bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resumos do 41º Congresso Técnico e Científico da Associação Portuguesa de Técnicos de Natação - APTN
Authors: Costa Aldo Matos , Garrido Nuno Domingos , Costa Mário Jorge , Conceição Ana Teresa
Published: October 2018

Os trabalhos publicados no presente suplemento foram submetidos à apreciação da Comissão Científica do 41º Congresso Técnico e Científico da Associação Portuguesa de Técnicos de Natação - APTN realizado nos dias 28 e 29 de abril de 2018 no Município de Braga. O conteúdo dos artigos é única e exclusivamente da responsabilidade dos seus autores. A Comissão Científica da APTN não assume qualquer tipo de responsabilidade pelas opiniões e afirmações expressas pelos autores. É permitida a reprodução parcial dos textos e sua utilização sem fins comerciais, desde que devidamente citada a fonte/referência.
Machine learning with remote sensing data to locate uncontacted indigenous villages in Amazonia
Authors: Walker Robert S , Hamilton Marcus J
Published: October 2018

Background. The world’s last uncontacted indigenous societies in Amazonia have only intermittent and often hostile interactions with the outside world. Knowledge of their locations is essential for urgent protection efforts, but their extreme isolation, small populations, and semi-nomadic lifestyles make this a challenging task.

Methods. Remote sensing technology with Landsat satellite sensors is a non-invasive methodology to track isolated indigenous populations through time. However, the small-scale nature of the deforestation signature left by uncontacted populations clearing villages and gardens has similarities to those made by contacted indigenous villages. Both contacted and uncontacted indigenous populations often live in proximity to one another making it difficult to distinguish the two in satellite imagery. Here we use machine learning techniques applied to remote sensing data with a training dataset of 500 contacted and 25 uncontacted villages.

Results. Uncontacted villages generally have smaller cleared areas, reside at higher elevations, and are farther from populated places and satellite-detected lights at night. A random forest algorithm with an optimally-tuned detection cutoff has a leave-one-out cross-validated sensitivity and specificity of over 98%. A grid search around known uncontacted villages led us to identify 3 previously-unknown villages using predictions from the random forest model. Our efforts can improve policies toward isolated populations by providing better near real-time knowledge of their locations and movements in relation to encroaching loggers, settlers, and other external threats to their survival.
HAHap: a read-based haplotyping method using hierarchical assembly
Authors: Lin Yu-Yu , Wu Ping Chun , Chen Pei-Lung , Oyang Yen-Jen , Chen Chien-Yu
Published: October 2018

Background

The need for read-based phasing arises with advances in sequencing technologies. The minimum error correction (MEC) approach is the primary trend to resolve haplotypes by reducing conflicts in a single nucleotide polymorphism-fragment matrix. However, it is frequently observed that the solution with the optimal MEC might not be the real haplotypes, due to the fact that MEC methods consider all positions together and sometimes the conflicts in noisy regions might mislead the selection of corrections. To tackle this problem, we present a hierarchical assembly-based method designed to progressively resolve local conflicts.

Results

This study presents HAHap, a new phasing algorithm based on hierarchical assembly. HAHap leverages high-confident variant pairs to build haplotypes progressively. The phasing results by HAHap on both real and simulated data, compared to other MEC-based methods, revealed better phasing error rates for constructing haplotypes using short reads from whole-genome sequencing. We compared the number of error corrections (ECs) on real data with other methods, and it reveals the ability of HAHap to predict haplotypes with a lower number of ECs. We also used simulated data to investigate the behavior of HAHap under different sequencing conditions, highlighting the applicability of HAHap in certain situations.
An EGFR‐targeting antibody–drug conjugate LR004‐VC‐MMAE: potential in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and other malignancies
Authors: Hu Xin‐yue , Wang Rong , Jin Jie , Liu Xiu‐jun , Cui A‐long , Sun Lian‐qi , Li Yan‐ping , Li Yi , Wang Yu‐cheng , Zhen Yong‐su , Miao Qing‐fang , Li Zhuo‐rong
Published: October 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a rational target for cancer therapy, because its overexpression plays an important oncogenic role in a variety of solid tumors; however, EGFR‐targeted antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is exceedingly rare. LR004 is a novel anti‐EGFR antibody with the advantages of improved safety and fewer hypersensitivity reactions. It may be of great value as a carrier in ADCs with high binding affinity and internalization ability. Here, we prepared an EGFR‐targeting ADC, LR004‐VC‐MMAE, and evaluated its antitumor activities against ESCC and EGFR‐positive cells. LR004 was covalently conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a VC linker by antibody interchain disulfide bond reduction. VC‐MMAE was conjugated with LR004 with approximately 4.0 MMAE molecules per ADC. LR004‐VC‐MMAE showed a potent antitumor effect against ESCC and other EGFR‐positive cells with IC50 values of nM concentrations in vitro. The in vivo antitumor effects of LR004‐VC‐MMAE were investigated in ESCC KYSE520 and A431 xenograft nude mice models. Significant activity was seen at 5 mg·kg−1, and complete tumor regression was observed at 15 mg·kg−1 in the KYSE520 xenograft nude mice after four injections, while the naked antibody LR004 had little effect on inhibiting tumor growth. Similar promising results were obtained in the A431 models. In addition, the tumors also remained responsive to LR004‐VC‐MMAE for large tumor experiments (tumor volume 400–500 mm3). The study results demonstrated that LR004‐VC‐MMAE could be a potential therapeutic agent for ESCC and other EGFR‐expressing malignancies. We also evaluated PK profile of LR004‐VC‐MMAE ADC in the mice model, which would provide qualitative guiding significance for the further research.
TLR3 agonism re‐establishes CNS immune competence during α4‐integrin deficiency
Authors: Hussain Rehana Z. , Cravens Petra C. , Doelger Richard , Dentel Brianne , Herndon Emily , Loof Nicolas , Tsai Peter , Okuda Darin T. , Racke Michael K. , Stüve Olaf
Published: October 2018

Objective

Natalizumab blocks α4‐integrin‐mediated leukocyte migration into the central nervous system (CNS). It diminishes disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), but carries a high risk of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection with JV virus that may be prompted by diminished CNS immune surveillance. The initial host response to viral infections entails the synthesis of type I interferons (IFN) upon engagement of TLR3 receptors. We hypothesized that TLR3 agonism reestablishes CNS immune competence in the setting of α4‐integrin deficiency.

Method

We generated the conditional knock out mouse strain Mx1.Cre+α4‐integrinfl/fl, in which the α4‐integrin gene is ablated upon treatment with the TLR3 agonist poly I:C. Adoptive transfer of purified lymphocytes from poly I:C‐treated Mx1.Cre+α4‐integrinfl/fl donors into naive recipients recapitulates immunosuppression under natalizumab. Active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Mx1.Cre+α4‐integrinfl/fl mice treated with poly I:C represents immune‐reconstitution.

Results

Adoptive transfer of T cells from poly I:C treated Mx1.Cre+α4‐integrinfl/fl mice causes minimal EAE. The in vitro migratory capability of CD45+ splenocytes from these mice is reduced. In contrast, actively‐induced EAE after poly I:C treatment results in full disease susceptibility of Mx1.Cre+ α4‐integrinfl/fl mice, and the number and composition of CNS leukocytes is similar to controls. Extravasation of Evans Blue indicates a compromised blood‐brain barrier. Poly I:C treatment results in a 2‐fold increase in IFNβ transcription in the spinal cord.

Interpretation

Our data suggest that TLR3 agonism in the setting of relative α4‐integrin deficiency can reestablish CNS immune surveillance in an experimental model. This pathway may present a feasible treatment strategy to treat and prevent PML under natalizumab therapy and should be considered for further experimental evaluation in a controlled setting.
Coaxial Cell Printing of Freestanding, Perfusable, and Functional In Vitro Vascular Models for Recapitulation of Native Vascular Endothelium Pathophysiology
Authors: Gao Ge , Park Ju Young , Kim Byoung Soo , Jang Jinah , Cho Dong‐Woo
Published: October 2018

3D printing technology is used to produce channels within hydrogels followed by endothelial cells (ECs)‐seeding to establish in vitro vascular models. However, as built‐in bulk hydrogels, it is difficult to incorporate additional cells and molecules into the crosslinked matrix to study the pathophysiological responses of healthy endothelium. In this study, freestanding in vitro vascular models (VMs) are developed using the coaxial cell printing technique and a vascular tissue‐specific bioink. It has various advantages in plotting tubular cell‐laden vessels with designed patterns, providing pump‐driven circulating perfusion, generating endothelium without ECs‐seeding, and implementing further expansions to study vascular pathophysiology. Following the maturation of endothelium, the VMs exhibit representative vascular functions (i.e., selective permeability, antiplatelets/leukocytes adhesion, and vessel remodeling under shear stress). Moreover, with the expansions of the VMs, the directional angiogenesis and inflammatory responses are demonstrated by giving asymmetric distributions of proangiogenic factors and an airway inflammatory ambience, respectively. Therefore, the freestanding, perfusable, and functional VMs can be useful devices to engineer diverse in vitro platforms for a wide range of biomedical applications, from modeling blood vessel relevant diseases to building vascularized tissues/organs.
Antiferromagnet‐Based Spintronic Functionality by Controlling Isospin Domains in a Layered Perovskite Iridate
Authors: Lee Nara , Ko Eunjung , Choi Hwan Young , Hong Yun Jeong , Nauman Muhammad , Kang Woun , Choi Hyoung Joon , Choi Young Jai , Jo Younjung
Published: October 2018

The novel electronic state of the canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulator strontium iridate (Sr2IrO4) is well described by the spin–orbit‐entangled isospin Jeff = 1/2, but the role of isospin in transport phenomena remains poorly understood. In this study, antiferromagnet‐based spintronic functionality is demonstrated by combining the unique characteristics of the isospin state in Sr2IrO4. Based on magnetic and transport measurements, a large and highly anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) is obtained by manipulating the AFM isospin domains. First‐principles calculations suggest that electrons whose isospin directions are strongly coupled to the in‐plane net magnetic moment encounter an isospin mismatch when moving across the AFM domain boundaries, which generates a high resistance state. By rotating a magnetic field that aligns in‐plane net moments and removes domain boundaries, the macroscopically ordered isospins govern dynamic transport through the system, which leads to the extremely angle‐sensitive AMR. As this work establishes a link between isospins and magnetotransport in strongly spin–orbit‐coupled AFM Sr2IrO4, the peculiar AMR effect provides a beneficial foundation for fundamental and applied research on AFM spintronics.
Cecropin–Melittin Functionalized Polyurethane Surfaces Prevent Staphylococcus epidermidis Adhesion without Inducing Platelet Adhesion and Activation
Authors: Querido Micaela M. , Felgueiras Helena P. , Rai Akhilesh , Costa Fabíola , Monteiro Claudia , Borges Inês , Oliveira Diana , Ferreira Lino , Martins Maria Cristina Lopes
Published: October 2018

Infections and thrombus formation are major concerns for the success of blood‐contacting medical devices. Antimicrobial coatings based on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are described as promising strategies to fight biomaterial‐associated infections. However, their efficiency in the presence of plasma and their effect on platelets adhesion/activation, essential for blood contact applications, is not known. In this work, the AMP cecropin–melittin (CM) is covalently immobilized onto polyurethane (PU) films envisaging a coating for intravascular catheters. Immobilization is done by dip‐coating of a layer of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) functionalized with NH2 and COOH terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG). Surfaces characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D), and colorimetric assays reveal a stable and homogeneous coating distribution. CM coating significantly reduces Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to PU films (≈80% in PBS). Its bactericidal activity is not affected in the presence of 1% human plasma (hPlasma) proteins with 65% reduction on viable bacteria comparing to PU. Moreover, CM coating is able to prevent platelet adhesion/activation to PU films (≈95% in PBS). This effect is also observed when surfaces are precoated with hPlasma. Overall, the developed antimicrobial coating demonstrates great potential to prevent bacterial infections on PU devices without instigating platelet adhesion/activation.
Preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene‐Derived Quantum Dots with White/Blue‐Emitting Photoluminescence and Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Xu Gengfang , Niu Yusheng , Yang Xuecheng , Jin Zhaoyong , Wang Yao , Xu Yuanhong , Niu Haitao
Published: October 2018

MXene‐derived quantum dots (MQDs) have begun to attract much attention recently, but their most attractive features (i.e., optical properties) are still explored less than expected. In the present work, Ti3C2Tx MQDs with solvent‐determined optical characteristics and size distributions are prepared through solvothermal treatment of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets in various solvents. White‐emitting photoluminescence (PL) under 365 nm UV irradiation is obtained in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while blue in dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethanol, respectively. Moreover, the average diameters and quantum yields of the MQDs are 3.3 ± 0.2 nm and 10.7%; 2.5 ± 0.2 nm and 6.9%; as well as 1.8 ± 0.1 nm and 4.1% in DMF, ethanol, and DMSO, respectively. Interestingly, among a variety of metal ions, Fe3+ shows specific quenching effect toward the PL of the MQDs in DMF rather than in the other two. Moreover, electrochemiluminescence of the MQDs is observed using persulfate as coreactant for the first time. The possible mechanisms are discussed based on the combined influences of polarity, oxidation effect, and boiling point of the different solvents and the various characterizations.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of 3‐(Hetero)Arylpropynamides from gem‐Dibromoalkenes and Isocyanides
Authors: Salehi Parvin , Shiri Morteza
Published: October 2018

An alternative method related to the formation of 3‐(hetero)arylpropynamides using palladium/Cs2CO3, regiochemically‐controlled coupling of isocyanides with 1,1‐dibromo‐1‐alkenes is described. It was found that the presence of palladium is crucial in the media so activated the C−Br bond in the 1,1‐dibromo‐1‐alkenes. Subsequent isocyanide insertion followed by reductive elimination yielded an intermediate that could be easily converted to the desired product in satisfactory yields.

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A Moss‐Inspired Electroless Gold‐Coating Strategy Toward Stretchable Fiber Conductors by Dry Spinning
Authors: Zhao Yunmeng , Dong Dashen , Gong Shu , Brassart Laurence , Wang Yan , An Tiance , Cheng Wenlong
Published: October 2018

Stretchable fiber conductors are appealing in the field of soft electronics due to their potential to be woven into fabrics leading to smart textile electronics. Coating highly conductive metal films onto elastic polymer fibers can be a potential strategy, however, it is nontrivial to achieve strong metal/polymer adhesion to avoid interfacial failure under large mechanical strains. Here, a novel moss‐inspired gold‐coating strategy by using an ultrathin gold nanowires (AuNWs)‐seeded electroless deposition strategy to fabricate stretchable fiber conductors in a dry spinning process is reported. By optimizing Hildebrand's and Hansen's solubility parameter, the AuNWs are dispersed well in an elastomer matrix leading to the efficient scalable production of AuNWs‐impregnated elastomeric fibers. Remarkably, these AuNWs can serve as “seeds” to promote conformal electroless deposition of gold films to substantially enhance the fiber conductivity. Such gold films resemble moss exhibiting strong adhesion to elastomeric polymer fibers because they have AuNWs roots embedded in the polymer matrix. With prestrained fibers, directional cracks along the axis are found, but they can be repaired reversibly when strains are reapplied. This leads to substantial conductivity enhancement. The fiber conductors can be woven into an everyday glove to exhibit superior strain‐insensitivity without changing the intensity of the light‐emitting diode under severe deformations.
Deciphering the Cathode–Electrolyte Interfacial Chemistry in Sodium Layered Cathode Materials
Authors: Mu Linqin , Feng Xu , Kou Ronghui , Zhang Yan , Guo Hao , Tian Chixia , Sun Cheng‐Jun , Du Xi‐Wen , Nordlund Dennis , Xin Huolin L. , Lin Feng
Published: October 2018

The ever‐increasing demand for stationary energy storage has driven the prosperous investigation of low‐cost sodium ion batteries. The inferior long‐term cycling stability of cathode materials is a significant roadblock toward the wide commercialization of sodium ion batteries. This study enlightens a path toward empowering stable sodium ion batteries through incisive diagnostics of the multiscale surface chemical processes in layered oxide materials (e.g., O3‐NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2). The major challenges are unraveled in a promising sodium layered cathode material using a range of complementary advanced spectroscopic and imaging diagnostic techniques. It is discovered that the cathode–electrolyte interfacial reaction triggers transition metal reduction, heterogeneous surface reconstruction, metal dissolution, and formation of intragranular nanocracks. These surface chemistry driven processes are partly responsible for significant performance decay. This diagnostic study also rationalizes the elemental substitution and surface passivation methods that are widely applied in the field. The prepassivated and Ti‐substituted cathode materials allow for significantly improved cycling stability by inhibiting the metal dissolution. Therefore, incisively diagnosing the interfacial chemistry not only creates scientific insights into understanding sodium cathode chemistry, but also represents an advance toward establishing universal interfacial design principles for all alkali metal ion cathode materials.
Ion‐Sieving Carbon Nanoshells for Deeply Rechargeable Zn‐Based Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Wu Yutong , Zhang Yamin , Ma Yao , Howe Joshua D. , Yang Haochen , Chen Peng , Aluri Sireesha , Liu Nian
Published: October 2018

As an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries, Zn‐based aqueous batteries feature nonflammable electrolytes, high theoretical energy density, and abundant materials. However, a deeply rechargeable Zn anode in lean electrolyte configuration is still lacking. Different from the solid‐to‐solid reaction mechanism in lithium‐ion batteries, Zn anodes in alkaline electrolytes go through a solid‐solute‐solid mechanism (Zn‐Zn(OH)4
2−‐ZnO), which introduces two problems. First, discharge product ZnO on the surface prevents further reaction of Zn underneath, which leads to low utilization of active material and poor rechargeability. Second, soluble intermediates change Zn anode morphology over cycling. In this work, an ion‐sieving carbon nanoshell coated ZnO nanoparticle anode is reported, synthesized in a scalable way with controllable shell thickness, to solve the problems of passivation and dissolution simultaneously. The nanosized ZnO prevents passivation, while microporous carbon shell slows down Zn species dissolution. Under extremely harsh testing conditions (closed cell, lean electrolyte, no ZnO saturation), this Zn anode shows significantly improved performance compared to Zn foil and bare ZnO nanoparticles. The deeply rechargeable Zn anode reported is an important step toward practical high‐energy rechargeable aqueous batteries (e.g., Zn‐air batteries). And the ion‐sieving nanoshell concept demonstrated is potentially beneficial to other electrodes such as sulfur cathode for Li‐S batteries.
The Digital EMS California Academy of Learning: One State's Innovative Approach to EMS Fellow Education
Authors: Staats Katherine , Mercer Mary P. , Bosson Nichole , Joelle Donofrio J. , Schlesinger Shira , Sanko Stephen , Kazan Clayton , Brown John , Loza‐Gomez Angelica , Eckstein Marc , Gausche‐Hill Marianne
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Emergency medical services (EMS) fellowships are growing in significance within the United States prehospital health care system. While fellowships represent a cornerstone of EMS subspecialty education, an individual learner's experiences are limited by local resources and practices. California EMS fellowships have developed an innovative method for expanding fellows’ educational experiences outside their immediate programs.

The Innovative Education Method

Each month, fellows, fellowship directors, and local EMS medical directors from throughout the state participate in a video conference. This meeting is divided into four distinct components: book chapter presentation, board‐style question review, call review, and an EMS literature review.

Chapter Review

The two‐volume text Emergency Medical Services: Clinical Practice and Systems Oversight has been categorized into 12 modules, one for each month of the fellowship. Every meeting, one fellow prepares a didactic presentation summarizing the highlights from that month's chapters.

Question Review

Fellows each create five multiple‐choice questions and answers, based on the section reading. Questions are assessed by the group, both for informational content and for appropriate formatting. After completion, these questions are submitted for future review for the EMS fellowship in‐service examination.

Call Review

Based on that month's module topics, a call is chosen and reviewed. Regional protocol and practice differences from different systems are discussed. The online medical oversight provided and the prehospital provider performance are evaluated by the group.

Literature Review

Fellows not assigned to present a call or didactic segment each choose one paper focusing on a subject relevant to the module or call. Strengths of the study design, analysis, outcomes, and relevance to EMS practice are discussed.

Outcomes

Fellows and experienced EMS attendings are exposed to different protocol and system approaches in an interactive and accessible format. This partnership expands educational opportunities for fellows and promotes collaboration across EMS systems.
Upfront allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) versus remission induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic HCT for acute myeloid leukemia with multilineage dysplasia: A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Harada Kaito , Yamasaki Satoshi , Mizuno Shohei , Uchida Naoyuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Onizuka Makoto , Nakamae Hirohisa , Hidaka Michihiro , Fukuda Takahiro , Ohashi Kazuteru , Kohno Akio , Matsushita Akiko , Kanamori Heiwa , Ashida Takashi , Kanda Junya , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yano Shingo ,   Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Working Group of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Published: October 2018

The efficacy of induction chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia with multilineage dysplasia (AML‐MLD) is unclear. Some patients with AML‐MLD have received upfront HCT without prior induction chemotherapy. To compare the transplant outcomes between patients who received upfront HCT and those who received induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic HCT for AML‐MLD, we retrospectively analyzed the Japanese registration data of 1445 adult patients who had received allogeneic HCT between 2007 and 2016. Propensity score matching identified 269 patients in each cohort. There were no significant differences in overall survival between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of leukemia‐related mortality was significantly lower in patients who received upfront HCT than those who received induction chemotherapy before HCT. In the subgroup analyses, upfront HCT had a significantly reduced incidence of leukemia‐related mortality among patients aged between 60 and 70 years, those with a lower white blood cell count at diagnosis (<3000/μL), and poor cytogenetic risk, and those who received myeloablative conditioning and cord blood transplantation. Our results suggested that induction chemotherapy before HCT did not have any benefits of survival after HCT for AML‐MLD. Upfront HCT contributed to the reduced incidence of leukemia‐related mortality after HCT. Upfront HCT should be considered for patients with AML‐MLD who are eligible for allogeneic HCT.
Improving the interfacial properties of carbon fiber–epoxy resin composites with a graphene‐modified sizing agent
Authors: Li Lingtong , Yan Chun , Xu Haibing , Liu Dong , Shi Pengcheng , Zhu Yingdan , Chen Gang , Wu Xiaofei , Liu Wenqing
Published: October 2018

We successfully prepared a graphene‐modified carbon fiber (CF) sizing agent with good dispersity and stability by dispersing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) into an emulsion‐type sizing agent. RGO was obtained by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) with the help of gallic acid. The influence of the graphene‐modified sizing agent on the interfacial properties of the CF–epoxy resin composites was investigated with microbond testing and the three‐point bending method. The results show that optimized interfacial properties were achieved when the size of the modified graphene was less than 1 μm, the content of RGO was 20 ppm, and the pH value of the sizing agent was 10.5. The interfacial shear strength of the composites reached 92.3 MPa, which was 29.6% higher than that of the composites with unmodified CFs. Compared with commercial‐CF‐fabric‐reinforced composites, the interlaminar shear strength of the composites treated with the RGO‐modified sizing agent increased by 21.5%. Both the interfacial and interlaminar failure morphologies of the composites were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that a large amount of residual resin adhered to the surfaces of the CFs treated with the RGO‐modified sizing agent; this indicated good interfacial properties between the CFs and the resin matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47122.
Elastic modulus of thermoplastic elastomers investigated with the instantaneous volumetric strain method
Authors: Cheng Shuai , Qian Shanhua , Huang Chuanhui , Ni Zifeng , Liu Liguo
Published: October 2018

The factors influencing the elastic modulus [K(t)] of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) were investigated under spherical indentation mode with the instantaneous volumetric strain method. The TPE samples were prepared by the hot‐pressing method, and the variation inK(t) was investigated at different thicknesses, loading forces, and spherical indenter radii (Rs). The results demonstrate that theK(t) values of the TPEs decreased nonlinearly with the depth–radius ratio. The sample thickness [H(t)] andRshowed positive and negative relationships withK(t), respectively. However, the loading force did not exhibit any significant effect onK(t). In a certain depth–radius ratio range,K(t) had strong functional relationships withH(t),R, and indentation depth. These results provide a reference for the mechanical property investigation of elastoplastic materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47181.
Influence of cenosphere on tribological properties of short carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites
Authors: Liu Houbao , Su Xinqing , Tao Jie , Fu Renli , Yang Wenguang , You Chaoqun , Qiu Liangsheng
Published: October 2018

This investigation focuses on the effects of cenosphere fillers on tribological properties of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites. Dry sliding wear behavior of 15 wt % short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced PEEK composites filled with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % cenosphere was reported in this study, pure PEEK and 15 wt % SCF reinforced PEEK composites were also prepared for comparative analysis. Friction and wear experiments were conducted on a ring‐on‐block apparatus under different loads (100–400 N). The experimental results showed that all the composites exhibited lower coefficient of friction and better wear resistance than the matrix resin under different load conditions. It is noted that 10 wt % of the cenosphere particles filled SCF reinforced PEEK composites show superior tribological properties when compared to the other composites in this study. The morphologies of the worn surface and the fracture surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the transfer film was observed by optical microscope to understand the dominant wear mechanisms. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47245.
Building Professionalism in Human Dissection Room as a Component of Hidden Curriculum Delivery: A Systematic Review of Good Practices
Authors: Kumar Ghosh Sanjib , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: October 2018

The core values in medical practice which are essential for the humane outlook of a physician are clubbed within the domain of medical professionalism. Professionalism along with other discipline‐independent skills (human skills) is propagated implicitly in medical schools as components of a “hidden curriculum.” Evidence suggests a strong association between “hidden curriculum” delivery and development of professionalism in the human dissection room. In this review article, the authors have tried to highlight a few exclusive practices adopted by medical schools which enhance the implementation of the “hidden curriculum” within the practice of human dissection and successfully inculcate the key components of professionalism such as integrity, respect, and compassion among students. These distinctive concepts are aimed at humanizing the experience of anatomical dissection by revealing the identity of the donors along with their personal details either through display of video clips of donor interviews, interactions with the family members of the donor over a meal or recognition of the donor as a mentor and organizing memorial services in honor of donors after conclusion of the dissection in the presence of their family members. The resounding success of these good practices in building professionalism among medical students from the onset of the academic curriculum has signaled a new chapter in anatomical sciences education. It has become imperative to recognize the visionary efforts of a select few medical educators and begin incorporating these recent trends into the delivery of the “hidden curriculum” within the evolving gross anatomy education model.
Aero‐Engine DCS Fault‐Tolerant Control with Markov Time Delay Based On Augmented Adaptive Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Zhang Ledi , Xie Shousheng , Zhang Yu , Ren Litong , Zhou Bin , Wang Hao , Peng Jingbo , Wang Lei , Li Yingjie
Published: October 2018

With a focus on aero‐engine distributed control systems (DCSs) with Markov time delay, unknown input disturbance, and sensor and actuator simultaneous faults, a combined fault tolerant algorithm based on the adaptive sliding mode observer is studied. First, an uncertain augmented model of distributed control system is established under the condition of simultaneous sensor and actuator faults, which also considers the influence of the output disturbances. Second, an augmented adaptive sliding mode observer is designed and the linear matrix inequality (LMI) form stability condition of the combined closed‐loop system is deduced. Third, a robust sliding mode fault tolerant controller is designed based on fault estimation of the sliding mode observer, where the theory of predictive control is adopted to suppress the influence of random time delay on system stability. Simulation results indicate that the proposed sliding mode fault tolerant controller can be very effective despite the existence of faults and output disturbances, and is suitable for the simultaneous sensor and actuator faults condition.
A New SSUKF Observer for Sliding Mode Force Tracking H∞ Control of Electrohydraulic Active Suspension
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ding Fei , Zhang Nong , Chen Shengzhao , Zhang Bangji
Published: October 2018

Compared to passive and semi‐active suspensions, active suspensions have the capacity to overcome the tradeoff design of vehicle ride comfort and handling performance. In this paper, a new control system with modified spherical simplex UKF (SSUKF) observer and sliding mode force tracker is proposed for electrohydraulic active suspensions. The estimated states obtained from the SSUKF observer are used to derive the mode energy of body motion and design the target demanded forces for suspension actuators. A sliding mode controller is presented to drive electrohydraulic actuators to track the demanded forces. Based on a robust H∞ control method, a new control strategy depending on body mode energy is proposed to restrict body motion. The performance comparisons between passive and active suspensions under three typical excitations are presented, and the obtained results indicate that the proposed control system can significantly depress body motion and decrease the mode energy to improve ride comfort and also effectively enhance the road hold abilities.
Atypical longitudinal development of functional connectivity in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lawrence Katherine E. , Hernandez Leanna M. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Dapretto Mirella
Published: October 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is consistently associated with alterations in brain connectivity, but there are conflicting results as to where and when individuals with ASD display increased or reduced functional connectivity. Such inconsistent findings may be driven by atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories in ASD during adolescence, but no longitudinal studies to date have investigated this hypothesis. We thus examined the functional connectivity of three neurocognitive resting‐state networks—the default mode network (DMN), salience network, and central executive network (CEN)—in a longitudinal sample of youth with ASD (n = 16) and without ASD (n = 22) studied during early/mid‐ and late adolescence. Functional connectivity between the CEN and the DMN displayed significantly altered developmental trajectories in ASD: typically developing (TD) controls—but not youth with ASD—exhibited an increase in negative functional connectivity between these two networks with age. This significant interaction was due to the ASD group displaying less negative functional connectivity than the TD group during late adolescence only, with no significant group differences in early/mid‐adolescence. These preliminary findings suggest a localized age‐dependency of functional connectivity alterations in ASD and underscore the importance of considering age when examining brain connectivity. Autism Research 2019, 12: 53–65. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Brain connectivity may develop differently during adolescence in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We looked at changes in brain connectivity over time within individuals and found that, for some brain regions, adolescents with ASD did not show the same changes in brain connectivity that typically developing adolescents did. This suggests it is important to consider age when studying brain connectivity in ASD.
Human Endogenous Formaldehyde as an Anticancer Metabolite: Its Oxidation Downregulation May Be a Means of Improving Therapy
Authors: Dorokhov Yuri L. , Sheshukova Ekaterina V. , Bialik Tatiana E. , Komarova Tatiana V.
Published: October 2018

Malignant cells are characterized by an increased content of endogenous formaldehyde formed as a by‐product of biosynthetic processes. Accumulation of formaldehyde in cancer cells is combined with activation of the processes of cellular formaldehyde clearance. These mechanisms include increased ALDH and suppressed ADH5/FDH activity, which oncologists consider poor and favorable prognostic markers, respectively. Here, the sources and regulation of formaldehyde metabolism in cancer cells are reviewed. The authors also analyze the participation of oncoproteins such as fibulins, FGFR1, HER2/neu, FBI‐1, and MUC1‐C in the control of genes related to formaldehyde metabolism, suggesting the existence of two mutually exclusive processes in cancer cells: 1) production and 2) oxidation and elimination of formaldehyde from the cell. The authors hypothesize that the study of the anticancer properties of disulfiram and alpha lipoic acid – which affect the balance of formaldehyde in the body – may serve as the basis of future anticancer therapy.
Pre‐screening of sleep‐disordered breathing after stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Takala Mari , Puustinen Juha , Rauhala Esa , Holm Anu
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Sleep‐Disordered Breathing (SDB) is frequent in stroke patients. Polysomnography (PSG) and cardiorespiratory polygraphy are used to confirm SDB, but the need for PSG exceeds the available resources for systematic testing. Therefore, a simple and robust pre‐screening instrument is necessary to identify the patients with an urgent need for a targeted PSG. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate the available methods to pre‐screen stroke patients possibly suffering from SDB.

Materials and Methods

Eleven studies out of 3,561 studies met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies assessed the efficiency of seven instruments based on the data acquired clinically or by inquiries (Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, SOS, Modified Sleep Apnea Scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, STOP‐BANG, Four‐variable Screening Tool and Multivariate Apnea Index) and three physiological measures (capnography, nocturia, nocturnal oximetry). The instruments were used to predict SDB in patients after acute or subacute stroke. Either PSG or cardiorespiratory polygraphy was used as a standard to measure SDB.

Results

No independent studies using the same questionnaires, methods or criteria were published reducing generalizability. Overall, the questionnaires were quite sensitive in finding SDB but not highly specific in identifying the non‐affected. The physiological measures (capnography) indicated promising results in predicting SDB, but capnography is not an ideal pre‐screening instrument as it requires a specialist to interpret the results.

Conclusions

The results of pre‐screening of SDB in acute and subacute stroke patients are promising but inconsistent. The current pre‐screening methods cannot readily be referred to clinicians in neurologic departments. Thus, it is necessary to conduct more research on developing novel pre‐screening methods for detecting SDB after stroke.
Implementing gamification in a university‐level UML modeling course: A case study
Authors: Jurgelaitis Mantas , Čeponienė Lina , Čeponis Jonas , Drungilas Vaidotas
Published: October 2018

The paper analyses the effect of applying gamification in a course for undergraduate computer science students in the Faculty of Informatics at Kaunas University of Technology. The course teaches Unified Modelling Language (UML) and its application in the Unified Process for software development. In this paper, the gamified course metamodel is presented, and it specifies a level‐based course structure as well as other gamification elements used in the course, such as points and other types of rewards (coins, items, and badges), the leaderboard, content locking and trading. The gamified course was implemented on Moodle platform, and the experiment was carried out during spring semester 2018. The analysis of students’ grades confirms the hypothesis which states that students’ grades can increase as a result of applying gamification to their learning process. The results of students’ questionnaire (based on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory scale) also confirm the hypothesis which states that gamification can improve students’ motivation.
Nanostructured Pd−Cu Catalysts Supported on Zr−Al and Zr−Ti for Synthesis of Vinyl Acetate
Authors: Gonzalez Caranton Alberth Renne , Dille Jean , Barreto Jade , Stavale Fernando , Pinto José Carlos , Schmal Martin
Published: October 2018

Renewable ethylene can be obtained by dehydration of bio‐ethanol and used for production of vinyl acetate (VAM) through reaction with acetic acid (AcOH), using Pd−Cu catalysts. In the present manuscript, structural characterizations of Pd−Cu/ZrO2 catalysts show that these systems present cubic structure with different spatial distributions. Particularly, it is shown that combustion of ethylene and acetic acid can be inhibited below 180 °C, maximizing the rates of VAM formation, when the catalysts are modified with Ti+4. The effects of AcOH concentration on rates of VAM formation show that higher AcOH concentrations favor the formation of undesired byproducts, while lower AcOH concentrations favor effects related to O2 mobility, which can lead to surface decomposition. VAM formation is favored, with selectivities ranging from 0.8 to 1.0. XPS results indicate the existence of metallic Pd, CuO species and Zr species, in agreement with IR results. DRIFTS results also show that different Pd‐acetate intermediates can be present, depending on the electronic effects associated to Pd−Cu and Zr species.
NIS/TBHP Induced Regioselective Selenation of (Hetero)Arenes via Direct C−H Functionalization
Authors: Ding Chaochao , Yu Yuanzu , Yu Qiongli , Xie Zixin , Zhou Yan , Zhou Jianmin , Liang Guang , Song Zengqiang
Published: October 2018

A simple and efficient method for the regioselective selenation of (hetero)arenes via direct C−H functionalization has been established using NIS and TBHP. The present protocol is compatible with different functional groups, and suitable for various (hetero)arenes and diselenides, efficiently affording the desired products in moderate to excellent yields.
Comparison of Electrospun Carbon−Carbon Composite and Commercial Felt for Their Activity and Electrolyte Utilization in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Fetyan Abdulmonem , Schneider Jonathan , Schnucklake Maike , El‐Nagar Gumaa A. , Banerjee Rupak , Bevilacqua Nico , Zeis Roswitha , Roth Christina
Published: October 2018

A low cost highly active carbon−carbon composite fiber felt was produced by electrospinning a mixture of polyacrylonitrile and carbon black powder using poly acrylic acid as a binder for high carbon black loading. The newly designed high‐surface area electrode material showed promising results for use as electrode material for both the negative and positive half‐cell of vanadium redox flow batteries. Battery test results demonstrated promising performance for the electrospun carbon fibers at current densities below 60 mA cm−2, but were less active at higher values. The microstructure of the felt was characterized by X‐ray computed tomography to obtain the porous pathways, which facilitate electrolyte transport. The obtained results will help us to understand the role of porosity in the performance of the battery and to consequently improve the design of the carbon‐filled electrospun material.
One‐Pot Synthesis of a Highly Active 3‐Dimensional Fe−Nx−CNTs/rGO Composite Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Hu Ye , Yang Ruoou , Chen Hengquan , Han Shaobo , Wang Junhu , Wang Xiaojiang , Deng Xin , He Chao‐Hong , He Qinggang , Jiang Zheng , Gu Meng
Published: October 2018

A facile one‐pot method to synthesize a Fe−Nx−CNTs/rGO catalyst by using melamine and FeCl2⋅4H2O as low‐cost precursors is reported.The 3‐dimensional porous structure and the dispersion of precursor were completed at the same time. Suitable precursor and concentration selection not only solved the aggregation of graphene but also improved its effective iron content and activity. The obtained catalysts exhibited oxygen reduction activitycomparable to commercial Pt/C with a half‐wave potential (the potential when current density reaches the half of the diffusion‐limited current density) at 0.875 V(vs. RHE) in alkaline media. In addition, it also showed a better stability than Pt/C with a lower decay of E1/2 (10 mV) after 2000 cycles. From the systematic physical characterizations including aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, it was discovered that a unique structure with the coexistence of nitrogen‐coordinated single iron atoms and Fe/Fe2C nanocrystals had been formed.
Entrepreneurial orientation and performance in private family firms: A configurational model
Authors: Bauweraerts Jonathan
Published: October 2018

The relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance has received considerable attention from the family business literature. However, little is known about how EO, organizational parameters, and environmental characteristics act in combination to influence family firm performance. Drawing on the socioemotional wealth perspective, this study proposes a configurational model that considers the performance implications of EO, family management, and environmental dynamism. The empirical analysis indicates that the combination of family management, low EO, and low environmental dynamism engenders the best performance. The paper contributes to the family entrepreneurship literature by identifying the conditions under which EO leads to improved performance in family firms, and answers a recent call for more context‐based investigations of the performance effects of family managers. © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Munsell color system to a new color psychology system
Authors: Horiguchi Setsuko , Iwamatsu Katsura
Published: October 2018

Shigenobu Kobayashi, the founder of Nippon Color and Design Research Institute Inc., developed a Hue and Tone System based on the Munsell Color System, referring to the ISCC‐NBS method of designating color and a dictionary of color names during the process. A particularly noteworthy feature of this system is its tone settings, which successfully represent the entire world of color in just 130 colors. Kobayashi used these 130 systematically and psychologically representative colors as research samples in various studies using methods such as the semantic differential technique, and developed a Color Image Scale that clearly demonstrated the semantic space of colors. The present article will describe the development and impact of the Hue and Tone System and Color Image Scale since Kobayashi's article The Aim and Method of the Color Image Scale was published in Color Research and Application in 1981.
Refolding Proteins from Inclusion Bodies using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry Guided (DGR) Protein Refolding and MeltTraceur Web
Authors: Lee Mark E. , Dou Xiaoyi , Zhu Yingmin , Phillips Kevin J.
Published: October 2018

Differential Scanning Fluorimetry Guided Refolding (DGR) is a simple methodology that can be used to rapidly screen for and identify conditions capable of accurately refolding protein preparations, such as those obtained from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. It allows for the production in E. coli of functional proteins that would otherwise require far more expensive production methods. This unit describes how to set up a DGR refolding assay, perform DGR refolding trials in microplate format, use MeltTraceur Web software to interactively analyze the resulting data, scale‐up protein production via refolding, and lastly, validate that the protein is properly folded. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.