bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing recovery and change in West Africa's rainfall regime from a 161‐year record
Authors: Nicholson Sharon E. , Fink Andreas H. , Funk Chris
Published: April 2018

The Sahel region is known for the multi‐decadal occurrence of severe drought that commenced in the late 1960s. A still open question is whether or not the region's rainfall has returned to “normal.” This paper provides a compelling answer to that question by examining the longest and most comprehensive gauge series for the region ever published. It extends from 1854 to 2014 and is based on 602 gauge records. A comparative series for the Guinea Coast region to the south is also presented, as the two regions collectively provide insight into the long‐term variability of the West African monsoon. In contrast to many previous studies, here the question of recovery and regime change is not restricted to the core of the Sahelian rainy season (July–September), but is separately discussed also for the coastal phase (April–May), transition phase (June), Sahelian phase (July–September) and the second transition phase (October–November) of the West African monsoon.

These analyses suggest that full recovery from the droughts of the 1970s and 1980s has not occurred that a major change in the rainfall regime occurred around 1968 and that since that time large‐scale teleconnections have also changed markedly. The shift post‐1968 is evident in all phases of the monsoon except the coastal phase, in which a change to drier conditions occurred a decade later. Overall, recovery has been greater in the east than in the west, creating a change in the climatological east–west rainfall gradient. The drier post‐1968 conditions appear to be associated with a general weakening of the intensity of the West African monsoon and only a small southwards displacement of the rainfall maximum. These changes have strong implications for the future of this region and for seasonal prediction.
A shift in culture sparks innovation at the Miramar Hospitality Group's flagship Mira Hong Kong Hotel
Authors: Chung Gabriel , Ngan Clara
Published: April 2018

Seeking to transform the Mira Hong Kong Hotel, one of its premier properties, into a world‐class establishment, the leaders of the Miramar Hospitality Group applied a seven‐tier model to integrate innovation and performance improvement efforts at the hotel, as well as throughout its other business units. Supported by an effective feedback loop that facilitates communication and the transmittal and measurement of vital customer‐related data, their comprehensive approach has reshaped the corporate environment to encourage teamwork and inspire innovation at all levels. As a result, the hotel has earned international recognition as a leader in customer service, and the profitability of the Group's diversified service‐oriented business portfolio in Hong Kong and mainland China has increased 77% since 2011.
Impact of heat stress during seed filling on seed quality and seed yield in lentil (Lens culinarisMedikus) genotypes
Authors: Sita Kumari , Sehgal Akanksha , Bhandari Kalpna , Kumar Jitendra , Kumar Shiv , Singh Sarvjeet , Siddique Kadambot HM , Nayyar Harsh
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Lentil, a cool‐season food legume, is highly sensitive to high temperatures, which drastically reduce biomass and seed yield. The effects of heat stress on qualitative and quantitative aspects of seeds are not yet known.

RESULTS

In this study, we assessed the effects of high temperatures on quantitative and qualitative aspects of seeds in a heat‐tolerant (HT; FLIP2009) and heat‐sensitive (HS; IG4242) genotypes in a controlled environment. Initially, the plants were raised in a natural, outdoor environment (22/10 °C mean day/night temperature, 1350 µmol m−2s−1light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity) from November to mid‐February until 50% flowering (114–115 days after sowing). After that, one set of plants was maintained in a controlled environment (28/23 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2s−1light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity;control) and one set was exposed to heat stress (33/28 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2s−1light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity), where they remained until maturity. Compared to control, heat stress reduced the seed growth rate by 30–44% and the seed‐filling duration by 5.5–8.1 days, which ultimately reduced the seed yield by 38–58% and individual seed weights by 20–39%. Heat stress significantly damaged cell membranes and reduced chlorophyll concentration and fluorescence, and the photosynthetic rate, which was associated with a significant reduction in relative leaf water content. The proximate analysis of seed reserves showed that heat stress reduced starch (25–43%), protein (26–41%) and fat (39–57%) content, and increased total sugars (36–68%), relative to the controls. Heat stress also inhibited the accumulation of storage proteins including albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins (22–42%). Most of the amino acids decreased significantly under heat stress in comparison to control, whereas some, such as proline, followed by glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine, increased. Heat stress reduced Ca (13–28%), Fe (17–52%), P (10–54%), K (12.4–28.3%) and Zn (36–59%) content in seeds, compared to the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

High temperatures during seed filling are detrimental for seed yield and quality components in lentil genotypes, with severe impacts on heat‐sensitive genotypes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
In vivo evaluation of garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation to rice straw‐based diet on mitigation of CH4 and CO2 emissions and blood profiles using crossbreed rams
Authors: Kim Ji Yung , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Park Ji Young , Lee Bae Hun , Hanada Masaaki , Kim Byong Wan , Sung Kyung Il
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Two experiments were implemented using three cannulated crossbreed rams (Corriedale × Suffolk) fed rice straw‐based diet. In vivo evaluation of garlic powder (GP) supplementation to rice straw‐based diet on CH4 and CO2 emissions and blood profiles of the rams (body weight = 52 ± 3 kg) was performed. The design was a triplicate 3 × 3 Latin square. Groups were the control (no GP) and two GP groups, which were given supplementation for 0.1 (GP0.1) and 0.5% (GP0.5) of concentrate. The differences between two experiments were data missing of GP0.1 and uncontrolled environment in Experiment 1. Blood profiles were added in Experiment 2.

RESULTS

In Experiment 1, supplementation of GP to the rams reduced CH4 production significantly (P < 0.05) by 38%. Dry matter intake was not different among the groups in both experiments. In Experiment 2, CH4 was lower in the GP0.5 group than the control group by 7%, whereas CO2 showed no difference among the groups. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase was significantly (P > 0.05) lower in the GP0.5 group than the control group, whereas glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total protein, urea N, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and non‐esterified fatty acids were not significantly (P > 0.05) different.

CONCLUSIONS

GP supplementation, particularly GP0.5, decreases CH4 emissions in rams fed rice straw‐based diets. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation kinetics of aflatoxin B1 and B2 in solid medium by using pulsed light irradiation
Authors: Wang Bei , Mahoney Noreen E , Khir Ragab , Wu Bengang , Zhou Cunshan , Pan Zhongli , Ma Haile
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Pulsed light (PL) is a new potential technology to degrade aflatoxin. The objective of this study was to investigate the degradation characters of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and B2 (AFB2) treated under PL irradiation. A kinetic degradation study of AFB1 and AFB2 in solid medium was performed under PL irradiation at different initial concentrations of AFB1 (229.9, 30.7 and 17.8 μg kg−1) and AFB2 (248.2, 32.2 and 19.5 μg kg−1) and irradiation intensities (2.86, 1.60 and 0.93 W cm−2) of PL. A second‐order reaction model was applied to describe degradation of AFB1 and AFB2.

RESULTS

The results showed that the degradation of AFB1 and AFB2 followed the second‐order reaction kinetic model well (R2 > 0.97). The degradation rate was proportional to the intensities of PL irradiation and the initial concentrations of aflatoxins.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the degradation of AFB1 and AFB2 with the use of PL could be accurately described using the second‐order reaction kinetic model. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Dual silencing of EGFR and HER2 enhances the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to gefitinib
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhang Hongfeng , Zheng Jiaxin , Wei Xiaoli , Du Jingwen , Lu Haibo , Sun Qiuying , Zhou Weiyu , Zhang Rui , Han Yu
Published: April 2018

Gefitinib exhibits very limited efficacy in gastric cancer (GC). Indeed, the limited clinical results obtained with gefitinib alone justify investigation of additional therapeutic strategies. Here, we demonstrate the importance of EGFR and HER2 in GC malignancy using RNA interference (RNAi). Additionally, we explored the ability of RNAi targeting EGFR and HER2 to enhance the sensitivity of GC cells to gefitinib. Specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of target genes. EGFR‐specific siRNA, EGFR/HER2 siRNAs, and gefitinib inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in GC cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, resistance to HER2‐siRNA‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis was linked to compensatory activation of EGFR. Moreover, gefitinib dramatically reduced p‐EGFR and p‐HER2 levels in the cell lines tested, and sensitivity to gefitinib was enhanced through dual silencing of EGFR and HER2 via suppression of AKT and ERK activation. These findings are in agreement with the profound inhibitory effect of gefitinib on activation of both EGFR and HER2. Overall, EGFR/HER2 knockdown by siRNAs further decreased the growth of GC cells treated with gefitinib alone, confirming that single‐agent drug targeting does not achieve a maximal biological effect. The combination of gefitinib with EGFR/HER2 siRNAs should be further investigated as a new strategy for the treatment of GC and other EGFR/HER2‐dependent cancers.
Policy analysis on the fly with an online multicriteria cardinal ranking tool
Authors: Larsson Aron , Fasth Tobias , Wärnhjelm Mathias , Ekenberg Love , Danielson Mats
Published: April 2018

This paper reports upon the deliverables and learnings from a project within decision analysis for participatory planning and policy analysis on the municipal level. The project aimed to develop and utilize an online multicriteria decision analysis tool for evaluations of policy alternatives with respect to municipal commercial development policies, acknowledging the objectives and preferences from various local and national stakeholders. The tool itself relied solely on that the users supplied cardinal ranking statements in the appraisal of alternatives and in the ranking of criteria and the surrounding method has been used in three cases. In each case, several significant insights obtained in the decision‐modelling workshops were emphasized by the participants. The better understanding of the general decision situation, preference structures, and possible strategies was highly appreciated. The perception was also that this enabled a better understanding of conflicting issues, even when these were not entirely resolved.
Stability of the rarefaction wave for a coupled compressible Navier‐Stokes/Allen‐Cahn system
Authors: Luo Ting , Yin Haiyan , Zhu Changjiang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we are concerned with the large time behavior of solutions to the Cauchy problem for the one dimensional Navier‐Stokes/Allen‐Cahn system. Motivated by the relationship between the Navier‐Stokes/Allen‐Cahn system and the Navier‐Stokes system, we can prove that the solutions to the one‐dimensional compressible Navier‐Stokes/Allen‐Cahn system tend time‐asymptotically to the rarefaction wave, where the strength of the rarefaction wave is not required to be small. The proof is mainly based on a basic energy method.
Emulation of free space optical link in weak atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Anandkumar D. , Sangeetha R. G.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the performance of FSO communication link under weak atmospheric turbulence has been analyzed in terms of received power, Bit Error Rate for various data rates. The results have been simulated using R‐soft OptSim 2015a environment and validated using hardware test bed setup.
Low‐profile full‐metal‐rimmed antenna with less nonground portion for smartphones
Authors: Rao Shahid Aziz , Myung‐Hun Jeong , Park Seong‐Ook
Published: April 2018

In this article, a low‐profile full‐metal‐rimmed antenna with less nonground portion for smartphones is presented. The proposed antenna with full‐metal rim is designed on FR4 substrate within the volume of 115 × 60 × 5 mm3. Metal rim is made up of FR4 substrate with interconnected conducting vias which surrounds inner system circuit board. The gap between metal rim and system ground plane is 1.5 mm and they are connected by a single ground patch. Moreover, folded monopole branches are implemented on circuit board to obtain wide bandwidth and improve impedance matching at higher bands. Therefore, proposed antenna contains a system circuit board with monopole branches and a full metal rim which serves GSM (850), DCS (1800), PCS (1900), UMTS (2100), LTE (2300/2500), WiBro (2350), ISM (2400), SDM‐B (2650), and W‐LAN system operating bands. The proposed antenna also has an attractive feature of utilizing very less portion of ground clearance about 4 × 38 mm2 for placing monopole antenna and still covering a wide range of operating bands. This biggest merit makes it a potential candidate for metal rimmed smartphone applications with lesser nonground portion. A sample proposed structure has been realized on FR4 substrate to prove the design concept.
Design and verification of Sub‐6 GHz RoF transceiver employing LR4 TOSA and ROSA packaging structure
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Fengman , She Qian , Xue Haiyun , Sun Yu , He Huimin , Zhou Yunyan , Cao Liqiang , Chen Shichao , Ye Yao , Deng Lei
Published: April 2018

In this article, we discuss radio‐over‐fiber (RoF) technologies that use TOSA and ROSA packaging to support the implementation of 700 MHz up to 6 GHz wireless systems integrated with optical fiber networks. The CWDM technology is employed for RoF transceiver which is used to provide high bandwidth and supply flexible multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) antenna in broadband optical‐wireless access networks. In the transmitter end, distributed feed‐back laser diode is driven by RF amplifier and optical signal is coupled into PLC MUX via 4 lens. In the receiver end, the optical signal is DE‐MUX and coupled into 4 PDs. TIA amplifiers has a high linear gain is employed. The signal integrity is also calculated and analyzed in this paper. The NF, IIP3, and transmission performance is measured and about 2% the EVM is achieved under works for OFDM 64 QAM signal.
Effect of conductivity on subdermal antennas
Authors: Chrysler Andrew , Hall Kaitlin , Curry Franky , Furse Cynthia , Zhang Huanan
Published: April 2018

This article is an initial exploration of the material effects of subdermal antennas in the fat layer under the skin for the MedRadio band (401–457 MHz) through the Industrial Scientific Medical 902–928 MHz. Subdermal strip dipoles were made of materials with conductivities ranging from 5.0 × 103 to 5.8 × 107 S/m, including a biocompatible gold nanoparticle polymer.
Implanted dual‐band circular antenna for biomedical applications
Authors: Mohamed Abdelrahman E. , Sharawi Mohammad S. , Muqaibel Ali
Published: April 2018

A compact dual‐band circular patch antenna is designed for implanted biomedical data telemetry systems. Several miniaturization techniques were applied to cover dual bands. The antenna has a radius of 7.5 mm, a thickness of 1.92 mm and a total volume of 340 mm3. The antenna covers MedRadio (401–405 MHz), MICS (402–405 MHz), and ISM bands (433.2–434.8 MHz, 2.4–2.5 GHz). The −10 dB bandwidths are 346–460 MHz (114 MHz) and 2.37–2.63 GHz (260 MHz). The designed antenna was fabricated and its performance was tested inside flesh samples.
A 50‐Ω microstrip line fed shorted equilateral triangular microstrip antenna
Authors: Singh Bharati , Sarwade Nisha , Ray K. P.
Published: April 2018

For the fundamental TM10 mode of an equilateral triangular microstrip antenna (ETMSA), along its height, the impedance value is maximum at the vertex, zero at the isocenter and finite value at the base. Along the base, the impedance remains constant in between 150 to 200 Ω, depending upon the design. Thus, 50‐Ω microstrip (MS) line cannot be used to directly feed an ETMSA at its base. Instead, either inset or impedance transformer is used to facilitate the 50‐Ω MS line feed. In this article, a simple MS line feed at the base is proposed using a single shorting post for impedance matching. By inserting a shorting post (via) closer to the edge of the base of an ETMSA, a wide range of impedances can be achieved at any of the edge by selecting proper shorting positions. A detailed investigation of an ETMSA with variation in shorting post position is carried out for the direct MS line feed. Experiments have been carried out to validate the concept.
Flexible paper substrate based wide band NRI metamaterial for X‐band application
Authors: Alam T. , Ashraf F. B. , Islam M. T.
Published: April 2018

A wide band flexible substrate based metamaterial is presented. The metamaterial is fabricated on photo paper using conductive nanoparticle ink targeting flexibility applications. The metamaterial structure shows a wide double negative region of 1.848 GHz (8.298–10.146 GHz). The transmission coefficient of the proposed metamaterial has been measured and verified with simulated one. The perceptible novelties of the proposed work are its simplicity, cost effectiveness, and flexibility with covering wide X‐band microwave spectra.
A miniaturized meandered printed monopole antenna for triband applications
Authors: Zaman Wajid , Ahmad Hamza , Mehmood Haris
Published: April 2018

This work presents the design of a miniaturized, low profile tri‐band printed monopole antenna for WLAN and WiMAX applications. The proposed design comprises of a meandered shape component, an inverted G shape component and a defected ground plane to achieve resonance in any 3 bands. A prototype has been designed and fabricated based on the proposed structure. The antenna has a compact size of 0.18 λ × 0.15 λ, that is, 23 × 20 mm2. The measured results show that the antenna is operating in 3 bands, that is, 2.39–2.52 GHz, 3.3–4.47 GHz, and 5.15–6.0 GHz which covers both the WLAN 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz bands and WiMAX 3.5/5.5 GHz bands. These results are in good agreement with the simulations outcomes and exhibit that the antenna is capable of obtaining 3 distinct bands with its compact size.
30–512 MHz power amplifier design using GaN transistor
Authors: Pisa Stefano , Chicarella Simone , Cusani Roberto , Citrolo Jerome
Published: April 2018

In this article a class AB single‐ended power amplifier with 30‐512 MHz frequency band and 100 W saturated output power has been designed and implemented using a GaN transistor. The measured compressed gain is 19 ± 1 dB, the average PAE is 61% and the return loss is always better than −7.5 dB.
Pulse Trawling: The Impact of Pulsed Direct Current on Early Life Stages of Sole Solea solea
Authors: Desender Marieke , Dumolein Lisa , Duchateau Luc , Adriaens Dominique , Delbare Daan , Polet Hans , Chiers Koen , Decostere Annemie
Published: April 2018

Despite electric pulse fishing being regarded as a promising environmentally friendly fishing method, very little is known about possible negative effects on early life stages of bottom-dwelling species such as Sole Solea solea. Electrotrawling for brown shrimp Crangon crangon is increasingly used in shallow coastal zones and estuaries of the southern North Sea. As these fishing grounds are often important nurseries and spawning areas for various marine species, electrotrawling could therefore harm inhabiting fishes during their early life stages. Hence, this research aims to investigate the effect of electric pulses used to catch brown shrimp on the survival and development of Sole embryos and larvae. Exposure of Sole embryos at 2 d postfertilization and larvae at 11 d posthatching to pulsed DC used to catch brown shrimp did not result in a lower survival 8 d after exposure. Additionally, no differences in yolk sac resorption and morphometric length measurements of the notochord, muscle, eye, and head were observed in the developing larvae.
De novo overactive bladder after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Yoshino Yashushi , Ishida Shohei , Fujita Takashi , Majima Tsuyoshi , Funahashi Yasuhito , Sassa Naoto , Kato Masashi , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: April 2018

Aims

To investigate storage symptoms following robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP), focused on de novo overactive bladder (OAB), and to evaluate the factors related to de novo OAB occurrence.

Methods

We prospectively examined 245 patients without OAB who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer. Subjective and objective symptoms in the lower urinary tract were evaluated before and after surgery. At 3 months after RARP, the patients were divided into two groups: patients with de novo OAB (de novo OAB group) and those without OAB (OAB‐free group). We compared the operative and urodynamic parameters between both groups and evaluated the factors related to OAB.

Results

De novo OAB was observed in 37.8% (87/230) of patients. Post‐operative continence rate was significantly higher in the OAB‐free group (79.7%) than in the de novo OAB group (8.0%). Although the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) in the de novo OAB group significantly deteriorated from 9.7 to 14.1 and from 2.4 to 8.3, respectively, no corresponding significant changes occurred in the OAB‐free group. Additionally, there was a significant difference in pre‐operative IPSS‐QOL score, continence rate, pre‐and post‐operative maximum urethral closing pressure (MUCP), and post‐operative functional profile length (FPL) between both groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed pre‐operative IPSS‐QOL score and post‐operative MUCP were significant predictive factors for de novo OAB.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of de novo OAB after RARP was about 40%, and seemed unexpectedly high. Decreased urethral function was significantly related to de novo OAB after surgery.
Beta‐3 adrenoceptor expression in the uterosacral ligament in the postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Chong Woojin , Fantl John Andrew , Donovan Michael , Ascher‐Walsh Charles
Published: April 2018

Aims

β3‐adrenoceptor (β3‐AR) agonist is known to relax the detrusor muscles. Considering that both pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and overactive‐bladder (OAB) are frequently seen in the elderly population, the effect of β3‐AR agonist on the pelvic floor tissues should be investigated. As a first step, this pilot, experimental, and descriptive study was designed to investigate the presence of β3‐AR expression in the uterosacral‐ligaments (USLs) in postmenopausal (PMP) women with POP.

Methods

After informed consent, PMP women undergoing hysterectomy for POP were recruited for the intraoperative collection of distal USL between 5/2016 and 8/2016. H&E analysis for the USLs and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis for β3‐AR and α‐actin smooth muscle (SM) were carried out. Tissue composition and percentage of β3‐AR expression in the USLs were subjectively measured and the staining results were expressed as descriptive analysis.

Results

Total 11 USL specimens were collected and nine specimens were included for the final analysis (one specimen: used for antibody concentration adjustment and one specimen: failed proper staining). Under high‐power‐field, the USLs were composed of SM cells (81.5 ± 7.47%) and connective tissues (16.5 ± 7.9%). On IHC analysis, six out of nine specimens expressed β3‐AR with a different level of expression in SM cells in the USLs.

Conclusions

The majority of distal USLs were composed of SM cells. β3‐ARs are expressed in 67% of the study specimens. Considering that both POP and OAB are frequently seen in the elderly population, the effect of β3‐AR agonist on the pelvic floor tissues should be investigated further.
Triggered intravoxel incoherent motion MRI for the assessment of calf muscle perfusion during isometric intermittent exercise
Authors: Mastropietro Alfonso , Porcelli Simone , Cadioli Marcello , Rasica Letizia , Scalco Elisa , Gerevini Simonetta , Marzorati Mauro , Rizzo Giovanna
Published: April 2018

The main aim of this paper was to propose triggered intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging sequences for the evaluation of perfusion changes in calf muscles before, during and after isometric intermittent exercise.

Twelve healthy volunteers were involved in the study. The subjects were asked to perform intermittent isometric plantar flexions inside the MRI bore. MRI of the calf muscles was performed on a 3.0 T scanner and diffusion‐weighted (DW) images were obtained using eight different b values (0 to 500 s/mm2). Acquisitions were performed at rest, during exercise and in the subsequent recovery phase. A motion‐triggered echo‐planar imaging DW sequence was implemented to avoid movement artifacts. Image quality was evaluated using the average edge strength (AES) as a quantitative metric to assess the motion artifact effect. IVIM parameters (diffusion D, perfusion fraction f and pseudo‐diffusion D*) were estimated using a segmented fitting approach and evaluated in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

No differences were observed in quality of IVIM images between resting state and triggered exercise, whereas the non‐triggered images acquired during exercise had a significantly lower value of AES (reduction of more than 20%). The isometric intermittent plantar‐flexion exercise induced an increase of all IVIM parameters (D by 10%; f by 90%; D* by 124%; fD* by 260%), in agreement with the increased muscle perfusion occurring during exercise. Finally, IVIM parameters reverted to the resting values within 3 min during the recovery phase.

In conclusion, the IVIM approach, if properly adapted using motion‐triggered sequences, seems to be a promising method to investigate muscle perfusion during isometric exercise.
A flow‐first route‐next heuristic for liner shipping network design
Authors: Krogsgaard Alexander , Pisinger David , Thorsen Jesper
Published: April 2018

Having a well‐designed liner shipping network is paramount to ensure competitive freight rates, adequate capacity on trade‐lanes, and reasonable transportation times. The most successful algorithms for liner shipping network design make use of a two‐phase approach, where they first design the routes of the vessels, and then flow the containers through the network in order to calculate how many of the customers’ demands can be satisfied, and what the imposed operational costs are. In this article, we reverse the approach by first flowing the containers through a relaxed network, and then design routes to match this flow. This gives a better initial solution than starting from scratch, and the relaxed network reflects the ideas behind a physical internet of having a distributed multi‐segment intermodal transport. Next, the initial solution is improved by use of a variable neighborhood search method, where six different operators are used to modify the network. Since each iteration of the local search method involves solving a very complex multi‐commodity flow problem to route the containers through the network, the flow problem is solved heuristically by use of a fast Lagrange heuristic. Although the Lagrange heuristic for flowing containers is 2–5% from the optimal solution, the solution quality is sufficiently good to guide the variable neighborhood search method in designing the network. Computational results are reported, showing that the developed heuristic is able to find improved solutions for large‐scale instances from LINER‐LIB, and it is the first heuristic to report results for the biggest WorldLarge instance.
The Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project: Rationale and Approach
Authors: MacLean Paul S. , Rothman Alexander J. , Nicastro Holly L. , Czajkowski Susan M. , Agurs‐Collins Tanya , Rice Elise L. , Courcoulas Anita P. , Ryan Donna H. , Bessesen Daniel H. , Loria Catherine M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Individual variability in response to multiple modalities of obesity treatment is well documented, yet our understanding of why some individuals respond while others do not is limited. The etiology of this variability is multifactorial; however, at present, we lack a comprehensive evidence base to identify which factors or combination of factors influence treatment response.

Objectives

This paper provides an overview and rationale of the Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project, which aims to advance the understanding of individual variability in response to adult obesity treatment. This project provides an integrated model for how factors in the behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychosocial domains may influence obesity treatment responses and identify a core set of measures to be used consistently across adult weight‐loss trials. This paper provides the foundation for four companion papers that describe the core measures in detail.

Significance

The accumulation of data on factors across the four ADOPT domains can inform the design and delivery of effective, tailored obesity treatments. ADOPT provides a framework for how obesity researchers can collectively generate this evidence base and is a first step in an ongoing process that can be refined as the science advances.
Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of nontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia in the United States
Authors: Vichinsky Elliott , Cohen Alan , Thompson Alexis A. , Giardina Patricia J. , Lal Ashutosh , Paley Carole , Cheng Wendy Y. , McCormick Nora , Sasane Medha , Qiu Ying , Kwiatkowski Janet L.
Published: April 2018

Background

Nontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT) refers to a diverse group of thalassemia mutations and clinical phenotypes that do not require chronic transfusions. It is increasingly prevalent in the United States.

Procedure

This study reviews the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 138 patients with NTDT treated at four US thalassemia centers from 1997 to 2014. Data on laboratory results, transfusions, and clinical complications were collected from patient charts.

Results

Overall, 84 patients with α‐thalassemia (62 deletional hemoglobin H; 22 nondeletional hemoglobin H), 39 with β‐thalassemia (26 with homozygous or double heterozygous β mutations; 13 with single β mutations with or without α triplication), and 15 with E/β‐thalassemia (12 E/β0; three E/β+) were identified. At study entry, the median age for patients with α‐thalassemia was 2.3 years; 9.2 years for patients with β‐thalassemia and 2.2 years for patients with E/β‐thalassemia. Most patients with α‐thalassemia were Asian. Patients with β‐thalassemia were predominantly Caucasian (46%) or of African descent (36%). Twenty percent of patients were born outside the United States and 5% were transfused before immigration. Complications varied by genotype and age. Individuals with nondeletional hemoglobin H were severely affected and, despite their young age, had many complications. Iron overload increased with age and was more common in patients who received transfusions.

Conclusions

NTDT in the United States is a multi‐ethnic disease with different genotypic mutations and phenotypic manifestations. A higher than expected proportion of patients was Black/African American. NTDT‐related complications are common and increase with age, supporting a need for early diagnosis.
Multicultural school psychology training: An examination of students’ self‐reported course outcomes
Authors: Vega Desireé , Tabbah Rhonda , Monserrate Michele
Published: April 2018

This mixed methods study examined the outcomes of a multicultural course on school psychology students’ feelings of empathy and sensitivity toward members of different racial and ethnic groups. It also investigated students’ perceptions of how the course would influence their future practice as school psychologists. Ethnic identity awareness was explored across ethnic groups and in relation to students’ feelings of empathy and sensitivity toward members of different racial and ethnic groups. Results showed differences in ethnic identity awareness between White and non‐White participants, significant increases in areas of feelings of empathy and sensitivity at posttest, and significant positive correlations between measures of ethnic identity awareness and feelings of empathy and sensitivity. Additionally, a content analysis of the participants’ reflection papers highlighted three key themes: (1) importance of a safe learning environment, (2) increased social awareness, and (3) putting theory into practice. Implications for school psychology training programs to prepare culturally competent practitioners will be discussed as well as limitations and future directions for research.
Energy transfer along a sequence controlled hybrid polymer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Chi Hong , Li Tianduo , Wang FuKe , Chin Wee Shong , Xu Jing
Published: April 2018

The present work provides an ideal model for intra‐chain energy transfer study in conjugated polymer through shielding the polymer backbone by using bulky polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). POSS provides a circumference shielding of the polymer backbone to prevent closed packing of the polymer chains, allowing the intra‐chain energy transfer dominating in large concentration range. Bi‐functional POSS (B‐POSS) is specially designed to separate donor (fluorene) and acceptor (benzothiadiazole) within the polymer chain. The dynamics of energy transfer in poly(fluorene‐POSS‐alt‐POSS‐benzothiodiazole) (PTBtTbOFl3) is studied by steady state as well as time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy at different donor/acceptor ratios. Results reveal that POSS can effectively shield inter‐chains energy transfer of the polymers, suggesting it is an effective model for energy transfer study with less inter‐chains effects. PTBtTbOFl3 works as a chemosensors is also reported in the detection of explosive derivatives. These results provide insights for optimizing nanostructured materials for use in optoelectronic devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1225–1233
Stereoselective synthesis and polymerization of Exo‐5‐trimethylsilylnorbornene
Authors: Alentiev Dmitry A. , Bermeshev Maxim V. , Starannikova Lyudmila E. , Bermesheva Evgeniya V. , Shantarovich Viktor P. , Bekeshev Valentin G. , Yampolskii Yuri P. , Finkelshtein Eugene Sh.
Published: April 2018

Herein the stereoselective two‐step synthesis of pure exo‐5‐trimethylsilylnorbornene is reported. The monomer proved to be highly reactive in both metathesis and addition polymerization. ROMP polymerization was catalyzed by the first‐generation Grubbs catalyst. High‐molecular‐weight saturated addition polymers were prepared using nickel or palladium complexes as precatalysts and Na+[B(3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4]− and/or MAO as cocatalysts. The obtained addition polynorbornenes are highly gas permeable and microporous materials possessing large free volume and BET surface area (up to 540 m2/g). The influence of the substituent orientation (exo‐ vs. exo‐/endo‐mixture) on polymer properties was established. The metathesis polymer based on exo‐isomer exhibits 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase of permeability coefficients for all gases in comparison to the similar polymer based on the mixture of exo‐ and endo‐isomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1234–1248
The amplified circularly polarized luminescence emission response of chiral 1,1′‐binaphthol‐based polymers via Zn(II)‐coordination fluorescence enhancement
Authors: Meng Fandian , Li Fei , Yang Lan , Wang Yuxiang , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: April 2018

Two kinds of chiral 1,1′‐binaphthol (BINOL)‐based polymer enantiomers were designed and synthesized by the polymerization of 5,5′‐((2,2′‐bis (octyloxy)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐3,3′‐diyl)bis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl))bis(2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde) (M1) with alkyl diamine (M2) via nucleophilic addition–elimination reaction. The resulting chiral polymers can exhibit mirror image cotton effects either in the absence or in the presence of Zn2+ ion. Almost no fluorescence or circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emission could be observed for two chiral BINOL‐based polymer enantiomers in the absence of Zn2+. Interestingly, the chiral polymers can show strong fluorescence and CPL response signals upon the addition of Zn2+, which can be attributed to Zn2+‐coordination fluorescence enhancement effect. This work can develop a new strategy on the design of the novel CPL materials via metal‐coordination reaction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1282–1288
Associations between maternal mental health and early child wheezing in a South African birth cohort
Authors: MacGinty Rae P. , Lesosky Maia , Barnett Whitney , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Wheezing in early childhood is common and has been identified in high‐income countries (HIC) as associated with maternal antenatal or postnatal psychosocial risk factors. However, the association between maternal mental health and childhood wheezing has not been well studied in low and middle‐income countries (LMIC), such as South Africa.

Methods

A total of 1137 pregnant women over 18 year old, between 20 and 28 weeks’ gestation, and attending either of two catchment area clinics were enrolled in a South African parent study, the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS). Psychosocial risk factors including maternal depression, psychological distress, early adversity, and intimate partner violence (IPV), were measured antenatally and postnatally by validated questionnaires. Two outcomes were evaluated: Presence of wheeze (at least one episode of child wheeze during the first 2 years of life); and recurrent wheeze (two or more episodes of wheezing in a 12‐month period). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between antenatal or postnatal psychosocial risk factors and child wheeze, adjusting for clinical and socio‐demographic covariates.

Results

Postnatal psychological distress and IPV were associated with both presence of wheeze (adjusted OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.16‐3.77 and 1.63, 95%CI: 1.13‐2.34, respectively), and recurrent child wheeze (adjusted OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.06‐4.81 and 2.20, 95%CI: 1.35‐3.61, respectively).

Conclusion

Maternal postnatal psychological distress and IPV were associated with wheezing in early childhood. Thus, screening and treatment programs to address maternal psychosocial risk factors may be potential strategies to reduce the burden of childhood wheeze in LMICs.
Morphologically poor blastocysts could affect the implantation rate of a morphologically good blastocyst during a double‐blastocyst transfer for patients who have experienced repeated implantation failures
Authors: Ohgi Shirei , Taga Yukino , Anakubo Hisayo , Kurata Yuki , Hatakeyama Shota , Yanaihara Atsushi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Increasing the number of transferred blastocysts sometimes is selected for patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF). To confirm this strategy, the pregnancy rates (PRs) were compared among the groups who had transferred either a single morphologically good blastocyst (MGB group), double blastocysts with both a MGB and a morphologically poor blastocyst (MGB + MPB group), or a double‐BT with 2 MGBs (two‐MGB group).

Methods

This study was performed between April, 2009 and September, 2014, including 634 cycles for 354 patients with RIF. All the patients received cryopreserved blastocysts in either hormone replacement or natural ovulatory cycles. The included MGBs were at more than the Gardner grade 3BB stage. The PR and implantation rates (IRs) among the three groups were statistically evaluated by the chi‐square test. Statistical significance was set at P < .01.

Results

Although the PRs were similar in these three groups, the IR in the MGB + MPB group was significantly lower than that of the MGB group. The rate in the two‐MGB group also was significantly lower than that of the MGB group.

Conclusion

A double‐BT with a MGB and a MPB does not increase the pregnancy rate, compared with a single‐BT with a MGB among patients with RIF.
Development and characterization of hydrophobic anodized aluminum layer to act as a long‐lasting protective film in corrosion
Authors: Jaimes‐Ramírez R. , Covelo A. , Rodil S. E. , Corona‐Lira P. , Ramírez‐Reivich A. C. , Hernández M.
Published: April 2018

This work focuses on the development of a novel hydrophobic process for anodized aluminum AA2024‐T3 which consists of a combination of corrosion inhibitors: sodium metavanadate with a γ‐irradiated fluoropolymer. The anodizing films, formed in sulfuric acid media, were sealed by using different aqueous solutions such as boiling water, potassium dichromate, and cerium nitrate. The corrosion resistance results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that samples sealed with Ce(NO3)3 had a higher average value of total impedance of 1011 Ω cm2 obtained at low frequencies in 0.1 M NaCl solution. Water contact angle measurements revealed best results at 128.8°. X‐ray photoelectron microscopy in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy indicated the formation of a layer of fluoro compound above the anodized aluminum. X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated thermal modifications of the γ‐irradiated fluoropolymer.
In Vitro DNA/BSA Binding, Anticancer and Normal Cell Activity of Pd(II) Complexes: Substitution Behaviour and Computational Study
Authors: Mukherjee Subhajit , Mitra Ishani , B. Venkata P. Reddy , Das Payel , Misini Bashkim , Linert Wolfgang , Moi Sankar Ch.
Published: April 2018

In the aspect of an effective palladium based anticancer drug design, Pd(II) complexes [Pd(MAMP)Cl2], C1; [Pd(MAMP)(H2O)2]x2, C2; [Pd(MAMP)(L‐cys)]x, C3; [Pd(MAMP)(N‐ac‐L‐cys)], C4; [Pd(MAMP)(DL‐meth)]x2, C5; and [Pd(MAMP)(DL‐pen)]x, C6 (where x=ClO4−/NO3−) have been synthesised and characterised where 2‐[(methylamino)methyl]pyridine (MAMP) has been considered as carrier ligand and chloride, aqua, L‐cysteine (L‐cys), N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (N‐ac‐L‐cys), DL‐methionine (DL‐meth) and DL‐penicillamine (DL‐pen) are selected as leaving group. DNA as well as protein binding ability of the complexes has been investigated with CT‐DNA and BSA and the related binding parameters have been evaluated. Kinetic investigation for the reactions of Pd(II)‐diaqua complex C2 with four selected sulfur containing bio‐molecules have been carried out under pseudo first order condition. In addition, theoretical investigation has also been considered for structural optimisation, frontier molecular orbital mapping, TD‐DFT and NBO analysis. To get an insight into the cytotoxicity, the complexes have been treated on three different cancer cell lines (A549, HeLa, Hep G2) which reveal comparable anticancer activity of the reported complexes with the clinically acquainted anticancer drug Cisplatin. Very less complex initiated reactive oxygen species (ROS) with low degree of cell death in two different non‐tumour cell lines (L6 myotubes and HEK 293) indicate minimum normal cell toxicity of the complexes.
Nanostructured Ferroelectric‐Polymer Composites for Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Li He , Liu Feihua , Fan Baoyan , Ai Ding , Peng Zongren , Wang Qing
Published: April 2018

The introduction of inorganic components into a polymer matrix to form polymer composites is an emerging and promising approach to dielectric materials for capacitive energy storage. Ferroelectric polymers are particularly attractive as matrices for dielectric polymer composites owing to their highest dielectric constant (≥10) among the known polymers. Here, the important aspects and recent advances in the development of the ferroelectric‐polymer‐based dielectric polymer composites for high‐energy‐density capacitor applications are summarized. The preparation methods of ferroelectric‐polymer composites with 0D, 1D, and 2D nanostructured fillers, surface‐modified nanofillers, and hierarchically structured fillers, and their comprehensive impacts on the dielectric properties, breakdown strength, and energy density of the resulting composites are described. The most recent progress on the incorporation of multiple nanofillers with complementary functionalities into ferroelectric polymers and the design of layer‐structured ferroelectric‐polymer composites is also highlighted. A discussion of the scientific and technological issues that remain to be addressed and an outlook for the future of ferroelectric polymer‐based dielectric composites are also presented.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Silicon Nanowire Array‐Based Hybrid Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Banerjee Debika , Guo Xiaohang , Cloutier Sylvain G.
Published: April 2018

In the last decade, freestanding, single crystal silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have attracted significant attention as a potential material for low‐cost optoelectronic devices. In this paper, we demonstrate how strong localized surface plasmon modes, induced using silver nanoparticles, can be used to achieve significant improvement in a simple hybrid organic–inorganic photovoltaic device between n‐type silicon nanowires and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly‐(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). At photon energies above plasmon resonance, metallic nanoparticle‐induced absorption leads to a dramatic reduction of the reflectivity and we report a significant improvement in both the short circuit current density (Jsc) and the open circuit voltage (Voc). This leads to an overall 52% increase in the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the photovoltaic devices when decorating the SiNWs with silver nanoparticles prior to PEDOT:PSS deposition.
Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Causes Prostate Atrophy and Reduces Prostate Progenitor Cell Activity
Authors: Yin Lijuan , Li Jingjing , Liao Chun-Peng , Jason Wu Boyang
Published: April 2018

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) degrade a number of biogenic and dietary amines, including monoamine neurotransmitters, and play an essential role in many biological processes. Neurotransmitters and related neural events have been shown to participate in the development, differentiation, and maintenance of diverse tissues and organs by regulating the specialized cellular function and morphological structures of innervated organs such as the prostate. Here we show that mice lacking both MAO isoforms, MAOA and MAOB, exhibit smaller prostate mass and develop epithelial atrophy in the ventral and dorsolateral prostates. The cellular composition of prostate epithelium showed reduced CK5+ or p63+ basal cells, accompanied by lower Sca-1 expression in p63+ basal cells, but intact differentiated CK8+ luminal cells in MAOA/B-deficient mouse prostates. MAOA/B ablation also decreased epithelial cell proliferation without affecting cell apoptosis in mouse prostates. Using a human prostate epithelial cell line, we found that stable knockdown of MAOA and MAOB impaired the capacity of prostate stem cells to form spheres, coinciding with a reduced CD133+/CD44+/CD24− stem cell population and less expression of CK5 and select stem cell markers, including ALDH1A1, TROP2, and CD166. Alternative pharmacological inhibition of MAOs also repressed prostate cell stemness. In addition, we found elevated expression of MAOA and MAOB in epithelial and/or stromal components of human prostate hyperplasia samples compared with normal prostate tissues. Taken together, our findings reveal critical roles for MAOs in the regulation of prostate basal progenitor cells and prostate maintenance.