bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tripalmitin and Tristearin on Crystallization and Melting Behavior of Coconut Oil
Authors: Mahisanunt Busakorn , Hondoh Hironori , Ueno Satoru
Published: February 2019

We investigated the crystallization behavior of coconut oil (CO) with tripalmitin (PPP) and tristearin (StStSt) as additives. The effects of cooling rates (2°C, 5°C, and 10°C min−1) and triacylglycerol concentrations (0.3–10 wt.%) on crystallization and melting behavior of CO were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical microscopy. The polymorph was also examined using synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction (SR‐XRD). From the DSC results, two exothermic peaks for CO crystallization indicated two compositions in CO. From the SR‐XRD results, the α form crystallized first at a high crystallization temperature (HTc) followed by β′ crystallization at low temperature (LTc), after which both HTc‐α and LTc‐β′ transformed into the β′ form of CO (CO‐β′) solid solution during heating. Although the addition of PPP increased crystallization temperature of CO, it did not change its polymorphic pattern. However, during slow cooling with the StStSt additive, CO‐β′ crystallization was induced from the melt directly. Moreover, under isothermal conditions, the crystallized StStSt spherulites induced nucleation of CO more than did PPP. Therefore, PPP increased the crystallization temperature of CO in both HTc and LTc fractions without changing the polymorph of CO, while StStSt promoted crystallization of CO directly into CO‐β′.
Microstructure–performance relationships of hollow‐fiber membranes with highly efficient separation of oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Hong Xiao , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Gao Qiao‐Ling , Wu Hui‐Min , Guo Yi‐Zong , Huang Fu , Fang Fei , Huang Hua‐Ting , Chen Da‐Jing
Published: February 2019

The critical breakthrough pressure related to the membrane surface wettability and pore size is a key parameter determining membrane performance in particular applications, such as oil–water mixture separations. A series of hydrophilic polysulfone hollow‐fiber membranes with different pore sizes were prepared and characterized to evaluate the separation performance of oil‐in‐water emulsions and to develop an optimum membrane for such emulsions. For the optimum membrane, the absolute value for the cosine of the surface oil droplet contact angle (0.72) was close to the ratio of the outer surface pore size to the oil droplet size (0.71); it was also similar to the absolute value of the cosine of the underwater oil contact angle on the polysulfone material (0.65). From the point of view of the surface wettability, theoretical calculations were performed to select a suitable membrane with the aim of reaching the maximum efficiency in practical oil–water mixture separation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47615.
Photo‐grafting of β‐cyclodextrin onto the polyethersulfone microfiltration‐membrane: Fast surface hydrophilicity improvement and continuous phthalate ester removal
Authors: Ahmadi Hajireza , Javanbakht Mehran , Akbari‐adergani Behrouz , Shabanian Meisam
Published: February 2019

This work presents a facile, fast, and green approach for the production of a novel glycidyl methacrylate‐β‐cyclodextrin grafted polyethersulfone membrane (GMA‐β‐CD‐PESm). Firstly, glycidyl methacrylate‐bonded β‐cyclodextrin (GMA‐β‐CD) is synthesized and then it is photografted onto the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. The effects of ultraviolet radiation time, GMA‐β‐CD concentration, modification techniques, and degrees of substitution are studied. The results indicated that, with altering of studied parameters, membranes with degree of grafting 50–3000 μg/cm2 are obtained. The prepared membranes are characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, and contact angle (CA) measurements. The CA measurements confirmed that hydrophilicity of the membrane significantly increased by grafting of GMA‐β‐CD onto the PES membrane. The CA angle is decreased from 64° in the neat PES to 39.4° in GMA‐β‐CD‐PESm. The results of microfiltration show that GMA‐β‐CD‐PESm have a good potential to continuous adsorbing and removing of di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate from aqueous solutions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47632.
Zinc ion conducting blended polymer electrolytes based on room temperature ionic liquid and ceramic filler
Authors: Candhadai Murali Sai Prasanna , Samuel Austin Suthanthiraraj
Published: February 2019

Zinc ion conducting nanocomposite gel polymer electrolytes (NCGPEs) comprising of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) blend, zinc triflate [Zn(OTf)2] salt, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI) ionic liquid (IL) and fumed silica (SiO2) viz. [PVC/PEMA–Zn(OTf)2–EMIMTFSI–SiO2] exhibited the highest ionic conductivity value of 6.71 × 10−4 Scm−1 at room temperature. The ion–filler–polymer interactions and probable conformational changes observed in the structure of the gel composites due to the entrapment of IL and dispersion of nano‐sized SiO2 were confirmed from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of NCGPEs demonstrated uniform surface with abundant interconnected micropores. The cationic transport number of NCGPE samples has been found to be appreciably enhanced up to a maximum of 0.69 thus demonstrating a considerable improvement in Zn2+ ion conductivity. The NCGPE film possesses an electrochemical stability window up to 5.07 V (vs. Zn/Zn2+) and ensures feasible zinc stripping/plating in the redox process. The addition of SiO2 into the gel polymer electrolyte system has effectively reduced the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the NCGPE films and also accomplished improved thermal stability up to approximately 180 °C which were ascertained from Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric (TG) results. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47654.
Synthesis and characterization of polysaccharide hydrogel based on hydrophobic interactions
Authors: Fredrick Rahul , Podder Arup , Viswanathan Aparna , Bhuniya Sankarprasad
Published: February 2019

Hydrogels based on hydrophobic, or micellar interactions, are physically crosslinked hydrogels which are an attempt to overcome the poor mechanical properties of traditional, chemically crosslinked gels, such as low shear strength. We have prepared a polysaccharide‐based hydrogel with physical crosslinks via hydrophobic interactions. In this work, we have synthesized hydrogel by grafting a hydrophobic moiety dioctylamine onto hydrophilic precursor carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) through an amide bond formation, where ~33% of the carboxyl group in CMC was reacted with dioctylamine. The thermosensitive hydrogel can arrest 100 mL of deionized water per gram of gelator within few seconds. It showed the moderate rheological property. The hydrogel is nontoxic and does not show any adverse to human hemoglobin. It is a CMC based a unique gelator with high biocompatibility represent to be useful materials for biomedical application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47665.
Novel green composites from styrene butadiene rubber and palm oil derivatives for high performance tires
Authors: Lee Chung Kyeong , Seo Jin Gwan , Kim Hyun Jun , Song Sung Ho
Published: February 2019

In rubber compounding, renewable, nontoxic, and degradable palm oil is used as a safe alternative softener or stabilizer process oil. In the tire industry, with the development of environment‐friendly “green tires,” silica has been used as a reinforcing filler for tread compounds. To make the hydrophilic silica compatible with the hydrophobic rubber matrix, the addition of amphiphilic oil is required. We, for the first time, prepared an amphiphilic palm oil derivative (PO) with hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups in bulk. Rubber composites prepared with the PO exhibited remarkable improvements in mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation, and fatigue. These improvements are attributed to the enhanced dispersion of the fillers in the rubber matrix due to the PO. Also, the mixing of PO in the rubber matrix resulted in outstanding abrasion, rebound resilience, and heat buildup properties at low loadings. We then prepared pneumatic tires with a tread composite using PO, and conducted virtual tests using a vehicle‐mounted pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire exhibited enhanced high speed durability, dry and wet braking. The strong interfacial interactions between the silica and the rubber matrix due to the PO resulted in improved viscoelastic properties. These results show that PO is a renewable potential replacement for conventional aromatic oils in tire engineering applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47672.
Merkmalserver im Open‐BIM‐Prozess
Authors: Fröch Georg , Gächter Werner , Tautschnig Arnold , Specht Günther
Published: February 2019

Die Abwicklung aller Prozesse im Lebenszyklus eines Bauwerks unter Zuhilfenahme eines digitalen Gebäudemodells ist vor allem im europäischen Raum untrennbar mit dem Begriff Open BIM verbunden. Durch die in Mitteleuropa vorhandene heterogene Softwarelandschaft entstehen Probleme im Datenaustausch, wofür prinzipiell zwei Lösungsansätze zur Verfügung stehen. Zum einen ist dies die Abwicklung von Projekten in einer Closed‐BIM‐Herangehensweise und zum anderen die Anwendung von Open BIM, wofür herstellerneutrale Dateiformate und Datenstrukturen erforderlich sind.

Dabei gilt das Format IFC als Stand der Technik. Jedoch werden dort nicht alle sogenannten Merkmale von Bauteilen, welche hauptsächlich deren Qualitäten definieren, abgebildet. Der wesentliche Punkt im Datenaustausch ist die Vereinheitlichung dieser Merkmale – also die Bereitstellung einer auch international „gemeinsamen Sprache“ durch die Anbindung an das buildingSmart Data Dictionary. Aus diesem Grund wurde das Konzept des Merkmalservers entwickelt. Auf diesem können alle entsprechenden Eigenschaften, Einheiten, Bemessungen etc. gespeichert und mit einem maschinenlesbaren Code versehen werden.

Um die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und auch den Bedarf an Merkmalen zu demonstrieren, wird ein idealtypischer BIM‐Prozess entlang der Wertschöpfungskette Bau dargestellt. Dabei wird besonderes Augenmerk auf die Funktionen und die Möglichkeiten eines Merkmalservers gelegt. Die Umsetzung dieses Konzepts wird anhand des in den Forschungsprojekten freeBIM entwickelten Merkmalservers und den im Zuge dessen implementierten Softwaretools aufgezeigt.

Das Konzept des Merkmalservers leistet einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Optimierung des Open‐BIM‐Prozesses, erfordert jedoch eine gemeinsame und abgestimmte Herangehensweise sowohl im nationalen als auch internationalen Kontext.
Stochastische Berechnung bauleistungsspezifischer Risikokosten in der Angebotskalkulation
Authors: Čadež Ivan , Brokbals Stefanie , Wapelhorst Vincent
Published: February 2019

Die Höhe der Risikokosten eines Bauprojekts hängt von einer Vielzahl von Projektkenngrößen ab, u. a. von der Höhe der Projektbauleistung. Daher werden in dieser Studie Risikokosten von 26 Einzelrisiken für drei projektbauleistungsabhängige Kategorien (< 200 000 €, 200 000–1 000 000 € sowie 1 000 000–2 500 000 € Projektbauleistung) für Projekte des Hoch‐ und Ingenieurhochbaus bei Einheitspreisverträgen unter Vereinbarung der VOB/B betrachtet. Durch eine deterministische Risikokostenberechnung konnte festgestellt werden, dass sowohl die Höhe als auch die Rangfolge der Einzelrisiken in Abhängigkeit von der Projektbauleistung variiert. Die Höhe der Risikokosten steigt zwar prinzipiell mit zunehmender Projektbauleistung, ist jedoch bei Projektbauleistungen zwischen 200 000 und 1 000 000 € prozentual am höchsten.

Darüber hinaus wird eine stochastische Risikokostenberechnung mittels Monte‐Carlo‐Simulation für die drei projektbauleistungsabhängigen Kategorien durchgeführt. Dadurch können die Bandbreiten der Risikokosten dargestellt werden. Eine durchschnittliche Betrachtung der drei Kategorien hat ergeben, dass die Risikokosten – ohne Berücksichtigung von Chancen – mit 90 %iger Wahrscheinlichkeit in einer Brandbreite von 2,71–8,67 % der Projektbauleistung liegen. Die Ergebnisse unterstützen den Auftragnehmer, die Risikokosten bereits in der Angebotskalkulation nach Marktlage, unternehmensspezifischer Risikobereitschaft und strategischen Überlegungen zu bestimmen.
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung im Bauwesen: Memorandum zur Lehre an deutschsprachigen Hochschulen
Authors: Große Christian U. , Arndt Ralf W. , Mähner Dietmar , Niederleithinger Ernst , Taffe Alexander
Published: February 2019

Dieses erste Memorandum zur Lehre und Forschung an deutschsprachigen Hochschulen auf dem Gebiet der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung im Bauwesen gibt einen Überblick hinsichtlich der akademischen Ausbildung und zeigt mögliche Schwerpunkte vor allem in der Lehre auf. Diese Schwerpunkte berücksichtigen auch aktuelle Entwicklungen und Themen auf dem Gebiet der Forschung. Es werden Anregungen zur Entwicklung bzw. Weiterentwicklung der Lehr‐Curricula im Hinblick auf eine umfassende und solide fachliche Ausbildung der Studierenden des Bauwesens und angrenzender Fachrichtungen gegeben. Inhaltlich und formal lehnt sich der Beitrag an dem Memorandum der Hochschullehrer im Fachgebiet „Werkstoffe im Bauwesen“ (Breit et al., 2012) an und beruht auf einer Initiative des Unterausschusses Ausbildung – Arbeitsgruppe Ausbildung in der Hochschule – des Fachausschusses ZfP im Bauwesen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (DGZfP). Die Hauptredaktion wurde übernommen von Prof. Christian U. Große (TU München) und Prof. Ralf W. Arndt (FH Erfurt).
Pharmacokinetics and excretion study of bergenin and its phase II metabolite in rats by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ren Yanping , Wan Changchen , Liao Man , Zhang Xia , Cheng Xiaoye , Yuan Lin , Zhang Lantong
Published: February 2019

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method for the determination of bergenin and its phase II metabolite in rat plasma, bile and urine has been developed. Biological samples were pretreated with protein precipitation extraction procedure and enzymatic hydrolysis method was used for converting glucuronide metabolite to its free form bergenin. Detection and quantitation were performed by MS/MS using electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Negative electrospray ionization was employed as the ionization source. Sulfamethoxazole was used as the internal standard. The separation was performed on a reverse‐phase C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column with gradient elution consisting of methanol and 0.5% aqueous formic acid. The concentrations of bergenin in all biological samples were in accordance with the requirements of validation of the method. After oral administration of 12 mg/kg of the prototype drug, bergenin and its glucuronide metabolite were determined in plasma, bile and urine. Bergenin in bile was completely excreted in 24 h, and the main excreted amount of bergenin was 97.67% in the first 12 h. The drug recovery in bile within 24 h was 8.97%. In urine, the main excreted amount of bergenin was 95.69% in the first 24 h, and the drug recovery within 24 h was <22.34%. Total recovery of bergenin and its glucuronide metabolite was about 52.51% (20.31% in bile within 24 h, 32.20% in urine within 48 h). The validated method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and excretion studies of bergenin.
Body mass index, body shape, and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A population‐based case–control study in Southern China
Authors: Feng Ruimei , Chang Ellen T. , Liu Zhiwei , Liu Qing , Cai Yonglin , Zhang Zhe , Chen Guomin , Huang Qi‐Hong , Xie Shang‐Hang , Cao Su‐Mei , Zhang Yu , Yun Jingping , Jia Wei‐Hua , Zheng Yuming , Liao Jian , Chen Yufeng , Lin Longde , Ernberg Ingemar , Huang Guangwu , Zeng Yi , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Adami Hans‐Olov , Ye Weimin
Published: February 2019

Whether the association between body size or shape and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk exists or varies by age‐specific body size indicators is unclear. In a population‐based case–control study conducted in Southern China between 2010 and 2014, self‐reported height, weight, and body shape at age 20 and 10 years before interview were collected from 2448 histopathologically confirmed NPC cases and 2534 population‐based controls. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized according to the World Health Organization guidelines for Asian populations: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5‐22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0‐27.4 kg/m2), and obese (≥27.5 kg/m2). Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline analysis was employed to examine nonlinear effects of BMI and body shape as continuous covariates. Underweight vs normal weight at age 20 years was associated with a 22% decreased NPC risk (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67, 0.90), whereas obesity was not significantly associated with NPC risk. Associations with BMI 10 years before the interview were similar. Having the leanest body shape at age 20 years, compared with the mode was not significantly associated with NPC risk (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.62, 1.16), but having a larger body shape was associated with an elevated risk (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03, 1.52). Increasing BMI revealed positive trends with NPC risk. Despite some indication of significant findings, evidence for a strong association between BMI or body shape and NPC risk is still limited.
The Key Role of Nanocasting in Gold‐based Fe2O3 Nanocasted Catalysts for Oxygen Activation at the Metal‐support Interface
Authors: García Tomás , López José M. , Solsona Benjamín , Sanchis Rut , Willock David J. , Davies Thomas E. , Lu Li , He Qian , Kiely Christopher J. , Taylor Stuart H.
Published: February 2019

The total oxidation of propane, a representative Volatile Organic Compound, has been studied using gold‐based α‐Fe2O3 catalysts. Catalysts consisting of gold nanoparticles confined in nanostructured Fe2O3 prepared by a nanocasting route present the highest catalytic activity for propane total oxidation, and the activity is significantly greater than those of gold‐based catalysts where iron oxide supports are prepared by other conventional methods, such as calcination. Detailed characterisation and Density‐functional theory (DFT) studies have been undertaken in order to explain the enhancement in catalytic properties. The presence of confined gold nanoparticles on the nanocast Fe2O3 facilitates the production of highly reactive oxygen vacancies at the metal‐support interface, increasing the catalyst performance. Both the development of a microporous/mesoporous structure in the iron oxide support and the presence of a mixed surface phase of Si and Fe oxides, seem to be key parameters, being both features inherent in the nanocasting process from silica templates. Additionally, the catalytic activity is enhanced due to other positive effects, which are closely related to the nanocasting preparation method: i) a higher contact surface area between partially confined small gold nanoparticles in the internal mesoporosity of the nanostructured support and the metal oxide and; ii) a more reducible support due to the presence of more active surface lattice oxygen.
Preparation of Hierarchically Assembled Silver Nanostructures based on the Morphologies of Crystalline Peptide‐Silver(I) Complexes
Authors: Miyake Ryosuke , Nitanai Yukari , Nakagawa Yuki , Xing Junfei , Harano Koji , Nakamura Eiichi , Okabayashi Jun , Minamikawa Takeo , Uruma Keirei , Kanaizuka Katsuhiko , Kurihara Masato
Published: February 2019

The preparation of a hierarchically assembled Ag nanostructures based on a nanocrystalline assembly was demonstrated using an Ag(I) complex of a dipeptide (AspDap). By heating under N2 gas, a spherical assembly of a nanocrystalline dipeptide‐Ag(I) complex (diameter 4–5 μm), which has a morphology similar to the assembled structure of the dipeptide, was transformed to an assembly of Ag nanostructures, where the micrometre‐order crystalline morphology was maintained. In addition, detailed scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that Ag nanoparticles (diameter ca. 10 nm) were formed on the surface of the Ag nanostructure. When the Ag(I) ions were reduced to Ag(0), this phenomenon exhibited surface dependence due to the anisotropic two‐dimensional Ag(I) arrangement in the crystals. Thermogravimetric measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the reduction proceeds in a stepwise manner around 200–250 °C, together with the removal of primary and secondary carboxylic groups in the dipeptide. Comparison with the heating process of the crystalline Ag(I) complex of β‐alanine indicated that stepwise reduction is key for maintaining the original micrometre‐order morphology.
Highly Performing Iodoperfluoroalkylation of Alkenes Triggered by the Photochemical Activity of Perylene Diimides
Authors: Rosso Cristian , Filippini Giacomo , Cozzi Pier Giorgio , Gualandi Andrea , Prato Maurizio
Published: February 2019

We describe a novel efficient photochemical procedure for the direct iodoperfluoroalkylation of terminal olefins. The process uses a simple and inexpensive perylenediimide (PDI) in an extremely low catalytic loading and occurs with visible light irradiation. The reported methodology is highly viable from a synthetic point of view, since it proceeds under mild reaction conditions with a significant rate of production. Preliminary mechanistic investigations are also reported.
Investigating Nrg1 Signaling in the Regenerating Axolotl Spinal Cord Using Multiplexed FISH
Authors: Freitas Polina D. , Lovely Alexander M. , Monaghan James R.
Published: February 2019

Amputation of a salamander tail leads to functional spinal cord regeneration through activation of endogenous stem cells. Identifying the signaling pathways that control cell proliferation in these neural stem cells will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the salamander’s regenerative ability. Here, we show that neuregulin 1 (Nrg1)/ErbB2 signaling is an important pathway in the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation in the spinal cord of the axolotl salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum). Simultaneous localization of nrg1 mRNA and Nrg1 protein was performed by utilizing a hybridization chain reaction fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodology in tissue sections. Multiplexed FISH also permitted the phenotyping of multiple cell types on a single fixed section allowing the characterization of mRNA expression, protein expression, and tissue architecture. Pharmacological inhibition of ErbB2 showed that intact Nrg1/ErbB2 signaling is critical for adult homeostatic regeneration as well as for injury‐induced spinal cord regeneration. Overall, our results highlight the importance of the NRG1/ErbB2 signaling pathway in neural stem cell proliferation in the axolotl.
Chimerism and population dieback alter genetic inference related to invasion pathways and connectivity of biofouling populations on artificial substrata
Authors: Watts Ashleigh Marie , Hopkins Grant A. , Goldstien Sharyn Jane
Published: February 2019

Disentangling pathways by which nonindigenous species expand and spread regionally remains challenging. Molecular ecology tools are often employed to determine the origins and spread of introduced species, but the complexities of some organisms may be reducing the efficacy of these tools. Some colonial species exhibit complexities by way of chimerism and winter colony regression, which may alter the genetic diversity of populations and mask the connectivity occurring among them. This study uses nuclear microsatellite data and simple GIS‐based modeling to investigate the influence of chimerism and winter regression on the genetic diversity and patterns of genetic population connectivity among colonies of Didemnum vexillum on artificial substrates. Colonies sampled in summer were shown to form a metapopulation, with high levels of admixture, extreme outcrossing, and some substructure. These patterns were consistent within the subsampled winter colonies and with the inclusion of chimeric data. However, allelic richness and diversity were significantly different between winter and summer samples, altering interpretations relating to population connectivity and pelagic larval duration. This study demonstrates the importance of including seasonal sampling and imperative life history traits in genetic studies for clear interpretations and the successful management of introduced species.
Small mammal herbivores mediate the effects of soil nitrogen and invertebrate herbivores on grassland diversity
Authors: Poe Nicole , Stuble Katharine L. , Souza Lara
Published: February 2019

Simultaneous reductions in herbivore abundance and increases in nitrogen deposition have led to radical shifts in plant communities worldwide. While the individual impacts of these human‐caused disturbances are apparent, few studies manipulate both herbivory and N, nor differentiate among herbivore guilds, to understand contingencies in the ability of these drivers to affect producer diversity and productivity. As such, understanding how the main and combined effects of increasing soil N with declining herbivores may influence plant community structure and function is critical to better understand the future of grassland ecosystems under multiple global change drivers.

In this study, we asked: (a) What are the main effects of small mammal herbivores, invertebrate herbivores, and soil N on plant community structure and function? and (b) Are the effects of invertebrate herbivores and soil N on plant community structure and function contingent on small mammal herbivory? We used a nested design, with invertebrate and soil N treatments nested within small mammal manipulations in an existing tallgrass prairie. We measured plant community structure by quantifying plant richness, evenness, diversity, and composition across two full growing seasons. We also recorded total aboveground biomass to quantify grassland productivity.

We found that small mammal herbivores strongly shaped plant diversity, species composition, and productivity. Small mammal herbivores also mediated the effects of soil N and invertebrate herbivores on grassland community structure, but not composition or productivity. Small mammal reduction lowered plant species richness while increasing aboveground biomass and altering compositional similarity. Invertebrate herbivores, in the presence of small mammals, promoted plant dominance by reducing evenness without altering compositional similarity. Additionally, soil nitrogen addition reduced plant richness, but only when small mammals were reduced, and no effects were detected on compositional similarity or productivity.

Our findings provide further evidence that temperate grasslands can be strongly influenced by consumers, and that consumers mediate the effects of resources as well as other consumer guilds on producer evenness and richness. Taken together, we provide evidence of strong contingencies in the drivers of grassland structure, with small mammals directly altering plant diversity as well as mediating the effects of soil nitrogen and invertebrate herbivory on plant richness and evenness. Therefore, we suggest it is imperative to consider how consumer guilds and resource types may interact to shape grassland plant communities.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Reductive Functionalization of CO2
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Fang , Li Xiao‐Ya , He Liang‐Nian
Published: February 2019

Reductive functionalization of CO2 combining both the formation of the new bonds and CO2 reduction in the presence of reductant, such as molecular hydrogen, hydrosilane, or hydroborane has become increasingly attractive, which enlarges the spectra of compounds directly available from CO2 thus provides fresh idea for CO2 chemistry. This microreview briefly summarizes recent advances in new bond construction using CO2 as formyl, methylene, and methyl source with transition‐metal catalyst, which are divided into sections according to C–N, C–C, and C–O bonds formation in the presence of nitrogen‐, carbon‐, and oxygen‐nucleophiles respectively. The challenges and opportunities with future trends of the reductive functionalization of CO2 are discussed as well.
Lumbar range of motion in chronic low back pain is predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear
Authors: Matheve Thomas , De Baets Liesbet , Bogaerts Katleen , Timmermans Annick
Published: February 2019

Background

Most studies fail to show an association between higher levels of pain‐related fear and protective movement behaviour in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This may be explained by the fact that only general measures of pain‐related fear have been used to examine the association with movement patterns. This study explored whether task‐specific, instead of general measures of pain‐related fear can predict movement behaviour.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with CLBP and 54 healthy persons performed a lifting task while kinematic measurements were obtained to assess lumbar range of motion (ROM). Scores on the Photograph Daily Activities Series‐Short Electronic Version (PHODA‐SeV), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and its Activity Avoidance and Somatic Focus subscales were used as general measures of pain‐related fear. The score on a picture of the PHODA‐SeV, showing a person lifting a heavy object with a bent back, was used as task‐specific measure of pain‐related fear.

Results

Lumbar ROM was predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear. Only the scores on one other picture of the PHODA‐SeV, similar to the task‐specific picture regarding threat value and movement characteristics, predicted the lumbar ROM. Compared to healthy persons, patients with CLBP used significantly less ROM, except the subgroup with a low score on the task‐specific measure of pain‐related fear, who used a similar ROM.

Conclusions

Our results suggest to use task‐specific measures of pain‐related fear when assessing the relationship with movement. It would be of interest to investigate whether reducing task‐specific fear changes protective movement behaviour.

Significance

This study shows that lumbar range of motion in CLBP is predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear. This suggests that both in clinical practice and for research purposes, it might be recommended to use task‐specific measures of pain‐related fear when assessing the relationship with movement behaviour. This may help to disentangle the complex interactions between pain‐related fear, movement and disability in patients with CLBP.
Influence of the Cell Format on the Electrolyte Filling Process of Lithium‐Ion Cells
Authors: Günter Florian J. , Rössler Stefan , Schulz Michael , Braunwarth Wolfgang , Gilles Ralph , Reinhart Gunther
Published: February 2019

During the production process of lithium‐ion battery cells, the filling, which consists of dosing and wetting steps, of the cell and its components with an electrolyte liquid is important for the quality and costs of the final product. The cell format as a combination of housing and cell arrangement not only determines the type of filling process but also influences the distribution of the electrolyte within the cell. The cell format also has an influence on the wetting state as a function of time. Herein, in situ neutron radiography is used to analyze the filling process of two different cell types – pouch cells with a z‐folded stack and hardcase cells with a flat wound roll. The results are then analyzed and transferred to other common cell formats to identify a fillable cell design and format‐dependent process improvement possibilities to enable faster processing.
USTLD mapper design for APSK constellations over satellite links
Authors: Quazi Tahmid , Patel Sulaiman Saleem
Published: February 2019

Space‐time block code (STBC)–based multiple‐input–multiple‐output techniques have been considered recently to enhance the performance of mobile satellite communication systems in terms of link reliability. Uncoded space‐time labelling diversity (USTLD) is a diversity technique that is a direct extension of the STBC system and further improves its performance. A USTLD system is proposed in this paper that is designed specifically for satellite to mobile station links. The circular M‐ary Amplitude Phase‐Shift Keying (MAPSK) constellation, which is adopted by the most recent satellite broadcasting standard Digital Video Broadcasting standard for nonlinear satellite links (DVB‐S2X), is applied to the USTLD system. The most critical aspect of developing a USTLD system is the design of the secondary mapper to achieve labelling diversity. Existing square M‐ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (MQAM) approaches to USTLD mapper design are adapted for appropriate 16APSK and 64APSK constellations from the DVB‐S2X standard. Various metrics are derived to quantitatively compare mapper designs for a Nakagami‐q fading channel. Theoretical results, verified by Monte Carlo simulations, show that the best of the MAPSK USTLD mappers considered achieve a gain of approximately 4 dB for 16APSK and 5 dB for 64APSK when compared to the Alamouti STBC system. Furthermore, a study is conducted to analytically compare USTLD mappers using the derived metrics for both MQAM and MAPSK. It is concluded that a two‐stage approach is the most accurate methodology for comparing USTLD mapper designs.
Policy strategies to reduce waiting times for elective surgery: A scoping review and evidence synthesis
Authors: Bachelet Vivienne C. , Goyenechea Matías , Carrasco Víctor A.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this evidence‐based review is to identify and describe the interventions that have been implemented to reduce waiting times for major elective surgery.

Methods

Scoping review and presentation of the results according to the SUPPORT tools. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SciELO, DARE‐HTA, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for research design were comprehensive.

Results

We identified 5200 records. After eliminating duplicates and screening by title and abstract, 171 records remained for full‐text assessment, of which 12 were ultimately included for this review because they reported specific interventions and 96 records were included for further reference. The included studies show significant variability regarding elective procedures, population, and type of provider, as well as in the characteristics of the interventions and the settings. All the studies had methodological limitations. We graded the certainty of the evidence as very low.

Conclusions

According to the evidence found for this review, interventions most likely should be multidimensional, with prioritization strategies on the waiting lists to incorporate equity criteria, together with quality management improvements of the surgical pathways and the use of operating rooms, as well as improvements in the planning of the surgical schedule.
Effectiveness of nasal continuous airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kandasamy Geetha , Almaghaslah Dalia , Sivanandy Palanisamy , Arumugam Somasundaram
Published: February 2019

Objectives

A prospective observational study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy on the health‐related quality of life (QoL) of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

The patients included in this study were those recently diagnosed with OSA (AHI > 5) and given nCPAP therapy, as well as being referred to a sleep laboratory for an assessment of their sleep disordered breathing. Prior to the start of nCPAP therapy and polysomnography evaluation, patients were asked to complete the validated Quebec sleep questionnaire (QSQ), and their baseline measurements were recorded.

Results

Among the study population, 14.41% (n = 31) had mild OSA with an apnea and hypopnea index of 5 to 14.9 events/h, while 26.97% (n = 58) had moderate OSA and 40% (n = 86) had severe OSA. The overall average apnea and hypopnea index of the study population was 30.24 ± 9.73 events/h; mild OSA patients had an average apnea and hypopnea index of 10.09 ± 2.65 events/h, moderate OSA patients had 21.48 ± 4.40 events/h, and severe OSA patients had 59.16 ± 22.14 events/h. A significant difference was observed between the scores before treatment and after 6 months of therapy in all domains of the QSQ QoL scores (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment improved the QoL for patients with mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea.
Securitization as a response to monetary policy
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Xu Xiaonian
Published: February 2019

This paper studies how monetary easing provides incentives for banks to take risk and issue mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) and, because MBS have the “lemon” property, why MBS buyers are willing to purchase high‐risk securities at high prices. Banks need equity to attract deposits. Monetary easing reduces this need, and banks leverage up and reduce their monitoring efforts. The internal need for liquidity and risk sharing motivates banks to issue MBS. Security buyers understand the moral hazard problem that banks face but are willing to purchase bank securities at high prices because monetary easing would also reduce their cost of funds.
Reevaluating our understanding of lactulose breath tests by incorporating hydrogen sulfide measurements
Authors: Birg Aleksandr , Hu Steve , Lin Henry C
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Breath testing has become a commonly used tool in gastroenterology to evaluate changes in the fermentation pattern of the gut microbiome. Currently, hydrogen and methane gas concentrations are measured in breath testing and evaluated against specific cut‐off values for interpretation as normal or abnormal. However, microbial gas kinetics is a complex process that is not currently fully considered when interpreting breath gas results. Gas exchange between hydrogen producers and hydrogen consumers (methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria) is a process whereby hydrogen availability is determined by both its production and removal. Hydrogen sulfide is a crucial gas involved in this process as it is a major hydrogen‐consumptive pathway involved in energy exchange.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study evaluating lactulose breath testing with the inclusion of hydrogen sulfide measurements in patients referred for breath testing for gastrointestinal symptoms of bloating, excessive gas, and/or abdominal pain.

Results

A total of 159 patients were analyzed between October 2016 and June 2017. Mean hydrogen concentrations with a positive trend through a 3‐h period (R2 = 0.97), mean methane concentrations with a positive trend (R2 = 0.69), and mean hydrogen sulfide concentrations with a negative trend (R2 = −0.71) were observed.

Conclusion

By incorporating energy exchange in the interpretation of the lactulose breath test, we reevaluated specific breath gas profiles, including those commonly described as “hydrogen nonproducers” and the “double‐peak” phenomenon.
NK cell immune responses differ after prime and boost vaccination
Authors: Palgen Jean-Louis , Tchitchek Nicolas , Huot Nicolas , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Lefebvre Cécile , Rosenbaum Pierre , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Martinon Frédéric , Hocini Hakim , Cosma Antonio , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Lévy Yves , Le Grand Roger , Beignon Anne-Sophie
Published: February 2019

A better understanding of innate responses induced by vaccination is critical for designing optimal vaccines. Here, we studied the diversity and dynamics of the NK cell compartment after prime-boost immunization with the modified vaccinia virus Ankara using cynomolgus macaques as a model. Mass cytometry was used to deeply characterize blood NK cells. The NK cell subphenotype composition was modified by the prime. Certain phenotypic changes induced by the prime were maintained over time and, as a result, the NK cell composition prior to boost differed from that before prime. The key phenotypic signature that distinguished NK cells responding to the boost from those responding to the prime included stronger expression of several cytotoxic, homing, and adhesion molecules, suggesting that NK cells at recall were functionally distinct. Our data reveal potential priming or imprinting of NK cells after the first vaccine injection. This study provides novel insights into prime-boost vaccination protocols that could be used to optimize future vaccines.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of A549 cells infected with human adenovirus type 2
Authors: Badr Kareem R. , Parente‐Rocha Juliana A. , Baeza Lilian C. , Ficcadori Fabiola S. , Souza Menira , Soares Célia M. , Guissoni Ana Carla P. , Almeida Tâmera N. , Cardoso Divina D.
Published: February 2019

Human adenovirus (HAdV‐2) is considered a common agent of respiratory tract infection in the human, especially in children. Virus infection is believed to modify host cell expression necessary for its replication and therefore cell proteome can reflect the changes of specific cellular pathways during infection. This study aims to identify differentially expressed proteins of A549 cells in response to HAdV‐2 infection using a label‐free liquid chromatography‐high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry strategy (LC‐MS/MS) at 24 and 48 hpi. A total of 248 and 216 proteins were deregulated by 1.35‐fold at 24 and 48 hpi, respectively. Among them, 155 were upregulated at 24 hpi and 86 at 48 hpi, whereas 93 and 130 were downregulated at 24 and 48 hpi, respectively. The identified proteins were involved in different pathways as energy, transcription, protein synthesis, cytoskeleton, rescue and defense, cell cycle, DNA processing, transportation, and metabolism. Glycolytic pathway and histone deregulated proteins were further confirmed by chemical testing and immunofluorescence, respectively. The results suggest that the identified proteins influenced HAdV‐2 infection in the context of viral replication and propagation. This study complement proteomic data obtained from previous studies and reinforce the understanding of the relationship between HAdV and host cell.
Right Diaphragmatic Peak Motion Velocities on Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Neonates: Method, Reproducibility, and Reference Values
Authors: Maurizio Radicioni , Rinaldi Victoria Elisa , Camerini Pier Giorgio , Salvatori Cristina , Leonardi Alberto , Bini Vittorio
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To test the reproducibility and report the reference ranges of the right diaphragmatic excursion's peak velocities recorded by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging in healthy term neonates.

Methods

We formerly assessed intraobserver and interobserver variability of the method for the right hemidiaphragm in a small group of neonates, including ventilated neonates. We did not attempt to test the approach for the left hemidiaphragm because of the recognized high failure rate of visualization. Next, we recorded the peak velocities of both hemidiaphragms throughout inspiration and expiration in 229 healthy term neonates near birth to establish weight‐dependent reference ranges for the measurements.

Results

The study population included 116 male and 113 female neonates. The reproducibility of the technique was excellent even in neonates supported by ventilation. We always recorded the right diaphragmatic peak velocities in the normative study group, whereas the left ones were only recorded in 110 of 229 (48%) and 148 of 229 (65%) neonates from the anterior and lateral views, respectively. The modality of delivery and sex showed no influence on diaphragmatic kinetics. The mean inspiratory peak velocities ± SD were 1.4 ± 0.2 cm/s for the right hemidiaphragm and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm/s for the left hemidiaphragm. The mean expiratory peak velocities were 1.3 ± 0.2 cm/s for the right hemidiaphragm and 1.4 ± 0.3 cm/s for the left hemidiaphragm.

Conclusions

Measurement of right diaphragmatic kinetics as assessed by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging was found to be a reliable technique. Its clinical applicability for the prompt diagnosis and effective management of neonatal respiratory failure deserves further investigation.
Recurrence patterns of sinonasal cancers after a 5‐year disease‐free period
Authors: Kim Shin Ae , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Lee Bong Jae
Published: February 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sinonasal cancers are rare but have a poor prognosis. Most previous studies of these cancers have focused on 5‐year disease‐free survival, but recurrences are also known to occur after this period. We examined the post–5‐year recurrence patterns in sinonasal cancer patients by histologic type to determine the indicators for extended and close follow‐up requirements.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A cohort of 241 sinonasal cancer patients was included. Demographic data, cancer site and stage, pathology and treatment results, and follow‐up and survival data were collected.

Results

Of the 241 patients, a complete remission occurred in 163 (72.4%) patients, but 83 (50.9%) of these cases developed recurrence, which occurred beyond the 5‐year follow‐up period in 19 cases (11.7%). The most common post–5‐year recurrences were adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), squamous cell carcinoma (six patients, 6.7%), and olfactory neuroblastoma (no patients, 0%). Post–5‐year local recurrence was highest in adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (five patients, 5.5%). Post–5‐year regional recurrence occurred in one squamous carcinoma patient (1.1%), and distant metastasis was seen in one adenoid cystic carcinoma patient (5.5%).

Conclusions

Sinonasal cancer shows an 11.7% recurrence rate after a 5‐year disease‐free period. As this recurrence pattern varies by tumor pathology, a specific follow‐up plan is needed for each cancer type.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 129:2451–2457, 2019
Fiber Reinforced Polyimide Aerogel Composites with High Mechanical Strength for High Temperature Insulation
Authors: Zhu Zhaoxian , Yao Hongjun , Wang Fei , Dong Jinxin , Wu Kede , Cao Junxiang , Long Donghui
Published: February 2019

Glass fiber/polyimide aerogel composites are prepared by adding glass fiber mat to a polyimide sol derived from diamine, 4,4′‐oxydianiline, p‐phenylene diamine, and dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride. The fiber felt acts as a skeleton for support and shaping, reduces aerogel shrinkage during the preparation process, and improves the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the composite materials. These composites possess a mesoporous structure with densities as low as 0.143–0.177 g cm−3, with the glass fiber functioning to improve the overall mechanical properties of the polyimide aerogel, which results in its Young's modulus increasing from 42.7 to 113.5 MPa. These composites are found to retain their structure after heating at 500 °C, in contrast to pure aerogels which decompose into shrunken ball‐like structures. These composites maintain their thermal stability in air and N2 atmospheres, exhibiting a low thermal conductivity range of 0.023 to 0.029 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature and 0.057to 0.082 W m−1 K−1 at 500 °C. The high mechanical strengths, excellent thermal stabilities, and low thermal conductivities of these aerogel composites should ensure that they are potentially useful materials for insulation applications at high temperature.