bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thin, Transferred Layers of Silicon Dioxide and Silicon Nitride as Water and Ion Barriers for Implantable Flexible Electronic Systems
Authors: Song Enming , Fang Hui , Jin Xin , Zhao Jianing , Jiang Chunsheng , Yu Ki Jun , Zhong Yiding , Xu Dong , Li Jinghua , Fang Guanhua , Du Haina , Zhang Jize , Park Jeong Min , Huang Yonggang , Alam Muhammad A. , Mei Yongfeng , Rogers John A.
Published: June 2017

Thin, physically transferred layers of silicon dioxide (SiO2) thermally grown on the surfaces of silicon wafers offer excellent properties as long‐lived, hermetic biofluid barriers in flexible electronic implants. This paper explores materials and physics aspects of the transport of ions through the SiO2 and the resultant effects on device performance and reliability. Accelerated soak tests of devices under electrical bias stress relative to a surrounding phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at a pH of 7.4 reveal the field dependence of these processes. Similar experimental protocols establish that coatings of SiNx on the SiO2 can block the passage of ions. Systematic experimental and theoretical investigations reveal the details associated with transport though this bilayer structure, and they serve as the basis for lifetime projections corresponding to more than a decade of immersion in PBS solution at 37 °C for the case of 100/200 nm of SiO2/SiNx. Temperature‐dependent simulations offer further understanding of two competing failure mechanisms—dissolution and ion diffusion—on device lifetime. These findings establish a basic physical understanding of effects that are essential to the stable operation of flexible electronics as chronic implants.
Spectroelectrochemistry and Nature of Charge Carriers in Self‐Doped Conducting Polymer
Authors: Volkov Anton V. , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Stavrinidou Eleni , Gabrielsson Roger , Franco‐Gonzalez Juan F. , Cruce Alex , Chen Weimin M. , Simon Daniel T. , Berggren Magnus , Zozoulenko Igor V.
Published: June 2017

A recently developed water‐soluble self‐doped sodium salt of bis[3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene]3thiophene butyric acid (ETE‐S) is electropolymerized and characterized by means of spectroelectrochemistry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, combined with the density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations. The focus of the studies is to underline the nature of the charge carriers when the electrochemically polymerized ETE‐S films undergo a reversible transition from reduced to electrically conductive oxidized states. Spectroelectrochemistry shows clear distinctions between absorption features from reduced and charged species. In the reduced state, the absorption spectrum of ETE‐S electropolymerized film shows a peak that is attributed to HOMO→LUMO transition. As the oxidation level increases, this peak diminishes and the absorption of the film is dominated by spinless bipolaronic states with some admixture of polaronic states possessing a magnetic momentum. For fully oxidized samples, the bipolaronic states fully dominate, and the features in the absorption spectra are related to the drastic changes of the band structure, exhibiting a strong decrease of the band gap when a polymeric film undergoes oxidation.
Process flow sheet synthesis: Systems‐level design applied to synthetic crude production
Authors: Fox James Alistair , Hildebrandt Diane , Glasser David , Patel Bilal
Published: June 2017

A novel approach for conceptual design for process flow sheets at the “systems‐level” is showcased in this article. A graphical technique, called the “GH‐space,” is used to analyze the flows of material, heat and work within a process to provide insight into the interactions of various units within the process. Any unit process, which interacts with the surroundings by transferring heat and work, can be represented as a vector on the GH‐space. While material and energy balances are normally performed on a flowsheet, this vectored approach allows the material and energy balances to be used to construct a flowsheet. This article focuses on using the GH‐space to synthesis a synthetic fuels flowsheet. It was shown that a process could be designed that not only produced the desired product but could also consume carbon dioxide as a feed, along with the feeds of methane and oxygen, and could even potentially generate electricity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5413–5424, 2017
Aggregation Behavior and Electron‐Transfer Reaction of Dendritic Perylene Bisimide, Accompanied by the Formation of Highly Stable Anionic Radical Species
Authors: Cheng Zhengmin , Xing Feifei , Bai Yue‐ling , Zhao Yongmei , Zhu Shourong , Li Mingxing
Published: June 2017

A polyethylene‐glycol‐functionalized perylene bisimide (PEPBI) was synthesized. Its concentration‐, solvent‐ and temperature‐dependent visible spectra were measured and its aggregation states were analyzed. PEPBI exists as an aggregate dimer in aqueous solution or predominantly as a monomer in organic solvents. The anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) can disperse PEPBI as a monomer in aqueous solution. The fluorescence of these solutions depends on the concentration of PEPBI and SDBS. The reduction of aggregated PEPBI with Na2S is slow and the monoanion radical as well as dianion species are the main forms of monomer. PEPBI exists predominantly as monomers in DMF and reacts with Na2S much faster. Interestingly, the anionic radical species exist in H‐aggregate form at low PEPBI concentrations and J‐aggregation occurs at high concentration. The dianion species is EPR‐silent and its color highly depends on its concentration in DMF.
The effects of credibility cues on the selection of search engine results
Authors: Unkel Julian , Haas Alexander
Published: June 2017

Web search engines act as gatekeepers when people search for information online. Research has shown that search engine users seem to trust the search engines' ranking uncritically and mostly select top‐ranked results. This study further examines search engine users' selection behavior. Drawing from the credibility and information research literature, we test whether the presence or absence of certain credibility cues influences the selection probability of search engine results. In an observational study, participants (N = 247) completed two information research tasks on preset search engine results pages, on which three credibility cues (source reputation, message neutrality, and social recommendations) as well as the search result ranking were systematically varied. The results of our study confirm the significance of the ranking. Of the three credibility cues, only reputation had an additional effect on selection probabilities. Personal characteristics (prior knowledge about the researched issues, search engine usage patterns, etc.) did not influence the preference for search results linked with certain credibility cues. These findings are discussed in light of situational and contextual characteristics (e.g., involvement, low‐cost scenarios).
Learning and adapting user criteria for recommending followees in social networks
Authors: Tommasel Antonela , Godoy Daniela
Published: June 2017

The accurate suggestion of interesting friends arises as a crucial issue in recommendation systems. The selection of friends or followees responds to several reasons whose importance might differ according to the characteristics and preferences of each user. Furthermore, those preferences might also change over time. Consequently, understanding how friends or followees are selected emerges as a key design factor of strategies for personalized recommendations. In this work, we argue that the criteria for recommending followees needs to be adapted and combined according to each user's behavior, preferences, and characteristics. A method is proposed for adapting such criteria to the characteristics of the previously selected followees. Moreover, the criteria can evolve over time to adapt to changes in user behavior, and broaden the diversity of the recommendation of potential followees based on novelty. Experimental evaluation showed that the proposed method improved precision results regarding static criteria weighting strategies and traditional rank aggregation techniques.
On the optimum operating conditions of ThNe calibration lamps for measurements of radial velocity variations
Authors: Eiff M. Ammler‐von , Guenther E. W.
Published: June 2017

Previous studies have shown that ThNe lamps are very suitable for the precise measurement of wavelength variations. A critical issue for all hollow cathode lamps (HCLs) is the current at which the lamp is operated—a low value has the advantage that the lifetime of the lamp is longer whereas the number of useful lines is lower. We investigate the number of suitable spectral lines depending on the current used and the obtained spectra of a ThNe HCL coupled by a fiber to the Tautenburg Echelle spectrograph in a setting that is typical for many high‐resolution spectrographs. Operating currents were chosen in the range specified by the manufacturer. We varied the exposure time to identify the saturation level and the effects of noise. A few thousand Th lines were identified automatically in the wavelength range considered. We noticed a scatter of several hundred m s−1 of Th lines when varying the settings but did not detect any systematic trends. The scatter in wavelength residuals of Th lines, however, indicates that a precise control of the operating current can be necessary. An estimation of the calibration precision of individual lines indicates that a combination of strong Th lines allows one to reach a level of 1 ms−1. Although a high operating current reduces the lifetime of the lamp and accelerates its aging, it guarantees the highest precision because of the numerous Th lines that become strong compared to the Ne lines. Then, the noise, saturation, and wavelength residuals of the lines can be identified, and the pollution due to saturated Ne lines can be minimized by adjusting the exposure time. Our results indicate that ThNe lamps can be better suited than ThAr lamps for all kinds of studies that involve precise measurement of radial velocity variations, for example, studies on late‐type stars, brown dwarfs, objects that suffer from strong extinction, or high‐red‐shift galaxies.
Chaos control with ion propulsion
Authors: Slíz J. , Kovács T. , Süli Á.
Published: June 2017

The escape dynamics around the triangular Lagrangian point L5 in the real Sun–Earth–Moon–Spacecraft system is investigated. Appearance of the finite‐time chaotic behavior suggests that widely used methods and concepts of dynamical system theory can be useful in constructing a desired mission design. Existing chaos control methods are modified in such a way that we are able to protect a test particle from escape. We introduce initial condition maps (ICMs) in order to have a suitable numerical method to describe the motion in high‐dimensional phase space. Results show that the structure of ICMs can be split into two well‐defined domains. One of these two parts has a regular contiguous shape and is responsible for long‐time escape; it is a long‐lived island. The other one shows a filamentary fractal structure in the ICMs. The short‐time escape is governed by this object. This study focuses on a low‐cost method that successfully transfers a reference trajectory between these two regions using an appropriate continuous control force. A comparison of the Earth–Moon transfer is also presented to show the efficiency of our method.
Chaperone‐Polymer‐Assisted, Photodriven DNA Strand Displacement
Authors: Cheng Bohao , Kashida Hiromu , Shimada Naohiko , Maruyama Atsushi , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Photodriven DNA strand displacement by using a 2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzene‐tethered strand and poly(l‐lysine)‐graft‐dextran (PLL‐g‐Dex) as a chaperone is reported. Rapid strand displacement was reversibly induced by UV and visible‐light irradiation without any toehold portion. To further improve the method, the concentration of PLL‐g‐Dex and the number of equivalents of the photoresponsive strand were optimised. Optimally, 64 % strand displacement was reversibly induced by alternating UV and visible‐light irradiation.
Mussel‐Inspired, Biomimetics‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of Co3O4 on Carbon Fibers for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Jun , Xu Yazhou , Xiao Yingbo , Zhu Hui , Wei Junchao , Chen Yiwang
Published: June 2017

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites could be promising materials for flexible supercapacitors. However, it is still a challenge to grow uniformly active materials on the surface of fibers and maintain flexibility. Herein, Co3O4 nanoparticle‐decorated CNFs have been produced through the combination of electrospinning technology and a polydopamine‐assisted self‐assembly strategy. The free‐standing hybrid electrode exhibited a high capacitance of 418 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in 2 M KOH solution. In addition, the as‐fabricated symmetric supercapacitors (SCs) presented excellent electrochemical performance with a capacitance of 55 F g−1, an energy density of 14.97 W h kg−1, and a power density of 5660 W kg−1. Notably, the symmetric SC device exhibited remarkable electrochemical stability and flexibility (93 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles and 97 % after bending 100 times to 60°).
Multifunctional Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Targeted Cell Imaging Applications
Authors: Zhou Lilin , Zhang Xiaoyong , Liu Lei , Wei Yen , Yuan Jinying
Published: June 2017

Multifunctional fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2‐PLLA‐RhB/FA) with cell recognition ability were synthesized through conjugation of magnetic nanoparticles with folic acid (FA) and Rhodamine B. To verify their potential biomedical applications, biocompatibility as well as cell imaging applications of the multifunctional nanoparticles were further investigated. Results showed that these fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles are well biocompatible with NIH‐3T3 cells and HeLa cells. More importantly, these nanoparticles could be selectively taken up by HeLa cells (FA receptor positive) as evidenced by laser scanning confocal microscopy, suggesting their potential for biological imaging applications. Given their excellent biocompatibility and multifunctional characteristics, we expect that the fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles could be promising for various biomedical applications.
Spin‐Forbidden Excitation: A New Approach for Triggering Photopharmacological Processes with Low‐Intensity NIR Light
Authors: Kianfar Elham , Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Knör Günther
Published: June 2017

Exposure to low‐intensity radiation in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral region matching the optically transparent “phototherapeutic window” of biological tissues can be applied to directly populate spin‐restricted excited states of light‐responsive compounds. This unconventional and unprecedented approach is introduced herein as a new strategy to overcome some of the major unresolved problems observed in the rapidly emerging fields of photopharmacology and molecular photomedicine, where practical applications in living cells and organisms are still limited by undesired side reactions and insufficient light penetration. Water‐soluble and biocompatible metal complexes with a significant degree of spin–orbit coupling were identified as target candidates for testing our new hypothesis. As a first example, a dark‐stable manganese carbonyl complex acting as a visible‐light‐triggered CO‐releasing molecule (Photo‐CORM) is shown to be photoactivated by NIR radiation, although apparently no spectroscopically evident absorption bands are detectable in this low‐energy region. This quite remarkable effect is ascribed to a strongly restricted, but obviously not completely forbidden optical population of the lowest triplet excited state manifold of the diamagnetic complex from the singlet ground state.
Chinese Consumers' Expectations of Corporate Communication on CSR and Sustainability
Authors: Kim Sora , Ji Yingru
Published: June 2017

Through two representative surveys – one in Beijing the other in Hong Kong – this research empirically examines the culturally relevant dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication in the context of China and investigates what Chinese consumers expect for CSR communication such as communication content, media channels, and sources. One dimension of CSR communication in China that this study identifies as unique is government involvement. Other dimensions include general CSR information, factual tone, transparency, and personal relevance. In this study, Chinese consumers are found to prefer non‐corporate sources and uncontrolled media channels. The study also identifies differences between Beijing and Hong Kong consumers regarding their expectations of CSR communication. The study offers a basis for developing a culturally relevant theoretical framework of CSR communication, as it identifies the significant dimensions of such communication from a stakeholder‐centric perspective in the context of China. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Return of the lysergamides. Part IV: Analytical and pharmacological characterization of lysergic acid morpholide (LSM‐775)
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Twamley Brendan , Westphal Folker , Elliott Simon P. , Wallach Jason , Stratford Alexander , Klein Landon M. , McCorvy John D. , Nichols David E. , Halberstadt Adam L.
Published: June 2017

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is perhaps one of the best‐known psychoactive substances and many structural modifications of this prototypical lysergamide have been investigated. Several lysergamides were recently encountered as ‘research chemicals’ or new psychoactive substances (NPS). Although lysergic acid morpholide (LSM‐775) appeared on the NPS market in 2013, there is disagreement in the literature regarding the potency and psychoactive properties of LSM‐775 in humans. The present investigation attempts to address the gap of information that exists regarding the analytical profile and pharmacological effects of LSM‐775. A powdered sample of LSM‐775 was characterized by X‐ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), high mass accuracy electrospray MS/MS, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) diode array detection, HPLC quadrupole MS, and GC solid‐state infrared analysis. Screening for receptor affinity and functional efficacy revealed that LSM‐775 acts as a nonselective agonist at 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors. Head twitch studies were conducted in C57BL/6J mice to determine whether LSM‐775 activates 5‐HT2A receptors and produces hallucinogen‐like effects in vivo. LSM‐775 did not induce the head twitch response unless 5‐HT1A receptors were blocked by pretreatment with the antagonist WAY‐100,635 (1 mg/kg, subcutaneous). These findings suggest that 5‐HT1A activation by LSM‐775 masks its ability to induce the head twitch response, which is potentially consistent with reports in the literature indicating that LSM‐775 is only capable of producing weak LSD‐like effects in humans.
Card9‐dependent IL‐1β regulates IL‐22 production from group 3 innate lymphoid cells and promotes colitis‐associated cancer
Authors: Bergmann Hanna , Roth Susanne , Pechloff Konstanze , Kiss Elina A. , Kuhn Sabine , Heikenwälder Mathias , Diefenbach Andreas , Greten Florian R. , Ruland Jürgen
Published: June 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are key risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer, but the mechanisms that link intestinal inflammation with carcinogenesis are insufficiently understood. Card9 is a myeloid cell‐specific signaling protein that regulates inflammatory responses downstream of various pattern recognition receptors and which cooperates with the inflammasomes for IL‐1β production. Because polymorphisms in Card9 were recurrently associated with human IBD, we investigated the function of Card9 in a colitis‐associated cancer (CAC) model. Card9−/− mice develop smaller, less proliferative and less dysplastic tumors compared to their littermates and in the regenerating mucosa we detected dramatically impaired IL‐1β generation and defective IL‐1β controlled IL‐22 production from group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Consistent with the key role of immune‐derived IL‐22 in activating STAT3 signaling during normal and pathological intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation, Card9−/− mice also exhibit impaired tumor cell intrinsic STAT3 activation. Our results imply a Card9‐controlled, ILC3‐mediated mechanism regulating healthy and malignant IEC proliferation and demonstrates a role of Card9‐mediated innate immunity in inflammation‐associated carcinogenesis.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) emitted by fungi naturally occurring in olives during their pre‐processing storage for improving olive oil stability
Authors: Gharbi Ines , Issaoui Manel , El Gharbi Sinda , Gazzeh Nour‐Eddine , Tekeya Meriem , Mechri Beligh , Flamini Guido , Hammami Mohamed
Published: June 2017

Extra virgin olive oil is widely consumed because of its nutritional benefits and sensory properties which are very important to be preserved in the product. Therefore, chemically synthesised compounds, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are widely used as antioxidants in oil products. It is well known that the activity of some micro‐organisms able to oxidise free fatty acids can lead to the loss of the stability of the final product. Nevertheless, several researchers have been recently motivated to evaluate the potential of micro‐organisms on the production of bioactive compounds. In this paper, headspace solid micro‐extraction (HS‐SPME) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were used for the characterization and investigation of Fungal Organic Volatile Metabolites (FOVCs) emitted by 14 fungal strains isolated from olives during their pre‐processing storage. A wide range of volatile compounds were detected among them, BHT was produced at levels ranging between 0.3 and 13.1%. This compound could be considered for the industry as natural antioxidant to substitute the synthetic ones used for ameliorating the stability of olive oil and other fatty food products.

Practical applications: As the pre‐processing storage step is inevitable for several practical reasons, inducing the outgrowth of olive microflora (mainly fungi), which critically affect the physiological state of the fruit and thus the quality of the correspondent oil, this paper try to elucidate the potential of these naturally developing strains and their metabolites (FVOCs) of producing bioactive compounds mainly the BHT which could be considered by the industry in order to substitute the synthetic one largely used to improve the stability of olive oil and other food products. Volatiles, when coupled with the power “omics” technologies represent a new frontier in bio‐prospecting.

FOVCs profile of 14 fungi strains isolated from olives stored during 2, 5, and 7 days in plastic bags is determinate by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS. 87 FVOCs are detected representing six groups dominated by the non‐terpene derivatives. Interestingly, a compound with particular interest is detected; the Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is naturally emitted by 11 strains from the 14 isolated fungi at levels ranging between 0.3 and 13.1% (for Aspergillus conicus). A result which could be considered by the industry in order to substitute the synthetic antioxidants largely used to improve the stability of olive oil and other food products.
En route to economical eco‐friendly solvent system in enhancing sustainable recovery of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) copolymer
Authors: Irdahayu Nik Murniati Nik Man , Shantini Kannusamy , Huong Kai‐Hee , Vigneswari Sevakumaran , Aziz Nursolehah Abdul , Azizan Mohd. Noor Mohd. , Amirul Al‐Ashraf Abdullah
Published: June 2017

Separation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB‐co‐4HB)] from bacterial cell matter is a critical step in the downstream process with respect to material quality and eco‐balance as P(3HB‐co‐4HB) is widely used for biomedical applications. Therefore, an efficient and eco‐based extraction of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) using a combination of NaOH and Lysol in digesting the non‐polymeric cell material (NPCM) digestion is developed. The NaOH and Lysol show synergistic influence on the copolymer extraction at a high purity and recovery of 97 and 98 wt% respectively. The optimized cell digestion method was found applicable to a vast batch of cells containing copolymers from various 4HB monomer compositions. At the largest extraction volume of 100 L, P(3HB‐co‐4HB) with a purity of 89 wt% was extracted with a maximum recovery of 90 wt%. The method developed has also eliminated the cell pretreatment step. The extraction method developed in this research has not only produced an economic and efficient copolymer recovery but has also retained the copolymer quality, in term of its molecular weight and thermal properties. It demonstrates a practical and promising downstream processing method in recovering the copolymer effectively from the bacterial biomass.
Applying the Hájek Approach in Formula‐Based Variance Estimation
Authors: Qian Jiahe
Published: June 2017

The variance formula derived for a two‐stage sampling design without replacement employs the joint inclusion probabilities in the first‐stage selection of clusters. One of the difficulties encountered in data analysis is the lack of information about such joint inclusion probabilities. One way to solve this issue is by applying Hájek's approximation of the joint probabilities in variance estimation. To assess the Hájek approach, several estimators of Hájek'scanddare proposed. The application is illustrated with simulation and real data. A Monte Carlo simulation is employed to compare the results of joint inclusion probabilities yielded from the probability‐proportional‐to‐size sampling methods with the results from Hájek's approximation. Empirically estimated variances from the jackknife procedure are also compared with the formula‐based variances with incorporated Hájek's approximation.
Nonalcoholic steatofibrosis independently predicts mortality in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Rafiq Nila , Henry Linda , Loomba Rohit , Makhlouf Hala , Goodman Zachary
Published: June 2017

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The minimal pathologic criteria for NASH include hepatic steatosis, ballooning degeneration, and lobular inflammation. The resolution of NASH, which relies on the loss of ballooning degeneration, is subject to sampling and observer variability in pathologic interpretation. Ballooning is associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis in cross‐sectional studies but is not a predictor of mortality in NAFLD. Fibrosis staging, while still subject to some sampling variability, has less observer variability and is a robust predictor of liver‐related mortality in NAFLD. In this study, we hypothesize that, regardless of the diagnosis of NASH, the presence of steatofibrosis (steatosis accompanied by fibrosis) regardless of other pathologic features can also be a robust predictor of mortality in NAFLD. We used our previously reported cohort of patients with NAFLD with liver biopsies and long‐term mortality follow‐up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the predictors of overall and liver‐related mortality. Of 209 enrolled NAFLD subjects, 97 can be classified as having steatofibrosis. During follow‐up (median 150 months), 64 (30.6%) patients died, with 18 (8.6%) from liver‐related causes. Adjusted for age, both diagnostic categories of NASH and steatofibrosis were significantly and similarly associated with liver‐related mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 9.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3‐74.9; P = 0.027; aHR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.5‐29.8; P = 0.013, respectively). However, only steatofibrosis showed independent association with overall mortality (aHR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.02‐3.05; P = 0.043). Conclusion: Steatofibrosis and NASH are similarly associated with liver‐related mortality, but only steatofibrosis is associated with overall mortality in patients with NAFLD. Given the inherent observer variability in ballooning degeneration, a key diagnostic component of NASH, we suggest that steatofibrosis should be considered a viable diagnostic classification for NAFLD subjects at risk or adverse outcomes and provides a simpler endpoint for clinical trials of therapeutic agents. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:421–428)
Experiential Self‐Focus in Social Anxiety Disorder: Is it Beneficial?
Authors: Norton Alice R. , Abbott Maree J.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Self‐focused processing is a significant maintaining factor in cognitive models of social anxiety disorder (SAD), but it may also be analytic (detached, evaluative, maladaptive) or experiential (concrete, nonevaluative, adaptive). The current study aimed to investigate the effect of self‐focus modes in a sample meeting criteria for SAD as previous studies have yielded mixed results.

Method

Individuals meeting criteria for SAD and nonanxious controls (N = 80, 77.5% female; mean age = 19.46) were randomly allocated to complete a task inducing analytic or experiential self‐focused processing, followed by a social interaction task, including measurement of affective and cognitive variables.

Results

Controls demonstrated the expected benefits of experiential compared to analytic self‐focus on social anxiety, negative affect, and self‐beliefs. Unexpectedly, SAD participants reported no difference between self‐focus conditions.

Conclusion

Results suggest that experiential processing may have no benefit for SAD individuals proximal to a social threat. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of an Anxiety Sensitivity Intervention on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Short Nicole A. , Boffa Joseph W. , Norr Aaron M. , Albanese Brian J. , Allan Nicholas P. , Schmidt Norman B.
Published: June 2017

A growing body of research suggests the importance of anxiety sensitivity (AS) in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Specifically, AS cognitive concerns (fears of cognitive dyscontrol) may be particularly relevant for those with elevated PTSS. Preliminary research has suggested that interventions targeting AS may be beneficial in decreasing PTSS, but to date there has been no randomized controlled trial testing the direct and indirect effects of an AS cognitive concerns intervention among a clinical sample of trauma‐exposed individuals. The current study tested these effects among a sample 63 trauma‐exposed participants who were randomized to either an AS cognitive concerns intervention or a repeated contact control. Results indicated a direct effect of the intervention on PTSS 1 month postintervention, and that this effect was mediated by changes in AS, specifically AS cognitive concerns, during the intervention period. Effect sizes were in the small‐to‐medium range (variance accounted for ranged from .05 to .15; odds ratio for diagnostic change = .06). These findings provide further evidence that targeting AS may be beneficial in the treatment of PTSS, and expansion upon this area of research by demonstrating these effects may be specific to AS cognitive concerns and can be achieved within a mixed clinical sample.
Sonographic Measurement of Cervical Volume in Pregnant Women at High Risk of Preterm Birth Using a Geometric Formula for a Frustum Versus 3‐Dimensional Automated Virtual Organ Computer‐Aided Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed I. , Aldhaheri Sarah R. , Rodriguez‐Kovacs Javier , Narasimhulu Deepa , Putra Manesha , Minkoff Howard , Haberman Shoshana
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To compare cervical volume measurements by 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography using Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) versus a manual method using a geometric formula for a frustum.

Methods

We included 142 asymptomatic pregnant women at 16 to 24 weeks gestation at high risk for preterm birth. With a Voluson 730 Expert system (GE Healthcare), they underwent 2‐dimensional (2D) transvaginal sonographic cervical length measurements and 3D cervical volume acquisition. The stored volumes were processed by VOCAL on a surface tablet. Cervical volume was manually calculated from the 2D images by using the formula V = 1/3 × π × h × (r12 + r22 + r1 × r2), where V represents cervical volume; π was approximated as 3.14159; h, cervical length; r1, radius at the internal os; and r2, radius at the external os.

Results

Cervical volume was lower when obtained manually than by VOCAL, with a coefficient of variation of 30%, a mean difference of 10.1 ± 14.9 cm3 (P < .0001), and a poor interclass correlation coefficient of 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.78). Both methods had good reproducibility; however, VOCAL had wider limits of agreement. A positive correlation was found between both methods (r = 0.63; P < .0001). No correlation was found between cervical length by 2D transvaginal ultrasound and cervical volume by the VOCAL technique (r = 0.06; 95% CI, −0.10 to 0.22) or cervical volume by the manual method (r = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.39).

Conclusions

The cervix represents a frustum (truncated cone, r1 is not equal to r2) in shape rather than a cylinder. Both methods are reproducible; VOCAL is less reliable but provides higher values of cervical volume.
Locating the Level and Extent of Congenital High Airway Obstruction: Fluid in the Airway Tract as Reference Points
Authors: Gowda Mamatha , Gupta Shilpa , Ali Ashraf , Paranthaman Shanthi
Published: June 2017

Described here are a series of four cases of congenital high airway obstruction in the fetus. All of the patients presented in the second trimester and all had hydrops fetalis. Three cases had bilateral hyperinflated lungs, midline shift of heart, flattening or inversion of the diaphragm, and fetal ascites. Autopsy was performed in one of these three and showed laryngeal atresia. In one fetus, there was only a unilateral huge enlargement of the lung with mediastinal shift. On autopsy, this fetus had atresia of right main bronchus. All parents had terminated the pregnancy following the prenatal diagnosis. Laryngeal atresia is an extremely rare fetal anomaly with dismal prognosis. It is important to differentiate the condition from other lesions with a more favorable prognosis, such as congenital adenomatoid malformation of the lung. Much research is needed in the future to explore the therapeutic options, including fetoscopic intervention or transplantation of stem cell–derived airways.
Finding the missing piece of the aquatic plastic pollution puzzle: Interaction between primary producers and microplastics
Authors: Yokota Kiyoko , Waterfield Holly , Hastings Cody , Davidson Emily , Kwietniewski Edward , Wells Britney
Published: June 2017

Mounting evidence of global plastic pollution has prompted many studies of its potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. In particular, most research has focused on organismal responses to microplastics and the effects of microplastics when introduced as food. However, there has been far less research into the possible effects of microplastics on primary producers. In this review, we document the available evidence for possible effects from the literature and from a laboratory experiment using cyanobacteria and microplastic fragments. Our review shows that primary producer–microplastic interactions can alter algal photosynthesis, growth, gene expression, and colony size and morphology, possibly via adhesion and/or transfer of adsorbed pollutants from microplastics; and, these effects could be transferred up the food web, including to humans. We recommend that the effects of microplastics on primary producers be incorporated into microplastic research to better understand its full effects on freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Phosphorus availability regulates intracellular nucleotides in marine eukaryotic phytoplankton
Authors: Kujawinski Elizabeth B. , Longnecker Krista , Alexander Harriet , Dyhrman Sonya T. , Fiore Cara L. , Haley Sheean T. , Johnson Winifred M.
Published: June 2017

Marine eukaryotic phytoplankton adapt to low phosphorus (P) in the oceans through a variety of step‐wise mechanisms including lipid substitution and decreased nucleic acid content. Here, we examined the impact of low P concentrations on intracellular metabolites whose abundances can be quickly adjusted by cellular regulation within laboratory cultures of three model phytoplankton and in field samples from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We quantified the relative abundances of monophosphate nucleotides and their corresponding nucleosides, using a combination of targeted and untargeted metabolomics methods. Under P‐deficient conditions, we observed a marked decrease in adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) with a concomitant increase in adenosine. This shift occurred within all detected pairs of monophosphate nucleotides and nucleosides, and was consistent with previous work showing transcriptional changes in nucleotide synthesis and salvage under P‐deficient conditions for model eukaryotes. In the field, we observed AMP‐to‐adenosine ratios that were similar to those in laboratory culture under P‐deficient conditions.
Adaptation of gut microbiome to different dietary nonstarch polysaccharide fractions in a porcine model
Authors: Tian Gang , Wu Xiying , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun
Published: June 2017

Scope

Dietary fibers, consisting of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) were found to modulate the gut microbiota. However, little is known about the role of a separated fiber fraction. Here, we describe a response in gut microbiome to different fiber fractions using a porcine model.

Methods and results

Ileal and cecal digesta were collected from pigs fed with fiber‐free diet (FFD) or diet containing 5% cellulose (CEL), xylan (XYL) or β‐glucan (GLU). We observed an elevated 16S rRNA gene copies in ileum and cecum digesta after NSP ingestion. Interestingly, we found that cecum digesta contained higher bacterial diversity than ileum digesta. Moreover, NSPs had no significant influence on overall diversity, but acutely altered the abundance of specific bacteria. Importantly, NSPs decreased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes, but increased the phylum Proteobacteria in ileal samples. Among the NSP‐treated groups, pigs on CEL‐containing diet had exclusively higher abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum. Whereas, the GLU‐treated samples had more Clostridium spp.

Conclusion

This study not only indicated how the gut microbiome adapts to the three major NSP fractions, but the results also contribute to our understanding of the role of dietary fibers in modulating gut microbiota and health.
Chain length‐dependent effects of inulin‐type fructan dietary fiber on human systemic immune responses against hepatitis‐B
Authors: Vogt Leonie M. , Elderman Marlies E. , Borghuis Theo , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul
Published: June 2017

Scope

In vivo studies demonstrating that only specific dietary‐fibers contribute to immunity are still inconclusive, as measuring immune effects in healthy humans remains difficult. We applied a relatively inefficacious vaccination‐challenge to study chain length‐dependent effects of inulin‐type fructan (ITF) dietary fibers on human immunity.

Methods and results

ITFs with two different ‘degree of polymerization‐’ (DP)‐profiles were tested in vitro for effects on PBMC‐cytokines and TLR2 activation. In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 40 healthy volunteers (18–29 years) were divided into three groups and supplemented from day 1 to day 14 with DP10‐60 ITF, DP2‐25 ITF (both n = 13), or fructose placebo (n = 14), 8 g/day. On day 7, all volunteers were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Anti‐HbsAg‐titer development and lymphocyte subsets were studied. In vitro, DP10‐60 ITFs stimulated a Th1‐like cytokine profile and stimulated TLR2 more strongly than DP2‐25 ITFs. In vivo, DP10‐60 increased anti‐HBsAg titers, Th1‐cells, and transitional B‐cells. Both ITFs increased CD45ROhi CTLs at day 35, and CD161+ cytokine producing NK‐cells at day 21 and 35.

Conclusion

Support of immunity is determined by the chain length of ITFs. Only long‐chain ITFs support immunity against pathogenic hepB‐epitopes introduced by vaccination. Our findings demonstrate that specific dietary fibers need to be selected for immunity support.
Three‐dimensional mapping of brain venous oxygenation using oximetry
Authors: Mao Deng , Li Yang , Liu Peiying , Peng Shin‐Lei , Pillai Jay J. , Lu Hanzhang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Cerebral venous oxygenation (Yv) is an important biomarker for brain diseases. This study aims to develop an
‐based MR oximetry that can measure cerebral Yv in 3D.

Methods

This technique separates blood signal from tissue by velocity‐encoding phase contrast and measures the
of pure blood by multi‐gradient‐echo acquisition. The blood
was converted to Yv using an
‐versus‐oxygenation (Y) calibration curve, which was obtained by in vitro bovine blood experiments. Reproducibility, sensitivity, validity, and resolution dependence of the technique were evaluated.

Results

In vitro ‐Y calibration plot revealed a strong dependence of blood
on oxygenation, with additional dependence on hematocrit. In vivo results demonstrated that the technique can provide a 3D venous oxygenation map that depicts both large sinuses and smaller cortical veins, with venous oxygenation ranging from 57 to 72%. Intrasession coefficient of variation of the measurement was 3.0%. The technique detected an average Yv increase of 10.8% as a result of hyperoxia, which was validated by global oxygenation measurement from T2‐Relaxation‐Under‐Spin‐Tagging (TRUST) MRI. Two spatial resolutions, one with an isotropic voxel dimension and the other with a nonisotropic dimension, were tested for full brain coverage.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of 3D brain oxygenation mapping without using contrast agent. Magn Reson Med 79:1304–1313, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Associations between psychological stress and smoking, drinking, obesity, and high blood pressure in an upper middle‐income country in the African region
Authors: Chamik Tanja , Viswanathan Bharathi , Gedeon Jude , Bovet Pascal
Published: June 2017

The direction and magnitude of the associations between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and psychological stress continue to be debated, and no data are available from surveys in the African region. In this study, we examine the associations between CVRFs and psychological stress in the Seychelles, a rapidly developing small island state in the African region. A survey was conducted in 1,240 adults aged 25–64 years representative of the Seychelles. Participants were asked to rank psychological stress that they had experienced during the past 12 months in four domains: work, social life, financial situation, and environment around home. CVRFs (high blood pressure, tobacco use, alcohol drinking, and obesity) were assessed using standard procedures. Psychological stress was associated with age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Overall, there were only few consistent associations between psychological stress and CVRFs, adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Social stress was associated with smoking, drinking, and obesity, and there were marginal associations between stress at work and drinking, and between financial stress, and smoking and drinking. Psychological stress was not associated with high blood pressure. These findings suggest that psychological stress should be considered in cardiovascular disease prevention and control strategies.
A Plasma‐Assisted Route to the Rapid Preparation of Transition‐Metal Phosphides for Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Liang Hanfeng , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: June 2017

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) are important materials that have been widely used in catalysis, supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, light‐emitting diodes, and magnets. The physical and chemical structure of a metal phosphide varies with the method of preparation as the electronic, catalytic, and magnetic properties of the metal phosphides strongly depend on their synthesis routes. Commonly practiced processes such as solid‐state synthesis and ball milling have proven to be reliable routes to prepare TMPs but they generally require high temperature and long reaction time. Here, a recently developed plasma‐assisted conversion route for the preparation of TMPs is reviewed, along with their applications in energy conversion and storage, including water oxidation electrocatalysis, sodium‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors. The plasma‐assisted synthetic route should open up a new avenue to prepare TMPs with tailored structure and morphology for various applications. In fact, the process may be further extended to the synthesis of a wide range of transition‐metal compounds such as borides and fluorides at low temperature and in a rapid manner.
When is the mode functional the Bayes classifier?
Authors: Gneiting Tilmann
Published: June 2017

In classification problems, the mode of the conditional probability distribution, that is, the most probable category, is the Bayes classifier under zero‐one or misclassification loss. Under any other cost structure, the mode fails to persist. ©2017 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Modified meta heuristics and improved backpropagation neural network‐based electrical load demand prediction technique for smart grid
Authors: Islam Badar , Baharudin Zuhairi , Nallagownden Perumal
Published: June 2017

For the assessment of 1‐h‐ahead electrical energy demand, this paper presents an improved backpropagation neural network that has been integrated with a simulated annealing algorithm and a chaos search genetic algorithm. A self‐adaptive learning rate and modified momentum factor are suggested to enhance the performance of the traditionally used backpropagation algorithm. For the combination scheme, the initial parameters of the improved backpropagation neural network have been modified through the utilization of the global search capability of the genetic algorithm. This has been enhanced by cat chaotic mapping to increase the genetic algorithm's optimization ability. The strong local search feature of the simulated annealing algorithm has been used to further enhance the solution set that was created by the optimized genetic algorithm. The model is tested for small and large‐sized grid data, integrated with renewable sources. The performance of the model is also verified for fluctuating load demand conditions. Furthermore, the proposed model performance is tested for all the four seasons of the year to validate its efficacy during seasonal variations. The results of the proposed technique in all these scenarios show higher prediction accuracy and fast convergence than the existing methods. The acceptable precision of 1‐h‐ahead load forecast and its adaptation in different load demand conditions determine the usefulness of the proposed model in the modern deregulated power industry. In particular, the model can be effectively implemented for the enhancement of demand response and other dynamic features of the smart grid. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.