bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A History of Drug‐Induced Torsades de Pointes Is Associated With T‐wave Morphological Abnormalities
Authors: Bhuiyan Tanveer A. , Graff Claus , Kanters Jørgen K. , Melgaard Jacob , Toft Egon , Kääb Stefan , Struijk Johannes J.
Published: September 2017

The hypothesis of the study is that Torsades de pointes (TdP) history can be better identified using T‐wave morphology compared to Fridericia‐corrected QT interval (QTcF) at baseline. ECGs were recorded at baseline and during sotalol challenge in 20 patients with a history of TdP (+TdP) and 16 patients without previous TdP (–TdP). The QTcF and T‐wave morphology combination score (MCS) were calculated. At baseline, there was no significant difference in QTcF between the groups (+TdP: QTcF = 446 ± 9 ms; –TdP: QTcF = 431 ± 9 ms, P = 0.27). In contrast, MCS was significantly different between the groups at baseline (+TdP: MCS = 1.07 ± 0.095; –TdP: MCS = 0.74 ± 0.07, P = 0.012). Both QTcF and MCS could be used to discriminate between +TdP and –TdP after sotalol but only MCS reached statistical significance at baseline. Combining QTcF with MCS provided a significantly larger difference between groups than QTcF alone.
Genetic and Clinical Factors Are Associated With Statin‐Related Myotoxicity of Moderate Severity: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Bakar Nur Salwani , Neely Dermot , Avery Peter , Brown Colin , Daly Ann K. , Kamali Farhad
Published: September 2017

We evaluated the contribution of patient‐specific clinical and genetic factors to statin‐related muscle toxicity (SRM) without a significant creatine kinase elevation (125 cases related to simvastatin or atorvastatin and 481 controls). The association between 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine candidate genes and clinical factors with SRM was evaluated. Of the 12 SNPs genotyped, only rs4149056 in SLCO1B1 was associated with SRM in univariate analysis (with any statin, odd ratio (OR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–2.62, P = 0.010) and this association was influenced by sex (P = 0.006) and BMI (P = 0.02). In multivariate and binary logistic regression analyses, SLCO1B1 rs4149056 genotype (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.54, P = 0.014) and sex (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.15–2.59, P = 0.006) were independently associated with muscle toxicity related to statin treatment. Patient‐specific genetic and clinical factors associated with increased systemic exposure to statins are implicated in the full spectrum of SRM, including myalgia in addition to severe myopathy.
Preparation of Cobalt‐Based Electrodes by Physical Vapor Deposition on Various Nonconductive Substrates for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Wu Yizhen , Wang Le , Chen Mingxing , Jin Zhaoxia , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: September 2017

Artificial photosynthesis requires efficient anodic electrode materials for water oxidation. Cobalt metal thin films are prepared through facile physical vapor deposition (PVD) on various nonconductive substrates, including regular and quartz glass, mica sheet, polyimide, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Subsequent surface electrochemical modification by cyclic voltammetry (CV) renders these films active for electrocatalytic water oxidation, reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 330 mV in 1.0 m KOH solution. These electrodes are robust with unchanged activity throughout prolonged chronopotentiometry measurements. This work is thus significant to show that the combination of PVD and CV is very valuable and convenient to fabricate active electrodes on various nonconductive substrates, particularly with flexible polyimide and PET substrates. This efficient, safe and convenient method can potentially be expanded to many other electrochemical applications.
Synergistic Interaction of a Gabapentin‐ Mangiferin Combination in Formalin‐Induced Secondary Mechanical Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in Rats Is Mediated by Activation of NO‐Cyclic GMP‐ATP‐Sensitive K+ Channel Pathway
Authors: Godínez‐Chaparro Beatriz , Quiñonez‐Bastidas Geovanna Nallely , Rojas‐Hernández Isabel Rocío , Austrich‐Olivares Amaya Montserrat , Mata‐Bermudez Alfonso
Published: September 2017

Preclinical Research

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat neuropathic pain. Mangiferin is an antioxidant that has antinociceptive and antiallodynic effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction between mangiferin and gabapentin in the development and maintenance of formalin‐induced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in rats. Gabapentin, mangiferin, or their fixed‐dose ratio combination were administrated peripherally. Isobolographic analyses was used to define the nature of the interaction of antiallodynic and/or antihyperalgesic effects of the two compounds. Theoretical ED50 values for the combination were 74.31 µg/paw and 95.20 µg/paw for pre‐ and post‐treatment, respectively. These values were higher than the experimental ED50 values, 29.45 µg/paw and 37.73 µg/paw respectively, indicating a synergistic interaction in formalin‐induced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia. The antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect induced by the gabapentin/mangiferin combination was blocked by administration of L‐NAME, the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, ODQ and glibenclamide. These data suggest that the gabapentin‐ mangiferin combination produces a synergistic interaction at the peripheral level. Moreover, the antiallodynic and hyperalgesic effect induced by the combination is mediated via the activation of an NO‐cyclic GMP‐ATP‐sensitive K+ channel pathway. Drug Dev Res 78 : 390‐402, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTCA (1H‐pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid) as a marker for oxidative hair treatment
Authors: Petzel‐Witt Silvana , Meier Sylvia I. , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred , Toennes Stefan W.
Published: September 2017

Hair analysis for the assessment of alcohol or drug abstinence has become a routine procedure in forensic toxicology. Hair coloration leading to loss of incorporated xenobiotics and to false negative results has turned out to be a major problem. Currently only colored extracts provide hints of manipulations but not bleaching. A liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine 1H‐pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a major oxidation product of melanin. PTCA was determined in natural hair samples (n = 21) after treatment with 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 30 or 40 minutes with concentrations up to 12% for 40 minutes. In another series, 12 natural hair samples were submitted to different coloration procedures (henna, tinting, semi‐permanent and permanent dyeing, bleaching) and the changes in PTCA content were determined. A significant increase in the PTCA content was found for both incubation times and increasing H2O2 concentrations. Coloration with henna or tinting had no influence on PTCA levels detected, but a significant increase was observed after semi‐permanent and permanent dyeing and bleaching. As PTCA concentrations in natural hair were found to be in a range of <2.1–16.4 ng/mg (8.4 ± 3.8 ng/mg, mean ± SD, n = 33), a cut‐off of 20 ng/mg is recommended for the distinction between natural vs. excessively oxidized hair. In case of naturally low melanin content (light‐blond or white hair), no marked increase in PTCA may occur. The present study demonstrated that PTCA is formed during oxidative treatment of melanin in hair, which can be used to detect previous hair coloration including oxidation.
Maximum‐likelihood approaches reveal signatures of positive selection in BMP15 and GDF9 genes modulating ovarian function in mammalian female fertility
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Liu Guiqiong , Jiang Xunping , Edallew Shishay Girmay , Wassie Teketay , Tesema Birhanu , Yun Yu , Pan Liu , Liu Chenhui , Chong Yuqing , Yu Zhao Jia , Jilong Han
Published: September 2017

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and the growth factors (GDFs) play an important role in ovarian folliculogenesis and essential regulator of processes of numerous granulosa cells. BMP15 gene variations linked to various ovarian phenotypic consequences subject to the species, from infertility to improved prolificacy in sheep, primary ovarian insufficiency in women or associated with minor subfertility in mouse. To study the evolving role of BMP15 and GDF9, a phylogenetic analysis was performed. To find out the candidate gene associated with prolificacy in mammals, the nucleotide sequence of BMP15 and GDF9 genes was recognized under positive selection in various mammalian species. Maximum‐likelihood approaches used on BMP15 and GDF9 genes exhibited a robust divergence and a prompted evolution as compared to other TGFβ family members. Furthermore, among 32 mammalian species, we identified positive selection signals in the hominidae clade resulting to 132D, 147E, 163Y, 191W, and 236P codon sites of BMP15 and 162F, 188K, 206R, 240A, 244L, 246H, 248S, 251D, 253L, 254F and other codon sites of GDF9. The positively selected amino acid sites such as Alanine, Lucien, Arginine, and lysine are important for signaling. In conclusion, this study evidences that GDF9 and BMP15 genes have rapid evolution than other TGFß family members and was subjected to positive selection in the mammalian clade. Selected sites under the positive selection are of remarkable significance for the particular functioning of the protein and consequently for female fertility.
Varying congruence among spatial patterns of vascular plants and vertebrates based on habitat groups
Authors: Xu Haigen , Cao Yun , Cao Mingchang , Wu Jun , Wu Yi , Le Zhifang , Cui Peng , Li Jiaqi , Ma Fangzhou , Liu Li , Hu Feilong , Chen Mengmeng , Tong Wenjun
Published: September 2017

Proxies are adopted to represent biodiversity patterns due to inadequate information for all taxa. Despite the wide use of proxies, their efficacy remains unclear. Previous analyses focused on overall species richness for fewer groups, affecting the generality and depth of inference. Biological taxa often exhibit very different habitat preferences. Habitat groupings may be an appropriate approach to advancing the study of richness patterns. Diverse geographical patterns of species richness and their potential mechanisms were then examined for habitat groups. We used a database of the spatial distribution of 32,824 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants from 2,376 counties across China, divided the five taxa into 30 habitat groups, calculated Spearman correlations of species richness among taxa and habitat groups, and tested five hypotheses about richness patterns using multivariate models. We identified one major group [i.e., forest‐ and shrub‐dependent (FS) groups], and some minor groups such as grassland‐dependent vertebrates and desert‐dependent vertebrates. There were mostly high or moderate correlations among FS groups, but mostly low or moderate correlations among other habitat groups. The prominent variables differed among habitat groups of the same taxon, such as birds and reptiles. The sets of predictors were also different within the same habitat, such as forests, grasslands, and deserts. Average correlations among the same habitat groups of vertebrates and among habitat groups of a single taxon were low or moderate, except correlations among FS groups. The sets of prominent variables of species richness differed strongly among habitat groups, although elevation range was the most important variable for most FS groups. The ecological and evolutionary processes that underpin richness patterns might be disparate among different habitat groups. Appropriate groupings based on habitats could reveal important patterns of richness gradients and valuable biodiversity components.
Genetic mating system and mate selection in smallmouth bass
Authors: Franckowiak Ryan P. , Ridgway Mark S. , Wilson Chris C.
Published: September 2017

Mating systems are an important factor influencing the variance in reproductive success among individuals within natural populations and thus have important ecological and evolutionary implications. We used molecular pedigree reconstruction techniques with microsatellite DNA data to characterize the genetic mating system and mate selection in adult smallmouth bass spawning in Lake Opeongo. The genetic mating system of smallmouth bass in this system can be characterized as predominantly monogamous with a low rate of polygynandry particularly among larger individuals. Iteroparous individuals showed a complete absence of interannual mate fidelity, presumably due to the low annual return rate of spawning adults. Within a season, individuals from both sexes pursued additional mating opportunities with males showing greater variance in mate number than females. Female mate selection appeared to be largely random with little evidence for elevated levels of inbreeding in this population. Multiple mating females pursued additional males to whom they were less related than the first male with which they spawned within a given season, however, this pattern varied among years. The mating pattern observed in this population would likely limit the strength of sexual selection and thus could account for the lack of sexual dimorphism and the absence of alternative reproductive tactics in this species.
Intraspecific trait variation can weaken interspecific trait correlations when assessing the whole‐plant economic spectrum
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , Lusk Christopher H. , Bellingham Peter J. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Simpson Angela H. , Kramer‐Walter Kris R.
Published: September 2017

The worldwide plant economic spectrum hypothesis predicts that leaf, stem, and root traits are correlated across vascular plant species because carbon gain depends on leaves being adequately supplied with water and nutrients, and because construction of each organ involves a trade‐off between performance and persistence. Despite its logical and intuitive appeal, this hypothesis has received mixed empirical support. If traits within species diverge in their responses to an environmental gradient, then interspecific trait correlations could be weakened when measured in natural ecosystems. To test this prediction, we measured relative growth rates (RGR) and seven functional traits that have been shown to be related to fluxes of water, nutrients, and carbon across 56 functionally diverse tree species on (1) juveniles in a controlled environment, (2) juveniles in forest understories, and (3) mature trees in forests. Leaf, stem, and fine root traits of juveniles grown in a controlled environment were closely correlated with each other, and with RGR. Remarkably, the seven leaf, stem, and fine root tissue traits spanned a single dimension of variation when measured in the controlled environment. Forest‐grown juveniles expressed lower leaf mass per area, but higher wood and fine root tissue density, than greenhouse‐grown juveniles. Traits and growth rates were decoupled in forest‐grown juveniles and mature trees. Our results indicate that constraints exist on the covariation, not just the variation, among vegetative plant organs; however, divergent responses of traits within species to environmental gradients can mask interspecific trait correlations in natural environments. Correlations among organs and relationships between traits and RGR were strong when plants were compared in a standardized environment. Our results may reconcile the discrepancies seen among studies, by showing that if traits and growth rates of species are compared across varied environments, then the interorgan trait correlations observed in controlled conditions can weaken or disappear.
A Chemoenzymatic Route to a Class of Sucrose Esters
Authors: Possiel Christian , Bäuerle Alexandra , Seibel Jürgen
Published: September 2017

Sucrose esters are the most developed carbohydrate esters and are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we introduce a novel chemoenzymatic pathway for the synthesis of β‐d‐fructofuranosyl‐(2,1)‐α‐d‐uronic acid derivatives, a new class of sucrose esters.
Effect of Porous Metal Flow Field in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell under Pressurized Condition
Authors: Ahn C.‐Y. , Lim M. S. , Hwang W. , Kim S. , Park J. E. , Lim J. , Choi I. , Cho Y.‐H. , Sung Y.‐E.
Published: September 2017

A flow field represents an interesting research area related to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as it is a component crucial for the distribution of gas‐phase reactants. In this study, a metal foam was characterized and applied as a flow field in a PEMFC unit cell. In addition, the electrochemical performance of the metal foam was compared with that of the commonly used serpentine flow field. At a relative humidity (RH) of 100%, no significant difference in performance was observed between the metal foam and serpentine flow field. However, the performance of a single cell with the metal foam was superior to that of the common flow field under an RH of 20% under pressurized conditions. Furthermore, the factors affecting fuel cell performance by application of the flow field were discussed.
What happens to the employment of disabled individuals when all financial disincentives to work are abolished?
Authors: Vall Castelló Judit
Published: September 2017

Policymakers and organizations representing people with disabilities have highlighted the importance of promoting the employment prospects of disabled individuals as a determinant to ensure their broader integration into the society. Policy reforms that attempt to incentivise disabled individuals to work typically involve reduced financial punishments for earning above a predetermined threshold (substantial gainful activity). This paper exploits a Spanish reform that entirely eliminated any disincentives for disabled individuals to work. Partially disabled individuals in Spain are subject to income taxation in all regions except in the province of Bizkaia. Before 2007, partially disabled individuals in Bizkaia were exempt from income taxation if they did not work. In December 2006, a new law was passed in Bizkaia that distinguished between individuals aged 55 or younger, who were no longer tax‐exempt, and those who were older than 55 years, who continued to be tax‐exempt if they did not work. I exploit this change in the legislation and employ both a difference‐in‐difference strategy comparing the employment outcomes of disabled young men across provinces and time as well as a triple difference model with disabled men older than 55 years, who are unaffected by the policy. My results show that the reform increased the probability of working by 6.5 percentage points for disabled men aged 55 or younger.
The eldercare landscape: Evidence from California
Authors: McMillen Daniel P. , Powers Elizabeth T.
Published: September 2017

Although the literature suggests that nursing home location is instrumental to the efficient functioning of the long‐term care industry, there has been little research directly focused on the spatial distribution of nursing homes. We discuss factors that may influence nursing home location choice, emphasizing agglomeration economies around hospitals. We estimate econometric models of location using information on all freestanding, MediCal‐licensed long‐term care facilities in the state of California. We find that nursing homes are more likely to locate in the same Census tract as a hospital and are more likely to locate in tracts nearer to those containing a hospital.
Not feeling well … true or exaggerated? Self‐assessed health as a leading health indicator
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Bachelet Maria , Riccardini Fabiola
Published: September 2017

We provide original, international evidence documenting that self‐assessed health (SAH) is a leading health indicator, that is, a significant predictor of future changes in health conditions, in a large sample of Europeans aged above 50 and living in 13 different countries. We find that, after controlling for attrition bias, lagged SAH is significantly and negatively correlated with changes in the number of chronic diseases, net of the correlations with levels, and changes in sociodemographic factors and health styles, country and regional health system effects, and declared symptoms. Illness‐specific estimates document that lagged SAH significantly correlates with arthritis, cholesterol, and lung diseases (and weakly so with ulcer, hypertension, and cataracts) and has a significant correlation with the probability of contracting cancer. Interpretations and policy implications of our findings are discussed in the paper.
Teaching metaphorical extensions of private events through rival‐model observation to children with autism
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Belisle Jordan , Munoz Bridget E. , Stanley Caleb R. , Rowsey Kyle E.
Published: September 2017

The study evaluated the efficacy of observational learning using the rival‐model technique in teaching three children with autism to state metaphorical statements about emotions when provided a picture, as well as to intraverbally state an appropriate emotion when provided a scenario and corresponding metaphorical emotion. The results provide a preliminary evaluation of how an observational teaching strategy may be effective in teaching children with autism to correctly tact emotions when given metaphors.
Antimicrobial effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields from commercially available water treatment devices – controlled studies under static and flow conditions
Authors: Piyadasa Chathuri , Yeager Thomas R , Gray Stephen R , Stewart Matthew B , Ridgway Harry F , Pelekani Con , Orbell John D
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Pulsed‐electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices are marketed and utilized for the non‐chemical management of biofouling, with little scientific validation of their effectiveness. Proof‐of‐principle studies were carried out previously to systematically investigate the effect of two such commercial devices on the culturability of bacteria under controlled static (i.e. non‐flowing) conditions and anti‐microbial effects were demonstrated. However, such effects were small and an expanded investigation, using these devices and including the effect of flow, was deemed necessary.

RESULTS

The effect of the electromagnetic fields generated by the same two commercial devices on the bacterial culturability ofEscherichia coliandPseudomonas fluorescensunder flow conditions has been contrasted with previous static results. It has been found that the effectiveness of PEMF exposure depends on waveform, extent of flow, type of bacteria and PEMF exposure duration.

CONCLUSION

Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects are observed that are uniquely dependent upon device type (i.e. a range of parameters including waveform), species of microorganism, presence and degree of flow and PEMF exposure time. For both devices and both microorganisms, stimulatory effects are uniformly observed for one device under static conditions and inhibitory effects are uniformly observed for the other device at low flow and for the former at high flow. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Association of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms with occult hepatitis B virus infection in a Shaanxi Han population
Authors: Wang Tianju , Shen Chunmei , Chen Liping , Liu Sheng , Ji Yanhong
Published: September 2017

Background

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is defined as HBV DNA detection in serum or in the liver by sensitive diagnostic tests in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) negative patients with or without serologic markers of previous HBV exposure. Because the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is an integral component of the immune response, we hypothesized that the highly polymorphic HLA genes were the key determinants of HBV persistence and clearance. The present study aimed to calculate the allelic frequency of HLA loci and investigate the association between HLA alleles and the outcome of OBI in Shaanxi Han population in the northwest of China.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study between 107 OBI subjects and 280 healthy control individuals from blood donors of Shaanxi Blood Center. Five HLA loci, including HLA‐A,‐B,‐C,‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1, were selected and further genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (SBT) method.

Results

Using the chi‐squared test, we found that the allele frequencies of HLA‐B*44:03 [odds ratios (OR) = 2.146, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.070–4.306, p = 0.028]; C*07:01 (OR = 4.693, CI = 1.822–12.086, p = 0.000); DQB1*02:02 (OR = 1.919, CI = 1.188–3.101, p = 0.007); and DRB1*07:01 (OR = 2.012, CI = 1.303–3.107, p = 0.001) were markedly higher in the OBI group compared to the healthy control group. The allele frequencies of HLA‐DRB1*08:03 (OR = 0.395, CI = 0.152–1.027, p = 0.049); DRB1*15:01 (OR = 0.495, CI = 0.261–0.940, p = 0.029); and DQB1*06:02 (OR = 0.500, CI = 0.249–1.005, p = 0.048) were obviously lower in the OBI group compared to the healthy control group. These data indicated that HLA‐B*44:03, C*07:01, DQB1*02:02 and DRB1*07:01 were related to OBI infection, whereas HLA‐DRB1*08:03, DRB1*15:01 and DQB1*06:02 alleles were associated with HBV DNA clearance in a Shaanxi Han population.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that host HLA gene is an important influencing factor for OBI pathogenesis.
The future of money and further applications of the blockchain
Authors: Adams Richard , Parry Glenn , Godsiff Phil , Ward Peter
Published: September 2017

Blockchain technology provides an exciting application space for innovation in diverse domains but threatens disintermediation for organizations providing a trusted and auditable account of ownership and transactions. It needs, however, an appropriate regulation to keep pace with technological developments. Technology remains very young, akin to the Internet in the early 1990s. Use cases, practical demonstrators, standards, and lexical consistency are urgently required.
Halophytes in biosaline agriculture: Mechanism, utilization, and value addition
Authors: Nikalje Ganesh C. , Srivastava Ashish K. , Pandey Girdhar K. , Suprasanna Penna
Published: September 2017

Land is considered as the life‐sustaining platform for food and water. However, there are contaminants such as salt, heavy metal, and industrial waste that decrease land fertility, posing serious threat to sustainable agriculture. In recent years, novel crop varieties with improved tolerance against environmental contaminants have been developed, but most of them face severe yield penalty. Alternatively, naturally tolerant plants such as extremophiles can be screened for their potential as crops. These crops should be tolerant to various abiotic stresses, perform better under extreme conditions and produce higher biomass and yield. In view of this, the present review focuses on the effects of saline soil on plants and how a class of plants termed as “halophytes” can tolerate high levels of salt. The potential applications of halophytes in phytoremediation, desalination, secondary metabolite production, medicine, food, and saline agriculture have been discussed. A concept of saline agriculture has been proposed for rehabilitation of saline and degraded lands. In this context, a potential halophyte is cultivated in salt‐contaminated soil for desalination. The harvested halophyte can have industrial value, and later on, rehabilitated soil can be utilized for agriculture purpose. Some success with halophyte cultivation has been demonstrated in environmentally degraded soils, and it is imperative that large‐scale adoption of halophytes, as potential candidates, can be accorded top priority for rehabilitating contaminated soils, which can pave way for sustainable agriculture.
Amorphous Electrically Actuating Submicron Fiber Waveguides
Authors: Ishii Yuya , Nobeshima Taiki , Sakai Heisuke , Omori Keisho , Uemura Sei , Fukuda Mitsuo
Published: September 2017

Amorphous electrically actuating submicron fiber waveguides are promising building blocks for creating novel opto‐electromechanical devices. In this study, waveguiding and electrically actuating properties of the waveguides composed of racemic poly(lactic acid) and a dye are investigated. The fibers have mean diameters of <0.4 µm, and each fiber demonstrates subwavelength waveguiding with a loss coefficient of 1.5 × 10−4–8.3 × 10−4 µm−1 at 0.63 µm wavelength. Light propagates with a near‐light speed group velocity between wavelengths of 0.59 and 0.63 µm, where the fraction of power inside the core is 0.13–0.28. The fiber mat thicknesses change in response to both the polarity and the magnitude of an applied voltage, similar to the inverse‐piezoelectric effect. The estimated values for both the apparent piezoelectric constant (29 000 × 10−12 m V−1) and Young's modulus (1.5 kPa) indicate a high degree of electricity actuation and a soft mat. Extremely small, soft, and electrically actuating waveguides can produce novel opto‐electromechanical devices.
Eigenvalues of Robin Laplacians in infinite sectors
Authors: Khalile Magda , Pankrashkin Konstantin
Published: September 2017

For , let denote the infinite planar sector of opening 2α,
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600314:mana201600314-math-0003and be the Laplacian in , , with the Robin boundary condition , where stands for the outer normal derivative and . The essential spectrum of does not depend on the angle α and equals , and the discrete spectrum is non‐empty if and only if . In this case we show that the discrete spectrum is always finite and that each individual eigenvalue is a continous strictly increasing function of the angle α. In particular, there is just one discrete eigenvalue for . As α approaches 0, the number of discrete eigenvalues becomes arbitrary large and is minorated by with a suitable , and the nth eigenvalue of behaves as
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600314:mana201600314-math-0018and admits a full asymptotic expansion in powers of α2. The eigenfunctions are exponentially localized near the origin. The results are also applied to δ‐interactions on star graphs.
Elliptic subcovers of hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Kani Ernst
Published: September 2017

The main result of this paper states that if C is a hyperelliptic curve of even genus over an arbitrary field K, then there is a natural bijection between the set of equivalence classes of elliptic subcovers of and the set of elliptic subgroups of its Jacobian .
Optimal decay rates for the viscoelastic wave equation
Authors: Mustafa Muhammad I.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we consider a viscoelastic equation with minimal conditions on the
relaxation function g, namely,
, where H is an increasing and convex function near the origin and ξ is a nonincreasing function. With only these very general assumptions on the behavior of gat infinity, we establish optimal explicit and general energy decay results from which we can recover the optimal exponential and polynomial rates when H(s)=sp and p covers the full admissible range [1,2). We get the best decay rates expected under this level of generality, and our new results substantially improve several earlier related results in the literature.
Cellulose filaments reinforced low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Diallo Abdou K. , Jahier Claire , Drolet Richard , Tolnai Balazs , Montplaisir Daniel
Published: September 2017

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) was reinforced with cellulose filaments (CF) and the influence of CF loading on the mechanical properties and water absorption behavior was evaluated. A maximum of 40% (w/w) CF content was found to provide excellent mechanical properties with respect to neat LDPE. A comparison of mechanical properties of LDPE‐CF composites and LDPE‐glass fiber (GF) composites showed a potential advantage of CF as reinforcement in term of cost and specific properties over conventional GF reinforcement. Moreover, no improvement in the mechanical properties was observed when a compatibilizing agent, such as maleic anhydride modified polyethylene was added during the manufacturing of LDPE‐CF composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:16–23, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
School and community factors involved in Chilean students’ perception of school safety
Authors: López Verónica , Torres‐Vallejos Javier , Villalobos‐Parada Boris , Gilreath Tamika D. , Ascorra Paula , Bilbao Marian , Morales Macarena , Carrasco Claudia
Published: September 2017

Identifying and understanding predictors of school safety perceptions is important due to its consequences for students. However, it is not clear what school‐related factors most contribute to explaining students’ perception of school safety, and how they relate to community‐related factors such as neighborhood safety. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors associated with Chilean elementary and middle school students’ perceptions of school safety. We used a sample of 5,455 students from low socioeconomic status public schools, and analyzed the predictive value of peer physical and verbal victimization; teacher and school staff victimization; teacher's social support; and perception of safety in the students’ neighborhoods on perceptions of school safety. Findings showed that although different forms of school violence, particularly peer physical victimization and physical and sexual victimization from teachers and school staff, contribute to students’ perception of school safety, the highest contribution came from students perceiving their neighborhoods as unsafe. In contrast, teacher social support contributed to increased levels of perceived school safety. We discuss the need for school‐based interventions that address physical victimization and engage teachers in prosocial and less punitive approaches to foster a positive and safe school climate, and in fostering school–community partnerships.
Two salts and the salt cocrystal of ciprofloxacin with thiobarbituric and barbituric acids: The structure and properties
Authors: Golovnev Nicolay N. , Molokeev Maxim S. , Lesnikov Maxim K. , Atuchin Victor V.
Published: September 2017

Ciprofloxacin (CfH, C17H18FN3O3) crystallizes with 2‐thiobarbituric (H2tba) and barbituric acid (H2ba) in the aqueous solution to yield salt CfH2(Htba)·3H2O (1), salt cocrystal CfH2(Hba)(H2ba)·3H2O (2), and salt CfH2(Hba)·H2O (3). The compounds are structurally characterized by the X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds N–H⋯O and O–H⋯O formed by water molecules, Htba−/Hba− and CfH2+ ions, and H2ba molecules stabilize the crystal structures of 1 to 3. Hydrogen bonds form a 2D plane network in the salts of 1 and 3 and a 3D network in the salt cocrystal of 2. There are different π‐π interactions in 1 to 3. The compounds have been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The compounds dehydration ends at 130°C to 150°C, and their oxidative decomposition is observed in the range of 250°C to 275°C.
Higher order structures of Adalimumab, Infliximab and their complexes with TNFα revealed by electron microscopy
Authors: Tran Bich Ngoc , Chan Siew Leong , Ng Chloe , Shi Jian , Correia Ivan , Radziejewski Czeslaw , Matsudaira Paul
Published: September 2017

Adalimumab and Infliximab are recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind and neutralize human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). TNFα forms a stable homotrimer with unique surface‐exposed sites for Adalimumab, Infliximab, and TNF receptor binding. Here, we report the structures of Adalimumab‐TNFα and Infliximab‐TNFα complexes modeled from negative stain EM and cryo‐EM images. EM images reveal complex structures consisting of 1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 3:2 complexes of Adalimumab‐TNFα and Infliximab‐TNFα. The 2:2 complex structures of Adalimumab‐TNFα and Infliximab‐TNFα show diamond‐shaped profiles and the 2D class averages reveal distinct orientations of the Fab domains, indicating different binding modes by Adalimumab and Infliximab to TNFα. After separation by size exclusion chromatography and analysis by negative stain EM, the 3:2 complexes of Adalimumab‐TNFα or Infliximab‐TNFα complexes are more complicated but retain features recognized in the 2:2 complexes. Preliminary cryo‐EM analysis of 3:2 Adalimumab‐TNFα complex generated a low‐resolution density consistent with a TNFα trimer bound with three Fab domains from three individual antibody molecules, while each antibody molecule binds to two molecules of TNFα trimer. The Fc domains are not visible in the reconstruction. These results show the two mAbs form structurally distinct complexes with TNFα.
Systems Pharmacology Model of Gastrointestinal Damage Predicts Species Differences and Optimizes Clinical Dosing Schedules
Authors: Shankaran Harish , Cronin Anna , Barnes Jen , Sharma Pradeep , Tolsma John , Jasper Paul , Mettetal Jerome T.
Published: September 2017

Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are frequently dose limiting for oncology agents, requiring extensive clinical testing of alternative schedules to identify optimal dosing regimens. Here, we develop a translational mathematical model to predict these clinical AEs starting from preclinical GI toxicity data. The model structure incorporates known biology and includes stem cells, daughter cells, and enterocytes. Published data, including cellular numbers and division times, informed the system parameters for humans and rats. The drug‐specific parameters were informed with preclinical histopathology data from rats treated with irinotecan. The model fit the rodent irinotecan‐induced pathology changes well. The predicted time course of enterocyte loss in patients treated with weekly doses matched observed AE profiles. The model also correctly predicts a lower level of AEs for every 3 weeks (Q3W), as compared to the weekly schedule.
Assessing Waste Generation Efficiency in EU Regions towards Sustainable Environmental Policies
Authors: Halkos George , Petrou Kleoniki Natalia
Published: September 2017

This paper employs data envelopment analysis (DEA) to consider waste generation at a regional level in the European Union (EU). By doing so both good and bad outputs are taken into account and different frameworks are designed. Five parameters (waste generation, employment rate, capital formation, GDP and population density) are used for 172 EU regions and for the years 2009, 2011 and 2013. In this way four frameworks have been designed, each with different inputs and outputs. The results show the most efficient EU regions according to each framework, but it should be noted that results from different frameworks should not be compared with each other. Overall results suggest that the highest performers are regions in Belgium, Italy, Portugal and the UK. Finally, the efficiency results from DEA were reviewed against the treatment options employed in the relevant regions to assess overall sustainability of the regions examined. Findings show that, although a country might be efficient according to DEA and by taking various factors into consideration, this does not necessarily mean that regions within a country use sustainable waste treatment options, as it is essential to account for trade and shipment of waste between regions and countries as well. These findings may prove valuable for the planning of environmental policies, especially on an EU regional level. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sorption‐Enhanced Steam Reforming of Ethylene Glycol over Dual Functional Hydrotalcite Materials Promoted with Pt and Ru
Authors: Dewoolkar Karan D. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: September 2017

Catalytic steam reforming of renewable bio‐oxygenates coupled with on‐site carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is a potential option for sustainable hydrogen (H2) production. The current work focuses on high‐purity H2 production over modified hydrotalcite (HTlc) based multi‐functional hybrid materials via sorption‐enhanced steam reforming of ethylene glycol. The unpromoted hybrid material (HM1) was copper‐based HTlc, integrated with nickel. HM1 was promoted with platinum and ruthenium to yield two novel hybrid materials (Pt‐HM1 and Ru‐HM1). The performance of HM1, Pt‐HM1 and Ru‐HM1 was compared. Our lab‐made hybrid materials exhibited encouraging performance, e. g., improved H2 production, less by‐product formation, long‐term stability and no coking. Particularly, promotion of the hybrid materials with platinum and ruthenium proved beneficial, due to the high H2 concentration in the product stream (98.6 and 93.2% for Pt‐HM1 and Ru‐HM1). Interestingly, the adsorption capacity of Ru‐HM1 (1.3 mol CO2 kg sorbent−1) was higher than that of Pt‐HM1 (0.93 mol CO2 kg sorbent−1) and HM1 (0.43 mol CO2 kg sorbent−1) at their optimal conditions. The cyclic resilience of the hybrid materials was also encouraging. Ru‐HM1, Pt‐HM1 and HM1 remained durable for 22, 16 and 8 cycles, correspondingly. Finally, a likely reaction mechanism followed over the hybrid materials was proposed.
Calcium and Strontium Coordination Polymers Based on Rigid and Flexible Aromatic Dicarboxylates: Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Balendra  , Banday Azeem , Murugavel Sevi , Kanaujia Pawan K. , Prakash G. Vijaya , Ramanan Arunachalam
Published: September 2017

Alkaline‐earth based coordination polymers (CPs) with rigid frameworks are promising candidates for future dielectrics. During our attempts to engineer new calcium and strontium dicarboxylates under solvothermal condition, we synthesized six CPs, namely, [Sr(BDC)(DMA)(H2O)] (1), [Ca(ABDC)(DMF)] (2), [Ca(ABDC)(DMA)2/3] (3), [Sr(ABDC)(DMF)] (4), [Sr(OBA)(MF)] (5) and {[Sr(FBA)(DMA)(H2O)].(DMA)(EtOH)(H2O)]} (6) [where, BDC=1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, ABDC=2‐aminoterephthalic acid, OBA=4,4’‐oxybis(benzoic acid) and FBA=4,4’‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid)] and established its full structures using single crystal X‐ray crystallography. A significant structural feature of all the solids was the occurrence of rigid 1D columns made of metal carboxylate coordination. All the solids showed interesting dielectric behaviour and exhibited photoluminescence with blue or bluish‐green emission.
Kinetics of Anti‐Kasha Photoreactions. Direct Excitation of a Higher Excited State
Authors: Tomin Vladimir I. , Dubrovkin Joseph M.
Published: September 2017

Excited‐state reactions (ESR) are of overwhelming importance in chemistry, physics and biology. Kinetics and steady‐state characteristics of ESR are usually analyzed in the framework of the model, in which the first excited state of the initial form is populated. Due to the growing attention which is lately paid to the reactions excited through the energy levels higher than the first singlet level, we had developed new model of these reactions, describing the time characteristics of the normal form and the photoproduct populations. The system was excited via the higher
singlet state. Generation of reaction product from both the first
and
excited states was studied. The model of arbitrary ESR was represented as a system of linear differential equations. Precise analytical solution was firstly obtained for the general case. Numerical analysis carried out on ESR parameters made it possible to reveal the role of reverse ESR, to estimates the
state lifetime effect and the contribution of product formation due to the opening of its generation channel through the
state. Data obtained theoretically was presented in graphical form which allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms of the photochemical processes and criteria for improving the efficiency of anti‐Kasha processes.
Synthesis of Phenylselenopyrans and Lactones from Allylic Alcohols and Acids via Baylis‐Hillman Reaction
Authors: Reddy Thatikonda Narendar , Swetha Chanda , Ramesh Perla , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Jayathirtha Rao Vaidya
Published: September 2017

A convenient, fast and high‐yielding strategy for the synthesis of phenylselenopyran and lactone derivatives from unsaturated alcohols and acids has been developed using Baylis‐Hillman acetates and phenylselenyl chloride, a procedure accompanied by the incorporation of the PhSe group into the organic framework. Furthermore, we describe an efficient modified protocol for the allylation of Baylis‐Hillman acetates using allylzinc bromide in fine yields and proceeds well in the absence of the external additive.
Superior Potassium Ion Storage via Vertical MoS2 “Nano‐Rose” with Expanded Interlayers on Graphene
Authors: Xie Keyu , Yuan Kai , Li Xin , Lu Wei , Shen Chao , Liang Chenglu , Vajtai Robert , Ajayan Pulickel , Wei Bingqing
Published: September 2017

Potassium has its unique advantages over lithium or sodium as a charge carrier in rechargeable batteries. However, progresses in K‐ion battery (KIB) chemistry have so far been hindered by lacking suitable electrode materials to host the relatively large K+ ions compared to its Li+ and Na+ counterparts. Herein, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) “roses” grown on reduced graphene oxide sheets (MoS2@rGO) are synthesized via a two‐step solvothermal route. The as‐synthesized MoS2@rGO composite, with expanded interlayer spacing of MoS2, chemically bonded between MoS2 and rGO, and a unique nano‐architecture, displays the one of the best electrochemical performances to date as an anode material for nonaqueous KIBs. More importantly, a combined K+ storage mechanism of intercalation and conversion reaction is also revealed. The findings presented indicate the enormous potential of layered metal dichalcogenides as advanced electrode materials for high‐performance KIBs and also provide new insights and understanding of K+ storage mechanism.
Flexible Broadband Graphene Photodetectors Enhanced by Plasmonic Cu3−xP Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Sun Tian , Wang Yongjie , Yu Wenzhi , Wang Yusheng , Dai Zhigao , Liu Zeke , Shivananju Bannur Nanjunda , Zhang Yupeng , Fu Kai , Shabbir Babar , Ma Wanli , Li Shaojuan , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: September 2017

The integration of graphene with colloidal quantum dots (QDs) that have tunable light absorption affords new opportunities for optoelectronic applications as such a hybrid system solves the problem of both quantity and mobility of photocarriers. In this work, a hybrid system comprising of monolayer graphene and self‐doped colloidal copper phosphide (Cu3−xP) QDs is developed for efficient broadband photodetection. Unlike conventional PbS QDs that are toxic, Cu3−xP QDs are environmental friendly and have plasmonic resonant absorption in near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength. The half‐covered graphene with Cu3−xP nanocrystals (NCs) behaves as a self‐driven p–n junction and shows durable photoresponse in NIR range. A comparison experiment reveals that the surface ligand attached to Cu3−xP NCs plays a key role in determining the charge transfer efficiency from Cu3−xP to graphene. The most efficient three‐terminal photodetectors based on graphene‐Cu3−xP exhibit broadband photoresponse from 400 to 1550 nm with an ultrahigh responsivity (1.59 × 105 A W−1) and high photoconductive gain (6.66 × 105) at visible wavelength (405 nm), and a good responsivity of 9.34 A W−1 at 1550 nm. The demonstration of flexible graphene‐Cu3−xP photodetectors operated at NIR wavelengths may find potential applications in optical sensing, biological imaging, and wearable devices.
High‐Efficiency Organic Tandem Solar Cells With Effective Transition Metal Chelates Interconnecting Layer
Authors: Chang Sheng‐Yung , Lin Yu‐Che , Sun Pengyu , Hsieh Yao‐Tsung , Meng Lei , Bae Sang‐Hoon , Su Yu‐Wei , Huang Wenchao , Zhu Chenhui , Li Gang , Wei Kung‐Hwa , Yang Yang
Published: September 2017

Organic tandem solar cells have two sub‐cells vertically connected via a tunnel junction (or interconnecting layer, ICL), which the ICL plays a critical role of determining the performance of the tandem cell. In this manuscript, we report a new design of the ICL consisting of zirconium (IV) acetylacetonate (Zr‐Acac) as the electron transport layer. The Zr‐Acac has a suitable work function to pin the Fermi‐level of the ICL and hence, can effectively behave as the charge recombination function for the tandem device. Comparing to the reference device consisting of ZnO ETL layer, the Zr‐Acac ICL can effectively enhance the efficiency by 20%, from 8.4 to 10.1% power conversion efficiencies. More importantly, the Zr‐Acac ETL layer functions effectively without thermal annealing, which not only simplifies the tandem solar cell processing, but also widens the front sub‐cell material selection.