bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the minimum coverage probability of model averaged tail area confidence intervals
Authors: Kabaila Paul
Published: January 2018

Frequentist model averaging has been proposed as a method for incorporating “model uncertainty” into confidence interval construction. Such proposals have been of particular interest in the environmental and ecological statistics communities. A promising method of this type is the model averaged tail area (MATA) confidence interval put forward by Turek & Fletcher (2012). The performance of this interval depends greatly on the data‐based model weights. A computationally convenient formula for the coverage probability of this interval was provided by Kabaila, Welsh, & Abeysekera (2016), in the simple scenario of two nested linear regression models. We consider more complicated scenarios with a large number of linear regression models. For each of a given set of components of the regression parameter vector, we either set the component to zero or let it vary freely. We provide an easily computed upper bound on the minimum coverage probability of the MATA confidence interval. This upper bound provides evidence against the use of a model weight based on the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 279–297; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
The Education of Prescribers for Safe and Effective Use of Medications
Authors: Korth‐Bradley Joan M.
Published: January 2018

The transformation of medical education, with the disappearance of sequential lectures in pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutics, has left gaps in skills needed for new physicians and other prescribers to safely incorporate medications into clinical practice. Brinkman et al. conducted a Delphi study of European Union (EU) medical school educators and practitioners to identify core competencies needed to prescribe medications. Their findings offer directions for learned societies, such as ASCPT, to enhance pharmacology education and practice.
Can the Use of Novel Digital Devices Improve the Productivity of Drug Development?
Authors: Rogozinska Monika Z.
Published: January 2018

Pharmaceutical companies have been forever challenged with both rising development costs and the need to find novel ways to differentiate the candidate drugs. Recent advances in digital health (DH) technology, including wearables, in‐home clinical devices, and sensors, have enabled a growing array of available data endpoints, making these devices an invaluable tool in clinical programs. The below analysis focuses on advantages and hurdles in implementation of selected DH technologies in drug development.
Mechanical Characteristics of Sapphire Ribbons Grown Simultaneously by EFG Method
Authors: Dolzhenkova Elena F. , Voloshin Alexander V. , Lytvynov Leonid A. , Safronov Roman I.
Published: January 2018

Mechanical properties of ten sapphire ribbons are studied. These ribbons are grown simultaneously with prismatic orientation ( plane and direction) with the dimensions 2 × 85 × 400 mm. Strength and plastic characteristics of the crystals are determined on the as‐grown and mechanically treated surfaces. Peculiarities of the morphology and distribution of pores in thin subsurface layer are considered.
X‐Shaped α‐FeOOH with Enhanced Charge Separation for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Jiang Zhifeng , Chu Ka Him , Wu Dan , Wang Bo , Sun Hongli , Yip Ho Yin , An Taicheng , Zhao Huijun , Wong Po Keung
Published: January 2018

Photocatalytic overall water splitting (POWS) is a promising route for converting solar energy into green and sustainable energy. Herein, we report a facile hydrothermal approach for the fabrication of x‐shaped α‐FeOOH photocatalysts containing high‐index facets for POWS. The x‐shaped α‐FeOOH photocatalysts exhibited enhanced visible‐light‐driven POWS activities in comparison with that of FeOOH without x‐structures, with a maximum H2 and O2 evolution rate of 9.2 and 4.7 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. The morphology and particle size of the α‐FeOOH could be controlled by adjusting the NH4F concentration in the precursors. The photodeposition of Pt and RuO2 on the x‐shaped α‐FeOOH revealed the specially separated reduction and oxidation centers on the surface of α‐FeOOH, with the oxidation‐active sites selectively located on the edges of the α‐FeOOH x‐structures. Electrochemical experiments further affirmed the enhanced charge separation in the x‐shaped α‐FeOOH. The smaller particle size and unique x‐shape of the α‐FeOOH photocatalyst were shown to enhance the POWS performance owing to the large specific surface area, high proportion of exposed high‐index facets, high electron‐transfer efficiency and effective separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The current study revealed that the x‐shaped α‐FeOOH products could serve as cost‐effective and stable photocatalysts for POWS.
Targeted deletion of RIC8A in mouse neural precursor cells interferes with the development of the brain, eyes, and muscles
Authors: Kask Keiu , Tikker Laura , Ruisu Katrin , Lulla Sirje , Oja Eva‐Maria , Meier Riho , Raid Raivo , Velling Teet , Tõnissoo Tambet , Pooga Margus
Published: January 2018

Autosomal recessive disorders such as Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy, Walker–Warburg syndrome, and the muscle–eye–brain disease are characterized by defects in the development of patient's brain, eyes, and skeletal muscles. These syndromes are accompanied by brain malformations like type II lissencephaly in the cerebral cortex with characteristic overmigrations of neurons through the breaches of the pial basement membrane. The signaling pathways activated by laminin receptors, dystroglycan and integrins, control the integrity of the basement membrane, and their malfunctioning may underlie the pathologies found in the rise of defects reminiscent of these syndromes. Similar defects in corticogenesis and neuromuscular disorders were found in mice when RIC8A was specifically removed from neural precursor cells. RIC8A regulates a subset of G‐protein α subunits and in several model organisms, it has been reported to participate in the control of cell division, signaling, and migration.

Here, we studied the role of RIC8A in the development of the brain, muscles, and eyes of the neural precursor‐specific conditional Ric8a knockout mice. The absence of RIC8A severely affected the attachment and positioning of radial glial processes, Cajal‐Retzius’ cells, and the arachnoid trabeculae, and these mice displayed additional defects in the lens, skeletal muscles, and heart development. All the discovered defects might be linked to aberrancies in cell adhesion and migration, suggesting that RIC8A has a crucial role in the regulation of cell–extracellular matrix interactions and that its removal leads to the phenotype characteristic to type II lissencephaly‐associated diseases. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 374–390, 2018
Folate action in nervous system development and disease
Authors: Balashova Olga A. , Visina Olesya , Borodinsky Laura N.
Published: January 2018

The vitamin folic acid has been recognized as a crucial environmental factor for nervous system development. From the early fetal stages of the formation of the presumptive spinal cord and brain to the maturation and maintenance of the nervous system during infancy and childhood, folate levels and its supplementation have been considered influential in the clinical outcome of infants and children affected by neurological diseases. Despite the vast epidemiological information recorded on folate function and neural tube defects, neural development and neurodegenerative diseases, the mechanisms of folate action in the developing neural tissue have remained elusive. Here we compiled studies that argue for a unique role for folate in nervous system development and function and its consequences to neural disease and repair. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 391–402, 2018
Effects of field experimental warming on wheat root distribution under conventional tillage and no‐tillage systems
Authors: Hou Ruixing , Ouyang Zhu , Han Daorui , Wilson Glenn V.
Published: January 2018

Despite the obvious importance of roots to agro‐ecosystem functioning, few studies have attempted to examine the effects of warming on root biomass and distribution, especially under different tillage systems. In this study, we performed a field warming experiment using infrared heaters on winter wheat, in long‐term conventional tillage and no‐tillage plots, to determine the responses of root biomass and distribution to warming. Soil monoliths were collected from three soil depths (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm). Results showed that root biomass was noticeably increased under both till and no‐till tillage systems (12.1% and 12.9% in 2011, and 9.9% and 14.5% in 2013, in the two tillage systems, respectively) in the 0–30 cm depth, associated with a similar increase in shoot biomass. However, warming‐induced root biomass increases occurred in the deeper soil layers (i.e., 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in till, while the increase in no‐till was focused in the surface layer (0–10 cm). Differences in the warming‐induced increases in root biomass between till and no‐till were positively correlated with the differences in soil total nitrogen (R2 = .863, p < .001) and soil bulk density (R2 = .853, p < .001). Knowledge of the distribution of wheat root in response to warming should help manage nutrient application and cycling of soil C‐N pools under anticipated climate change conditions.
Impact of an invasive alien plant on litter decomposition along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Smith Stuart W. , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , De Frenne Pieter , Kimberley Adam , Kolb Annette , Lenoir Jonathan , Ma Shiyu , Michaelis Jana , Plue Jan , Verheyen Kris , Speed James D. M. , Graae Bente J.
Published: January 2018

Invasive alien plant effects on ecosystem functions are often difficult to predict across environmental gradients due to the context‐dependent interactions between the invader and the recipient communities. Adopting a functional trait‐based framework could provide more mechanistic predictions for invasive species' impacts. In this study, we contrast litter decomposition rates among communities with and without the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera in five regions along a 1600 km long latitudinal gradient in Europe. Across this gradient, four functional traits, namely leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA), stem‐specific density (SSD), and plant height, are correlated to rates of litter decomposition of standardized rooibos (labile), green tea (recalcitrant), and I. glandulifera litter. Our results show that both invaded and non‐invaded plant communities had a higher expression of acquisitive traits (low LDMC and SSD, high SLA) with increasing temperature along the latitudinal gradient, partly explaining the variation in decomposition rates along the gradient. At the same time, invasion shifted community trait composition toward more acquisitive traits across the latitudinal gradient. These trait changes partly explained the increased litter decomposition rates of the labile litter fraction of rooibos and I. glandulifera litter in invaded communities, a shift that was most evident in the warmer study regions. Plant available nitrogen was lower in invaded communities, likely due to high nutrient uptake by I. glandulifera. Meanwhile, the coldest study region was characterized by a reversed effect of invasion on decomposition rates. Here, community traits related to low litter quality and potential allelopathic effects of the invader resulted in reduced litter decomposition rates, suggesting a threshold temperature at which invader effects on litter decomposition turn positive. This study therefore illustrates how functional trait changes toward acquisitive traits can help explain invader‐induced changes in ecosystem functions such as increased litter decomposition.
Ferrocene Tethered Polyvinyl Alcohol/Silica Film Electrode for Electrocatalytic Sulfite Sensing
Authors: Jirimali Harishchandra Digambar , Nagarale Rajaram Krishna , Saravanakumar Durai , Shin Woonsup
Published: January 2018

Ferrocene was linked to polyvinyl alcohol polymer via ethylene dioxi‐bis‐ethylamine (PV‐Fc) spacer and the synthesized redox polymer was characterised by FT‐IR and H1NMR spectroscopy. Aqueous solution of PVA‐Fc was used to prepare its silica composite with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The immobilized PVA‐Fc/silica film showed E0 about 0.245 V and apparent diffusion coefficient was measured to be 2.76×10−8 cm2 s−1. The ferrocene with flexible spacer in PVA‐Fc/silica film showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the sulfite oxidation at 0.35 V, that was minimum 0.3 V negative shift of the overpotential than the bare electrode. The effect of the interfearing species like acetate, ammonium, carbonate, phosphate and sulfate has been checked for the sulfite detection. Under the optimized conditions the prepared composite showed sulfite oxidation in the linear range of 5×10−7 M to 1×10−4 M and lower detection limits of 1.5×10−7 M.
Early EEG predicts poststroke epilepsy
Authors: Bentes Carla , Martins Hugo , Peralta Ana Rita , Morgado Carlos , Casimiro Carlos , Franco Ana Catarina , Fonseca Ana Catarina , Geraldes Ruth , Canhão Patrícia , Pinho e Melo Teresa , Paiva Teresa , Ferro José M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Electroencephalography (EEG) can identify biomarkers of epileptogenesis and ictogenesis. However, few studies have used EEG in the prediction of poststroke seizures. Our primary aim was to evaluate whether early EEG abnormalities can predict poststroke epilepsy.

Methods

A prospective study of consecutive acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients, without previous epileptic seizures, who were admitted to a stroke unit over 24 months and followed for 1 year. All patients underwent standardized clinical and diagnostic assessment during the hospital stay and after discharge. Video‐EEG was performed in the first 72 h (first EEG), daily for the first 7 days, in case of neurological deterioration, at discharge, and at 12 months after stroke. The occurrence of epileptic seizures in the first year after stroke (primary outcome) was evaluated clinically and neurophysiologically during the hospital stay and at 12 months. A telephone interview was also performed at 6 months. The primary outcome was the occurrence of at least one unprovoked seizure (poststroke epilepsy). Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of at least one acute symptomatic seizure and (interictal and/or ictal) epileptiform activity on at least one EEG during the hospital stay for acute stroke. The first EEG variables were defined using international criteria/terminology. Bivariate and multivariate analyses with adjustment for age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) were performed.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included; 38 patients (25.2%) had an acute symptomatic seizure and 23 (16%) had an unprovoked seizure.

The first EEG background activity asymmetry and first EEG with interictal epileptiform activity were independent predictors of poststroke epilepsy during the first year after stroke (P = 0.043 and P = 0.043, respectively). No EEG abnormality independently predicted acute symptomatic seizures. However, the presence of periodic discharges on the first EEG was an independent predictor of epileptiform activity (p = 0.009) during the hospital stay.

Significance

An early poststroke EEG can predict epilepsy in the first year after stroke, independently from clinical and imaging‐based infarct severity.
Quality assessment of e‐government websites in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A public values perspective
Authors: Verkijika Silas Formunyuy , De Wet Lizette
Published: January 2018

The evaluation of e‐government websites has received considerable attention over the years; however, the public values perspective of e‐government websites have been widely overlooked, especially in developing countries. This is worrisome as one of the primary goals of e‐government websites is to deliver public values, since these sites are often the main platform for government interaction with other stakeholders. As such, this study bridged the existing knowledge gap by evaluating 279 e‐government websites from 31 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa, based on the public values perspective. The examined public values included accessibility, citizen engagement, development of trust, responsiveness, dialogue, and quality of information and services. The results showed that the performance of Sub‐Saharan Africa e‐government websites was highly unsatisfactory when it comes to the delivery of public values. This possibly provides an explanation as to why the region has been consistently ranked the worst in terms of e‐government development, as e‐government development focuses on public values delivery. The study culminates by providing both practical, theoretical, and policy implications of the findings.
An ecological model of bridging the digital divide in education:Acase study ofOLPCdeployment inNepal
Authors: Thapa Devinder , Sein Maung K.
Published: January 2018

Techno‐centric initiatives to bridge the digital divide, such as One Laptop per Child (OLPC), has been criticized for not taking a holistic approach that has led to limited success in providing quality education in developing countries. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the context in Information and communication technology for development (ICTD) initiatives. In this paper, we applied the theoretical lens of information ecology to conceptualize context to conduct a case study of Open Learning Exchange Nepal, which has been described as one of the few successes in implementing OLPC. Our findings show that it is not the technology per se (OLPC in this case), but its ecosystem that brought quality education in schools of remote mountain regions of Nepal.
Photodynamic opening of the blood‐brain barrier and pathways of brain clearing
Authors: Semyachkina‐Glushkovskaya Oxana , Chehonin Vladimir , Borisova Ekaterina , Fedosov Ivan , Namykin Anton , Abdurashitov Arkady , Shirokov Alexander , Khlebtsov Boris , Lyubun Yelena , Navolokin Nikita , Ulanova Mariya , Shushunova Natalia , Khorovodov Alexander , Agranovich Ilana , Bodrova Anastasia , Sagatova Madina , Shareef Ali Esmat , Saranceva Elena , Iskra Tatyana , Dvoryatkina Mariya , Zhinchenko Ekaterina , Sindeeva Olga , Tuchin Valery , Kurths Jurgen
Published: January 2018

A new application of the photodynamic treatment (PDT) is presented for the opening of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and the brain clearing activation that is associated with it, including the use of gold nanoparticles as emerging photosensitizer carriers in PDT. The obtained results clearly demonstrate 2 pathways for the brain clearing: (1) using PDT‐opening of BBB and intravenous injection of FITC‐dextran we showed a clearance of this tracer via the meningeal lymphatic system in the subdural space; (2) using optical coherence tomography and intraparenchymal injection of gold nanorods, we observed their clearance through the exit gate of cerebral spinal fluid from the brain into the deep cervical lymph node, where the gold nanorods were accumulated. These data contribute to a better understanding of the cerebrovascular effects of PDT and shed light on mechanisms, underlying brain clearing after PDT‐related opening of BBB, including clearance from nanoparticles as drug carriers.
On the predictive validity of behavioral momentum theory for mitigating resurgence of problem behavior
Authors: Fisher Wayne W. , Greer Brian D. , Craig Andrew R. , Retzlaff Billie J. , Fuhrman Ashley M. , Lichtblau Katherine R. , Saini Valdeep
Published: January 2018

We summarize the results of four recent translational studies from our lab that used the predictions of behavioral momentum theory to inform the development of more durable treatments for destructive behavior. Treatments informed by behavioral momentum theory generally showed better suppression of target responding during an extinction challenge than did a comparison treatment. We reanalyze data from each of the four studies to show that this general finding is apparent both at the aggregate (i.e., proportion of baseline response rates averaged across participants) and within participant (i.e., percentage reduction in proportion of baseline response rates, difference in raw response rates during the extinction challenge). Interestingly, participants who experienced multiple cycles of the extinction challenge generally showed less differentiation in target responding between the treatment informed by behavioral momentum theory and the comparison treatment. Overall results suggest that applications of behavioral momentum theory can substantially improve the durability of common treatments for destructive behavior.
Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability
Authors: Galizio Ann , Frye Charles C. J. , Haynes Jeremy M. , Friedel Jonathan E. , Smith Brooke M. , Odum Amy L.
Published: January 2018

The present study examined persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability in pigeons. Pigeons emitted four‐response sequences across two keys. Sequences produced food according to a lag schedule, in which a response sequence was followed by food if it differed from a certain number of previous sequences. In Experiment 1, food was delivered for sequences that satisfied a lag schedule in both components of a multiple schedule. When reinforcement was removed for one component (i.e., extinction), levels of behavioral variability decreased for only that component. In Experiment 2, food was delivered for sequences satisfying a lag schedule in one component of a multiple schedule. In the other component, food was delivered at the same rate, but without the lag variability requirement (i.e., yoked). Following extinction, levels of behavioral variability returned to baseline for both components after response‐independent food delivery (i.e., reinstatement). In Experiment 3, one group of pigeons responded on a lag variability schedule, and the other group responded on a lag repetition schedule. For both groups, levels of behavioral variability increased when alternative reinforcement was suspended (i.e., resurgence). In each experiment, we observed some evidence for extinction‐induced response variability and for variability as an operant dimension of behavior.
Additional free reinforcers increase persistence of problem behavior in a clinical context: A partial replication of laboratory findings
Authors: Lieving Gregory A. , DeLeon Iser G. , Carreau‐Webster Abbey B. , Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Triggs Mandy M.
Published: January 2018

Behavioral momentum theory is a quantitative framework used to characterize the persistence of behavior during response disruptors as a function of baseline stimulus–reinforcer relations. Results of several investigations have shown that alternative reinforcement can increase the resistance to change of a target response during extinction. In the present study, concomitant variable‐interval fixed‐time schedules of reinforcement for problem behavior were employed to simulate naturalistic situations involving the superimposition of response‐independent reinforcers on a baseline schedule of reinforcement for problem behavior, as in the common use of noncontingent reinforcement treatments. Resistance to change of problem behavior was assessed during postsession periods of extinction by comparing response rates in extinction following sessions with and without additional reinforcer deliveries arranged by fixed‐time schedules. For 2 out of 3 participants, problem behavior tended to be more resistant to extinction following periods in which additional fixed‐time reinforcers were delivered. These results are discussed in terms of potential effects of noncontingent reinforcement on problem behavior when the intervention is discontinued or implemented without good treatment integrity.
The Creativity Paradox: An Introductory Essay
Authors: Brillenburg Wurth Kiene
Published: January 2018

In this introductory article to the special issue, I explore the trope of paradox to think through the idea of creativity. Traditionally, metaphor has been the favored trope to conceptualize creativity: the combination of two existing elements into something different, something new. In this special issue, we focus on the trope of paradox as a trope defined by juxtaposition and an apparently irresolvable conflict to delineate creativity. Glossing the usefulness of paradox for artistic as well as scientific creativity, I show how the idea of Janusian thinking or being in two minds holds great potential to bridge creativity research in the humanities and social sciences. This issue starts building that bridge with multidisciplinary perspectives on creativity that, first, deconstruct apparent dichotomies in creativity research and, second, approach creativity as a situated, distributed concept.
Human response to habitat suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum in Western Europe
Authors: Burke Ariane , Riel‐Salvatore Julien , Barton C. Michael
Published: January 2018

This research takes a multi‐dimensional approach to the study of the archaeological record of Western Europe during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), combining two distinct components of the human adaptive system (technological organization and mobility) to test the impact of environmental variability on the mobility of Upper Palaeolithic groups. To this end we make use of two models. The first predicts landscape suitability as a function of a suite of environmental variables including topography, climate and inter‐annual climate variability. The second model explores the link between patterns of mobility and technological organization, using lithic retouch frequencies as a proxy for mobility strategies. Combining detailed environmental and lithic data allows us to derive a clearer picture of human adaptation to environmental conditions during a particularly rigorous climatic interval in Western Europe. Our results show that while foragers generally favoured more suitable habitats, logistical mobility strategies were deployed across a wide spectrum of habitat suitability. Residential mobility strategies, on the other hand, tend to occur in relatively less suitable and thus inherently more variable habitats. We conclude that foragers made use of a predominantly logistic strategy during the LGM while adopting more residential strategies in response to local and relatively short‐term fluctuations in the environment. The approach adopted here offers several promising avenues for future research on the ecology of human groups during the LGM.
The estimates of Bessel integrals with oscillatory factors
Authors: Tang Lin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we establish some sharp estimates of Bessel integrals with oscillatory factors . As an application, we obtain the boundedness of the oscillatory singular integral operators with variable kernels.
Some useful approximations for wrought aluminum alloys based on monotonic tensile properties and hardness
Authors: Li J. , Zhang Z.P. , Li C.W.
Published: January 2018

The objective of the present paper is to derive some useful approximations for estimating the strain‐controlled fatigue properties and cyclic deformation of wrought aluminum alloys from hardness and monotonic tensile properties. A variety of relationships and correlations among monotonic tensile properties, Brinell hardness, cyclic deformation and strain‐controlled fatigue properties are developed for wrought aluminum alloys. A simple method is proposed for prediction of the strain‐life curve requiring only ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Prediction capability of the proposed method is evaluated for 25 kinds of wrought aluminum alloys with ultimate tensile strength between 120 MPa and 650 MPa. The proposed method provides good approximations of the strain‐life curve.
Ultra‐thin carbon/silicon carbide composite bipolar plate for advanced fuel cells
Authors: Raunija T. S. K. , Gautam R. K. , Sharma S. C. , Verma A.
Published: January 2018

The first cut results on the development of ultra‐thin, low gas permeable, easily machineable, high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength bipolar plate made up of carbon reinforced ceramic matrix are reported for the strategic application. Short carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composite is fabricated by chopping continuous carbon fibers into discrete length, exfoliating and dispersing the exfoliated carbon fibers in silicon carbide powder and finally hot‐pressing to make the composite. Three compacts containing exfoliated carbon fiber contents of 20, 30, 50 vol. % in silicon carbide matrix are prepared and characterized for electrical, thermal, gas permeability, density, and mechanical properties. The composite plates with exfoliated carbon fiber vol. % of 50, offer excellent electrical conductivity, flexural and compressive strengths and gas permeability of 2.2 × 10‐7 cm‐3 cm‐2 s‐1. Carbon/silicon carbide plate shows 37.5 % and 4.7 % lower volume and weight, respectively on comparing with the best reported data of carbon/polymer composite plate. Competency of the material for bipolar plate fabrication is tested and found that the ceramic carbon composite may open up the new horizon for the fabrication of ultra‐thin bipolar plates for strategic applications.
Kalibrierung in der Werkstofftechnik als Mittel zur Qualitätssicherung
Authors: Gerber S. , Ellermeier J.
Published: January 2018

Die Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen ist die Voraussetzung für gesicherte Ergebnisse aus Versuchen. Die Versuchsergebnisse müssen auf ein nationales Normal rückführbar sein, was über die Kalibrierung sichergestellt wird. Nach heutigem Stand der Technik erfolgt der Nachweis der fachlichen Kompetenz zumeist durch eine Akkreditierung. Im Rahmen der Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen werden auch die Messunsicherheiten berechnet und berücksichtigt. Anhand der Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen wird gezeigt, wie die Berücksichtigung der Messunsicherheit ohne Verschlechterung der Maschinenklassifizierung auch unter der neuen ISO/IEC 17025 erfolgen kann. Die Betrachtung der Kalibrierergebnisse einer Werkstoffprüfmaschine über die letzten 60 Jahre bestätigt dies.
Improved tolerance to off‐resonance in spectral‐spatial EPI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and metabolites
Authors: Lau Justin Y. C. , Geraghty Benjamin J. , Chen Albert P. , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

For 13C echo‐planar imaging (EPI) with spectral‐spatial excitation, main field inhomogeneity can result in reduced flip angle and spatial artifacts. A hybrid time‐resolved pulse sequence, multi‐echo spectral‐spatial EPI, is proposed combining broader spectral‐spatial passbands for greater off‐resonance tolerance with a multi‐echo acquisition to separate signals from potentially co‐excited resonances.

Methods

The performance of the imaging sequence and the reconstruction pipeline were evaluated for 1H imaging using a series of increasingly dilute 1,4‐dioxane solutions and for 13C imaging using an ethylene glycol phantom. Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate was administered to two healthy rats. Multi‐echo data of the rat kidneys were acquired to test realistic cases of off‐resonance.

Results

Analysis of separated images of water and 1,4‐dioxane following multi‐echo signal decomposition showed water‐to‐dioxane 1H signal ratios that were in agreement with the independent measurements by 1H spectroscopy for all four concentrations of 1,4‐dioxane. The 13C signal ratio of two co‐excited resonances of ethylene glycol was accurately recovered after correction for the spectral profile of the redesigned spectral‐spatial pulse. In vivo, successful separation of lactate and pyruvate‐hydrate signals was achieved for all except the early time points during which signal variations exceeded the temporal resolution of the multi‐echo acquisition.

Conclusion

Improved tolerance to off‐resonance in the new 13C data acquisition pipeline was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Magn Reson Med 80:925–934, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy functional composite outcome measure
Authors: Eichinger Katy , Heatwole Chad , Iyadurai Stanley , King Wendy , Baker Lindsay , Heininger Susanne , Bartlett Amy , Dilek Nuran , Martens William B. , Mcdermott Michael , Kissel John T. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2018

Introduction: We developed an evaluator‐administered functional facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy composite outcome measure (FSHD‐COM) comprising patient‐identified areas of functional burden for future clinical trials. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 41 patients with FSHD at 2 sites. The FSHD‐COM includes functional assessment of the legs, shoulders and arms, trunk, hands, and balance/mobility. We determined the test‐retest reliability and convergent validity compared to established FSHD disease metrics. Results: The FSHD‐COM demonstrated excellent test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.96; subscale ICC range, 0.90–0.94). Cross‐sectional associations between the FSHD‐COM and disease duration, clinical severity, and strength were moderate to strong (Pearson correlation coefficient range |0.51–0.92|). Discussion: The FSHD‐COM is a disease‐relevant, functional composite outcome measure suitable for future FSHD clinical trials that shows excellent test‐retest reliability and cross‐sectional associations to disease measures. Future directions include determining multisite reliability, sensitivity to change, and the minimal clinically important change in the FSHD‐COM. Muscle Nerve 58: 72–78, 2018
Parent perspectives on information about late effects of childhood cancer treatment and their role in initial treatment decision making
Authors: Greenzang Katie A. , Dauti Angela , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: January 2018

Background

Though most childhood cancer survivors experience late effects of treatment, we know little about parent preferences for late effects information during therapy, or how parents weigh late effects when making treatment decisions. Our objective was to explore how parents of children with cancer consider late effects in initial treatment decision making and during active cancer treatment.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 parents of children with cancer who were actively receiving treatment at Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Ten of 12 parents reported that they had to decide between two or more treatment options for their child's cancer. Of those, 50% (5/10) considered late effects to be an important factor in their decision making. Most parents wanted early and detailed information about their child's risk of late effects to make treatment decisions and to feel prepared for the future. However, a few parents felt too overwhelmed to focus on late effects at diagnosis. While many recalled extensive late effects information in informed consent discussions, some parents felt these issues were minimally addressed.

Conclusion

Parents desire detailed information about late effects to make informed treatment decisions and prepare for the future. Despite the role of late effects in treatment decision making, some parents feel that late effects are either inadequately addressed or too overwhelming to process at diagnosis. Parents may benefit from early assessment of their information needs and a return to these issues over time.
Heuristic analysis of viscous dissipation in single‐screw extrusion
Authors: Roland Wolfgang , Miethlinger Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Modeling the non‐Newtonian flow of polymer melts in single‐screw extrusion generally requires numerical methods. This study analyzes the viscous dissipation of the melt‐conveying zone, which is mainly responsible for the axial melt temperature increase, in single‐screw extruders for both one‐ and two‐dimensional stationary, fully developed flows of a power‐law fluid. Rewriting the flow equations and applying the theory of similarity revealed three independent parameters that influence the physics of the fluid flow: the dimensionless pressure gradient
, the power‐law exponent
, and the screw‐pitch ratio
. Based on these parameters, we carried out a comprehensive numerical parametric study evaluating viscous dissipation and flow rate. Here, we present four heuristic models that predict the viscous dissipation of a power‐law fluid in the melt‐conveying zone of single‐screw extruders. For one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional flows, we developed models for both a given pressure gradient and a given throughput. The approximation equations obtained allow fast and stable prediction without the need for numerical simulations of viscous dissipation. The accuracy of the heuristic models developed was validated in an error analysis, which showed that our approaches provide excellent approximations of the numerical results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2055–2070, 2018. © 2018 The Authors Polymer Engineering & Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing the Retention Force of Press‐Fit Connections by Ultrasonic Excitation
Authors: Halm Cynthia , Otto Andreas , Stark Tilman , Schaaf Peter
Published: January 2018

Press‐fit technology is a well‐known process in electrical joining and connecting. This process is combined with a subsequent ultrasonic excitation of the printed circuit board (PCB) to enhance the retention force. No additional temperature treatment is necessary because the holding force increases directly after the process. It is discussed how the amplitude and the duration of ultrasonic excitation determine the resulting retention force. A suitable set of parameters is found to increase the retention force. The materials details of the bonds are analyzed. Two models are created to explain the results. These models can be used to predict the retention force for further investigations with changed geometries or materials.
Alternatives for Doping in Nanoscale Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Riederer Felix , Grap Thomas , Fischer Sergej , Mueller Marcel R. , Yamaoka Daichi , Sun Bin , Gupta Charu , Kallis Klaus T. , Knoch Joachim
Published: January 2018

In the present article, alternatives to impurity doping in nanoscale field‐effect transistors (FETs) are investigated. The discussion is based on conventional and tunnel FETs. The impact of dopant deactivation due to dielectric mismatch or quantization, random dopant effects, and the degeneracy level on the performance is discussed. As alternatives metal‐semiconductor‐contacts, gate‐controlled doping and an interface engineering approach are studied. One of the main requirements for proper device functionality is the existence of a band gap in the contacts. Thus, metal‐semiconductor contacts are less suited since they lead to ambipolar operation with increased leakage and to a deteriorated on‐state performance. With gate‐controlled doping, electrodes areused to create doped regions leaving behind a pristine band gap. Moreover, it enables reconfigurable devices with nFET, pFET and tunnel FET operation. Furthermore, with multiple nanoscale gates, electrostatic doping allows manipulating the potential within the device on the nanoscale. Experimental demonstrations of such devices with triple‐gates and multiple gate structures are presented. Finally, the interface engineering approach allows combining a metallic contact electrode with an almost unmodified band gap in the source/drain contacts by adjusting an ultrathin insulator in‐between metal and semiconductor yielding quasi‐doped contacts whose polarity depends on the work function of contact metal.
CD34+ Cell Transplantation Improves Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Frljak Sabina , Jaklic Martina , Zemljic Gregor , Cerar Andraz , Poglajen Gregor , Vrtovec Bojan
Published: January 2018

We investigated the effects of CD34+ cell therapy on right ventricular (RV) function in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We enrolled 60 patients with DCM who were randomized to CD34+ cell therapy (Stem Cells (SC) Group n = 30), or no cell therapy (Controls, n = 30). The SC Group received granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and CD34+ cells were collected by apheresis and injected transendocardially. Patients were followed for 6 months. At baseline, the groups did not differ in age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, or parameters of RV function. At 6 months, we found a significant improvement in RV function in the SC Group (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]: +0.44 ± 0.64 cm, p = .001; peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity of tricuspid annulus [St]: +1.5 ± 2.1 cm/s; p = .001; percent of fractional area change [FAC]: +8.6% ± 5%, p = .01), but not in Controls (TAPSE: −0.07 ± 0.32 cm, p = .40; St: −0.1 ± 1.2 cm/s; p = .44; FAC: −1.2% ± 3.2%, p = .50). On repeat electroanatomical mapping, we found an improvement in interventricular septum viability in 19 of 30 patients from the SC Group; this correlated with the improvements in RV function (13/19 in the improved septum group versus 3/11 in the remaining cohort, p = .029). These results suggest that patients with DCM, changes in RV function correlate with changes of viability of interventricular septum. CD34+ cell therapy appears to be associated with improved right ventricular function in this patient cohort. (Clinical Trial Registration Information: www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02248532).
Switching the Ion Selectivity from Fe3+ to Al3+ by a Triazole‐Appended Calix[4]arene‐Based Amphiphile†
Authors: Nag Rahul , Vashishtha Manu , Rao Chebrolu Pulla
Published: January 2018

A triazole appended benzaldehydic lower rim derivative of calix[4]arene (L) has been synthesized and was thoroughly characterized. In CH3CN solution, the L showed greater sensitivity for Fe3+ by a 5‐fold increase in the absorbance and 37% quenching in the fluorescence intensity, by forming a 1:1 complex. The Fe3+ induces aggregation in L as studied by microscopy. The Langmuir film formed at the air‐water interface was characterized by pressure‐area isotherm and Brewster angle micrographs, both in the presence and absence of metal ions. The Langmuir films of pure L, {L+Al3+} and {L+Zn2+} were transferred onto H‐terminated Si‐wafer and characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy, contact angle, Grazing Incidence Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrscopy and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The study resulted selective binding of Al3+ to the Langmuir film of L among the nine metal ions studied. Thus, the calix[4]arene‐conjugate L is sensitive and selective to Fe3+ in acetonitrile solution whereas to Al3+ in Langmuir film and hence acts as an ion switch depending upon the physical state of L.
Erbium Mixed‐Ligand β‐Diketiminato‐Diamido Complex: Unusual Structure of Diamide Ligand
Authors: Klementyeva Svetlana V. , Petrov Pavel A. , Starikova Alyona A. , Konchenko Sergey N.
Published: January 2018

A novel mixed‐ligand erbium complex [(NacNac)ErL(THF)] (1) containing two types of sterically hindered ligands ‐ monoanionic N‐mesityl substituted β‐diketiminate (NacNac=(MesN−C(Me)CHC(Me)‐NMes)−, Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2) and dianionic modified diamide ligand with mesityls as the N‐aryl substituents (L=(MesN−C(H)(Me)‐C(=CH2)‐NMes)2−) ‐ was isolated from the salt metathesis reaction of [(NacNac)Er(THF)2] with potassium salt of doubly reduced diazabutadiene K2(DAD‐Mes2−) (DAD‐Mes=MesN=C(Me)‐C(Me)=NMes) prepared in situ. A solid‐state structure of 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and revealed unusual asymmetrical diamide ligand with sp3‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon backbone atoms and exometallacyclic double carbon‐carbon bond. In spite of the energy preference of symmetrical form of diamide ligand Lsym (Lsym=(MesN−C(Me)=C(Me)‐NMes)2−) calculated by DFT asymmetrical form L was found as minor product in the mixture of dipotassium salts obtained by reduction of DAD‐Mes.
Effect of parameters on the compressive strength of fly ash based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Chithambaram S. Jeeva , Kumar Sanjay , Prasad Madan M. , Adak Dibyendu
Published: January 2018

Geopolymer concrete is an inorganic polymer composite which has the potential to build an eco‐friendly and sustainable construction by replacing the existing conventional concrete. Herein, cement is totally replaced by mineral admixtures rich in aluminosilicates such as fly ash and is formed by the alkali activation using alkaline activator solutions, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Fly ash, a waste material from industry, can be incorporated in the manufacture of geopolymer concrete. The replacement of cement by fly ash in geopolymer concrete reduces the huge energy consumption and restricts carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere during its production. In this paper, experimental investigations have been carried out involving the variation of total aggregate content (viz., 74, 76, 78, 80, and 82%), NaOH concentration (8, 10, 12, and 14 M), and curing temperature (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100°C) on the strength of geopolymer concrete by keeping a constant alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio of 0.45 and a 24‐hour rest period. It is concluded that 76% of total aggregate content is suitable for producing geopolymer concrete without hindering the workability. Further, strength of geopolymer concrete has been found to be increased at 90°C having 12 M NaOH concentration.
A hierarchical dispatch model for optimizing real‐time charging and discharging strategy of electric vehicles
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Huazhen , Li Chen
Published: January 2018

Aiming at the problems related to the dispatch, decomposition, and coordination, temporal and spatial distribution, and the randomness of electric vehicles (EVs), this paper establishes a hierarchical dispatch model between EVs and the power grid to achieve energy conservation and economy optimization. The model is composed of two layers. In the upper layer, considering spatial and temporal distribution characteristics, a bi‐level economic dispatch model based on traditional unit commitment for EV aggregators is established. Then, on the account of the priority considering the convenience of EV users, the lower layer proposes the charging and discharging scheduling model for aggregators. In this layer, an evaluation index system is established by analyzing the impact of EVs' declared information, which includes the declared capacity and charging duration of EVs, the sincerity degree, and the battery loss, to determine the priority of scheduling for each EV based on the entropy method. Finally, the simulation is carried out on a four‐bus micro‐grid system. It shows that the hierarchical dispatch model could not only obtain the dispatch plan for aggregators but also divide the strategy results of regional power grid to each EV, to determine the optimal scheduling plan for charging and discharging of the EV aggregator in each period. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.