bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Tunneling Behavior in Geometrically Separated Wave Guides
Authors: Omar M. , Ramzan R. , Saddiqui O. F.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, characteristics of energy tunneling channel between the waveguides geometrically separated by a coaxial cable are studied.  The novel aspect of design is use of coaxial channel to connect the waveguides while maintaining the energy tunneling phenomena. As anticipated the tunneling frequency depends upon the length of wire inside the waveguide and the length of the coaxial cable. The tunneling frequency also depends upon the dielectric constant of the material inside the waveguide and coaxial cable.  At tunneling frequency the field strength (E and H) in the channel is extremely high, making the channel extremely sensitive to small change in permittivity of dielectric occupying the channel.  The advantage of the proposed design is, its ability to tune to desired tunneling frequency just by changing the length of the coaxial cable without the need to redesign the waveguide height to accommodate the long tunneling wires. This structure can be used as dielectric sensor both for solid or liquid dielectrics just by placing the sample in coaxial cable cavity, contrary to previously report work where the sample has to be placed inside the waveguide.
Microwave Interferometry Based On Open-ended Coaxial Technique for High Sensitivity Liquid Sensing
Authors: Bakli H. , Haddadi K.
Published: October 2017

This paper describes a modified open-ended coaxial technique for microwave dielectric characterization in liquid media. A calibration model is developed to relate the measured transmission coefficient to the local properties of the sample under test. As a demonstration, the permittivity of different sodium chloride solutions is experimentally determined. Accuracies of 0.17% and 0.19% are obtained respectively for the real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity at 5.9 GHz.
Low Radar Cross-section and Low Cost Dipole Antenna Reflector
Authors: Machado G. G. , De Melo M. T. , Silva Filho H. V. H. , Neto A. G. , De Souza T. R.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a method for reducing Radar CrossSection (RCS) of an increased gain metal backed dipole antenna. Numerical simulations were done and compared to a laboratory experiment. The results show that when a Perfect Electrical Conductor (PEC) is replaced by a Frequency Selective Surface (FSS), the antenna is still able to perform with the desired characteristics, but the RCS of the structure is greatly reduced out of band. The design of the FSS and the return loss, gain improvement, and RCS are presented for an antenna operating at 4.2GHz, and the results are compared with a conventional metal backed layout. Measurements show a good agreement with the simulations, and so the advantages on other structures from the reviewed literature are mentioned.
Design and Fabrication of Tri-Stopband Bandstop Filters Using Cascaded and Multi-Armed Methods
Authors: Boutejdar A. , Bennani S. D.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we proposed a compact C-open-loop ring resonator and its equivalent circuit. The second cascaded BSF are designed using this simple C-ring resonator. The double ring BPF consists of two cascaded C-ring resonators, which are placed on the RO4003 substrate, while the other triple BSF structure consists of tree cascaded C-ring resonators, which are connected with input and output through microstrip feed lines. The both filters are simulated, optimized and partially realized using MWR simulator and Anritsu E5072A vector network analyzer VNA. In order to reduce the size and to improve the filter characteristics, novel compact filter topologies are designed basing on the previous structures. The proposed multi-band bandstop filters consist of several open-loop ring resonators placed vertically overlapping (coupled multi-armed ring resonator). Using this idea, the filter topologies with design flexibility, close size and excellent results are reached. The novel compact multi-band bandstop filters produce several stopband along a frequency range from DC to 9 GHz, in which each separate band exhibits an acceptable and useful bandwidth. Each stopband has regenerated two reflexion zeros, what leads to a good sharpness factors in the transition domains. Good agreement between the experimental results, full-wave simulation has been achieved. This new filter idea can be very attractive for the nowadays multilayer and compact radio frequency integrated circuit design.
CSRR Loaded 2x1 Triangular MIMO Antenna for LTE Band Operation
Authors: Malathi C. J. , Thiripurasundari D.
Published: October 2017

A 2´1 (two-element) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) patch antenna system is designed and fabricated for (2.43 – 2.57) GHz LTE band 7 operation. It uses comple-mentary split -ring resonator (CSRR) loading on its ground plane for antenna miniaturization. This reduces the single-element antenna size by 76%. The total board size of the proposed MIMO antenna system, including the GND plane is 50´50´0.8mm3, while the single-patch antenna element has a size of 18.5 ´16mm2. The antenna is fabricated and tested. Measured results are in good agreement with simulations. A minimum measured isolation of 10 dB is obtained given the close interelement spacing of 0.17λ.
Compact Dual Band Antenna Design for Ku / Ka Band Applications
Authors: Kandwal A.
Published: October 2017

This communication proposes a compact 16 GHz / 30 GHz dual band antenna design for Ku / Ka band applications. The antenna consists of two layers with lower layer having the fed patch and the upper layer having non-periodic element array. The antenna has been designed to operate at two different frequencies with compact dimensions of (8mm x 8mm) using Rogers RT 5880. The compact size of this proposed antenna also makes it suitable for integration with the microwave and millimeter wave circuits. The proposed antenna provides high radiation efficiency and a peak gain of about 8 dB at the resonant frequencies with reduced side lobe levels.
Review of Reconfigurable Antennas for LTE, WiMAX and WLAN Application
Authors: Palsokar A. A. , Lahudkar S. L.
Published: October 2017

To satisfy the requirement of advance wireless system various frequency and pattern reconfigurable antennas are designed. Monopole and PIFA antennas with reconfigurability are preferred for various handheld devices. The objective of this paper was to present a review of reconfigurable monopole and PIFA antennas used for LTE, WiMAX and WLAN frequency ranges. Various optimization techniques used for reconfigurable antenna are also reviewed.
MEMS based monolithic Phased array using 3-bit Switched-line Phase Shifter
Authors: Karmakr A. , Roy B. , Bhattacharjee A. K.
Published: October 2017

This article details the design of an electronically scanning phased array antenna with proposed fabrication process steps. Structure is based upon RF micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology. Capacitive type shunt switches have been implemented here to cater high frequency operation. The architecture, which is deigned at 30 GHz, consists of 3-bit (11.25º, 22.5º and 45º) integrated Switched-line phase shifter and a linearly polarized microstrip patch antenna. Detailed design tricks of the Ka-band phase shifter is outlined here. The whole design is targeted for future monolithic integration. So, the substrate of choice is High Resistive Silicon (ρ > 8kΩ-cm, tan δ =0.01 and ϵr =11.8). The overall circuit occupies an cross-sectional area of 20 × 5 mm2. The simulated results show that the phase shifter can provide nearly 11.25º/22.5º/45º phase shifts and their combinations at the expense of 1dB average insertion loss at 30 GHz for eight combinations. Practical fabrication process flow using surface micromachining is proposed here. Critical dimensions of the phased array structure is governed by the deign rules of the standard CMOS/MEMS foundry.
Toward a New UV Index Diagnostic in the Met Office's Forecast Model
Authors: Turner E. C. , Manners J. , Morcrette C. J. , O'Hagan J. B. , Smedley A. R. D.
Published: October 2017

The United Kingdom sporadically experiences low ozone events in the spring which can increase UV to harmful levels and is particularly dangerous as sunburn is not expected by the public at this time of year. This study investigates the benefits to the UV Index diagnostic produced by the UM at the Met Office of including either, or both of, a more highly resolved spectrum, and forecasted ozone profiles from the ECMWF CAMS database. Two new configurations of the spectral parameters governing the radiative transfer calculation over the UV region are formulated using the correlated‐k method to give surface fluxes that are within 0.1 UV Index of an accurate reference scheme. Clear‐sky comparisons of modeled fluxes with ground‐based spectral observations at two UK sites (Reading and Chilton) between 2011 and 2015 show that when raw CAMS ozone profiles are included noontime UV indices are always overestimated, by up to 3 UV indices at a low ozone event and up to 1.5 on a clear summer day, suggesting CAMS ozone concentrations are too low. The new spectral parameterizations reduce UV Index biases, apart from when combined with ozone profiles that are significantly underestimated. When the same biases are examined spectrally across the UV region some low biases on low ozone days are found to be the result of compensating errors in different parts of the spectrum. Aerosols are postulated to be an additional source of error if their actual concentrations are higher than those modeled.
The Surface Energy Budget Computed at the Grid‐Scale of a Climate Model Challenged by Station Data in West Africa
Authors: Diallo F. B. , Hourdin F. , Rio C. , Traore A.‐K. , Mellul L. , Guichard F. , Kergoat L.
Published: October 2017

In most state‐of‐the‐art climate models, systematic errors persist in the representation of the rainfall seasonality, near surface air temperature, and surface energy budget over West Africa, even during the dry season. Most biases are related to an incorrect latitudinal position of the monsoon structures. To disentangle the role of the large‐scale dynamics from that of the physical processes in these biases, simulations are performed with the LMDZ general circulation model in which the horizontal winds are nudged toward reanalysis. Wind nudging greatly improves the position of the ITCZ as well as the representation of the components of the surface energy budget directly impacted by the water budget and hence facilitates a more systematic analysis of remaining biases associated with the physics in the model. The great potential of wind nudging to compare the energetics of the atmospheric column in climate models at grid cell scale with station observations, even for coarse grid models, is then shown. Despite the improved water advection and rainfall seasonality in the nudged simulations, errors consisting in a cold bias during the dry season over Sahel, an underestimated seasonal variation of surface albedo, and an overestimation of the solar incoming flux remain. The origin of these remaining biases is further investigated by conducting a series of dedicated sensitivity experiments. Results highlight the key role of the soil thermal inertia, the turbulent mixing efficiency, the surface albedo, and the aerosols and clouds radiative effects in the representation of meteorological 2m‐variables and surface energy budget.
PREP2: A biomarker‐based algorithm for predicting upper limb function after stroke
Authors: Stinear Cathy M. , Byblow Winston D. , Ackerley Suzanne J. , Smith Marie‐Claire , Borges Victor M. , Barber P. Alan
Published: October 2017

Objective

Recovery of motor function is important for regaining independence after stroke, but difficult to predict for individual patients. Our aim was to develop an efficient, accurate, and accessible algorithm for use in clinical settings. Clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging biomarkers of corticospinal integrity obtained within days of stroke were combined to predict likely upper limb motor outcomes 3 months after stroke.

Methods

Data from 207 patients recruited within 3 days of stroke [103 females (50%), median age 72 (range 18–98) years] were included in a Classification and Regression Tree analysis to predict upper limb function 3 months poststroke.

Results

The analysis produced an algorithm that sequentially combined a measure of upper limb impairment; age; the presence or absence of upper limb motor evoked potentials elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation; and stroke lesion load obtained from MRI or stroke severity assessed with the NIHSS score. The algorithm makes correct predictions for 75% of patients. A key biomarker obtained with transcranial magnetic stimulation is required for one third of patients. This biomarker combined with NIHSS score can be used in place of more costly magnetic resonance imaging, with no loss of prediction accuracy.

Interpretation

The new algorithm is more accurate, efficient, and accessible than its predecessors, which may support its use in clinical practice. While further work is needed to potentially incorporate sensory and cognitive factors, the algorithm can be used within days of stroke to provide accurate predictions of upper limb functional outcomes at 3 months after stroke. www.presto.auckland.ac.nz
Microporous Organic Materials for Membrane‐Based Gas Separation
Authors: Zou Xiaoqin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: October 2017

Membrane materials with excellent selectivity and high permeability are crucial to efficient membrane gas separation. Microporous organic materials have evolved as an alternative candidate for fabricating membranes due to their inherent attributes, such as permanent porosity, high surface area, and good processability. Herein, a unique pore‐chemistry concept for the designed synthesis of microporous organic membranes, with an emphasis on the relationship between pore structures and membrane performances, is introduced. The latest advances in microporous organic materials for potential membrane application in gas separation of H2, CO2, O2, and other industrially relevant gases are summarized. Representative examples of the recent progress in highly selective and permeable membranes are highlighted with some fundamental analyses from pore characteristics, followed by a brief perspective on future research directions.
All‐Printed Solid‐State Microsupercapacitors Derived from Self‐Template Synthesis of Ag@PPy Nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Li , Lu Qiang , Yang Shuanglei , Guo Jiang , Tian Qingyong , Yao Weijing , Guo Zhanhu , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. , Wu Wei
Published: October 2017

The next‐generation energy storage devices are expected to be flexible, cost‐effective, and high power storage devices to complement or replace rigid batteries and conventional capacitors for wearable electronic device applications. In this regard, a scalable and cost‐effective fabrication of all‐printed solid‐state microsupercapacitors (MSCs) involving self‐template synthesis of Ag@PPy nanocomposites (NCs) as active materials is demonstrated. The as‐obtained Ag@PPy NCs exhibit high specific capacitance and are formulated as screen printing inks that are printed to form electrodes on plastic substrates. The Ag current collectors, Ag@PPy NC electrodes, and gel electrolyte are screen printed and fabricated as flexible all‐solid‐state MSCs exhibiting excellent capacitive features, including remarkable mechanical flexibility of 77.6% after 1000 bending cycles, superior stability of 82.6% after 10000 cycles, and high energy density of 0.00433 mW h cm−2. The Ag@PPy inks are easily prepared and more than 40 printed MSCs are fabricated on flexible plastic substrates in less than 30 min. It is envisioned that the fully printed flexible all‐solid‐state MSCs could be a promising candidate for flexible energy storage devices.
Highly efficient separation of strongly hydrophilic structurally related compounds by hydrophobic ionic solutions
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Guo Shaocong , Liu Xianxian , Zhang Zhiguo , Bao Zongbi , Xing Huabin , Ren Qilong
Published: October 2017

The selective separation of strongly hydrophilic structurally related compounds in aqueous solutions is a long‐standing challenge due to a trade‐off between separation selectivity and capacity. This work shows a new method to separate strongly hydrophilic structurally related compounds through hydrophobic ionic solution‐based liquid‐liquid extraction, with L‐ascorbic acid 2‐glucoside (AA‐2G) and L‐ascorbic acid as model compounds. Extraordinary distribution coefficient, superb molecular selectivity, large extraction capacity and good recyclability without using strong acids and salts were all achieved, with a small consumption of phosphonium bromide ionic liquid and aprotic molecular diluent. The essence of this method is the successful combination of both strong hydrogen‐bond basicity and good hydrophobicity along with significant preferential solvation phenomena of the constructed ionic solutions. Even if at a high feed concentration of 100 mg/mL, the purity of AA‐2G could be greatly elevated from 50% to 96.2% with an ultrahigh yield of almost 100% after five‐stage countercurrent extraction. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1373–1382, 2018
Enhancing CO2 absorption efficiency using a novel PTFE hollow fiber membrane contactor at elevated pressure
Authors: Wang Fushan , Kang Guodong , Liu Dandan , Li Meng , Cao Yiming
Published: October 2017

The internal structure design of membrane module is very important for gas removal performance using membrane contactor via physical absorption. In this study, a novel membrane contactor developed by weaving polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fibers was applied to remove CO2 from 60% N2 + 40% CO2 mixture (with CO2 concentration similar to that of biogas) at elevated pressure (0.8 MPa) using water as absorbent. Compared with the conventional module with randomly packed straight fibers, the module with woven PTFE fibers exhibited much better CO2 absorption performance. The weaving configuration facilitated the meandering flow or Dean vortices and renewing speed of water around hollow fibers. Meanwhile, the undesired influences such as channeling and bypassing were also eliminated. Consequently, the mass transfer of liquid phase was greatly improved and the CO2 removal efficiency was significantly enhanced. The effects of operation pressure, module arrangement, feed gas, and water flow rate on CO2 removal were systematically investigated as well. The overall mass‐transfer coefficient (KOV) varied from 1.96 × 10−5 to 4.39 × 10−5 m/s (the volumetric mass‐transfer coefficient KLa = 0.034–0.075 s−1) under the experimental conditions. The CO2 removal performance of novel woven fiber membrane contactor matched well with the simulation results. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2135–2145, 2018
Direct Aryl C−H Amination with Primary Amines Using Organic Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Margrey Kaila A. , Levens Alison , Nicewicz David A.
Published: October 2017

The direct catalytic C−H amination of arenes is a powerful synthetic strategy with useful applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials chemistry. Despite the advances in catalytic C−H functionalization, the use of aliphatic amine coupling partners is limited. Described herein is the construction of C−N bonds, using primary amines, by direct C−H functionalization with an acridinium photoredox catalyst under an aerobic atmosphere. A wide variety of primary amines, including amino acids and more complex amines are competent coupling partners. Various electron‐rich aromatics and heteroaromatics are useful scaffolds in this reaction, as are complex, biologically active arenes. We also describe the ability to functionalize arenes that are not oxidized by an acridinium catalyst, such as benzene and toluene, thus supporting a reactive amine cation radical intermediate.
Wellenlängengesteuerte dynamische kovalente Chemie
Authors: Frisch Hendrik , Marschner David E. , Goldmann Anja S. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: October 2017

Chemische Reaktionen werden klassisch über die Auswahl funktioneller Gruppen und die Kontrolle externer Faktoren wie Temperatur oder Katalysatoren gesteuert. Die Nutzung von lichtgesteuerten Reaktionen ermöglicht darüber hinaus nicht nur eine sehr präzise zeitliche und ortsaufgelöste Kontrolle, sondern auch das Ansteuern hoch spezifischer Reaktionskanäle durch die Verwendung geeigneter Wellenlängen und Intensitäten, sodass kovalente Bindungen gezielt geknüpft und gebrochen werden können. Dieses Potenzial lässt sich anhand photoreversibler Cycloadditionen, bestehend aus reversiblen Cyclisierungen und Cycloreversionen, verdeutlichen. Dieser Aufsatz stellt die Herausforderungen bei der Anwendung von photochemischen Cycloadditionen vor, sowie die notwendigen Schritte, um ihr volles Potenzial in den Bereichen der Molekularbiologie, biomimetischer Systeme, der 3D‐Stereolithographie und weicher Materie mit reprogrammierbaren und selbstheilenden Eigenschaften zu nutzen.
Identification of hereditary cancer in the general population: development and validation of a screening questionnaire for obtaining the family history of cancer
Authors: Campacci Natalia , de Lima Juliana O. , Carvalho André L. , Michelli Rodrigo D. , Haikel Rafael , Mauad Edmundo , Viana Danilo V. , Melendez Matias E. , Vazquez Fabiana de L. , Zanardo Cleyton , Reis Rui M. , Rossi Benedito M. , Palmero Edenir I.
Published: October 2017

One of the challenges for Latin American countries is to include in their healthcare systems technologies that can be applied to hereditary cancer detection and management. The aim of the study is to create and validate a questionnaire to identify individuals with possible risk for hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCPS), using different strategies in a Cancer Prevention Service in Brazil. The primary screening questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to identify families at‐risk for HCPS. The PSQ was validated using discrimination measures, and the reproducibility was estimated through kappa coefficient. Patients with at least one affirmative answer had the pedigree drawn using three alternative interview approaches: in‐person, by telephone, or letter. Validation of these approaches was done. Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze data's reproducibility considering the presence of clinical criteria for HCPS. The PSQ was applied to a convenience sample of 20,000 women of which 3121 (15.6%) answered at least one affirmative question and 1938 had their pedigrees drawn. The PSQ showed sensitivity and specificity scores of 94.4% and 75%, respectively, and a kappa of 0.64. The strategies for pedigree drawing had reproducibility coefficients of 0.976 and 0.850 for the telephone and letter approaches, respectively. Pedigree analysis allowed us to identify 465 individuals (24.0%) fulfilling at least one clinical criterion for HCPS. The PSQ fulfills its function, allowing the identification of HCPS at‐risk families. The use of alternative screening methods may reduce the number of excluded at‐risk individuals/families who live in locations where oncogenetic services are not established.
Contribution to mitochondrial research in Brazil: 10th anniversary of the mitomeeting
Authors: Vercesi Anibal E. , Oliveira Helena C.F.
Published: October 2017

This commentary introduces the subject, the context and the history of the Brazilian annually held meeting on Mitochondrial Research by the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Mitomeetings gather people interested in all aspects of mitochondrial biology in diverse species, including protists, animals, plants, and fungi.
Multiple inappropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapies in rapid succession
Authors: Marbach Jeffrey A. , Yeo Colin , Green Martin S. , Nair Girish M.
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

Inappropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) shocks are associated with significant morbidity and have the potential to trigger ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac decompensation, and death. We present a case of multiple inappropriate ICD therapies in rapid succession due electromagnetic interference from a Dr‐Ho's transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator machine, and subsequently from a faulty electrical outlet.
Zwitterionic Imidazole‐Urea Derivative Framework Bridged Mesoporous Hybrid Silica: A Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Conversion
Authors: Liu Mengshuai , Lu Xingyuan , Jiang Yichen , Sun Jianmin , Arai Masahiko
Published: October 2017

The use of supported zwitterionic nanoparticles is an interesting and important strategy for the development of new CO2 conversion catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity. Several zwitterionic imidazole‐urea derivative frameworks bridged mesoporous hybrid silica materials were prepared and characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and thermogravimetric analysis. The new Im‐Si‐X‐ϕ materials possess a high surface area, hydrogen‐bond donor ability, and nucleophilicity. The material that contains iodine and is protonated by an inorganic acid shows an excellent catalytic activity for CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates with good recyclability. Reaction parameters for the cycloaddition of CO2 with propylene oxide to propylene carbonate were optimized. The one‐component material is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition reactions and is a greener alternative to conventional supported transition‐metal catalysts. Its catalytic features were also compared to those of the unsupported free ionic compound and other supported catalysts reported previously.
Combining just‐in‐time modelling and batch‐wise unfolded PLS model for the derivative‐free batch‐to‐batch optimization
Authors: Jia Runda , Mao Zhizhong , Wang Fuli
Published: October 2017

In this work, a derivative‐free batch‐to‐batch optimization method is proposed. In order to conquer the difficulties in building a first principal model, a local batch‐wise unfolded PLS (BW‐PLS) model is used to accurately describe the concerned region, and the first principal model based dynamic optimization problem is transformed into a static one. The just‐in‐time (JIT) modelling method is employed to dynamically update the local BW‐PLS model upon request, and the nonlinearity and abrupt changes from one batch run to another can be effectively resolved. Then the proposed local BW‐PLS model with JIT modelling method is integrated into the trust‐region framework. Not only can the issue of plant‐model mismatch be dealt with, but also the computation of the experimental gradients can be avoided. In addition, taking the advantages of PLS regression, the Hotelling's T2 statistic is utilized as a hard constraint to ensure the reliability of the optimal solution. Extension to handle soft inequality constraints is also included in this work. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed batch‐to‐batch optimization method is illustrated via a toy example and a simulated cobalt oxalate synthesis process under different operating conditions, and satisfied optimization performances were obtained.
Adsorption and Selective Recovery of Citric Acid with Poly(4‐vinylpyridine)
Authors: Van den Bergh Matthias , Van de Voorde Ben , De Vos Dirk
Published: October 2017

Citric acid (CA) is an important organic acid that is produced on a large scale by fermentation. Current methods to recover CA from the fermentation broth require large amounts of chemicals and produce considerable amounts of waste, while not all CA can be recovered. The use of adsorbents can increase the degree of product recovery and reduce chemical consumption and waste generation. In this work, poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PVP) is evaluated as an adsorbent for CA recovery. It has a high adsorption capacity (>30 wt %) at low pH and a high selectivity for CA at moderate pH in the presence of sulfate anions, two conditions that are frequently encountered during CA recovery. PVP could be efficiently regenerated after adsorption using simple alcohols like methanol and ethanol. Considering selectivity and regeneration, PVP distinctly outperforms more common adsorbents for organic acids, including commercial strongly and weakly basic anion exchangers. The desirable adsorptive features of PVP for CA can be attributed to the low basicity of the pyridine group.
Accommodate learners with ASD in a clinical setting
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Brown Jane Thierfeld , Warczak Jonathan
Published: October 2017

An increasing number of learners with autism spectrum disorder are attending health science programs. When the curriculum includes clinical placements, learners often find they require additional supports.
Creating a positive campus climate is the responsibility of all
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2017

The National Center for College Students with Disabilities released a research brief regarding the experience of students with disabilities who are currently enrolled in higher education. The brief, authored by Wendy S. Harbour and Daniel Greenberg, is entitled “Campus Climate and Students with Disabilities” and seeks “to improve social and educational outcomes for students with disabilities, support faculty and staff with disabilities, and increase understanding of disability among nondisabled members of the campus community.”
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and β‐blocker treatment in Asian patients with heart failure
Authors: Kubota Yoshiaki , Tay Wan Ting , Asai Kuniya , Murai Koji , Nakajima Ikutaro , Hagiwara Nobuhisa , Ikeda Takanori , Kurita Takashi , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Anand Inder , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Shimizu Wataru ,   on behalf of the ASIA‐HF Study investigators
Published: October 2017

Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) are increasingly frequent in Asia and commonly coexist in patients. However, the prevalence of COPD among Asian patients with HF and its impact on HF treatment are unclear.

Methods and results

We compared clinical characteristics and treatment approaches between patients with or without a history of COPD, before and after 1:2 propensity matching (for age, sex, geographical region, income level, and ethnic group) in 5232 prospectively recruited patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, <40%) from 11 Asian regions (Northeast Asia: South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China; South Asia: India; Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore). Among the 5232 patients with HFrEF, a history of COPD was present in 8.3% (n = 434), with significant variation in geography (11.0% in Northeast Asia vs. 4.7% in South Asia), regional income level (9.7% in high income vs. 5.8% in low income), and ethnicity (17.0% in Filipinos vs. 5.2% in Indians) (all P < 0.05). Use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and diuretics was similar between groups, while usage of all β‐blockers was lower in the COPD group than in the non‐COPD group in the overall (66.3% vs. 79.9%) and propensity‐matched cohorts (66.3% vs. 81.7%) (all P < 0.05). A striking exception was the Japanese cohort in which β‐blocker use was high in COPD and non‐COPD patients (95.2% vs. 91.2%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of COPD in HFrEF varied across Asia and was related to underuse of β‐blockers, except in Japan.
Nanoemulsions From Unsaturated Fatty Acids Concentrates of Carp Oil Using Chitosan, Gelatin, and Their Blends as Wall Materials
Authors: Esquerdo Vanessa M. , Silva Patrick P. , Dotto Guilherme L. , Pinto Luiz A.A.
Published: October 2017

This work aimed to study the development of food–grade nanoemulsions containing unsaturated fatty acids concentrates from carp oil, using chitosan, and gelatin as wall materials. The effects of chitosan:gelatin ratio, polymer concentration and homogenization time on the nanoemulsions characteristics were evaluated. Phase separation occurred when the chitosan:gelatin ratio was higher than 50:50. Nanoemulsions using proportion of chitosan over than 70% remained visually stable, with no phase separation, for more of 7 days. The highest homogenization time (20 min) and the lowest biopolymers concentration (1% w/v) resulted in smaller particle sizes for the ratios of 100:0, 90:10, and 70:30 (respectively, 292.0, 52.3, and 34.8 nm). The zeta potential increased with the amount of chitosan (from 26.5 to 31.0 mV), while pH and refractive index were not affected by the biopolymers ratio. After 7 days of storage, the nanoemulsion with 90:10 of chitosan:gelatin ratio was in the acceptable range of the legislation, showing peroxide value of 4.8 meq kg−1, p–Anisidine value of 9.8 meq kg−1, and ToTox value of 19.4 meq kg−1. Chitosan and gelatin provided high stability to the emulsions and also behaved as good wall materials, demonstrating the importance of studying its combination to form food–grade nanoemulsions.

Practical Applications: Carp viscera are by–products of the fishery industry, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are associated to human health benefits. However, its low solubility in water and oxidative instability difficult the foods enrichment with these unsaturated fatty acids. Nanoemulsions delivery systems can be used to protect and increase its solubility. Edible biopolymers, such as chitosan and gelatin, can increase the physical and oxidative stability of these lipids in food systems through the formation of nanoemulsions, to facilitate the addition these lipophilic active ingredients in aqueous–based foods or beverages.

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) of fish oil, especially omega‐3 series, are associated with several health benefits. In this work are prepared food–grade nanoemulsions containing UFA concentrates of carp oil, rich in omega‐3, using different proportions of the biopolymers chitosan and gelatin as wall materials.
Advantages of Carbon Nanomaterials in Electrochemical Aptasensors for Food Analysis
Authors: Vasilescu Alina , Hayat Akhtar , Gáspár Szilveszter , Marty Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2017

Electrochemical aptasensors appear as promising tools in food analysis, able to provide sensitive, fast and cost‐effective analysis, with the added advantage of portability. Carbon nanomaterials and in particular carbon nanotubes and graphene are among the nanomaterials most often used to build electrochemical aptasensors due to their good electrical conductivity, large surface area and multiple functionalisation possibilities. This review aims to give an overview of the types of carbon nanomaterials and their composites which have been used to enhance the performance of electrochemical aptasensors. Examples are detailed for the biosensors which were tested with real food samples. In these aptasensors, carbon nanomaterials have played different roles, from facilitating the immobilization of high amounts of aptamer and enhancing the electroactive area of the sensors to roles as nanocarrier for signaling probes in amplification schemes or even as electroactive probes generating the output signal. The survey of recent literature shows a positive evolution towards increased aptasensor testing with food samples. However, many challenges remain related to the better characterization of nanomaterials used, clarifying the roles of specific components in multi‐component nanocomposites and widening the types of food matrices and analytes tested with the aptasensors. Although we are still far from knowing when these novel tools will replace classic analytical methods in food analysis, carbon nanomaterials will certainly continue to play an important role in the design of future electrochemical aptasensors for food analysis.
International student mobility and the new world disorder
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: October 2017

I am certain that many readers of this article are international enrollment managers, deans, and recruiters who are responsible for recruiting and enrolling international students. My recommendation to this group of administrators is simple: Future international student recruitment is not isolated from and cannot be separated from world events.
Boost student completion as a student‐centered institution
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2017

“I like to say that I have the heart of an advisor and the brain of an academic,” said Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Los Angeles. That mentality, born out of Mahoney's background as both a lecturer and academic advisor, has been at the forefront of Mahoney's work to improve time‐to‐degree and completion rates on campus. “[Throughout my career] I've been consumed with the inadvertent obstacles we place in students' way as they attempt to achieve their degrees,” Mahoney said. She shared strategies and changes the Cal State LA campus is making to improve completion rates.
Internal preference mapping of milk–fruit beverages: Influence of color and appearance on its acceptability
Authors: Fernández‐Vázquez Rocío , Stinco Carla M. , Hernanz Vila Dolores , Heredia Francisco J. , Chaya Carolina , Vicario Isabel M.
Published: October 2017

The individual preferences of 100 consumers between 20 and 30 years old for the color of 16 milk–fruit juice beverages (MFJB) were investigated by preference mapping technique. Consumers were asked to evaluate, just by looking at the samples, how much they liked them (from “Extremely dislike” to “Extremely like”). The color of the samples was analyzed by two different instrumental techniques. Results obtained from the instrumental color measurement showed the wide diversity in hues of the beverages available in the market, and correlations between techniques proved that both of them were appropriate to analyze color.

Results showed that participants preferred samples with orangish appearance instead of those with a whiter look. Anyway, punctuations given by the consumers suggest that generally, color of these products is not highly evaluated by consumers, as the best mean punctuation was 6.6.
Health‐care quality and information failure: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Evans David K. , Welander Tärneberg Anna
Published: October 2017

Low‐quality health services are a problem across low‐ and middle‐income countries. Information failure may contribute, as patients may have insufficient knowledge to discern the quality of health services. That decreases the likelihood that patients will sort into higher quality facilities, increasing demand for better health services. This paper presents results from a health survey in Nigeria to investigate whether patients can evaluate health service quality effectively. Specifically, this paper demonstrates that although more than 90% of patients agree with any positive statement about the quality of their local health services, satisfaction is significantly associated with the diagnostic ability of health workers at the facility. Satisfaction is not associated with more superficial characteristics such as infrastructure quality or prescriptions of medicines. This suggests that patients may have sufficient information to discern some of the most important elements of quality, but that alternative measures are crucial for gauging the overall quality of care.
A Qualitative Toolkit for Institutional Research
Authors: George Mwangi Chrystal A. , Bettencourt Genia M.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides tools, resources, and examples for engaging qualitative inquiry as a part of institutional research and assessment. It supports the development of individual ability and organizational intelligence in qualitative inquiry.
Using Mixed Methods to Assess Initiatives With Broad‐Based Goals
Authors: Inkelas Karen Kurotsuchi
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes a process for assessing programmatic initiatives with broad‐ranging goals with the use of a mixed‐methods design. Using an example of a day‐long teaching development conference, this chapter provides practitioners step‐by‐step guidance on how to implement this assessment process.
Using Qualitative Inquiry to Promote Organizational Intelligence
Authors: Kimball Ezekiel , Loya Karla I.
Published: October 2017

Framed by Terenzini's revision of his classic “On the nature of institutional research” article, this chapter offers concluding thoughts on the way in which technical/analytical, issues, and contextual types of awarenesses appeared across chapters in this volume. Moreover, it outlines how each chapter demonstrated how qualitative inquiry is integral, rather than additive, to the development of organizational intelligence.
Contribution of 3‐Dimensional Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) Compared With 2‐Dimensional CEUS in the Analysis of Liver Tumors
Authors: Song Yi , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Ruifang
Published: October 2017

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the vascular characteristics of liver tumors on 3‐dimensional (3D) and 2‐dimensional (2D) contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). The clinical value of these CEUS methods in the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors was evaluated and compared.

Methods

A total of 126 liver tumors were examined by conventional ultrasonography (US), 2D CEUS, and dynamic 3D CEUS (frequency range, 1–6 MHz; focusing ability, 2–25 cm in depth; mechanical index, 0.09). Dynamic 3D CEUS images were postprocessed with high‐resolution intelligent tomographic technology. The sensitivity and specificity of the CEUS methods in differentiating benign and malignant liver tumors were compared, as were the vascular characteristics (including the number and spatial relationships of the tumor vessels, such as origin and continuity) of the tumors in the arterial phase.

Results

The imaging methods did not significantly differ in their sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign and malignant liver tumors (P > .05). Dynamic 3D CEUS was significantly better than 2D CEUS in revealing the vascular characteristics of the tumors (P < .05). The vascular morphologic characteristics of benign and malignant hepatic tumors in the arterial phase of dynamic 3D CEUS using intelligent tomographic technology differed significantly (P < .05).

Conclusions

Dynamic 3D CEUS of liver tumors provides a more intuitive and comprehensive view of the spatial relationships of their blood vessels, including their peripheral and internal distribution. The volume information obtained with dynamic 3D CEUS combined with intelligent tomographic technology can improve the US‐based diagnosis of liver tumors and thus guide their treatment.
Effective Acetylene/Ethylene Separation at Ambient Conditions by a Pigment‐Based Covalent‐Triazine Framework
Authors: Lu Yue , He Jia , Chen Yanli , Wang Heng , Zhao Yunfeng , Han Yu , Ding Yi
Published: October 2017

A novel covalent‐triazine framework (CTF‐PO71) is designed and prepared from an organic pigment molecule for high‐performance gas separation. The functional sites with different electrostatic potentials on the pore surface of CTF‐PO71 demonstrate a strong interaction between C2H2 and CTF‐PO71 to achieve preferential adsorption of C2H2 over C2H4, thus enabling effective capture of a trace amount of C2H2 from the gas mixture. This is the first organic porous polymer that is capable of separating C2H2 and C2H4. The commercial availability and the low cost of the pigment as well as the high stability of the resultant framework endow CTF‐PO71 with a significant potential for practical applications.
Questions Raised by Google's Firing of Employee Who Criticized Diversity Policy
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: October 2017

A software engineer working for Google wrote a lengthy memo contending that the lack of more women working for the company is due to basic gender differences between men and women that make women less capable of succeeding at tech jobs. Therefore, he argued, the company was wrong to have a diversity policy that encouraged the hiring of more women. The memo quickly spread throughout the company and to the media. Google immediately fired the memo writer—which raises the question of what speech is protected in a union‐free environment.
Reductive evolution in outer membrane protein biogenesis has not compromised cell surface complexity in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Webb Chaille T. , Chandrapala Dilini , Oslan Siti Nurbaya , Bamert Rebecca S. , Grinter Rhys D. , Dunstan Rhys A. , Gorrell Rebecca J. , Song Jiangning , Strugnell Richard A. , Lithgow Trevor , Kwok Terry
Published: October 2017

Helicobacter pylori is a gram‐negative bacterial pathogen that chronically inhabits the human stomach. To survive and maintain advantage, it has evolved unique host–pathogen interactions mediated by Helicobacter‐specific proteins in the bacterial outer membrane. These outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are anchored to the cell surface via a C‐terminal β‐barrel domain, which requires their assembly by the β‐barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Here we have assessed the complexity of the OMP C‐terminal β‐barrel domains employed by H. pylori, and characterized the H. pyloriBAM complex. Around 50 Helicobacter‐specific OMPs were assessed with predictive structural algorithms. The data suggest that H. pylori utilizes a unique β‐barrel architecture that might constitute H. pylori‐specific Type V secretions system. The structural and functional diversity in these proteins is encompassed by their extramembrane domains. Bioinformatic and biochemical characterization suggests that the low β‐barrel‐complexity requires only minimalist assembly machinery. The H. pylori proteins BamA and BamD associate to form a BAM complex, with features of BamA enabling an oligomerization that might represent a mechanism by which a minimalist BAM complex forms a larger, sophisticated machinery capable of servicing the outer membrane proteome of H. pylori.
Cognition and the course of prodromal Parkinson's disease
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Chahine Lana M. , Hawkins Keith A. , Siderowf Andrew , Eberly Shirley , Oakes David , Seibyl John , Stern Matthew B. , Marek Kenneth , Jennings Danna ,   the PARS Investigators
Published: October 2017

Background

Prospective data on cognition in prodromal Parkinson's disease are limited. The objectives of this study were to assess in prodromal PD (1) if baseline cognition predicts conversion to clinical PD, (2) if baseline dopamine transporter binding predicts longitudinal changes in cognition, and (3) if impaired olfaction predicts future cognitive decline.

Methods

Prodromal participants were 136 hyposmic individuals enrolled in the Parkinson Associated Risk Study. We examined baseline neuropsychological test performance in PD converters versus nonconverters and the association between baseline dopamine transporter binding and change in cognition. An additional 73 normosmic individuals were included in analyses of the relationship between hyposmia and cognitive decline.

Results

In prodromal participants, baseline cognitive scores did not significantly predict conversion, but converters performed numerically worse on 5 of the 6 cognitive domains assessed, with the greatest differences in executive function/working memory (0.68 standard deviation lower) and global cognition (0.64 standard deviation lower). Lower baseline dopamine transporter binding predicted greater future decline in processing speed/attention (P = 0.02). Hyposmia predicted greater future decline in language (P = 0.005) and memory (P = 0.01) abilities.

Conclusions

Given hyposmia in the general population predicts cognitive decline, the role of cognition in predicting conversion in prodromal PD needs to be assessed in large cohorts followed long‐term. The dopamine system may be associated with changes in processing speed/attention in individuals at risk for PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society