bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin color and tissue thickness effects on transmittance, reflectance, and skin temperature when using 635 and 808 nm lasers in low intensity therapeutics
Authors: Souza‐Barros Leanna , Dhaidan Ghaith , Maunula Mikko , Solomon Vaeda , Gabison Sharon , Lilge Lothar , Nussbaum Ethne L.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine the role of skin color and tissue thickness on transmittance, reflectance, and skin heating using red and infrared laser light.

Methods

Forty volunteers were measured for skin color and skin‐fold thickness at a standardized site near the elbow. Transmittance, reflectance and skin temperature were recorded for energy doses of 2, 6, 9, and 12 Joules using 635 nm (36 mW) and 808 nm (40 mW) wavelength laser diodes with irradiances within American National Standards Institute safety guidelines (4.88 mm diameter, 0.192 W/cm2 and 4.88 mm diameter, 0.214 W/cm2, respectively).

Results

The key factors affecting reflectance to an important degree were skin color and wavelength. However, the skin color effects were different for the two wavelengths: reflectance decreased for darker skin with a greater decrease for red light than near infrared light. Transmittance was greater using 808 nm compared with 635 nm. However, the effect was partly lost when the skin was dark rather than light, and was increasingly lost as tissue thickness increased. Dose had an increasing effect on temperature (0.7–1.6°C across the 6, 9, and 12 J doses); any effects of wavelength, skin color, and tissue thickness were insignificant compared to dose effects. Subjects themselves were not aware of the increased skin temperature. Transmittance and reflectance changes as a function of energy were very small and likely of no clinical significance. Absorption did not change with higher energy doses and increasing temperature.

Conclusion

Skin color and skin thickness affect transmittance and reflectance of laser light and must be accounted for when selecting energy dose to ensure therapeutic effectiveness at the target tissue. Skin heating appears not to be a concern when using 635 and 808 nm lasers at energy doses of up to 12 J and irradiance within American National Standards Institute standards. Photobiomodulation therapy should never exceed the American National Standards Institute recommendation for the maximum permissible exposure to the skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:291–301, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Galvanic corrosion of aluminum wrought alloys in integral hybrid components with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and titanium
Authors: Mehner Andreas , von Hehl Axel , Zoch Hans‐Werner
Published: November 2017

Integral joints of aluminum with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) could help to reduce the weight of modern light weight constructions and also allow new constructions compared to the conventional riveting technology used nowadays. Aluminum–CFRP and aluminum–titanium joints frequently show galvanic corrosion if these materials are in electrical contact and if both are exposed to humidity or a watery environment. Therefore, the aim of the research in this study was the evaluation of the susceptibility to galvanic corrosion for the different aluminum wrought alloys EN AW‐5083, EN AW‐6082, and EN AW‐6056 in contact with titanium grade 2 and/or with carbon fibers. Salt spray tests of the alloys and joints of these alloys with carbon fibers and titanium confirmed the negative impact of galvanic corrosion. The alloys EN AW‐5083 and AW‐6082 with the highest corrosion resistance showed the strongest impact due to galvanic corrosion. The metallographic characterization of the corrosion attack and electrochemical measurements of the open circuit potentials and potentiodynamic polarization measurements in aerated artificial sea water revealed deeper insight into the electrochemical mechanisms for galvanic corrosion of these alloys due to contact with titanium or carbon fibers.
Effects of inclusions on the resistance to pitting corrosion of S32205 duplex stainless steel
Authors: Zheng Jianchao , Hu Xiaojun , Pan Chao , Fu Shaopeng , Lin Ping , Chou Kuochih
Published: November 2017

In order to elucidate the effects of inclusions on the resistance to pitting corrosion of S32205 duplex stainless steel, a potentiodynamic anodic polarization test, a weight loss test, a SEM‐EDS analysis, an in situ analysis and ICP analysis are carried out. The results show that the (Ba, Cr, Si, Ca) oxides and (Mn, Si, Cr, Al) oxides are corroded more easily than (Cr, Mn, Al, Ti) oxides, and the equivalent diameter of the former is greater than that of the latter. The pits of dissolved inclusions act as the initial locations of pitting corrosion in the chlorine ions corrosion environment, which accelerates the corrosion of matrix. The proportion of matrix corrosion is higher than inclusions corrosion in the weight loss.
Effect of pH on corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel in hydrogenated high temperature water
Authors: Wang Jiazhen , Wang Jianqiu , Ming Hongliang , Zhang Zhiming , Han En‐Hou
Published: November 2017

The effect of pH on the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS) was investigated. The film resistance decreases and the corrosion current density increases as the pH rises from 6.42 to 7.52 for 316L SS. The corrosion rate of 316L SS increases with increasing pH in hydrogenated high temperature water at 300 °C. Higher pH reduces the stability of the oxide films and accelerates the dissolution process of the oxides. It is recommended that a proper lower pH in hydrogenated high temperature water can mitigate the corrosion of structural materials.
Effects of pre‐corrosion on mechanical properties of 7B50‐T7751 aluminum alloy in sodium chloride solution
Authors: Xu Xingchen , Liu Daoxin , Ao Ni , Zhang Xiaohua , Chen Cao , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: November 2017

The effects of pre‐corrosion, including corrosion and stress corrosion, on the mechanical properties of 7B50‐T7751 aluminum alloy in sodium chloride solution were investigated. The results revealed that coarse and discontinuously distributed grain boundary precipitates (η‐MgZn2) in the alloy resulted in decreased susceptibility to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE). However, the mechanical properties (especially the elongation of the alloy) were significantly degraded, owing to the synergistic effect of anodic dissolution and hydrogenation associated with pre‐corrosion. This degradation was exacerbated by the tensile stress. With increased exposure time, the dominant mechanism for elongation degradation transformed from anodic dissolution to HE, and the effect of the tensile stress on the degradation decreased gradually. Moreover, the Weibull function model can be used to accurately and quantitatively describe the maximum pit depth evolution of the alloy.
Levodopa: A new look at an old friend
Authors: Olanow C. Warren , Stocchi Fabrizio
Published: November 2017

Levodopa is the most effective antiparkinsonian agent, but chronic treatment is associated with the development of motor complications in the majority of patients with PD. Recent scientific and clinical advances are improving this situation. Long‐term, double‐blind studies demonstrate that dose is an important risk factor for the development of both motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, and suggest that it is best to use low doses of l‐dopa when possible. Inhaled l‐dopa and sublingual apomorphine are now being developed as rescue therapies that permit rapid and predictable reversal of off periods. Finally, substantial evidence suggests that motor complications are related to the nonphysiological restoration of brain dopamine with intermittent oral doses of standard l‐dopa. Double‐blind studies demonstrate significant clinical benefits with continuous intraintestinal infusion of l‐dopa. New approaches that provide continuous plasma l‐dopa levels without the need for a surgical procedure are currently being investigated. Finally, the development of an oral long‐acting form of l‐dopa that provides continuous plasma l‐dopa levels is actively being pursued. Collectively, these approaches offer the potential to considerably reduce and even prevent the disability associated with l‐dopa‐induced motor complications. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Spatiotemporal trend and abrupt change analysis of temperature in Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Farshad , Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad , Mirabbasi Rasoul , Khalili Keivan , Jhajharia Deepak
Published: November 2017

The long‐term trends in temperature over Iran were examined over 34 synoptic stations during a 50 year period (1961–2010) on seasonal and annual time scales. Two methods, a modified version of the Mann–Kendall test by eliminating the effect of all significant autocorrelation co‐efficients and the regional Kendall test, were used in trend identification. The results revealed that the temperature had experienced significant positive trends in autumn, spring and especially summer over the study area. On an annual time scale and in the winter, the highest increasing trends were observed at stations located in the southern and southeastern parts of Iran. For regional analysis of trends, the stations were divided into five clusters based on the K‐means clustering method and the silhouette index. Subsequently, the regional trend of temperature was analysed on seasonal and annual time scales using the regional Kendall test. The results of the regional Kendall test also indicated the rising trends in temperature during the last 50 years throughout the country on both seasonal and annual time scales. After verifying the presence of an increasing trend in the temperature time series, the non‐parametric Pettitt test was used to detect the change points in the annual and seasonal time scales. The results showed that the change point of average temperature began from the summer of 1972 (Sabzevar station) and continued until the summer of 1998 (Zahedan station). The most frequent change point occurrence was between the years 1986 and 1994.
Face allotransplantation for various types of facial disfigurements: A series of five cases
Authors: Özkan Ömer , Özkan Özlenen , Ubur Mehmetcan , Hadimioğlu Necmiye , Cengiz Melike , Afşar İsmail
Published: November 2017

Background

The aim of this report is to present our long‐term experiences with a series of 5 face‐transplanted patients in terms of surgical aspects and postoperative outcomes, and to describe possible salvage strategies in case of difficulties.

Methods

Five patients, 4 receiving full‐face transplantation and 1 undergoing partial transplantation at our institution were included. The patients were aged between 19 and 54 years. Two had extensive burn scars to the face, and 3 had suffered gunshot injuries. The post‐transplant induction immunosuppressive regimen included ATG combined with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone, while maintenance was provided by the last 3. We focused on patient summaries including their etiologies, preoperative preparations, surgical techniques, immunosuppressive regimen, postoperative courses, revisional surgeries, together with challenges including acute rejection episodes, and immunosuppressive drug complications.

Results

No re‐surgery due to vascular compromise was required in any case. One of the 5 patients was eventually lost due to complicated infectious and metabolic events at the end of post‐transplantation month 11. The other 4 patients were still alive, with a mean follow‐up time of 53 months and had satisfactory functional transplants and cosmetic appearance.

Conclusions

Face transplantation still involves challenges and many issues including compliance and psychological maturity of patients, the risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies still need to be resolved for it to be accepted as a safe procedure. Surgical rescue procedures considering ideal timing should be kept in mind strictly as one of the most important issues in case of unexpected events.
Dynamic analysis of a rumor propagation model with Lévy noise
Authors: Jia Fangju , Lv Guangying , Zou Guang‐an
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we are concerned with a rumor propagation model with L
vy noise. We first prove that there exists a positive global solution. Then, the asymptotic behaviors around the rumor‐free equilibrium and rumor‐epidemic equilibrium are obtained. Lastly, simulations verify our results.
Gut Microbiome‐Induced Shift of Acetate to Butyrate Positively Manages Dysbiosis in High Fat Diet
Authors: Si Xu , Shang Wenting , Zhou Zhongkai , Strappe Padraig , Wang Bing , Bird Anthony , Blanchard Chris
Published: November 2017

Scope

A recent study revealed that the accumulation of gut microbiota‐produced acetate (GMPA) led to insulin over‐secretion and obesity symptom. To further develop this scientific point, the effect of resistant starch (RS) or exogenous acetate carried by RS (RSA) in the gut on metabolic syndrome is investigated using diet‐induced obese rats.

Methods and results

The metabonomics analysis shows that the gut of rats in the RSA group generate more butyrate in both serum and feces rather than acetate compared to the rats in RS group, indicating the conversion among metabolites, in particular from acetate to butyrate via gut microbiota. Consistently, the gut microbiome uses acetate as a substrate to produce butyrate, such as Coprococcus, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Eubacterium and was highly promoted in RSA group, which further supports the metabolic conversion. This is the first report to reveal the accumulation of gut microbiota‐produced butyrate (GMPB) but not GMPA significantly enriched AMPK signaling pathway with reduced expression of lipogenesis‐associated genes for suppressing sphingosines and ceramides biosynthesis to trigger insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Gut microbiome profile and lipogenesis pathway are regulated by GMPB, which substantially influences energy harvesting in the gut from patterns opposed to GMPA.
Genetic Markers of Brown Adipose Tissue Identity and In Vitro Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Humans
Authors: Nascimento Emmani B.M. , Sparks Lauren M. , Divoux Adeline , van Gisbergen Marike W. , Broeders Evie P.M. , Jörgensen Johanna A. , Schaart Gert , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D. , Schrauwen Patrick
Published: November 2017

Objective

Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity decreases with age and obesity. In addition to uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), several genetic markers of BAT in humans have been published. However, the link between human BAT activity and genetic markers has been inadequately explored.

Methods

White adipose tissue (WAT) and BAT biopsies were obtained from 16 patients undergoing deep neck surgery. In vitro differentiated adipocytes were used to measure norepinephrine‐stimulated mitochondrial uncoupling as a measure of in vitro BAT activity. Gene expression was determined in adipose tissue biopsies.

Results

Norepinephrine increased in vitro BAT activity in adipocytes derived from human BAT, and this increase was abolished by propranolol. Furthermore, in vitro BAT activity showed a negative correlation to age and BMI. UCP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression showed a positive correlation to in vitro BAT activity, while zinc finger protein of cerebellum 1 (ZIC1) mRNA showed a negative correlation to in vitro BAT activity. In human BAT biopsies, UCP1 mRNA showed negative correlations to age and BMI, while ZIC1 mRNA showed positive correlations to age and BMI.

Conclusions

Differentiated adipocytes derived from human BAT maintain intrinsic characteristics of the donor. High ZIC1 mRNA does not necessarily reflect high BAT activity.
A Prospective Study of Obesity, Metabolic Health, and Cancer Mortality
Authors: Akinyemiju Tomi , Moore Justin Xavier , Pisu Maria , Judd Suzanne E. , Goodman Michael , Shikany James M. , Howard Virginia J. , Safford Monika , Gilchrist Susan C.
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study examined whether metabolic health status is associated with risk of cancer mortality and whether this varies by body mass index (BMI) category.

Methods

A prospective study of 22,514 participants from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort was performed. Metabolically unhealthy status was defined as having three or more of the following: (1) elevated fasting glucose, (2) high triglycerides, (3) dyslipidemia, (4) hypertension, and (5) elevated waist circumference. Participants were categorized into normal weight (BMI 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0‐29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) groups. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer mortality during follow‐up.

Results

Among participants with normal weight, participants who were metabolically unhealthy had an increased risk of cancer mortality (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.20‐2.26) compared with metabolically healthy participants. The overall mortality risk for participants who were metabolically unhealthy and had normal weight was stronger for obesity‐related cancers (HR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.17‐4.91). Compared with participants with normal weight, those who were metabolically healthy and overweight were at a reduced risk of any cancer mortality (adjusted HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63‐0.99).

Conclusions

There was an increased risk of overall and obesity‐related cancer mortality among metabolically unhealthy participants with normal weight.
Genome‐Wide Study of Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue Reveals Novel Sex‐Specific Adiposity Loci in Mexican Americans
Authors: Gao Chuan , Langefeld Carl D. , Ziegler Julie T. , Taylor Kent D. , Norris Jill M. , Chen Yii‐Der I. , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Guo Xiuqing , Allison Matthew A. , Speliotes Elizabeth K. , Rotter Jerome I. , Bowden Donald W. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Palmer Nicholette D.
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study aimed to explore the genetic mechanisms of regional fat deposition, which is a strong risk factor for metabolic diseases beyond total adiposity.

Methods

A genome‐wide association study of 7,757,139 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 983 Mexican Americans (nmale = 403; nfemale = 580) from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study was performed. Association analyses were performed with and without sex stratification for subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and visceral‐subcutaneous ratio (VSR) obtained from computed tomography.

Results

The strongest signal identified was SNP rs2185405 (minor allele frequencies [MAF] = 40%; PVAT = 1.98 × 10−8) with VAT. It is an intronic variant of the GLIS family zinc finger 3 gene (GLIS3). In addition, SNP rs12657394 (MAF = 19%) was associated with VAT in males (Pmale = 2.39×10−8; Pfemale = 2.5 × 10−3). It is located intronically in the serum response factor binding protein 1 gene (SRFBP1). On average, male carriers of the variant had 24.6 cm2 increased VAT compared with noncarriers. Subsequently, genome‐wide SNP‐sex interaction analysis was performed. SNP rs10913233 (MAF = 14%; Pint = 3.07 × 10−8) in PAPPA2 and rs10923724 (MAF = 38%; Pint = 2.89 × 10−8) upstream of TBX15 were strongly associated with the interaction effect for VSR.

Conclusions

Six loci were identified with genome‐wide significant associations with fat deposition and interactive effects. These results provided genetic evidence for a differential basis of fat deposition between genders.
Incremental Treatment Costs Attributable to Overweight and Obesity in Patients with Diabetes: Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Lee Seung‐Mi , Choi In‐sun , Han Euna , Suh David , Shin Eun‐Kyung , Je Seyunghe , Lee Sung Su , Suh Dong‐Churl
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study aimed to estimate treatment costs attributable to overweight and obesity in patients with diabetes who were less than 65 years of age in the United States.

Methods

This study used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2001 to 2013. Patients with diabetes were identified by using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code (250), clinical classification codes (049 and 050), or self‐reported physician diagnoses. Total treatment costs attributable to overweight and obesity were calculated as the differences in the adjusted costs compared with individuals with diabetes and normal weight. Adjusted costs were estimated by using generalized linear models or unconditional quantile regression models.

Results

The mean annual treatment costs attributable to obesity were $1,852 higher than those attributable to normal weight, while costs attributable to overweight were $133 higher. The unconditional quantile regression results indicated that the impact of obesity on total treatment costs gradually became more significant as treatment costs approached the upper quantile.

Conclusions

Among patients with diabetes who were less than 65 years of age, patients with diabetes and obesity have significantly higher treatment costs than patients with diabetes and normal weight. The economic burden of diabetes to society will continue to increase unless more proactive preventive measures are taken to effectively treat patients with overweight or obesity.
Polymer electrolyte developed from natural rubber‐polyacrylic acid co trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate grafted fumed silica and its application to dye sensitized solar cell
Authors: Silakul Pensiri , Magaraphan Rathanawan
Published: November 2017

This research focused on an electrical improvement of polymer nanocomposite which had potential for application in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This composite polymer electrolyte can be prepared by admicellar polymerization to form a core‐shell structure. The shell was prepared by acrylic acid (AA) monomer copolymerization with modified silica from trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate monomer (MPS) and hydrophilic silica (R200) (MPS‐SiO2) and then coated on natural rubber (NR) as a core (PAA‐adp‐NR co MPS‐SiO2). At 1.5 wt% MPS‐SiO2, the ionic conductivity of PAA‐adp‐NR co MPS‐SiO2 was improved from 0.769 mS cm−1 of PAA‐adp‐NR to 0.931 mS cm−1, and showed the lowest charge transfer resistance (Rct) at 2.065 ohm. Moreover, the current density (Jsc) and conversion efficiency (η) were 11.792 mA/cm2 and 3.485%, respectively. In the case of thermal stress stability, Jsc of PAA‐adp‐NR co MPS‐SiO2 (1.5 wt% MPS‐SiO2) was better than PAA‐adp‐NR. Jsc of PAA‐adp‐NR decreased 40.58% from its original value while Jsc of PAA‐adp‐NR co MPS‐SiO2 (1.5 wt% MPS‐SiO2) decreased 35.71% from its original value at 4 days with a slower rate than PAA‐adp‐NR. η of PAA‐adp‐NR co MPS‐SiO2 (1.5 wt% MPS‐SiO2) remained 6.67% of its original value at 28 days while η values of liquid electrolytes and PAA‐adp‐NR were close to zero. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:304–314, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improving microcellular foamability of amorphous supramolecular polymers via functionalized nanosilica particles
Authors: Jamalpour Seifollah , Ghaffarian Seyed R. , Goldansaz Hadi , Jangizehi Amir
Published: November 2017

This work introduces and investigates a synergistic approach to tailor microcellular morphology and physical properties of soft polymer foams by simultaneously utilizing supramolecular associations and nanoparticle inclusions. For this purpose, supramolecular nanocomposite foams consisting of soft amorphous polyacrylates and silica nanoparticles are successfully prepared and characterized. The polymer precursors as well as the nanoparticles are all functionalized with ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) supramolecular groups at various contents. Microcellular foams are produced in a batch process at 90°C after a 5‐h saturation step in 9 MPa, using supercritical N2as the physical foaming agent. The effects of UPy‐grafting on microcellular morphology and consequently on thermal, viscoelastic, and mechanical properties is investigated. Dispersion of nanoparticles as well as the cellular structure of supramolecular nanocomposite foams is analyzed in relation to supramolecular moiety‐grafting density. It is illustrated that strong quadrupole hydrogen bonding between the filler and matrix not only improves the degree of reinforcement in nanocomposites, but also stabilizes bubble growth and retards cell coalescence or rupture. An optimum average cell size and microcellular density, that is, 6 ± 0.2 μm and 6 × 109cells/cm3, respectively, is achieved with only 4 wt% UPy‐functionalized nanoparticle loading. These results illustrate, therefore, that supramolecular interactions between the chain backbone and nanoscale inclusions can open new horizons to architect and exploit microcellular materials consist up of amorphous, soft, loosely entangled polymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:364–378, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Self‐healing glass fiber reinforced polymer composites based on montmorillonite reinforced compartmented alginate fibers
Authors: Post Wouter , Jeoffroy E. , García S.J. , van der Zwaag S.
Published: November 2017

This study shows the feasibility of clay reinforced alginate‐based compartmented fibers as healing agent carriers for the autonomous healing of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites. First we report on the effect of montmorillonite (MMT) clay on the fiber tensile and vacuole lateral compression properties. It is found that the fiber tensile properties are enhanced with increasing MMT concentration, while the effects on the vacuole lateral compression properties are seemingly negligible. The second part of this work shows the proof of concept of healing by compartmented fibers in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. A single‐ and a double‐healing agent configuration, both based on epoxy–thiol chemistry, were compared in these model GFRP composites. The healing phenomena were quantified by mechanical characterization (interlaminar fracture and flexural testing) and nondestructive testing techniques (X‐ray microtomography and air‐coupled ultrasonic C‐scanning). It is found that a configuration with one healing agent is favorable over a system with two separate agents and that further exploitation of the compartmented fiber concept should focus on the healing of matrix damage as the loss of mechanical integrity because of glass fiber fracture cannot be overcome. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:471–480, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanoencapsulation mechanism of fragrant oil: effect of formaldehyde − melamine molar ratio
Authors: Escobar Camila F , Roldo Liane , Rocha Tatiana LAC , Kindlein Wilson
Published: November 2017

Encapsulation of essential oils by in situ polymerization is commonly used to contain the oil and thus ensure its controlled release. Melamine resin formaldehyde is one of the most widely used shell materials due to its thermal and chemical stability. One of the factors that influences the properties of the capsules is the molar relationship between monomers. The effect of formaldehyde − melamine (F/M) molar ratios 3, 4 and 6 on the nanoencapsulation, morphology and properties of nanocapsules was investigated. The morphology and particle size were investigated by the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. The composition of the formaldehyde − melamine resins was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the thermal stability of the nanocapsules was analysed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Increasing the formaldehyde content reduced the nanocapsules' chemical stability. The capsule sizes obtained were nanometric at all melamine − formaldehyde ratios studied, with a non‐significant variation in particle size and shape. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic Characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans Larval Development
Authors: Xia Tian , Horton Edward R. , Salcini Anna Elisabetta , Pocock Roger , Cox Thomas R. , Erler Janine T.
Published: November 2017

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used as a model organism to study cell and developmental biology. Quantitative proteomics of C. elegans is still in its infancy and, so far, most studies have been performed on adult worm samples. Here, we used quantitative mass spectrometry to characterize protein level changes across the four larval developmental stages (L1–L4) of C. elegans. In total, we identified 4130 proteins, and quantified 1541 proteins that were present across all four stages in three biological replicates from independent experiments. Using hierarchical clustering and functional ontological analyses, we identified 21 clusters containing proteins with similar protein profiles across the four stages, and highlighted the most overrepresented biological functions in each of these protein clusters. In addition, we used the dataset to identify putative larval stage‐specific proteins in each individual developmental stage, as well as in the early and late developmental stages. In summary, this dataset provides system‐wide analysis of protein level changes across the four C. elegans larval developmental stages, which serves as a useful resource for the C. elegans research community. MS data were deposited in ProteomeXchange (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org) via the PRIDE partner repository with the primary accession identifier PXD006676.
A new parameter‐rich structure‐aware mechanistic model for amino acid substitution during evolution
Authors: Chi Peter B. , Kim Dohyup , Lai Jason K. , Bykova Nadia , Weber Claudia C. , Kubelka Jan , Liberles David A.
Published: November 2017

Improvements in the description of amino acid substitution are required to develop better pseudo‐energy‐based protein structure‐aware models for use in phylogenetic studies. These models are used to characterize the probabilities of amino acid substitution and enable better simulation of protein sequences over a phylogeny. A better characterization of amino acid substitution probabilities in turn enables numerous downstream applications, like detecting positive selection, ancestral sequence reconstruction, and evolutionarily‐motivated protein engineering. Many existing Markov models for amino acid substitution in molecular evolution disregard molecular structure and describe the amino acid substitution process over longer evolutionary periods poorly. Here, we present a new model upgraded with a site‐specific parameterization of pseudo‐energy terms in a coarse‐grained force field, which describes local heterogeneity in physical constraints on amino acid substitution better than a previous pseudo‐energy‐based model with minimum cost in runtime. The importance of each weight term parameterization in characterizing underlying features of the site, including contact number, solvent accessibility, and secondary structural elements was evaluated, returning both expected and biologically reasonable relationships between model parameters. This results in the acceptance of proposed amino acid substitutions that more closely resemble those observed site‐specific frequencies in gene family alignments. The modular site‐specific pseudo‐energy function is made available for download through the following website: https://liberles.cst.temple.edu/Software/CASS/index.html.
On the Mechanical Properties of Graphyne, Graphdiyne, and Other Poly(Phenylacetylene) Networks
Authors: Degabriele Edera P. , Grima‐Cornish James N. , Attard Daphne , Caruana‐Gauci Roberto , Gatt Ruben , Evans Kenneth E. , Grima Joseph N.
Published: November 2017

We simulate, analyse and compare the mechanical properties of a number of molecular sheet‐like systems based on fully substituted, penta‐substituted, tetra‐substituted and tri‐substituted poly(phenylacetylene) using static force‐field based methods. The networks are modeled in a 3D environment with and without inter‐layer interactions in analogy to graphite and graphene respectively. It is shown that by varying the type of substitution and the length of the acetylene chain, one may control the mechanical properties of such systems. In particular, it is shown that poly(phenylacetylene) systems can be specifically designed to exhibit negative Poisson's ratio, and that the stiffness can be controlled in an independent manner from the Poisson's ratios. This is significant as it highlights the fact that such systems can be tailored to exhibit a particular set of mechanical properties.
The Effect of Substitution of Gallium on the Transport Properties of Polycrystalline GeTe
Authors: Narang Deepa S. , Jana Manoj K. , Gupta Uttam
Published: November 2017

We have investigated the electron transport properties of polycrystalline Ge1−xGaxTe alloys. Ga‐incorporation in GeTe has a nonmonotonic effect on its electrical conductivity which decreases slightly at low doping levels, but significantly at high doping levels (x  0.06) due to a concomitant reduction of hole‐concentration and mobility. Plausible Ga‐doping mechanisms determining these trends have been discussed. The Seebeck coefficient of GeTe does not enhance with Ga content as much as with Sb, Bi or In content at similar hole‐concentrations. Based on the theoretical Pisarenko plots and estimated effective carrier masses in Ge1−xGaxTe alloys, the observed behavior of Seebeck coefficient is rationalized on the basis of relative orbital energies and energy difference between valence band valleys in GeTe.
Fabrication of Auxetic Foam Sheets for Sports Applications
Authors: Allen Tom , Hewage Trishan , Newton‐Mann Chloe , Wang Weizhuo , Duncan Olly , Alderson Andrew
Published: November 2017

Auxetic materials have a negative Poisson's ratio, which can enhance other properties. Greater indentation resistance and energy absorption, as well as synclastic curvature, could lend auxetic materials well to protective sports equipment and clothing. Sheets of foam often form padding within protective equipment, but producing large homogenous auxetic foam samples is challenging. The aim of this work was to investigate techniques to fabricate large thin sheets of auxetic foam, to facilitate future production and testing of prototype sports equipment utilizing this material. A mold was developed to fabricate sheets of auxetic foam − with planar dimensions measuring 350 × 350 mm − using the thermo‐mechanical process. The mold utilized through‐thickness rods to control lateral compression of foam. Sheets of auxetic foam measuring 10 × 350 × 350 mmd were fabricated and characterized. Each sheet was cut into nine segments, with density measurements used to determine how evenly the foam had been compressed during fabrication. Specimens cut from corner and centre segments were subject to quasi‐static extension up to 30% to obtain stress versus strain relationships, with Digital Image Correlation used to determine Poisson's ratio. Specimens cut from the corner tended to have a marginally higher density, lower stiffness and more consistent negative Poisson's ratio compared to those from the centre, indicating some inconsistency in the conversion process. Future work could look to improve fabrication techniques for large thin homogenous sheets of auxetic foam.
Integrated fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control for stochastic systems with Brownian motions
Authors: Liu Xiaoxu , Gao Zhiwei
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an integrated robust fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control technique for stochastic systems subjected to Brownian parameter perturbations. The augmented system approach, unknown input observer method, and optimization technique are integrated to achieve robust simultaneous estimates of the system states and the means of faults concerned. Meanwhile, a robust fault‐tolerant control strategy is developed by using actuator and sensor signal compensation techniques. Stochastic linear time‐invariant systems, stochastic systems with Lipschitz nonlinear constraint, and stochastic systems with quadratic inner‐bounded nonlinear constraint are respectively investigated, and the corresponding fault‐tolerant control algorithms are addressed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant control techniques is demonstrated via the drivetrain system of a 4.8 MW benchmark wind turbine, a 3‐tank system, and a numerical nonlinear model.
All‐Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskite Nanostructures: From Photophysics to Light‐Emitting Applications
Authors: Wang Yue , Sun Handong
Published: November 2017

All‐inorganic metal halide perovskite nanostructures (IHPNs) have sparked intense research interest by virtue of their superior optical properties and their cost‐effective synthesis. Since the first report in 2015, striking development of IHPNs has been witnessed in terms of fabrication strategies, optical characterization, and optoelectronic applications. Here, a brief survey of the mainstream fabrication routes is given. The emphasis is placed on the understanding of the photophysics of IHPNs, including the electronic structures, steady‐state and transient absorption and emission, nonlinear optical properties, and representative exotic photophysical phenomena. Afterward, the light‐emitting applications of IHPNs in lasers and light‐emitting diodes are summarized. Finally, the challenges and a perspective of the future development of IHPNs are presented.
What role does CEO vision play in the internationalization process of firms? Evidence from the banking sector in Africa
Authors: Gentile‐Lüdecke Simona , Halaszovich Tilo , Lundan Sarianna
Published: November 2017

This study examines the cross‐border expansion of four major African banks from 1988 to 2014 in order to investigate the role of CEO vision in influencing their international investment decisions. The qualitative case study approach is complemented by a quantitative analysis that examines the multiple factors influencing internationalization patterns. The results from both types of analysis indicate that the vision of the CEO matters, and that it is a key factor in explaining the accelerated internationalization of three of the four banks examined in this study. These results stress the need for considering managerial decision making in international resource commitment decisions, particularly in an emerging market context, where a shared developmental vision might be shaping the behavior of the entrepreneurs.
‘Blogging Sometimes Leads to Dementia, Doesn’t It?’ The Roman Catholic Church in Times of Deep Mediatization
Authors: Radde-Antweiler Kerstin , Grünenthal Hannah , Gogolok Sina
Published: November 2017

The chapter analyzes religious authorities in Catholicism in times of deep mediatization. Like few other organizations, the Catholic Church seems to be caught between the general tendency of deep mediatization and its own reluctance to adapt to a mediatized world and society. One topic that is directly connected to media change is the construction of religious authority. Unlike earlier perspectives on the relation of religious authority and media, the figurational perspective offers the possibility to look at changes in the construction of religious authority and their interrelation with media change on different levels. Those different levels refer to different actor constellations and different media ensembles, as well as to different levels of authority, in other words local and translocal authority. In this chapter, we will explore how official religious authorities in the Catholic Church, namely priests in different positions, deal with deep mediatization. This includes the question concerning how they use media themselves, in which situations they use or don’t use media, how and why they are reluctant; but also how they define their own and other’s authority in a mediatized society and how all of this effects the organization as a whole. We will find out that there are different scopes in which authority is constructed differently: while the degree of mediatization is relatively low on the local scope, religious authorities are expected to go with mediatization in a translocal and global scope.
Chaos Computer Club: The Communicative Construction of Media Technologies and Infrastructures as a Political Category
Authors: Kubitschko Sebastian
Published: November 2017

This chapter displays how hackers’ political engagement today relies on a wide range of practices related to media technologies and infrastructures and, at the same time, continues to be oriented towards larger publics as well as ‘traditional’ centres of political power. By employing the concept of communicative figuration, the chapter elaborates how one of the world’s oldest and largest hacker organizations—the Chaos Computer Club (CCC)—communicatively constructs media technologies and infrastructures as a political category in its own right. To implement this approach, the chapter will proceed in three aligned steps. First, the hacker organization itself is conceptualized as a communicative figuration, which also includes direct political action in the form of hacking. Second, the chapter explains how the CCC positions itself in the public discourse surrounding media technologies. Third, the chapter demonstrates how the Club’s internal figuration and its linkages with relevant actors, such as journalists, politicians and judges as well as the general public, creates a spiral of legitimation that enables the hacker organization to constitute media technologies and infrastructures as publicly recognized political phenomena.
Erratum to: Direct measurement of αQED(m2Z) at the FCC-ee
Authors: Janot Patrick
Published: November 2017

The tensor network is a quantum state of many-body system constructed by contracting tensors according to a network graph with nodes and links (figure 1).
SimpleITK Image-Analysis Notebooks: a Collaborative Environment for Education and Reproducible Research
Authors: Yaniv Ziv , Lowekamp Bradley C. , Johnson Hans J. , Beare Richard
Published: November 2017

Modern scientific endeavors increasingly require team collaborations to construct and interpret complex computational workflows. This work describes an image-analysis environment that supports the use of computational tools that facilitate reproducible research and support scientists with varying levels of software development skills. The Jupyter notebook web application is the basis of an environment that enables flexible, well-documented, and reproducible workflows via literate programming. Image-analysis software development is made accessible to scientists with varying levels of programming experience via the use of the SimpleITK toolkit, a simplified interface to the Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit. Additional features of the development environment include user friendly data sharing using online data repositories and a testing framework that facilitates code maintenance. SimpleITK provides a large number of examples illustrating educational and research-oriented image analysis workflows for free download from GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license: github.com/InsightSoftwareConsortium/SimpleITK-Notebooks.
Tendon Excision Following Distal Semitendinosus Injury in the Elite Athlete: A Surgical Technique
Authors: Rebolledo Brian J. , McAdams Timothy R. , Cooper Daniel E.
Published: November 2017

Background

Hamstring injuries can present in numerous forms, some of which can lead to persistent pain, loss of function, and delay in return to sport. Although most are treated conservatively, proximal and distal tendon avulsion injuries have become more commonly treated with surgery. Distal semitendinosus avulsion injuries have been largely reported in the elite athlete population. While conservative management has been utilized, failure in this group can significantly impact a future career.

Purpose

The purpose of the manuscript is to describe our approach of surgical tendon excision for distal semitendinosus injury in an elite athlete.

Methods

We highlight a two-incision technique to isolate the avulsed tendon, followed by exteriorization and tendon excision. In addition, we provide insight on clinical and imaging findings to help guide management.

Results

This technique provides a reliable and effective surgical option for managing these rare injuries of the distal semitendinosus, along with outlining rehabilitation goals in the postoperative period.

Conclusion

In this setting, we present a detailed surgical technique to excise the injured distal semitendinosus tendon to promote recovery and potentially allow for earlier return to play.
Implant Removal and Spacer Placement for Infected Shoulder Arthroplasty: Risk Factors for Repeat Procedures, Spacer Retention, and Mortality
Authors: Cancienne J. M. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Carr James C. , Werner Brian C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Current studies reporting on patients following prosthesis removal and spacer placement for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the shoulder have largely been descriptive and insufficiently powered to determine risk factors for outcomes other than reimplantation.

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to provide a national perspective on the 1-year outcomes following prosthesis removal and spacer placement and risk factors for outcomes other than reimplantation for treatment of PJI following shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

A national database was queried for Medicare patients who underwent prosthesis removal and spacer placement for PJI between 2005 and 2012. These patients were then evaluated for 5 major study endpoints including: (1) replantation of a shoulder prosthesis within 1 year postoperatively, (2) a repeat irrigation and debridement with second antibiotic spacer placement procedure within 1 year postoperatively, (3) in-hospital death within 1 year postoperatively, (4) a shoulder Girdlestone-type procedure within 1 year postoperatively, and (5) the remaining patients, who were considered to have a retained spacer. Patients with a study endpoint within 1 year postoperatively were included in the study: (1) mortality, (2) repeat debridement, (3) resection arthroplasty, and (4) reimplantation. While it is possible that some patients were not captured due to errors in coding, it is unlikely that patients were lost to follow-up due to change in location of services, given that the database captures all episodes of care that are coded throughout the USA. Independent risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Nine hundred seventy-five patients who underwent prosthesis removal and spacer placement were included. Within 1 year postoperatively, 21 patients died (2.2%), 70 patients had a repeat debridement procedure (7.2%), 55 patients had a resection arthroplasty procedure (5.6%), 349 patients retained their spacers (35.8%), and the remaining 480 patients had a shoulder arthroplasty reimplanted (49.2%). Numerous independent risk factors exist for all outcomes studied.

Conclusion

The fate of antibiotic spacers placed for PJI of the shoulder at 1 year is variable, with numerous independent risk factors for outcomes other than reimplantation. Patients with PJI following total shoulder arthroplasty should be counseled on the risk factors that influence the outcomes of staged revision for shoulder PJI.