fátima
Published: August 2016

Carbonaceous fragments (CF) formed by acid treatment of carbon materials have important properties that are not completely understood. In this work, CF were produced by oxidation of CNT by using mineral acid followed by treatment with NaOH. The role of CF on CNT voltammetric properties was studied by using different materials: oxidized CNT (a‐CNT), a‐CNT refluxed in NaOH and neutralized with HCl (b‐CNT), pristine CNT exposed to a CF suspension (c‐CNT), and b‐CNT exposed to a CF suspension (r‐CNT). The extension of functionalization of these materials was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The spectroscopic characterization (UV/Vis, fluorescence, FTIR, Raman and NMR) of CF indicates the presence of graphene‐type conjugated aromatic rings with highly oxidized moieties. In this work we demonstrate that CF are responsible for the ameliorated voltammetric properties of oxidized CNT. Adsorption of CF on oxidized and non‐oxidized CNT showed that CF provide active sites for hydroquinone (HQ) adsorption, enhancing current responses. The interaction of CF with carbon materials depended on both the surface oxidation degree and the surface roughness. Voltammograms from CF adsorbed on oxidized CNT indicate the presence of labile supramolecular structures with a voltammetric response typical of quinoid units. Carbon materials functionalized with CF displayed lower peak potentials and higher currents (30 to 180 %) than the unmodified electrodes, demonstrating that CF is a promising material for sensors design.
Advanced Sensing of Antibiotics with Magnetic Gold Nanocomposite: Electrochemical Detection of Chloramphenicol
Authors: Jakubec Petr , Urbanová Veronika , Medříková Zdenka , Zbořil Radek
Published: August 2016

The sensing and accurate determination of antibiotics in various environments represents a big challenge, mainly owing to their widespread use in medicine, veterinary practice, and other fields. Therefore, a new, simple electrochemical sensor for the detection of antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) has been developed in this work. The amplification strategy of the sensor is based on the application of magnetite nanostructures stabilized with carboxymethyl cellulose (Fe3O4‐CMC) and decorated with nanometer‐sized Au nanoparticles (NPs) (Fe3O4‐CMC@Au). In this case, CMC serves as a stabilizing agent, preventing the aggregation of Fe3O4 NPs, and hence, enabling the kinetic barrier for electron transport to be overcome, and the Au NPs serve as an electron‐conducting tunnel for better electron transport. As a proof of concept, the developed nanosensor is used for the detection of CAP in human urine samples, giving a recovery value of around 97 %, which indicates the high accuracy of the as‐prepared nanosensor.
Top‐Down and Bottom‐Up Approaches in Engineering 1 T Phase Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2): Towards Highly Catalytically Active Materials
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Loo Adeline Huiling , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2016

The metallic 1 T phase of MoS2 has been widely identified to be responsible for the improved performances of MoS2 in applications including hydrogen evolution reactions and electrochemical supercapacitors. To this aim, various synthetic methods have been reported to obtain 1 T phase‐rich MoS2. Here, the aim is to evaluate the efficiencies of the bottom‐up (hydrothermal reaction) and top‐down (chemical exfoliation) approaches in producing 1 T phase MoS2. It is established in this study that the 1 T phase MoS2 produced through the bottom‐up approach contains a high proportion of 1 T phase and demonstrates excellent electrochemical and electrical properties. Its performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction and electrochemical supercapacitors also surpassed that of 1 T phase MoS2 produced through a top‐down approach.
High expression of stromal PDGFRβ is associated with reduced benefit of tamoxifen in breast cancer
Authors: Paulsson Janna , Rydén Lisa , Strell Carina , Frings Oliver , Tobin Nicholas P , Fornander Tommy , Bergh Jonas , Landberg Göran , Stål Olle , Östman Arne
Published: August 2016

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) regulate tumour growth, metastasis and response to treatment. Recent studies indicate the existence of functionally distinct CAF subsets. Suggested mechanisms whereby CAFs can impact on treatment response include paracrine signalling affecting cancer cell drug sensitivity and effects on tumour drug uptake. PDGFRβ is an important regulator of fibroblasts. Experimental studies have linked PDGFRβ‐positive fibroblasts to metastasis and also to reduced tumour drug uptake. This study has investigated the potential role of PDGFRβ‐positive fibroblasts in response to adjuvant tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer. Analyses of two breast cancer collections from randomised studies analysing adjuvant tamoxifen treatment in early breast cancer demonstrated significant benefit of tamoxifen in the group with low stromal PDGFRβ, which was not observed in the group with high stromal PDGFRβ. In general terms these findings provide novel evidence, derived from analyses of randomised clinical studies, of response‐predictive capacity of a marker‐defined subset of CAFs and, more specifically, identify stromal PDGFRβ as a marker related to tamoxifen benefit in early breast cancer.
Mechanochemically Activated, Calcium Oxide‐Based, Magnesium Oxide‐Stabilized Carbon Dioxide Sorbents
Authors: Kurlov Alexey , Broda Marcin , Hosseini Davood , Mitchell Sharon J. , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Müller Christoph R.
Published: August 2016

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is a promising approach to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change. However, the costs associated with the capture of CO2 using the currently available technology, that is, amine scrubbing, are considered prohibitive. In this context, the so‐called calcium looping process, which relies on the reversible carbonation of CaO, is an attractive alternative. The main disadvantage of naturally occurring CaO‐based CO2 sorbents, such as limestone, is their rapid deactivation caused by thermal sintering. Here, we report a scalable route based on wet mechanochemical activation to prepare MgO‐stabilized, CaO‐based CO2 sorbents. We optimized the synthesis conditions through a fundamental understanding of the underlying stabilization mechanism, and the quantity of MgO required to stabilize CaO could be reduced to as little as 15 wt %. This allowed the preparation of CO2 sorbents that exceed the CO2 uptake of the reference limestone by 200 %.
Low Pt‐Loaded Mesoporous Sodium Germanate as a High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxia , Chen Lisong , Wan Gang , Chen Yu , Kong Qinglu , Chen Hangrong , Shi Jianlin
Published: August 2016

Although Pt/C catalysts show relatively high activities for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and great potential for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, the large amount of Pt required and the poor stability of Pt/C‐based catalysts remain big challenges. Herein, mesoporous Na4Ge9O20 micro‐crystals have been successfully synthesized to serve as a new kind of electrocatalyst support owing to its special structural characteristics and high structural stability. After loading a low amount of Pt (5 wt %) nanoparticles of 2–5 nm in diameter, the obtained mesoporous Pt/Na4Ge9O20 composite shows not only high electrocatalytic activity for ORR in both acidic and alkaline electrolyte media, which are comparable to those of conventional 20 wt % Pt/C, but also remarkably enhanced Pt mass‐specified ORR current density and durability. Synergetic catalytic effects between loaded Pt and the support for the ORR activity has been proposed.
Masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames under horizontal loading / Stahlbetonrahmen mit Ausfachungen aus Mauerwerk unter horizontalen Belastungen
Authors: Butenweg Christoph , Marinković Marko , Kubalski Thomas , Klinkel Sven
Published: August 2016

The behaviour of infilled reinforced concrete frames under horizontal load has been widely investigated, both experimentally and numerically. Since experimental tests represent large investments, numerical simulations offer an efficient approach for a more comprehensive analysis. When RC frames with masonry infill walls are subjected to horizontal loading, their behaviour is highly non‐linear after a certain limit, which makes their analysis quite difficult. The non‐linear behaviour results from the complex inelastic material properties of the concrete, infill wall and conditions at the wall‐frame interface. In order to investigate this non‐linear behaviour in detail, a finite element model using a micro modelling approach is developed, which is able to predict the complex non‐linear behaviour resulting from the different materials and their interaction. Concrete and bricks are represented by a non‐linear material model, while each reinforcement bar is represented as an individual part installed in the concrete part and behaving elasto‐plastically. Each brick is modelled individually and connected taking into account the non‐linearity of a brick mortar interface. The same approach is followed using two finite element software packages and the results are compared with the experimental results. The numerical models show a good agreement with the experiments in predicting the overall behaviour, but also very good matching for strength capacity and drift. The results emphasize the quality and the valuable contribution of the numerical models for use in parametric studies, which are needed for the derivation of design recommendations for infilled frame structures.
Intellectual functioning of adolescent and adult patients with eating disorders
Authors: Schilder Christina M.T. , van Elburg Annemarie A. , Snellen Wim M. , Sternheim Lot C. , Hoek Hans W. , Danner Unna N.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Intelligence is a known vulnerability marker in various psychiatric disorders. In eating disorders (ED) intelligence has not been studied thoroughly. Small‐scale studies indicate that intelligence levels might be above general population norms, but larger scale studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine intellectual functioning in ED patients and associations with severity of the disorder. Methods: Wechsler's Full scale IQ (FSIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Performance IQ (PIQ) of 703 adolescent and adult ED patients were compared with population norms. Exploratory analyzes were performed on associations between IQ and both somatic severity (BMI and duration of the disorder) and psychological/behavioral severity (Eating Disorder Inventory [EDI‐II] ratings) of the ED. Results: Mean IQ's were significantly higher than population means and effect‐sizes were small‐to‐medium (d = .28, .16 and .23 for VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ). No linear associations between IQ and BMI were found, but the most severely underweight adult anorexia nervosa (AN) patients (BMI ≤ 15) had higher VIQ (107.7) than the other adult AN patients (VIQ 102.1). In adult AN patients PIQ was associated with psychological/behavioral severity of the ED. Discussion: Our findings suggest that, in contrast with other severe mental disorders where low intelligence is a risk factor, higher than average intelligence might increase the vulnerability to develop an ED. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:481–489)
Perceived barriers and facilitators towards help‐seeking for eating disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Ali Kathina , Farrer Louise , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Gulliver Amelia , Bauer Stephanie , Griffiths Kathleen M.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To systematically review the literature on perceived barriers and facilitators of help‐seeking for eating disorders.

Method

Three databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane) were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Retrieved abstracts (N = 3493) were double screened and relevant papers (n = 13) were double coded. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if they reported perceived barriers and facilitators towards seeking help for eating disorders. Barriers and facilitators were extracted from the included papers and coded under themes. The most prominent barriers and facilitators were determined by the number of studies reporting each theme.

Results

Eight qualitative, three quantitative, and two mixed‐methods studies met the inclusion criteria for the current review. The most prominent perceived barriers to help‐seeking were stigma and shame, denial of and failure to perceive the severity of the illness, practical barriers (e.g., cost of treatment), low motivation to change, negative attitudes towards seeking help, lack of encouragement from others to seek help and lack of knowledge about help resources. Facilitators of help‐seeking were reported in six studies, with the most prominent themes identified as the presence of other mental health problems or emotional distress, and concerns about health.

Discussion

Programs targeting prevention and early intervention for eating disorders should focus on reducing stigma and shame, educating individuals about the severity of eating disorders, and increasing knowledge around help‐seeking pathways for eating disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:9–21)
Nuclear–mitochondrial epistasis: a gene's eye view of genomic conflict
Authors: Wade Michael J. , Drown Devin M.
Published: August 2016

We use population genetic models to investigate the cooperative and conflicting synergistic fitness effects between genes from the nucleus and the mitochondrion. By varying fitness parameters, we examine the scope for conflict relative to cooperation among genomes and the utility of the “gene's eye view” analytical approach, which is based on the marginal average fitness of specific alleles. Because sexual conflict can maintain polymorphism of mitochondrial haplotypes, we can explore two types of evolutionary conflict (genomic and sexual) with one epistatic model. We find that the nuclear genetic architecture (autosomal, X‐linked, or Z‐linked) and the mating system change the regions of parameter space corresponding to the evolution by sexual and genomic conflict. For all models, regardless of conflict or cooperation, we find that population mean fitness increases monotonically as evolution proceeds. Moreover, we find that the process of gene frequency change with positive, synergistic fitnesses is self‐accelerating, as the success of an allele in one genome or in one sex increases the frequency of the interacting allele upon which its success depends. This results in runaway evolutionary dynamics caused by the positive intergenomic associations generated by selection. An inbreeding mating system tends to further accelerate these runaway dynamics because it maintains favorable host–symbiont or male–female gene combinations. In contrast, where conflict predominates, the success of an allele in one genome or in one sex diminishes the frequency of the corresponding allele in the other, resulting in considerably slower evolutionary dynamics. The rate of change of mean fitness is also much faster with positive, synergistic fitnesses and much slower where conflict is predominant. Consequently, selection rapidly fixes cooperative gene combinations, while leaving behind a slowing evolving residue of conflicting gene combinations at mutation–selection balance. We discuss how an emphasis on marginal fitness averages may obscure the interdependence of allelic fitness across genomes, making the evolutionary trajectories appear independent of one another when they are not.
Catchment‐scale modeling of riverine species diversity using hydrological simulation: application to tests of species‐genetic diversity correlation
Authors: Nukazawa Kei , Kazama So , Watanabe Kozo
Published: August 2016

Species distribution models were developed to predict the spatial patterns of the species diversity and the genetic diversity of stream organisms using a distributed hydrological model. We derived annual metrics of water depth and flow velocity in rivers using a hydrological model covering an entire catchment in northeastern Japan. We acquired geospatial data throughout the catchment and the presence records of six taxa within the part of the catchment. Subsequently we derived habitat suitability indices (HSIs) for these taxa using a frequency analysis or the maximum‐entropy approach (MaxEnt) to predict three metrics of species diversity. The Shannon‐Wiener's diversity index based on MaxEnt (Shannon_MaxE) most effectively represented empirical taxon richness. Subsequently, by comparing Shannon_MaxE and empirical genetic diversity for the four species of stream insects, we evaluated species‐genetic diversity correlations (SGDCs). Of the four species, only one caddisfly species (Hydropsyche orientalis) displayed significant positive SGDCs. The result reflects the broad habitat range of this taxon throughout the catchment and its poor dispersal ability, whereas the other three species lacked SGDCs and displayed either a strong dispersal potential (Stenopsyche marmorata and Ephemera japonica) or a narrower habitat range within upstream domains (Hydropsyche albicephala). Finally, we estimated the spatial distribution of genetic diversity of H. orientalis populations based on the calculated Shannon_MaxE using the positive SGDC. This framework is promising for projecting future biodiversity in the context of anthropogenic perturbations such as climate change.
cDNA‐library testing identifies transforming genes cooperating with c‐myc in mouse pre‐B cells
Authors: Wolf Inge , Bouquet Corinne , Melchers Fritz
Published: August 2016

While c‐myc often contributes to the generation of B cell transformation, its transgenic overexpression alone does not lead to full transformation of B‐lineage cells. Synergistically acting second genes must cooperate. Here, we constructed doxycycline‐inducible cDNA‐libraries from pre‐B cell mRNA. These libraries were retrovirally transduced as single copies into single cells and overexpressed in fetal‐liver‐derived c‐myc‐overexpressing pre‐B cell lines. We scored transformation by survival and/or expansion of differentiating B‐lineage cells in vitro and in vivo. Only one double c‐myc/cDNA‐library‐expressing cell line was found in less than 5 × 106 library‐transduced pre‐B cells surviving and expressing a cDNA‐library‐derived transcript in vitro. This transcript was identified as a shortened form of the Exosc1 gene, encoding the RNA exosome complex component CSL4. Transplantations of double c‐myc/Exosc1 short‐form‐ or c‐myc/Exosc1 full‐length‐transgenic cells into Rag1−/− mice resulted in survival, differentiation to CD19+CD93−sIgM+CD5low/−CD11b+ mature B1 cells and, surprisingly, also vigorous expansion in vivo. Strikingly, after transplantations of c‐myc/cDNA‐library pre‐BI cells the frequencies of double‐transgenic pre‐B cells and their differentiated progeny, expanding in vivo to heterogeneous phenotypes, was at least tenfold higher than in vitro. In a first analysis Ptprcap, Cacybp, Ndufs7, Rpl18a, and Rpl35a were identified. This suggests a strong influence of the host on B‐cell transformation.
Molecular and Nanoaggregation in Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes through Structural Modification
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sujay , Singh Roop Shikha , Biswas Arnab , Maiti Biswajit , Pandey Daya Shankar
Published: August 2016

New terpyridyl ligands TP1, TP2 and cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes 1 and 2 based on these ligands have been synthesized. The ligands and complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic studies (ESI‐MS, 1H and 13C NMR, UV/Vis, fluorescence). The molecular structure of 1 has been verified by X‐ray single‐crystal analysis. It has been unambiguously established that variation of the substituents on 1 and 2 leads to molecular aggregation in 1, while 2 remains nonaggregated. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 have been successfully utilized as capping agents for the stabilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). It is of note that 1 forms discretely, while 2 aggregates AuNPs through the assemblage of ultrasmall nanoparticles. It has been affirmed by 1H NMR titration studies that –NH groups from 1 and 2 are involved in the capping of AuNPs. The role of simple structural variations in directing molecular and nanoaggregation has been clearly established for the first time by spectroscopic (UV/Vis, fluorescence, 1H NMR titration) and morphological studies [SEM, TEM, EDX (energy‐dispersive X‐ray), DLS (dynamic light scattering)].
Organocatalytic α‐Allylation of α‐Branched Aldehydes by Synergistic Catalysis of Brønsted Acids and Amines
Authors: Stanek Filip , Stodulski Maciej
Published: August 2016

Herein, we describe the first, fully organocatalytic Tsuji–Trost‐type direct α‐allylation of α‐branched aldehydes by the combined use of N‐triflyl amides and secondary amines. Aliphatic, aromatic aldehydes as well as allyl alcohols are converted into the corresponding α‐allylated products in moderate to high yields.
Calcium Doping of Lithium Titanium Oxide Nanospheres: A Combined First‐Principles and Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Zhang Shaohong , Ning Fanghua , Lu Xia , Liu Yan , Nie Linghui , Ouyang Chuying , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: August 2016

Nanospherical lithium titanium oxide (LTO; Li4Ti5O12) is doped with calcium by a novel route. The prepared material displays superior rate performance prepared with an ultrahigh specific capacity of 155.1 mAh g−1 at 10 C after 1000 cycles. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is also revealed that the energetically favorable substitution of calcium on the lithium sites in LTO spinel induces a conversion in the electrical conductivity behavior, from intrinsic insulator to metallic, which accounts for the good rate performance. The strategy of combining calcium doping with nanostructuring provides a potentially rewarding avenue towards the design and optimization of common electrode materials.
Steam Prereforming of Natural Gas over Nanostructured Nickel/Magnesium Aluminate Spinel Catalysts: Effect of Support and Nickel Loading
Authors: Keshavarz Ahmad Reza , Soleimani Mansooreh
Published: August 2016

Mesoporous MgAl2O4 powder with a high surface area (226 m2 g−1) is synthesized by a co‐precipitation method in the presence of a capping agent. The obtained powder was employed to prepare catalysts (y Ni/MA) with different nickel contents (y=3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 wt %). The catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, H2‐TPR, TPD, TPO, and SEM techniques to study the effect of support and nickel content on the surface properties, Ni–MgAl2O4 interactions, Ni2+ species, nickel particle size, and reducibility. The catalytic performance of the y Ni/MgAl2O4 catalysts was tested in the steam prereforming of natural gas in the range of 400–550 °C, atmospheric pressure, low steam to carbon molar ratio (S/C=1.5) and a high gas hourly space velocity (GHSV=1×105 mL g−1catalyst h−1). The 10.5 % Ni/MA catalyst showed the highest nickel metal area (2.91 m2 g−1catalyst) which resulted in around 100 % of ethane and propane conversions at temperatures higher than 500 °C. This catalyst exhibited a high stability during 50 h time on‐stream, implying a high resistance to coke formation. While the 10.5 % Ni/MAC catalyst, the support (MAC) of which was synthesized by the solid‐state reaction method, demonstrated the lowest nickel area (0.04 m2 g−1catalyst) and a poor catalytic performance with a plenty of carbon deposition during steam prereforming reaction.
Investigating the effect of fuel cetane number, oxygen content, fuel density, and engine operating variables on NOx emissions of a heavy duty diesel engine
Authors: Singh Devendra , Subramanian K.A. , Juneja Manav , Singh Kalyan , Singh Sathpal , Badola R. , Singh Nishan
Published: August 2016

Biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel for compression ignition (CI) engine, but the nitrogen oxide (NOx) liability associated with it is a major challenge. NOx emissions are affected by both engine technology and fuel properties. Experimental studies were conducted on an unmodified heavy‐duty direct injection diesel engine to analyze the effect of fuel properties such as cetane number (CN), oxygen content, fuel density, and engine operating variables (speed and load) on NOx emissions. Test results revealed that NOx concentration is directly proportional to engine load and to biodiesel percentage in blends, and is inversely related to engine speed. Fuel‐bound oxygen in the blended fuels are mainly responsible for the higher NOx. An empirical correlation was developed to predict NOx concentration as a function of CN, oxygen content, fuel density, speed, and load. Experimental and predicted values of NOx emission concentrations for two blends, BA25 and BA50 (25% and 50% microalgae biodiesel blended with diesel), at 2205 rpm and 100% load are 723.19 and 722.94 ppm, and 749.89 and 791.12 ppm, respectively. The developed correlation will be useful in estimating the NOx emissions of a CI engine fueled with various other oxygenated biofuels at different speeds and loads. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 214–221, 2017
Who's on First? Gender Differences in Performance on the SAT® Test on Critical Reading Items With Sports and Science Content
Authors: Chubbuck Kay , Curley W. Edward , King Teresa C.
Published: August 2016

This study gathered quantitative and qualitative evidence concerning gender differences in performance by using critical reading material on the SAT® test with sports and science content. The fundamental research questions guiding the study were: If sports and science are to be included in a skills test, what kinds of material are appropriate for fair and valid assessments? Does item type matter with regard to differential item functioning (DIF)? What factors can provide explanations for the different levels of difficulty, discrimination, and DIF exhibited? Do differences in students' interest in and familiarity with the material affect their performance? From data gathered during the two phases of our research, it appears that most sports and science material of the sort used in this study should be permissible in a skills test. Particularly in the context of a long passage, in which most information needed to answer an item is provided, very little material appears to be too “specialized.” From participants' statements during cognitive interviews, it seems that interest in and/or familiarity with a subject has little impact on performance—despite previous research to the contrary. On the basis of our observations, we recommend the following: (a) use more than one type of statistic to evaluate differential item functioning; (b) consider the amount of context provided with an item rather than just the particular content of an item; and (c) when possible, use data rather than assumptions about gender bias to make decisions about test content that may generate differential item functioning.
Turbulence modelling and role of compressibility on oil spilling from a damaged double hull tank
Authors: Yang Hao , Yan Shiqiang , Ma Qingwei , Lu Jinshu , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2016

The viscosity plays an important role, and a multiphase solver is necessary to numerically simulate the oil spilling from a damaged double hull tank (DHT). However, it is uncertain whether turbulence modelling is necessary, which turbulence model is suitable; and what the role of compressibility of the fluids is. This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations to address these issues for various cases representing different scenarios of the oil spilling, including grounding and collision. In the numerical investigations, various approaches to model the turbulence, including the large eddy simulation (LES), direct numerical simulation and the Reynolds average Navier–Stokes equation (RANS) with different turbulence models, are employed. Based on the investigations, it is suggested that the effective Reynolds numbers corresponding to both oil outflow and water inflow shall be considered when classifying the significance of the turbulence and selecting the appropriate turbulence models. This is confirmed by new lab tests considering the axial offset between the internal and the external holes on two hulls of the DHT. The investigations conclude for numerically simulating oil spilling from a damaged DHT that when the effective Re is smaller the RANS approaches should not be used and LES modelling should be employed; while when the effective Reynolds numbers is large, the RANS models may be used as they can give similar results to LES in terms of the height of the mixture in the ballast tank and discharge but costing much less CPU time. The investigation on the role of the compressibility of the fluid reveals that the compressibility of the fluid may be considerable in a small temporal‐spatial scale but plays an insignificant role on macroscopic process of the oil spilling. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A GLUE‐based uncertainty assessment framework for tritium‐inferred transit time estimations under baseflow conditions
Authors: Gallart Francesc , Roig‐Planasdemunt Maria , Stewart Michael K. , Llorens Pilar , Morgenstern Uwe , Stichler Willibald , Pfister Laurent , Latron Jérôme
Published: August 2016

The last decade has seen major technical and scientific improvements in the study of water transfer time through catchments. Nevertheless, it has been argued that most of these developments used conservative tracers that may disregard the oldest component of water transfer, which often has transit times greater than 5 years. Indeed, although the analytical reproducibility of tracers limits the detection of the older flow components associated with the most dampened seasonal fluctuations, this is very rarely taken into account in modelling applications. Tritium is the only environmental tracer at hand to investigate transfer times in the 5‐ to 50‐year range in surface waters, as dissolved gases are not suitable due to the degassing process. Water dating with tritium has often been difficult because of the complex history of its atmospheric concentration, but its current stabilization together with recent analytical improvements open promising perspectives. In this context, the innovative contribution of this study lies in the development of a generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation‐based approach for analysing the uncertainties associated with the modelling of transit time due to both parameter identification and tracer analytical precision issues. A coupled resampling procedure allows assessment of the statistical significance of the transfer time differences found in diverse waters. This approach was developed for tritium and the exponential‐piston model but can be implemented for virtually any tracer and model. Stream baseflow, spring and shallow aquifer waters from the Vallcebre research catchments, analysed for tritium in different years with different analytical precisions, were investigated by using this approach and taking into account other sources of uncertainty. The results showed three groups of waters of different mean transit times, with all the stream baseflow and spring waters older than the 5‐year threshold needing tritium. Low sensitivity of the results to the model structure was also demonstrated. Dual solutions were found for the waters sampled in 2013, but these results may be disambiguated when additional analyses will be made in a few years. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prior human papillomavirus‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted vaccination prevents recurrent high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after definitive surgical therapy: Post‐hoc analysis from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garland Suzanne M. , Paavonen Jorma , Jaisamrarn Unnop , Naud Paulo , Salmerón Jorge , Chow Song‐Nan , Apter Dan , Castellsagué Xavier , Teixeira Júlio C. , Skinner S. Rachel , Hedrick James , Limson Genara , Schwarz Tino F. , Poppe Willy A.J. , Bosch F. Xavier , de Carvalho Newton S. , Germar Maria Julieta V. , Peters Klaus , Del Rosario‐Raymundo M. Rowena , Catteau Grégory , Descamps Dominique , Struyf Frank , Lehtinen Matti , Dubin Gary ,   for the HPV PATRICIA Study Group
Published: August 2016

We evaluated the efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV)−16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted vaccine in preventing HPV‐related disease after surgery for cervical lesions in a post‐hoc analysis of the PApilloma TRIal against Cancer In young Adults (PATRICIA; NCT00122681). Healthy women aged 15–25 years were randomized (1:1) to receive vaccine or control at months 0, 1 and 6 and followed for 4 years. Women were enrolled regardless of their baseline HPV DNA status, HPV‐16/18 serostatus, or cytology, but excluded if they had previous or planned colposcopy. The primary and secondary endpoints of PATRICIA have been reported previously; the present post‐hoc analysis evaluated efficacy in a subset of women who underwent an excisional procedure for cervical lesions after vaccination. The main outcome was the incidence of subsequent HPV‐related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) 60 days or more post‐surgery. Other outcomes included the incidence of HPV‐related CIN1+, and vulvar or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN/VaIN) 60 days or more post‐surgery. Of the total vaccinated cohort of 18,644 women (vaccine = 9,319; control = 9,325), 454 (vaccine = 190, control = 264) underwent an excisional procedure during the trial. Efficacy 60 days or more post‐surgery for a first lesion, irrespective of HPV DNA results, was 88.2% (95% CI: 14.8, 99.7) against CIN2+ and 42.6% (−21.1, 74.1) against CIN1+. No VIN was reported and one woman in each group had VaIN2+ 60 days or more post‐surgery. Women who undergo surgical therapy for cervical lesions after vaccination with the HPV‐16/18 vaccine may continue to benefit from vaccination, with a reduced risk of developing subsequent CIN2+.
Brain image segmentation using a combination of expectation‐maximization algorithm and watershed transform
Authors: Kwon Goo‐Rak , Basukala Dibash , Lee Sang‐Woong , Lee Kun Ho , Kang Moonsoo
Published: August 2016

Watershed transformation is an effective segmentation algorithm that originates from the mathematical morphology field. This algorithm is widely used in medical image segmentation because it produces complete division even under poor contrast. However, over‐segmentation is its most significant limitation. Therefore, this article proposes a combination of watershed transformation and the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm to segment MR brain images efficiently. The EM algorithm is used to form clusters. Then, the brightest cluster is considered and converted into a binary image. A Sobel operator applied on the binary image generates the initial gradient image. Morphological reconstruction is applied to find the foreground and background markers. The final gradient image is obtained using the minima imposition technique on the initial gradient magnitude along with markers. In addition, watershed segmentation applied on the final gradient magnitude generates effective gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid segmentation. The results are compared with simple marker controlled watershed segmentation, watershed segmentation combined with Otsu multilevel thresholding, and local binary fitting energy model for validation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 26, 225–232, 2016
Quantitative phase imaging for medical diagnosis
Authors: Majeed Hassaan , Sridharan Shamira , Mir Mustafa , Ma Lihong , Min Eunjung , Jung Woonggyu , Popescu Gabriel
Published: August 2016

Optical microscopy is an indispensable diagnostic tool in modern healthcare. As a prime example, pathologists rely exclusively on light microscopy to investigate tissue morphology in order to make a diagnosis. While advances in light microscopy and contrast markers allow pathologists to visualize cells and tissues in unprecedented detail, the interpretation of these images remains largely subjective, leading to inter‐ and intra‐observer discrepancy. Furthermore, conventional microscopy images capture qualitative information which makes it difficult to automate the process, reducing the throughput achievable in the diagnostic workflow. Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) techniques have been advanced in recent years to address these two challenges. By quantifying physical parameters of cells and tissues, these systems remove subjectivity from the disease diagnosis process and allow for easier automation to increase throughput. In addition to providing quantitative information, QPI systems are also label‐free and can be easily assimilated into the current diagnostic workflow in the clinic. In this paper we review the advances made in disease diagnosis by QPI techniques. We focus on the areas of hematological diagnosis and cancer pathology, which are the areas where most significant advances have been made to date.

[Image adapted from Y. Park, M. Diez‐Silva, G. Popescu, G. Lykotrafitis, W. Choi, M. S. Feld, and S. Suresh, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 105, 13730–13735 (2008).]

magnified image

[Image adapted from Y. Park, M. Diez‐Silva, G. Popescu, G. Lykotrafitis, W. Choi, M. S. Feld, and S. Suresh, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 105, 13730–13735 (2008).]
Formulation of two‐layer dissolving polymeric microneedle patches for insulin transdermal delivery in diabetic mice
Authors: Lee I‐Chi , Lin Wei‐Ming , Shu Jwu‐Ching , Tsai Shau‐Wei , Chen Chih‐Hao , Tsai Meng‐Tsan
Published: August 2016

Dissolving microneedles (MNs) display high efficiency in delivering poorly permeable drugs and vaccines. Here, two‐layer dissolving polymeric MN patches composed of gelatin and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were fabricated with a two‐step casting and centrifuging process to localize the insulin in the needle and achieve efficient transdermal delivery of insulin. In vitro skin insertion capability was determined by staining with tissue‐marking dye after insertion, and the real‐time penetration depth was monitored using optical coherence tomography. Confocal microscopy images revealed that the rhodamine 6G and fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled insulin (insulin‐FITC) can gradually diffuse from the puncture sites to deeper tissue. Ex vivo drug‐release profiles showed that 50% of the insulin was released and penetrated across the skin after 1 h, and the cumulative permeation reached 80% after 5 h. In vivo and pharmacodynamic studies were then conducted to estimate the feasibility of the administration of insulin‐loaded dissolving MN patches on diabetic mice for glucose regulation. The total area above the glucose level versus time curve as an index of hypoglycemic effect was 128.4 ± 28.3 (% h) at 0.25 IU/kg. The relative pharmacologic availability and relative bioavailability (RBA) of insulin from MN patches were 95.6 and 85.7%, respectively. This study verified that the use of gelatin/CMC MN patches for insulin delivery achieved a satisfactory RBA compared to traditional hypodermic injection and presented a promising device to deliver poorly permeable protein drugs for diabetic therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 84–93, 2017.
Uric Acid Amplifies Aβ Amyloid Effects Involved in the Cognitive Dysfunction/Dementia: Evidences From an Experimental Model In Vitro
Authors: Desideri Giovambattista , Gentile Roberta , Antonosante Andrea , Benedetti Elisabetta , Grassi Davide , Cristiano Loredana , Manocchio Antonello , Selli Sara , Ippoliti Rodolfo , Ferri Claudio , Borghi Claudio , Giordano Antonio , Cimini Annamaria
Published: August 2016

There is still a considerable debate concerning whether uric acid is neuroprotective or neurotoxic agent. To clarify this topic, we tested the effects of uric acid on neuronal cells biology by using differentiated SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells incubated with amyloid β to reproduce an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease. The incubation of cells with uric acid at the dose of 40 µM or higher significantly reduced cell viability and potentiated the proapoptotic effect of amyloid β. Finally, uric acid enhanced the generation of 4‐hydroxynonenal and the expression of PPARβ/δ promoted by amyloid β, indicating a prooxidant effects. In conclusion, uric acid could exert a detrimental influence on neuronal biology being this influence further potentiated by the concomitant exposure to neurotoxic stimuli. This effect is evident for uric acid concentrations close to those achievable in cerebrospinal fluid in presence of mild hyperuricemia thus suggesting a potential role of uric acid in pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction. These effects are influenced by the concentrations of uric acid and by the presence of favoring conditions that commonly occur in neurodegenerative disorders and well as in the aging brain, including increased oxidative stress and exposure to amyloid β. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1069–1078, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Screening of 2‐Aryl‐5‐((2‐arylthiazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Mhaske Pravin C. , Shelke Shivaji H. , Bhoye Manish , Bobade Vivek D.
Published: August 2016

A new series of 2‐aryl‐5‐((2‐arylthiazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives was synthesized by condensation of 2‐(2‐substituted thiazol‐4‐yl)acetohydrazide with aryl aldehydes followed by oxidative cyclocondensation using iodobenzene diacetate. The structure of synthesized compounds was characterized by IR, NMR, and mass analysis. All the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Some of the compounds showed moderate antimicrobial activity.