bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of surface warming amplification over the Tibetan Plateau after the late 1990s using surface energy balance equation
Authors: Su Jiayi , Duan Anmin , Xu Haiming
Published: February 2017

Land surface warming is amplified over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) compared with the global climate warming hiatus since the end of the 1990s. Based on in situ observations and two reanalysis datasets, the processes involved were investigated by calculating partial temperature changes using the surface energy budget equation. The results indicated that the enhanced downward longwave radiation under clear‐sky condition and the positive surface albedo feedback (SAF) related to the reduced snow cover are responsible for the pronounced surface warming, especially in winter. Meanwhile, the changes in cloud radiative forcing, surface sensible and latent heat fluxes (H + LE), and heat storage (Q) had a much weaker cooling effect. These results indicate that the enhancement of downward clear‐sky longwave radiative fluxes and SAF have played an important role in the accelerated surface warming over the TP during recent decades.
Behavior of the Guanine Base in G‐quadruplexes Probed by the Fluorescent Guanine Analog, 6‐Methyl Isoxanthopterin
Authors: Han Ji Hoon , Chitrapriya Nataraj , Lee Hyun Suk , Lee Young‐Ae , Kim Seog K. , Jung Maeng‐Joon
Published: February 2017

In this study, circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and fluorescence techniques were used to examine the dynamic properties and microenvironment of the guanine base (G) at the central loop and at the middle of the G‐stem of the G‐quadruplex formed from the G3T2G3TGTG3T2G3
sequence (G‐quadruplex 1), in which the G base at the 10th and 13th position were replaced with a fluorescent G analog, 6‐methyl isoxanthopterin (6MI) (G‐quadruplex 2 and 3, respectively). For all G‐quadruplexes, the CD spectrum revealed a positive band at 263 nm and a shoulder at 298 nm, and the thermal melting profiles were the sum of at least two sigmoidal curves. These observations indicated the presence of two conformers in the G‐quadruplex. The fluorescence intensity of G‐quadruplex 2 was greater than 3, as expected from the extent of stacking interaction, which is larger in the G(6MI)G sequence than the T(6MI)T sequence. The efficiency of fluorescence quenching by the polar acrylamide quencher and negatively charged I− quencher were larger for G‐quadruplex 3, suggesting that 6MI in the G(6MI)G stem is exposed more to the aqueous environment compared to that in the T(6MI)T central loop. In the latter case, 6MI may direct to the center of the top G‐quartet layer. The possibility of hydrogen bond formation between the carbonyl group of 6MI and the acrylamide of the G‐quadruplex 3 was proposed.
Organocatalyzed α‐Sulfenylation of Carbonyl Compounds Using N‐Formyl/Acyl Sulfenamides
Authors: Noh Hyeong‐Wan , Lee Chan , Jang Hye‐Young
Published: February 2017

α‐Sulfenylation of aldehydes and ketones using N‐formyl and N‐acyl sulfenamides, prepared by Cu‐catalyzed aerobic coupling of amides and thiols, was achieved in the presence of cyclic secondary amine⋅HCl catalysts. To obtain various sulfur‐functionalized carbonyl compounds, sulfenamides containing aromatic and aliphatic organosulfur were investigated. As carbonyl compounds, cyclic and acyclic ketones, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, and aldehydes were investigated, affording the desired α‐sulfenylation products in good yields.
Novel UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the determination of rotigotine in the plasma of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mohamed Susan , Riva Roberto , Contin Manuela
Published: February 2017

A novel ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of the dopamine receptor agonist rotigotine in human plasma. Following liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether from 500 μL plasma, the chromatographic analysis was performed on a Gemini NX3 column using 5 mm pH 5.0 ammonium acetate–5 mm ammonium acetate in methanol as binary gradient mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The MS/MS ion transitions were 316.00 → 147.00 for rotigotine and 256.10 → 211.00 for the internal standard (lamotrigine). The lower limit of quantitation was 50 pg/mL and the linearity was determined from 50 to 2500 pg/mL. The mean recovery was 96.9%. Both intra‐ and interassay imprecision and inaccuracy were ≤15% at all quality control concentrations. The method was successfully applied to measure morning trough plasma rotigotine concentrations in a series of patients with Parkinson's disease on chronic treatment. The present study describes the first fully validated method for rotigotine determination in human plasma.
1‐Aminobenzocyclobutene‐1‐phosphonic Acid and Related Compounds as Inhibitors of Phenylalanine Ammonia‐Lyase
Authors: Zoń Jerzy , Miziak Piotr
Published: February 2017

Five new geminal aminocycloalkanephosphonic acids (4 – 8) containing both an aromatic ring and a cycloalkane ring were synthesized and evaluated as potential inhibitors of buckwheat phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL). Within the set of compounds which are related to 2‐aminoindane‐2‐phosphonic acid (AIP, 3), a known powerful inhibitor of PAL, racemic 1‐aminobenzocyclobutene‐1‐phosphonic acid (4), was six times weaker than AIP as an in vitro inhibitor of buckwheat PAL, but six times stronger than AIP as an in vivo inhibitor of phenylalanine‐derived anthocyanin synthesis in buckwheat.
Fibers and Particles in Stirred Systems: Influence on the Flow Velocities
Authors: Lomtscher Annett , Jobst Karin , Kraume Matthias
Published: February 2017

Die Auslegung und Optimierung von Mischprozessen faseriger Suspensionen erfordert eine umfassende Quantifizierung vorhandener Zusammenhänge zwischen den Zustandsgrößen der Suspension, den zu wählenden Prozessgrößen und dem Mischergebnis. In experimentellen Untersuchungen zeigt sich, dass die faserigen Bestandteile die Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten wesentlich beeinflussen. Partikelgröße und ‐form nehmen Einfluss auf die Höhe der Geschwindigkeiten, so dass die Verwendung von vereinfachten, partikelfreien Modellstoffsystemen für die Nachbildung von Mischprozessen faseriger Fluide nicht oder nur bedingt geeignet ist.
Particle Image Velocimetry Compared to CFD Simulation of Stirred Vessels with Helical Coils
Authors: Jährling Katja , Wolinski Sven , Stefan Alexander , Helle Hagen , Bliem Volker , Ulbricht Mathias , Schultz Heyko Juergen
Published: February 2017

The results of measurements using two different particle image velocimetry (PIV) systems (2D‐PIV versus stereo‐PIV) are compared and the obtained data with a coupled CFD simulation are also correlated. A stirred vessel with internal helical coil as additional heat exchanger is analyzed with these settings. Results for the velocity fields and turbulent kinetic energy distribution are shown and the feasibility of stereo‐PIV measurements by using refractive index matching fluid is proven. This investigation provides a good accordance and consistency between the different PIV systems and the related CFD.
KRAS mutation in papillary fibroelastoma: a true cardiac neoplasm?
Authors: Wittersheim Maike , Heydt Carina , Hoffmann Fabian , Büttner Reinhard
Published: February 2017

Primary cardiac tumours are rare and mostly benign lesions. Recent publications report that cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are the most common benign primary heart tumour, outnumbering myxomas. However, there is no consensus about their aetiology. We investigated the molecular profile of these tumours using next generation sequencing in a cohort of 16 cases. Eleven of 14 (79%) analysable tumours showed mutations of the KRAS oncogene. Our results provide unambiguous evidence that a significant proportion of these lesions are genuine neoplastic tumours caused by an oncogenic driver mutation.
Double‐Strand Breaks in Genome‐Sized DNA Caused by Ultrasound
Authors: Kubota Rinko , Yamashita Yusuke , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Yoshikawa Yuko , Yoshida Kenji , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Imanaka Tadayuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: February 2017

DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) caused by ultrasound were evaluated in a quantitative manner by single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy. We compared the effect of time‐interval (or pulse) sonication to that of continuous wave (CW) sonication at a fixed frequency of 30 kHz. Pulses caused fewer DSBs than CW sonication under the same total input ultrasound energy when the pulse repetition period was above the order of a second. In contrast, pulses caused more DSBs than CW sonication for pulse widths shorter than a second. These effect of ultrasound on DNA were interpreted in terms of the time‐dependent decay in the probability of breakage during the duration of a pulse. We propose a simple phenomenological model by considering a characteristic decay in the probability of DSBs during single‐pulse sonication, which reproduces the essence of the experimental trend. In addition, a data analysis revealed a characteristic scaling behavior between the number of pulses and the number of DSBs.
Environmental Policy Performances for Sustainable Development: From the Perspective of ISO 14001 Certification
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Noh Yonghwi , Choi Donghyun , Rha Jin Sung
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the financial performances of environmental policy by using the long‐term effect of ISO 14001 certification. Drawing on a natural‐resource‐based view of the firm, this study examined abnormal performances of ISO 14001 certified firms on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) in the USA during the period 1996–2010 employing a rigorous event study methodology. The results indicate that the profitability variables showed immediate positive abnormal effects after firms applied for the ISO 14001 certification, while the market benefit variable showed gradual improvements after obtaining the certification. However, ISO 14001 did not show significant effect on the internal process improvement. Overall, ISO 14001 was found beneficial to the firm in the long run from the perspectives of profitability and market benefits. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
How do virtual corporate social responsibility dialogs generate value? A case study of The Unilever Sustainable Living Lab
Authors: Jurietti Emanuela , Mandelli Andreina , Fudurić Morana
Published: February 2017

Today, companies have an increasing need to integrate stakeholders in CSR processes. The emergence of web 2.0 platforms and social media not only facilitates stakeholder interaction, but has also led to a new form of interaction opportunity called co‐creation. We use a single case study of The Unilever Sustainable Living Lab to empirically test the virtual CSR dialogs framework, which is the main contribution of the paper. More specifically, we examine the extent to which CSR value can be generated by incorporating specific social media platforms that allow co‐creation among users and companies. The findings indicate dialog characteristics were critical when designing co‐creation dialogs on sustainability. Additionally, we confirmed the link between dialog characteristics and community identification and CSR expectations. However, the model failed to illustrate the difference between opportunities of co‐creation, i.e., dialog characteristics, and actual co‐creation experience. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A power efficient buck‐boost converter by reusing the coil inductor for wireless bio‐implants
Authors: Barati Mahdi , Yavari Mohammad
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a buck‐boost converter circuit for wireless power transfer via inductive links in bio‐implantable systems is presented. The idea is based on reusing the power receiver coil to design a regulator. This method employs five switches to utilize the coil inductor in a frequency other than the power‐receiving signal frequency. Reusing the coil inductor decreases the on‐chip regulator area and makes it suitable for bio‐implants. Furthermore, in the proposed technique, the regulator efficiency becomes almost independent of the coil receiving voltage amplitude. The proposed concept is employed in a buck‐boost regulator, and simulation results are provided. For a 10 MHz received signal with the amplitude variation within 3 ~ 6 V and with the converter switching rate of 200 kHz, the achieved maximum efficiency is 78%. The proposed regulator can also deliver 10 μA to 4 mA to its load while its output voltage varies from 0.6 to 2.3 V. Simulations of the proposed converter are performed in Cadence‐Spectre using TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic science for eating disorders research and policy impact
Authors: Roberto Christina A. , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: February 2017

Scientific research often fails to have relevance and impact because scientists do not engage policy makers and influencers in the process of identifying information needs and generating high priority questions. To address this scholarship‐policy gap, we have developed a model of Strategic Science. This research approach involves working with policy makers and influencers to craft research questions that will answer important and timely policy‐related questions. The goal is to create tighter links between research and policy and ensure findings are communicated efficiently to change agents best positioned to apply the research to policy debates. In this article, we lay out a model for Strategic Science and describe how this approach may help advance policy research and action for eating disorders.
Endogenous analgesic effect of pregabalin: A double‐blind and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sugimine S. , Saito S. , Araki T. , Yamamoto K. , Obata H.
Published: February 2017

Background

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is widely used to measure endogenous analgesia, and a recent study indicated that drugs that act on endogenous analgesia are more effective in individuals with lower CPM. Recent animal studies have indicated that pregabalin activates endogenous analgesia by stimulating the descending pain inhibitory system. The present study examined whether the analgesic effect of pregabalin is greater in individuals with lower original endogenous analgesia using CPM.

Methods

Fifty‐nine healthy subjects were randomly assigned to either a pregabalin group or a placebo group, and 50 of them completed the study. CPM was measured before and after pregabalin or placebo administration. The correlation of initial CPM to change in CPM was compared between the pregabalin and placebo groups.

Results

Initial CPM was significantly correlated with the change in CPM in the pregabalin group (r = −0.73, p < 0.0001) but not in the placebo group (p = 0.56) (difference in correlation coefficients between groups; p = 0.004). Furthermore, the initial CPM significantly affected the change in CPM in the pregabalin group but not in the placebo group (pregabalin group: adj R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001, y = −0.54x + 2.98; placebo group: p = 0.56, significant difference in regression slopes; p = 0.015). These results indicate that pregabalin has a higher endogenous analgesic effect in individuals with lower original endogenous analgesia.

Significance

The analgesic effect of pregabalin depends on the original endogenous analgesia status. Its effect on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was stronger for subjects with lower original endogenous analgesia, suggesting that the mechanism of pregabalin involves the improvement of endogenous analgesia.
Electrochemical Characteristics and Electrosensing of an Antiviral Drug, Entecavir via Synergic Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons and Ceria Nanorods
Authors: Tandel Ranjita D. , Naik Roopa S. , Seetharamappa J.
Published: February 2017

A sensitive electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on ceria‐graphene oxide nanoribbons composite (CeO2‐GONRs) for an antiviral drug, entecavir (ETV). It was characterized by SEM, EDAX, AFM, IR and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical behaviour of ETV was investigated by cyclic voltammetric, differential pulse voltammetric (DPV), linear sweep voltammetric (LSV) and square wave voltammetric (SWV) methods at CeO2‐GONRs modified glassy carbon electrode. Good linearity was observed between the peak current and concentration of ETV in the range of 0.51 ‐ 100 μM with a detection limit of 0.042 μM in DPV method, 2.1 – 61.1 μM with a detection limit of 0.7 μM in LSV method and 0.1 ‐ 80 μM with a detection limit of 68.1 nM in SWV method. The proposed sensitive DPV method was successfully applied for the determination ETV in tablets and biological samples.
Controllable Synthesis of NiCo LDH Nanosheets for Fabrication of High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Li Xiumin , Du Xiao , Ma Xuli , Hao Xiaogang , Xue Chunfeng , Zhu Hongye , Li Shasha
Published: February 2017

A unipolar pulse electrodeposition method was employed to controllably synthesize nanosheet type NiCo LDH. The effect of concentration rate of Ni(NO3)2/Co(NO3)2 preparation solution on crystalline structure, morphology and supercapacitive performance was investigated systematically. Experimental found that the morphology and composition of NiCo LDH was highly depend on the Ni2+/Co2+ molar ratios of preparation solution; and the obtained Ni0.76Co0.24 LDH materials showed small nanosheet size and uniform distribution on carbon fiber electrode. Ni0.76Co0.24 LDH electrode was evaluated for supercapacitor application, which revealed a high specific capacitances of 2189.8 and 1908.8 F g−1 at the current density of 1 and 30 A g−1 respectively and a good cycle stability, retaining 70.3 % of the initial capacitance after 20000 charge and discharge cycles at 50 A g−1. Moreover, the Ni0.76Co0.24 LDH electrode exhibits a high energy density of 76 Wh Kg−1 at a power density of 250 W Kg−1 and a high power density of 7500 W Kg−1 at energy density of 66 Wh Kg−1. The as‐prepared Ni0.76Co0.24 LDH as positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent energy density of 4.1 Wh Kg‐1 at a power density of 4000 W Kg‐1
A Novel Exoelectrogenic Bacterium Phylogenetically Related to Clostridium sporogenes Isolated from Copper Contaminated Soil
Authors: Deng Huan , Xue Hongjing , Zhong Wenhui
Published: February 2017

As a vast pool of micro‐organisms, soil might contain diverse exoelectrogenic bacteria. However, soil source exoelectrogenic bacteria were seldom studied. We isolated one exoelectrogenic bacterial strain (designated as R6) from a microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated with copper contaminated soil. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, along with physiological and morphological characteristics, strain R6 was identified as Clostridium sporogenes, which was not reported as an exoelectrogenic bacterium before. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed that strain R6 transferred electrons to anode through direct contact rather than by generating electron shuttles. The voltage curve generated by strain R6 showed that the bacteria was resistant to 10 mg L−1 Cu2+, but were inhibited with more than 25 mg L−1 Cu2+. This study highlights the discovery of more soil source exoelectrogenic bacterial species.
Tailoring the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Mg–Li Alloy for a MgH2‐Based Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Singh Anamika , Kojima Yoshitsugu , Dey Gautam Kumar
Published: February 2017

Understanding the lithiation–delithiation of the Mg–Li alloy during the absorption–desorption of hydrogen is essential for the development of Li‐ion batteries with MgH2 as a negative electrode. Tuning the hydrogenation–dehydrogenation kinetics and thermodynamics of the Mg–Li alloy could also be helpful to develop a lightweight material for on‐board hydrogen‐storage applications. Single‐phase Li3Mg7 (the highest % of lithium compound) was prepared by ball milling of LiH and MgH2 as precursors of Li and Mg followed by dehydrogenation at 400 °C under dynamic vacuum conditions. The cyclic hydrogenation–dehydrogenation behavior of the intermetallic was studied in detail. During hydrogenation, Li3Mg7 was delithiated to LiH and MgH2, whereas during dehydrogenation, LiH and MgH2 were lithiated to form the Li3Mg7 phase along with a Mg–Li solid solution. The hydrogenation–dehydrogenation kinetics of pristine Li3Mg7 were found to be slow. The hydrogenation–dehydrogenation kinetics were remarkably improved by doping with ZrCl4 as a catalyst. The activation energy and the thermodynamic parameters of the uncatalyzed and catalyzed alloy were evaluated, and the results were compared.
Is the effectiveness of memory assessment services associated with their structural and process characteristics?
Authors: Park Min Hae , Black Nick , Ritchie Craig W. , Hendriks A.A. Jolijn , Smith Sarah C.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether structural and process characteristics of memory assessment services (MASs) are associated with outcomes (changes in patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQL), carers' HRQL and carers' burden) over the first 6 months following the first appointment.

Methods

Data from 785 patients referred to 69 MASs and 511 of their lay carers, collected at the first appointment and 6 months later. Data on MAS characteristics were collected using a questionnaire at baseline. We used multilevel linear regression models to explore the associations of patients' HRQL and carers' outcomes with structural and process characteristics of MASs. Analyses were conducted on the full sample of patients and carers, and separately on those patients diagnosed with dementia.

Results

None of the structural (skill mix, workload, volume, provision of clinical assessments and provision of psychosocial support) or process (waiting time, length and number of appointments, anti‐dementia drug use and psychosocial interventions use) characteristics included in the analyses were associated with patients' or carers' outcomes at 6 months, apart from the presence of allied health professionals (AHPs), which was associated with a DEMQOL score 2.7 points higher. When only those with a diagnosis of dementia were considered, the association with presence of AHPs was no longer observed.

Conclusions

Apart from involving AHPs, alterations to the way MASs are structured or function appear unlikely to improve their effectiveness in improving patients' and carers' HRQL. It is possible that the characteristics of MASs may influence patients' and carers' experience, but this was not studied. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Chinese version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III for diagnosing dementia
Authors: Wang Bian‐Rong , Ou Zhou , Gu Xiao‐Hua , Wei Cun‐Sheng , Xu Jun , Shi Jian‐Quan
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to validate the reliability of the Chinese version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE‐III) for detecting dementia. Furthermore, the present study compares the diagnostic accuracy of ACE‐III with that of mini‐mental state examination (MMSE).

Methods

One hundred seventy‐seven patients with dementia and 180 healthy controls were included in the study.

Results

The reliability of ACE‐III was very good (α‐coefficient = 0.888). There was a significant negative correlation between Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score and total ACE‐III score. Further, there was a positive correlation between MMSE score and total ACE‐III score. Age exerted a significant effect on total ACE‐III score, memory score, and language score. In the present study, the cutoff score of 83 showed a sensitivity of 91.1% and a specificity of 83.1%.

Conclusions

The present findings support that the Chinese version of ACE‐III is a reliable assessment tool for dementia. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survey of return to work of head and neck cancer survivors: A report from a tertiary cancer center in India
Authors: Agarwal Jaiprakash , Krishnatry Rahul , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Ghosh–Laskar Sarbani , Gupta Tejpal , Budrukkar Ashwani , Murthy Vedang , Deodhar Joyita , Nair Deepa , Nair Sudhir , Dikshit Rajesh , D'Cruz Anil K.
Published: February 2017

Background

The rates and factors associated with the return to work of head and neck cancer survivors from low‐ and middle‐income countries, such as India, are largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a preliminary cross‐sectional survey of 250 consecutive eligible head and neck cancer survivors (age <60; ≥6 months posttreatment) to identify return to work rates and sociodemographic, clinical, and quality of life (QOL; European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30‐questions [EORTC‐QLQ‐C30] and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 Head and Neck 35‐questions [EORTC‐QLQ–H&N35]) correlates.

Results

In our cohort, 92.4% of the patients were employed pretreatment, 65.6% and 81.2% returned to work at 6 months posttreatment and by the time of the survey (median follow‐up 19 months), respectively. Family structure (<2 male children, p = .008; eldest child age <20 years, p = .04), a higher level of education (vocational or professional training, p = .013) and female sex (p = .001) were associated with higher return to work. Head and neck cancer survivors who returned to work had better global quality of life (QOL; p = .014) and less coughing (p = .001) but more problems related to sticky saliva (p = .004).

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to address the large unmet needs regarding identification and amelioration of barriers to return to work for head and neck cancer survivors in low‐ and middle‐income countries, such as India. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 893–899, 2017
Interaction of Two Unequal Turbulent Jets with Different Temperature
Authors: Samira Louaifi‐Hamaili , Amina Mataoui
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the control and heat transfer process of the mixing of a strong jet and a weak jet. The control of the jet diffusion may be required in many devices such as cooling systems, combustors, gas turbines, heating or cooling surfaces, cooling problem techniques, mixing flows, etc. A steady three‐dimensional problem is solved by the finite volume method using RANS modeling. The validation confirms that both RSM and k‐ε realizable models predict more accurately this flow configuration than the standard k‐ε model. A parametric study is conducted on the basis of ratios of the momentum of the two jets. Due to the Coanda effect, the deviation of the weak jet has been highlighted for several momentum ratios. In the fully developed flow region, after the confluence point, the structure of a single jet flow is recovered. However, the point of maximum velocity is shifted toward the side of the strong jet. For a given velocities ratio of 0.25, the temperatures ratio between the two jets is checked. The location of maximum temperature of the jet is almost constant for diverse values of 0.8 ≤ λT ≤ 1. The location of the point of maximum temperature varies linearly according to λT.
Physical Effects of Variable Fluid Properties on Laminar Gas Microconvective Flow
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Mahulikar Shripad P.
Published: February 2017

The physical effects of variable fluid properties on heat transfer and frictional flow characteristics of laminar gas microconvective flow are investigated in this research. The fully developed flow through a microtube is studied numerically by using 2D continuum‐based governing equations. The physical effects induced due to variations in gas density with pressure and temperature, and gas viscosity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat with temperature are analyzed. Numerical results reveal that the heat transfer and frictional flow characteristics of laminar gas microflow are drastically affected by these physical effects. Hence, this research suggests that these physical effects need to be well considered in the applications of laminar gas microconvection based on large temperature gradients, for example, the design of microchannel heat sinks, and the flow cannot be generally considered as a constant property flow, as in conventional channels.
Numerical Investigations on the Advantage of Nanofluids under DDMC in a Lid‐Driven Cavity
Authors: Reddy Nithish , Murugesan K.
Published: February 2017

Double diffusive mixed convection in a lid‐driven cavity filled with Cu–water nanofluid is studied in detail. Various numerical experiments are conducted under horizontal thermal and concentration gradients. Flow equations were solved in velocity vorticity form using Galerkin's weighted residual finite element method. The Maxwell‐Garnett model and Brinkman models are applied to predict the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of the nanofluid, respectively. The effectiveness of a nanofluid on heat transfer enhancement with respect to change in Richardson number has been studied at different Reynolds numbers for variation in particle volume fraction from 0 to 0.05. Similarly, the effect of buoyancy ratio on heat and mass transfer is presented for buoyancy ratio in the range of −25 to 25. Detailed contour plots comparing the streamlines, temperature, concentration with and without nanoparticles were presented for all the range of parameters considered. The role of particle concentration and change in type of nanofluid has been reported. The average Nusselt number has increased in all the cases where as the Sherwood number slightly decreased with an increase in particle volume fraction. The Ag–water nanofluid showed better improvement in heat transfer characteristics compared to other nanofluids for all Reynolds numbers and particle volume fractions.
Basil root water uptake derived models under combined water and nitrogen deficit conditions
Authors: Babazadeh Hossein , Sarai Tabrizi Mahdi , Homaee Mehdi
Published: February 2017

The objective of this research was to introduce and evaluate derived models under simultaneous water and nitrogen deficit stress conditions and consequently calibrating their parameters for basil. Therefore to do so, in order to introduce and evaluate derived models under simultaneous water and nitrogen deficit stress conditions, derived models from the composition of Mitscherlich–Baule (MB) for nutrient stress conditions and the models of Feddes (F), van Genuchten (VG), recommended exponential (EXP) and Homaee (H) for water stress conditions and also the composition model of Liebig–Sprengel (LS) for nutrients and the model of Feddes (F) for water stress conditions were presented and evaluated. This experiment was conducted with four irrigation water quantity levels of 120, 100, 80 and 60% of crop water requirement and four nitrogen fertilizer levels of 100, 75, 50 and 0% of fertilizer requirement based on a soil fertility test with three replicates. The results indicated that of the evaluated models, based on calculated statistical indices, the derived models of MB‐EXP, MB‐F, MB‐VG and MB‐H (mentioned above) had the best fitting on the measured data, respectively, compared to actual data. The results of calculated statistics to compared models based on the different nitrogen and water irrigation levels indicated that MB‐EXP and MB‐F using nRMSE statistics were 2.78 and 3.64, and EF statistics of both was 0.99% and they showed the highest accuracy in estimating basil yield. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of Self‐Conducted Exposure for OCD Using Cognitive Bias Modification: A Case Study
Authors: Najmi Sadia , Amir Nader
Published: February 2017

The psychological treatment of choice for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is exposure and response prevention (ERP). However, the training required for practitioners to be proficient in delivering ERP is not readily available, thereby rendering the treatment inaccessible to most patients. Self‐directed ERP (sERP) programs designed to increase the accessibility of ERP have not proven effective, perhaps because patients find it difficult to comply with exposure exercises without the guidance of a clinician. Research on cognitive bias modification (CBM) suggests that CBM may help individuals approach feared situations. In this case study, a patient with OCD completed a 7‐week treatment program that combines sERP with CBM. Treatment led to a significant decrease in OCD symptoms and functional impairment. Results suggest that this novel treatment, which requires only an initial couple of sessions with a clinician trained in ERP, has the potential to increase the accessibility of ERP for patients with OCD.
Collision‐induced dissociation processes of protonated benzoic acid and related compounds: competitive generation of protonated carbon dioxide or protonated benzene
Authors: Xu Sihang , Pavlov Julius , Attygalle Athula B.
Published: February 2017

Upon activation in the gas phase, protonated benzoic acid (m/z 123) undergoes fragmentation by several mechanisms. In addition to the predictable water loss followed by a CO loss, the m/z 123 ion more intriguingly eliminates a molecule of benzene to generate protonated carbon dioxide (H ‐ O+ ═ C ≡ O, m/z 45), or a molecule of carbon dioxide to yield protonated benzene (m/z 79). Experimental evidence shows that the incipient proton ambulates during the fragmentation processes. For the CO2 or benzene loss, protonated benzoic acid transfers the charge‐imparting proton initially to the ortho position and then to the ipso position to generate a transient species which dissociates to form an ion‐neutral complex between benzene and protonated CO2. The formation of the m/z 45 ion is not a phenomenon unique to benzoic acid: spectra from protonated isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trans‐cinnamic acid and some aliphatic acids also displayed a peak for m/z 45. However, the m/z 45 peak is structurally diagnostic only for certain benzene polycarboxylic acids because the spectra of compounds with two carboxyl groups on adjacent ring carbons do not produce a peak at m/z 45. For the m/z 79 ion to be formed, an intramolecular reaction should take place in which protonated CO2 within the ion‐neutral complex acts as the attacking electrophile to transfer a proton to benzene. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical coherence tomography angiography of macular telangiectasia type 1: Comparison with mild diabetic macular edema
Authors: Mao Lei , Weng Si‐si , Gong Yuan‐yuan , Yu Su‐qin
Published: February 2017

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of macular telangiectasia type 1 (Mac tel type 1) using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and compare them with the characteristics of mild diabetic macular edema (DME), to provide a new objective method for quick clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A retrospective comparative analysis of 9 Mac tel type 1, 15 DME, and 15 normal eyes was performed using fluorescein angiography, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography, and OCTA. The morphological changes, retinal vessel density, and nonperfused areas were evaluated using split‐spectrum amplitude‐decorrelation angiography algorithm.

Results

OCTA revealed obvious saccular capillary telangiectasia and loss of parafoveal vascular density of Mac tel type 1. However, a number of line segment hyperreflective signals around the macula and more distinct nonperfusion in DME were observed. The quantitative foveal avascular zone mean area in Mac tel type 1 was larger than that in the normal eyes (0.40 ± 0.06 mm2 vs. 0.88 ± 0.19 mm2, P < 0.001). However, the area in DME (1.52 ± 0.38 mm2) was larger than that in Mac tel type 1 (P < 0.001), and the foveal zone area in DME (1.127 ± 0.05 mm2) was also lager than it in Mac tel (P < 0.05). The vascular density of the superficial layer reduced in both Mac tel type 1 and DME (compared with normal eyes). The difference between Mac tel type 1 (49.56 ± 5.23)% and DME(44.58 ± 3.82)% was significant in the superficial capillary layer (P < 0.01). The vascular density of the retinal deep layer also reduced in both Mac tel type 1 and DME (compared with normal eyes). The difference between Mac tel type 1 (53.78 ± 7.36)% and DME (53.64 ± 4.96)% was no significant in this layer (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Morphological differences between Mac tel 1 and DME can be observed on OCTA. Superficial vascular density and non‐perfusion area may serve as a quantitative method to identify them. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:225–232, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tandem Ring‐Opening Metathesis – Vinyl Insertion Polymerization: Fundamentals and Application to Functional Polyolefins
Authors: Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: February 2017

The accomplishments in the copolymerization of ethylene with cyclic olefins such as norborn‐2‐ene or cis‐cyclooctene via tandem ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) – vinyl insertion polymerization (VIP) are outlined. This approach provides polyolefins with high molecular weight (600,000 < Mn < 4,500,000 g mol−1) and substantial amounts of double bonds along the polymer main chain. Olefinic moieties in ROMP‐derived polymers can be converted into hydroxyl, amino, silyl, ester, or carboxylate groups by different means including controlled radical polymerization‐based grafting. The underlying concept for the switch in polymerization mechanism, the resulting pre‐catalyst requirements, limitations and challenges and the chemistry developed for functionalizing unsaturated polymers are outlined in detail.

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Deep‐Blue Fluorescent Particles via Microwave Heating of Polyacrylonitrile Dispersions
Authors: Go Dennis , Jurásková Alena , Hoffmann Andreas , Kapiti Gent , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: February 2017

This study presents a new method to produce fluorescent particles. Established methods are based on the incorporation of conjugated dye molecules into dielectric polymer matrices or preparation of colloids, which are composed of fluorescent conjugated polymer. By contrast, this study presents a method where dielectric polyacrylonitrile is exposed to microwave radiation leading to an intramolecular cyclization reaction producing π‐conjugated segments, which fluoresce blue. During this conversion, the particles shrink in diameter but as an ensemble they retain their monodispersity. This work investigates the optimal reaction conditions and characterizes the optical properties.

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A semi‐analytical scheme for highly oscillatory integrals over tetrahedra
Authors: Hospital‐Bravo R. , Sarrate J. , Díez P.
Published: February 2017

This paper details a semi‐analytical procedure to efficiently integrate the product of a smooth function and a complex exponential over tetrahedral elements. These highly oscillatory integrals appear at the core of different numerical techniques. Here, the partition of unity method enriched with plane waves is used as motivation. The high computational cost or the lack of accuracy in computing these integrals is a bottleneck for their application to engineering problems of industrial interest. In this integration rule, the non‐oscillatory function is expanded into a set of Lagrange polynomials. In addition, Lagrange polynomials are expressed as a linear combination of the appropriate set of monomials, whose product with the complex exponentials is analytically integrated, leading to 16 specific cases that are developed in detail. Finally, we present several numerical examples to assess the accuracy and the computational efficiency of the proposed method, compared with standard Gauss–Legendre quadratures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Near‐IR Photoactive Functionalized Gold Multibranched Nanoparticles
Authors: Kalachyova Yevgeniya , Olshtrem Anasiya , Guselnikova Olga A. , Postnikov Pavel S. , Elashnikov Roman , Ulbrich Pavel , Rimpelova Silvie , Švorčík Václav , Lyutakov Oleksiy
Published: February 2017

Surface‐modified gold multibranched nanoparticles (AuMs) were prepared by simple chemical reduction of gold chloride aqueous solution followed by in situ modification by using water‐soluble arenediazonium tosylates with different functional organic groups. Chemical and morphological structures of the prepared nanoparticles were examined by using transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. The covalent grafting of organic compounds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX) and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Covalent functionalization of nanoparticles significantly expands the range of their potential uses under physiological conditions, compared with traditional non‐covalent or thiol‐based approaches. The antibacterial effect of the surface‐modified AuMs was evaluated by using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria under IR light illumination and without external triggering. Strong plasmon resonance on the AuMs cups leads to significant reduction of the light power needed kill bacteria under the mild conditions of continuous illumination. The effect of the surface‐modified AuMs on the light‐induced antibacterial activities was founded to be dependent on the grafted organic functional groups.
Alkyd‐clay nanocomposites for improved anticorrosion and mechanical performance of coating
Authors: Dhirde Priyanka G. , Chada Venkata G. R. , Mallik B. P. , Moitra Nirmalya
Published: February 2017

Exfoliated nanoclays in polymers are a class of inorganic composite which provides reinforcement along with barrier properties to polymer films owning to their high aspect ratios. Despite of having good adhesion to the substrate, alkyd polymers generally shows poor performance in corrosion resistance. Herein, we have explored the role of exfoliated organo‐modified montmorillonite (O‐MMT) clays in alkyd resins for improved barrier and mechanical properties. The exfoliation of nanoclay in alkyd polymer was performed in two steps—first intercalation of long chain amine in Na‐montmorillonite via ion exchange and secondly, their subsequent exfoliation in polymer by applying high shear and ultrasonication. O‐MMT clays and their composites were thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Paint was formulated using polymer clay composite for evaluation of their performance in real coating formulation. Anticorrosion performance of coating is assessed by salt spray analysis whereas dynamic mechanical analysis and universal testing machine analysis carry out to measure the mechanical strength of coating. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2922–2931, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and properties of novel soluble polyamides containing both fluorene or xanthene cardo moieties and fluorinated phenoxy pendant groups
Authors: Wen Huan , Huang Bin , Zou Feihua , Cai Mingzhong
Published: February 2017

A series of novel aromatic polyamides containing both fluorene or xanthene cardo moieties and fluorinated phenoxy pendant groups were synthesized from two fluorinated isophthaloyl chlorides and four diamines containing cardo groups by the low‐temperature solution polycondensation in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The obtained polymers were characterized by different physicochemical techniques. All the polymers were amorphous and readily soluble in many organic solvents such as DMAc, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, pyridine, and tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The new fluorinated polyamides had high thermal stability with the glass transition temperatures of 237–259°C, the temperatures at 5% weight loss of 437–476°C in nitrogen. All the polymers formed transparent, strong, and flexible films with tensile strengths of 70.6–87.5 MPa, tensile moduli of 2.23–2.78 GPa, and elongations at break of 5.8–8.7%. These polyamide films had high optical transparency with an ultraviolet–visible absorption cutoff wavelength of 352–368 nm, low dielectric constants of 3.24–3.45 (1 MHz), and lower water absorptions of 1.06–1.43%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1234–1241, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phase separation kinetics in unentangled polymer solutions under high‐rate extension
Authors: Semenov Alexander N. , Subbotin Andrey V.
Published: February 2017

Phase separation processes following high‐rate extension in unentangled polymer solutions are studied theoretically. The flow‐induced demixing is associated with the coil–stretch transition predicted in high‐molecular‐weight polymer solutions at high‐enough Weissenberg numbers. The developed mean‐field theory is valid in the dilute/semidilute solution regime, where the stretched coils overlap strongly. We elucidate and discuss the main kinetic stages of the polymer/solvent separation process including (i) growth of concentration fluctuations and formation of oriented protofibrils by anisotropic spinodal decomposition; (ii) development of well‐defined highly oriented and stiff fibrils forming an anisotropic network (cross‐linked fiber); (iii) microphase separation and lateral collapse of the network yielding dense oriented fiber. These novel predictions are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 623–637
Modeling posttraumatic growth among cancer patients: The roles of social support, appraisals, and adaptive coping
Authors: Cao Weidan , Qi Xiaona , Cai Deborah A. , Han Xuanye
Published: February 2017

Objective

The purpose of the study was to build a model to explain the relationships between social support, uncontrollability appraisal, adaptive coping, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among cancer patients in China.

Methods

The participants who were cancer patients in a cancer hospital in China filled out a survey. The final sample size was 201. Structural equation modeling was used to build a model explaining PTG.

Results

Structural equation modeling results indicated that higher levels of social support predicted higher levels of adaptive coping, higher levels of uncontrollability appraisal predicted lower levels of adaptive coping, and higher levels of adaptive coping predicted higher levels of PTG. Moreover, adaptive coping was a mediator between social support and growth, as well as a mediator between uncontrollability and growth. The direct effects of social support and uncontrollability on PTG were insignificant.

Conclusions

The model demonstrated the relationships between social support, uncontrollability appraisal, adaptive coping, and PTG. It could be concluded that uncontrollability appraisal was a required but not sufficient condition for PTG. Neither social support nor uncontrollability appraisal had direct influence on PTG. However, social support and uncontrollability might indirectly influence PTG, through adaptive coping. It implies that both internal factors (eg, cognitive appraisal and coping) and external factors (eg, social support) are required in order for growth to happen.
Complete topology inversion can be part of normal membrane protein biogenesis
Authors: Woodall Nicholas B. , Hadley Sarah , Yin Ying , Bowie James U.
Published: February 2017

The topology of helical membrane proteins is generally defined during insertion of the transmembrane helices, yet it is now clear that it is possible for topology to change under unusual circumstances. It remains unclear, however, if topology reorientation is part of normal biogenesis. For dual topology dimer proteins such as the multidrug transporter EmrE, there may be evolutionary pressure to allow topology flipping so that the populations of both orientations can be equalized. We previously demonstrated that when EmrE is forced to insert in a distorted topology, topology flipping of the first transmembrane helix can occur during translation. Here, we show that topological malleability also extends to the C‐terminal helix and that even complete topology inversion of the entire EmrE protein can occur after the full protein is translated and inserted. Thus, topology rearrangements are possible during normal biogenesis. Wholesale topology flipping is remarkable given the physical constraints of the membrane and expands the range of possible membrane protein folding pathways, both productive and detrimental.