bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time In Situ Observation of Microstructural Change in Organometal Halide Perovskite Induced by Thermal Degradation
Authors: Kim Tae Woong , Shibayama Naoyuki , Cojocaru Ludmila , Uchida Satoshi , Kondo Takashi , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2018

Organometal halide perovskites have demonstrated remarkable achievements in solar cell applications and have attracted tremendous attention as next‐generation photovoltaic materials. Regardless of the unprecedented success, the degradation of the perovskite has caused the performance of the perovskite solar cells to be unreliable and prevented their commercialization. However, the detailed degradation mechanism of the perovskite has yet to be elucidated. In this study, the entire procedure of the thermally induced degradation of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) is reported using real‐time in situ transmission electron microscopy. The in situ investigation directly illustrates the detailed process of precipitating trigonal PbI2 grains during thermal degradation and confirms that trigonal PbI2 is precipitated from the amorphized MAPbI3 layer via intermediate states. The intermediate states and their stackings enable the generation of 3D linear‐empty spaces that can be utilized as passages by elements during the decomposition and intercalation of the perovskite. This report will provide critical clues for the commercialization of the perovskite‐based solar cells and for further investigation of the synthesis of the perovskite, which is not fully understood.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Anchored Deep Eutectic Solvents as a Catalyst for the Etherification and Amination of Naphthols
Authors: Zamani Parisa , Ozdemir John , Ha Yumi , Benamara Mourad , Kuchuk Adrian V. , Wang Tengjiao , Chen Jingyi , Khosropour Ahmad R. , Beyzavi M. Hassan
Published: September 2018

Herein, we introduce a reusable catalyst consisting of a deep eutectic solvent made up of choline chloride and p‐toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) covalently immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as an agent for chemoselective direct ipso etherification and amination of naphthols. The bonding of the DES to the surface of the nanoparticles has increased the catalytic activity of the DES and also has simplified catalyst recovery from the reaction mixture. The MNP bound DES particles with an average size of 12±2 nm was characterized by FTIR, PXRD, HRTM, TGA, and VSM. For 16 tested etherification reactions, the functionalized magnetite nanoparticle catalyst gave an average yield of 84%; for 5 tested aminations the average yield was 77%. For all 23 tested reactions the yield was above 70% and pTSA Brønsted acid loading was only 0.45 mol%. The catalytic performance could be attributed to the dispersion of the nanoparticles, strong DES‐support interactions and interactions of the hydrogen donor species with naphthols. This work is the first catalytic examination of PDES covalently bonded on MNPs as a platform for organic transformations.

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“Lost in the sun”—The key role of perceived workplace support for sun‐protective behavior in outdoor workers
Authors: Schilling Laura , Schneider Sven , Görig Tatiana , Spengler Maria , Greinert Rüdiger , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Diehl Katharina
Published: September 2018

Background

Previous studies show that workplace support for sun‐protective behaviors plays an important role in the actual sun‐protective behavior of outdoor workers. Therefore, our aim was to examine perceived workplace support (organizational and social support) in relation to different sun‐protective behaviors.

Methods

A Germany‐wide sample of outdoor workers (n = 485) was surveyed via telephone. We analyzed associations of workplace support with sun‐protective behaviors, sociodemographic, and occupational characteristics, occupational sun exposure, and concerns about sun.

Results

A large number of outdoor workers perceived no workplace support for sun protection (eg, 17.8% agreed that sun protection is enforced at their workplace). We found that those who do not get any support are less likely to show sun‐protective behaviors.

Conclusions

A starting point for a better organizational support is the implementation of mandatory sun protection policies in the workplace. Social support for protection against solar UV exposure can be promoted through safety training and education.
Maternal condition and maternal investment during lactation in mantled howler monkeys
Authors: Dias Pedro Américo D. , Cano‐Huertes Beatriz , Coyohua‐Fuentes Alejandro , Chavira‐Ramírez David Roberto , Canales‐Espinosa Domingo , Rangel‐Negrín Ariadna
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Lactation is a costly reproductive state for females, as it may entail decreased body condition, increased morbidity, and increased mortality risk. To offset these costs, mothers should allocate investment in infant care as a function of their physical condition. Here, we assessed the relationship between maternal condition and maternal investment in wild mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) to determine: (1) whether maternal physical condition varied as a function of food availability, activity levels and feeding effort throughout lactation; (2) whether maternal investment was affected by maternal condition and offspring age.

Materials and methods

We studied six adult females while rearing their immature offspring. We determined weekly food availability, C‐peptide levels (as a measure of energy balance) in urine samples (306 samples), mothers' time budgets, feeding rates, time spent vigilant, and time spent carrying their offspring (for two years; 600 observation hours).

Results

C‐peptide levels were positively related to food availability. Maternal care in terms of vigilance and offspring carrying peaked at early lactation and decreased progressively with offspring age. Carrying was positively related to C‐peptide levels and was also influenced by variation in maternal condition throughout lactation.

Discussion

These results converge with previous theoretical and empirical studies on this topic and contribute to the growing evidence that nonhuman primate mothers allocate maternal care based on their current condition to maximize lifetime reproductive success.
Catalytic Promiscuity of Galactose Oxidase: A Mild Synthesis of Nitriles from Alcohols, Air, and Ammonia
Authors: Vilím Jan , Knaus Tanja , Mutti Francesco G.
Published: September 2018

We report an unprecedented catalytically promiscuous activity of the copper‐dependent enzyme galactose oxidase. The enzyme catalyses the one‐pot conversion of alcohols into the related nitriles under mild reaction conditions in ammonium buffer, consuming ammonia as the source of nitrogen and dioxygen (from air at atmospheric pressure) as the only oxidant. Thus, this green method does not require either cyanide salts, toxic metals, or undesired oxidants in stoichiometric amounts. The substrate scope of the reaction includes benzyl and cinnamyl alcohols as well as 4‐ and 3‐pyridylmethanol, giving access to valuable chemical compounds. The oxidation proceeds through oxidation from alcohol to aldehyde, in situ imine formation, and final direct oxidation to nitrile.
N‐deoxycholic acid‐O‐glycol chitosan as a potential carrier agent for botanical pesticide rotenone
Authors: Yusoff S. N. M. , Kamari A.
Published: September 2018

The potential of amphiphilic chitosan derivative, namely, N‐deoxycholic acid‐O‐glycol chitosan (DAGC), as a carrier agent for pesticide rotenone was assessed for the first time. The physicochemical properties of DAGC were characterized using several analytical instruments such as 1H‐NMR spectrometer, CHN‐O elemental analyzer, FTIR spectrometer, TGA, DSC, and UV–visible spectrophotometer. DAGC formed self‐aggregation in the solution with a spherical shape of 67.5–83.3 nm. Rotenone‐loaded DAGC could give an encapsulation efficiency of up to 91.69%. DAGC micelles exhibit good control release properties as it can prolong the release of rotenone up to 41 h more than free rotenone. The Korsmeyer–Peppas constant (n) values suggest that rotenone release from DAGC micelles was governed by diffusion and relaxation of DAGC chains. The results from this study conclude that DAGC is viable to be applied as a carrier agent in pesticide formulation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46855.
One‐pot synthesis of palm oil‐based polyester polyol for production of biodegradable and biocompatible polyurethane
Authors: Yeoh F. H. , Lee C. S. , Kang Y. B. , Wong S. F. , Cheng S. F.
Published: September 2018

Palm oil‐based polyester polyol was synthesized by reacting epoxidized palm olein with malonic acid under a convenient one‐pot synthesis method. The optimum reaction time, temperature, and functionality molar ratio were determined. The optimal polyol consisted of hydroxyl and acid values of 98.19 and 1.44 mg KOH/g sample, 95% conversion of epoxides and Mn of 5201 Da; and the chemical structure was elucidated by Fourier transform infrared , Carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 1H‐NMR. The polyol was appeared as light‐yellowish liquid with cloud and pour points of 12 and 10 °C and reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to produce polyurethane with interconnected pores ranged 35–2165 μm, porosity ranged 89–90%, tensile strength ranged 59–78 kPa, and compression stress ranged 48–55 kPa. The polyurethanes showed 120–260% water‐uptake and controlled mass loss (1.6–15.3%) after 28 days of enzymatic degradation. PU 1 demonstrated slight cytotoxicity with cell proliferation and adhesion observed after 24 h incubation, demonstrated its potential as biomaterial for biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46861.
Composite of polyaniline‐bismuth selenide with enhanced thermoelectric performance
Authors: Mitra M. , Kulsi C. , Kargupta K. , Ganguly S. , Banerjee D.
Published: September 2018

Conducting polymer‐chalcogenide composites have recently been used as propitious contenders for light‐weight, cost‐saving, and nonhazardous thermoelectric (TE) applications. In this work, polyaniline‐bismuth selenide (PANI‐Bi2Se3) nanoplate composites are fabricated via combining in situ oxidative polymerization and solvothermal method. X‐ray diffraction spectra illustrate a uniform growth of PANI matrix over Bi2Se3 nanoplates (BS NPs), directing toward a more ordered composite structure during polymerization. There is a reduction in average crystalline‐size, estimated from Williamson–Hall plot for the composite. Transmission electron microscopic and field emission microscopic images unveil the formation of two‐dimensional (2D) layered‐like structure of the composite. Fourier transform infrared spectra shows the interactions between the BS NPs along with the polymer chains by forming a 2D layered‐like composite structure. The enhanced transport properties can be elucidated on the basis of 2D variable‐range hopping model. The augmentation of power factor (S2σ) of the composite is nearly 30 times with an insignificant change in thermal conductivity (κ) as compared to PANI. This improves the high temperature TE performance (ZT = S2σT/κ~0.18) of the composite with 30 wt % BS NPs (ZTPANI~0.009). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46887.
Linear segmented polyurethanes. II. A mathematical model for the prepolymerization stage
Authors: Polo M. L. , Pesoa J. I. , Nicolau V. V. , Spontón M. E. , Estenoz D. A. , Meira G. R.
Published: September 2018

In the first part of this sequel, an experimental investigation on the synthesis of linear segmented polyurethanes was presented, that included estimation of the kinetic constants at 60°C for the prepolymerization and finishing stages. This work presents two comprehensive mathematical models that simulate the mentioned prepolymerizations, in reactions between two poly(tetramethylene oxide) PTMO macrodiols and an excess of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. The models require to input the molar mass distribution (MMD) of the initial macrodiol. The single‐phase (or homogeneous) model calculates a final MMD of approximately 40,000 different molecular species, and somewhat underestimates the observed molar mass dispersities. The double‐phases (or heterogeneous) model produces a better fit of the observed MMDs by simulating two independent polymerizations carried out in parallel. The double‐phases model contains three adjustable parameters: the reaction imbalances into both phases, and an “effective” rate constant. In part III of this sequel, the presented models will be extended to simulate the finishing stages. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46946.
HSTPNSim: An educational simulator for multi‐disciplinary modeling for hybrid system
Authors: Cao Ruimin , Bai Guoli , Hao Lina , Gao Qiang , Deng Junxiang
Published: September 2018

HSTPNSim is proposed as a kind of visual multi‐disciplinary system modeling and simulation educational simulator for beginners. An example of grid automatic sorting system is taken for to introduce the function and simulation process of HSTPNSim. An electronic questionnaire is designed to investigate modeling works, operation experience, function evaluation, and promotion willingness.
Tunable Color of Aggregation‐Induced Emission Enhancement in a Family of Hydrogen‐Bonded Azines and Schiff Bases
Authors: Guieu Samuel , Cardona Francisco , Rocha João , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: September 2018

A simple synthesis strategy afforded a family of hydrogen‐bonded azines and Schiff‐bases. Although in dilute solution these dyes are faint light emitters, all exhibit bright luminescence upon aggregation. Changing the peripheral substituents from electron donating to electron withdrawing allows emission fine‐tuning in a range from bluish‐green to orange‐red. The crystal structures of the materials reveal that the restriction of intramolecular rotations is the main mechanism for the aggregation‐induced emission enhancement properties.
Computational Comparative Mechanistic Study of C−E (E=C,N,O,S) Coupling Reactions through CO2 Activation Mediated by Uranium(III) Complexes
Authors: Ding Wanjian , Liu Yanxiao , Wang Dongqi
Published: September 2018

A DFT mechanistic study is undertaken on the functionalization of CO2 to form C−C, C−N, C−S, and C−O bonds promoted by trivalent uranium complexes (Tp*)2UR [Tp*=hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)‐borate ligand, R= −C≡CPh (Cpda‐CC), −C≡CSiMe3 (Cpda‐CSi), −NHPh (Cpda‐N), −SPh (Cpda‐S), and −OPh (Cpda‐O)]. These model systems are similar in view of their two‐step reaction mechanisms, that is, the insertion of CO2 into the U−E (E=C, N, O, S) bond to form a [U‐κ1‐O2C] intermediate, followed by the reorientation of the carboxylate group to coordinate with the U atom in the κ2 manner (Cpdb‐X, X=CC, CSi, N, S, O). However, the free energy barriers to the rate‐determining steps are substantially different, increasing in the order Cpda‐S<Cpda‐CC<Cpda‐Csi<Cpda‐N<Cpda‐O, which suggests that the bond property of the U−E bonds and the nucleophilicity of the R groups govern the reactivity of the trivalent U complexes. The insertion product may then be silylated in the presence of trimethylsilyl iodide. Two potential mechanisms have been investigated with the −O2CR group attacking the Si atom from the side cis (frontside) or trans (backside) to the I atom. The backside pathway was found to be more feasible in view of the free energy barriers and thermicity.
Single‐molecule localization microscopy of septin bundles in mammalian cells
Authors: Vissa Adriano , Giuliani Maximiliano , Froese Carol D. , Kim Moshe S. , Soroor Forooz , Kim Peter K. , Trimble William S. , Yip Christopher M.
Published: September 2018

Septins are a conserved family of GTPases that associate with numerous components of the cytoskeleton and the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. These proteins are involved in many biological processes, including cell division and membrane trafficking, and serving as a scaffolding component of the cytoskeleton used to recruit other proteins and form diffusion barriers to maintain the composition of membrane domains. In order to carry out their cellular functions, septins undergo interactions via their NC or G interfaces to form heteromeric rod‐like structures that can polymerize into filaments and associate laterally into bundles. While electron microscopy studies of affinity‐tagged and purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae septin complexes have provided evidence for this periodic organization and in‐registry lateral bundling in vitro, the in‐vivo arrangement of stress fiber‐associated septin bundles in mammalian cells remains poorly characterized. We report here on a direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy and photoactivated localization microscopy study of the 2D spatial distribution of septins in mammalian cells. From simulated and experimental results, we show the effects of labeling method, labeling efficiency, and fluorescent emitter photophysics on image reconstruction and interpretation. Our experimental results are consistent with septin organization by polymerization of hetero‐octamers and an approximate 30–35 nm periodicity between subsequent units of SEPT2–SEPT2 or SEPT9–SEPT9.
Multi‐objective optimization algorithm of adaptive entropy wireless network based on embedded DSP
Authors: Sun Lingfan , Gui Lin
Published: September 2018

The dynamic changes and uncertainties of wireless networks bring a lot of difficulties to the target management and task scheduling. In order to accurately grasp the target dynamic optimization and available capacity information, a new algorithm based on adaptive entropy and multi‐objective optimization is proposed. In adaptive entropy, the objective function and constraint condition of the maximum entropy and entropy increasing principle are used to select the objective which satisfies the maximization of the system, and the optimal scheduling is carried out, and then the multi‐objective optimization is carried out on the selected target, to migrate, release the target of heavy optimization and long‐term unavailability, which can reduce the energy consumption, realize the optimization balance, and improve the system utilization rate. The simulation experiment is designed to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that the adaptive entropy algorithm is very effective for user QoS and system maximization, which enhances the system utilization rate. This optimization algorithm has realized the user QoS guarantee, reduces the energy consumption, the optimized equilibrium, the enhanced system utilization, and so on many optimization goals.
PAPR reduction in ECMA‐368 UWB communication systems using parametric discrete sliding norm transform
Authors: Mehallel Elhadi , Abed Djamel , Boukrouche Abdelhani , Medjouri Abdelkader
Published: September 2018

ECMA‐368 Standard adopts multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB‐OFDM) for high rate ultra‐wideband (UWB) communication systems as a possible candidate for indoor wireless personnel area networks. One of the main drawbacks of MB‐OFDM modulation is the high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR), which limits the power efficiency of the digital‐to‐analog converter and the high power amplifier due to nonlinear distortion. In this paper, a post inverse discrete Fourier transform nonlinear transformation called parametric discrete sliding norm transform (PDSNT) is proposed to reduce the PAPR in MB‐OFDM systems. The PDSNT method in addition to its much lower computational complexity than other schemes recently proposed for ECMA‐368 UWB systems introduces an efficient controlling parameter to obtain a good tradeoff between PAPR reduction and bit error rate (BER) performance degradation. Simulation results show that the proposed PDSNT‐based MB‐OFDM scheme can achieve better performance in PAPR reduction than conventional solutions with affordable BER performance degradation in UWB channel models.
A theoretically guided approach to identifying predictors of treatment outcome in Contextual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for chronic pain
Authors: Gilpin Helen R. , Stahl Daniel R. , McCracken Lance M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Psychological treatments are known to be effective for chronic pain, but little is understood about which patients are most likely to benefit from which ones.

Methods

The study reported here included 609 people who attended a residential, interdisciplinary, pain management programme based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy between January 2012 and August 2014. A flexible and theoretically guided approach to model building based on fractional polynomials was used to identify potential predictors of outcome in domains of emotional, physical and social functioning and pain intensity. Variables considered for inclusion were baseline demographic variables along with measures reflecting processes of psychological flexibility, including acceptance, cognitive defusion and committed action.

Results

Employment status, level of distress, decentring (a process like cognitive defusion) and acceptance significantly contributed to the model above and beyond the effects of other baseline variables. The unique effects of these were small but may be clinically relevant.

Conclusions

Future research should continue to investigate moderators of treatment outcome and to explicitly link these to treatment mechanisms. Taking a flexible, theoretically driven approach to modelling continuous outcomes may be valuable in furthering our understanding of which patients might respond best to which treatments.

Significance

Further research is needed to better understand who benefits most from psychological treatments for chronic pain. This study suggests that a flexible, multivariate and theoretical approach to identifying predictors of outcome may be valuable in furthering research in this area.
Combination of submandibular salivary gland transfer and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy to reduce dryness of mouth (xerostomia) in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Scrimger Rufus A , Seikaly Hadi , Vos Larissa J. , Harris Jeffrey , O'Connell Dan , Ghosh Sunita , Debenham Brock , Jha Naresh
Published: September 2018

Background

Xerostomia is a debilitating side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Combining surgical submandibular‐gland transfer (SMGT) with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) may provide greater protection of salivary function.

Methods

This was a single‐institution, prospective phase II feasibility trial. Patients with head and neck cancer or unknown primary with neck node metastases received primary surgery with SMGT and postoperative radiotherapy with tomotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions). Toxicity and quality of life (QOL) were assessed before surgery, before RT, and after RT.

Results

Forty patients received SMGT and IMRT. Only 1 patient experienced grade 3 salivary gland toxicity. At 12 months post‐RT, the rate of absent or only mild xerostomia was 89%, and salivary flow rates were approximately 75% of pre‐RT levels.

Conclusions

The combination of IMRT with SMGT is feasible and with improved dose constraints may maximally spare the parotid and submandibular glands, leading to decreased xerostomia and improved patient QOL.
Chemical Crosslinking‐Mass Spectrometry (CXL‐MS) for Proteomics, Antibody‐Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Cryo‐Electron Microscopy (cryo‐EM)
Authors: Pal Shreya , Ganesan Keerthiga , Eswaran Sambasivan
Published: September 2018

Chemical crosslinking‐mass spectrometry (CXL‐MS) has emerged as a powerful tool in structural biology to elucidate protein–protein interactions. This review throws light on the advent of these technologies incorporating chemical crosslinking in proteomics, structural biology and extended to studies and applications of antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs). Monoclonal ASCs are known to target their specific receptors, where the drug could be released for vastly improved therapeutic effect. Cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) is being referred to as the “revolution of the century” as it can help attain almost atomic resolution, while preserving the biological samples at near‐native state and has been recognized by the Nobel award 2017. CXL‐MS and appropriate bioinformatics tools in combination with cryo‐EM reveal better 3D information about dynamic interactions in proteins, interactive domains and motifs, among others in ADCs and in viruses like Zika virus, Rota virus, Dengue virus and also spliceosomes at resolutions, especially below 3 Å. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):947–960, 2018
Evaluation of neurobehavioral impairment in methylmercury‐treated KK‐Ay mice by dynamic weight‐bearing test
Authors: Yamamoto Megumi , Motomura Eriko , Yanagisawa Rie , Hoang Van Anh Thi , Mogi Masaki , Mori Tomohisa , Nakamura Masaaki , Takeya Motohiro , Eto Komyo
Published: September 2018

Methylmercury (MeHg) is known to cause neurobehavioral impairment in human and experimental animals. We previously reported that MeHg (5 mg Hg/kg) induced severe neurobehavioral dysfunction in 4‐week‐old KK‐Ay mice, although it is difficult to evaluate quantitatively the neurobehavioral impairment in MeHg‐treated KK‐Ay mice because of their obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate MeHg‐induced neurobehavioral dysfunction in KK‐Ay mice using the dynamic weight‐bearing test, which analyzes the animal's weight distribution between the four limbs. Male 12‐week‐old KK‐Ay mice were treated with MeHg (5 mg Hg/kg) three times per week for 5 weeks. Body weight loss began after approximately 2 weeks of MeHg treatment, and decreased significantly at 4 weeks. Seven of the nine MeHg‐treated mice exhibited overt neurological symptoms such as ataxia and gait disturbance. The weight‐bearing load was lower for the forelimb than for the hindlimb at baseline and until 1 week after MeHg treatment was initiated. In weeks 2‐4, the dynamic weight‐bearing loads on the forelimb and hindlimb were similar. The load on the forelimb exceeded the load on the hindlimb after 5 weeks of treatment. This finding indicates that the dynamic weight‐bearing test is useful for semi‐quantitative evaluation of neurobehavioral impairment in MeHg‐treated rodents, and is less stressful for the animals. Infiltration of CD204‐positive macrophages was observed in the sciatic nerve of MeHg‐treated mice, suggesting that CD204 can serve as a useful marker of tissue injury in peripheral nerves and a possible target in regenerating peripheral nerves and controlling neuropathies.
A novel customizable stent graft that contains a stretchable ePTFE with a laser‐welded nitinol stent
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Tillman Bryan , Go Catherine , Cho Sung Kwon , Clark William W. , Hur Tae Bong , Ding Yicheng , Chun Youngjae
Published: September 2018

Customizable medical devices have recently attracted attentions both in dental and orthopedic device fields, which can tailor to the patients’ anatomy to reduce the length of surgery time and to improve the clinical outcomes. However, development of the patient specific endovascular device still remains challenging due to the limitations in current 3D printing technology, specifically for the stent grafts. Therefore, our group has investigated the feasibility of a highly stretchable expanded‐polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tube as a customizable graft material with the laser‐welded nitinol backbone. In this study, a highly stretchable ePTFE tube was evaluated in terms of mechanical behaviors, in vitro biocompatibility of ePTFE with various stretchiness levels, and capability for the integration with the laser‐welded customizable nitinol stent backbone. A prototype stent graft for the swine's venous size was successfully constructed and tested in the porcine model. This study demonstrates the ability of ePTFE tube to customize the stent graft without any significant issue, for example, sweating through the stretched pores in the ePTFE tube, as well as in vivo feasibility of the device for bleeding control. This novel customizable stent graft would offer possibilities for a wide range of both current and next‐generation endovascular applications for the treatment in vascular injuries or diseases. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 911–923, 2019.
Indication‐specific immunomodulatory effects of extracorporeal photopheresis: A pilot study in heart transplanted patients
Authors: Dieterlen Maja‐Theresa , Garbade Jens , Misfeld Martin , Lehmann Sven , Klaeske Kristin , Borger Michael A. , Barten Markus J.
Published: September 2018

Background

The clinical use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is based on its ability to induce cell‐mediated immune tolerance towards foreign and self‐antigens. Up‐to‐date, no clear consensus consists on how to use ECP after heart transplantation (HTx). In this pilot study, we evaluated the stimulatory effects of ECP on immune cells in HTx patients.

Methods

HTx patients received ECP therapy as prophylaxis of rejection (PRX, n = 15), to treat acute cellular rejection (ACR, n = 13) or cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, n = 5). Three ECP cycles with monthly frequency were performed. Blood samples were taken before every ECP cycle and 2 months after the last ECP cycle and were analyzed for cytokines and the tolerance‐inducing cell subsets regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid (mDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).

Results

While ECP treatment induced first an increase of pDCs in the CAV group (baseline: 22.0% ± 9.6%, prior third ECP cycle: 8.6% ± 3.2%, follow‐up: 31.5% ± 8.4%, P = .009), no significant changes of DC subsets and Tregs were observed in the ACR‐ and in the PRX group. Furthermore, analysis of the immune balance showed different response profiles of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines among prophylactically ECP‐treated patients and ECP‐treated patients suffering from CAV or ACR.

Conclusions

In our pilot study, we showed different stimulatory effects of ECP on pDCs and cytokines among prophylactic and therapeutic ECP therapy after HTx. Immunological monitoring should be included in a larger clinical study of ECP treatment following HTx and to identify predictable parameters for ECP efficacy.
Debunking superstition: Analyzing the cloud phenomenon in apheresis—Results of a 35‐month study
Authors: Staley Elizabeth M. , Raju Dheeraj , Williams Lance A. , Kim Chong H. , Jiang Ning , Pham Huy P.
Published: September 2018

Many practitioners believe in the phenomenon of being labeled either a “black cloud” or “white cloud” while on‐call. A “white‐cloud” physician is usually defined as one who sees fewer cases while a “black‐cloud” is one who often receives more cases. To evaluate these phenomena, a 35‐month prospective study was designed to evaluate the number of times apheresis staff was involved with emergent apheresis procedures at a large institution in the off hours between 10 pm and 7 am, since this is the time period when significant resources have to be mobilized to perform the procedure. During the study period, 92 emergent procedures (or “black‐cloud” events, 8.6%) occurred. The median time between two consecutive “black‐cloud” events was 9 days (range: 1–45 days). We found that there is no statistically significant association between the occurrence of “black‐cloud” events and attending physicians (P = .99), nurses who had 56 or more days on‐call during the course of the study (P = .28), year (P = .85), day of the week (P = .099), month (P = .57), or season of the year (P = .47). Therefore, the findings from this prospective 35‐month confirmation study did not support the common perception that physicians or nurses maybe either “black clouds” or “white clouds.” It is important that this meaningful result be shared with apheresis practitioners given that the label of being a “black cloud” may have undesirable psychological implications to the physicians and nurses.
Perioperative management during laparoscopic resection of large pheochromocytomas: A single‐institution retrospective study
Authors: Liu Hongju , Li Bin , Yu Xuerong , Huang Yuguang
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

The safety of laparoscopic resection of very large pheochromocytomas is unclear, and preoperative preparation may benefit from refinement. This retrospective study was designed to determine the correlation between tumor size and perioperative characteristics by evaluating data from patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas.

Methods

A total of 253 patients were grouped according to their tumor diameter: diameter ≥8 cm, Glarge (Glg) (n = 30); diameter 6 to 8 cm, Gmedium (Gmd) (n = 57); and diameter <6 cm, Gsmall (Gsm) (n = 166). The perioperative data were compared among the three groups using the analysis of variance test, Wilcoxon’s rank‐sum test, and the chi‐square test.

Results

Patients in the Glg and Gmd groups had a higher preoperative phenoxybenzamine daily dose and 24‐hour urine levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline than those in the Gsm group, as they needed longer vasopressor support. Transfusion of allogeneic blood products was found to be increased in patients of the Glg group compared with the other two groups and their intensive care unit stays were longer.

Conclusions

Compared with small‐sized pheochromocytomas, laparoscopic resection of medium‐sized pheochromocytomas requires vigilant monitoring and resolution of hemodynamic fluctuations. Patients with very large pheochromocytomas are at greater risk of intraoperative bleeding and may benefit from the ensured availability of blood products and intensive postoperative monitoring.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly under Compressed CO2: Control of Morphology Using a CO2‐Responsive MacroRAFT Agent
Authors: Zhou Dewen , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Dong Siming , Lucien Frank P. , Perrier Sébastien , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: September 2018

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly of 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate is conducted in water and water/MeOH using a CO2‐responsive macroRAFT agent in the form of a statistical copolymer comprising N,N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (M
n = 475 g mol−1). Pressurization with CO2 leads to protonation of DEAEMA units within the stabilizer block, thereby offering a means of adjusting the charge density of the coronal layer. It is demonstrated that a wide range of tunable particle morphologies are accessible by simply varying the CO2 pressure during polymerization in the range of 10–45 bar.
Rigid motion‐corrected magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Cruz Gastão , Jaubert Olivier , Schneider Torben , Botnar Rene M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Develop a method for rigid body motion‐corrected magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF).

Methods

MRF has shown some robustness to abrupt motion toward the end of the acquisition. Here, we study the effects of different types of rigid body motion during the acquisition on MRF and propose a novel approach to correct for this motion. The proposed method (MC‐MRF) follows 4 steps: (1) sliding window reconstruction is performed to produce high‐quality auxiliary dynamic images; (2) rotation and translation motion is estimated from the dynamic images by image registration; (3) estimated motion is used to correct acquired k‐space data with corresponding rotations and phase shifts; and (4) motion‐corrected data are reconstructed with low‐rank inversion. MC‐MRF was validated in a standard T1/T2 phantom and 2D in vivo brain acquisitions in 7 healthy subjects. Additionally, the effect of through‐plane motion in 2D MC‐MRF was investigated.

Results

Simulation results show that motion in MRF can introduce artifacts in T1 and T2 maps, depending when it occurs. MC‐MRF improved parametric map quality in all phantom and in vivo experiments with in‐plane motion, comparable to the no‐motion ground truth. Reduced parametric map quality, even after motion correction, was observed for acquisitions with through‐plane motion, particularly for smaller structures in T2 maps.

Conclusion

Here, a novel method for motion correction in MRF (MC‐MRF) is proposed, which improves parametric map quality and accuracy in comparison to no‐motion correction approaches. Future work will include validation of 3D MC‐MRF to enable also through‐plane motion correction.
The application of magnetic resonance fingerprinting to single voxel proton spectroscopy
Authors: Kulpanovich Alexey , Tal Assaf
Published: September 2018

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting has been proposed as a method for undersampling k‐space while simultaneously yielding multiparametric tissue maps. In the context of single voxel spectroscopy, fingerprinting can provide a unified framework for parameter estimation. We demonstrate the utility of such a magnetic resonance spectroscopic fingerprinting (MRSF) framework for simultaneously quantifying metabolite concentrations, T1 and T2 relaxation times and transmit inhomogeneity for major singlets of N‐acetylaspartate, creatine and choline. This is achieved by varying TR, TE and the flip angle of the first pulse in a PRESS sequence between successive excitations (i.e. successive TR values). The need for multiparametric schemes such as MRSF for accurate medical diagnostics is demonstrated with the aid of realistic in vivo simulations; these show that certain schemes lead to substantial increases to the area under receiver operating characteristics of metabolite concentrations, when viewed as classifiers of pathologies. Numerical simulations and phantom and in vivo experiments using several different schedules of variable length demonstrate superior precision and accuracy for metabolite concentrations and longitudinal relaxation, and similar performance for the quantification of transverse relaxation.
Partitioned penalty methods for the transport equation in the evolutionary Stokes–Darcy‐transport problem
Authors: Ervin V. , Kubacki M. , Layton W. , Moraiti M. , Si Z. , Trenchea C.
Published: September 2018

There has been a surge of work on models for coupling surface‐water with groundwater flows which is at its core the Stokes–Darcy problem, as well as methods for uncoupling the problem into subdomain, subphysics solves. The resulting (Stokes–Darcy) fluid velocity is important because the flow transports contaminants. The numerical analysis and algorithm development for the evolutionary transport problem has, however, focused on a quasi‐static Stokes–Darcy model and a single domain (fully coupled) formulation of the transport equation. This report presents a numerical analysis of a partitioned method for contaminant transport for the fully evolutionary system. The algorithm studied is unconditionally stable with one subdomain solve per step. Numerical experiments are given using the proposed algorithm that investigates the effects of the penalty parameters on the convergence of the approximations.
Genauer dank altem Trick
Authors: Schmitt Simon
Published: September 2018

Die Verwendungsmöglichkeiten und das Leistungsvermögen von Quantensensoren übertreffen klassische Sensoren bei Weitem. Vor allem Stickstoff‐Fehlstellen‐Zentren in Diamant sind mit ihrem Elektronenspin ein interessanter Kandidat für quantenmetrologische Anwendungen wie Kernspinresonanz‐Messungen. Allerdings begrenzt die kurze Relaxationszeit im Millisekundenbereich bislang die Präzision bei Frequenzmessungen. Die neue Messmethode Qdyne nutzt die alte Idee der heterodynen Detektion. Sie steigert so die Frequenzauflösung von Quantensensoren um mehr als sechs Größenordnungen. Diese und weitere Entdeckungen werden Quantensensoren mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit den Weg in industrielle Anwendungen ebnen.
25 Millionen Sterne und ein Schwarzes Loch
Authors: Schödel Rainer , Neumayer Nadine
Published: September 2018

Der zentrale Sternhaufen unserer Milchstraße besteht aus Sternen mit einer Gesamtmasse von etwa 25 Millionen Sonnenmassen, die ein vier Millionen Sonnenmassen schweres Schwarzes Loch umkreisen. Er ist ein einzigartiges Labor für die Astrophysik extremer Umgebungen und ein Modellsystem, um die Eigenschaften der omnipräsenten zentralen Haufen in anderen Galaxien zu verstehen.
Shape changing hydrogels and their applications as soft actuators
Authors: Peng Xin , Wang Huiliang
Published: September 2018

In nature, plants or animals change their geometric shapes and hence realize different functions or movements. Inspired by the shape changes of plants and animals, several hydrogels that can change their geometric shapes upon external stimuli have been developed. This article provides a brief overview of shape changing hydrogels. First, two strategies to realize the shape changes of hydrogels, that is, preparing hydrogels with inhomogeneous structures and applying inhomogeneous stimuli onto homogeneous hydrogels, are discussed. Then, external stimuli that can actuate the shape changes of the stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are presented. The applications of shape changing hydrogels such as soft machines, soft robotics, drug carriers, microfluidic valves, and sensors have been provided in third part. Finally, we offer our perspective on open challenges and future areas of interest for the shape changing hydrogel actuators. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1314–1324
A scheme of numerical solution for three‐dimensional isoelectronic series of hydrogen atom using one‐dimensional basis functions
Authors: Rahman Faiz Ur , Zhao Rundong , Sarwono Yanoar Pribadi , Zhang Rui‐Qin
Published: September 2018

The solution of three‐dimensional Schrödinger wave equations of the hydrogen atoms and their isoelectronic ions (Z = 1 − 4) are obtained from the linear combination of one‐dimensional hydrogen wave functions. The use of one‐dimensional basis functions facilitates easy numerical integrations. An iteration technique is used to obtain accurate wave functions and energy levels. The obtained ground state energy level for the hydrogen atom converges stably to −0.498 a.u. The result shows that the novel approach is efficient for the three‐dimensional solution of the wave equation, extendable to the numerical solution of general many‐body problems, as has been demonstrated in this work with hydrogen anion.
Lithium analysis in Li‐ion battery materials via a scanning electron microscopy‐based approach
Authors: Taguchi Noboru , Sakaebe Hikari , Tanaka Shingo
Published: September 2018

We performed Li analysis by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) with a scanning electron microscopy‐based apparatus. It was possible to distinguish between Li compounds containing different transition metal elements spatially, via the spectrum imaging scheme of REELS spectra. We also acquired the Li spectrum for an Li‐inserted graphite negative electrode. REELS measurements with hemispherical analyzer were performed to obtain high‐quality spectra with sufficient energy resolution and compared with those from cylindrical mirror analyzer measurements; the former provided a more detailed chemical state evaluation of Li.
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy for visualization and local electrochemical activities of lithium‐ion (de) intercalation process in lithium‐ion batteries electrodes
Authors: Kumatani Akichika , Takahashi Yasufumi , Miura Chiho , Ida Hiroki , Inomata Hirotaka , Shiku Hitoshi , Munakata Hirokazu , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: September 2018

Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy with a single barrel micro‐/nano‐pipette (SECCM) was applied to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) composite positive electrodes and an isolated LiFePO4 secondary particle for lithium‐ion batteries. To analyze lithium‐ion (Li+) charge or discharge process on the electrodes using local probe, a pipette filled with LiCl electrolyte solution and Ag/AgCl quasi‐reference counter electrode (QRCE) was used. Both the local electrochemical activities of LiFePO4 on the composite electrodes and a single particle were revealed by SECCM as in‐situ direct measurement of current response‐related Li+ transport from mapping and cyclic voltammogram at confined area by the pipette. The mapping has visualized Li+ deintercalation process from LiFePO4 at +0.65 V (applied between the sample‐QRCE). We show that the SECCM system is a strong analytical tool for a characterization of local Li+ behavior of active electrode materials in lithium‐ion batteries.
Study on carbon dioxide reduction with water over metal oxide photocatalysts
Authors: Kato Yuma , Yamamoto Muneaki , Akatsuka Masato , Ito Ryota , Ozawa Akiyo , Kawaguchi Yu , Tanabe Tetsuo , Yoshida Tomoko
Published: September 2018

Various metal oxides with 0.1 wt% Ag loaded as a cocatalyst were prepared by an impregnation method and examined their photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction with water. Among all the prepared Ag‐loaded metal oxides, Ga2O3, ZrO2, Y2O3, MgO, and La2O3 showed activities for CO and H2 productions under ultraviolet light irradiation. Thus, metal oxides involving metal cations with closed shell electronic structures such as d0, d10, and s0 had the potential for CO2 reduction with water. In situ Fourier transform infrared measurement revealed that the photocatalytic activity and selectivity for CO production are controlled by the amount and chemical states of CO2 adsorbed on the catalyst surface and by the surface basicity, as summarized as follows: Ag/ZrO2 enhanced H2 production rather than CO production due to very little CO2 adsorption. Ag/Ga2O3 exhibited the highest activity for CO production, because adsorbed monodentate bicarbonate was effectively converted to bidentate formate being the reaction intermediates for CO production owing to its weak surface basicity. Ag/La2O3, Ag/Y2O3, and Ag/MgO having both weak and strong basic sites adsorbed larger amount of carbonate species including their ions and suppressed H2 production. However, the adsorbed carbonate species were hardly converted to the bidentate formate.
Economic Fluctuations in the U.S. and Euro Area: Quantifying the Contribution of Technical Change
Authors: Di Pietro Marco , Saltari Enrico
Published: September 2018

This article aims at quantifying the contribution of technical change to cyclical fluctuations in the U.S. and euro area. We distinguish technical progress in labor‐augmenting and capital‐augmenting change. To this end, we derive and estimate a New Keynesian DSGE model embodying a constant elasticity of substitution (CES) production function for both areas. Our main findings are: (i) capital‐augmenting progress is the main source of technical change volatility; (ii) labor‐augmenting shocks give a negligible contribution to the variance of output; (iii) technical change (of both types) explains more economic fluctuations in the U.S. than in the euro area; and (iv) historical decomposition of GDP growth over our sample period (1980–2008) shows that capital‐augmenting progress is one of the key drivers of the business cycle.
Examining Moral Frameworks in Negotiation Practice: A Critical Systems Perspective
Authors: Pinzon‐Salcedo Luis Arturo , Ramírez‐Tovar Silvia Elena , Torres‐Cuello Maria Alejandra
Published: September 2018

Negotiations are part of systemic interventions. Because moral frameworks affect goal setting and decision‐making processes in negotiation, they can have an important effect in systemic interventions. In this paper, we use critical systems thinking to improve our understanding of the structure of moral frameworks and judgments in negotiation. We explore several moral frameworks that are applied in negotiation, and we demonstrate how boundary critique can be employed to understand and deal more reflexively and holistically with moral judgments that are part of negotiations in systemic interventions. By adopting a critical perspective of our assumptions and rationality in negotiation practice, we attempt to show how to open negotiations that are part of systemic interventions to more reflexive and informed possibilities. This can help us to avoid implementing changes in a systemic intervention that promote moral perspectives, which are not based on a holistic and reflexive exploration of the stakeholders' moral frameworks. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.