bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Monte Carlo Simulation Approach for Beta‐Lactam Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Jang Soo Min , Gharibian Katherine N. , Lewis Susan J. , Fissell William H. , Tolwani Ashita J. , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: May 2018

Cefepime, ceftazidime, and piperacillin/tazobactam are commonly used beta‐lactam antibiotics in the critical care setting. For critically ill patients receiving prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT), limited pharmacokinetic data are available to inform clinicians on the dosing of these agents. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) can be used to guide drug dosing when pharmacokinetic trials are not feasible. For each antibiotic, MCS using previously published pharmacokinetic data derived from critically ill patients was used to evaluate multiple dosing regimens in 4 different prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy effluent rates and prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy duration combinations (4 L/h × 10 hours or 5 L/h × 8 hours in hemodialysis and hemofiltration modes). Antibiotic regimens were also modeled depending on whether drugs were administered during or well before prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy therapy commenced. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated using each antibiotic's pharmacodynamic target during the first 48 hours of therapy. Optimal doses were defined as the smallest daily dose achieving ≥90% probability of target attainment in all prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy effluent and duration combinations. Cefepime 1 g every 6 hours following a 2 g loading dose, ceftazidime 2 g every 12 hours, and piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g every 6 hours attained the desired pharmacodynamic target in ≥90% of modeled prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy patients. Alternatively, if an every 6‐hours cefepime regimen is not desired, the cefepime 2 g pre‐prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy and 3 g post‐prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy regimen also met targets. For ceftazidime, 1 g every 6 hours or 3 g continuous infusion following a 2 g loading dose also met targets. These recommended doses provide simple regimens that are likely to achieve the pharmacodynamics target while yielding the least overall drug exposure, which should result in lower toxicity rates. These findings should be validated in the clinical setting.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Dose Individualization to Achieve Therapeutic Vancomycin Concentrations
Authors: Abulfathi Ahmed A. , Chirehwa Maxwell , Rosenkranz Bernd , Decloedt Eric H.
Published: May 2018

The glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin is used for treatment of methicillin‐resistant Gram‐positive cocci. Adequate vancomycin plasma concentrations are related to bacterial cure. However, inter‐ and intrapatient variability make it difficult to achieve therapeutic vancomycin concentrations. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using computerized therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to assist in achieving therapeutic vancomycin concentrations at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. This was a 2‐period study consisting of a retrospective 1‐month observational period followed by a prospective 1‐month period in which computerized TDM was implemented as an intervention to assist with vancomycin dose individualization. During the prospective period, all vancomycin TDM results were followed by dosage individualization using computerized TDM. The retrospective period included 77 patients with 292 vancomycin concentrations: 69% (53/77) adult and 31% (24/77) pediatric patients. The prospective period included 80 patients with 217 vancomycin concentrations measured: 69% (55/80) adult and 31% (25/80) pediatric patients. Fewer vancomycin TDM data were requested during the prospective period with a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1–3) samples per patient compared with 3 (1–5) samples per patient during the retrospective period. The odds ratio of achieving therapeutic trough concentrations was 3.63 (95%CI 1.81–7.3) in the prospective period when TDM‐adjusted vancomycin dosing and appropriate TDM procedures were applied. The use of computerized TDM resulted in a higher frequency of therapeutic vancomycin concentrations in a middle‐income setting. Trough vancomycin concentrations alone correlate poorly with the area under plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 24 hours.
Production of bio‐based p‐xylene via catalytic pyrolysis of biomass over metal oxide‐modified HZSM‐5 zeolites
Authors: Chang Rui , Zhu Lijuan , Jin Feng , Fan Minghui , Liu Junxu , Jia Qifang , Tang Chi , Li Quanxin
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

p‐Xylene is an important bulk chemical in the petrochemical industry, and the production of bio‐based p‐xylene is of great significance in both academic and industrial arenas. However, the biggest challenge for the production of p‐xylene from biomass is how to increase the yield and selectivity of p‐xylene.

RESULTS

The highest p‐xylene yield of 20.7 C‐mol% with a p‐xylene/xylenes ratio of 91.6% was obtained by the co‐catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust with 50 wt% methanol over the 20%La2O3/HZSM‐5(80) catalyst. Adding a La, Mg, Ce or Zn element into HZSM‐5 promoted the alkylation of benzene and toluene to form xylenes, and the isomerization of m/o‐xylenes to p‐xylene.

CONCLUSION

This work developed a one‐pot process in which lignocellulosic biomass (sawdust) was directionally converted into p‐xylene by coupling the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass into aromatic monomers, the alkylation of light aromatics to xylenes and the isomerization of m/o‐xylenes to p‐xylene over the metal oxide‐modified HZSM‐5 catalysts. The selectivity and yield of p‐xylene strongly depended on the acidity of the catalysts, reaction temperature and methanol additive during the catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A review on the advances in nitrifying biofilm reactors and their removal rates in wastewater treatment
Authors: Chaali Mona , Naghdi Mitra , Brar Satinder K , Avalos‐Ramirez Antonio
Published: May 2018

Growing demand for efficient wastewater treatment systems is spurring on the development of new technologies. Biofilm‐based reactors can be used for the treatment of a variety of wastewaters and these reactors are resistant to toxic environments. Bioreactors, such as sequencing batch biofilm and moving bed biofilm are advanced techniques to treat various types of wastewaters with diverse operating conditions. Ammonium oxidizing bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria and Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) bacteria are reported to be responsible for nutrient removal. In recent decades, the performance of these systems has been studied widely and compared for a number of wastewater treatment applications. In general, they are particularly suitable for high‐rate nitrification and nitrogen removal. The efficiency of these reactors has been confirmed in the laboratory and large‐scale plants. Their efficiency depends on the surface area of the biocarrier, the filling percentage volume of biofilm carriers, organic loading and diffused aeration supply. Chemical oxygen demand removal of 50–98% was reported for <12 h hydraulic retention time, 0.2 to 6.5 mg L−1 dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature range 15–35 °C. Also, the ratio of nitrate to ammonium conversion was from 0.2 to 90 and N2 conversion was from 0 to 8.5 mg. This review studied each of these bioreactors in the removal of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and oxygen) from different wastewaters and compared them to conventional treatment. The review also includes the relevant studies on laboratory and pilot‐scale bioreactors to enhance their performance and reduce their costs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypophosphatemia in a Malnourished Child: When Renal Fanconi Syndrome Does Not Stand for Refeeding Syndrome
Authors: Runde Joseph , Rivera‐Rivera Edgardo , Pompeii‐Wolfe Cecelia , Clardy Christopher , Sentongo Timothy
Published: May 2018

Refeeding syndrome is diagnosed based on the onset of multiple laboratory abnormalities (most commonly hypophosphatemia) and clinical signs in the setting of nutrition rehabilitation of malnourished patients. Because definitions are not uniform, a broad differential diagnosis should always include renal tubular dysfunction. Our report details a 3 year‐old child with undiagnosed renal tubular dysfunction who presented with the clinical picture of refeeding syndrome with refractory electrolyte abnormalities. A diagnosis of renal Fanconi syndrome was made after urinalysis that revealed glucosuria and urine electrolyte losses. Thus, urinalysis can aid in making a positive diagnosis of refeeding syndrome.
Fabrication of Reduction‐Sensitive Amphiphilic Cyclic Brush Copolymer for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Tu Xiao‐Yan , Meng Chao , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Jin Miao‐Ge , Zhang Xian‐Shuo , Zhao Xue‐Zhi , Wang Yun‐Fei , Ma Li‐Wei , Wang Bao‐Yan , Liu Ming‐Zhu , Wei Hua
Published: May 2018

The cyclic brush polymers, due to the unique topological structure, have shown in the previous studies higher delivery efficacy than the bottlebrush analogues as carriers for drug and gene transfer. However, to the best of knowledge, the preparation of reduction‐sensitive cyclic brush polymers for drug delivery applications remains unexplored. For this purpose, a reduction‐sensitive amphiphilic cyclic brush copolymer, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐g‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐disulfide link‐poly(oligoethyleneglycol methacrylate)) (P(HEMA‐g‐PCL‐SS‐POEGMA)) with reducible block junctions bridging the hydrophobic PCL middle layer and the hydrophilic POEGMA outer corona is designed and synthesized successfully in this study via a “grafting from” approach using sequential ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and atom transfer free radical polymerization (ATRP) from a cyclic multimacroinitiator PHEMA. The resulting self‐assembled unimolecular core–shell–corona (CSC) micelles show sufficient salt stability and efficient destabilization in the intracellular reducing environment for a promoted drug release toward a greater therapeutic efficacy relative to the reduction‐insensitive analogues. The overall results demonstrate the reducible cyclic brush copolymers developed herein provides an elegant solution to the tradeoff between extracellular stability and intracellular high therapeutic efficacy toward efficient anticancer drug delivery.
Dentin Phosphoprotein Mimetic Peptide Nanofibers Promote Biomineralization
Authors: Gulseren Gulcihan , Tansik Gulistan , Garifullin Ruslan , Tekinay Ayse B. , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: May 2018

Dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is a major component of the dentin matrix playing crucial role in hydroxyapatite deposition during bone mineralization, making it a prime candidate for the design of novel materials for bone and tooth regeneration. The bioactivity of DPP‐derived proteins is controlled by the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the serine residues. Here an enzyme‐responsive peptide nanofiber system inducing biomineralization is demonstrated. It closely emulates the structural and functional properties of DPP and facilitates apatite‐like mineral deposition. The DPP‐mimetic peptide molecules self‐assemble through dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme participating in tooth and bone matrix mineralization. Nanofiber network formation is also induced through addition of calcium ions. The gelation process following nanofiber formation produces a mineralized extracellular matrix like material, where scaffold properties and phosphate groups promote mineralization. It is demonstrated that the DPP‐mimetic peptide nanofiber networks can be used for apatite‐like mineral deposition for bone regeneration.
Robust and Reversible Vapoluminescent Organometallic Copper Polymers
Authors: Peng Hao , Xin Yumeng , Shen Wei , Deng Zhengtao , Zhang Jiuyang
Published: May 2018

Emissive organometallic polymers are an important class of functional materials characterized by the combined photoluminescent features of organometallic molecules and the properties of traditional polymers. In this work, the emissive organometallic complex, [CuBr(PPh3)2(4‐methylpyridine)], is successfully, mechanically ground into a random copolymer built on 4‐(diphenylphosphino)styrene (DPVP) and n‐butyl acrylate (BA) monomers. The resultant hybrid materials successfully inherit the emissive centers, and are significantly reinforced by the copper complexes as chemical crosslinkers in the polymeric continuum. These organometallic polymers are also proved to have excellent vapoluminescent properties, exhibiting unique responses to many organic solvent vapors, reflecting their rapid loss and recovery of photoluminescence. Mechanically robust and flexible films prepared with these organometallic Cu(I)‐polymers are tested as recoverable sensors for hazardous volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, acetone, chloroform, and dichloromethane, and the low limits of detection (LOD) can reach as low as 1 × 10−3–8 × 10−3 mg L−1 (0.2–3.3 ppmV, parts per million‐volume) for various VOCs. This work sheds lights on the design and fabrication of organometallic polymers for advanced applications.
lncRNA DLEU1 contributes to tumorigenesis and development of endometrial carcinoma by targeting mTOR
Authors: Du Yuping , Wang Lili , Chen Shuo , Liu Yao , Zhao Yang
Published: May 2018

lncRNA DLEU1 as a non‐coding gene, involves in the occurrence and development of multiple tumors. However, there is no related report in endometrial carcinoma. In order to focus on the role and mechanism of lncRNA DLEU1 in endometrial carcinoma, we used qRT‐PCR to detect the expression of lncRNA DLEU1 and found that lncRNA DLEU1 was highly expressed in endometrial carcinoma compared to normal endometrium. Moreover, compared to Ishikawa and KLE, lncRNA DLEU1 was higher in HEC‐1B. In addition, up‐regulation of lncRNA DLEU1 promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, and reduced the proportion of apoptosis. Otherwise, down‐regulation of lncRNA DLEU1 produced opposite results. Xenograft nude mice model assay showed that lncRNA DLEU1 can promote tumorigenesis in vivo. RiP confirmed that lncRNA DLEU1 could bind to mTOR. The rescue experiments revealed that silence of mTOR after up‐regulation of lncRNA DLEU1 resulted in decrease of cell viability, migration, and invasion and increase of apoptosis. The expression changes of PI3K, AKT1, p70S6K, rpS6, GSK3β, STAT3, and Bcl‐xl were consistent with lncRNA DLEU1 and mTOR in Western blot. Thus, we suggest that lncRNA DLEU1 combines with mTOR and then increases the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote endometrial carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. The present discovery has probability to provide a biomarker and lay the foundation for targeted therapy of endometrial carcinoma.
Dosimetric and geometric characteristics of a small animal image‐guided irradiator using 3D dosimetry/optical CT scanner
Authors: Na Yong Hum , Wang Yi‐Fang , Black Paul J. , Velten Christian , Qian Xin , Lin Shih‐Chi , Adamovics John , Wuu Cheng‐Shie
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The precise dosimetric and geometric characteristics of small animal irradiators are essential to achieving reproducible dose delivery, especially in cases where image‐guidance is utilized. Currently, radiochromic film is the established measurement tool used to evaluate beam characteristics for these systems. However, only 2D information can be acquired with film. This study characterized both the dosimetric and geometric properties of the small animal research radiation platform (SARRP, Xstrahl) for commissioning purposes using a 3D radiochromic dosimetry system with a submillimeter resolution optical computed tomography (OCT) scanner.

Methods

Like a modern clinical linear accelerator, the SARRP features both a beam delivery system and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging system. Dosimetric and geometric characteristics of the SARRP were studied using EBT3 radiochromic film and 3D PRESAGE dosimeters. Dosimetric measurements included percent depth dose (PDD) curves and beam profiles. For geometric evaluation, the isocenter sizes of the treatment stage and gantry rotations as well as their coincidence were measured using star shot patterns. A commercial Epson Expression 11000XL flatbed scanner was used for readout of irradiated EBT3 films at 300 dpi resolution. Each irradiated PRESAGE dosimeter was scanned using a submillimeter resolution single laser beam OCT scanner. Acquired data were reconstructed with a resolution of 0.3 mm/pixel.

Results

PDD data measured from films and 3D dosimeters agree to within ±3% for depths up to 5 cm, for both 3 × 3 and 10 × 10 mm2 fixed collimation. Profiles were analyzed at 10, 20, and 30 mm depth for 3 × 3 mm2 and 10 × 10 mm2 fields. The FWHM measurements for both dosimeters agreed to within 0.01 mm, and the penumbras agreed to within 0.1 mm for 3 × 3 mm2 and 0.5 mm for 10 × 10 mm2. Gantry and treatment stage isocenter sizes were determined to be 0.21 and 0.43 mm using EBT3 film, and 1.72 and 0.75 mm using PRESAGE dosimeters. Absolute isocenter shifts, evaluated with 3D phantoms, were 0.80 mm for the gantry rotation isocenter (treatment isocenter) with respect to the laser‐defined setup isocenter, and 0.71 mm for the gantry rotation isocenter relative to treatment stage rotation isocenter (CBCT isocenter). The difference between CBCT isocenter and laser‐defined setup isocenter was 0.68 mm.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that 3D PRESAGE dosimeters can be used for verification of precise targeting for the SARRP. This 3D dosimetry system can be utilized to obtain information on both geometric and dosimetric properties, as well as acquire beam data parameters for the purpose of commissioning image‐guided small animal irradiator systems.
Quantitative transmission ultrasound tomography: Imaging and performance characteristics
Authors: Malik Bilal , Terry Robin , Wiskin James , Lenox Mark
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Quantitative Transmission (QT) ultrasound has shown promise as a breast imaging modality. This study characterizes the performance of the latest generation of QT ultrasound scanners: QT Scanner 2000.

Methods

The scanner consists of a 2048‐element ultrasound receiver array for transmission imaging and three transceivers for reflection imaging. Custom fabricated phantoms were used to quantify the imaging performance parameters. The specific performance parameters that have been characterized are spatial resolution (as point spread function), linear measurement accuracy, contrast to noise ratio, and image uniformity, in both transmission and reflection imaging modalities.

Results

The intrinsic in‐plane resolution was measured to be better than 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm for transmission and reflection modalities respectively. The linear measurement accuracy was measured to be, on average, approximately 1% for both the modalities. Speed of sound image uniformity and measurement accuracy were calculated to be 99.5% and <0.2% respectively. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) measurements vary as a function of object size.

Conclusions

The results show an improvement in the imaging performance of the system in comparison to earlier ultrasound tomography systems, which are applicable to clinical applications of the system, such as breast imaging.
Female–male differences in alcohol dependence levels: Evidence on newly incident adolescent and young‐adult drinkers in the United States, 2002–2014
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Anthony James C.
Published: May 2018

Objective

In this study of newly incident drinkers (NIDs), we (a) investigate and calibrate measurement equivalence of 7 clinical features of an alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) across sex and age‐of‐onset subgroups and (b) estimate female–male differences in ADS levels soon after taking the first full drink, with focus on those with first full drink before the 24th birthday.

Methods

The study population is 12‐ to 23‐year‐old NIDs living in the United States (n = 33,561). Calibrated for measurement equivalence, male–female differences in levels of newly incident ADS are estimated for 6 age‐of‐onset subgroups.

Results

Measurement equivalence is achieved by dropping the “difficulty cutting down” item. Then, among early‐adolescent‐onset NID, females have higher ADS levels (for 12‐ to 13‐year‐old NID: β = .25; 95% CI [0.05, 0.45]). In contrast, when drinking onset is delayed to adulthood, males have higher ADS levels (e.g., for 18‐ to 19‐year‐old NID: β = −.27; 95% CI [−0.52, −0.02]; for 20‐ to 21‐year‐old NID: β = −.38; 95% CI [−0.65, −0.12]).

Conclusions

In the United States, there is female excess in ADS levels measured soon after drinking onset in early adolescence. The traditional male excess is seen when drinking onset occurs after mid‐adolescence. Evidence from other countries will be useful.
Fast magnetic resonance fingerprinting for dynamic contrast‐enhanced studies in mice
Authors: Gu Yuning , Wang Charlie Y. , Anderson Christian E. , Liu Yuchi , Hu He , Johansen Mette L. , Ma Dan , Jiang Yun , Ramos‐Estebanez Ciro , Brady‐Kalnay Susann , Griswold Mark A. , Flask Chris A. , Yu Xin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop a fast MR fingerprinting (MRF) method for simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping in DCE‐MRI studies in mice.

Methods

The MRF sequences based on balanced SSFP and fast imaging with steady‐state precession were implemented and evaluated on a 7T preclinical scanner. The readout used a zeroth‐moment‐compensated variable‐density spiral trajectory that fully sampled the entire k‐space and the inner 10 × 10 k‐space with 48 and 4 interleaves, respectively. In vitro and in vivo studies of mouse brain were performed to evaluate the accuracy of MRF measurements with both fully sampled and undersampled data. The application of MRF to dynamic T1 and T2 mapping in DCE‐MRI studies were demonstrated in a mouse model of heterotopic glioblastoma using gadolinium‐based and dysprosium‐based contrast agents.

Results

The T1 and T2 measurements in phantom showed strong agreement between the MRF and the conventional methods. The MRF with spiral encoding allowed up to 8‐fold undersampling without loss of measurement accuracy. This enabled simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping with 2‐minute temporal resolution in DCE‐MRI studies.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting provides the opportunity for dynamic quantification of contrast agent distribution in preclinical tumor models on high‐field MRI scanners.
A thermomechanical anisotropic continuum model for geological materials with multiple joint sets
Authors: Vorobiev O. Yu. , Rubin M. B.
Published: May 2018

Joints in geological materials introduce elastic compliance and weak planes on which sliding can occur. Although these materials can have multiple joint sets, they often have preferred orientations that cause both elastic and inelastic anisotropic response even when the unjointed material is isotropic. Azimuthal variations in radial velocity and polarity of tangential motion have been observed in experimental data for wave propagation caused by an initially spherical source in a geological material with multiple joint sets. This observed tangential ground motion was found to be related to mechanical anisotropy caused by preferred orientations of joints in the rock. This paper describes thermomechanical continuum constitutive equations, which model the effects of multiple persistent joint sets. A number of quasi‐static examples are considered, which show that the proposed model predicts anisotropic effects of sliding on multiple joint sets similar to those exhibited by computationally expensive mesoscale calculations, which model joint sets explicitly.
Synthesis of poly(ether ketone amide)s containing 4‐aryl‐2,6‐ diphenylpyridine moieties by a heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed polycondensation of aromatic diiodides, aromatic diamines, and carbon monoxide
Authors: Tang Huali , Huang Bin , Zhu Xiaojun , Cai Mingzhong
Published: May 2018

New aromatic poly(ether ketone amide)s containing 4‐aryl‐2,6‐diphenylpyridine units were prepared by the heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative polymerization of aromatic diiodides with ether ketone units, aromatic diamines bearing pyridine groups, and carbon monoxide. Polymerizations were performed inN,N‐dimethyl‐ acetamide (DMAc) at 120°C in the presence of a magnetic nanoparticles‐supported bidentate phosphine palladium complex [Fe3O4@SiO2‐2P‐PdCl2] as catalyst with 1,8‐diazabicycle[5,4,0]‐7‐undecene (DBU) as base and generated poly(ether ketone amide)s with inherent viscosities up to 0.79 dL/g. All the polymers were soluble in many organic solvents. These polymers showed glass transition temperatures between 219°C and 257°C and 10% weight loss temperatures ranging from 467°C to 508°C in nitrogen. These polyamides could be cast into transparent, flexible, and strong films from DMAc solution with tensile strengths of 86.4 to 113.7 MPa, tensile moduli of 2.34 to 3.19 GPa, and elongations at break of 5.2% to 6.9%. These polymers also exhibited good optical transparency with an ultraviolet‐visible absorption cut‐off wavelength in the 371 to 384‐nm range. Importantly, the new heterogeneous palladium catalyst can easily be recovered from the reaction mixture by simply applying an external magnet and recycled at least 8 times without significant loss of activity. Our catalytic system not only avoids the use of an excess of PPh3and prevents the formation of palladium black, but also solves the basic problems of palladium catalyst recovery and reuse.
Isothermal crystallization kinetics and subsequent melting behavior of β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene/graphene oxide composites with different ordered structure
Authors: Yu Yansong , Zeng Fangxinyu , Chen Jinyao , Kang Jian , Yang Feng , Cao Ya , Xiang Ming
Published: May 2018

The effects of ordered structure on isothermal crystallization kinetics and subsequent melting behavior of β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene/graphene oxide (iPP/GO) composites were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The ordered structure status was controlled by tuning the fusion temperature (Tf). The results showed that depending on the variation of crystallization rate, the whole Tf range could be divided into three regions: Region I (Tf > 179 °C), Region II (170 °C ≤ Tf ≤ 179 °C) and Region III (Tf < 170 °C). As Tf decreased from Region I to Region III, the crystallization rate would increase substantially at two transition points, due to the variation of the ordered structure status. Calculation of Avrami exponent n indicated that the ordered structure induced the formation of two‐dimensional growing crystallites rather than three‐dimensional growing crystallites. Moreover, in the case of isothermal crystallization, the ordered structure effect (OSE) can also greatly increase the relative content of β‐phase (βc). In Region II, OSE took place, resulting in evident increase of βc, achieving 92.4% at maximum. The variation of the isothermal crystallization temperature (Tiso) had little influence on the Tf range (Region II) of the OSE. The higher Tf in Region II was more favorable for the formation of higher βc. The ordered structure was favorable for the improvement of the nucleating efficiency of β‐nucleating agent (β‐NE), and was more effective for the improvement of lower β‐NE. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemotherapy‐associated cognitive impairments in Korean cancer patients: Risk factors and functional outcome
Authors: Kim Hee‐Ju , Barsevick Andrea M. , Chan Alexandre , Chae Jung‐woo
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify those experiencing significant self‐reported cognitive decline over 2 time points during chemotherapy, examine the risk factors for cognitive decline, and examine differences between those with and without significant decline in functional limitations.

Methods

This secondary analysis used data from 163 cancer patients, collected from a Korean University hospital. Significant decline was determined by 15% or more reduction from baseline in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive Function. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate risk factors. Repeated‐measures ANOVA and t tests tested differences in groups with and without cognitive decline in cognitive impairment and functional limitation.

Results

About 31% (n = 51) experienced significant cognitive decline. Groups with and without decline significantly differed in cognitive‐impairment changes over time (F = 238.49, P < .001) and in functional limitations at follow‐up (t test, P < .01). Those experiencing increased fatigue over time (odds = 0.94, P < .05) and those who underwent 2 or more cycles between time 1 and 2 (odds = 2.61; P < .05) had higher risk of significant decline over time during chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Significant cognitive decline occurred during active chemotherapy; attention to cognitive impairment should be given in the early phase of chemotherapy.
Rigorous Electrodynamic Approach to Ferromagnetic Resonance in Cavity‐Coupled Ferrimagnetic Films
Authors: Pacewicz Adam , Krupka Jerzy , Salski Bartlomiej , Kopyt Pawel , Aleshkevych Pavlo
Published: May 2018

A rigorous electrodynamic approach to the modeling of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in ferrimagnetic films of arbitrary thickness placed in a rectangular microwave cavity is presented in this letter. It is shown that the coupling of the cavity mode with the FMR mode of an in‐plane magnetized ferrimagnetic film occurs when the real part of its intrinsic diagonal permeability component µ approaches zero. The obtained theoretical prediction of frequency vs. magnetic bias is confirmed by experiments performed on a 3 µm thin yttrium iron garnet (YIG) layer grown on a 500 µm thick gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) substrate for both even and odd cavity modes. It is also shown that the proposed rigorous electrodynamic approach agrees well with perturbation theory in the high damping regime, however, leads to qualitatively different conclusions for low damping. Finally, it is demonstrated that the experimentally observed higher‐order FMR modes can be attributed to the longitudinal modes distributed across the thickness of the film at frequencies corresponding to negative values of µ approaching zero. This letter paves the way for further study of, among others, the magnon–microwave photon coupling strength and the development of ferromagnetic linewidth characterization methods.
Investigation on vibration scuffing life curves
Authors: Wang Li‐Jun , Wang Zhi‐Wei , Rouillard Vincent
Published: May 2018

The printing images on products and packaging play an important role in increasing the business value, adding artistic quality, and sending information. During transportation, scuffing of the printing images will emerge due to vibrations and impacts induced by rough roads and vehicles. This paper investigates experimentally the vibration scuffing through an ink transfer device. The scuffing value–time curves are obtained. Then the scuffing life curves Grms,e‐Na,e based on excitation acceleration root‐mean‐square (RMS) and Grms,r‐Na,r based on relative acceleration RMS are developed. Both Basquin‐type and exponential‐type curves may be applied to describe the scuffing life in this case. The excitation frequency width covering the resonance frequency has a significant effect on the scuffing life curve Grms,e‐Na,e based on excitation acceleration RMS; however, it is not obvious on the scuffing life curve Grms,r‐Na,r based on relative acceleration RMS. The vibration system filters out the broadband excitation vibration frequencies away from the resonance zone and makes the relative acceleration signal a narrow one. The scuffing life curve in the resonance scuffing state is very different from that in the nonresonance scuffing state, and they should be distinguished in practical application. The scuffing life equations and curves obtained in this paper may provide a reference to the further research on packaging scuffing and its test evaluation and accelerated vibration test in laboratory.
Robotic distal pancreatectomy: Comparison of spleen‐preservation by the Warshaw technique and splenectomy
Authors: Wang Shin‐E , Shyr Bor‐Uei , Chen Shih‐Chin , Shyr Yi‐Ming
Published: May 2018

Background

Outcomes after robotic distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation (RDP‐SP) by the Warshaw technique and with splenectomy (RDP‐S) were compared.

Methods

All the data for patients undergoing robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) were prospectively collected.

Results

A total of 66 patients were included, with 33 in each group. The console time was significantly shorter in the RDP‐SP group than in the RDP‐S group (165 minutes vs. 220 minutes). The median blood loss was 50 cm3 in the RDP‐SP group and 100 cm3 in the RDP‐S group. The surgical morbidity was significantly lower in RDP‐SP group (18% vs. 58%). Spleen infarction (15%), gastric varices (6%) and perigastric varices (45%) after RDP‐SP were not associated with any subsequent complication. Postoperative platelet count and white blood cell (WBC) count were significantly higher in the RDP‐S group.

Conclusions

Both RDP‐SP and RDP‐S are feasible in selected patients. RDP‐SP is feasible and time‐saving. Although gastric/perigastric varices and spleen infarction are not uncommon after RDP‐SP, they appear to be clinically irrelevant.
Frontier financialization: Urban infrastructure in the United Kingdom
Authors: Langley Paul
Published: May 2018

This article contributes to critical social scientific understanding of the significance of state power to the furtherance of the financialization of socioeconomic life. Drawing on the poststructural theories of power of Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault, the concepts of “diagram” and “dispositif” are developed to foreground how changes in modalities and relations of power are manifest in shifting governmental rationalities and contingent policy interventions that attempt to advance financialization processes. The article's conceptual claims are illustrated through an analysis of the financialization of urban infrastructure that focuses on the United Kingdom's first ever National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), enacted between 2010 and 2015. The NIP is shown to have marked a step‐change in the UK state's approach to the governing of ostensibly public urban infrastructure, one that sought to reconfigure privately owned, market‐operated, and privately financed infrastructures as a “new asset class” to be prospected for value by global investors. As the NIP problematized the private debt financing of urban infrastructure, it was through the diagram of governmental planning that the apparent limit points of financialization processes were identified and confronted, and through specific dispositif that attempts were made to extend the frontier of financialization.
Foreword to special section on “Near Ambient and Synchrotron Surface Analysis (NAXPS)”
Authors: Artyushkova K. , Mullins David R. , Gregoratti Luca , Yu Xiao‐Ying
Published: May 2018

In the special section of this issue of Surface and Interface Analysis, 3 groups present their breaking research in pushing the boundaries of vacuum‐based techniques such as XPS and SIMS to near ambient pressures. We have invited the leading authors to describe the impact of their research and share their perspective.
Surface analysis of fine water‐atomized iron powder and sintered material
Authors: Wendel J. , Shvab R. , Cao Y. , Hryha E. , Nyborg L.
Published: May 2018

Press and sinter is a core technology in powder metallurgy in which a metal powder is mixed with a lubricant and other additives and subsequently compacted at large mechanical pressures to create the desired shape. The component is then delubricated and finally sintered to strengthen the material. The end result of the sintering depends on both the physical properties of the powder such as particle size, morphology, and size distribution, as well as chemical properties like surface chemical composition and presence of surface oxides. In this study, the surface characteristics of 3 fractions of water‐atomized iron powder, sieved to −20, −45, and −75 μm, were investigated. This was done by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The powder was sintered while performing thermogravimetric analysis at 1350°C for 30 minutes in pure hydrogen. Results showed that powder of all 3 size fractions were mainly covered by a thin iron oxide layer but with some presence of submicron‐sized oxide particulates. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed reasonable agreement on the oxide layer thickness, while a size dependence was found with an enrichment of oxide particulates on the finer powder fractions. Fracture surfaces of the sintered material were analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy + energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, which indicated that full reduction of all oxides was achieved. The sintering conditions were further related to the surface properties of the powder and its size fraction.
Multivariate analysis of ToF‐SIMS data using mass segmented peak lists
Authors: Madiona Robert M.T. , Welch Nicholas G. , Russell Stephanie B. , Winkler David A. , Scoble Judith A. , Muir Benjamin W. , Pigram Paul J.
Published: May 2018

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) provides detailed molecular insight into the surface chemistry of a diverse range of material types. Extracting useful and specific information from the mass spectra and reducing the dimensionality of very large datasets are a challenge that has not been fully resolved. Multivariate analysis has been widely deployed to assist in the interpretation of ToF‐SIMS data. Principal component analysis is a popular approach that requires the generation of peak lists for every spectrum. Peak list sizes and the resulting data matrices are growing, complicating manual peak selection and analysis. Here we report the generation of very large ToF‐SIMS peak lists using up‐binning, the mass segmentation of spectral data in the range 0 to 300 m/z in 0.01 m/z intervals. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry data acquired from a set of 4 standard polymers (polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and low‐density polyethylene) are used to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The polymer types are discriminated to a moderate extent by principal component analysis but are easily skewed with saturated species or contaminants present in ToF‐SIMS data. Artificial neural networks, in the form of self‐organising maps, are introduced and provide a non‐linear approach to classifying data and focussing on similarities between samples. The classification outcome achieved is excellent for different polymer types and for spectra from a single polymer type generated by using different primary ions. This method offers great promise for the investigation of more complex systems including polymer classes and blends and mixtures of biological materials.
Surface analysis of iron and steel nanopowder
Authors: Manchili Swathi K. , Shvab Ruslan , Zehri Abdelhafid , Ye Lilei , Hryha Eduard , Liu Johan , Nyborg Lars
Published: May 2018

High sinter density is desired in powder metallurgy components as the requirement for performance is increasing day‐by‐day. One of the promising ways to achieve improved densification during sintering is through the addition of nanopowder to the conventional micrometer sized metal powder. It is well known that the surface chemistry of the powder has a decisive effect on sintering and consequently the properties of the components produced. Extensive research has hence been conducted to elucidate the surface chemistry and its influence on sintering for powder used in conventional powder metallurgy. Nanopowder, owing to high surface to volume ratio, can contribute to the activation of sintering at lower temperatures and enhance the sinter density. In this context, the surface chemistry of the nanopowder is also expected to exhibit substantial influence on sintering. The present investigation is aimed at establishing a methodology to study the surface chemistry and oxide thickness of nanopowder. For this purpose, iron nanopowder of 3 different size fractions: 35 to 45, 40 to 60, and 60 to 80 nm with core‐shell structure were studied. Different approaches were adopted to evaluate the shell thickness of the iron nanoparticles. The methodology was developed and tried on low alloy steel nanopowder to measure oxide thickness. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to study the nanopowder. Results from different core‐shell models for iron nanopowder were found to be consistent except in the case where depth profiling was taken into account. The results were in agreement with the values obtained from thermogavimetry‐surface area correlation.
Experimental study on the dynamic mechanical properties of concrete under freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Han Nv , Tian Wei
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the dynamic mechanical properties of concrete subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. Freeze–thaw cycle experiments were carried out using a freeze–thaw tester to vary the temperature from 20 ± 2 °C to −20 ± 2 °C, from 0 to 100 cycles. Uniaxial compression tests were performed with a tested strain rate ranging from 1.0 × 10−5/s to 1.0 × 10−2/s using a servo‐hydraulic testing machine. Dynamic compressive strengths were measured and the effects of freeze–thaw cycles and strain rates were investigated. The experimental results suggested that the dynamic compressive strength of specimens generally decreased as the number of freeze–thaw cycles increased, and the dynamic compressive strength was significantly affected by strain rates. The dynamic compressive strength of concrete and the dynamic increase factor both increased with increased strain rate. X‐ray computed tomography scanning was used to study the strain‐rate effects on internal structure damage in the specimens. Cracks propagated along two different paths, passing along the aggregate–mortar interfaces and passing through the aggregates along the failure surfaces.
Contributions to the Life History of Kuskokwim River Inconnu
Authors: Stuby Lisa
Published: May 2018

A radiotelemetry study conducted during 2007–2016 in the Kuskokwim River drainage in Alaska expands our understanding of the life history strategies of Inconnu Stenodus leucichthys. The Inconnu like other whitefish species has specific spawning habitat requirements and consequently spawn in very few areas. Documenting specific spawning, feeding, and overwintering areas is the necessary first step to ensure their habitats are protected. Four spawning areas in the upper Kuskokwim River were identified from radio‐tracking and verified with on‐site sampling. Inconnu arrived at their spawning areas during late July through mid‐September and spawned during late September through early October. Postspawning outmigration occurred during 1–1.5 weeks in mid‐October. Most radio‐tagged Inconnu made extensive postspawning downriver migrations and overwintered in the lower Kuskokwim River and in the brackish waters of the upper Kuskokwim Bay; however, some Inconnu made only short postspawning migrations and spent the winter in the middle and upper Kuskokwim River. After spring ice out, many fish that overwintered in the lower river swam upriver and spent summers feeding at the mouths of major tributaries. A high degree of site fidelity among years was observed for spawning, feeding, and overwintering areas. Habitat characteristics of spawning areas were similar with respect to spawning substrate, temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Information gathered from this study can be used by to identify a reliable index stock for the spawning population that can be enumerated periodically to ensure the long‐term sustainability of the population.
Comparison of hair‐trapping methods for the long‐tailed goral
Authors: Park Hee‐Bok , Park Hee Cheon , Cowan Phil E. , Hong Sungwon
Published: May 2018

In South Korea, there is a need for more ecological information about endangered herbivores such as the long‐tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus). This species lives in steep, rocky valleys and is difficult to trap and study. Noninvasive hair capture techniques have frequently been applied to carnivores to enable DNA or isotope analysis. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of hair‐trapping using a population of goral in the Wangpi River basin in South Korea. To compare efficiency of the different shapes of hair traps, we used barbed traps at 4 (2008) and 9 sites (2009), and a hook‐style trap (2010) with barbed traps at each of 15 sites. In 2008, we collected 15 hairs at all 4 sites with barbs. In 2009, we obtained 48 hairs at 8 of the 9 sites using barbs; and in 2010, we collected 99 hairs (barbed: 50 hairs, hook traps: 49 hairs) at 10 of the 15 sites using both traps. In 2010, the 2 shapes of hair traps were equally efficient at providing samples. We concluded that the hair‐trapping method allows for noninvasive monitoring of the endangered goral, and could be used to monitor other species in South Korea. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
A smeared quantum phase transition in disordered holography
Authors: Ammon Martin , Baggioli Matteo , Jiménez-Alba Amadeo , Moeckel Sebastian
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We study the effects of quenched one-dimensional disorder on the holographic Weyl semimetal quantum phase transition (QPT), with a particular focus on the quantum critical region. We observe the smearing of the sharp QPT linked to the appearance of rare regions at the horizon where locally the order parameter is non-zero. We discuss the role of the disorder correlation and we compare our results to expectations from condensed matter theory at weak coupling. We analyze also the interplay of finite temperature and disorder. Within the quantum critical region we find indications for the presence of log-oscillatory structures in the order parameter hinting at the existence of an IR fixed point with discrete scale invariance.
The fate of the littlest Higgs model with T -parity under 13 TeV LHC data
Authors: Dercks Daniel , Moortgat-Pick Gudrid , Reuter Jürgen , Shim So Young
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We exploit all LHC available Run 2 data at center-of-mass energies of 8 and 13 TeV for searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We scrutinize the allowed parameter space of Little Higgs models with the concrete symmetry of T -parity by providing comprehensive analyses of all relevant production channels of heavy vectors, top partners, heavy quarks and heavy leptons and all phenomenologically relevant decay channels. Constraints on the model, particularly the symmetry breaking scale f, will be derived from the signatures of jets and missing energy or leptons and missing energy. Besides the symmetric case, we also study the case of T-parity violation. Furthermore, we give an extrapolation to the LHC high-luminosity phase at 14 TeV as well.
Singlet scalar top partners from accidental supersymmetry
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Chia , Li Lingfeng , Salvioni Ennio , Verhaaren Christopher B.
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We present a model wherein the Higgs mass is protected from the quadratic one-loop top quark corrections by scalar particles that are complete singlets under the Standard Model (SM) gauge group. While bearing some similarity to Folded Supersymmetry, the construction is purely four dimensional and enjoys more parametric freedom, allowing electroweak symmetry breaking to occur easily. The cancelation of the top loop quadratic divergence is ensured by a Z
3 symmetry that relates the SM top sector and two hidden top sectors, each charged under its own hidden color group. In addition to the singlet scalars, the hidden sectors contain electroweak-charged supermultiplets below the TeV scale, which provide the main access to this model at colliders. The phenomenology presents both differences and similarities with respect to other realizations of neutral naturalness. Generally, the glueballs of hidden color have longer decay lengths. The production of hidden sector particles results in quirk or squirk bound states, which later annihilate. We survey the possible signatures and corresponding experimental constraints.