bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N2 production through denitrification and anammox across the continental margin (shelf–slope–rise) of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea
Authors: Na Taehee , Thamdrup Bo , Kim Bomina , Kim Sung‐Han , Vandieken Verona , Kang Dong‐Jin , Hyun Jung‐Ho
Published: November 2017

Experimental determinations of nitrogen cycling in deep‐sea sediments are strongly underrepresented in the databases. To investigate the total N2 production rates and relative contribution of denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) to benthic fixed‐N removal processes, we conducted 15N isotope‐labeling incubation experiments in whole cores and slurries at nine stations across the continental margin from the shelf (< 200 m) and into the deep (> 2000 m) Ulleung Basin (UB) in the East Sea. The total N2 production rates (anammox plus denitrification) in the center of the UB (8.4 ± 0.2 μmol N m−2 h−1) were high compared to most other deep‐sea sediments at similar water depths. Denitrification rates decreased from the shelf (7.6 ± 0.6 μmol N m−2 h−1) to the basin (3.2 ± 0.4 μmol N m−2 h−1), in proportion to benthic oxygen consumption, whereas anammox rates remained relatively constant or even increased slightly (1.3–4.1 μmol N m−2 h−1). The contribution of anammox to the total N2 production (ra) increased with increasing water depth from the shelf (ca. 17%) to the basin (ca. 56%). The enhanced ra in the center of the UB was associated with an increased availability of nitrite for anammox, which was likely a result of the competitive suppression of denitrification by manganese reduction under MnO2‐rich conditions. Our results emphasize the importance of anammox as a sink for reactive nitrogen in deep‐sea sediments and contribute toward a mechanistic understanding of the factors controlling benthic reactive nitrogen loss in the ocean.
Resonant Robin problems with indefinite and unbounded potential
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: November 2017

We consider semilinear elliptic problems with an indefinite and unbounded potential and Robin boundary condition. We prove existence and multiplicity theorems when resonance occurs with respect to the principal eigenvalue both from the left and from the right. We also investigate the case where we have resonance with respect to any nonprincipal eigenvalue and prove a multiplicity theorem under general conditions on the reaction term . Our approach uses variational methods, together with truncation and perturbation techniques and Morse theory.
Lorentz estimates for asymptotically regular fully nonlinear parabolic equations
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Zheng Shenzhou
Published: November 2017

We prove a global Lorentz estimate of the Hessian of strong solutions to the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for a class of fully nonlinear parabolic equations with asymptotically regular nonlinearity over a bounded C1, 1 domain. Here, we mainly assume that the associated regular nonlinearity satisfies uniformly parabolicity and the ‐vanishing condition, and the approach of constructing a regular problem by an appropriate transformation is employed.
Discrete Morrey spaces and their inclusion properties
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Kikianty Eder , Schwanke Christopher
Published: November 2017

We discuss discrete Morrey spaces and their generalizations, and we prove necessary and sufficient conditions for the inclusion property among these spaces through an estimate for the characteristic sequences.
Evaluation of the single medial circummuscular perforator DIEP flap: Outcomes and comparison to traditional transmuscular single perforator flap
Authors: Rose Jessica F. , Zavlin Dmitry , Garrett Amanda E. , Chegireddy Vishwanath , Ellsworth Warren A.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Successful breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps depends on optimal perforator choice. Circummuscular wraparound medial perforators allow for no rectus dissection and minimal fascial incisions, often presenting as an ideal option. The aim of our study is to evaluate outcomes of the single medial wraparound perforator flap in comparison to more traditional transmuscular single‐perforator DIEP flaps.

Patients and methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all DIEP flaps performed by the senior author from 2011 to 2016, yielding 269 flaps on 157 patients. For this study, we included all patients who underwent reconstruction of the breast(s) and possessed circummuscular perforators arising from the DIE vessels. A control group consisted of all consecutive patients with transmuscular one‐perforator DIEP flaps. Patient details and their postoperative outcomes were collected.

Results

In our study, eight patients (5.1%) were of the medial wraparound variety. Sixteen control patients (10.2%) with similar comorbidities had flaps that were of the more traditional single perforator transmuscular variety. There was a slight trend toward decreased operative time in the medial wraparound group, however, it was not found to be statistically significant (536 ± 81 vs. 572 ± 84 min, P = .377). Complication profiles were similar between groups (25.0 vs. 18.8%, P = .722), with no increased rates of fat necrosis in the wraparound cohort.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, using a medial wraparound perforator is a safe and reliable option when compared with a single transmuscular perforator DIEP flap. Choosing the wraparound perforator may show benefit as it eliminates muscular dissection and nerve damage, and tends to minimize fascial incision length.
Turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap for reconstruction of thigh defect without recipient vessels: A case report
Authors: Fernández Garrido Manuel , Pereira Nicolás , López Fernández Susana , Vega Carmen , Masià Jaume
Published: November 2017

Reconstruction of thigh defects is usually straightforward, but in cases of poor soft tissue quality, free flap reconstruction is not possible due to the absence of recipient vessels. The turbocharge technique may increase the viable, vascularized area of a flap. In this report we present a case of the use of a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap for reconstruction of thigh defect without recipient vessels. A 29‐year‐old woman who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radiation therapy for a leiomyosarcoma on the left thigh. Six weeks later, complete tumor excision and a femoropopliteal bypass with contralateral saphenous vein was performed. In the following days the wound had dehiscence, infection, necrosis of the surrounding muscles and exposure of femoropopliteal bypass. No recipient vessels were available for free flap and critical limb ischemia due to bypass thrombosis was detected. The reconstruction of a large thigh defect (30 × 12 cm) and the coverage of a femoropopliteal bypass with a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap was performed. A flap including the entire infraumbilical tissue was designed and the anastomosis of the proximal stump of the right inferior epigastric vessels with the distal ends of the inferior left epigastric vessels was performed to increase the viable area. The flap survived without any complications during the postoperative period. At 12‐month follow up, coverage was stable with no tumor recurrence. Our result suggests that a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap may be an option for reconstructing large tissue defects when no recipient vessels are available for free flap.
Existence of solutions for systems of generalized quasi‐equilibrium problems
Authors: Patriche Monica
Published: November 2017

In this paper, first of all, we consider a generalized game in choice form with 2 constraints and its corresponding equilibrium in choice. We assert new conditions under which the equilibrium in choice exists. As a consequence, we establish the existence of the equilibrium for generalized abstract economies. Then, we apply the obtained theorems to prove the existence of solutions for systems of quasi‐equilibrium problems. We do this by considering new hypotheses for the properties of the involved correspondences. This approach leads us to results which differ a lot from the ones existing in literature.
Computational methods of solving the boundary value problems for the loaded differential and Fredholm integro‐differential equations
Authors: Dzhumabaev Dulat
Published: November 2017

The article presents a new general solution to a loaded differential equation and describes its properties. Solving a linear boundary value problem for loaded differential equation is reduced to the solving a system of linear algebraic equations with respect to the arbitrary vectors of general solution introduced. The system's coefficients and right sides are computed by solving the Cauchy problems for ordinary differential equations. Algorithms of constructing a new general solution and solving a linear boundary value problem for loaded differential equation are offered. Linear boundary value problem for the Fredholm integro‐differential equation is approximated by the linear boundary value problem for loaded differential equation. A mutual relationship between the qualitative properties of original and approximate problems is obtained, and the estimates for differences between their solutions are given. The paper proposes numerical and approximate methods of solving a linear boundary value problem for the Fredholm integro‐differential equation and examines their convergence, stability, and accuracy.
Gallic Acid Improves Health‐Associated Biochemical Parameters and Prevents Oxidative Damage of DNA in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Results of a Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Ferk Franziska , Kundi Michael , Brath Helmut , Szekeres Thomas , Al‐Serori Halh , Mišík Miroslav , Saiko Philipp , Marculescu Rodrig , Wagner Karl‐Heinz , Knasmueller Siegfried
Published: November 2017

Scope

Oxidative imbalance plays a key role in cancer induction and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to find out if gallic acid (GA) prevents oxidative stress in diabetic patients. Therefore, we investigate its impact on oxidation of DNA bases and on other health‐related macromolecules.

Methods and results

We perform an intervention study (n = 19) with GA and monitored alterations of the DNA stability in single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assays in lymphocytes. Furthermore, a panel of health‐related biomarkers is measured before and after consumption of GA (15 mg p–1 d–1) for 7 d. Significant reduction of oxidized purines (by 31%, p < 0.001, effect size 0.404) and pyrimidines (by 2%, p < 0.022, effect size 0.089) is observed in SCGE assays. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of oxidized‐LDL and C‐reactive protein are reduced after the intervention by 24% (p = 0.014, effect size 0.384) and 39% (p < 0.001, effect size 0.686), respectively. No alterations of other biomarkers are found.

Conclusions

A small amount of GA (in the range of daily consumption in Central Europe) prevents oxidative DNA damage and reduces markers which reflect inflammation and increased risks of cancer and CVD.
Increased Levels of 27‐Hydroxycholesterol Induced by Dietary Cholesterol in Brain Contribute to Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats
Authors: Zhang Xiaona , Lv Chenyan , An Yu , Liu Quanri , Rong Hongguo , Tao Lingwei , Wang Ying , Wang Yushan , Xiao Rong
Published: November 2017

Scope

Dietary cholesterol has been shown to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is proposed that oxysterol especially 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC) may play a potential role in β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) production and accumulation during AD progression.

Methods and results

To investigate the mechanisms of dietary cholesterol and 27‐OHC on learning and memory impairment, male Sprague‐Dawley rats are fed with cholesterol diet with or without 27‐OHC synthetase inhibitor (anastrozole) injection. The levels of cholesterol, 27‐OHC, 24‐hydroxycholesterol (24S‐OHC), 7α‐hydroxycholesterol, and 7β‐hydroxycholesterol in plasma are determined; apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), and LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) in plasma or brain; CYP27A1 and CYP7A1 in liver and CYP46A1 and CYP7B1 in brain; cathepsin B, cathepsin D, and acid phosphatase in lysosome; and Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 in brain. Results show increased levels of 27‐OHC (p < 0.01), LDL‐C (p < 0.01), and ApoB (p < 0.01), and decreased level of HDL‐C (p < 0.05) in plasma, upregulated CYP27A1 (p < 0.01) and CYP7A1 (p < 0.01) expression in liver, altered lysosomal function, and increased level of Aβ in brain (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicates that the mechanisms of dietary cholesterol on learning and memory impairment may be involved in cholesterol metabolism and lysosome function with the increase of plasma 27‐OHC, thus resulting in Aβ formation and accumulation.
A simple hand‐held magnet array for efficient and reproducible SABRE hyperpolarisation using manual sample shaking
Authors: Richardson Peter M. , Jackson Scott , Parrott Andrew J. , Nordon Alison , Duckett Simon B. , Halse Meghan E.
Published: November 2017

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a hyperpolarisation technique that catalytically transfers nuclear polarisation from parahydrogen, the singlet nuclear isomer of H2, to a substrate in solution. The SABRE exchange reaction is carried out in a polarisation transfer field (PTF) of tens of gauss before transfer to a stronger magnetic field for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection. In the simplest implementation, polarisation transfer is achieved by shaking the sample in the stray field of a superconducting NMR magnet. Although convenient, this method suffers from limited reproducibility and cannot be used with NMR spectrometers that do not have appreciable stray fields, such as benchtop instruments. Here, we use a simple hand‐held permanent magnet array to provide the necessary PTF during sample shaking. We find that the use of this array provides a 25% increase in SABRE enhancement over the stray field approach, while also providing improved reproducibility. Arrays with a range of PTFs were tested, and the PTF‐dependent SABRE enhancements were found to be in excellent agreement with comparable experiments carried out using an automated flow system where an electromagnet is used to generate the PTF. We anticipate that this approach will improve the efficiency and reproducibility of SABRE experiments carried out using manual shaking and will be particularly useful for benchtop NMR, where a suitable stray field is not readily accessible. The ability to construct arrays with a range of PTFs will also enable the rapid optimisation of SABRE enhancement as function of PTF for new substrate and catalyst systems.
Sensitivity enhancement for detection of hyperpolarized 13C MRI probes with 1H spin coupling introduced by enzymatic transformation in vivo
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Tropp James , Chen Albert P. , Marco‐Rius Irene , Van Criekinge Mark , Skloss Timothy W. , Mammoli Daniele , Kurhanewicz John , Vigneron Daniel B. , Ohliger Michael A. , Merritt Matthew E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Although 1H spin coupling is generally avoided in probes for hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI, enzymatic transformations of biological interest can introduce large 13C‐1H couplings in vivo. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the application of 1H decoupling for enhancing the sensitivity for detection of affected HP 13C metabolic products.

Methods

A standalone 1H decoupler system and custom concentric 13C/1H paddle coil setup were integrated with a clinical 3T MRI scanner for in vivo 13C MR studies using HP [2‐13C]dihydroxyacetone, a novel sensor of hepatic energy status. Major 13C‐1H coupling JCH = ∼150 Hz) is introduced after adenosine triphosphate–dependent enzymatic transformation of HP [2‐13C]dihydroxyacetone to [2‐13C]glycerol‐3‐phosphate in vivo. Application of WALTZ‐16 1H decoupling for elimination of large 13C‐1H couplings was first tested in thermally polarized glycerol phantoms and then for in vivo HP MR studies in three rats, scanned both with and without decoupling.

Results

As configured, 1H‐decoupled 13C MR of thermally polarized glycerol and the HP metabolic product [2‐13C]glycerol‐3‐phosphate was achieved at forward power of approximately 15 W. High‐quality 3‐s dynamic in vivo HP 13C MR scans were acquired with decoupling duty cycle of 5%. Application of 1H decoupling resulted in sensitivity enhancement of 1.7‐fold for detection of metabolic conversion of [2‐13C]dihydroxyacetone to HP [2‐13C]glycerol‐3‐phosphate in vivo.

Conclusions

Application of 1H decoupling provides significant sensitivity enhancement for detection of HP 13C metabolic products with large 1H spin couplings, and is therefore expected to be useful for preclinical and potentially clinical HP 13C MR studies. Magn Reson Med 80:36–41, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Artificial neural networks for stiffness estimation in magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Murphy Matthew C. , Manduca Armando , Trzasko Joshua D. , Glaser Kevin J. , Huston John , Ehman Richard L.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of using artificial neural networks to estimate stiffness from MR elastography (MRE) data.

Methods

Artificial neural networks were fit using model‐based training patterns to estimate stiffness from images of displacement using a patch size of ∼1 cm in each dimension. These neural network inversions (NNIs) were then evaluated in a set of simulation experiments designed to investigate the effects of wave interference and noise on NNI accuracy. NNI was also tested in vivo, comparing NNI results against currently used methods.

Results

In 4 simulation experiments, NNI performed as well or better than direct inversion (DI) for predicting the known stiffness of the data. Summary NNI results were also shown to be significantly correlated with DI results in the liver (R2 = 0.974) and in the brain (R2 = 0.915), and also correlated with established biological effects including fibrosis stage in the liver and age in the brain. Finally, repeatability error was lower in the brain using NNI compared to DI, and voxel‐wise modeling using NNI stiffness maps detected larger effects than using DI maps with similar levels of smoothing.

Conclusion

Artificial neural networks represent a new approach to inversion of MRE data. Summary results from NNI and DI are highly correlated and both are capable of detecting biologically relevant signals. Preliminary evidence suggests that NNI stiffness estimates may be more resistant to noise than an algebraic DI approach. Taken together, these results merit future investigation into NNIs to improve the estimation of stiffness in small regions. Magn Reson Med 80:351–360, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Template‐based field map prediction for rapid whole brain B0 shimming
Authors: Shi Yuhang , Vannesjo S. Johanna , Miller Karla L. , Clare Stuart
Published: November 2017

Purpose

In typical MRI protocols, time is spent acquiring a field map to calculate the shim settings for best image quality. We propose a fast template‐based field map prediction method that yields near‐optimal shims without measuring the field.

Methods

The template‐based prediction method uses prior knowledge of the B0 distribution in the human brain, based on a large database of field maps acquired from different subjects, together with subject‐specific structural information from a quick localizer scan. The shimming performance of using the template‐based prediction is evaluated in comparison to a range of potential fast shimming methods.

Results

Static B0 shimming based on predicted field maps performed almost as well as shimming based on individually measured field maps. In experimental evaluations at 7 T, the proposed approach yielded a residual field standard deviation in the brain of on average 59 Hz, compared with 50 Hz using measured field maps and 176 Hz using no subject‐specific shim.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that shimming based on predicted field maps is feasible. The field map prediction accuracy could potentially be further improved by generating the template from a subset of subjects, based on parameters such as head rotation and body mass index. Magn Reson Med 80:171–180, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Improved parallel image reconstruction using feature refinement
Authors: Cheng Jing , Jia Sen , Ying Leslie , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Yanjie , Li Ye , Zou Chao , Liu Xin , Liang Dong
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a novel feature refinement MR reconstruction method from highly undersampled multichannel acquisitions for improving the image quality and preserve more detail information.

Theory and Methods

The feature refinement technique, which uses a feature descriptor to pick up useful features from residual image discarded by sparsity constrains, is applied to preserve the details of the image in compressed sensing and parallel imaging in MRI (CS‐pMRI). The texture descriptor and structure descriptor recognizing different types of features are required for forming the feature descriptor. Feasibility of the feature refinement was validated using three different multicoil reconstruction methods on in vivo data.

Results

Experimental results show that reconstruction methods with feature refinement improve the quality of reconstructed image and restore the image details more accurately than the original methods, which is also verified by the lower values of the root mean square error and high frequency error norm.

Conclusion

A simple and effective way to preserve more useful detailed information in CS‐pMRI is proposed. This technique can effectively improve the reconstruction quality and has superior performance in terms of detail preservation compared with the original version without feature refinement. Magn Reson Med 80:211–223, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Aquaporin 4 expression in human skeletal muscle fiber types
Authors: Vizzaccaro Elisa , Terracciano Chiara , Rastelli Emanuele , Massa Roberto
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane proteins involved in the maintenance of osmotic gradients. AQP4 is abundant in skeletal muscle, where it seems to be associated with glycolytic metabolism. We investigated the pattern of expression of AQP4 in normal human myofibers relative to the main forms of myosin heavy chain (MHC). Methods: Six normal human muscle biopsies were analyzed by double immunofluorescence for co‐expression of AQP4 and slow or fast MHC. Results: A high percentage (64–99%) of MHC‐fast positive fibers showed immunoreaction for AQP4. Immunoreactivity for AQP4 was also present in MHC‐slow positive fibers, but with a higher variability (5–72%) among biopsies. Discussion: The expression pattern of AQP4 in human myofibers is highly variable among different patients and cannot be predicted for single fibers depending on MHC type expression. Other factors, possibly related to muscle activity, may modulate AQP4 expression. Muscle Nerve 57: 856–859, 2018
Enhanced mesoscale partitioned modelling of heterogeneous masonry structures
Authors: Minga E. , Macorini L. , Izzuddin B. A.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an accurate and efficient computational strategy for the 3‐dimensional simulation of heterogeneous structures with unreinforced masonry components. A mesoscale modelling approach is employed for the unreinforced masonry parts, whereas other material components are modelled independently with continuous meshes. The generally nonmatching meshes of the distinct domains are coupled with the use of a mesh tying method. The physical interaction between the components is captured with the use of zero‐thickness cohesive interface elements. This strategy enables the optimisation of the individual meshes leading to increased computational efficiency. Furthermore, the elimination of the mesh compatibility requirement allows the 3‐dimensional modelling of complex heterogeneous structures, ensuring accurate representation of each component's nonlinear behaviour and their interaction. Numerical examples, including a comparative analysis on the elastic and nonlinear response of a masonry bridge considering arch‐backfill interaction and the nonlinear simulation of a multileaf wall, are presented to show the unique features of the proposed strategy and its predictive power in comparison with experimental and numerical results found in the literature.
A new strategy for finite‐element analysis of shell structures using trimmed quadrilateral shell meshes: A paving and cutting algorithm and a pentagonal shell element
Authors: Ho‐Nguyen‐Tan Thuan , Kim Hyun‐Gyu
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we present a novel scheme to generate trimmed quadrilateral shell meshes using a paving and cutting algorithm. Paving with well‐shaped quadrilateral shell elements is initiated from a seed element placed in the interior of a geometric surface and proceeds around the boundary of the paved mesh in all directions. The paved all‐quadrilateral mesh covering the entire domain is cut by the boundaries of a geometric surface. Pentagonal shell elements are created by cutting the corners of quadrilateral shell elements at the domain boundaries. Pentagonal shape functions are constructed using Wachspress coordinates, and assumed natural strains in the form of the mixed interpolation of tensorial components approach are employed to avoid the transverse shear locking of pentagonal shell elements. Several numerical examples are investigated to show the effectiveness of the present method.
Parametric shape and topology optimization: A new level set approach based on cardinal basis functions
Authors: Jiang Long , Chen Shikui , Jiao Xiangmin
Published: November 2017

The parametric level set approach is an extension of the conventional level set methods for topology optimization. By parameterizing the level set function, level set methods can be directly coupled with mathematical programming to achieve better numerical robustness and computational efficiency. Moreover, the parametric level set scheme can not only inherit the primary advantages of the conventional level set methods, such as clear boundary representation and the flexibility in handling topological changes, but also alleviate some undesired features from the conventional level set methods, such as the need for reinitialization. However, in the existing radial basis function–based parametric level set method, it is difficult to identify the range of the design variables. Besides, the parametric level set evolution often struggles with large fluctuations during the optimization process. Those issues cause difficulties both in numerical stability and in material property mapping. In this paper, a cardinal basis function is constructed based on the radial basis function partition of unity collocation method to parameterize the level set function. The benefit of using cardinal basis function is that the range of the design variables can now be clearly specified as the value of the level set function. A distance regularization energy functional is also introduced, aiming to maintain the desired signed distance property during the level set evolution. With this desired feature, the level set evolution is stabilized against large fluctuations. In addition, the material properties mapped from the level set function to the finite element model can be more accurate.
An improved stress recovery technique for low‐order 3D finite elements
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Zhang Jian , Langelaar Matthijs , van Keulen Fred , Aragón Alejandro M.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we propose a stress recovery procedure for low‐order finite elements in 3D. For each finite element, the recovered stress field is obtained by satisfying equilibrium in an average sense and by projecting the directly calculated stress field onto a conveniently chosen space. Compared with existing recovery techniques, the current procedure gives more accurate stress fields, is simpler to implement, and can be applied to different types of elements without further modification. We demonstrate, through a set of examples in linear elasticity, that the recovered stresses converge at a higher rate than that of directly calculated stresses and that, in some cases, the rate of convergence is the same as that of the displacement field.
Chelated palladium nanoparticles on the surface of plasma‐treated polyethersulfone membrane for an efficient catalytic reduction of p‐nitrophenol
Authors: Mahdavi Hossein , Heidari Ali Akbar
Published: November 2017

Herein, a novel method was reported for the use of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes in catalytic reactions with an enhanced distribution and superior catalytic activity of palladium nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of the membranes. For this purpose, the surface of PES membrane was treated with plasma, and subsequently, the consequent oxygen‐containing functional groups were reacted with APTES and 2‐pyridinecarbaldehyde, respectively, to provide sites by which Pd could form complexes. The mean roughness as well as the surface and cross‐sectional morphology were investigated using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. Furthermore, SEM mapping was used to examine the palladium distribution on the surface of the membranes. Further characterizations of as‐prepared Pd‐loaded PES membranes conducted using EDX, ICP, and XRD analyses. The reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol was also used as a model reaction to investigate the membranes' performance. The results, analyzed using UV‐Vis instrument, demonstrated that the complete reduction of p‐nitrophenol was achieved at a short time via Pd‐chelated plasma‐treated membrane. Furthermore, the rod‐like and sphere‐like structure of Pd was acquired as a result of palladium chelating with nitrogen‐containing ligands, produced through the reaction between 2‐pyridinecarbaldehyde and (3‐Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. It was observed that the rod‐like structure of Pd exhibited a trivial catalytic activity in reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol in contrast with the sphere‐like structure, nonetheless.
Preparation and characterization of polyphenylene sulfide–based chelating resin–functionalized 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole for selective removal Hg(II) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shao Gonglei , Xiao Junfeng , Tian Zhihong , Huang Jiajia , Yuan Siguo
Published: November 2017

A novel chelating resin (PPS‐ATD) containing N and S elements was prepared through the chloromethylation of polyphenylene sulfide resin and subsequent functionalization with 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (ATD). The structure of PPS‐ATD was systematically characterized and analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer. The adsorption performance of PPS‐ATD was evaluated by batch methods at different pH, temperature, adsorption time, and initial concentration, and the results showed that the PPS‐ATD exhibited high adsorption capacity (197.79 mg·g−1 at 298 K) and selectivity for Hg(II). The adsorption of PPS‐ATD for Hg(II) was well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption process was endothermic. After 5 consecutive regeneration cycles, no obvious loss in the adsorption capacity of the PPS‐ATD was found, which implied that the PPS‐ATD had great application prospects in the treatment of mercury‐containing wastewater.
Restructuring of coir to microfibers for enhanced reinforcement in natural rubber
Authors: Parambath Kanoth Bipinbal , Thomas Teena , Joseph Joseph M. , Narayanankutty Sunil K.
Published: November 2017

Microfibers were prepared from coir, an important lignocellulosic fiber, by chemico‐mechanical treatment. The microfibers with a diameter of 8–13 μm were incorporated in natural rubber and the resultant biocomposites were evaluated for the reinforcing effect of microfibers. Latex stage processing employed for composite preparation reduces fiber agglomeration and provide uniform dispersion of microfibers in the elastomer matrix. Microfiber/natural rubber composites were found to exhibit significant improvement in mechanical properties compared with unfilled and macrofiber filled composites. Microfibers showed higher thermal stability compared with untreated coir. However, degradation resistance of microfiber composites remain lower with respect to vulcanized natural rubber. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:414–423, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
On Enhancing the Cross–Cultural Comparability of Likert–Scale Personality and Value Measures: A Comparison of Common Procedures
Authors: He Jia , Van de Vijver Fons J.R. , Fetvadjiev Velichko H. , de Carmen Dominguez Espinosa Alejandra , Adams Byron , Alonso–Arbiol Itziar , Aydinli–Karakulak Arzu , Buzea Carmen , Dimitrova Radosveta , Fortin Alvaro , Hapunda Given , Ma Sang , Sargautyte Ruta , Sim Samantha , Schachner Maja K. , Suryani Angela , Zeinoun Pia , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2017

This study aims to evaluate a number of procedures that have been proposed to enhance cross–cultural comparability of personality and value data. A priori procedures (anchoring vignettes and direct measures of response styles (i.e. acquiescence, extremity, midpoint responding, and social desirability), a posteriori procedures focusing on data transformations prior to analysis (ipsatization and item parcelling), and two data modelling procedures (treating data as continuous vs as ordered categories) were compared using data collected from university students in 16 countries. We found that (i) anchoring vignettes showed lack of invariance, so they were not bias–free; (ii) anchoring vignettes showed higher internal consistencies than raw scores where all other correction procedures, notably ipsatization, showed lower internal consistencies; (iii) in measurement invariance testing, no procedure yielded scalar invariance; anchoring vignettes and item parcelling slightly improved comparability, response style correction did not affect it, and ipsatization resulted in lower comparability; (iv) treating Likert–scale data as categorical resulted in higher levels of comparability; (v) factor scores of scales extracted from different procedures showed similar correlational patterning; and (vi) response style correction was the only procedure that suggested improvement in external validity of country–level conscientiousness. We conclude that, although no procedure resolves all comparability issues, anchoring vignettes, parcelling, and treating data as ordered categories seem promising to alleviate incomparability. We advise caution in uncritically applying any of these procedures. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
An in vitro focus on doxorubicin hydrochloride delivery of novel pH‐responsive poly(2‐succinyloxyethylmethacrylate) and poly[(N‐4‐vinylbenzyl),N,N‐diethylamine] diblock copolymers
Authors: Ghamkhari Aliyeh , Massoumi Bakhshali , Agbolaghi Samira
Published: November 2017

Novel pH‐responsive poly(2‐succinyloxyethylmethacrylate)‐b‐poly[(N‐4‐vinylbenzyl),N,N‐diethylamine] [poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA)] diblock copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization to investigate their self‐assembly micellar behavior. The self‐assembly behaviors of synthesized diblock copolymers with distinct molecular weights (labeled (1) to) were confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, TEM and dynamic light scattering measurements. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) loading capacity was evaluated, and the in vitro cytotoxicity effect of DOX‐loaded diblock copolymer was also studied by assessing the survival rate of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results exhibited remarkable controlled release in the MTT assay. The DOX encapsulation efficiency was calculated to be 96.4%. The size and zeta potential of DOX‐loaded poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) diblock copolymers were 204 nm and +5.7 mV at a pH of 7.4. DOX release values after 440 h at pH 7.4, 5.4 and 4 were 22.15%, 31.43% and 47.06%, respectively. The released values of DOX‐loaded poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) and at pH 7.4 were 22.15%, 20.5% and 17.5%, respectively. Cell survival ratios were 18.9%, 23.16% and 16.92% after 72 h. Poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) copolymers can be considered in nanomedicine applications due to their excellent pH‐responsive micellar behavior. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks based on crosslinked poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose prepared by frontal polymerization
Authors: Mariani Alberto , Nuvoli Luca , Sanna Davide , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Rassu Mariella , Malucelli Giulio
Published: November 2017

In this work, semi‐interpenetrating gels of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose were successfully synthesized by using the Frontal Polymerization (FP) technique. The gels were obtained in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium persulfate, as polymerization solvent and radical initiator, respectively, hence avoiding the formation of bubbles during polymerization. Then, some of the gels containing dimethyl sulfoxide were thoroughly washed with water, hence obtaining the corresponding hydrogels. The effects of the ratio between poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose, the amount of crosslinker and solvent medium (i.e., dimethyl sulfoxide and water) were thoroughly studied, assessing the influence of temperature and velocity of FP fronts on the glass transition temperature values (dried samples), on the swelling behavior and on the dynamic‐mechanical properties (gels swollen both in water and dimethyl sulfoxide). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 437–443
Mobile‐based patient‐provider communication in cancer survivors: The roles of health literacy and patient activation
Authors: Jiang Shaohai , Hong Y. Alicia
Published: November 2017

Objective

Thanks to rapid penetration of mobile tools, more and more cancer survivors have adopted mobile‐based patient‐provider communication (MBPPC). The relationship between MBPPC and patients' health outcomes, however, remains unclear; how health literacy and patient activation interact with such relationship is unexplored.

Methods

Data were drawn from National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 3. A sample of 459 cancer survivors were included in the analysis. Based on the 3‐stage model of health promotion using interactive media, this study empirically tested a moderated mediation model.

Results

MBPPC (eg, patient use of email, text message, mobile app, and social media to communicate with providers) had no direct effect on cancer survivors' emotional health. Instead, health literacy completely mediated this path. Patient activation positively moderated the effect of health literacy on emotional health and further increased the indirect effect of MBPPC on emotional health.

Conclusions

MBPPC alone does not directly result in better emotional health outcomes; health literacy is the key to realize its health benefits; patient activation significantly strengthens the effects of MBPPC. As we embrace the mHealth movement, innovative programs are needed to promote MBPPC, and improve health literacy and activation of cancer survivors, particularly in underserved communities, to reduce health disparities.
Larvicidal and residual activity of imidazolium salts againstAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Goellner Emanuelle , Schmitt Ademir Tramontini , Couto Júlia Lacerda , Müller Nicolas Drumm , Pilz‐Junior Harry Luiz , Schrekker Henri Stephan , Silva Carlos Eugenio , da Silva Onilda Santos
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Aedes aegyptiis an important mosquito species that can transmit several arboviruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. Because these mosquitoes are becoming resistant to most chemical insecticides used around the world, studies with new larvicides should be prioritized. Based on the known biological profile of imidazolium salts (IS), the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of six IS as larvicides againstAe.aegypti, as tested againstAe. aegyptilarvae. Larval mortality was measured after 24 and 48 h, and residual larvicidal activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Promising results were obtained with aqueous solutions of two IS: 1‐n‐octadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (C18MImCl) and 1‐n‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS), showing up to 90% larval mortality after 48 h exposure.C18MImClwas more effective thanC16mIMeS, causing mortality until day 15 after exposure. An application ofC18MImClleft to dry under ambient conditions for at least 2 months and then dissolved in water showed a more pronounced residual effect (36 days with 95% mortality and 80% mortality up to 78 days).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show the potential of IS in the control ofAe. aegypti. Further studies are needed to understand the mode of action of these compounds in the biological development of this mosquito species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
F2 screen, inheritance and cross‐resistance of field‐derived Vip3A resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from Louisiana, USA
Authors: Yang Fei , Morsello Shannon , Head Graham P , Sansone Chris , Huang Fangneng , Gilreath Ryan T , Kerns David L
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a target pest of the Vip3A protein used in pyramided Bt corn and cotton in the USA. In this study, we provide the first documentation of a resistance allele conferring Vip3A resistance in a field‐derived population of S. frugiperda from the USA, and characterize its inheritance and cross‐resistance.

RESULTS

An F2 screen with 104 two‐parent families generated from a field collection of S. frugiperda in Louisiana, USA, resulted in one family carrying a Vip3A resistance allele. The Vip3A‐resistant strain (RR) derived from the two‐parent family showed a high level of resistance to Vip3A in both diet and whole‐plant bioassays, with a resistance ratio of >632.0‐fold relative to a susceptible population (SS) based on diet‐overlay bioassays. The inheritance of Vip3A resistance was monogenic, autosomal and recessive. Furthermore, the Vip3A resistance conferred no cross‐resistance to Cry1F, Cry2Ab2 or Cry2Ae purified proteins, with resistance ratios of 3.5, 5.0 and 1.1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide valuable information for characterizing Vip3A resistance, resistance monitoring, and developing effective resistance management strategies for the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The importance of trifluoromethyl pyridines in crop protection
Authors: Burriss Adam , Edmunds Andrew JF , Emery Daniel , Hall Roger G , Jacob Olivier , Schaetzer Jürgen
Published: November 2017

The pyridine ring, substituted by a trifluoromethyl substituent has been successfully incorporated into molecules with useful biological properties. During the period 1990 to September 2017, 14 crop protection products bearing a trifluoromethyl pyridine have been commercialized or proposed for an ISO common name, covering fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and nematicides. Chemical processes have been developed to provide trifluoromethyl pyridine intermediates, from non‐fluorinated pyridine starting materials, at scale and with affordable costs of goods. These attractive starting materials were readily adopted by research chemists, and elaborated through simple chemical modifications into new active ingredients. In a second approach, substituted trifluoromethyl pyridine rings have been constructed from acyclic, trifluoromethyl starting materials, which again has served to identify new active ingredients. Molecular matched pair analysis reveals subtle, yet important differences in physicochemical and agronomic properties of trifluoromethyl pyridines compared with the phenyl analogues. This review focuses on the past 27 years, seeking to identify reasons behind the success of such research programmes, and inspire the search for new crop protection chemicals containing the trifluoromethyl pyridine ring. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavior of Extreme Auxetic and Incompressible Elastic Materials
Authors: Dyskin Arcady V. , Pasternak Elena , Xu Yuan
Published: November 2017

We investigate auxetic isotropic elastic materials with the Poisson's ratio of exactly −1 and isotropic materials with the Poisson's ratio of near 0.5 (incompressible). In both cases the energy is not positive definite, which can lead to the material instability. In incompressible materials, the instability manifests itself in the emergence of non‐uniform displacement distribution. Investigation of the behavior of such materials with respect to damage or crack accumulation is based on the notion that during the instantaneous process of fracture formation, the fracture acts as a negative stiffness element; after the fracture is formed, it immediately turns into a conventional fracture with usual positive stiffness. We demonstrate that the cracks formed due to tensile or combined tensile and shear fracturing of the material are capable of momentarily bringing the Poisson's ratio of nearly incompressible material to 0.5, which instantaneously turns the material into unstable. On the other hand, the formation of shear cracks leads to reduction in the Poisson's ratio bringing the material away from the point of instability. Opposite to this, cracks of all kinds do not change the Poisson's ratio in extreme auxetics (the Poisson's ratio equal to −1). Thus the auxetic materials remain stable with respect to fracture formation.
A systematic review of the anti‐obesity and weight lowering effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its mechanisms of action
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Attari Vahideh , Malek Mahdavi Aida , Javadivala Zeinab , Mahluji Sepideh , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: November 2017

Recently, the beneficial effects of ginger on obesity is taken into consideration. Albeit, it seems that the anti‐obesity effect of ginger and its mechanism of action has not yet been reviewed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity management. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and Science Direct were searched from 1995 until May 2017 using the definitive keywords. Searching was limited to articles with English language. All of the relevant human and animal studies and also in vitro studies were included. Review articles, abstract in congress, and also other varieties of ginger were excluded. Eligibility of included articles were evaluated by 3 reviewers, which also extracted data. Articles were critically assessed individually for possible risk of bias. Twenty‐seven articles (6 in vitro, 17 animal, and 4 human studies) were reviewed. Most of the experimental studies supported the weight lowering effect of ginger extract or powder in obese animal models, whereas the results of the available limited clinical studies showed no changes or slight changes of anthropometric measurements and body composition in subjects with obesity. Ginger could modulate obesity through various potential mechanisms including increasing thermogenesis, increasing lipolysis, suppression of lipogenesis, inhibition of intestinal fat absorption, and controlling appetite. This review article provides some convincing evidence to support the efficacy of ginger in obesity management and demonstrates the importance of future clinical trials.