bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Photoacoustic Conversion by Facilitated Heat Transfer in Ultrathin Metal Film Sandwiched by Polymer Layers
Authors: Lee Taehwa , Guo L. Jay
Published: October 2016

Photoacoustic (PA) conversion of metal film absorbers is known to be inefficient because of their low thermal expansion and high optical reflection, as compared to polymeric materials containing light absorbing fillers. Here, highly efficient PA conversion is demonstrated in metal films. By using a metal film absorber sandwiched by transparent polymer layers, PA conversion is significantly enhanced, which is even comparable to in the highest reported in the CNT‐polymer composites. Such enhancement is accomplished by ultrathin metal film (10 nm) capable of facilitating heat transfer to the adjacent polymers having high thermal expansion coefficient. This thin metal layer also allows integration of a photonic resonance cavity, effectively compensating the potential absorption loss of the thin metal. This strategy allows for easy spatial PA signal patterns and high conversion efficiency, which not only can be implemented for deep tissue PA imaging of implants or tools, but also provides a guideline for designing photoacoustic transmitters and contrast agents.
Chemo‐Catalyzed Pathways to Lactic Acid and Lactates
Authors: Shuklov I. A. , Dubrovina N. V. , Kühlein K. , Börner A.
Published: October 2016

Lactic acid is an important building block for the production of biodegradable polymers (PLLA, PDLA, etc.) as well as starting material for the pharmaceutical industry. The current production of this chiral compound is dominated by fermentation processes. However many catalytic reactions that could be used for manufacturing lactic acid were developed in the past three decades. High reaction rates and simple separation of products in comparison to fermentation characterize many of these processes. Excellent stereoselectivities up to 99% ee could be achieved. This review aims to give a critical overview of chemical processes applying catalysis as an alternative for the production of both enantiomerically pure and racemic lactic acid and lactates. The efficiency and economy of these processes are analyzed.

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Microbial Electrochemical Systems with Future Perspectives using Advanced Nanomaterials and Microfluidics
Authors: Baca Martin , Singh Sukhdeep , Gebinoga Michael , Weise Frank , Schlingloff Gregor , Schober Andreas
Published: October 2016

Microbial electrochemical systems are intensively discussed as new devices for producing energy or chemicals. In the last years progress in the terms of efficiency and applicability has been achieved. However the potential influence of nanotechnological approaches in the design of such systems with future perspectives of using nanobiosystems as scalable systems have not been addressed. After discussing recent achievements in this field an outlook to the future development of corresponding technology is given, suggesting an interdisciplinary approach.
Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Porous Carbon Matrix Coated on Carbon Fibers: An Ultrastable Cathode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zou Rujia , Liu Qian , He Guanjie , Yuen Muk Fung , Xu Kaibing , Hu Junqing , Parkin Ivan P. , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Wenjun
Published: October 2016

Nanostructured V2O5 is emerging as a new cathode material for lithium ion batteries for its distinctly high theoretic capacity over the current commercial cathodes. The main challenges associated with nanostructured V2O5 cathodes are structural degradation, instability of the solid‐electrolyte interface layer, and poor electron conductance, which lead to low capacity and rapid decay of cyclic stability. Here, a novel composite structure of V2O5 nanoparticles encapsulated in 3D networked porous carbon matrix coated on carbon fibers (V2O5/3DC‐CFs) is reported that effectively addresses the mentioned problems. Remarkably, the V2O5/3DC‐CF electrode exhibits excellent overall lithium‐storage performance, including high Coulombic efficiency, excellent specific capacity, outstanding cycling stability and rate property. A reversible capacity of ≈183 mA h g−1 is obtained at a high current density of 10 C, and the battery retains 185 mA h g−1 after 5000 cycles, which shows the best cycling stability reported to date among all reported cathodes of lithium ion batteries as per the knowledge. The outstanding overall properties of the V2O5/3DC‐CF composite make it a promising cathode material of lithium ion batteries for the power‐intensive energy storage applications.
Why Does Disaster Recovery Work Influence Mental Health?: Pathways through Physical Health and Household Income
Authors: Lowe Sarah R. , Kwok Richard K. , Payne Julianne , Engel Lawrence S. , Galea Sandro , Sandler Dale P.
Published: October 2016

Disaster recovery work increases risk for mental health problems, yet the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. We explored links from recovery work to post‐traumatic stress (PTS), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms through physical health symptoms and household income in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As part of the NIEHS GuLF STUDY, participants (N = 10,141) reported on cleanup work activities, spill‐related physical health symptoms, and household income at baseline, and mental health symptoms an average of 14.69 weeks (SD = 16.79) thereafter. Cleanup work participation was associated with higher physical health symptoms, which in turn were associated with higher PTS, MD, and GAD symptoms. Similar pattern of results were found in models including workers only and investigating the influence of longer work duration and higher work‐related oil exposure on mental health symptoms. In addition, longer worker duration and higher work‐related oil exposure were associated with higher household income, which in turn was associated with lower MD and GAD symptoms. These findings suggest that physical health symptoms contribute to workers’ risk for mental health symptoms, while higher household income, potentially from more extensive work, might mitigate risk.
Psychological Empowerment Among Urban Youth: Measurement Model and Associations with Youth Outcomes
Authors: Eisman Andria B. , Zimmerman Marc A. , Kruger Daniel , Reischl Thomas M. , Miller Alison L. , Franzen Susan P. , Morrel‐Samuels Susan
Published: October 2016

Empowerment‐based strategies have become widely used method to address health inequities and promote social change. Few researchers, however, have tested theoretical models of empowerment, including multidimensional, higher‐order models. We test empirically a multidimensional, higher‐order model of psychological empowerment (PE), guided by Zimmerman's conceptual framework including three components of PE: intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral. We also investigate if PE is associated with positive and negative outcomes among youth. The sample included 367 middle school youth aged 11–16 (M = 12.71; SD = 0.91); 60% female, 32% (n = 117) white youth, 46% (n = 170) African‐American youth, and 22% (n = 80) identifying as mixed race, Asian‐American, Latino, Native American, or other ethnic/racial group; schools reported 61–75% free/reduced lunch students. Our results indicated that each of the latent factors for the three PE components demonstrate a good fit with the data. Our results also indicated that these components loaded on to a higher‐order PE factor (X2 = 32.68; df: 22; p = .07; RMSEA: 0.04; 95% CI: .00, .06; CFI: 0.99). We found that the second‐order PE factor was negatively associated with aggressive behavior and positively associated with prosocial engagement. Our results suggest that empowerment‐focused programs would benefit from incorporating components addressing how youth think about themselves in relation to their social contexts (intrapersonal), understanding social and material resources needed to achieve specific goals (interactional), and actions taken to influence outcomes (behavioral). Our results also suggest that integrating the three components and promoting PE may help increase likelihood of positive behaviors (e.g., prosocial involvement); we did not find an association between PE and aggressive behavior. Implications and future directions for empowerment research are discussed.
A review of mortality associated with elongate mineral particle (EMP) exposure in occupational epidemiology studies of gold, talc, and taconite mining
Authors: Mandel Jeffrey H. , Alexander Bruce H. , Ramachandran Gurumurthy
Published: October 2016

Background

Mining of gold, taconite, and talc may involve exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMP). The involved EMPs are typically non‐asbestiform, include dimensions that regulatory definitions exclude, and have been less studied.

Methods

A review of the literature was undertaken for this exposure and occupational epidemiological studies that occur in gold, talc, and taconite mining.

Results

Quantitative EMP exposure information in these industries is incomplete. However, there are consistent findings of pneumoconiosis in each of these types of mining. A recent case‐control study suggests a possible association between this exposure and mesothelioma. Lung cancer is inconsistently reported in these industries and is an unlikely outcome of non‐asbestiform EMP exposure. There is evidence of cardiovascular mortality excess across all of these types of mining.

Conclusions

Non‐malignant respiratory disease and cardiovascular mortality have been consistently increased in these industries. Further investigation, including additional insights for the role of non‐asbestiform EMP, is warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1047–1060, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do leprosy and tuberculosis generate a systemic inflammatory shift? Setting the ground for a new dialogue between experimental immunology and bioarchaeology
Authors: Crespo Fabian A. , Klaes Christopher K. , Switala Andrew E. , DeWitte Sharon N.
Published: October 2016

It is possible that during long lasting chronic infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy individuals who generate a stronger immune response will produce a chronic shift in the systemic levels of inflammatory proteins. Consequently, the systemic immunological shift could affect inflammatory responses against other persistent pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontal disease (PD).

Objective

To determine if in vitro exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or M. leprae lysates impacts subsequent immune responses to P. gingivalis; and to propose a new dialogue between experimental immunology and paleopathology.

Material and methods

We sequentially (2 days protocol) exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors to bacterial lysates either from M. tuberculosis, or M. leprae, or P. gingivalis. After collecting all supernatants, we measured the expression of immune proteins TNFα and IFNγ using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Early exposure (day 1) of PBMCs to M. leprae or M. tuberculosis lysates induces an inflammatory shift detected by the increase of TNFα and IFNγ when the same cells are subsequently (day 2) exposed to oral pathogen P. gingivalis.

Discussion

By extrapolating these results, we suggest that chronic infections, such as TB and leprosy, could generate a systemic immunological shift that can affect other inflammatory processes such the one present in PD. We propose that the presence and severity of PD should be explored as a proxy for inflammatory status or competence when reconstructing the health profile in past populations.
3D Structure Determination of an Unstable Transient Enzyme Intermediate by Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jia‐Liang , Wang Xiao , Yang Feng , Cao Chan , Otting Gottfried , Su Xun‐Cheng
Published: October 2016

Enzyme catalysis relies on conformational plasticity, but structural information on transient intermediates is difficult to obtain. We show that the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of an unstable, low‐abundance enzymatic intermediate can be determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The approach is demonstrated for Staphylococcus aureus sortase A (SrtA), which is an established drug target and biotechnological reagent. SrtA is a transpeptidase that converts an amide bond of a substrate peptide into a thioester. By measuring pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) generated by a site‐specific cysteine‐reactive paramagnetic tag that does not react with the active‐site residue Cys184, a sufficient number of restraints were collected to determine the 3D structure of the unstable thioester intermediate of SrtA that is present only as a minor species under non‐equilibrium conditions. The 3D structure reveals structural changes that protect the thioester intermediate against hydrolysis.
Effect of weak base modification on ZSM‐5 catalyst for methanol to aromatics
Authors: Feng Wei , Gao Xiaofeng , Ding Chuanmin , Jia Yanming , Wang Junwen , Zhang Kan , Liu Ping
Published: October 2016

The effect of weak base modification on the catalytic performance of ZSM‐5 catalyst for conversion of methanol to aromatics was investigated. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, N2 adsorption–desorption, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. The results showed that catalysts treated with weak base (NaHCO3, Na2CO3 and NH3⋅H2O) exhibited a pore structure with interconnected micropores and mesopores. The existence of mesopores was beneficial for improving the diffusion of reactants and products, and the coke deposition resistance capacity of treated catalysts was enhanced greatly. Meanwhile, compared to traditional ZSM‐5 zeolite, the ratio of Brønsted to Lewis (B/L) acid sites of ZSM‐5/NH3⋅H2O (B/L = 7.35) zeolite slightly increased but the amount of acid sites reduced, while those of ZSM‐5/NaHCO3 (B/L = 0.127) and ZSM‐5/Na2CO3 (B/L = 0.107) significantly reduced. Further, the catalyst treated with NH3⋅H2O solution was evaluated in the methanol to aromatics reaction and led to an enhanced aromatization reaction rate. The liquid hydrocarbons product distribution exhibited higher aromatic hydrocarbons yield (56.12%) and selectivity (40.28%) of benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) with isoparaffin content reducing to 26.17%, which could be explained by appropriate B/L acid sites ratio, higher pore volumes and higher surface area.
Photodegradation of methyl orange dye by ZnO loaded onto carbon xerogels composites
Authors: Farag Hala K. , Aboelenin Reham M. M. , Fathy Nady A.
Published: October 2016

The present paper studies the photocatalytic behavior of pure zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO loaded onto carbon xerogel as a substrate. These samples were prepared by a sol‐gel process in presence of either an ionic liquid or an alcohol such as 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate (A) or isopropanol solvent (B) to produce ZnO‐CX‐A and ZnO‐CX‐B photocatalysts, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction proved that ZnO particles were prepared as nanoflakes‐like with amorphous phase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that ZnO‐CX‐A has a variety of surface functional groups that accelerated the photocatalytic activity of composite. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts was evaluated using methyl orange (MO) azo dye as a model organic compound under visible light source. As a result of the photodegradation experiments, the MO dye was completely degraded by the prepared ZnO‐CX photocatalyst composites in 120 min rather than that performed using ZnO and CX photocatalysts. However, a 98% of the MO dye solution was degraded within 90 min over ZnO‐CX‐A. The separation and reusability runs of ZnO‐CX‐A photocatalyst showed that the catalyst has high photodegradation efficiencies reaching up to 90% in the fourth run and afterward decreased to 60% in the fifth reuse. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the processing parameters on the electrocaloric effect of poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) copolymers
Authors: Yao Yongtao , Hou Guanghua , Li Nannan , Zhou Tianyang , Liu Liwu , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: October 2016

The influence of the processing parameters on the electrocaloric effect of a ferroelectric polymer was investigated. A normal ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF–TrFE)] (55:45 mol %) copolymer was selected and fabricated. The crystallinity, microstructure, mechanical properties, and refrigeration capability of this copolymer were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. We found that N,N‐dimethylformamide was the most suitable solvent for enhancing the crystallinity of the copolymer film. In combination with the consideration of the effect of the processing parameters on the microstructure of copolymer, a lower spin‐coating temperature and annealing temperature at 140 °C gave the highest crystallinity and uniform microstructure without defects. The highest temperature change was 12.13 °C when the copolymer film was operated at 110 °C under a higher electric field. The direct measurement of the refrigeration was carried out with an IR thermometer. We found that the P(VDF–TrFE) copolymer film had a considerable refrigeration capability, which increased as the applied electric field strength increased before electric breakdown. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44413.
Anisotropic mechanical behavior of semi‐crystalline polymers: Characterization and modeling of non‐monotonic loading including damage
Authors: Arieby Rida B. , Mrabet Kaïs , Terfas Osama A. , Laurent Cédric , Rahouadj Rachid
Published: October 2016

In this work, the mechanical response of high density polyethylene (HDPE) to complex uniaxial tensile loadings is firstly characterized experimentally, taking into account the damage occurring in large deformation and the initial anisotropy induced by the forming process. Anisotropic effects are characterized through tensile tests using several complex loading paths involving large deformation, and for different orientation with respect to the extrusion direction. A mechanical model is then developed, based on a non‐equilibrium thermodynamic approach of irreversible processes, resulting in a new thermodynamic potential describing both the elasto‐viscoelastic–viscoplastic behavior and the volume variation due to damage. Results show that transverse strains and volume strain of HDPE highly depend on specimen orientation, whereas the apparent Young's modulus is not affected by this orientation. The developed model is validated for HDPE, and satisfyingly predicts the complex response of HDPE to complex loadings paths. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44468.
Mechanical and drug release properties of alginate beads reinforced with cellulose
Authors: Guo Ting , Pei Ying , Tang Keyong , He Xichan , Huang Jinbao , Wang Fang
Published: October 2016

The limited efficacy of alginate as a drug carrier is thought to be due to its poor mechanical stability and durability. In the present study, cellulose/alginate (C/Alg) beads were successfully fabricated by droplet extrusion/precipitation method for drug release of metformin hydrochloride (MH). To evaluate the effects of three different cellulose fibers, including cotton linter (CL), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the stability and drug release property, the structure and properties of composite beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and also mechanical properties, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling and in vitro drug release properties were assessed. The results indicated that the incorporation of cellulose enhances the mechanical properties and thermal stability of alginate matrix. The peak force values of the alginate beads increased from 4.07 ± 1.64 kg to 11.87 ± 2.61 kg with adding 30 wt % MFC. Cellulose with micro‐ and nanostructures improved the encapsulation efficiency and inhibited the rapid release of alginate in simulated intestinal fluid. It was suggested that cellulose could be an effective modifier to adjust the swelling property, mechanical property, and drug release behavior of alginate beads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44495.
Fault Diagnosis and Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control for Non‐Gaussian Stochastic Distribution Control Systems Using T‐s Fuzzy Model
Authors: Lina Yao , Chunhui Lei
Published: October 2016

For the non‐Gaussian stochastic distribution control system using Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model, a new fault diagnosis and sliding mode fault tolerant control algorithm is presented. First, a new adaptive fault diagnosis algorithm is adopted to diagnose the fault that occurred in the system, and the observation error system is proven to be uniformly bounded. Second, the sliding mode control algorithm is used to reconfigure the controller, based on the fault estimation information. The post‐fault probability density function can still track the given distribution, leading to fault tolerant control of non‐Gaussian stochastic distribution control systems using Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Diprosopus: Systematic review and report of two cases
Authors: Bidondo María Paz , Groisman Boris , Tardivo Agostina , Tomasoni Fabián , Tejeiro Verónica , Camacho Inés , Vilas Mariana , Liascovich Rosa , Barbero Pablo
Published: October 2016

Background

Diprosopus is a subtype of symmetric conjoined twins with one head, facial duplication and a single trunk. Diprosopus is a very rare congenital anomaly.

Methods

This is a systematic review of published cases and the presentation of two new cases born in Argentina. We estimated the prevalence of conjoined twins and diprosopus using data from the National Network of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC).

Results

The prevalence of conjoined twins in RENAC was 19 per 1,000,000 births (95% confidence interval, 12–29). Diprosopus prevalence was 2 per 1,000,000 births (95% confidence interval, 0.2–6.8). In the systematic review, we identified 31 diprosopus cases. The facial structures more frequently duplicated were nose and eyes. Most frequent associated anomalies were: anencephaly, duplication of cerebral hemispheres, craniorachischisis, oral clefts, spinal abnormalities, congenital heart defects, diaphragmatic hernia, thoracic and/or abdominal visceral laterality anomalies. One of the RENAC cases and three cases from the literature had another discordant nonmalformed twin.

Conclusion

The conjoined twins prevalence was similar to other studies. The prevalence of diprosopus was higher. The etiology is still unknown. The presence of visceral laterality anomalies may indicate the link between diprosopus and the alteration or duplication of the primitive node in the perigastrulation period (12–15 days postfertilization). Pregnancies of more than two embryos may be a risk factor for diprosopus. Given the low prevalence of this defect, it would be useful to perform studies involving several surveillance systems and international consortiums. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:993–1007, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lactate release from astrocytes to neurons contributes to cocaine memory formation
Authors: Boury‐Jamot Benjamin , Halfon Olivier , Magistretti Pierre J. , Boutrel Benjamin
Published: October 2016

The identification of neural substrates underlying the long lasting debilitating impact of drug cues is critical for developing novel therapeutic tools. Metabolic coupling has long been considered a key mechanism through which astrocytes and neurons actively interact in response of neuronal activity, but recent findings suggested that disrupting metabolic coupling may represent an innovative approach to prevent memory formation, in particular drug‐related memories. Here, we review converging evidence illustrating how memory and addiction share neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms implicating lactate‐mediated metabolic coupling between astrocytes and neurons. With several aspects of addiction depending on mnemonic processes elicited by drug experience, disrupting lactate transport involved in the formation of a pathological learning, linking the incentive, and motivational effects of drugs with drug‐conditioned stimuli represent a promising approach to encourage abstinence.
Optimization of a β‐sheet‐cap for long loop closure
Authors: Anderson Jordan M. , Shcherbakov Alexander A. , Kier Brandon L. , Kellock Jackson , Shu Irene , Byrne Aimee L. , Eidenschink Lisa A. , Andersen Niels H.
Published: October 2016

Protein loops make up a large portion of the secondary structure in nature. But very little is known concerning loop closure dynamics and the effects of loop composition on fold stability. We have designed a small system with stable β‐sheet structures, including features that allow us to probe these questions. Using paired Trp residues that form aromatic clusters on folding, we are able to stabilize two β‐strands connected by varying loop lengths and composition (an example sequence: RWITVTI – loop – KKIRVWE). Using NMR and CD, both fold stability and folding dynamics can be investigated for these systems. With the 16 residue loop peptide (sequence: RWITVTI‐(GGGGKK)2GGGG‐KKIRVWE) remaining folded (ΔGU = 1.6 kJ/mol at 295K). To increase stability and extend the series to longer loops, we added an additional Trp/Trp pair in the loop flanking position. With this addition to the strands, the 16 residue loop (sequence: RWITVRIW‐(GGGGKK)2GGGG‐WKTIRVWE) supports a remarkably stable β‐sheet (ΔGU = 6.3 kJ/mol at 295 K, Tm = ∼55°C). Given the abundance of loops in binding motifs and between secondary structures, these constructs can be powerful tools for peptide chemists to study loop effects; with the Trp/Trp pair providing spectroscopic probes for assessing both stability and dynamics by NMR.
Collision‐induced thermochemistry of reactions of dissociation of glycyl–homopeptides—An experimental and theoretical analysis
Authors: Ivanova Bojidarka , Spiteller Michael
Published: October 2016

The research draws on experimental and theoretical data about energetics and kinetics of mass spectrometric (MS) reactions of glycyl homopenta– (G5) and glycyl homohexapeptides (G6). It shows the great applicability of the methods of quantum chemistry to predict MS profile of peptides using energetics of collision induced dissociation (CID) fragment species. Mass spectrometry is among irreplaceable methods, providing unambiguous qualitative, quantitative and structural information about analytes, applicable to many scientific areas like environmental chemistry; food chemistry; medicinal chemistry; and more. Our study could be considered of substantial interdisciplinary significance, where MS proteomics is widely used. The experimental design involves electrospray ionization (ESI) and CID MS/MS. Theoretical design is based on ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. Experimental MS and theoretical free Gibbs energies as well as rate constants of fragment reactions are compared. The thermodynamic encompasses gas–phase and polar continuum analysis, including polar protic and aprotic solvents within temperature T = 10–500 K; dielectric constant ε = 0–78, pH, and ionic strengths μ = 0.001–1.0 mol dm−1. There are computed and discussed 39 protonated forms of peptides at amide N– and –(NHC)=O centers; corresponding fragment ions studying their thermodynamic stability depending on experimental conditions. A correlation analysis between molecular conformations of parent ions and fragment species; their proton accepting ability and internal energy distribution is carried out. Data about ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) are discussed, as well.
Systematic review of the prevalence of faecal incontinence
Authors: Sharma A , Yuan L , Marshall R J , Merrie A E H , Bissett I P
Published: October 2016

Background

Faecal incontinence (FI) is widely recognized as a significant problem in the community. Conjecture exists around the proportion of the population affected. This systematic review evaluated studies reporting the community prevalence of FI in terms of methodology, design and definitions.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Collaboration and National Guideline databases were searched for studies investigating the prevalence of FI in community-based adults published from January 1966 to February 2015. Study data, including methodology, sample size, response rate, definition of FI and prevalence rates, were extracted on to a pro forma and appraised critically. Where possible, FI prevalence estimates were pooled.

Results

Thirty studies were analysed from 4840 screened articles. FI prevalence estimates varied from 1·4 to 19·5 per cent. This variation was explained by differences in data collection method and two factors within definitions of FI: type of stool and frequency of FI episodes. When these factors were accounted for, the FI prevalence at a threshold of at least once per month for liquid or solid stool was 8·3–8·4 per cent for face-to-face or telephone interviews, and 11·2–12·4 per cent for postal surveys. The pooled prevalence rate from studies for functional FI (defined by ROME II criteria) was 5·9 (95 per cent c.i. 5·6 to 6·3) per cent.

Conclusion

When comparable methodologies and definitions are used, studies produce remarkably similar prevalence rates in different community populations. FI remains an unspoken symptom, with lower rates reported in personal interviews compared with anonymous postal questionnaires.
Protection Effect of Punicalagin Isolated from Pomegranate on Inflammation and Ethanol‐induced Gastric Mucosal Injury
Authors: Lee Hye Lim , Kang Ki Sung
Published: October 2016

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of gastritis. The activation of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), associated with reactive oxygen species, is a key process in the inflammatory response of ethanol‐induced gastritis. Punicalagin, a naturally occurring active ingredient of pomegranate, is a potential antioxidant. In this study, pomegranate extract and punicalagin exhibited free radical scavenging activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with pomegranate extract also exerted gastroprotective effects by reducing the inflammatory response to ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage. Furthermore, punicalagin inhibited the expression of inflammatory COX‐2 by suppressing the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation. These findings suggest that punicalagin may be beneficial for the prevention and/or treatment of gastric inflammation.
Preparation of Gelatin‐assisted Polypyrrole–Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Composites
Authors: Jo Eun Jin , Male Umashankar , Huh Do Sung
Published: October 2016

Conductive polymer composite was synthesized by the polymerization of pyrrole with 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene using ammonium persulfate as an oxidant with different concentrations of gelatin dispersed in aqueous medium along with the polymerization. Differently from pure polypyrrole–poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PPy–PEDOT) copolymer, the gelatin‐assisted composites showed good solubility in aqueous media. The prepared PPy–PEDOT/gelatin composites were identified with Fourier‐transform infrared, UV–visible spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Morphological analysis and temperature‐dependent direct current conductivity of PPy–PEDOT/gelatin composites were carried out. Obtained results revealed that added gelatin greatly increased conductivity due to the improved mobility of charge carriers.
Retracted: RGB and HSV quantitative analysis of autofluorescence bronchoscopy used for characterization and identification of bronchopulmonary cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxuan , Xiong Hongkai , Li Yong , Han Baohui , Sun Jiayuan
Published: October 2016

Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) shows good sensitivity in detecting dysplasia and bronchopulmonary cancer. However, the poor specificity of AFB would lead to excessive biopsy. The aim of the study is to establish a more effective quantitative method (optimal identification index and reference value) for characterizing the AFB images within the region of interest and discuss AFB's significance in the diagnosis of central‐type lung cancer. A total of 218 suspected lung cancer patients were enrolled in this study. A quantitative analysis based on color space (red, green, blue[RGB] and HSV system) was conducted and the result was compared with the final diagnosis obtained by the pathology of biopsy. Cases were divided into different groups according to the pathological diagnosis of normal bronchial mucosa, inflammation, low‐grade preinvasive (LGD), high‐grade preinvasive (HGD), and invasive cancer. Quantitative analyses in multi‐color spaces for the lesions showed by AFB images were conducted by software MATLAB. Finally, there is statistical significance among the different groups in some parameter in RGB and HSV system. So, both RGB and HSV quantitative analysis of autofluorescence bronchoscopy are useful to define benign and malignant diseases, which can objectively guide the bronchoscopist in selecting sites for biopsy with good pathologic correlation.
Radiofrequency ablation versus stereotactic body radiotherapy for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a Markov model‐based analysis
Authors: Seo Young‐Seok , Kim Mi‐Sook , Yoo Hyung‐Jun , Jang Won Il , Paik Eun Kyung , Han Chul Ju , Lee Byung‐Hee
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) smaller than 3 cm. A Markov cohort model was developed to simulate a cohort of patients aged 60–65 years with small HCCs who had undergone either RFA or SBRT and were followed up over their remaining life expectancy. The inclusion criteria were: (1) HCC ≤3 cm in diameter with ≤ 3 nodules; (2) absence of extrahepatic metastasis or portal/hepatic vein invasion; (3) Child‐Pugh Class A or B. Twenty thousand virtual patients were randomly assigned to undergo RFA or SBRT. Predicted life expectancy was 6.452 and 6.371 years in the RFA and SBRT groups, respectively. The probability distributions of the expected overall survival were nearly identical. The 95% confidence intervals were 6.25–6.66 and 6.17–6.58 years for RFA and SBRT, respectively. The difference between RFA and SBRT was insignificant (P = 0.2884). Two‐way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that if the tumor is 2–3 cm, SBRT is the preferred treatment option. Our Markov model has shown that expected overall survival of SBRT is nearly identical to RFA in HCCs smaller than 3 cm, but SBRT may have an advantage for tumors 2 cm and larger. A randomized trial is required to confirm these findings.
Clinical decision‐making and intuition: A task analysis of 44 experienced counsellors
Authors: Fox Jesse , Hagedorn W. Bryce , Sivo Stephen A.
Published: October 2016

Background

Clinical decision‐making and intuition are important concepts to counsellors. However, our understanding of clinical decision‐making and intuition, that is the process whereby clinicians make sound therapeutic judgements, is not well understood and thus is an underrepresented area of research in counselling.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to better understand the development of clinical decision‐making and intuition and how it is utilised during therapeutic encounters.

Methodology

This study used Q‐Methodology to explore the responses of 44 experienced clinicians to a set of standardised clinical scenarios.

Findings

The results suggested that experienced clinicians clustered into a single, common‐factor response, which the researchers assert is the factor of intuition.

Implications

The implications from the study's findings include that (a) the study's methodology shows promise for developing more advanced research designs that measure the influence of clinical decision‐making and intuition on client outcomes and (b) the resulting single common factor suggests that experienced clinicians eventually transcend the confines of any single theoretical perspective.
Variations in Essential Oil Compositions of Lavandula pubescens (Lamiaceae) Aerial Parts Growing Wild in Yemen
Authors: Al‐Badani Rowaida N. , Da Silva Joyce Kelly R. , Setzer William N. , Awadh Ali Nasser A. , Muharam Bushra A. , Al‐Fahad Ahmed J. A.
Published: October 2016

Lavandula pubescens Decne. is one of five Lavandula species growing wild in Yemen. The plant is used in Yemeni traditional medicine, and the essential oil tends to be rich in carvacrol. In this work, L. pubescens was collected from eight different locations in Yemen, the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, and the oils analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to differentiate between the L. pubescens samples. The essential oils were rich in carvacrol (60.9 – 77.5%), with lesser concentrations of carvacrol methyl ether (4.0 – 11.4%), caryophyllene oxide (2.1 – 6.9%), and terpinolene (0.6 – 9.2%). The essential oil compositions in this study showed very high similarity, but it was possible to discern two separate groups based on minor components, in particular the concentrations of terpinolene, carvacrol methyl ether, m‐cymen‐8‐ol, and caryophyllene oxide.
Risk factors for dating violence versus cohabiting violence: Results from the third generation of the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development
Authors: Theobald Delphine , Farrington David P. , Ttofi Maria M. , Crago Rebecca V.
Published: October 2016

Background

Dating violence is an important problem. Evidence suggests that women are more likely to perpetrate dating violence.

Aims

The present study investigates the prevalence of dating violence compared with cohabiting violence in a community sample of men and women and assesses to what extent child and adolescent explanatory factors predict this behaviour. A secondary aim is to construct a risk score for dating violence based on the strongest risk factors.

Methods

The Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development is a prospective longitudinal survey of 411 men (generation 2) born in the 1950s in an inner London area. Most recently, their sons and daughters [generation 3 (G3)] have been interviewed regarding their perpetration of dating and cohabiting violence, utilising the Conflict Tactics Scale. Risk factors were measured in four domains (family, parental, socio‐economic and individual).

Results

A larger proportion of women than men perpetrated at least one act of violence towards their dating partner (36.4 vs 21.7%). There was a similar pattern for cohabiting violence (39.6 vs 21.4%). A number of risk factors were significantly associated with the perpetration of dating violence. For G3 women, these included a convicted father, parental conflict, large family size and poor housing. For G3 men, these included having a young father or mother, separation from the father before age 16, early school leaving, frequent truancy and having a criminal conviction. A risk score for both men and women, based on 10 risk factors, significantly predicted dating violence.

Conclusion

Risk factors from four domains were important in predicting dating violence, but they were different for G3 men and women. It may be important to consider different risk factors and different risk assessments for male compared with female perpetration of dating violence. Early identification and interventions are recommended. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Activity Correlations for Brønsted Acid, Lewis Acid, and Photocatalyzed Reactions of Exfoliated Crystalline Niobium Oxides
Authors: Koito Yusuke , Rees Gregory J. , Hanna John V. , Li Molly M. J. , Peng Yung‐Kang , Puchtler Tim , Taylor Robert , Wang Tong , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Teixeira Ivo F. , Khan M. Abdullah , Kreissl Hannah T. , Tsang S. C. Edman
Published: October 2016

Exfoliated crystalline niobium oxides that contain exposed but interconnected NbO6 octahedra with different degrees of structural distortion and defects are known to catalyze Brønsted acid (BA), Lewis acid (LA), and photocatalytic (PC) reactions efficiently but their structure–activity relationships are far from clear. Here, three exfoliated niobium oxides, namely, HSr2Nb3O10, HCa2Nb3O10, and HNb3O8, are synthesized, characterized extensively, and tested for selected BA, LA, and PC reactions. The structural origin for BA is associated mainly with acidic hydroxyl groups of edge‐shared NbO6 octahedra as proton donors; that of LA is associated with the vacant band position of Nb5+ to receive electron pairs from substrate; and that of PC is associated with the terminal Nb=O of NbO6 octahedra for photon capture and charge transfer to long‐lived surface adsorbed substrate complex through associated oxygen vacancies in close proximity. It is believed that an understanding of the structure–activity relationships could lead to the tailored design of NbOx catalysts for industrially important reactions.
Microbubble Generation with the Aid of a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: da Silva Henauth Rosangela Cristine , de Souza Vasconcelos Robson , de Moura Alex Elton , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora , dos Santos Valdemir Alexandre
Published: October 2016

For saturation of water treated with atmospheric air in a dissolved air flotation (DAF) system and the production of microbubbles, air was introduced through the suction pipe of a centrifugal pump. The operating conditions of the centrifugal pump were adjusted to avoid the occurrence of cavitation phenomena. The novel technique was applied for the treatment of oily water in a DAF pilot prototype. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to determine the high efficiency of the separation process. In addition to this high degree of oil‐water separation, the technique reduces space and energy costs in comparison to conventional processes of saturation of the effluent treated with compressed air.
Sequential Vinyl Radical Cyclization/Fixation of Carbon Dioxide through Electrochemical Reduction of Vinyl Bromide in the Presence of an Electron‐Transfer Mediator
Authors: Katayama Asahi , Senboku Hisanori
Published: October 2016

Constant‐current electrolysis of vinyl bromide in DMF containing 0.1 m Bu4NBF4 by using an undivided cell equipped with a platinum plate cathode and a magnesium rod anode in the presence of an electron‐transfer mediator, methyl 4‐tert‐butylbenzoate, and carbon dioxide resulted in selective generation of a vinyl radical, for which cyclization followed by fixation of carbon dioxide with a carbon–carbon bond formation gave γ,δ‐unsaturated carbo‐ and heterocycle carboxylic acids in moderate to good yields. The vinyl radical could be selectively generated under the electrolysis conditions, and the following reaction of the anion species, generated by one‐electron reduction of the resulting cyclized radical, with carbon dioxide took place efficiently. These results and cyclic voltammetry indicate that methyl 4‐tert‐butylbenzoate plays an important role in the generation of vinyl radicals from vinyl bromides. The resulting cyclized γ,δ‐unsaturated carboxylic acid was successfully applied to stepwise and direct iodo‐lactonization to give the corresponding bicycle γ‐lactones in good yields.
Voltammetry of Viologens Revealing Reduction of Hydrophobic Interaction in Frozen Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Qu Hui , Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo
Published: October 2016

Voltammetry of viologens, methylviologen (MV2+) and benzylviologen (BV2+) in frozen aqueous solutions reveals that freezing suppresses the hydrophobic interactions. Reduced viologen species (MV0 or BV+.), which have intrinsically poor solubility in water, give sharp adsorption peaks in cyclic voltammograms. Freezing makes the peaks broader and peak broadening increases with decreasing the liquid phase volume in a frozen solution. This obviously indicates that the surface wave is transferred into the usual diffusion controlled wave. Thus, the interaction between adsorbates is weakened by freezing. In addition, freezing reduces the complexation constant of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) with MV0 but slightly enhances that with BV+.. This is also interpreted as the suppression of the hydrophobic interactions in the frozen concentrated solution.
Development of diagnostic models for canine osteoarthritis based on serum and joint fluid mid‐infrared spectral data using five different discrimination and classification methods
Authors: Hou Siyuan
Published: October 2016

Infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics tools is a powerful method to establish diagnostic models for diagnosis of osteoarthritis disease. Different diagnostic models were developed on the basis of different chemometrics methods, showing different models' predictive performances. Choice of appropriate data analysis methods in model development should be taken into account.
Stable All‐Organic Radicals with Ambipolar Charge Transport
Authors: Reig Marta , Gozálvez Cristian , Jankauskas Vygintas , Gaidelis Valentas , Grazulevicius Juozas V. , Fajarí Lluís , Juliá Luis , Velasco Dolores
Published: October 2016

A series of neutral long‐lived purely organic radicals based on the stable [4‐(N‐carbazolyl)‐2,6‐dichlorophenyl]bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl radical adduct (Cbz‐TTM) is reported herein. All compounds exhibit ambipolar charge‐transport properties under ambient conditions owing to their radical character. High electron and hole mobilities up to 10−2 and 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, were achieved. Xerographic single‐layered photoreceptors were fabricated from the radicals studied herein, exhibiting good xerographic photosensitivity across the visible spectrum.
N‐Heterocyclic Silylenes in Boron Chemistry: Facile Formation of Silylboranes and Silaborinines
Authors: Gackstatter Annika , Braunschweig Holger , Kupfer Thomas , Voigt Christian , Arnold Nicole
Published: October 2016

Reaction of a N‐heterocyclic silylene (NHSi) with PhBX2 (X=Cl, Br) readily afforded six‐membered silaborinines through an insertion/ring expansion sequence. Increasing the sterics of the borane from phenyl to duryl enabled the selective generation and isolation of the highly colored silylborane intermediates. Theoretical studies on the mechanism and energetics of the silaborinine formation were fully consistent with the experimental observations.
Ein Thermometer, das auch wehtun kann
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2016

Unser inneres Thermometer, das uns frösteln und schwitzen lässt, reagiert auch auf “kühles” Menthol und scharfe Chili‐Schoten. Es beruht auf Membranrezeptoren – ähnlich wie unser Sehen, Schmecken und Riechen. Deren molekulare Verknüpfungen umfassen auch Schmerzleitung und ‐linderung. Mögliche medizinische Implikationen reichen von Prostatakrebs bis zu Epilepsie.