bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 10 efficient protocols for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis: How relevant are effective light dose and local damage in predicting the complete response rate at 3 months?
Authors: Vignion‐Dewalle Anne‐Sophie , Baert Gregory , Thecua Elise , Lecomte Fabienne , Vicentini Claire , Abi‐Rached Henry , Mortier Laurent , Mordon Serge
Published: April 2018

Background

Topical photodynamic therapy is an established treatment modality for various dermatological conditions, including actinic keratosis. In Europe, the approved protocols for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis involve irradiation with either an Aktilite CL 128 lamp or daylight, whereas irradiation with the Blu‐U illuminator is approved in the United States. Many other protocols using irradiation by a variety of light sources are also clinically efficient.

Objectives

This paper aims to compare 10 different protocols with clinically proven efficacy for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis and the available spectral irradiance of the light source. Effective irradiance, effective light dose, and local damage are compared. We also investigate whether there is an association between the complete response rate at 3 months and the effective light dose or local damage.

Methods

The effective irradiance, also referred to as protoporphyrin IX‐weighted irradiance, is obtained by integrating the spectral irradiance weighted by the normalized absorption spectrum of protoporphyrin IX over the wavelength. Integrating the effective irradiance over the irradiation time yields the effective light dose, which is also known as the protoporphyrin IX‐weighted light dose. Local damage, defined as the total cumulative singlet oxygen molecules produced during treatment, is estimated using mathematical modeling of the photodynamic therapy process. This modeling is based on an iterative procedure taking into account the spatial and temporal variations in the protoporphyrin IX absorption spectrum during treatment.

Results

The protocol for daylight photodynamic therapy on a clear sunny day, the protocol for daylight photodynamic therapy on an overcast day, the photodynamic therapy protocol for a white LED lamp for operating rooms and the photodynamic therapy protocol for the Blu‐U illuminator perform better than the six other protocols—all involving red light illumination—in terms of both effective light dose and local damage. However, no association between the complete response rate at 3 months and the effective light dose or local damage was found.

Conclusions

Protocols that achieve high complete response rates at 3 months and low pain scores should be preferred regardless of the effective light dose and local damage. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:576–589, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical corrosion resistance of the amorphous and crystalline Pd‐based alloys in simulated seawater
Authors: Yang Jing‐Yan , Gu Jia‐Lun , Chen Shuang‐Qin , Luan Chu‐Hao , Shao Yang , Yao Ke‐Fu
Published: April 2018

Bulk metallic glasses have been studied and developed as engineering materials due to their outstanding mechanical properties. Corrosion resistance of the bulk metallic glasses is a crucial factor to be considered for their practical applications. In recent years, corrosion properties of a series of amorphous alloys and their crystalline counterparts in corrosive solutions have been reported, but researches on Pd‐based alloys are rare. In this paper, the corrosion behaviors of the amorphous and crystalline Pd40.5Ni40.5P19 and Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 alloys in simulated seawater were investigated. It is found that the surface of both amorphous and crystalline Pd40.5Ni40.5P19 alloys is uniformly corroded without pitting. The corrosion resistance of the crystalline Pd40.5Ni40.5P19 alloy is superior than that of the amorphous Pd40.5Ni40.5P19 alloy due to the inert phosphides and noble palladium phases formed after crystallization. However, different‐sized pitting holes are found on the surface of both amorphous and crystalline Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 alloys, and the amorphous Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 alloy shows better corrosion resistance than its crystalline counterpart. This phenomenon may be associated with Cu‐rich phase on the surface of the crystalline Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 alloy, which promotes the nucleation of the pitting.
Optimised cathodic protection design for maximum bond performance in reinforced concrete
Authors: O'Flaherty Fin , Van Nguyen Chinh , Lambert Paul , Mangat Pal , Jones Graeme
Published: April 2018

The influence of the long‐term effects of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) on the bond strength is investigated. A total of 16 pull‐out specimens were divided into four series and the steel bars pre‐corroded to target degrees of 0% (control), 1, 2 and 5% weight loss. Four levels of ICCP current density ranging from approximately 0 (control) to over 1000 μA/cm2 were applied to each series. These are considerably higher than the levels typically used in practice, which rarely exceed 2 μA/cm2, but were used to replicate long‐term application within a reasonable timescale. Following pull‐out tests, the values of bond load were determined. The analysis accounts for the accelerated ICCP by relating the total charge to the steel reinforcement in coulombs (current x time) to the bond values and migration of chloride ions. The results show that although some loss in bond is evident from the ICCP, an optimised current density can be applied to a real structure without affecting the as‐designed bond strength in the long‐term e.g. ≤0.65 μA/cm2 for an ICCP duration of 70 years. Application of the same current density reduces the chloride concentration from around the steel irrespective of the degree of corrosion.
On a class of semihomogeneous vector bundles
Authors: Oprea Dragos
Published: April 2018

We study a class of semihomogeneous vector bundles over the product of an abelian variety and its dual. For abelian surfaces, we connect these semihomogeneous bundles to the Verlinde bundles of generalized theta functions constructed from the moduli spaces of sheaves.
A Modeling Study on the RAFT Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: López‐Domínguez Porfirio , Jaramillo‐Soto Gabriel , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo
Published: April 2018

The kinetic modeling of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion homopolymerization of vinyl monomers in supercritical carbon dioxide is addressed. The model accounts for two reaction loci, a polymer‐rich phase (dispersed) and a solvent‐rich phase (continuous). In one of the models, the partition of low molar mass components is estimated by using simple equations. The second model takes into account mass transfer of the components and is built using the phase‐exchange and k(s)‐termination steps of the Predici software. Model predictions are compared against experimental data of polymerization of styrene using 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN)/S‐thiobenzoyl thioglycolic acid/supercritical carbon dioxide. The model captures well the effect of the amount of RAFT agent on polymerization rate and molar mass development. Both models allow calculation of the concentrations of all the species present in the system for each phase. The performance of the system is compared against the conventional case (in the absence of RAFT agent).
Characterization of congenital myopathies at a Korean neuromuscular center
Authors: Park Young‐Eun , Shin Jin‐Hong , Kim Hyang‐Sook , Lee Chang‐Hoon , Kim Dae‐Seong
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Congenital myopathies are muscle diseases characterized by specific histopathologic features, generalized hypotonia from birth, and perinatal complications, although some cases develop during childhood or, rarely, in adulthood. We undertook this study to characterize congenital myopathies among patients registered at our institution. Methods: Clinical, histopathologic, and genetic features were evaluated in 34 patients recruited for this study. Results: The majority of patients experienced a childhood onset, and no disease‐related mortality was recorded during follow‐up. Functional outcomes were no better for those with late‐onset disease, indicating later disease progression can be significant. Nemaline myopathy was the most frequent pathology, followed by central core disease and centronuclear myopathy. Among the 18 (54.5%) genetically confirmed patients, NEB and RYR1 mutations were the most common, followed by DNM2 mutations. Discussion: This study shows features not previously reported and suggests that congenital myopathy should be considered an important issue among adult patients. Muscle Nerve 58: 235–244, 2018
Succinate decreases bladder function in a rat model associated with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Velasquez Flores Monica , Mossa Abubakr H. , Cammisotto Philippe , Campeau Lysanne
Published: April 2018

Aims

Succinate and its receptor, GPR91, have been implicated in different aspects of metabolic syndrome. As GPR91 is expressed in the urinary bladder, the aim of this study is to show the effect of chronically increased succinate levels on bladder function.

Materials and Methods

Healthy Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats and hypertensive Dahl rats received an intraperitoneal injection of either saline or succinate (50 mg/kg) daily for a period of 4 weeks. Conscious cystometry was performed at the end of this period. Bladders were collected and used for contractility studies and morphological assessment. Two‐way ANOVA was performed to compare between the two strains and student t‐tests to compare treatment groups within each strain.

Results

Compared to SD rats, Dahl rats showed signs of bladder dysfunction. Succinate treatment led to higher urinary succinate levels and lower bladder capacities compared to saline‐treated animals. In SD rats, this was associated with higher collagen content, lower GPR91 expression and an altered bladder nerve profile in the bladder. In succinate‐treated Dahl rats, detrusor contractility was reduced and associated with decreased cholinergic innervation and increased collagen content.

Conclusions

It is suggested that succinate negatively affects bladder function via effects through its receptor, GPR91, and that its effects are enhanced in the presence of metabolic disturbance. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction, specifically in a metabolic syndrome setting.
Men who were thin during early adulthood exhibited greater weight gain‐associated visceral fat accumulation in a study of middle‐aged Japanese men
Authors: Koda M. , Kitamura I. , Okura T. , Otsuka R. , Ando F. , Shimokata H.
Published: April 2018

Objective

This study aimed to assess the relationship between weight gain from early adulthood and visceral fat accumulation.

Methods

The participants were 549 men aged 42 to 64 years who were randomly selected from the local resident registry for the National Institute for Longevity Sciences' neighbourhood. They were asked to recall their weight at 18 years of age, and then, post‐18 weight‐change values were calculated for each participant (their current weight minus their weight at 18). The participants were divided according to their median body mass index (BMI) at 18 years of age (initial BMI) (<20.14 and ≥20.14 kg m−2). Visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured on computed tomography scans.

Results

The participants with initial BMI of <20.14 kg m−2 exhibited greater post‐18 weight changes than those with initial BMI of ≥20.14 kg m−2. The participants' post‐18 weight‐change values were negatively correlated with their initial BMI and positively correlated with both VFA and SFA. The slope of the regression line for the relationship between post‐18 weight change and VFA was steeper in the participants with initial BMI of <20.14 kg m−2 (β = 4.36) than in those with initial BMI of ≥20.14 kg m−2 (β = 3.23).

Conclusions

Visceral fat accumulation is affected not only by an individual's post‐18 weight gain but also by their initial BMI. Men who were thin in early adulthood experienced greater weight gain‐associated VFA increases, but the same was not true for SFA.
Molecular profile of inflammatory and megakaryocytic factors in pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome with acute myelofibrosis
Authors: Hussein Kais , Suttorp Meinolf , Stucki‐Koch Angelika , Baumann Irith , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Kreipe Hans
Published: April 2018

Pediatric fibrotic myelodysplastic syndromes (ped‐MDS‐MF) and pediatric primary myelofibrosis (ped‐PMF) are rare, and the molecular changes which mediate fibrosis have never been investigated. Histology and gene expression profile of 119 fibrosis/angiogenesis/inflammation/megakaryopoiesis‐related factors in bone marrow biopsies were performed (two ped‐MDS‐MF and one ped‐PMF). In one progressive ped‐MDS, comparison of MF grade 0 (no myelofibrosis) and MF grade 2 (dense network of reticulin fibres) after 4 months showed that expression of fibrosis‐related transcripts increased and dysplastic megakaryocytes formed a dense net of CD42b+ proplatelets. These changes were not observed in another ped‐MDS‐MF, whereas ped‐PMF showed a similar proplatelet pattern. These findings indicate that fibrotic changes in ped‐MDS may involve proplatelet‐related and unrelated pathways.
Role of clinical trials in survival progress of American adolescents and young adults with cancer—and lack thereof
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Tai Eric , Siegel Stuart
Published: April 2018

In the United States, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer have the lowest clinical trial participation rate of all age groups and slower progress in survival improvement than younger patients. Ominously, AYA clinical trial participation has been steadily decreasing since 2010, except in 15–19 year olds and AYAs with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In order to reverse the accrual trend, multiple changes are necessary, including convincing community oncologists to pursue clinical trials on behalf of their AYA patients and to have the new National Community Oncology Research Program and National Clinical Trials Network lead a coordinated effort to increase accrual.
Amidoamine: Synthesis, disparity in cure with epoxy resins between bulk and solvent systems, and structure–property relationships of its epoxy‐based coatings
Authors: Pramanik Monoj , Early Mark , Wand Steven , Gottschalk Diana , Mendon Sharathkumar K. , Rawlins James W.
Published: April 2018

Amidoamines are widely used as crosslinkers for epoxy resins in protective coatings on metal substrates; however, their cure chemistry is not well elaborated in the technical literature. During cure, the epoxy–amine and epoxy–amide NH reactions could be accompanied by epoxy–hydroxyl etherification, epoxy–epoxy homopolymerization, and reaction between hydroxyls and amide moiety to form in situ ester and amine. To understand the epoxy–amidoamine cure chemistry and correlate it with coating performance properties, amidoamines of known structure are required. Therefore, amidoamines were synthesized by reacting dimer fatty acids with diethylene triamine. When these amidoamines were cured with epoxy resins, discrepancies were observed between systems cured at ambient and thermal conditions. The presence of solvents were seen to greatly affect the rate of epoxy–amidoamine cure at ambient, and before and after vitrification. Near‐IR and mid‐IR spectroscopy studies indicated that side reactions occurred to some extent during cure. No reaction was noted between the amide NH moiety and the epoxide group below 150°C whereas ester formation was noted above 120°C. Solvent‐based clear epoxy–amidoamine coatings formulated at an epoxy:amine equivalent ratio 1.15 passed basic organic coatings evaluation tests. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E69–E81, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cure retardation of peroxide‐cured silica filled natural rubber influenced by organosilane
Authors: Pattanawanidchai Sirichai , Sae‐Oui Pongdhorn , Sirisinha Chakrit , Siriwong Chomsri
Published: April 2018

The influence of silane coupling agent on properties of silica‐filled compounds under peroxide curing was investigated. bis (triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT) was selected in this study and its content was varied from 0 to 12% w/w of silica. It is found that with increasing TESPT content, bound rubber content, tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength are enhanced. By contrast, magnitude of Payne's effect, modulus at 100% elongation (M100) and heat build‐up are decreased. The changes of such properties are attributed to the reduction of crosslink density in conjunction with the improvements of both rubber–filler interaction and degree of filler dispersion with increasing TESPT content in the peroxide curing system. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:42–48, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Core‐shell structured Al/PVDF nanocomposites with high dielectric permittivity but low loss and enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Gong Ying , Zhou Wenying , Sui Xuezhen , Kou Yujia , Xu Li , Duan Yue , Chen Fuxin , Li Ying , Liu Xiangrong , Cai Huiwu , Chen Qingguo , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: April 2018

Surface modification of core‐shell structured Al (Al@Al2O3) nanoparticles was performed using γ‐(Aminopropyl)‐triethoxysilane (APS) and dopamine (DA), respectively, and the microstructures, dielectric properties and thermal conductivities of the Al/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites were investigated. Both DA and APS enhance the interfacial bonding strength between the fillers and the matrix, leading to homogeneous dispersion of Al nanoparticles in PVDF matrix. Compared with raw Al nanoparticles, surface‐treated Al/PVDF exhibit much higher dielectric permittivity due to the enhanced interfacial interactions between the two components, whereas, the dielectric loss and electric conductivity of the nanocomposites still remain at rather low levels owing to the insulating alumina shell preventing effectively core Al from direct contact. The dynamic dielectric properties results reveal that dielectric constant and loss increase with temperature due to the gradually enhanced mobility of molecular chain segments of PVDF for the raw Al/PVDF and treated Al/PVDF nanocomposites. Additionally, the PVDF nanocomposites with Al treated with APS and DA show enhanced thermal conductivities compared with raw Al/PVDF under the same filler loading because of reduced thermal interfacial resistance promoting phonon transfer across the interfaces. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:103–111, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of molar ratio [NCO]/[OH] groups during prepolymer chains extending step on the morphology and selected mechanical properties of final bio‐based thermoplastic poly(ether‐urethane) materials
Authors: Kasprzyk Paulina , Datta Janusz
Published: April 2018

The main aim of this work was to investigate the effect of [NCO]/[OH] molar ratio used during the prepolymer chain extending step (with bio‐based diols) on the chemical structure, and thermomechanical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic poly(ether‐urethane)s. Thermoplastic poly(ether‐urethane)s were obtained from bio‐based polyol (polytrimethylene ether glycol), bio‐based glycol (1,4‐butanediol or 1,3‐propanediol), and 4,4'diphenylmethane diisocyanate via a prepolymer route. In the first step, the prepolymer was synthesized from a polyol and diisocyanate. In the second step, the prepared prepolymer terminated with isocyanate group had been extended by using bio‐glycol at three different [NCO]/[OH] molar ratios, namely, 0.9, 0.95, and 1.0. The chemical structure was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Gaussian deconvolution technique was used to study the hydrogen bonding as well as to decompose carbonyl region of three peaks in various TPUs. It has been confirmed that the glycol type and [NCO]/[OH] molar ratio have an effect on the degree of phase separation, and thermomechanical and mechanical properties of resulting materials. It was also observed that the degree of microphase separation increased with increasing content of 1,3‐propanediol used as a chain extender. Materials with the highest [NCO]/[OH] ratio showed the most favorable mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E199–E206, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Successful Explanations Start with Accurate Descriptions: Questionnaire Items as Personality Markers for More Accurate Predictions
Authors: Seeboth Anne , Mõttus René
Published: April 2018

Personality–outcome associations, typically represented using the Big Five personality domains, are ubiquitous, but often weak and possibly driven by the constituents of these domains. We hypothesized that representing the associations using personality questionnaire items (as markers for personality nuances) could increase prediction strength. Using the National Child Development Study ( N = 8719), we predicted 40 diverse outcomes from both the Big Five domains and their 50 items. Models were trained (using penalized regression) and applied for prediction in independent sample partitions (with 100 permutations). Item models tended to out–predict Big Five models (explaining on average 30% more variance), regardless of outcomes’ independently rated breadth versus behavioural specificity. Moreover, the predictive power of Big Five domains per se was at least partly inflated by the unique variance of their constituent items, especially for generally more predictable outcomes. Removing the Big Five variance from items marginally reduced their predictive power. These findings are consistent with the possibility that the associations of personality with outcomes often pertain to (potentially large numbers of) specific behavioural, cognitive, affective, and motivational characteristics represented by single questionnaire items rather than to the broader (underlying) traits that these items are ostensibly indicators of. This may also have implications for personality–based interventions. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Middle‐Down Characterization of the Cell Cycle Dependence of Histone H4 Posttranslational Modifications and Proteoforms
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Hoover Michael E. , Holt Matthew V. , Freitas Michael A. , Marshall Alan G. , Young Nicolas L.
Published: April 2018

Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are important epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that are often dysregulated in cancer. We employ middle‐down proteomics to investigate the PTMs and proteoforms of histone H4 during cell cycle progression. We use pH gradient weak cation exchange‐hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (WCX‐HILIC) for on‐line liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis to separate and analyze the proteoforms of histone H4. This procedure provides enhanced separation of proteoforms, including positional isomers, and simplifies downstream data analysis. We use ultrahigh mass accuracy and resolution Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectrometer to unambiguously distinguish between acetylation and tri‐methylation (∆m = 0.036 Da). In total, we identify and quantify 233 proteoforms of histone H4 in two breast cancer cell lines. We observe significant increases in S1 phosphorylation during mitosis, implicating an important role in mitotic chromatin condensation. A decrease of K20 unmodified proteoforms is observed as the cell cycle progresses, corresponding to an increase of K20 mono‐ and di‐methylation. Acetylation at K5, K8, K12, and K16 declines as cells traverse from S phase to mitosis, suggesting cell cycle–dependence and an important role during chromatin replication and condensation. These new insights into the epigenetics of the cell cycle may provide new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Reactivity differences of O‐aryl O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) thionocarbonates versus their homolog carbonates: Micellar catalysis in hydrolysis reactions
Authors: Santos José G. , Aliaga Margarita E. , Márquez Mariana F. , Oyarzún Mauricio
Published: April 2018

The alkaline hydrolysis reaction of O‐(4‐cyanophenyl), O‐(4‐methylphenyl), and phenyl O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) thionocarbonates (1, 2, and 3, respectively) and O‐(4‐cyanophenyl) and phenyl O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) carbonates (4 and 5, respectively) has been spectrophotometrically studied in aqueous borate buffer media, in the presence of the cationic surfactant CTAB. The pseudophase model successfully explained the results obtained, in the presence of this cationic micelle, and various kinetic parameters were determined. Results show that the catalytic efficiency increases in carbonates and thionocarbonates. In fact, a catalytic efficiency (
) of 485‐fold was found in the hydrolysis reaction of thionocarbonate 1, while in the carbonate homolog 4, the effect was of 146‐fold. In addition, we found that at the same experimental conditions (Borate buffer pH = 9.0 and 25°C), an increase in the concentration of the buffer led to a decrease of the hydrolysis rate.
Comparison of random and gradient amino functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s: Can the transfection efficiency be tuned by the macromolecular structure?
Authors: Hertz David , Leiske Meike N. , Wloka Thomas , Traeger Anja , Hartlieb Matthias , Kessels Michael M. , Schubert Stephanie , Qualmann Britta , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2018

Poly(ethylene imine) can be considered as the gold standard for DNA delivery into cells in vitro, but severe cytotoxic side‐effects and inapplicability for targeted approaches in vivo urgently call for the design of new gene carriers. Since poly(2‐oxazoline)s (P(Ox)s) can be easily synthesized and modified, this polymer class might be ideal for the optimization of polymeric transfection processes. The utilization of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (MeOx) and 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline (EtOx) is also known to be beneficial because these monomers were suggested to overcome solubility issues, mediate stealth behavior and, consequently, facilitate a reduction of cytotoxicity. A series of amino (AmOx) functionalized P(Ox) copolymers with either MeOx (gradient copolymers) or EtOx (random copolymers) was synthesized, deprotected and biochemically characterized regarding cytotoxicity, polyplex formation ability, cellular uptake, and transfection efficiency. Polymers with percentages of AmOx higher than 35 mol % showed stable polyplex formation and also an increase in cytotoxicity. All elucidated P(Ox)s revealed a poor transfection efficiency in both L929 and Hepa1‐6 cell lines. However, the investigations contribute to the understanding of the influence of stealth units (MeOx and EtOx) and their distribution within the polymer chain on selected properties of polyplexes and describe characteristics of amino functionalized P(Ox)s in different cell lines. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1210–1224
Design and evaluation of plasma polymer deposition on hollow objects by electrical plasma generated from the liquid surface
Authors: Pavliňák David , Galmiz Oleksandr , Zemánek Miroslav , Černák Mirko
Published: April 2018

Recently, plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure has become a promising technology due to its reduced equipment costs and its possibility of in‐line processing. The main aim of this work was to show a process for the deposition of functional layers on hollow objects surface by plasma discharge generated above the liquid electrolyte. In principle, this process is based on the surface dielectric barrier discharge, where the plasma is generated from the boundary line of liquid precursor and dielectric surface. As a model precursor compound a hexamethyldisiloxane was chosen for deposition on external and internal wall surface of polytetrafluoroethylene tube.
Grain size controls on cryoturbation and soil organic carbon density in permafrost‐affected soils
Authors: Palmtag Juri , Kuhry Peter
Published: April 2018

This meta‐analysis aims to describe the relationship between grain size distributions and soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in mineral subsoil and SOC‐enriched cryoturbated pockets in five areas of continuous permafrost that differ in glaciation history and soil parent materials. Our results show a positive relationship between the proportion of soil particles in fine‐grained fractions (colloid to medium silt) and SOC storage. Finer textured soils had significantly higher SOC storage in mineral subsoil samples (not SOC‐enriched through cryoturbation) than coarser textured soils. However, the process of SOC enrichment through cryoturbation was most pronounced in soils with coarser grain sizes in the range of coarse silt and very fine sand. Although fine‐grained textures provide better physical and biochemical protection for soil organic matter, their strong cohesion reduces the mixing of soil horizons and the effectiveness of cryoturbation. A higher ratio of coarse silt to clay in samples was a good predictor of SOC enrichment through cryoturbation across soil samples, soil profiles and study areas.
Waste Solvents to Trash Haulers: Lessons Learned from Hazardous Waste Accidents
Authors: Morrison Delmar “Trey” , Stern Michael , Osorio‐Amado Carmen H.
Published: April 2018

Process safety management (PSM) of hazardous chemicals is a core tenet of the chemical, oil, and gas industries. Organizations in these industries have increasingly woven the elements of PSM into their strategic vision, day‐to‐day operations, and interactions with contractors and vendors. This cultural evolution has, in part, been driven by major accidents in these fields. In these industries, the chemicals, their hazardous properties, and their potential interactions, are usually either well‐defined or capable of being well‐defined. Control and mitigation strategies for those chemicals can be developed based on this available knowledge. In contrast, companies that handle wastes have experienced catastrophic accidents due to the ill‐defined nature of the hazards. This industry handles the cast‐offs, dregs, and refuse, which makes identification of the hazards and prevention of incidents more challenging. How do you implement a PSM program when your input streams can vary due to processes at a plant you do not control or monitor? Does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provide sufficient guidance of safely handling of wastes? The overriding theme in the incidents is that PSM is more complex to apply to unknown, mixed, and uncontrolled chemicals, both solid and liquid. To assist companies that handle wastes, this paper provides several case studies of fires and explosions involving multiple waste material handling processes at different facilities. The incidents involved numerous matrices from solid industrial wastes, EPA RCRA hazardous wastes, to waste solvents. An analysis of the lessons learned will be presented and used to provide realistic guidelines to reduce safety risks based on a pragmatic implementation of process safety management principles. The paper will also compare OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health Administration) PSM with EPA RCRA approaches to characterizing wastes versus managing the hazards, and will emphasize those elements that played critical roles in the accident case studies. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:427–441, 2018
Post‐Annealing Effect on Resistive Switching Performance of a Ta/Mn2O3/Pt/Ti Stacked Device
Authors: Yang Min Kyu , Kim Gun Hwan
Published: April 2018

A comparative study of Ta/Mn2O3/Pt/Ti stacked capacitor‐like resistive switching (RS) devices was performed as a function of the post‐annealing process conditions. Compared to as‐fabricated RS devices, the post‐annealed ones showed higher switching endurance (≈109 RS cycles), good retention characteristics, and narrow operational voltage distribution. To elucidate the microscopic origins of the superior RS performance, various analyses are conducted; and it is revealed that structural and chemical composition changes in post‐annealed RS devices can improve the RS performance. In the case of post‐annealed samples, unintentionally diffused Ti is observed between the manganese oxide layer and the Pt bottom electrode. Because of the metallic property of diffused Ti, it can be a good electron donor and a center of RS during the formation of a conducting filament (CF) in manganese oxide for nearly uniform RS operation. The highly reliable endurance characteristic is attributed to a TaOx layer between the Ta top electrode and the manganese oxide. The non‐stoichiometric TaOx layer that is formed during the post‐annealing process can play the role of an effective oxygen reservoir, and ≈104 times more RS endurance cycles could be achieved compared to the as‐fabricated RS device.
The Mechanisms of Electric Field‐Induced Magnetic Bubble Domain Blowing
Authors: Kulikova Daria P. , Gareev Timur T. , Nikolaeva Elena P. , Kosykh Tatyana B. , Nikolaev Alexey V. , Pyatakova Zoya A. , Zvezdin Anatoly K. , Pyatakov Alexander P.
Published: April 2018

The surface tension of magnetic domain walls is one of the major forces that governs micromagnetism and prevents a spontaneous nucleation of magnetic topological defects like nanodomains and skyrmions. With the advent of magnetoelectric and multiferroic materials the problem of the magnetic topological defects stability should be revisited as the magnetic domain walls in the electric field acquire the effective negative surface energy. This additional micromagnetic energy term facilitates the electric‐field induced nucleation of the magnetic topological defect. In the present paper the experimental and theoretical studies reveal the mechanism of electric‐field blowing of the magnetic bubble domain: the electric field suppresses the energy barrier of the magnetic inhomogeneity nucleation and then pulls the opposite domain walls away from each other, thus inflating the bubble.
Primary racemose hemangioma with bronchial‐pulmonary arterial fistula
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Takao Motoshi , Shimamoto Akira , Shimpo Hideto
Published: April 2018

Key message

Primary racemose hemangioma with bronchial‐pulmonary arterial fistula is a very rare abnormality. We herein report an asymptomatic case of primary racemose hemangioma with no significant size change in 5 years.
Sparse linear discriminant analysis in structured covariates space
Authors: Safo Sandra E. , Long Qi
Published: April 2018

Classification with high‐dimensional variables is a popular goal in many modern statistical studies. Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a common and effective tool for classifying entities into existing groups. It is well known that classification using Fisher's discriminant for high‐dimensional data is as bad as random guessing because of the use of many noise features, which increases the misclassification rate. Recently, it is being acknowledged that complex biological mechanisms occur through multiple features working together, though individually these features may contribute to noise accumulation in the data. In view of these, it is important to perform classification with discriminant vectors that use a subset of important variables, while also utilizing prior biological relationships among features. We tackle this problem in this paper and propose methods that incorporate variable selection into the classification problem for the identification of important biomarkers. Furthermore, we incorporate into the LDA problem prior information on the relationships among variables using undirected graphs in order to identify functionally meaningful biomarkers. We compare our methods with existing sparse LDA approaches via simulation studies and real data analysis.
Take steps to reduce risk for study‐abroad travel
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2018

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — You wouldn't recommend a surgeon who failed to provide data about his safety procedures and success rates. But some student safety advocates claim that's in essence what higher ed administrators do when recruiting students to participate in study‐abroad trips with companies that don't provide data about their safety procedures, injuries, accidents, and deaths.
Metal‐Free γ,δ‐Unsaturated β‐Ketothiolester: Solvatochromism, AIEE and Detection of Picric Acid
Authors: Babu Seenivasagaperumal Sriram , Shanmugam Sivakumar
Published: April 2018

A synthesis of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester depend on the properties of solvent and their relative humidity. γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester shows solvent dependent emission due to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Increasing solvent polarity makes larger Stokes’ shifts ranging from 4072 to 6459 cm−1. γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester exhibit red‐shifted emission (591 nm) in the solid state than the solution. In THF‐H2O mixture, solvent polarity parameter (Δf) increases by increasing H2O ratio (0‐90%) where aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester enhanced by increasing Δf. The Intermolecular interaction by polar protic solvent with γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester is the response for decrease in emission above 60% H2O in THF‐H2O mixture. Picric acid detection of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester enhanced by AIEE with a detection limit of 2 μM. Emission quenching mechanism was identified using NMR technique. Selective detection of picric acid is high when with compared to other nitroaromatic compounds and act as a inexpensive test strip detector for picric acid.
Evolution of Hollow N‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres from Outdated Milk as Sulfur Cathodes for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Luo Rongjie , Lu Yang , Hou Xiaoyi , Yu Qiuhong , Wu Naiteng , Peng Tao , Yan Hailong , Liu Xianming , Kim Jang‐Kyo , Luo Yongsong
Published: April 2018

Li‐sulfur batteries possess many advantages, such as high theoretical capacities, high energy densities, environmental benignity and natural abundance of sulfur with a high theoretical capacity of 1672 mAh⋅g−1. However, their commercialization has been hindered due to many prevailing issues, including the poor electrical conductivity of sulfur and the high solubility of polysulfide intermediates. We report a facile and scalable, solution‐based spray drying technique to synthesize hollow N‐doped mesoporous carbon microspheres (HNMCMs) with an exceptionally large surface area of 872 m2⋅g−1 using outdated dairy products as carbon source. The novel electrode prepared from a high loading of sulfur accommodated by the HNMCM hosts delivers high initial discharge capacities of 781 and 682 mAh⋅g−1 at 0.5 and 1 C, respectively. It was further obtained that the capability retention can be retained as high as 79.4% at 1 C after 400 cycles. The excellent cyclic stability and rate capability of the HNMCM/S cathode can be ascribed to the large surface area, high electrical conductivity enhanced by the high content of doped nitrogen and unique hollow microsphere structure of HNMCMs.
Improved Structural Reversibility and Cycling Stability of Li2MnSiO4 Cathode Material by the Pillar Effect of [TiOx] Polyanions
Authors: Wu Xia , Zhao Shi‐Xi , Wei Lei , Zhao En‐Lai , Li Jing‐Wei , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: April 2018

Li2MnSiO4 cathode material suffers from structural distortion caused by irreversible transition of [MnO4] tetrahedron to [MnO6] octahedron and layer exfoliation upon full delithiation, thus resulting in rapid capacity decay during cycling. In this study, Ti was introduced into the Mn site in Li2MnSiO4 as pillars to prevent the structural collapse. The results showed that [TiO4] tetrahedrons and [TiO6] octahedrons coexisted in Mn sites, and the proportion of [TiO6] octahedrons increased with increasing Ti. [TiOx] pillared Li2MnSiO4 samples presented greatly improved cycling stability, especially [TiO6] enriched Li2Mn0.85Ti0.15SiO4, which achieved the highest initial Coulumbic efficiency (86%) and the best capacity retention at C/20 rate. Moreover, Li2Mn0.85Ti0.15SiO4 exhibited excellent rate performance and retained 93% of initial discharge capacity after 50th cycles at C/2 rate. Ex‐situ XPS revealed [TiOx] pillars, especially [TiO6] pillars facilitated the reversible transition of [MnOx] during cycling. Ex‐situ XRD demonstrated better structure reversibility of [TiO6] enriched sample. The enhanced structural reversibility and cycling stability are ascribed to the pillaring effect of [TiOx], especially large [TiO6] octahedrons in structure, which ensure the reversible oxidation/reduction of Mn and alleviate the layer exfoliation during cycling.
Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Triphenylphosphanylidene‐Spirobarbiturates through a Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Aggarwal Komal , Khurana Jitender M.
Published: April 2018

Synthesis of novel functionalized triphenylphosphanylidene‐7,9‐diazaspiro[4.5]dec‐1‐ene‐2‐carboxylates has been reported by one‐pot three component reactions of triphenyl phosphine, dialkyl acetylene dicarboxylates, and 5‐arylidene‐1,3‐dimethylpyrimidine‐2,4,6‐triones in THF at room temperature. The products are obtained in high yields and have been fully characterized. The structure has been further confirmed by X‐ray analysis of single crystal of one of the compounds.
An Integrated Production of Diesel Fuel Precursors from Carbohydrates and 2‐Methylfuran over Sn‐Mont Catalyst
Authors: Shinde Suhas H. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: April 2018

Condensation of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) with 2‐methylfuran provides precursor of diesel fuel. However, HMF production is critical due to its tedious isolation and purification. Herein, we have developed an integrated process for production of diesel precursors directly from cheap HMF precursors and 2‐methylfuran. This process involves, dehydration of carbohydrates to HMF followed by latter's condensation with 2‐methylfuran to give 5,5′‐((5‐((5‐methylfuran‐2‐yl)methyl)furan‐2‐yl)methylene)bis(2‐methylfuran) (1). Over Sn‐Mont catalyst, in solvents like water, DMSO and C4mimBr the product 1 was produced in negligible yields. The yield of 1 was significantly improved to 36% in formic acid medium. Sn‐Mont facilitates the isomerization of glucose to fructose with its Lewis acid sites and formic acid promotes the dehydration of fructose to a mixture of HMF +5‐(formyloxymethyl)furfural (FMF) which was further treated with 2‐methylfuran in same pot. The product 1 was obtained with 40% and 54% yields from sucrose and fructose, respectively. Using this strategy xylose was converted into 5,5′‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylene)bis(2‐methylfuran) (2) in 25% yield.
Patterning of Discotic Liquid Crystals with Tunable Molecular Orientation for Electronic Applications
Authors: Zou Cheng , Wang Jingxia , Wang Meng , Wu Yuchen , Gu Kehua , Shen Zhihao , Xiong Guirong , Yang Huai , Jiang Lei , Ikeda Tomiki
Published: April 2018

The large‐area formation of functional micropatterns with liquid crystals is of great significance for diversified applications in interdisciplinary fields. Meanwhile, the control of molecular alignment in the patterns is fundamental and prerequisite for the adequate exploitation of their photoelectric properties. However, it would be extremely complicated and challenging for discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) to achieve the goal, because they are insensitive to external fields and surface chemistry. Herein, a simple method of patterning and aligning DLCs on flat substrates is disclosed through precise control of the formation and dewetting of the capillary liquid bridges, within which the DLC molecules are confined. Large‐area uniform alignment occurs spontaneously due to directional shearing force when the solvent is slowly evaporated and programmable patterns could be directly generated on desired substrates. Moreover, the in‐plane column direction of DLCs is tunable by slightly tailoring their chemical structures which changes their self‐assembly behaviors in liquid bridges. The patterned DLCs show molecular orientation–dependent charge transport properties and are promising for templating self‐assembly of other materials. The study provides a facile method for manipulation of the macroscopic patterns and microscopic molecular orientation which opens up new opportunities for electronic applications of DLCs.
In Situ/Operando Characterization Techniques to Probe the Electrochemical Reactions for Energy Conversion
Authors: Li Xuning , Wang Hsin‐Yi , Yang Hongbin , Cai Weizheng , Liu Song , Liu Bin
Published: April 2018

The water‐splitting reaction, including the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, as well as the electrochemical oxygen and CO2 reduction reactions offer promising solutions to address the global energy scarcity and the associated environmental issues. However, the lack of deep insight into the reaction mechanisms and clear identification of the catalytic active sites hinder any breakthrough for the development of efficient electrocatalysts with high performance and durability. Operando characterization techniques allowing in situ monitoring the surface oxidation state and local atomic‐structure transformation are capable of probing the active sites and promoting the fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism in these systems. Herein, the recent applications of various operando characterization techniques in identifying the active sites and capturing the geometric structure, oxidation state, and local atomic‐structure evolution of the catalysts during water electrolysis and O2/CO2 electroreduction are thoroughly summarized. The challenges and outlook in developing operando techniques to further extend the understanding of the underlying mechanism during electrochemical energy‐conversion reactions are discussed.
Hidden influences in international negotiations: The interactive role of insecure cultural attachment, risk perception, and risk regulation for sellers versus buyers
Authors: Rua Tuvana , Aytug Zeynep G. , Kern Mary C. , Lee Sujin , Adair Wendi
Published: April 2018

This research examines the previously unstudied role of cultural attachment in international negotiations. Specifically focusing on the fearful attachment style, this article reveals the intricate interaction of cultural attachment, risk perception, and risk regulation on negotiators' ability to claim value in international negotiation. Supporting our theorizing based on cultural attachment and prospect theory, findings show that risk‐averse sellers with fearful attachment to their national culture perceive greater risk and in turn are more motivated to regulate risk through relationship‐building with their counterpart (Study 1). Moreover, these individuals achieve lower economic gains when they regulate relational risk by making fewer threats to walk away (Study 2). We discuss the implications and the importance of understanding one's attachment to own national culture as its interplay with role and risk mechanisms impacts effectiveness in international negotiations.
MiR‐146a regulates PM1‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells
Authors: Liu Limin , Wan Chong , Zhang Wei , Guan Longfei , Tian Guoxiong , Zhang Fang , Ding Wenjun
Published: April 2018

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) leads to kinds of cardiopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, COPD, arrhythmias, lung cancer, etc., which are related to PM‐induced inflammation. We have found that PM2.5 (aerodynamics diameter <2.5 µm) exposure induces inflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. Since the toxicity of PM is tightly associated with its size and components, PM1 (aerodynamics diameter <1.0 µm) is supposed to be more toxic than PM2.5. However, the mechanism of PM1‐induced inflammation is not clear. Recently, emerging evidences prove that microRNAs play a vital role in regulating inflammation. Therefore, we studied the regulation of miR‐146a in PM1‐induced inflammation in human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The results show that PM1 induces the increase of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in BEAS‐2B cells and up‐regulates the miR‐146a expression by activating NF‐κB signaling pathway. Overexpressed miR‐146a prevents the nuclear translocation of p65 through inhibiting the IRAK1/TRAF6 expression, and downregulates the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR‐146a can negatively feedback regulate PM1‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells.