bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grape and environmental mycoflora monitoring in old, traditionally cultivated vineyards on Mount Etna, southern Italy
Authors: Oliveri Cinzia , Bella Patrizia , Tessitori Matilde , Catara Vittoria , La Rosa Rosa
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Grape contamination by several fungal species occurs during a vineyard's preharvest and harvest. Agronomic management and microclimatic conditions can affect fungi occurrence and epidemiology, thus explaining qualitative differences in mycoflora composition, including the presence of phytopathogenic or mycotoxigenic fungi. In this study a two‐year grape, air and soil mycoflora monitoring programme was undertaken in vineyards on Mount Etna (eastern Sicily, Italy). The mycoflora composition was investigated at pea berry and veraison phenological phases from air and soil and at ripening from sample grapes.

RESULTS

Mycoflora in air and soil varied according to the phenological stage. In the air samples, penicillia were dominant over aspergilli at the pea berry phase, but their ratio was inverted at early veraison. Black aspergilli (BA) were isolated from the vine environment and grape samples, where BA were represented mainly by Aspergillus niger aggregate, which showed no or low ochratoxin A (OTA) production. Aspergillus carbonarius was either not identified or identified at low frequency, although most of the isolates produced OTA.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring focused on the environmental mycoflora composition and highlighted the good health profile of various Sicilian autochthonous grape cultivars. In addition, data suggest that the lower relative humidity occurring at the highest altitudes reduces BA incidence. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐primary image projector using programmable spectral light source
Authors: Hirai Keita , Irie Daisuke , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a practical prototype of a multi‐primary image projector system in which light source spectra can be programmable for suiting any purpose. Our multi‐primary projection system is mainly configured with a light source component and an image projection component. The programmable light source can reproduce any spectral curve. Spatial images are then generated using a digital mirror device chip that quickly controls the intensity of the light source spectra in 2D image plane. The multi‐primary images in our projection system are reproduced by multiplexing the time‐sequential images with different primary colors. Our multi‐primary image projector realizes not only wide gamut projection but also spectral projection. To achieve this, we also show how light source spectra of four or six primary colors are designed.
Pathologic stage following preoperative chemoradiotherapy underestimates the risk of developing distant metastasis in rectal cancer: A comparison to staging without preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kim Chang Hyun , Lee Soo Young , Kim Hyeong Rok , Kim Young Jin
Published: February 2016

Background and Objectives

There is still little evidence of a relationship between pathologic stage with or without preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic implication of the preoperative‐CRT pathologic stage (ypStage) by comparing it to the pathologic stage without preoperative‐CRT (pStage).

Methods

Between July 2004 and December 2012, 774 consecutive patients who received radical surgery for histologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical stage I–III) were included.

Results

A total of 674 surviving patients were followed‐up for a median of 43.4 months. Five‐year local recurrence (LR) ‐free survival rates were similar for each ypStage and the corresponding pStage. In contrast, 5‐year distant metastasis (DM) ‐free survival rates were poorer for each ypStage than for the corresponding pStage. The hazard ratio increased with a decrease in pathological stages (Stage I: 3.5, Stage II: 2.2, and Stage III: 1.4).

Conclusions

ypStage in rectal cancer is a good prognostic factor in predicting LR and DM. Although the ypStage can stratify patients according to the risk of developing DM, the risk as determined by the ypStage could be higher than that of corresponding pStage, especially in patients showing a higher degree of downstaging. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:692–699. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of nano‐ and pico‐size particulate organic matter (POM) in a coastal megatidal marine system
Authors: Moynihan Molly A. , Barbier Pierrick , Olivier Frédéric , Toupoint Nicolas , Meziane Tarik
Published: February 2016

Surface water samples of size‐selected seston (0.7–20 μm) were collected from April 2013 to September 2013 at three similar coarse‐sand benthic habitats. Additionally, seston sampling was performed at a fixed location throughout a complete tidal cycle (2014). A combination of fatty acid (FA), isotope, and flow cytometry analyses were used to determine the quality and quantity of nano‐ and pico‐sized particulate organic matter (POM). High variability was found between fatty acid replicate samples. Similar temporal patterns were observed at two sheltered sites, while the exposed site displayed less pronounced seasonal changes. Lower concentrations of 16C and 18C polyunsaturated fatty acids were found during low tide sampling. Globally, POM was dominated by picoeukaryotes, with concentrations exceeding 50,000 cells mL−1, and (16:4ω3 + 18:3ω3)/Σω3 is proposed as novel biomarker of picoeukaryotes in this region.
Increased peripheral inflammation in asymptomatic leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutation carriers
Authors: Dzamko Nicolas , Rowe Dominic B. , Halliday Glenda M.
Published: February 2016

Background

We aimed to determine if peripheral or central inflammatory cytokines are altered in healthy subjects carrying a leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S mutation, and thus genetically at risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). We also aimed to identify differences in inflammatory cytokines between LRRK2 G2019S‐associated and idiopathic PD once the disease manifests.

Methods

Participants were genetically screened and phenotyped, and biological samples were collected and stored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation LRRK2 Cohort Consortium. Serum samples and matching clinical data were obtained from 71 asymptomatic LRRK2 G2019S mutation carriers (CSF n = 25), 75 neurologically normal controls (CSF n = 22), 75 idiopathic PD patients (CSF n = 29), and 76 PD patients with a LRRK2 G2019S mutation (CSF n = 20). Inflammatory cytokines were measured using multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Serum levels of interleukin 1 beta could discriminate asymptomatic LRRK2 G2019S mutation carriers from controls, with a high inflammatory subgroup of carriers identified. This subgroup was significantly higher in a number of PD‐implicated pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Once PD had manifest, LRRK2 G2019S patients were discriminated from idiopathic PD by higher serum platelet‐derived growth factor, and higher CSF vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin 8.

Conclusions

The results suggest that peripheral inflammation is higher in a percentage of subjects carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. Replication and longitudinal follow‐up is required to determine whether the increased peripheral cytokines can predict clinical PD. Importantly, these biological changes were observed prior to the clinical manifestations thought to herald PD. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Stabilizer Depletion in Single Base Propellant from Unexploded Ordnance
Authors: Fuchs Rolf , Niehues Martin
Published: February 2016

Decomposition of nitrocellulose‐based propellant is a well‐known problem that results in insufficient shelf‐life of the ammunition if the propellant is not stabilized with appropriate materials. To investigate the influence of storage conditions on the shelf life of old propellant powder HPLC analytics according to AOP‐48 were carried out to determine the stabilizer consumption at different temperatures. The ingredients of the propellant were also analyzed. The results show that the examined propellant samples from WW II production are still containing stabilizer. Humidity in combination with elevated temperature seems to be the most influencing parameter for decomposition of this type. The analyzed propellants seem to be stable even after about 70 years under bad storage conditions. You might draw conclusions from these results for modern time propellant powders, which are stored under controlled conditions.
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of PBX
Authors: Xiao You Cai , Sun Yi , Li X. , Zhang Q. H. , Liu S. W. , Yang H.
Published: February 2016

The dynamic mechanical properties of PBX1314 and its binder are systematically investigated. Based on split‐Hopkinson pressure bar technique, the experimental results of PBX1314 and its binder are obtained under high strain rate. A constitutive theory is developed for modeling the mechanical response of dynamically loaded PBX1314 binder. To accomplish this aim, the PBX1314 binder is assayed by relaxation tests at different temperatures, in order to apply the time‐temperature superposition principle (TTSP) and raise the master curves, based on WLF equation. The rate dependence of mechanical response of the polymer binder is accounted for by a generalized Maxwell viscoelasticity model. The basis for this work is Mori and Tanaka's effective medium theory. The grains in this analysis are assumed to be spherical and uniformly distributed in the binder. The relaxation constitutive relations of particulate reinforced composites are investigated by Laplace transformation and the corresponding principle. The theoretical prediction coincides with experimental results.
Validation of the Gurney Model in Planar Geometry for a Conventional Explosive
Authors: Loiseau Jason , Georges William , Higgins Andrew J.
Published: February 2016

The analytical model developed by Gurney is a seminal tool for analyzing the acceleration of metal flyers driven by detonating high explosives. Despite the continued relevance of this model, relatively few experimental validations over a wide range of flyer‐to‐charge mass ratios exist in the open literature. The current study presents experimental results for planar aluminum flyers propelled by a conventional explosive over a range of mass ratios varying from 4.65 to 0.03. Flyer velocity was measured via Heterodyne Laser Velocimetry (PDV), permitting a continuous measurement of the acceleration process. Measured flyer velocities are compared to terminal velocity estimations from the Gurney model. Experimental terminal velocities are compared to the open face and asymmetric sandwich Gurney models. Excellent agreement is observed for terminal velocity predictions considering the gasdynamic simplifications inherent in the model formulation.
Observations of stress accumulation and relaxation in solid‐state lithiation and delithiation of suspended Si microcantilevers
Authors: Brown Joseph J. , Lee Se‐Hee , Xiao Jianliang , Wu Zhuangchun
Published: February 2016

Motion of microfabricated cantilevers is demonstrated as an in situ technique for mechanical characterization during the solid‐state electrochemical lithiation and delithiation of silicon. The composite cantilevers consist of suspended single‐crystal silicon cantilevers, onto which LiAlF4 electrolyte, Li2WO4 lithium reservoir, and Ag electrode layers are deposited. Using white light interferometry, the cantilevers are observed to deflect downward as the silicon is charged with lithium (lithiation), but the cantilevers experience little motion as the lithium is discharged (delithiation). An analytical cantilever‐bending model featuring a moving phase boundary is developed to describe motion of the beams and explore stress profiles within the lithiated layer. Cantilever deflection during lithiation allows comparison to several models for stress within the LiSix layer. Specifically, a purely elastic model overestimates cantilever motion, as does a plastic bending model. The observed cantilever deflection distances are appropriate for a model of gradual accumulation of stress during charging, best fit with an exponential function indicating compressive stress of more than 1 GPa at the Si‐LiSix phase boundary. After both charge and discharge cycles, the cantilevers relax upwards, indicating that this material system experiences time‐dependent stress relaxation and continues to restructure itself after both lithiation and delithiation.

During lithiation (black lines), microcantilevers are observed to deflect downward with increasing charge, while similar behavior is not observed during delithiation (gray lines). This experimental technique was demonstrated using a model solid electrolyte system supported on Si microcantilevers, and resulted in observation of stress relaxation without current flow.
Interface passivation of liquid‐phase crystallized silicon on glass studied with high‐frequency capacitance–voltage measurements
Authors: Preissler Natalie , Töfflinger Jan Amaru , Shutsko Ivan , Gabriel Onno , Calnan Sonya , Stannowski Bernd , Rech Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger
Published: February 2016

The passivation quality at the interface between dielectric interlayer (IL) stacks and liquid‐phase crystallized silicon (LPC‐Si) was investigated by means of high‐frequency capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. The developed device structure was based on a molybdenum layer sandwiched between the glass substrate and the IL/LPC‐Si stack. C–V curves were discussed in terms of hysteresis formation and capacitance relaxation. We varied the nitrogen and hydrogen content in the a‐SiOxNy:H layer adjacent to the LPC‐Si and studied the effects on the defect state density at the IL/LPC‐Si interface (Dit) as well as on the effective charge density in the IL (QIL,eff). Both parameters are crucial for the analysis of chemical and field‐effect passivation. Furthermore, the effect of an additional hydrogen plasma treatment (HPT) on Dit and QIL,eff was investigated. A Gaussian‐like defect distribution at around 0.1 eV above the mid gap energy is significantly reduced by the additional HPT. With additional HPT, the lowest Dit and highest QIL,eff at mid gap, i.e., Dit = (3.5 ± 0.7) × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 and QIL,eff = (1.6 ± 0.3) × 1012 cm−2, correspond to the passivation by an a‐SiOxNy:H layer with a low nitrogen and high hydrogen content.
Optically modulated resistive switching in BiFeO3 thin film
Authors: Bogle Kashinath , Narwade Ranjana , Phatangare Ambadas , Dahiwale Shailendra , Mahabole Megha , Khairnar Rajendra
Published: February 2016

Exploiting the photosensitive property of BiFeO3 thin films, we demonstrated a resistive switching memory cell having low Vset voltage (+2.0 V), an ultrahigh ON/OFF ratio of ∼107 and a good retention time of more than 106 s. Synthesis conditions were optimized during a sol–gel‐assisted spin‐coating method to get phase‐pure BiFeO3 films on Al substrate, at room temperature. Current–voltage analysis revealed that during optical illumination, photon‐induced charge carriers migrate towards their respective electrodes along grain boundaries under an externally applied field, which initiate a substantial shift in the normal Vset of +10.4 V to a lower voltage (+2.0 V). The Poole–Frenkel emission at the metal/BiFeO3 interface is proposed and the role of electronic reconstruction at the interface is further investigated. Thus the write process in BiFeO3‐based resistive‐switching devices can be modulated in a controlled manner, which has the potential for integrating current resistive switching (memristive) memory device technology towards exciting optomemristive device technology.
Temperature effects in excitonic condensation driven by the lattice distortion
Authors: Do Thi‐Hong‐Hai , Nguyen Huu‐Nha , Nguyen Thi‐Giang , Phan Van‐Nham
Published: February 2016

The stability of the excitonic condensation at low temperature driven by a coupling of electrons to vibrational degrees of freedom in a semimetal two‐dimensional electronic system is discussed. In the framework of the unrestricted Hartree–Fock approximation, we derive a set of equations to determine both the excitonic condensate order parameter and lattice displacement self‐consistently. By lowering the temperature, we find a semimetal–insulator transition in the system if the coupling is large enough. The insulating state typifies an excitonic condensation accompanied by a finite lattice distortion. On increasing temperature, both excitonic condensate order parameter and the lattice distortion decrease and then disappear in the same manner. Microscopic analysis in momentum space strongly specifies that the excitonic condensate driven by the lattice distortion favors the BCS type.
Analysis of lags and current collapse in field‐plate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with deep acceptors in a buffer layer
Authors: Noda Naohiro , Tsurumaki Ryouhei , Horio Kazushige
Published: February 2016

We make 2‐D transient simulations of field‐plate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with a semi‐insulating buffer layer, where a deep acceptor above the midgap is considered. It is studied how the deep acceptor and the field plate affect lag phenomena and current collapse. It is shown that the drain lag and current collapse could be reduced by introducing a field plate, as in a case with a deep acceptor compensated by a deep donor in the buffer layer. This reduction occurs because electron trapping by the deep acceptors is weakened by the field plate. The dependence on insulator thickness under the field plate is also studied, suggesting that there is an optimum thickness of insulator to minimize the current collapse of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Towards industrialisation of GaN‐on‐Si based high brightness blue LEDs
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Tan Wei Sin , Westwater Simon , Pujol Antoine , Pinos Andrea , Mezouari Samir , Stribley Kevin , Whiteman John , Shannon John , Strickland Keith
Published: February 2016

The manufacturability of blue LED structures grown on 6‐inch Si (111) substrates is reported. The totally epi‐structure thickness is only 3.75 μm, which allows faster epitaxy process throughput and lower manufacturing costs. Well controlled strain engineering leads to a room temperature wafer bow of 0 ± 5 μm and a highly uniform photoluminescence wavelength standard deviation of 1.1 nm. XRD FWHM (002) and (102) are 380 and 390 arcsec, respectively. For a blue 1×1 mm2 vertical thin film die with silicone dome lens, the optical light output power of 563 mW at an operating voltage of 3.05 V is achieved at 350 mA. Excellent leakage current (IR) yield is achieved with over 95% of dies exhibiting IR < 0.1 μA at ‐5 V. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unintentional nitrogen incorporation in ZnO nanowires detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Stehr J. E. , Chen W. M. , Reddy N. K. , Tu C. W. , Buyanova I. A.
Published: February 2016

Unintentional incorporation of nitrogen in ZnO nanowires (NWs) grown by rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition is unambiguously proven by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The nitrogen dopants are suggested to be provided from contaminations in the source gases. The majority of incorporated nitrogen atoms are concluded to reside at oxygen sites, i.e. in the atomic configuration of nitrogen substituting for oxygen (NO). The NO centers are suggested to be located in proximity to the NW surface, based on their reduced optical ionization energy as compared with that in a bulk material. This implies that the defect formation energy at the NW surface could be lower than its bulk value, consistent with previous theoretical predictions. The obtained results underline that nitrogen can be easily incorporated in ZnO nanostructures which may be of advantage for realizing p‐type conducting ZnO via N doping. On the other hand, the awareness of this process can help to prevent such unintentional doping in structures with desired n‐type conductivity. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Run Sum Hotelling's χ2 Control Chart with Variable Sampling Intervals
Authors: Chew Xin Ying , Khoo Michael Boon Chong , Teh Sin Yin , Lee Ming Ha
Published: February 2016

Control charts are widely used for process monitoring and quality control in manufacturing industries. Implementing variable sampling interval (VSI) control schemes on control charts rather than traditional fixed sampling interval procedure can significantly improve the control chart's efficiency. In this paper, the VSI run sum (RS) Hotelling's χ2 chart is proposed. The optimal scores and parameters of the proposed chart are determined using an optimization technique to minimize the following: (i) out‐of‐control average time to signal (ATS); (ii) adjusted ATS (AATS), when the exact shift size can be specified; (iii) expected ATS; or (iv) expected AATS, when the exact shift size cannot be specified. The Markov chain method is used to evaluate the zero‐state ATS and expected ATS, and steady‐state AATS and expected AATS of the proposed chart. The results show that the VSI RS Hotelling's χ2 chart significantly outperforms the standard RS Hotelling's χ2 chart and the former also performs well compared with other competing charts. By adding more scoring regions, the efficiency of the VSI RS Hotelling's χ2 chart can be further enhanced. An illustrative example using data from a manufacturing process is presented to demonstrate the application of the VSI RS Hotelling's χ2 chart. The application of the proposed chart in a quality improvement program can be extended to management and service industries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A limitation on security evaluation of cryptographic primitives with fixed keys
Authors: Kawai Yutaka , Hanaoka Goichiro , Ohta Kazuo , Kunihiro Noboru
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we discuss security of public‐key cryptographic primitives in the case that the public key is fixed. In the standard argument, security of cryptographic primitives are evaluated by estimating the average probability of being successfully attacked where keys are treated as random variables. In contrast to this, in practice, a user is mostly interested in the security under his specific public key, which has been already fixed. However, it is obvious that such security cannot be mathematically guaranteed because for any given public key, there always potentially exists an adversary, which breaks its security. Therefore, the best what we can do is just to use a public key such that its effective adversary is not likely to be constructed in the real life and, thus, it is desired to provide a method for evaluating this possibility. The motivation of this work is to investigate (in)feasibility of predicting whether for a given fixed public key, its successful adversary will actually appear in the real life or not. As our main result, we prove that for any digital signature scheme or public key encryption scheme, it is impossible to reduce any fixed key adversary in any weaker security notion than the de facto ones (i.e., existential unforgery against adaptive chosen message attacks or indistinguishability against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks) to fixed key adversaries in the de facto security notion in a black‐box manner. This result means that, for example, for any digital signature scheme, impossibility of extracting the secret key from a fixed public key will never imply existential unforgery against chosen message attacks under the same key as long as we consider only black‐box analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary field multiplication on ARMv8
Authors: Seo Hwajeong , Liu Zhe , Nogami Yasuyuki , Choi Jongseok , Kim Howon
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we show efficient implementations of binary field multiplication over ARMv8. We exploit an advanced 64‐bit polynomial multiplication (PMULL) supported by ARMv8 and conduct multiple levels of asymptotically faster Karatsuba multiplication for polynomial multiplication. Finally, our method completed binary field multiplication within 57 and 153 clock cycles for B‐251 and B‐571 cases, respectively. Proposed method improves the speed‐performance by a factor of 4.5 times than previous techniques on same target platform. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel use of glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) to study corrosion of AA2024‐T3 in the presence and absence of inhibitors – part 3: investigating the effects of various proportions of inhibitor in the coating matrix or in nanocontainers
Authors: Bingham Ruth Violet , Thompson George E. , Liu Hong
Published: February 2016

Elemental depth profiling by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy has been used to characterize the corrosion products on AA2024‐T3. In previous work, the aluminium, oxygen and copper depth profiles were shown to provide information regarding surface roughening, the thickness of corroded layers and extent of copper de‐alloying/relocation. Nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and chromium depth profiles were examined in the hope of detecting inhibitor species within the corroded/altered layers after 5 h of exposure to a corrosive solution. In the present work, the study is extended to longer exposure time. The work presents a further study of the leaching of benzotriazole from the coating matrix or from nanocontainers during various times of exposure to a corrosive environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing agreement with relative area under the coverage probability curve
Authors: Barnhart Huiman X.
Published: February 2016

There has been substantial statistical literature in the last several decades on assessing agreement, and coverage probability approach was selected as a preferred index for assessing and improving measurement agreement in a core laboratory setting. With this approach, a satisfactory agreement is based on pre‐specified high satisfactory coverage probability (e.g., 95%), given one pre‐specified acceptable difference. In practice, we may want to have quality control on more than one pre‐specified differences, or we may simply want to summarize the agreement based on differences up to a maximum acceptable difference. We propose to assess agreement via the coverage probability curve that provides a full spectrum of measurement error at various differences/disagreement. Relative area under the coverage probability curve is proposed for the summary of overall agreement, and this new summary index can be used for comparison of different intra‐methods or inter‐methods/labs/observers' agreement. Simulation studies and a blood pressure example are used for illustration of the methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The more, the merrier? Women in top‐management teams and entrepreneurship in established firms
Authors: Lyngsie Jacob , Foss Nicolai J.
Published: February 2016

Research summary: We study the association between firms' entrepreneurial outcomes and their gender composition. Though highly topical, there is little solid empirical knowledge of this issue, which calls for an inductive approach. We match a paired‐respondent questionnaire survey with population‐wide employer‐employee data, and find evidence that the presence of female top managers is positively related to entrepreneurial outcomes in established firms. Yet, this relation is conditional on the proportion between male and female top managers. Another finding is that the overall proportion of women in the firm's workforce negatively moderates the relation between female top managers and entrepreneurial outcomes. We discuss various mechanisms that can explain these findings, and argue that they are best understood in terms of the dynamics of social categorization.

Managerial summary: We investigate how companies benefit from having more women on the top‐management team. We show that beyond a threshold level of female top managers, more women are associated with more entrepreneurial outcomes (more products and services profitably launched). However, this positive effect is weakened in firms that have many women in the workforce. These effects may be explained in terms of the ways employees mentally categorize managers and how this influences their work motivation. We find evidence for such an explanation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional Nanoparticles Activate a Decellularized Liver Scaffold for Blood Detoxification
Authors: Xu Fen , Kang Tianyi , Deng Jie , Liu Junli , Chen Xiaolei , Wang Yuan , Ouyang Liang , Du Ting , Tang Hong , Xu Xiaoping , Chen Shaochen , Du Yanan , Shi Yujun , Qian Zhiyong , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin , Gou Maling
Published: February 2016

Extracorporeal devices have great promise for cleansing the body of virulence factors that are caused by venomous injuries, bacterial infections, and biological weaponry. The clinically used extracorporeal devices, such as artificial liver‐support systems that are mainly based on dialysis or electrostatic interaction, are limited to remove a target toxin. Here, a liver‐mimetic device is shown that consists of decellularized liver scaffold (DLS) populated with polydiacetylene (PDA) nanoparticles. DLS has the gross shape and 3D architecture of a liver, and the PDA nanoparticles selectively capture and neutralize the pore‐forming toxins (PFTs). This device can efficiently and target‐orientedly remove PFTs in human blood ex vivo without changing blood components or activating complement factors, showing potential application in antidotal therapy. This work provides a proof‐of‐principle for blood detoxification by a nanoparticle‐activated DLS, and can lead to the development of future medical devices for antidotal therapy.
Estimating corrosion attack in reinforced concrete by means of crack opening
Authors: Andrade Carmen , Cesetti Alessandro , Mancini Giuseppe , Tondolo Francesco
Published: February 2016

The corrosion of reinforcement in concrete is the most common degradation phenomenon of reinforced concrete structures. Reinforced concrete elements subjected to corrosion generally crack due to the expansive nature of oxides. One very important task is estimating the corrosion level using a non‐destructive method in order to establish both the actual safety of the structure and a priority intervention plan.

Many researchers have studied the relationship between the corrosion phenomenon and the corresponding crack openings and their evolution; several statistical analyses, based on test data from experimental campaigns under a wide range of test conditions, are available.

The present work attempts to contribute to finding a relationship between the crack opening and the amount of corrosion induced in the reinforcing bars. The result of the analysis is that only a reduced number of tests can be used to establish an empirical model based on a reliable set of test data. A simple relationship between crack opening and corrosion penetration is not recommended, due to the different parameters that are able to influence this correlation. Therefore, two fundamental parameters, the ratio of the concrete cover to the rebar diameter and the concrete strength, have also been considered. The considerations made regarding these parameter test results have been rearranged and the result is a formulation that shows reduced scatter.
Airborne fine particulate matter causes murine bronchial hyperreactivity via MAPK pathway‐mediated M3 muscarinic receptor upregulation
Authors: Wang Rong , Xiao Xue , Shen Zhenxing , Cao Lei , Cao Yongxiao
Published: February 2016

Regarding the human health effects, airborne fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is an important environmental risk factor. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study examined the hypothesis that PM2.5 causes bronchial hyperreactivity by upregulated muscarinic receptors via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The isolated rat bronchi segments were cultured with different concentration of PM2.5 for different time. The contractile response of the bronchi segments were recorded by a sensitive myograph. The mRNA and protein expression levels of M3 muscarinic receptors were studied by quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The muscarinic receptors agonist, carbachol induced a remarkable contractile response on fresh and DMSO cultured bronchial segments. Compared with the fresh or DMSO culture groups, 1.0 µg/mL of PM2.5 cultured for 24 h significantly enhanced muscarinic receptor‐mediated contractile responses in bronchi with a markedly increased maximal contraction. In addition, the expression levels of mRNA and protein for M3 muscarinic receptors in bronchi of PM2.5 group were higher than that of fresh or DMSO culture groups. SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) significantly inhibited the PM2.5‐induced enhanced contraction and increased mRNA and protein expression of muscarinic receptors. However, JNK inhibitor SP600125 had no effect on PM2.5‐induced muscarinic receptor upregulation and bronchial hyperreactivity. In conclusion, airborne PM2.5 upregulates muscarinic receptors, which causes subsequently bronchial hyperreactivity shown as enhanced contractility in bronchi. This process may be mediated by p38 and MEK1/2 MAPK pathways. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 371–381, 2017.
Challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming industrial energy efficiency in small‐to‐medium‐sized industries in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muzamwese Tawanda Collins
Published: February 2016

Development of industry in Zimbabwe has been widely acknowledged as one of the leading sources of current environmental and energy efficiency challenges affecting the country. The emergence of Small‐to‐medium‐sized (SMEs) industry sectors is seen as an opportunity for socioeconomic growth. Hence, it requires mainstreaming sustainability and energy efficiency at its core. Several policy instruments have been implemented to support industrial energy efficiency in Zimbabwe, including awareness, regulations, and voluntary standards such as International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) energy management systems standard ISO 50001 and economic instruments. Several challenges exist that affect widespread adoption of energy efficient technologies including implementation of policy framework for energy efficiency, ageing equipment, inadequate funding mechanisms, limited information, few economic incentives for SMEs to invest in energy efficiency, low technical capability of SMEs to implement energy efficiency, limited institutional sustainability of agencies involved in promotion of energy efficiency, and low uptake of energy management standards. This study focuses on the challenges and opportunities for resource efficiency and presents strategies for improvement. In order to enhance green industry and increase adoption in SMEs, there is need to strengthen institutions involved in resource efficiency, improve funding mechanisms, strengthen industrial clusters, promote energy service companies (ESCOs) and energy efficiency networking forums, create funding schemes for SMEs, provide training and capacity building, increase demonstration projects, strengthen the role of independent energy service providers, and improve national collaboration of stakeholders. In conclusion, Zimbabwe has greater potential to contribute towards a green economy through implementing energy efficiency in SMEs. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:510–518. doi: 10.1002/wene.203

This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Climate and Environment

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy and Development > Climate and Environment
Maltase protein of Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha is a counterpart to the resurrected ancestor protein ancMALS of yeast maltases and isomaltases
Authors: Viigand Katrin , Visnapuu Triinu , Mardo Karin , Aasamets Anneli , Alamäe Tiina
Published: February 2016

Saccharomyces cerevisiae maltases use maltose, maltulose, turanose and maltotriose as substrates, isomaltases use isomaltose, α‐methylglucoside and palatinose and both use sucrose. These enzymes are hypothesized to have evolved from a promiscuous α‐glucosidase ancMALS through duplication and mutation of the genes. We studied substrate specificity of the maltase protein MAL1 from an earlier diverged yeast, Ogataea polymorpha (Op), in the light of this hypothesis. MAL1 has extended substrate specificity and its properties are strikingly similar to those of resurrected ancMALS. Moreover, amino acids considered to determine selective substrate binding are highly conserved between Op MAL1 and ancMALS. Op MAL1 represents an α‐glucosidase in which both maltase and isomaltase activities are well optimized in a single enzyme. Substitution of Thr200 (corresponds to Val216 in S. cerevisiae isomaltase IMA1) with Val in MAL1 drastically reduced the hydrolysis of maltose‐like substrates (α‐1,4‐glucosides), confirming the requirement of Thr at the respective position for this function. Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) of the catalytically inactive mutant Asp199Ala of MAL1 in the presence of its substrates and selected monosaccharides suggested that the substrate‐binding pocket of MAL1 has three subsites (–1, +1 and +2) and that binding is strongest at the –1 subsite. The DSF assay results were in good accordance with affinity (Km) and inhibition (Ki) data of the enzyme for tested substrates, indicating the power of the method to predict substrate binding. Deletion of either the maltase (MAL1) or α‐glucoside permease (MAL2) gene in Op abolished the growth of yeast on MAL1 substrates, confirming the requirement of both proteins for usage of these sugars. © 2016 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Radiological and Clinical Outcomes of Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injury Managed with Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Khashram M. , He Q. , Oh T. H. , Khanafer A. , Wright I. A. , Vasudevan T. M. , Lo A. S. N. , Roake J. A. , Civil I.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for traumatic thoracic aortic injury (TTAI) are often young and data on long‐term durability of this treatment is not widely documented. The aims of this study were to report the New Zealand (NZ) national experience of TEVAR and to assess the durability of late outcomes and radiological follow‐up of patients treated for TTAI.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated with TEVAR during a 12‐year period from all tertiary centers in NZ were included. Early (30‐day), late survival and radiological imaging data were recorded to document late graft‐related complications and re‐interventions.

Results

88 patients with a median (range) age of 35 (15–87) year and 63 (71.6 %) males were included. Eleven patients (12.5 %) died within 30 days, of which three were aortic related deaths. The median (range) follow‐up was 76.3 (0.3–164.6) months. Six (7.8 %) patients died during the follow‐up period due to non‐aortic‐related causes. Nine (11.5 %) patients were lost to follow‐up of which three emigrated overseas. Of those on surveillance, two patients required TEVAR re‐intervention to previously treated aortic segments; one for a type 1b endoleak and the other for a symptomatic pseudo‐coarctation. Both were treated successfully with a TEVAR.

Conclusions

This multicenter study suggests that TEVAR is a durable option for treatment of traumatic thoracic aortic injury. Although, stent graft complications were uncommon, but when it occurred, it leads to re‐intervention. Further radiological follow‐up is required particularly in young patient to document late aortic/stent complications.
The Damage Pattern to the Gastrointestinal Tract Depends on the Nature of the Ingested Caustic Agent
Authors: Ducoudray Romain , Mariani Antoine , Corte Helene , Kraemer Aurore , Munoz‐Bongrand Nicolas , Sarfati Emile , Cattan Pierre , Chirica Mircea
Published: February 2016

Background

The mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract after caustic ingestion are conditioned by the nature of the ingested agent. Whether the nature of the ingested agent has a direct influence on patient outcomes is unknown.

Methods

From January 2013 to April 2015, 144 patients underwent emergency management for caustic injuries at the Saint Louis Hospital in Paris. There were 51 men (51 %) and the median age was 44 years [39, 48]. The ingested agents were soda‐based strong alkali in 85 patients (59 %), strong acids in 36 patients (25 %), and bleach in 23 patients (16 %). Emergency and long‐term outcomes were compared according to the nature of the ingested agent.

Results

Four patients died (3 %) and 40 patients (28 %) experienced complications. After bleach ingestion, emergency morbidity and mortality were nil, no patient required esophageal reconstruction, and functional outcome was successful in all patients. Acids were more likely to induce transmural gastric (31 vs. 13 %, p =0.042) and duodenal (9 vs. 0 %, p = 0.04) necrosis than strong alkalis, but rates of transmural esophageal necrosis were similar (14 vs. 12 %, p = 0.98). No significant differences were recorded between emergency mortality (9 vs. 1 %, p = 0.15), morbidity (33 vs. 33 %, p = 0.92), the need for esophageal reconstruction (25 vs. 20 %, p = 0.88), and functional success rates (76 vs. 84 %, p = 0.31) after acid and alkali ingestion, respectively.

Conclusion

Bleach causes mild gastrointestinal injuries, while the ingestion of strong acids and alkalis may result in severe complications and death. Acids cause more severe damage to the stomach but similar damage to the esophagus when compared to alkalis.
Eficiencia bancaria en Argentina. Comportamiento de los bancos entre 2005 y 2013
Authors: Seffino Mario , Maldonado Daniel Hoyos
Published: February 2016

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la evolución de la eficiencia de ciertas entidades bancarias argentinas durante el período comprendido entre los años 2005 y 2013. En tal sentido, se buscará distinguir los factores que contribuyen a explicar tal desempeño. A tal efecto, se combinará el análisis envolvente de datos (DEA) con el índice de productividad de Malmquist (IPM). Esto permite medir las variaciones en la productividad a lo largo del tiempo y, al mismo tiempo, descomponer sus causas. Los resultados alcanzados muestran una mejora en la productividad total y en la eficiencia técnica para un grupo importante de las entidades analizadas.
Alzheimer's disease risk variants modulate endophenotypes in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Louwersheimer Eva , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Espinosa Ana , Lacour André , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Alegret Montserrat , Hernández Isabel , Rosende‐Roca Maitée , Tárraga Lluís , Boada Mercè , Kornhuber Johannes , Peters Oliver , Frölich Lutz , Hüll Michael , Rüther Eckart , Wiltfang Jens , Scherer Martin , Riedel‐Heller Steffi , Jessen Frank , Nöthen Markus M. , Maier Wolfgang , Koene Ted , Scheltens Philip , Holstege Henne , Wagner Michael , Ruiz Agustín , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Becker Tim , Ramirez Alfredo
Published: February 2016

Introduction

We evaluated the effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility loci on endophenotypes closely related with AD pathology in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We selected 1730 MCI patients from four independent data sets. Weighted polygenic risk scores (PGS) were constructed of 18 non‐apolipoprotein E (APOE) AD risk variants. In addition, we determined APOE genotype. AD endophenotypes were cognitive decline over time and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (aβ, tau, ptau).

Results

PGS was modestly associated with cognitive decline over time, as measured by mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) (β ± SE:−0.24 ± 0.10; P = .012), and with CSF levels of tau and ptau (tau: 1.38 ± 0.36, P = 1.21 × 10−4; ptau: 1.40 ± 0.36, P = 1.02 × 10−4).

Discussion

In MCI, we observed a joint effect of AD susceptibility loci on nonamyloid endophenotypes, suggesting a link of these genetic loci with neuronal degeneration in general rather than with Alzheimer‐related amyloid deposition.
Canadian Consensus Guidelines on Use of Amyloid Imaging in Canada: Update and Future Directions from the Specialized Task Force on Amyloid imaging in Canada
Authors: Laforce Robert , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Soucy Jean-Paul , Rabinovici Gil D. , Dubois Bruno , Gauthier S.
Published: February 2016

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of brain amyloid beta is now clinically available in several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, but not Canada. It has become an established technique in the field of neuroimaging of aging and dementia, with data incorporated in the new consensus guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and predementia Alzheimer’s disease–related conditions. At this point, there are three US Food and Drug Administration– and European Union–approved tracers. Guided by appropriate use criteria developed in 2013 by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, the utility of amyloid imaging in medical practice is now supported by a growing body of research. In this paper, we aimed to provide an update on the 2012 Canadian consensus guidelines to dementia care practitioners on proper use of amyloid imaging. We also wished to generate momentum for the industry to submit a new drug proposal to Health Canada. A group of local, national, and international dementia experts and imaging specialists met to discuss scenarios in which amyloid PET could be used appropriately. Peer-reviewed and published literature between January 2004 and May 2015 was searched. Technical and regulatory considerations pertaining to Canada were considered. The results of a survey of current practices in Canadian dementia centers were considered. A set of specific clinical and research guidelines was agreed on that defines the types of patients and clinical circumstances in which amyloid PET could be used in Canada. Future research directions were also outlined, notably the importance of studies that would assess the pharmaco-economics of amyloid imaging.
Dynamic Changes in Clinical Characteristics During an Outbreak of Human Adenovirus Serotype 55 in China
Authors: Gao Hong-Wei , Wei Mao-Ti , Fan Hao-Jun , Ding Hui , Wei Wei , Liu Zi-Quan , Zhang Yong-Zhong , Lv Qi , Dong Wen-Long , Hou Shi-Ke
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine dynamic changes in clinical characteristics by examining an outbreak of adenovirus infection that occurred from December 20, 2012, to February 25, 2013, in Tianjin, China.

Methods

Active surveillance for febrile respiratory illnesses was conducted, and medical records of patients were collected. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used for pathogen identification and viral genome study, respectively. Student’s t-test was used to compare the mean values of normally distributed continuous variables. Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used if continuous variables were not normally distributed. Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results

The outbreak was sourced from the index case diagnosed as the common cold on December 20, 2012; a total of 856 cases were reported in the following 66 days. The pathogen was identified as human adenovirus (HAdV) 55. The symptoms manifested differently in severe and mild cases. Routine blood examinations, liver function indexes, and heart function indexes showed different dynamic patterns over time in hospitalized patients.

Conclusions

Clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations may reveal unique patterns over the course of HAdV-55 infection. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:464–469)