bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effectiveness of induced seismicity mitigation: Numerical modeling of wastewater injection near Greeley, Colorado
Authors: Brown Megan R. M. , Ge Shemin , Sheehan Anne F. , Nakai Jenny S.
Published: August 2017

Mitigation of injection‐induced seismicity in Greeley, Colorado, is based largely on proximity of wastewater disposal wells to seismicity and consists of cementation of the bottom of wells to eliminate connection between the disposal interval and crystalline basement. Brief injection rate reductions followed felt events, but injection rates returned to high levels, >250,000 barrels/month, within 6 months. While brief rate reduction reduces seismicity in the short term, overall seismicity is not reduced. We examine contributions to pore pressure change by injection from 22 wells within 30 km of the center of seismicity. The combined injection rate of seven disposal wells within 15 km of the seismicity (Greeley Wells) is correlated with the seismicity rate. We find that injection from NGL‐C4A, the well previously suspected as the likely cause of the induced seismicity, is responsible for ~28% of pore pressure increase. The other six Greeley Wells contribute ~28% of pore pressure increase, and the 15 Far‐field Wells between 15 and 30 km from the seismicity contribute ~44% of pore pressure increase. Modeling results show that NGL‐C4A plays the largest role in increased pore pressure but shows that the six other Greeley Wells have approximately the same influence as NGL‐C4A. Furthermore, the 15 Far‐field Wells have significant influence on pore pressure near the seismicity. Since the main mitigation action of cementing the bottom of wells has not decreased seismicity, mitigation based on reduced injection rates and spacing wells farther apart would likely have a higher potential for success.
Statistical distribution of polarization ratio for radar sea clutter
Authors: Yang Y. , Xiao S. P. , Wang X. S. , Zhang W. M. , Li Y. Z.
Published: August 2017

Analyzing the statistical property of polarization ratio of radar sea clutter provides a reference for radar detection. In this paper, statistical distributions of the amplitude and phase of polarization ratio for radar sea clutter are analyzed. The sea clutter amplitude distributions in horizontal and vertical polarization channels are analyzed with real sea clutter data at first. Based on this, statistical distributions of the amplitude of the polarization ratio are derived. Analysis results of real sea clutter data are coincident with the theoretical derivation of the distribution of polarization ratio amplitude for sea clutter and show that the distribution of polarization ratio phase approximates to Gaussian distribution.
Coarse Data
Authors: Heitjan Daniel F.
Published: August 2017

This article briefly introduces the concept of
coarse data
, discussing its history and its place in statistical theory and practice.
Interpolation
Authors: Baker Rose D.
Published: August 2017

An introduction to interpolation is given, focusing on polynomial interpolation and smooth interpolants such as spline curves and barycentric rational interpolants.
Supervised Learning
Authors: Zhang Hao Helen
Published: August 2017

Supervised learning is a central topic in statistics and machine learning. Two major types of supervised learning tasks are regression and classification. There is a rich literature of methods, algorithms, and theory developed for both regression and classification, including classical results for low‐dimensional problems and modern techniques for high‐dimensional data analysis. This article provides a review on supervised learning in terms of its basic principles, decision theory, and methods and tools. Model selection is a critical issue in supervised learning, and recent results in variable selection are also discussed.
Bayesian Networks in Project Management
Authors: Yet Barbaros
Published: August 2017

Bayesian networks (BNs) offer unique benefits for combining data and expert knowledge to model complex joint probability distributions. Recent advances in inference algorithms enabled efficient computation of BNs with both discrete and continuous variables that are also calledhybrid BNs. Consequently, BNs have been widely used as risk assessment and decision support tools in various domains including project management. This article illustrates the use of BNs in different aspects of project management and gives an overview of the relevant studies in this domain.
Fault estimation and tolerant control for discrete‐time switched systems with sojourn probabilities
Authors: Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Joby Maya , Santra Srimanta , Ren Yong
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the issue of fault estimation and accommodation for a discrete‐time switched system with actuator faults. Here, we assume that the sojourn probabilities are known a priori. By using the reduced‐order observer method, the sojourn probability approach, and the Lyapunov technique, a fault estimation algorithm is obtained for the considered system. The main objective of this work is to design a dynamic output feedback fault‐tolerant controller based on the obtained fault estimation information such that the closed‐loop discrete‐time switched system with available sojourn probabilities is robustly mean‐square stable and satisfies a prescribed mixed
and passivity disturbance attenuation level in the presence of actuator faults. More precisely, a dynamic output feedback fault‐tolerant controller is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed design technique.
Near‐Infrared and Short‐Wavelength Infrared Photodiodes Based on Dye–Perovskite Composites
Authors: Lin Qianqian , Wang Zhiping , Young Margaret , Patel Jay B. , Milot Rebecca L. , Martinez Maestro Laura , Lunt Richard R. , Snaith Henry J. , Johnston Michael B. , Herz Laura M.
Published: August 2017

Organohalide perovskites have emerged as promising light‐sensing materials because of their superior optoelectronic properties and low‐cost processing methods. Recently, perovskite‐based photodetectors have successfully been demonstrated as both broadband and narrowband varieties. However, the photodetection bandwidth in perovskite‐based photodetectors has so far been limited to the near‐infrared regime owing to the relatively wide band gap of hybrid organohalide perovskites. In particular, short‐wavelength infrared photodiodes operating beyond 1 µm have not yet been realized with organohalide perovskites. In this study, narrow band gap organic dyes are combined with hybrid perovskites to form composite films as active photoresponsive layers. Tuning the dye loading allows for optimization of the spectral response characteristics and excellent charge‐carrier mobilities near 11 cm2 V−1 s−1, suggesting that these composites combine the light‐absorbing properties or IR dyes with the outstanding charge‐extraction characteristics of the perovskite. This study demonstrates the first perovskite photodiodes with deep near‐infrared and short‐wavelength infrared response that extends as far as 1.6 µm. All devices are solution‐processed and exhibit relatively high responsivity, low dark current, and fast response at room temperature, making this approach highly attractive for next‐generation light‐detection techniques.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Serpentine Interconnects on Ultrathin Elastomers for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Pan Taisong , Pharr Matt , Ma Yinji , Ning Rui , Yan Zheng , Xu Renxiao , Feng Xue , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: August 2017

Integrating deformable interconnects with inorganic functional materials establishes a path to high‐performance stretchable electronics. A number of applications demand that these systems sustain large deformations under repetitive loading. In this manuscript, the influence of the elastomeric substrate on the stretchability of serpentine interconnects is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Finite element analyses (FEA) reveal a substantial increase in the elastic stretchability with reductions in substrate thickness. Low‐cycle fatigue tests confirm this trend by examining the stretch required to form fatigue cracks associated with plastic deformation. To elucidate the mechanics governing this phenomenon, the buckling behaviors of deformed serpentine interconnects on substrates of various thicknesses are examined. The analytical model and FEA simulations suggest a change in the buckling mode from local wrinkling to global buckling below a critical thickness of the substrate. Scanning electron microscope and 3D optical profiler studies verify this transition in buckling behavior. The global buckling found in thin substrates accommodates large stretching prior to plastic deformation of the serpentines, thereby drastically enhancing the stretchability of these systems.
Ordered Porous Electrodes by Design: Toward Enhancing the Effective Utilization of Platinum in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Pilapil Brandy K. , van Drunen Julia , Makonnen Yoseif , Beauchemin Diane , Jerkiewicz Gregory , Gates Byron D.
Published: August 2017

Platinum‐nanoparticle‐functionalized, ordered, porous support electrodes are prepared and characterized as a potential new class of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. This study aims to develop electrode materials that enhance the effective utilization of Pt in electrocatalytic reactions through improved mass transport properties, high Pt mass specific surface area, and increased Pt electrochemical stability. The electrodes are prepared using modular sacrificial templates, producing a uniform distribution of Pt nanoparticles inside ordered porous Au electrodes. This method can be further fine‐tuned to optimize the architecture for a range of characteristics, such as varying nanoparticle properties, pore size, or support material. The Pt‐coated Au, ordered, porous electrodes exhibit several improved characteristics, such as enhanced Pt effective utilization for ORR electrocatalysis. This includes a nearly twofold increase in Pt mass specific surface area over other ultrathin designs, superior mass transport properties in comparison to traditional catalyst layers of C black supported Pt nanoparticles mixed with ionomer, good methanol tolerance and exceptional stability toward Pt chemical and/or electrochemical dissolution through interfacial interactions with Au. The methods to prepare Pt‐coated ordered porous electrodes can be extended to other architectures for enhanced catalyst utilization and improved performance of Pt in electrochemical processes.
Waterborne Nonfluorinated Superhydrophobic Coatings with Exceptional Mechanical Durability Based on Natural Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Junping , Gao Ziqian , Li Lingxiao , Li Bucheng , Sun Hanxue
Published: August 2017

Practical applications of superhydrophobic coatings are hindered by some issues, such as harmful chemicals, low mechanical durability, complicated methods, and expensive building blocks, etc. This study reports preparation of waterborne nonfluorinated superhydrophobic coatings with exceptional mechanical durability based on natural nanorods, palygorskite (PAL). A polyurethane (PU) aqueous solution and the homogeneous methyl polysiloxane‐modified PAL (PAL@M‐POS) suspension composed of methyltrimethoxysilane and the PAL nanorods in water are layer‐by‐layer spray‐coated onto glass slides for two times with PU as the adhesive layer. The PAL@M‐POS suspensions and the superhydrophobic PU/PAL@M‐POS coatings are studied using various analytical techniques. The influences of PAL and methyltrimethoxysilane on microstructure, wettability, and mechanical durability of the coatings are also investigated. The PU/PAL@M‐POS coatings feature high water contact angle (157.9°), low sliding angle (7.2°), and exceptional mechanical durability against sandpaper abrasion for 80 m and peeling with adhesive tape for 100 cycles. The mechanism behind the high mechanical durability is proposed. Also, the totally green method is simple, low‐cost, scalable, and applicable onto various substrates, which have paved the way for practical applications of the durable superhydrophobic coatings. This work provides a new avenue for the fabrication of waterborne, nonfluorinated, and mechanically durable superhydrophobic coatings using abundant natural nanomaterials.
Skewed X‐inactivation in a family with DLG3‐associated X‐linked intellectual disability
Authors: Gieldon Laura , Mackenroth Luisa , Betcheva‐Krajcir Elitza , Rump Andreas , Beck‐Wödl Stefanie , Schallner Jens , Di Donato Nataliya , Schröck Evelin , Tzschach Andreas
Published: August 2017

Mutations in DLG3 are a rare cause of non‐syndromic X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) (MRX90, OMIM *300189). Only ten DLG3 mutations have been reported to date. The majority of female heterozygous mutation carriers was healthy and had random X‐inactivation patterns. We report on an XLID family with a novel DLG3 mutation. The 12‐year‐old male index patient had moderate intellectual disability (ID) and dysmorphic features. The mutation was also present in four female relatives. A maternal aunt had moderate ID and significantly skewed X‐inactivation favorably inactivating the normal DLG3 allele. The proband's healthy mother also had skewed X‐inactivation but in the opposite direction (i.e., inactivation of the mutated allele). Two other female relatives had intermediate cognitive phenotypes and random X‐inactivation. This family broadens the mutational and phenotypical spectrum of DLG3‐associated XLID and demonstrates that heterozygous female mutation carriers can be as severely affected as males. Reports of additional families will be needed to elucidate the causes of unfavorable skewing in female XLID patients.
Methacrylate based side chain liquid crystalline polymers with pendant cholesterol group: Preparation and investigation of electrical conductivity mechanism
Authors: Doganci Erdinc , Cakirlar Cigdem , Bayir Sumeyra , Yilmaz Faruk , Yasin Muhammad
Published: August 2017

Methacrylate based side‐chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCP) bearing cholesterol pendant moieties with various lengths of aliphatic spacer were synthesized and their electrical conductivity mechanism was studied for their possible applications in elastic microelectronic devices. All the polymers exhibited liquid crystalline behavior of broken focal‐conic fan texture of smectic phase. The dielectric properties of polymers were investigated by impedance spectroscopic technique in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 15 MHz at room temperature. Alternating current (AC) conductivity (
) of the liquid crystalline polymeric films was observed to vary with angular frequency, ω as ωS with s < 2. Detailed conductivity analysis revealed that the conductivity of the polymeric films follows quantum mechanical tunneling and correlated barrier hoping conductivity mechanisms at low frequency regime, whereas it obeys super linear power law and direct current conductivity mechanisms at high frequency region. The investigation of the SCLC polymeric films helped to propose a model system for their possible potential applications. In the light of this study, the SCLC polymers will be employed as the gate insulator for organic field effect transistor applications, such as large area flexible arrays or as other advanced microelectronic devices that have superior performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45207.
Effect of resin modifiers on the structural properties of epoxy resins
Authors: Kregl Laura , Wallner Gernot M. , Lang Reinhold W. , Mayrhofer Gerhard
Published: August 2017

Thermomechanical, mechanical and fracture mechanical properties of modified epoxy resins with two different modifiers are investigated. Carboxyl‐terminated butadiene‐acrylonitrile (CTBN) is used as toughening agent and hexanediole diglycidyl ether (HDDGE) as reactive diluent. Both modifiers are admixed in contents from 0 up to 100 phr (parts per hundred resin) and exhibit flexibilizing and toughening qualities. The glass transition temperature is strongly depressed by the admixed reactive diluent, whereas the tensile modulus exhibits greater dependency on the toughening agent contents. The tensile strength and strain at break values are higher for the formulations with diluent compared to resins with toughening agent. Up to a content of 45 phr both modified systems exhibit comparable fracture toughness values. Only the toughened systems comprise increasing values for modifier amounts higher than 45 phr. For the formulation with both modifiers (toughening agent and diluent) a significantly higher toughness but a reduced glass transition temperature was obtained. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45348.
Suboptimal Output Consensus for Time‐Delayed Singular Multi‐Agent Systems
Authors: Wang Jiajing , He Ming , Xi Jianxiang , Yang Xiaogang
Published: August 2017

The current paper investigates guaranteed‐cost output consensus analysis and design problems for high‐order linear time‐invariant singular multi‐agent systems with constant time delays, which can realize suboptimal output consensus control. Firstly, a new output consensus protocol with a suboptimal index and a single delay is proposed to realize the tradeoff design between output consensus regulation performances and control energy consumptions. Then, sufficient conditions for guaranteed‐cost output consensus and consensualization are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities by a combined tool from the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii approach and the free‐weighting matrix technique, respectively, and the output consensus function is determined on the basis of the First Equivalent Form. Finally, a numerical example is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and conservativeness of theoretical results.
Distributed Consensus of Third‐order Multi‐agent Systems with Communication Delay
Authors: Hou Wenying , Fu Minyue , Zhang Huanshui
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the consensus problem for a class of general third‐order multi‐agent systems on an undirected connected network. By employing a variables transformation, the consensus control problem can be turned into a asymptotical stability problem. Then we present a necessary and sufficient condition for guaranteeing consensus by using Routh‐Hurwitz stability criterion. And this result can be applied to a special case of third‐order integrator systems. Also we will present a tolerable communication time delay for third‐order integrator systems under the assumption that multi‐agent systems can reach consensus without communication delay.
Brokering to support participation of disadvantaged families in early childhood education
Authors: Mitchell Linda , Meagher‐Lundberg Patricia
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses findings from an evaluation of the New Zealand Ministry of Education's Early Childhood Education (ECE) Participation Programme that targeted local areas where there are high numbers of children starting school who have not participated in ECE. The aim of the programme is to increase participation of these low‐income ‘priority’ children in ‘quality’ ECE. In this paper, two policy initiatives and features that supported participation in ECE are analysed. Engaging Priority Families (EPF) involves a coordinator working with families to encourage ECE participation, home learning and a positive transition to school. Targeted Assistance for Provision (TAP) grants are intended to increase local supply by helping establish new services and child spaces in communities where they are needed. The study used mixed methods: data on enrolments, surveys of Participation Programme providers, interviews with programme staff, surveys of families engaged in each initiative and interviews with a small group of families. The results show that cost, availability and cultural relevance of ECE services are the main barriers to participation of ‘priority’ families. Through brokering, both initiatives helped address complex social issues faced by the families by connecting families with health, housing and social agencies, and brokering understanding of ECE. The results support the argument that national policy initiatives and local actions can help address inequities in participation in ECE associated with socioeconomic status.
Ratiometric fluorescence detection of superoxide anion based on AuNPs‐BSA@Tb/GMP nanoscale coordination polymers
Authors: Liu Nan , Hao Juan , Cai Keying , Zeng Mulan , Huang Zhenzhong , Chen Lili , Peng Bingxian , Li Ping , Wang Li , Song Yonghai
Published: August 2017

A novel ratiometric fluorescence nanosensor for superoxide anion (O2•−) detection was designed with gold nanoparticles‐bovine serum albumin (AuNPs‐BSA)@terbium/guanosine monophosphate disodium (Tb/GMP) nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) (AuNPs‐BSA@Tb/GMP NCPs). The abundant hydroxyl and amino groups of AuNPs‐BSA acted as binding points for the self‐assembly of Tb3+ and GMP to form core‐shell AuNPs‐BSA@Tb/GMP NCP nanosensors. The obtained probe exhibited the characteristic fluorescence emission of both AuNPs‐BSA and Tb/GMP NCPs. The AuNPs‐BSA not only acted as a template to accelerate the growth of Tb/GMP NCPs, but also could be used as the reference fluorescence for the detection of O2•−. The resulting AuNPs‐BSA@Tb/GMP NCP ratiometric fluorescence nanosensor for the detection of O2•− demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity with a wide linear response range (14 nM–10 μM) and a low detection limit (4.7 nM).
Shorter telomere length increases age‐related tumor risks in von Hippel‐Lindau disease patients
Authors: Wang Jiang‐Yi , Peng Shuang‐He , Ning Xiang‐Hui , Li Teng , Liu Sheng‐Jie , Liu Jia‐Yuan , Hong Bao‐An , Qi Nie‐Nie , Peng Xiang , Zhou Bo‐Wen , Zhang Jiu‐Feng , Cai Lin , Gong Kan
Published: August 2017

Von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare autosomal dominant cancer syndrome caused by alterations of VHL gene. Patients are predisposed to develop pheochromocytomas and solid or cystic tumors of the central nervous system, kidney, pancreas, and retina. Remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity exits in organ involvement and tumor onset age between and within VHL families. However, no reliable markers have been found to predict the age‐related tumor risks in VHL patients. A large Chinese cohort composed of 300 VHL patients and 92 healthy family controls was enrolled in our study. Blood relative telomere length was measured in 184 patients and all the controls available for genomic DNA samples. Age‐related risks for the five major VHL‐associated tumors were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox regression analysis. Differences in clinical phenotype were observed between Chinese cohort and the United Kingdom cohort. VHL patients showed significantly shorter telomere length than healthy family controls(P = 0.0183), and a positive correlation was found between telomere length and onset age of the five major tumors, respectively. Moreover, patients in the shorter telomere group (age‐adjusted telomere length ≤ 0.44) suffered higher age‐related risks for VHL‐associated central nervous system hemangioblastomas (HR: 1.879, P = 0.004), renal cell carcinoma (HR: 2.126, P = 0.002) and pancreatic cyst and neuroendocrine tumors (HR: 2.093, P = 0.001). These results indicate that blood shorter telomere length is a new biomarker for age‐related tumor risks in VHL patients, which will be crucial to genetic counseling and future research about the role of telomere shortening in the pathogenesis of VHL‐associated tumors.
Racial disparities in the utilization of preventive health services among older women with early‐stage endometrial cancer enrolled in Medicare
Authors: Martin Jovana Y. , Schiff Melissa A. , Weiss Noel S. , Urban Renata R.
Published: August 2017

To assess differences in the receipt of preventive health services by race/ethnicity among older women with endometrial cancer enrolled in Medicare, we conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 2001 to 2011 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database. Women with stage I or II endometrial cancer of epithelial origin were included. The exposure was race/ethnicity (Non‐Hispanic [NH] White, NH Black, Hispanic, and NH Asian/Pacific Islander [PI]). The services examined were receipt of influenza vaccination and screening tests for diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and breast cancer. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, region, and year of diagnosis. A total of 13,054 women were included. In the 2 years after diagnosis, receipt of any influenza vaccine ranged from 45% among NH Black women to 67% among NH White women; receipt of a mammogram ranged from 65% among NH Black women to 74% among NH White women. Relative to NH White women, NH Black women had a lower likelihood of receiving both influenza vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.40, 95% CI 0.33–0.44) and screening mammography (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52–0.79). Hispanic women also were less likely to receive influenza vaccination than NH White women (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51–0.72). There were no significant differences across racial groups for diabetes or cholesterol screening services. Among older women with early‐stage endometrial cancer, racial disparities exist in the utilization of some preventive services.
First follow‐up radiographic response is one of the predictors of local tumor progression and radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases
Authors: Sharma Mayur , Jia Xuefei , Ahluwalia Manmeet , Barnett Gene H. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Murphy Erin S. , Yu Jennifer S. , Angelov Lilyana , Mohammadi Alireza M.
Published: August 2017

Local progression (LP) and radiation necrosis (RN) occur in >20% of cases following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases (BM). Expected outcomes following SRS for BM include tumor control/shrinkage, local progression and radiation necrosis. 1427 patients with 4283 BM lesions were treated using SRS at Cleveland Clinic from 2000 to 2012. Clinical, imaging and radiosurgery data were collected from the database. Local tumor progression and RN were the primary end points and correlated with patient and tumor‐related variables. 5.7% of lesions developed radiographic RN and 3.6% showed local progression at 6 months. Absence of new extracranial metastasis (P < 0.001), response to SRS at first follow‐up scan (local progression versus stable size (P < 0.001), partial resolution versus complete resolution at first follow up [P = 0.009]), prior SRS to the same lesion (P < 0.001), IDL% (≤55; P < 0.001), maximum tumor diameter (>0.9 cm; P < 0.001) and MD/PD gradient index (≤1.8, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of high risk of local tumor progression. Absence of systemic metastases (P = 0.029), good neurological function at 1st follow‐up (P ≤ 0.001), no prior SRS to other lesion (P = 0.024), low conformity index (≤1.9) (P = 0.009), large maximum target diameter (>0.9 cm) (P = 0.003) and response to SRS (tumor progression vs. stable size following SRS [P < 0.001]) were independent predictors of high risk of radiographic RN. Complete tumor response at first follow‐up, maximum tumor diameter <0.9 cm, tumor volume <2.4 cc and no prior SRS to the index lesion are good prognostic factors with reduced risk of LP following SRS. Complete tumor response to SRS, poor neurological function at first follow‐up, prior SRS to other lesions and high conformity index are favorable factors for not developing RN. Stable or partial response at first follow‐up after SRS have same impact on local progression and RN compared to those with complete resolution or progression.
Development of Harlequin Syndrome following placement of thoracic epidural anesthesia in a pediatric patient undergoing Nuss procedure
Authors: Lefevre Ashley , Schnepper Gregory
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

We report the development of Harlequin Syndrome following thoracic epidural placement in a pediatric patient. Unilateral facial flushing with contralateral pallor and anhidrosis is the clinical presentation. This syndrome is typically benign. When related to regional anesthesia, treatment involves reducing the local anesthetic infusion or stopping it altogether.
An experimental analysis of coffee beans dynamics in a rotary drum
Authors: Resende Isabela A. , Machado Marcela V. C. , Duarte Claudio R. , Barrozo Marcos A. S.
Published: August 2017

Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world, one of the main global commodities. During the processing of coffee beans, rotary drums are used in the drying and roasting phases. This equipment is widely used in many industrial sectors. According to characteristics of the drum, particulate material, and operating conditions, different flow regimes may arise. Such regimes have a direct influence on the performance of these processes and therefore their characterization is of great importance. The present work developed an experimental study about the dynamics of coffee beans, under green and roasted conditions, in a rotary drum. Transitions between rolling, cascading, cataracting, and centrifuging regimes were evaluated, for both green and roasted coffee beans. For the centrifuging regime, a comparison between experimental critical rotation speeds and the ones obtained by correlations found in literature was performed. Additionally, a new expression to predict the centrifuging rotation speed was proposed by the authors. Further analyses regarding the rolling regime were also carried out. For this regime, velocity profiles of the particles were evaluated, as well as the thickness of the active layer for different filling degrees and drum rotation speeds. Great similarity was found between the behaviour of the active region for coffee beans before and after the roasting process.
Synthesis and Characterization of β‐Cyclodextrin Nanosponge and Its Application for the Removal of p‐Nitrophenol from Water
Authors: Salgın Sema , Salgın Uğur , Vatansever Özgün
Published: August 2017

β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐based nanosponges (NSs) were synthesized by reacting β‐CD with hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) as the cross‐linking agent. The effects of the reaction parameters, such as the β‐CD/HMDI molar ratio, reaction temperature, and type of cross‐linker, on the NS synthesis were systematically examined. The removal of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) from water by NSs was determined through adsorption experiments. The adsorption efficiency of the NSs synthesized at different temperatures did not change significantly, but the adsorption efficiency of the NSs was influenced by the HDMI concentration and cross‐linker type. The characteristic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) bands showed that p‐NP was adsorbed parallel to the surface of the NSs. The Langmuir model had the highest correlation coefficient for the adsorption of p‐NP onto the NSs. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q°) and adsorption energy (b) for p‐NP were estimated to be 1.0 mg g−1and 1.837 L mg−1, respectively. The NSs synthesized under the optimum conditions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and laser diffraction particle size (LDPS) analysis. The combination of the results from SEM, TEM, and LDPS analysis indicated that the synthesized NSs had a porous, sponge‐like, and rigid structure. The results of XRD and TGA also revealed the formation of β‐CD‐NSs.
Semisupervised local preserving embedding algorithm based on maximum margin criterion for large‐scale data streams
Authors: Tan Chao , Ji Genlin
Published: August 2017

In the field of machine learning, feature extraction is one of the most important preprocessing in data classification for its effectiveness, and now it has attracted much extensive attention for large‐scale data stream preprocessing step, especially in the era of big data. Motivated by the advantages of unsupervised and supervised feature extraction, which are two desirable and promising characteristics for dimension reduction, a new semisupervised local preserving embedding algorithm based on maximum margin criterion (SLPE/MMC) is proposed in this paper. First, the objective functions of maximum margin criterion (MMC) and neighborhood preserving embedding (NPE) are combined to get the first objective function of SLPE/MMC. Then, in order to overcome the out‐of‐sample problem, a linear transformation is introduced to construct the second objective function. At last, the whole optimal objective function is constructed by combing the two objective functions together. The proposed algorithm has effectively taken advantage of the sample's supervised information and keeps the geometry structure and the class discrimination information of the manifold. Experiments on face datasets Yale, CMU PIE, and AR datasets are performed to evaluate the classification accuracy of SLPE/MMC. The experimental results and time complexity comparisons have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Catalyst Particle Density Controls Hydrocarbon Product Selectivity in CO2 Electroreduction on CuOx
Authors: Wang Xingli , Varela Ana Sofia , Bergmann Arno , Kühl Stefanie , Strasser Peter
Published: August 2017

A key challenge of the carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2RR) on Cu‐based nanoparticles is its low faradic selectivity toward higher‐value products such as ethylene. Here, we demonstrate a facile method for tuning the hydrocarbon selectivities on CuOx nanoparticle ensembles by varying the nanoparticle areal density. The sensitive dependence of the experimental ethylene selectivity on catalyst particle areal density is attributed to a diffusional interparticle coupling that controls the de‐ and re‐adsorption of CO and thus the effective coverage of COad intermediates. Thus, higher areal density constitutes dynamically favored conditions for CO re‐adsorption and *CO dimerization leading to ethylene formation independent of pH and applied overpotential.
Synergistic Interaction of Matricaria Chamomilla Extract with Diclofenac and Indomethacin on Carrageenan‐Induced Paw Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Ortiz Mario I. , Cariño‐Cortés Raquel , Ponce‐Monter Héctor A. , González‐García Martha P. , Castañeda‐Hernández Gilberto , Salinas‐Caballero Mireya
Published: August 2017

Preclinical Research

The coadministration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with medicinal plant extracts may increase anti‐inflammatory activity, thus permitting the use of lower NSAID doses and limiting the side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions between an ethanolic extract of M. chamomilla extract (MCE) with two NSAIDs, diclofenac and indomethacin on carrageenan‐induced paw inflammation and gastric injury in rats. Diclofenac, indomethacin and MCE, or combinations with MCE produced an anti‐inflammatory effect. Effective dose (ED) values were estimated for the individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. The final experimental ED values were 483.7 mg/kg for diclofenac + MCE combination, and 212.6 mg/kg for indomethacin + MCE. These values were lower (p < 0.05) than the theoretical ED values (1186.9 mg/kg for diclofenac + MCE combination, and 1183.8 mg/kg for indomethacin + MCE). These data suggest that the interactions between NSAIDs and MCE that mediate the anti‐inflammatory effects at the systemic level are synergistic and may have therapeutic advantages for the clinical treatment of inflammatory processes. Drug Dev Res 78 : 360‐367, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multi‐analyte approach to help in assessing the severity of acute poisonings – Development and validation of a fast LC–MS/MS quantification approach for 45 drugs and their relevant metabolites with one‐point calibration
Authors: Michely Julian A. , Maurer Hans H.
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis, monitoring of the efficiency of detoxification, and estimating the prognosis of acute poisonings are important tasks in emergency toxicology. Comprehensive screening and quantification of relevant substances by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) help in assessing the severity of most acute poisonings. Turnaround time for such analyses must be short enough to impact on clinical decisions. Therefore, a multi‐analyte LC–MS/MS approach with a 5‐minute gradient was developed and validated for 45 drugs and their active metabolites as a complement to an existing GC–MS approach using the same liquid–liquid extraction. The determination ranges were defined by quality control samples of low and high, representing concentrations from low therapeutic to highly toxic levels. To shorten the turnaround time, one‐point calibration was used. Validation showed low matrix effects and ionization effects of co‐eluting analytes thanks to APCI source as well as sufficient recoveries, precisions, and selectivities. For accuracy, 32 of the 45 compounds fulfilled the criteria for quantification in lower therapeutic and 41 in overdosed and toxic concentrations, considering limits of ±30% deviation. The reuse of the processed calibrator for a period of 30 days was possible for 32 compounds, showing sufficient stability at 8°C. In addition, analysis of authentic blood samples showed the applicability and yielded drug levels, which were comparable to those determined by fully validated therapeutic drug monitoring methods. In conclusion, the present approach in combination with the GC–MS approach should provide sufficient support for clinical assessment of the severity of poisonings with 68 compounds in an acceptable turnaround time.
Assessing the effects of the first 2 years of industry‐led badger culling in England on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in 2013–2015
Authors: Brunton Lucy A. , Donnelly Christl A. , O'Connor Heather , Prosser Alison , Ashfield Stuart , Ashton Adam , Upton Paul , Mitchell Andrew , Goodchild Anthony V. , Parry Jessica E. , Downs Sara H.
Published: August 2017

Culling badgers to control the transmission of bovine tuberculosis (TB) between this wildlife reservoir and cattle has been widely debated. Industry‐led culling began in Somerset and Gloucestershire between August and November 2013 to reduce local badger populations. Industry‐led culling is not designed to be a randomized and controlled trial of the impact of culling on cattle incidence. Nevertheless, it is important to monitor the effects of the culling and, taking the study limitations into account, perform a cautious evaluation of the impacts. A standardized method for selecting areas matched to culling areas in factors found to affect cattle TB risk has been developed to evaluate the impact of badger culling on cattle TB incidence. The association between cattle TB incidence and badger culling in the first 2 years has been assessed. Descriptive analyses without controlling for confounding showed no association between culling and TB incidence for Somerset, or for either of the buffer areas for the first 2 years since culling began. A weak association was observed in Gloucestershire for Year 1 only. Multivariable analysis adjusting for confounding factors showed that reductions in TB incidence were associated with culling in the first 2 years in both the Somerset and Gloucestershire intervention areas when compared to areas with no culling (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72–0.87, p < .001 and IRR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.34–0.51, p < .001, respectively). An increase in incidence was associated with culling in the 2‐km buffer surrounding the Somerset intervention area (IRR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–1.75, p = .008), but not in Gloucestershire (IRR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.77–1.07, p = .243). As only 2 intervention areas with 2 years of data are available for analysis, and the biological cause–effect relationship behind the statistical associations is difficult to determine, it would be unwise to use these findings to develop generalizable inferences about the effectiveness of the policy at present.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Phenanthridones from Benzamides through Tandem N–H/C–H Arylation
Authors: Banerji Biswadip , Chatterjee Satadru , Chandrasekhar K. , Nayan Chinmay , Killi Sunil Kumar
Published: August 2017

We report a palladium‐catalyzed method for the direct synthesis of phenanthridones from benzamides in a single step. Unlike previous reports, the current protocol does not need any directing groups or any harsh conditions. This methodology has a wide functional group tolerance therefore a series of phenanthridones were synthesized with a yield up to 87 %. The efficacy of this protocol was further explored by synthesizing some important naturally occurring amaryllidaceae alkaloids in a single step with very good yields.
A Direct C2‐Selective Phenoxylation and Alkoxylation of Quinoline N‐Oxides with Various Phenols and Alcohols in the Presence of H‐Phosphonate
Authors: Bi Wen‐Zhu , Qu Chen , Chen Xiao‐Lan , Qu Ling‐Bo , Liu Zhi‐Dong , Sun Kai , Li Xu , Zhao Yu‐Fen
Published: August 2017

A practical and efficient method for the synthesis of 2‐aroxy(alkoxy)quinolines has been developed by direct cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction between quinoline N‐oxides and readily available phenols and alcohols in the presence of H‐phosphonate and CCl4 under mild conditions.
Synthesis of supermacroporous cryogel for bioreactors continuous starch hydrolysis
Authors: Guilherme Ederson Paulo Xavier , de Oliveira Jocilane Pereira , de Carvalho Lorendane Millena , Brandi Igor Viana , Santos Sérgio Henrique Sousa , de Carvalho Gleidson Giordano Pinto , Cota Junio , Mara Aparecida de Carvalho Bruna
Published: August 2017

A bioreactor was built by means of immobilizing alpha‐amylase from Aspergillus oryzae by encapsulation, through cryopolymerization of acrylamide monomers for the continuous starch hydrolysis. The starch hydrolysis was evaluated regarding pH, the concentration of immobilized amylase on cryogel, the concentration of starch solution and temperature. The maximum value for starch hydrolysis was achieved at pH 5.0, concentration of immobilized enzyme 111.44 mg amylase/gcryogel, concentration of starch solution 45 g/L and temperature of 35°C. The immobilized enzyme showed a conversion ratio ranging from 68.2 to 97.37%, depending on the pH and temperature employed. Thus, our results suggest that the alpha‐amylase from A. oryzae immobilized on cryogel monoliths represents a potential process for industrial production of maltose from starch hydrolysis.
An automated data‐driven DSP development approach for glycoproteins from yeast
Authors: Rajamanickam Vignesh , Krippl Maximillian , Herwig Christoph , Spadiut Oliver
Published: August 2017

Downstream process development for recombinant glycoproteins from yeast is cumbersome due to hyperglycosylation of target proteins. In a previous study, we purified three recombinant glycoproteins from Pichia pastoris using a simple two‐step flowthrough mode approach using monolithic columns. In this study, we investigated a novel automated data science approach for identifying purification conditions for such glycoproteins using monolithic columns. We performed three sets of design of experiments in analytical scale to determine the separation efficiency of monolithic columns for three different recombinant horseradish peroxidase (HRP) isoenzymes. For ease of calculation, we introduced an arbitrary term, the relative impurity removal (IR), which is representative of the amount of impurities cleared. Both, the experimental part and the data analysis were automated and took less than 40 min for each HRP isoenzyme. We tested the identified purification conditions in laboratory scale and performed respective offline analyses to verify results from analytical scale. We found a clear correlation between the IR estimated online through our novel data‐driven approach and the IR determined offline. Summarizing, we present a novel methodology, applying analytical scale advantages which can be used for fast and efficient DSP development for recombinant glycoproteins from yeast without offline analyses.
The contribution of health risk behaviors to excess mortality in American adults with chronic hepatitis C: A population cohort‐study
Authors: Innes Hamish , McAuley Andrew , Alavi Maryam , Valerio Heather , Goldberg David , Hutchinson Sharon J.
Published: August 2017

In resource‐rich countries, chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is associated with a sizeable excess mortality risk. The extent to which this is due to (1) the biological sequelae of CHC infection versus (2) a high concomitant burden of health risk behaviors (HRBs) is unclear. We used data from the 1999‐2010 U.S. National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES), which include detailed information on HRBs and CHC infection status. We calculated the prevalence of the five major HRBs—alcohol use; cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and illicit drug use—according to CHC after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Mortality status after survey interview was ascertained by linkage to the U.S. National Death Index. To assess the contribution of HRBs to the excess mortality risk, we determined the all‐cause mortality rate ratio (MRR) for individuals with CHC relative to individuals without, and then calculated the attenuation in this MRR following adjustment for HRBs. This analysis included 27,468 adult participants of NHANES of which 363 tested positive for CHC. All HRBs were markedly more prevalent among individuals with CHC versus individuals without. CHC was associated with a 2.4‐fold higher mortality rate after adjustment for sociodemographic factors (MRR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.60‐3.49). Subsequent adjustment for all five HRBs attenuated this ratio by 50.7% to MRR 1.67 (95% CI, 1.14‐2.44). Higher levels of attenuation (69.1%) were observed among individuals aged 45‐70 years, who form the target demographic for U.S. birth cohort screening. Conclusion: At least half the excess mortality risk for individuals with CHC in the United States may be attributed to HRBs rather than CHC. The remedial response to hepatitis C must not neglect action on HRBs if it is to fully resolve the high mortality problem in this population. (Hepatology 2018;67:97‐107).
PLS3 Deletions Lead to Severe Spinal Osteoporosis and Disturbed Bone Matrix Mineralization
Authors: Kämpe Anders J , Costantini Alice , Levy-shraga Yael , Zeitlin Leonid , Roschger Paul , Taylan Fulya , Lindstrand Anna , Paschalis Eleftherios P , Gamsjaeger Sonja , Raas-Rothschild Annick , Hövel Matthias , Jiao Hong , Klaushofer Klaus , Grasemann Corinna , Mäkitie Outi
Published: August 2017

Mutations in the PLS3 gene, encoding Plastin 3, were described in 2013 as a cause for X-linked primary bone fragility in children. The specific role of PLS3 in bone metabolism remains inadequately understood. Here we describe for the first time PLS3 deletions as the underlying cause for childhood-onset primary osteoporosis in 3 boys from 2 families. We carried out thorough clinical, radiological, and bone tissue analyses to explore the consequences of these deletions and to further elucidate the role of PLS3 in bone homeostasis. In family 1, the 2 affected brothers had a deletion of exons 4–16 (NM_005032) in PLS3, inherited from their healthy mother. In family 2, the index patient had a deletion involving the entire PLS3 gene (exons 1–16), inherited from his mother who had osteoporosis. The 3 patients presented in early childhood with severe spinal compression fractures involving all vertebral bodies. The 2 brothers in family 1 also displayed subtle dysmorphic facial features and both had developed a myopathic gait. Extensive analyses of a transiliac bone biopsy from 1 patient showed a prominent increase in osteoid volume, osteoid thickness, and in mineralizing lag time. Results from quantitative backscattered electron imaging and Raman microspectroscopy showed a significant hypomineralization of the bone. Together our results indicate that PLS3 deletions lead to severe childhood-onset osteoporosis resulting from defective bone matrix mineralization, suggesting a specific role for PLS3 in the mineralization process. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.