bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cost-Effectiveness of Screening in the Community to Reduce Osteoporotic Fractures in Older Women in the UK: Economic Evaluation of the SCOOP Study
Authors: Turner David A , Khioe Rebekah Fong Soe , Shepstone Lee , Lenaghan Elizabeth , Cooper Cyrus , Gittoes Neil , Harvey Nicholas C , Holland Richard , Howe Amanda , McCloskey Eugene , O'Neill Terence W , Torgerson David , Fordham Richard ,   the SCOOP Study Team
Published: February 2018

The SCOOP study was a two-arm randomized controlled trial conducted in the UK in 12,483 eligible women aged 70 to 85 years. It compared a screening program using the FRAX® risk assessment tool in addition to bone mineral density (BMD) measures versus usual management. The SCOOP study found a reduction in the incidence of hip fractures in the screening arm, but there was no evidence of a reduction in the incidence of all osteoporosis-related fractures. To make decisions about whether to implement any screening program, we should also consider whether the program is likely to be a good use of health care resources, ie, is it cost-effective? The cost per gained quality adjusted life year of screening for fracture risk has not previously been demonstrated in an economic evaluation alongside a clinical trial. We conducted a “within trial” economic analysis alongside the SCOOP study from the perspective of a national health payer, the UK National Health Service (NHS). The main outcome measure in the economic analysis was the cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained over a 5-year time period. We also estimated cost per osteoporosis-related fracture prevented and the cost per hip fracture prevented. The screening arm had an average incremental QALY gain of 0.0237 (95% confidence interval –0.0034 to 0.0508) for the 5-year follow-up. The incremental cost per QALY gained was £2772 compared with the control arm. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves indicated a 93% probability of the intervention being cost-effective at values of a QALY greater than £20,000. The intervention arm prevented fractures at a cost of £4478 and £7694 per fracture for osteoporosis-related and hip fractures, respectively. The current study demonstrates that a systematic, community-based screening program of fracture risk in older women in the UK represents a highly cost-effective intervention. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Flexible Tacrolimus Drug Concentration Monitoring Approach in Patients Receiving Extended‐Release Once‐Daily Tacrolimus Tablets
Authors: Philosophe Benjamin , Leca Nicolae , West‐Thielke Patricia M. , Horwedel Timothy , Culkin‐Gemmell Christine , Kistler Kristin , Stevens Daniel R.
Published: February 2018

The majority of United States kidney transplant patients are treated with tacrolimus, a drug effective in preventing graft rejection, but with a narrow therapeutic range, necessitating close monitoring to avoid increased risks of transplant rejection or toxicity if the tacrolimus concentration is too low or too high, respectively. The trough drug concentration tests are time sensitive; patients treated on a twice‐daily basis have blood draws exactly 12 hours after their previous dose. The schedule's rigidity causes problems for both patients and health care providers. Novel once‐daily tacrolimus formulations such as LCPT (an extended‐release tablet by Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cary, North Carolina) have allowed for blood draws on a once‐daily basis; however, even that schedule can be restrictive. Results from tests taken either before or after that 24‐hour target time may be discarded, or worse, may lead to inappropriate dose changes. Data from ASTCOFF, a phase 3B pharmacokinetic clinical trial (NCT02339246), demonstrated that the unique pharmacokinetic curve of LCPT may allow for a therapeutic monitoring window that extends for 3 hours before or after the 24‐hour monitoring target. Furthermore, important tools to help clinicians interpret these levels, such as formulas to estimate the 24‐hour trough level if an alternative monitoring time is used, were constructed from these data. These study results give treating clinicians access to data that allow them to safely use and monitor LCPT in their patients and expand the body of evidence surrounding differentiation and practical application of the novel LCPT tacrolimus formulation.
Discounting: A practical guide to multilevel analysis of choice data
Authors: Young Michael E.
Published: February 2018

Multilevel modeling provides the ability to simultaneously evaluate the discounting of individuals and groups by examining choices between smaller sooner and larger later rewards. A multilevel logistic regression approach is advocated in which sensitivity to relative reward magnitude and relative delay are considered as separate contributors to choice. Examples of how to fit choice data using multilevel logistic models are provided to help researchers in the adoption of these methods.
Framework Theory of Conceptual Change to Interpret Undergraduate Engineering Students' Explanations About Mechanics of Materials Concepts
Authors: Brown Shane , Montfort Devlin , Perova‐Mello Natasha , Lutz Ben , Berger Amber , Streveler Ruth
Published: February 2018

Background

Conceptual change is a process in which an individual's understanding and the basis of this understanding change over time. Vosniadou's framework theory explains conceptual change in terms of how students learn to relate the observable and unobservable in everyday phenomena. As a result, courses that relate physical phenomena to complex abstractions – such as Mechanics of Materials – are useful spaces for exploring conceptual change.

Purpose

This paper leverages Vosniadou's framework theory of conceptual change to explore students' reasoning and to identify trends about their understanding of fundamental concepts of mechanics of materials.

Design/Method

This research is based on the qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews with ninety engineering undergraduate students enrolled in a Mechanics of Materials course. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed to capture students' understanding of mechanics of materials concepts under different loading scenarios.

Results

Our results found two common persistent beliefs in student reasoning in both the axial and bending load cases: that shear and normal stress depend on (a) the direction and (b) the location of an applied load. We propose that students' “nonscientific” beliefs are part of an intermediate, synthetic model of conceptual understanding created as students assimilate their presuppositions of mechanics of materials with newly acquired information based on the scientific concepts.

Conclusions

Students form naïve conceptual beliefs based on their experiences with loading scenarios that impede their abilities to more effectively assimilate new concepts into their current framework theories. A better understanding of student reasoning and what influences it can inform instructional techniques to help students develop science‐based reasoning in mechanics of materials.
Employee‐Owned Firms from a Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Fernández‐Guadaño Josefina , López‐Millán Manuel
Published: February 2018

This study focuses on the role of employee‐owned firms (EOFs) in value creation from a stakeholder perspective. EOFs have been defined as Social Economy enterprises in Spain following guiding principles that in our opinion should empower stakeholder governance. Therefore, the impact of employee share ownership on value creation for shareholders and stakeholders has been measured on the basis of a sample of 1006 enterprises. The results reveal that EOFs have a positive and significant influence on the distribution of value in favour of the employees but not the other stakeholders. This finding, which allows us to partially accept one of the proposed hypotheses, is consistent with previous evidence that EOFs set their objectives to maximize the value obtained by the participating employees through their financial participation in the business, and not, therefore, to maximize profits. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal changes in myocardial T1 and T2 relaxation times related to diffuse myocardial fibrosis in aortic stenosis; before and after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kvernby Sofia , Rönnerfalk Mattias , Warntjes Marcel , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan , Nylander Eva , Engvall Jan , Tamás Éva , Ebbers Tino
Published: February 2018

Background

Diffuse myocardial fibrosis is associated with adverse outcomes, although detection and quantification is challenging. Cardiac MR relaxation times mapping represents a promising imaging biomarker for diffuse myocardial fibrosis.

Purpose

To investigate whether relaxation times can detect longitudinal changes in myocardial tissue composition associated with diffuse fibrosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Study type

Prospective longitudinal study.

Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal Model

Fifteen patients with severe AS.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T / 3(3)3(3)5‐MOLLI, T2‐GraSE, and 3D‐QALAS.

Assessment

Patients underwent MR examinations at three timepoints: before AVR, as well as 3 and 12 months after AVR. Data from each patient was analyzed in 16 myocardial segments.

Statistical Tests

The segment‐wise T1 and T2 data were analyzed over time after surgery using linear mixed models for repeated measures analysis.

Results

The results showed that T1 relaxation times were significantly (P < 0.05) shorter 3 and 12 months postoperative than preoperative and that the T2 relaxation times were significantly (P < 0.05) longer 3 and 12 months postoperative than preoperative for both 3D and 2D mapping methods. No significant changes were seen between 3 and 12 months postoperative for any of the methods (P = 0.06/0.19 for T1 with 3D‐QALAS/MOLLI and P = 0.09/0.25 for T2 with 3D‐QALAS/GraSE).

Data Conclusion

We demonstrated that changes in myocardial relaxation times and thus tissue characteristics can be observed within 3 months after AVR surgery. The significant changes in relaxation times from preoperative examinations to the follow‐up may be interpreted as a reduction of interstitial fibrosis in the left ventricular wall.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:799–807.
Application of Nano‐Polymer Emulsion for Inhibiting Shale Self‐Imbibition in Water‐Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Xu Jian‐gen , Qiu Zhengsong , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yubin , Li Gongrang , Huang Weian
Published: February 2018

In order to effectively solve shale instability problems in the drilling process, the remarkable capillary effect of shale formations cannot be ignored. In this paper, we report the development and characterization of a nano‐polymer emulsion (SDPE) as a shale self‐imbibition control agent in water‐based drilling fluids. Spontaneous imbibition experiments, surface tension measurements, contact angle measurements, particle size distribution analysis, linear swelling tests, and hot‐rolling cuttings dispersion tests were conducted to evaluate the comprehensive performance of SDPE. The results show that the water absorption of shale samples in SDPE emulsions is significantly less than in deionized water. At a concentration of 2.0%, the absorption mass decreased from 7.51 to 2.59%. Reducing the surface tension of the testing fluids, increasing the contact angle of the shale samples, and maintaining the nanoscale size were the important considerations for SDPE to greatly decrease the capillary effect. The low swelling rate and high recovery rate indicate that SDPE also exhibits strong shale hydration inhibition performance. Compared with water‐based drilling fluids without SDPE, drilling fluids with SDPE present higher yield point/plastic viscosity values, and also decrease the filtration loss. Based on our findings, SDPE has the potential to be a good shale self‐imbibition control agent and to help mitigate the shale instability problems.
Breast‐specific factors determine cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction after breast‐conserving therapy: Results from the randomized COBALT study
Authors: Volders José H. , Negenborn Vera L. , Haloua Max H. , Krekel Nicole M.A. , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Meijer Sybren , van den Tol Petrousjka M.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

To identify breast‐specific factors and the role of tumor, treatment, and patient‐related items in influencing patient opinion on cosmesis and satisfaction after breast‐conserving therapy (BCT).

Methods

Data from the randomized COBALT study was used. At 3, 12, and 36 months, 128 patients with T1‐T2 breast cancer completed a questionnaire on breast‐specific factors and overall cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction, using a 4‐point Likert scale.

Results

There was a strong positive correlation between breast‐specific factors, overall cosmetic outcome,and satisfaction at all time‐points. Excellent/good cosmetic outcomes and satisfaction decreased during follow‐up. A shift was noted in the degree of influence of the various breast‐specific factors. At 3 years, symmetry factors such as size, shape, and nipple position largely determined a patient's opinion on the final cosmesis, followed by firmness. The risk of an unacceptable outcome was associated with young age and large excision volumes.

Conclusion

A questionnaire including breast‐specific questions provides important information on final cosmetic results and satisfaction after BCT. These outcomes can also be of great value as quality indicators and pre‐operative counseling. The major influence of breast‐specific factors on asymmetry underlines the importance of achieving an optimal excision volume at the initial procedure.
A novel ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of xanthones and steroidal saponins in crude and salt‐processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma aqueous extracts
Authors: Ji De , Su Xiaonan , Huang Ziyan , Wang Qiaohan , Lu Tulin
Published: February 2018

We established a rapid and sensitive ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of xanthones and steroidal saponins in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with a mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. The detection was performed by negative electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The validated method showed good linearity within the tested range (r > 0.9945). The intra‐ and interday precision at high, medium, and low concentrations was less than 7.96%. The bias of accuracies ranged from −1.92 to 9.62%. The extraction recoveries of the compounds ranged from 84.78 to 88.69%, and the matrix effects ranged from 96.76 to 108.59%. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic comparison of crude and salt‐processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma aqueous extracts after oral administration in rats. The maximum plasma concentration and area under concentration–time curve of timosaponin BIII and timosaponin AIII increased significantly (P < 0.05 or 0.01) and those of timosaponin BII decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after processing. These results could contribute to the clinical application of crude and salt‐processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and reveal the processing mechanism.
Method for the simultaneous determination of monoaromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in industrial effluents using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Makoś Patrycja , Fernandes André , Boczkaj Grzegorz
Published: February 2018

We present a new method for simultaneous determination of 22 monoaromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in postoxidative effluents from the production of petroleum bitumen using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The eight extraction parameters including the type and volume of extraction and disperser solvent, pH, salting out effect, extraction, and centrifugation time were optimized. The low detection limit ranging from 0.36 to 28 μg/L, limit of quantitation (1.1–84 μg/L), good reproducibility, and wide linear ranges, as well as the recoveries ranging from 71.74 to 114.67% revealed that the new method allows the determination of aromatic hydrocarbons at low concentration levels in industrial effluents having a very complex composition. The developed method was applied to the determination of content of mono‐ and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of raw postoxidative effluents in which 15 compounds were identified at concentrations ranging from 1.21 to 1017.0 μg/L as well as in effluents after chemical treatment.
How chemists use the literature
Authors: Williams Ivor A.
Published: February 2018

In the light of current developments in information technology, coupled with the pressure on library budgets and the increasing interest in document delivery systems as a alternative to purchasing journals (“just in time instead of just in case”�) this paper considers the need for some quantitative information as to how researchers in chemistry currently meet their needs for access to material of interest to them.
Whose text is it anyway?
Authors: Dorner Jane
Published: February 2018

This article was originally given as a talk at the Computers And The Humanities Conference (CATH) in December 1992, and is directed principally at academics in the humanities. It is prompted by anxieties about the stranglehold that copyright problems are having on new electronic opportunities.
Engineered headwaters can act as sources of dissolved organic matter and nitrogen to urban stream networks
Authors: Fork Megan L. , Blaszczak Joanna R. , Delesantro Joseph M. , Heffernan James B.
Published: February 2018

Improved management of urban stream water quality requires identification of sources contributing excess nutrients and organic matter. While soils and lawns are potential nonpoint sources characterized by large pools of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), their hydrologic connectivity to streams is often low relative to impervious surfaces. In contrast, engineered headwaters (gutters and pipes) retain smaller pools of C and N, but efficiently process litter into dissolved organic matter and are highly connected to streams during storms. We found that engineered headwaters have the potential to provide more than enough dissolved C and N to account for streamflow fluxes during storms. This finding suggests that engineered headwaters can act not only as stormwater conveyances, but as important proximate sources of dissolved carbon and nutrients to streams during storms. A nested mass balance approach like the one used here can further understanding of the contributions of previously overlooked subsystems, such as engineered headwaters, to biogeochemistry and element flux in urban catchments.
Hybrid‐State Dynamics of Dye Molecules and Surface Plasmon Polaritons under Ultrastrong Coupling Regime
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Hai‐Yu , Chen Qi‐Dai , Xu Huai‐Liang , Sun Hong‐Bo , Huang Fangcheng , Raja Waseem , Toma Andrea , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: February 2018

The achievement of an ultrastrong coupling regime between surface plasmon modes generated by gold conical pits arrays and excitons associated to squaraine dye is demonstrated. Numerical and experimental steady‐state reflection measurements demonstrate a remarkable Rabi splitting of 860 meV, to date the largest reported value involving surface plasmon modes. Furthermore, the dynamics of the hybrid states under the ultrastrong coupling regime is investigated by transient absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the upper bands are too short‐lived to be detected, while the lower bands have a relatively shorter lifetime with respect to the bleaching recovery of pure squaraine dye. This result contradicts the behaviour of systems in strong coupling regimes, suggesting a different photophysics between strong and ultrastrong coupled systems.
Comparison between 8‐methoxypsoralen and 5‐aminolevulinic acid in killing T cells of photopheresis patients ex vivo
Authors: Holien Toril , Gederaas Odrun Arna , Darvekar Sagar Ramesh , Christensen Eidi , Peng Qian
Published: February 2018

Background and Objective

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), an established modality for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and graft‐versus‐host disease, involves ex vivo treatment of isolated leukocytes of a patient with the photosensitizing drug 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and ultraviolet‐A (UV‐A) exposure before reinfusion back to the patient. However, 8‐MOP binds to both diseased and normal cells and thus kills both types of the cells after UV‐A illumination with little selectivity. Clinically, this modality gives only partial response in the majority of treated patients. 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA), a precursor of the potent photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), has been shown to selectively induce PpIX in activated T lymphocytes (T cells) and could be an alternative for 8‐MOP. The objectives of this study were to investigate ex vivo 5‐ALA dark toxicity, 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX production, and photodynamic effect on T cells obtained from clinical ECP patients after the treatment of 5‐ALA or 8‐MOP plus a built‐in certified UV‐A source in the commercial Therakos™ Photopheresis System.

Materials and Methods

Flow cytometry was used to study dark cytotoxic effects of 5‐ALA on human leukocytes, to measure the production of 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX in CD25+ activated T cells from both diluted mononuclear cells and undiluted buffy coat samples of ECP patients and to compare photodynamic effects on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with 5‐ALA/UV‐A or 8‐MOP/UV‐A.

Results

No dark toxicity of 5‐ALA on the leukocytes of ECP patients was seen at concentrations up to 10 mM for an incubation of up to 20 hours. 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX was produced more in CD25+ activated T cells than resting T cells in both diluted mononuclear cells and undiluted buffy coat samples, although there was a huge variation of samples from different individual patients. The CD4+ and CD8+ T cells treated with 5‐ALA/UV‐A were killed more than those treated with 8‐MOP/UV‐A.

Conclusion

These results suggest that 5‐ALA/UV‐A may have the potential for improving the efficacy of ECP. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:469–475, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cheminformatics Analysis of Dynamic WNK‐Inhibitor Interactions
Authors: Kuenemann Melaine A. , Fourches Denis
Published: February 2018

The With‐No‐Lysine (WNK) serine/threonine kinase family constitutes a unique and distinctive branch of the kinome. The four proteins of this family (WNK1/2/3/4) are involved in blood pressure regulation, body fluid, and electrolyte homeostasis. Herein, we modeled and analyzed the binding modes of all publicly‐available small orthosteric and allosteric binders (including WNK463 and WNK467) experimentally tested towards any of the WNK family member. To do so, we relied on state‐of‐the‐art cheminformatics approaches including structure‐based molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, we computed and analyzed the (i) molecular selectivity of known inhibitors when docked in the binding site of each WNK family member, (ii) the dynamic WNK‐inhibitor interactions at both orthosteric and allosteric sites to derive new structure‐activity relationships, and (iii) the key specific interactions present in each binding site. This study reports on the first, cheminformatics‐powered analysis of the entire chemical space of known WNK inhibitors. We discuss the conservation of critical WNK‐inhibitor interactions and the existence of isoform‐specific interactions that could enable the rational design of more potent and selective WNK binders.
Efficient numerical scheme for solving the Allen‐Cahn equation
Authors: Shah Abdullah , Sabir Muhammad , Qasim Muhammad , Bastian Peter
Published: February 2018

This article presents an efficient and robust algorithm for the numerical solution of the Allen‐Cahn equation, which represents the motion of antiphase boundaries. The proposed algorithm is based on the diagonally implicit fractional‐step scheme for time discretization and the conforming finite element method for space discretization. For the steady‐state solution, both uniform and adaptive grids are used to illustrate the effectiveness of adaptive grids over uniform grids. For the unsteady solution, the diagonally implicit fractional‐step scheme is compared with other time discretization schemes in terms of computational cost and temporal error estimation accuracy. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed algorithm in solving nonlinear partial differential equations.
Measuring Socioeconomic Status and Environmental Factors in the SAYCARE Study in South America: Reliability of the Methods
Authors: De Moraes Augusto Cesar Ferreira , Forkert Elsie C.O. , Vilanova‐Campelo Regina Célia , González‐Zapata Laura Inés , Azzaretti Leticia , Iguacel Isabel , Huicho Luis , Moliterno Paula , Moreno Luis Alberto , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa
Published: February 2018

Objective

This paper aimed to test the reliability of two questionnaires in studies involving children and adolescents (aged 3‐18 years) in seven South American cities. One assesses socioeconomic status (SES) and the other measures environmental factors.

Methods

The SES questionnaire was composed of 14 questions, which included the presence of several consumer goods, domestic services, family income, parental education level, and current parental occupation status. The environmental questionnaire was composed of 15 questions to measure the social and infrastructure characteristics of the area of residence. Parents or guardians completed the questionnaires on behalf of their children. Adolescents answered the questions themselves for environmental factors, while those related to SES factors were answered by their parents or guardians. We analyzed the reliability of the questionnaires through kappa coefficient determination. Multilevel linear regression models were applied to calculate the correlation between the total household scores, the household income, and parents' education level.

Results

The environmental questionnaire showed good reproducibility in both age groups (k = 0.132‐0.612 in children and k = 0.392‐0.746 in adolescents). The SES questionnaire showed strong reliability in both age groups for all indicators (k = 0.52‐1.00 in children and k = 0.296‐0.964 in adolescents).

Conclusions

Our multiple indicator questionnaires focused on environmental factors and SES in pediatric health surveys provided useful and easily applicable additional indicators to measure these important determinants of cardiovascular health.
Is the Measurement of Blood Pressure by Automatic Monitor in the South American Pediatric Population Accurate? SAYCARE Study
Authors: Araújo‐Moura Keisyanne , De Moraes Augusto César Ferreira , Forkert Elsie C.O. , Berg Gabriela , Cucato Gabriel Grizzo , Forjaz Claúdia Lucia de Moraes , Moliterno Paula , Gaitan‐Charry Diego , Delgado Carlos A. , González‐Gil Esther M. , Moreno Luis Alberto , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa , Torres‐Leal Francisco Leonardo
Published: February 2018

Objective

This study aimed to test the validity of an automatic oscillometric device to measure the blood pressure (BP) in children (n = 191) and adolescents (n = 127) aged 3 to 18 years.

Methods

Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) levels were measured simultaneous by automatic device and mercury column with Y‐connection. To verify the validity, Bland‐Altman plots and limits of agreement of 95% (95% LOA), specificity and sensitivity of the device, and the grade of British Hypertension Society (BHS) criteria were used.

Results

The monitor measurements demonstrated lower measurement bias (mean difference [95% LOA]): 1.4 (−9.9 to 12.8) mmHg in children and 4.3 (−7.8 to 16.5) mmHg in adolescents for SBP. For DBP, it was 2.2 (−7.4 to 11.7) mmHg in children and 1.4 (−8.4 to 11.1) mmHg in adolescents. The sensitivity in children was 21.4 (95% CI = 16.3‐26.6), and in adolescents, it was 20.0 (95% CI = 13.2‐26.8); the specificity was 95.9 (95% CI = 93.4‐98.4) in children and 100.0 (95% CI = 100.0‐100.0) in adolescents. The monitor‐tested ratings are Grade B for SBP in children and SBP and DBP in adolescents and Grade C for DBP in children.

Conclusions

The automatic monitor presented high values of specificity and lower values of sensitivity to the diagnosis of HBP; however, it can be considered accurate (lower measurement bias) and valid for epidemiological and clinical practice in accordance with BHS criteria.
A comparison of pseudoproline substitution effects on cyclisation yield in the total syntheses of segetalins B and G
Authors: Wong Michelle S. Y. , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: February 2018

The total syntheses of the naturally occurring cyclic pentapeptides, segetalins B and G, using a traceless pseudoproline‐mediated cyclization reaction is reported. The incorporation of a cysteine‐derived gem‐dimethyl pseudoproline [Cys(ΨMe,MePro)] residue in the linear precursors to induce a cisoid amide bond prior to the head‐to‐tail cyclization resulted in improved cyclization yields in both cases. Cysteine‐derived pseudoproline residues lacking the gem‐dimethyl substituents [Cys(ΨH,HPro)] were not as effective at inducing cisoid conformations of the amide bonds and resulted in lower cyclization yields with a concomitant increase in the formation of cyclodimers. The Cys(ΨMe,MePro) containing cyclic peptides were subject to deprotection and desulfurization to give the alanine containing natural products in high overall yields. In contrast, deprotection of cyclic peptides containing Cys(ΨH,HPro) residues upon treatment with trifluoroacetic acid removed other side chain‐protecting groups but left the Cys(ΨH,HPro) residues intact.
Partially bio‐based aromatic polyimides derived from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid with high thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Ma Kai , Chen Guofei , Wang Wei , Zhang Anjiang , Zhong Yingying , Zhang Yajie , Fang Xingzhong
Published: February 2018

Two novel bio‐based diamines are synthesized through introduction of renewable 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and the corresponding aromatic polyimides (PIs) are then prepared by these diamines with commercially available aromatic dianhydrides via two‐step polycondensation. The partially bio‐based PIs possess high glass transition temperatures (Tgs) in the range from 266 to 364 °C, high thermal stability of 5% weight loss temperatures (T5%s) over 420 °C in nitrogen and outstanding mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 79–138 MPa, tensile moduli of 2.5–5.4 GPa, and elongations at break of 3.0–12.3%. Some colorless PI films (PI‐1‐b and PI‐1‐c) with the transmittances at 450 nm over 85% are prepared. The overall properties of 2,5‐FDCA‐based PIs are comparable with petroleum‐based PI derived from isophthalic acid, displaying the potential for development of innovative bio‐based materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1058–1066
Enhancing adhesion and polymerization of lipase‐plasma‐polymerized‐ethylene coatings deposited with planar dielectric‐barrier‐discharge‐type aerosol‐assisted atmospheric‐pressure plasma system
Authors: Cheng Yun‐Chien , Hsiao Chun‐Ping , Liu Yung‐Hsin , Yang Chu‐Hao , Chiang Chun‐Yi , Lin Tsung‐Rong , Yang Yi‐Wei , Wu Jong‐Shinn
Published: February 2018

To enhance the adhesion and polymerization of lipase‐plasma‐polymerized‐ethylene (lipase‐PPE) coatings deposited by aerosol‐assisted atmospheric plasma deposition (AAAPPD), the effects of voltage, ceramic‐dielectric thickness, and pre‐coated PPE layer were investigated. In AAAPPD system, ethylene and lipase‐phosphate‐buffered‐saline aerosol were used as precursors to polymerize ethylene and embed lipase simultaneously. The deposited lipase‐PPE coatings were analyzed with FTIR, SEM, and surface profiler. The results show that increasing voltage from 3 to 4 kV and decreasing ceramic‐dielectric thickness from 1 to 0.38 mm improved the coating adhesion and polymerization. Also, depositing a PPE layer with high energy prior to lipase‐PPE coating enhanced adhesion. These improvements of the biomolecule‐PPE coatings facilitate further bioapplications of this new biomolecule‐embedding method.
3D Flake‐Like Bi2Te3 with Outstanding Lightweight Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Feature
Authors: Chen Jiabin , Liang Xiaohui , Quan Bin , Yang Zhihong , Du Youwei , Ji Guangbin
Published: February 2018

Flake‐like semiconductors with strong interfacial polarization exhibit excellent electromagnetic absorption properties. To the best of the knowledge, 3D flake‐like Bi2Te3 is never reported as effective MAMs (microwave absorption materials). Herein, it is first introduced the novel lightweight microwave absorption of 3D flake‐like Bi2Te3 synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. Compared with the traditional research objects, the obtained Bi2Te3 possessed prominent absorbing ability at a rather thin thickness (1.0 mm), which will draw much attention to new‐materials for electromagnetic wave absorption.
Dietary tetrahydrocurcumin reduces renal fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy in 5/6 nephrectomized rats
Authors: Lau Wei Ling , Khazaeli Mahyar , Savoj Javad , Manekia Kasim , Bangash Maria , Thakurta Roshni G. , Dang Anhthu , Vaziri Nosratola D. , Singh Bhupinder
Published: February 2018

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is the principal metabolite of curcumin and has antioxidant properties. In the present investigation, the effect of THC on renal and cardiovascular outcomes was studied in rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD rats were randomized following 5/6 nephrectomy to a special diet for 9 weeks which contained 1% THC (CKD+THC group). Low‐dose polyenylphosphatidylcholine was used as a lipid carrier to increase bioavailability. Endpoints included tail blood pressure, normalized heart weight, plasma and urine biochemical data, and kidney tissue analyses. CKD animals demonstrated increased proteinuria, decreased creatinine clearance, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. The antioxidant proteins CuZn SOD and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in the remnant kidney, while apoptosis (caspase‐3) and fibrosis (alpha‐SM actin) were increased. Renal fibrosis was confirmed histologically on trichrome staining. These pathologic changes were ameliorated in the CKD+THC group with significant decrease in proteinuria, hypertension, and kidney fibrosis. THC therapy restored levels of CuZn SOD and glutathione peroxidase. Consistent with prior reports, dietary THC did not improve nuclear Nrf2 levels. In summary, dietary THC therapy improved expression of antioxidant proteins in the remnant kidney, decreased renal fibrosis and proteinuria, and ameliorated hypertension in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.
Moving on? Gender, education, and citizenship as key factors among short‐term onward migration planners
Authors: Ortensi Livia Elisa , Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa
Published: February 2018

Onward migration is a rising issue in migration studies as a consequence of the growing complexity in migration patterns worldwide. This paper analyses historic and economic reasons behind the recent surge of onward migration from Southern European countries and, more specifically, Italy. Using 2014 ORIM data about short‐term onward migration intentions and a logistic regression model, the paper explores factors that select aspirant onward migrants from Italy. The model tests the effects of socio‐demographic and economic factors. The results of the study question the idea of citizenship as the highest level of integration in the host country and suggest that the recent wave of onward migration from Italy is mainly a reactive phenomenon triggered by the economic crisis. Most of all, this study explicitly underlines the role of gender in shaping intentions of short‐term onward migration in Italy. The gender‐sensible approach adopted in the present study shows the important role of women in the decision‐making process of couples: female unemployment significantly increases intentions of onward migration, and the migration is also considered as an opportunity for the spouse and a gain in the economic prospects of the entire family. Conversely, female employment has a significant role in preventing onward migration.
EWMA chart based on Bayes‐conditional pivotal quantity for Weibull percentiles under complete data and type‐II censoring
Authors: Wang Fu‐Kwun , Bizuneh Berihun , Cheng Xiao‐Bin
Published: February 2018

Bayes‐conditional control chart has been used for monitoring the Weibull percentiles with complete data and type‐II censoring. Firstly, the Weibull data are transformed to the smallest extreme value (SEV) distribution. Secondly, the posterior median of quantiles is used as a monitoring statistic. Finally, a pivotal quantity based on the monitoring statistic with its conditional distribution function is derived for obtaining the control limits. This control chart is denoted as Shewhart‐SEV‐
. In this study, we extend this work based on an exponential weighted moving average model named exponential weighted moving average‐SEV‐
for monitoring the Weibull percentiles. We provide the statistical properties of the monitoring statistic. The average run length and the standard deviation of run lengths, computed by the integral equation approach, are used as performance measures. The results indicate that the proposed chart performs better than the Shewhart‐SEV‐
. The breaking strength of carbon fibers is used to illustrate the application of the proposed control chart.
Evaluating methods for extraction of α‐cellulose from leaves of Melaleuca quinquenervia for stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis
Authors: Greer Jacinta S. , McInerney Francesca A. , Vann David R. , Song Xin
Published: February 2018

Rationale

Purification of α‐cellulose from plant tissues is commonly conducted to facilitate the reliable measurement of stable isotope ratios. Prior research has shown that different plant species and tissues react differently to standardised cellulose extraction techniques. Thus, no single method can be applied to all materials and careful consideration must be undertaken when selecting an extraction technique.

Methods

In order to evaluate their suitability for use on Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves, a suite of eight different cellulose extraction techniques were tested. Leaves of this species are preserved in perched lakes on southeast Queensland's sand islands and are a focus of ongoing palaeoclimate research. Elemental analyser/isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to measure stable carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios and sample composition was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Results

We demonstrate that the standard Brendel extraction technique, particularly with a higher reagent volume and longer boiling time, produces cellulose with the lowest spread in isotopic ratios among replicates, and with the fewest impurities detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We also show that pre‐treating the leaves to extract leaf wax lipids in order to enable paired analysis from the same sub‐fossil leaves does not significantly affect the quality of the isotopic results.

Conclusions

The standard Brendel method allows the most precise stable carbon and oxygen information to be retrieved from the leaves of M. quinquenervia. This unlocks the potential to study palaeoclimate proxy records from our study site and potentially throughout the natural range of the species across eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Loon Copter: Implementation of a hybrid unmanned aquatic–aerial quadcopter with active buoyancy control
Authors: Alzu'bi Hamzeh , Mansour Iyad , Rawashdeh Osamah
Published: February 2018

Aquatic–aerial unmanned vehicles recently became the focus of many researchers due to their various possible applications. Achieving a fully operational vehicle that is capable of aerial, water‐surface, and underwater operations is a significant challenge considering the vehicle's air–water–air transition, propulsion system, and stability underwater. We present in this paper an unconventional unmanned hybrid aquatic–aerial quadcopter with active buoyancy control that is capable of aerial flight and water‐surface operation, as well as subaquatic diving. We report on the first successful prototype of the vehicle, named the Loon Copter, to provide initial evaluation results of its performance in both mediums. The Loon Copter uses a single set of motors and propellers for both air and underwater maneuvering. It utilizes a ballast system to control vehicle buoyancy and depth underwater, as well as to perform seamless air‐to‐water and water‐to‐air transitions. A closed loop control algorithm is utilized for the vehicle's aerial and water‐surface stability and maneuver, whereas an open loop control algorithm is used for underwater maneuver. The experimental results show a fully operational prototype with six degrees of freedom underwater, stable flight, operation capabilities on water surface, and agile maneuvering underwater.
Restructuring of littoral fish assemblages after drought differs in two lakes at the terminus of a heavily regulated river
Authors: Halliday B.T. , Wedderburn S.D. , Barton J.L. , Lester R.E.
Published: February 2018

Drought significantly shifts the mix of functional groups present in river ecosystems and abundances of many aquatic fauna decline. The consequences of drought for fish often include the decline of ecological specialists and the predominance of generalist species. However, factors influencing the restructuring of littoral fish assemblages following prolonged drought in heavily regulated rivers are poorly understood. We compared the restructuring of littoral fish assemblages in 2 large connected lakes, which differ in hydrology and habitat availability, after 15 years of drought in their catchment. The once‐abundant and diverse fish assemblages showed limited signs of postdrought recovery after 5 years. There were differences between the 2 lakes related to the species present, their abundances, and the functional groups within fish assemblages. The functional groups present also shifted through time from alien‐dominated to freshwater generalist‐dominated. Only 2 of 5 native fish functional groups (freshwater generalist and diadromous) had increasing abundances (used as a proxy for recovery) following the drought, and these increases only occurred in the lake with the greater connectivity and diversity in habitat and hydrology. In contrast to patterns observed for natives, abundances of alien fishes in the littoral zone of the lakes declined after an initial spike in numbers associated with substantial river flows immediately following drought. This study shows that the recovery of native fish populations following prolonged drought in a heavily regulated semiarid river occurs over a time scale of years and recovery of some extant ecological specialists was incomplete after as many as 5 years.
Evaluating Interaction of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells with Functionally Integrated Three-Dimensional Microenvironments
Authors: Mokhtari Saloomeh , Baptista Pedro M. , Vyas Dipen A. , Freeman Charles Jordan , Moran Emma , Brovold Matthew , Llamazares Guillermo A. , Lamar Zanneta , Porada Christopher D. , Soker Shay , Almeida-Porada Graça
Published: February 2018

Despite advances in ex vivo expansion of cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (CB-HSPC), challenges still remain regarding the ability to obtain, from a single unit, sufficient numbers of cells to treat an adolescent or adult patient. We and others have shown that CB-HSPC can be expanded ex vivo in two-dimensional (2D) cultures, but the absolute percentage of the more primitive stem cells decreases with time. During development, the fetal liver is the main site of HSPC expansion. Therefore, here we investigated, in vitro, the outcome of interactions of primitive HSPC with surrogate fetal liver environments. We compared bioengineered liver constructs made from a natural three-dimensional-liver-extracellular-matrix (3D-ECM) seeded with hepatoblasts, fetal liver-derived (LvSt), or bone marrow-derived stromal cells, to their respective 2D culture counterparts. We showed that the inclusion of cellular components within the 3D-ECM scaffolds was necessary for maintenance of HSPC viability in culture, and that irrespective of the microenvironment used, the 3D-ECM structures led to the maintenance of a more primitive subpopulation of HSPC, as determined by flow cytometry and colony forming assays. In addition, we showed that the timing and extent of expansion depends upon the biological component used, with LvSt providing the optimal balance between preservation of primitive CB HSPC and cellular differentiation.
FeCl3‐Mediated Carbenium Ion‐Induced Intramolecular Cyclization of N‐Tethered Alkyne‐Benzyl Alkanols
Authors: Borah Madhurjya , Saikia Anil K.
Published: February 2018

An intramolecular carbenium ion induced cyclization of N‐tethered alkyne‐benzyl alkanols mediated by ferric chloride (FeCl3) leading to substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines with exocyclic chloro‐alkylidene and ‐arylidene moiety in good yields has been described. The reaction proceeds in an anti‐fashion in both the cases. Ferric chloride acts both as Lewis acid as well as chloride nucleophile.
Pt‐Pd Bimetal Popcorn Nanocrystals: Enhancing the Catalytic Performance by Combination Effect of Stable Multipetals Nanostructure and Highly Accessible Active Sites
Authors: Ma Yanxia , Yin Lisi , Cao Guojian , Huang Qingli , He Maoshuai , Wei Wenxian , Zhao Hong , Zhang Dongen , Wang Mingyan , Yang Tao
Published: February 2018

Exploration of highly efficient electrocatalysts is significantly urgent for the extensive adoption of the fuel cells. Because of their high activity and super stability, Pt‐Pd bimetal nanocrystals have been widely recognized as one class of promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction. This article presents the synthesis of popcorn‐shaped Pt‐Pd bimetal nanoparticles with a wide composition range through a facile hydrothermal strategy. The hollow‐centered nanoparticles are surrounded by several petals and concave surfaces. By exploring the oxygen reduction reaction on the carbon supported Pt‐Pd popcorns in perchloric acid solution, it is found that compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst the present catalysts display superior catalytic performances in aspects of catalytic activity and stability. More importantly, the Pt‐Pd popcorns display minor performance degradations through prolonged potential cycling. The enhanced performances can be mainly attributed to the unique popcorn structure of the Pt‐Pd components, which allows the appearance and long existence of the high active sites with more accessibility. The present work highlights the key roles of accessible high active sites in the oxygen reduction reaction, which will ultimately guide the design of highly durable Pt‐Pd catalysts.
Pseudohalide‐Induced 2D (CH3NH3)2PbI2(SCN)2 Perovskite for Ternary Resistive Memory with High Performance
Authors: Cheng Xue‐Feng , Hou Xiang , Zhou Jin , Gao Bi‐Jun , He Jing‐Hui , Li Hua , Xu Qing‐Feng , Li Na‐Jun , Chen Dong‐Yun , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: February 2018

Recently, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHP) are studied in memory devices, but ternary resistive memory with three states based on OIHP is not achieved yet. In this work, ternary resistive memory based on hybrid perovskite is achieved with a high device yield (75%), much higher than most organic ternary resistive memories. The pseudohalide‐induced 2D (CH3NH3)2PbI2(SCN)2 perovskite thin film is prepared by using a one‐step solution method and fabricated into Al/perovskite film/indium–tin oxide (glass substrate as well as flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate) random resistive access memory (RRAM) devices. The three states have a conductivity ratio of 1:103:107, long retention over 10 000 s, and good endurance properties. The electrode area variation, impedance test, and current–voltage plotting show that the two resistance switches are attributable to the charge trap filling due to the effect of unscreened defect in 2D nanosheets and the formation of conductive filaments, respectively. This work paves way for stable perovskite multilevel RRAMs in ambient atmosphere.