bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphic influences on the distribution and accumulation of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) following a low severity wildfire in northern New Mexico
Authors: Galanter Amy , Cadol Daniel , Lohse Kathleen
Published: March 2018

The distribution, transport, and accumulation of wildfire‐generated pyrogenic carbon (PyC) has important consequences for contaminant transport and carbon cycling, but a conceptual model for PyC accumulation and loss that includes geomorphic processes is lacking. In this study we quantified PyC concentration in soil samples collected from the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico before and after the 2013 Thompson Ridge (TR) fire, and developed a conceptual model describing PyC redistribution. Pre‐fire samples were fortuitously collected 4 years before the TR burn and post‐fire samples were collected at the same locations 15 months following the TR fire. Samples were collected from the O and A horizon, with sites representing a range of slope angle, aspect, burn severity, and geomorphic setting. PyC was determined by a modified chemo‐thermal oxidation method to compare PyC to total organic carbon (TOC). The mean PyC/TOC ratio was significantly higher post‐fire than pre‐fire (0.14 vs 0.12), indicating increased PyC sequestration. O horizon PyC concentrations were more variable and more responsive to fire than the A horizon. Soil horizon, watershed, and geomorphic setting proved to be the most influential factors in predicting PyC concentration changes. PyC concentrations increased most on hillslopes and in low‐severity burn areas, suggesting higher rates of PyC production or post‐fire accumulation. Burn patchiness appears to facilitate PyC accumulation, with lower severity patches trapping PyC mobilized from high severity patches. While PyC content had greater point scale variance following the fire, the fire also homogenized pre‐fire PyC differences between soil horizons and among watersheds within the burn perimeter, differences that appear to develop over time between fires. The O horizon is a larger sink for PyC in the short term following fire, but based on pre‐fire concentrations the A horizon appears to be a more stable sink for PyC. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of aluminum ethylphenylphosphinate flame retardant and its application in epoxy resin
Authors: Yang Jian‐Wei , Wang Zheng‐Zhou
Published: March 2018

A novel flame retardant additive, aluminum ethylphenylphosphinate (AEPP), was synthesized from diethyl phenylphosphonite and aluminum chloride hexahydrate, and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR. AEPP was added into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (EP) cured by bisphenol A‐formaldehyde novolac resin. The flame retardancy of the cured EP was investigated by limited oxygen index, UL 94 test, and cone calorimeter test. The results revealed that the EP composite containing 15% AEPP had a limited oxygen index value of 28.2% with a UL 94 V‐0 rating. The incorporation of AEPP effectively decreased the peak heat release rate and the total heat release in cone calorimeter test analysis. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the introduction of AEPP benefited to the formation of a smooth and continuous char layer during combustion of the flame retarded EP. The thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that the incorporation of AEPP promoted the initial decomposition of EP matrix, but AEPP/EP composites had a higher char yield at high temperatures. Moreover, the flexural properties of the flame retarded EP composites were studied.
Techniques for the recovery of volatile aroma compounds from biochemical broth: A review
Authors: Lukin Ilya , Merz Juliane , Schembecker Gerhard
Published: March 2018

Flavours, fragrances, or aromas are valuable chemicals, with a broad range of industrial applications. The consumer's preference for ‘naturally’ manufactured aromas drives the development of biochemical production, which requires suitable product recovery. In this study, different industrially established recovery techniques, their advantages and limitations, and their possible application for aroma recovery from crude fermentation broth are reviewed. Among several techniques discussed, absorption, adsorption, and pervaporation appear to be particularly suitable for the recovery of aromas from highly diluted biochemical mixtures.
The antibacterial effect of whey protein–alginate coating incorporated with the lactoperoxidase system on chicken thigh meat
Authors: Molayi Roghayeh , Ehsani Ali , Yousefi Mohammad
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, the environmental problems due to the use of synthetic films and packages have caused the production of natural edible coatings or films. The aim of this study was to produce an edible whey protein–alginate coating with different concentrations of lactoperoxidase system to control the microbial load and increase the shelf life of chicken thigh meat stored in refrigerated condition (4 ± 1°C). So, after the provision of the alginate–whey protein coating incorporated with the lactoperoxidase system (at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% in alginate–whey protein solution), microbial experiments were conducted for the period of 8 days. Three batches of organisms, including total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in samples, were tested by culturing in appropriate conditions. Results indicated that the coating had a substantial inhibitory effect on all lots. Also, the antimicrobial activity of coating increased with increase in lactoperoxidase system concentration in alginate–whey protein coating.
Ductile shearing and LA‐ICP MS zircon U–Pb dating of Sa'erqiaoke ductile shear belt in the Bogda orogen: Constraints on the process of mountain building of eastern Tianshan
Authors: Lei Wanshan , Guo Junfeng , Chen Danli , Chu Jianpeng , Li Yong
Published: March 2018

The relationship between collision orogeny and post‐orogeny tectonism remains to be a weakness of the present orogenic belt research. An E—W‐trending ductile shear zone exposed along the Bogda Mountain of the Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt (ETOB) has spatiotemporal correlation with the Kelameili ophiolite belt and offers important evidence for research on the evolution of the ETOB. These ductile shear belts exposed in the eastern Sa'erqiaoke display that the low greenschist facies metamorphism was followed by north‐eastward thrusting and sinistral strike‐slip shearing. LA‐ICP MS zircon U–Pb ages of the mylonitic quartz schist in Sa'erqiaoke structure section range from 226 to 1458 Ma, four old zircons with ages of 832.2, 1029.2, 1240.5, and 1458.2 Ma possess round‐shaped grains and core–mantle texture, which suggest that its protolith has a detritic and metamorphic origin. The major age peak ranges from 443.3 to 466.8 Ma, with weighted age of 452.9 ± 5.4 (MSWD = 0.62, N = 13), corresponding to the early Palaeozoic Harlic island arc magmatism. Two young metamorphic zircons with ages of 247.2 and 226 Ma could represent the time of ductile shearing, which are consistent with the final termination of the ETOB. Two weighted ages of 303.8 ± 3.4 (MSWD = 0.12, N = 16) and 305.2 ± 2.4 (MSWD = 0.46, N = 32) from Nawakuduke mylonitic belts are coeval with post‐collision A‐type granite of the Kelameili suture, which suggest that the ductile shearing should be later than the closure of the Kelameili Ocean. Based on the synthesis of voluminous evidences, we propose that the Kelameili Ocean, as part of the paleo‐Tianshan Ocean, obliquely subducted beneath the Junggar plate, bringing about the Bogda subduction‐torn‐type rift during the Carboniferous period. Although the final closure of the Kelameili Ocean has ended at late Carboniferous, the subsequent continental collision and large‐scale ductile shearing lasted until late Triassic.
Time for global scale‐up, not randomized trials, of uterine balloon tamponade for postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Burke Thomas F. , Thapa Kusum , Shivkumar Poonam , Tarimo Vincent , Oguttu Monica , Garg Lorraine , Pande Saroja , Fidvi Juzar , Bangal Vidyadhar , Ochoa José , Amatya Archana , Eckardt Melody , Horo Apollinaire , Rogo Khama , Kedar Kshama , Manasyan Albert , Khalatkar Pragati , Ku Susana , Seim Anders , Suarez Sebastian , Guha Moytrayee , Abdalla Khadija , Fuchtner Carlos , Escobar Maria F. , Arulkumaran Sabaratnam
Published: March 2018

Global scale‐up of uterine balloon tamponade should be accelerated to end the scourge of unnecessary death and disability from postpartum hemorrhage.
MRI brain segmentation in combination of clustering methods with Markov random field
Authors: Saladi Saritha , Amutha Prabha N.
Published: March 2018

Medical image segmentation is a preliminary stage of inclusion in identification tools. The correct segmentation of brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images is crucial for an accurate detection of the disease diagnosis. Due to in‐homogeneity, low distinction and noise the segmentation of the brain MRI images is treated as the most challenging task. In this article, we proposed hybrid segmentation, by combining the clustering methods with Hidden Markov Random Field (HMRF) technique. This aims to decrease the computational load and improves the runtime of segmentation method, as MRF methodology is used in post‐processing the images. Its evaluation has performed on real imaging data, resulting in the classification of brain tissues with dice similarity metric. These results indicate the improvement in performance of the proposed method with various noise levels, compared with existing algorithms. In implementation, selection of clustering method provides better results in the segmentation of MRI brain images.
The feasibility study of an in situ marine polysaccharide‐based hydrogel as the vitreous substitute
Authors: Jiang Xiaolei , Peng Yanfei , Yang Chaozhong , Liu Wanshun , Han Baoqin
Published: March 2018

Although various biopolymers and synthetic compounds have been proposed and tested as the vitreous substitutes, no ideal material has been identified yet. In the present study, we developed an in situ‐formed hydrogel by crosslinking hydroxypropyl chitosan with alginate dialdehyde. Physical properties of the hydrogel were studied and the cytotoxicity was evaluated using L929 fibroblasts, rabbit corneal endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. In a preliminary in vivo study, the hydrogel was employed as vitreous substitute after vitrectomy surgery on rabbits and multiple parameters indicating biosafety and biocompatibility were measured and analyzed postoperatively. Our results showed that the refractive index, transmittance, pH value and density of the hydrogel were similar to those of human vitreous. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the hydrogel to be nontoxic to all of the three cell lines selected. Using the rabbit model, we showed that the hydrogel could form in situ and postoperative analysis of slit‐lamp observation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelium examination, B‐scan ultrasound and fundus photography showed no significant adverse reactions in the operated eyes during the 90‐day follow‐up. However, electroretinogram and histopathological examinations indicated minor vision decline and decrease of the densities of cones and rods in the operated rabbit eyes. Collectively, our study suggested that the in situ‐formed hydrogel could potentially be used as a vitreous substitute, with its long‐term safety and efficacy to be further assessed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1997–2006, 2018.
Surface modification of polypropylene for enhanced layer‐by‐layer deposition of polyelectrolytes
Authors: Hachim Daniel , Brown Bryan N.
Published: March 2018

We have performed three distinct plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition procedures that can be widely and consistently used in commercially available plasma systems to modify the surface of hydrocarbon‐based biomaterials such as polypropylene. In particular, we have evaluated the feasibility of these procedures to provide consistent and stable charged substrates to perform layer‐by‐layer (LbL) coatings. Surface characterization of both plasma and LbL coatings were done using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and surface staining. Results showed successful surface grafting of functional groups in all plasma procedures that led to increased hydrophilicity and uniform LbL coatings with different efficiencies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2078–2085, 2018
Application of alginate microbeads as a carrier of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 for bone regeneration
Authors: Lee Yun Hwan , Lee Byung‐Woo , Jung Yun Chan , Yoon Byung‐Il , Woo Heung‐Myong , Kang Byung‐Jae
Published: March 2018

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is commonly used to enhance bone regeneration. The potential of BMP‐2 for bone regeneration varies according to the concentration and release kinetics on the implanted site. Therefore, it is important to determine appropriate carriers of BMP‐2. However, no optimal delivery vehicles have been identified. In the present study, we used alginate microbeads as a delivery vehicle for BMP‐2. Alginate microbeads can be implanted onto the disease site through surgery or injection. The objective of this study was to evaluate that the osteoinductive properties of BMP‐2 are effective in alginate microbeads as a carrier. In this study, the release kinetics of BMP‐2 in alginate microbeads was evaluated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. BMP‐2 released from alginate microbeads induced high alkaline phosphatase activity in canine adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Injection of alginate microbeads with BMP‐2 into mouse subcutaneous tissue, as well as surgical implantation into the 5‐mm circular calvarial defects in rats, was conducted and the results showed extensive new bone formation. In conclusion, alginate microbeads can be utilized as an effective BMP‐2 delivery vehicle for use in orthopedic surgery and as an injectable vehicle for a minimally invasive therapy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 286–294, 2019.
Knee extension rate of torque development and peak torque: associations with lower extremity function
Authors: Osawa Yusuke , Studenski Stephanie A. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: March 2018

Background

With aging, the ability to generate muscle force decreases, contributing to declines in physical functions such as walking. While most studies assess muscle force by peak torque, the rate of torque development (RTD) reflects a dynamic component of muscle performance that is important for physical function. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we assessed whether RTD adds significantly to peak torque in associations with lower extremity performance. If so, RTD may help identify weak older adults for screening and intervention.

Methods

We assessed associations of RTD and peak torque with physical performance independent of demographics, BMI, body composition, and each other in 1089 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants (49.7% women; aged 26 to 96 years; women, 64.0 ± 13.8 years; men, 68.4 ± 14.4 years). Peak torque was assessed by isometric and 30 deg/s isokinetic knee extension tests. Peak RTD was operationalized as the maximum torque‐time slope among successive 50 ms epochs over the first 3 s of a test of knee extension isometric strength, with the knee joint positioned at 120 deg of flexion. A battery of lower extremity performance tests included gait speed during a 6 m walk at usual and fast pace (6 m usual and fast), time to complete a 400 m walk at fast pace (400 m), distance covered in a 2.5 min walk at normal pace (2.5 min), time to complete 5 and 10 chair stands, and two summary tests of lower extremity performance. Sex‐stratified generalized linear regression models were adjusted for age, race, BMI, appendicular lean mass, and whole body fat mass.

Results

In men, independent of either measure of peak torque and cofactors, RTD was a significant (P < 0.05) predictor of all lower extremity performance tests except the 400 m and 2.5 min walks. In women, independent of peak torque, RTD was only a significant independent correlate of the 6 m fast walk (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

RTD independently contributes to physical functions in men but less in women. The mechanisms underlying the sex difference are unclear and require further study.
Application of pathways activity profiling to urine metabolomics for screening Qi‐tonifying biomarkers and metabolic pathways of honey‐processed Astragalus
Authors: Liu Wuping , Li Chanyi , Huang Jing , Liao Jingzhu , Liao Shuangye , Ma Wenjie , Chen Hongyuan , Rui Wen
Published: March 2018

Honey‐processed Astragalus, a widely used Qi‐tonifying and immunomodulating herb in traditional Chinese medicine, has strengthened the tonic effects and achieved fewer side effects compared with astragali radix in clinical application. Here, we focus on Qi‐tonifying biomarkers and pathways of honey‐processed Astragalus using urine metabolomics that provide the basis for building the linkage between metabolites in rat urine and its symptoms. The spleen Qi deficiency model group, normal group, astragali radix group, and honey‐processed Astragalus group were implemented to evaluate Qi‐tonifying effects. Twelve potential biomarkers were screened by multivariate statistical analysis by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, pathways activity profiling showed unique pathways that are primarily involved in tryptophan metabolism, tricarboxylic acids cycle, and methionine metabolism. The results demonstrated that metabolomics coupled with pathway activity profiling were promising tools. It might serve as a novel methodological clue to systematically dissect the underlying Qi‐tonifying mechanism of honey‐processed Astragalus.
CETP and LCAT Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with High‐Density Lipoprotein Subclasses and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Vargas‐Alarcon Gilberto , Perez‐Mendez Oscar , Herrera‐Maya Gabriel , Garcia‐Sanchez Cynthia , Martinez‐Rios Marco Antonio , Peña‐Duque Marco Antonio , Posadas‐Sanchez Rosalinda , Posadas‐Romero Carlos , Escobedo Galileo , Fragoso Jose Manuel
Published: March 2018

We evaluated whether CETP and LCAT gene polymorphisms are statistically associated with the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) size distribution, the cholesterol level of HDL subclasses, and the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) susceptibility. Two CETP gene polymorphisms (rs4783961 and rs708272) and one LCAT polymorphism (rs2292318) were genotyped by 5′ exonuclease TaqMan assays in 619 patients with ACS and 607 control individuals. For HDL analysis, a subgroup of 100 healthy individuals was recruited; the HDL subclasses were separated via ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis under native conditions. Under a dominant model, the G allele of the rs708272 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of ACS (odds ratios [OR] = 1.45, corrected p‐value [pCDom] = 0.036). The linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that one of the eight possible combinations was associated with the risk of developing ACS (OR = 1.52, pC = 0.02), which suggests that it may contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. The rs708272 G allele carriers had a lower concentration of cholesterol associated with the HDL2a and HDL3a subclasses when compared with subjects carrying the A allele. Carriers of LCAT rs2292318 A allele showed a lower concentration of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) in comparison to the GG genotype; the cholesterol associated with the each one of the five HDL subclasses was significantly lower in rs2292318 A than in GG subjects. In summary, this study demonstrates that the rs708272 polymorphism is associated with a heightened risk of developing ACS. In addition, we report the association of the rs708272 and rs2292318 polymorphisms with HDL‐C levels and HDL subclasses.
How Do I Confirm that a New Mutation is Pathogenic?
Authors: Trinh Joanne , Tadic Vera , Klein Christine
Published: March 2018

View Supplementary Video 1

Whole exome, genome sequencing, and other massive parallel next generation sequencing technologies have increasingly been used as a clinical diagnostic tool in recent years. Although sequencing technologies are becoming more affordable and widely used, the interpretation of variants from these large datasets at the level of personalized medicine is not clear‐cut. For example, many rare missense variants identified may or may not have an impact on gene function and can be problematic to interpret in a clinical setting. Thus, there is a need for a systematic approach to applying, reporting, and evaluating variants identified. One important aspect is to determine the pathogenicity of a variant based on scientific literature. This tutorial is meant to serve as an introduction to scoring pathogenicity of variants, enabling movement disorder specialists to familiarize themselves with online tools to independently determine pathogenicity of variants identified in genetic testing reports.
Using stable distributions to characterize proton pencil beams
Authors: Van den Heuvel Frank , George Ben , Schreuder Niek , Fiorini Francesca
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To introduce and evaluate the use of stable distributions as a methodology to quantify the behavior of proton pencil beams in a medium.

Methods

The proton pencil beams of a clinically commissioned proton treatment facility are replicated in a Monte Carlo simulation system (FLUKA). For each available energy, the beam deposition in water medium is characterized by the dose deposition. Using a stable distribution methodology, each beam with a nominal energy E is characterized by the lateral spread at depth z: S(z; α, γ, E) and a total energy deposition ID(z, E). The parameter α describes the tailedness of the distributions, while γ is used to scale the size of the function. The beams can then be described completely by a function of the variation of the parameters with depth.

Results

Quantitatively, the fit of the stable distributions, compared to those implemented in some standard treatment planning systems, are equivalent for all but the highest energies (i.e., 230 MeV/u). The decrease in goodness of fit makes this methodology comparable to a double Gaussian approach. The introduction of restricted linear combinations of stable distributions also resolves that particular case. More importantly, the meta‐parameterization (i.e., the description of the dose deposition by only providing the fitted parameters) allows for interpolation of nonmeasured data. In the case of the clinical commissioning data used in this paper, it was possible to only commission one out of five nominal energies to obtain a viable dataset, valid for all energies. An additional parameter β allows to describe asymmetric beam profiles as well.

Conclusions

Stable distributions are intrinsically suited to describe proton pencil beams in a medium and provide a tool to quantify the propagation of proton beams in a medium.
Modeling Vapor Solubility in Semicrystalline Polyethylene
Authors: Moebus Joseph A. , Greenhalgh Brian R.
Published: March 2018

The solubility of vapors within semicrystalline polyethylenes produced in the gas phase process is examined. Experimentally measured solubilities of ethylene, 1‐butene, isobutane, isopentane, 1‐hexene, andn‐hexane as a function of temperature, pressure, and vapor composition are reported for a series of semicrystalline linear low density polyethylenes, and a model for predicting these results is presented in detail. This paper demonstrates that conventional thermodynamic methods, which accurately predict polymer phase behavior in fluid systems, fail to account for a critical concept associated with semicrystalline polymers; the elastic constraint. Through application of a simple thermodynamic model addressing this effect, vapor solubility in such systems can be accurately predicted using a limited number of adjustable parameters.
Advanced glycation end‐products suppress autophagic flux in podocytes by activating mammalian target of rapamycin and inhibiting nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB
Authors: Zhao Xingchen , Chen Yuanhan , Tan Xiaofan , Zhang Li , Zhang Hong , Li Zhilian , Liu Shuangxin , Li Ruizhao , Lin Ting , Liao Ruyi , Zhang Qianmei , Dong Wei , Shi Wei , Liang Xinling
Published: March 2018

Insufficient autophagy in podocytes is related to podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are major factors of podocyte injury in DN. However, the role and mechanism of AGEs in autophagic dysfunction remain unknown. We investigated autophagic flux in AGE‐stimulated cultured podocytes using multiple assays: western blotting, reverse transcription–quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy. We also utilized chloroquine and a fluorescent probe to monitor the formation and turnover of autophagosomes. Mice of the db/db strain were used to model diabetes mellitus (DM) with high levels of AGEs. To mimic DM with normal levels of AGEs as a control, we treated db/db mice with pyridoxamine to block AGE formation. AGEs impaired autophagic flux in the cultured podocytes. Compared with db/db mice with normal AGEs but high glucose levels, db/db mice with high AGEs and high glucose levels exhibited lower autophagic activity. Aberrant autophagic flux was related to hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a major suppressor of autophagy. Pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR activity restored impaired autophagy. AGEs inhibited the nuclear translocation and activity of the pro‐autophagic transcription factor EB (TFEB) and thus suppressed transcription of its several autophagic target genes. Conversely, TFEB overexpression prevented AGE‐induced autophagy insufficiency. Attenuating mTOR activity recovered TFEB nuclear translocation under AGE stimulation. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated the interaction between mTOR and TFEB in AGE‐stimulated podocytes and in glomeruli from db/db mice. In conclusion, AGEs play a crucial part in suppressing podocyte autophagy under DM conditions. AGEs inhibited the formation and turnover of autophagosomes in podocytes by activating mTOR and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of TFEB. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Nanostructured epoxy—rubber network modified with mwcnt and ionic liquid: Electrical, dynamic‐mechanical, and adhesion properties
Authors: Soares Bluma G. , Alves Fabrício F.
Published: March 2018

Nanostructured epoxy thermoset modified with isocyanate‐modified polybutadiene (ER.PBNCO) was used to develop epoxy/carbon nanotube (CNT)‐ based nanocomposites. The covalent interaction between the functionalized rubber and the epoxy resin resulted in nanostructured material with outstanding thermo‐mechanical and adhesion properties. The addition of multiwalled carbon nanotube commercially available as epoxy‐based masterbatch contributed for an improvement of filler dispersion, as indicated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, without significantly influence on rheological behavior. An increase of the reinforcing effect and adhesion properties without compromising the stiffness and glass transition temperature was also observed, with the addition of as high as 1.5 phr of CNT. The addition of 1‐butyl‐3.methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmim.BF4) as the ionic liquid (IL) contributed for an improvement of electrical conductivity and a decreasing of adhesion properties and Tg. Both CNT and IL were able to accelerate the curing process of the epoxy matrix treated with polyetheramine. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2584–E2594, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of dispensed medications and forensic‐toxicological findings to assess pharmacotherapy in the Swedish population 2006 to 2013
Authors: Forsman Jonas , Taipale Heidi , Masterman Thomas , Tiihonen Jari , Tanskanen Antti
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To investigate person‐level agreement between medication exposure as predicted using the PRE2DUP (a prescription‐based design to estimate continuous drug use) method and postmortem toxicological findings, in the Swedish population during the years 2006 to 2013.

Methods

Using the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine's toxicology database and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's registries on causes of death, dispensed medications, and in‐patient care, forensic‐toxicological findings were compared with prescription‐based estimates of drug use for 27 medications. We modeled expected drug‐use periods with the PRE2DUP using an algorithm of demonstrated high validity that evaluates personal drug‐purchasing patterns with consideration to possible stockpiling of drugs and package information. Excluding criteria included self‐inflicted death and recent in‐patient care.

Results

In data from 18 627 performed autopsies, as well as 10 160 instances of dispensed drug use, the agreement between PRE2DUP drug‐use periods and forensic toxicology was, overall, moderate (Cohen's kappa: 0.56 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.55‐0.57]) with a positive predictive value, or predicted adherence rate, of 46.0%. The group‐level predicted adherence and agreement were highest for antidepressants, at 71.0% (Cohen's kappa: 0.74 [CI: 0.73‐0.76]), and lowest for cardiovascular drugs, at 21.5% (Cohen's kappa: 0.33 [CI: 0.31‐0.36]). Predicted recreational use (negative predictive value) was low for all investigated drugs (0.0%‐1.4%). The biological half‐life explained 29% (P = 0.003) of the variability of the false‐positive rate.

Conclusions

Measured agreement between PRE2DUP‐based drug‐use estimates and forensic‐toxicological findings is dependent upon a number of factors, including true continuous drug use and postmortem detectability of the investigated drugs, as well as the occurrence of unconventional dosing and true non‐adherence.
Effect of cellulose nanofibers and acetylated cellulose nanofibers on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Ahmadi Mobina , Behzad Tayebeh , Bagheri Rouhollah , Heidarian Pejman
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and acetylated cellulose nanofibers (ACNFs) on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch/polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA) blends. For this purpose, CNFs, isolated from wheat straw fibers, were first acetylated using acetic anhydride in order to modify their hydrophilicity. Afterwards, LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA blends were reinforced using either CNFs or ACNFs at various concentrations (1–5 wt%) with a twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical results demonstrated that addition of ACNFs more significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus of blends than addition of CNFs, albeit elongation at break of both reinforced blends decreased compared with the neat sample. Additionally, biodegradability and water absorption capacity of blends improved due to the incorporation of both nanofibers, these effects being more pronounced for CNF‐assisted blends than ACNF‐reinforced counterparts. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspectives of patients with haematological cancer on how clinicians meet their information needs: “Managing” information versus “giving” it
Authors: Atherton Kirsten , Young Bridget , Kalakonda Nagesh , Salmon Peter
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Practitioners treating patients with haematological cancers have extensive clinical information available to give to patients, and patients need to be informed. However, many patients want to be protected from having information that is too detailed or threatening. To illuminate how practitioners can address this dilemma and help patients feel appropriately informed, we explored patients' experience of feeling informed or uninformed.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients who had been diagnosed with haematological cancer and had recently received results from clinical investigations or from evaluations of treatment response. Inductive and interpretive analysis of the transcribed audio‐recorded interviews drew on constant comparison.

Results

Patients described the need for practitioners carefully to manage the information that they provided, and many felt alarmed by information that they did not experience as having been managed for them. A few patients who had difficulty trusting practitioners were not content with the information provided.

Conclusions

These findings can be understood using attachment theory, whereby practitioners' careful management of information demonstrates their care for patients, and patients' trust in the practitioner enables them to feel informed. It follows that, when patients do not feel informed, the solution will not necessarily be more information but might be to help patients feel more secure in a caring clinical relationship.
Applied Concepts in PBPK Modeling: How to Extend an Open Systems Pharmacology Model to the Special Population of Pregnant Women
Authors: Dallmann André , Solodenko Juri , Ince Ibrahim , Eissing Thomas
Published: March 2018

This tutorial presents the workflow of adapting an adult physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to the pregnant populations using the Open Systems Pharmacology (OSP) software suite (www.open-systems-pharmacology.org). This workflow is illustrated using a previously published PBPK model for metronidazole that is extrapolated to pregnancy by parameterizing and extending the model structure in terms of pregnancy‐induced physiological changes. Importantly, this workflow can be applied to other scenarios where PBPK models need to be re‐parameterized or structurally modified.
Quantum Confinement and Surface Effects on the Itinerant Ferromagnetism in Ni and Ni–Fe Nanowire Arrays: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Ziti Ikram , Britel Mohammed Réda , Bouajaj Adel , Wang Chumin
Published: March 2018

Coordination number reduction of surface atoms and spatial confinement of itinerant electrons are decisive factors in the nano‐ferromagnetism. Impacts of these factors on the ferromagnetic moments of Ni and Ni–Fe nanowire (NW) arrays are quantified by means of the density functional theory through both atomic‐orbital and plane‐wave approaches. A systematic study of the wire diameter, interwire distance and chemical composition on the magnetic properties were carried out in eight thin nanowires to investigate the limiting cases of confinement and surface effects. The results reveal a growth of the magnetic moment when the wire diameter diminishes, due to the decrease of average coordination number which reduces the 3d electronic band width and then a larger spin population contrast. This fact is consistent with experimental data obtained from Ni nanoparticles and NWs. Moreover, we found a critical interwire distance, which is the minimum separation that maintains the individual NW magnetic moment. Finally, both local and global magnetic moments of Ni–Fe NWs obtained from the ab initio calculations are compared with experimental ones and a good consistency is observed.
Classification of precipitating clouds using satellite infrared observations and its implications for rainfall estimation
Authors: So Damwon , Shin Dong‐Bin
Published: March 2018

Precipitation estimates from satellite infrared (IR) radiometers are typically based on cloud top temperatures. However, these temperatures are weakly related to surface rainfall, particularly for shallow or warm clouds. This study classifies precipitating clouds into five cloud groups. The classification uses three brightness temperature differences (BTDs) and one BTD difference (ΔBTD) from Himawari‐8 Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI): BTD1 (6.2–11.2 µm), BTD2 (8.6–11.2 µm), BTD3 (11.2–12.4 µm), and ΔBTD (BTD2 − BTD3). BTD1 is found to be effective for separating shallow and non‐shallow clouds in reference to the Global Precipitation Measurement Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) level 2 data. Once this separation is complete, non‐shallow clouds are further classified. The negative and positive values of ΔBTD usually indicate more water and more ice in clouds, respectively, distinguishing non‐shallow clouds with tall and taller cloud heights. Subsequently, BTD1 is applied to non‐shallow‐tall/taller clouds. Because these clouds can be considered as optically thick, BTD1 identifies the relative coldness of the cloud top based on the extent of water vapour over the cloud top. The final classification yields four non‐shallow cloud types: non‐shallow‐tall‐cold, non‐shallow‐tall‐colder, non‐shallow‐taller‐cold, and non‐shallow‐taller‐colder clouds. The relationships between IR brightness temperatures and surface rainfall obtained from the classified cloud groups over four latitude bands reveal clear differences, implying that separating cloud types and accounting for regional differences are desirable to improve the accuracy of IR‐based precipitation measurements.
High‐Performance Additive‐/Post‐Treatment‐Free Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells via Tuning Molecular Weight of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Li Zelin , Yang Dalei , Zhang Tong , Zhang Jidong , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: March 2018

In recent years, rapid advances are achieved in polymer solar cells (PSCs) using nonfullerene small molecular acceptors. However, no research disclosing the influence of molecular weight (Mn) of conjugated polymer on the nonfullerene device performance is reported. In this work, a series of polymers with different Mns are synthesized to systematically investigate the connection between Mn and performance of nonfullerene devices for the first time. It is found that the device performance improves substantially as the Mn increases from 12 to 38 kDa and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 10.5% is realized. It has to be noted this PCE is achieved without using any additives and post‐treatments, which is among the top efficiencies of additive‐ and post‐treatment‐free PSCs. Most importantly, the variation trend of the optimal active layer thickness and morphology is significantly different from the device with fullerene as acceptor. The findings clarify the effect of Mn on the performance of nonfullerene PSCs, which would benefit further efficiency improvement of nonfullerene PSCs.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Strategy to Optimize Charge Distribution of PC71BM and Enable a High Efficiency of 12.45% for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Du Xiaoyang , Tao Silu , Li Lijuan , Wang Wei , Zheng Caijun , Lin Hui , Zhang Xiujuan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

Short‐circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and open‐circuit voltage (VOC) are the determining factors on organic solar cells (OSCs) performance. For ternary blend devices, the VOC generally shows a smaller change compared to their binary blend counterpart. Therefore, increase in the JSC and FF of ternary OSCs is the dominating approach to improve device performance. Here, we report a new strategy to enhance OSCs performance via hydrogen‐bonding between PC71BM and dopant coumarin7 (C7) in a PTB7‐Th:C7:PC71BM ternary system. The formation of hydrogen bonds between PC71BM and C7 was predicted by Vienna ab initio simulations (VASP) and verified by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Hydrogen‐bonding induces charge accumulation on the surface of PC71BM, which facilitates electron withdrawal of PC71BM and π‐π stacking between donor and acceptor, resulting in enhanced JSC values of OSCs. Besides, hydrogen bond interaction improves the morphology of C7‐containing OSCs via formation of an interpenetrating network nanofiber structure, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The combination of the above benefits yields a ternary blend OSC consisting of PTB7‐Th:10%C7:PC71BM to have an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.23% (maximum PCE of 12.45%) at a JSC of 22.26 mA cm−2 and a FF of 70.71%, which represents 31.89% enhancement above the best PCE of the control OSC (9.44%). These results demonstrate a new strategy to improve OSCs efficiency.
Challenges and techniques in Big data security and privacy: A review
Authors: Bao Rongxin , Chen Zhikui , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development of information technology, Big data has become a hot topic of research in governments, academia, and enterprises. On the one hand, Big data brings opportunities that are not available by small‐scale data in many fields, such as business, education, and healthcare. On the other hand, due to the huge amount, the development of Big data is still facing many security and privacy issues in the whole lifetime of Big data. Security and privacy issues not only plague users and businesses, but also create obstacles to the expected opportunities and progress of Big data. In this study, we first review challenges in Big data security and privacy, especially considering the challenges in different lifetime of Big data. Then we review four popular secure technologies: homomorphic encryption, secure multiparty computation, attribute‐based encryption, and anonymous protection in social network. Based on the reviews, we identify recommendations and 3 possible directions for security and privacy protection of Big data.
Higher spin superfield interactions with complex linear supermultiplet: conserved supercurrents and cubic vertices
Authors: Koutrolikos Konstantinos , Kočí Pavel , von Unge Rikard
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We continue the program of constructing cubic interactions between matter and higher spin supermultiplets. In this work we consider a complex linear superfield and we find that it can have cubic interactions only with supermultiplets with propagating spins j = s + 1, j = s + 1/2 for any non-negative integer s (half-integer superspin super-multiplets). We construct the higher spin supercurrent and supertrace, these compose the canonical supercurrent multiplet which generates the cubic interactions. We also prove that for every s there exist an alternative minimal supercurrent multiplet, with vanishing supertrace. Furthermore, we perform a duality transformation in order to make contact with the corresponding chiral theory. An interesting result is that the dual chiral theory has the same coupling constant with the complex linear theory only for odd values of s, whereas for even values of s the coupling constants for the two theories have opposite signs. Additionally we explore the component structure of the supercurrent multiplet and derive the higher spin currents. We find two bosonic currents for spins j = s and j = s + 1 and one fermionic current for spin j = s + 1/2.
Evidence for inflation in an axion landscape
Authors: Nath Pran , Piskunov Maksim
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We discuss inflation models within supersymmetry and supergravity frameworks with a landscape of chiral superfields and one U(1) shift symmetry which is broken by non-perturbative symmetry breaking terms in the superpotential. We label the pseudo scalar component of the chiral fields axions and their real parts saxions. Thus in the models only one combination of axions will be a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone-boson which will act as the inflaton. The proposed models constitute consistent inflation for the following reasons: the inflation potential arises dynamically with stabilized saxions, the axion decay constant can lie in the sub-Planckian region, and consistency with the Planck data is achieved. The axion landscape consisting ofmaxion pairs is assumed with the axions in each pair having opposite charges. A fast roll-slow roll splitting mechanism for the axion potential is proposed which is realized with a special choice of the axion basis. In this basis the 2mcoupled equations split into 2m− 1 equations which enter in the fast roll and there is one unique linear combination of the 2mfields which controls the slow roll and thus the power spectrum of curvature and tensor perturbations. It is shown that a significant part of the parameter space exists where inflation is successful, i.e.,Npivot= [50, 60], the spectral indexnsof curvature perturbations, and the ratiorof the power spectrum of tensor perturbations and curvature perturbations, lie in the experimentally allowed regions given by the Planck experiment. Further, it is shown that the model allows for a significant region of the parameter space where the effective axion decay constant can lie in the sub-Planckian domain. An analysis of the tensor spectral indexntis also given and the future experimental data which constraintsntwill further narrow down the parameter space of the proposed inflationary models. Topics of further interest include implications of the model for gravitational waves and non-Gaussianities in the curvature perturbations. Also of interest is embedding of the model in strings which are expected to possess a large axionic landscape.
Leptogenesis constraints on B − L breaking Higgs boson in TeV scale seesaw models
Authors: Dev P. S. Bhupal , Mohapatra Rabindra N. , Zhang Yongchao
Published: March 2018

Abstract

In the type-I seesaw mechanism for neutrino masses, there exists a B − L symmetry, whose breaking leads to the lepton number violating mass of the heavy Majorana neutrinos. This would imply the existence of a new neutral scalar associated with the B −L symmetry breaking, analogous to the Higgs boson of the Standard Model. If in such models, the heavy neutrino decays are also responsible for the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe via the leptogenesis mechanism, the new seesaw scalar interactions with the heavy neutrinos will induce additional dilution terms for the heavy neutrino and lepton number densities. We make a detailed study of this dilution effect on the lepton asymmetry in three generic classes of seesaw models with TeV-scale B − L symmetry breaking, namely, in an effective theory framework and in scenarios with global or local U(1)
B−L
symmetry. We find that requiring successful leptogenesis imposes stringent constraints on the mass and couplings of the new scalar in all three cases, especially when it is lighter than the heavy neutrinos. We also discuss the implications of these new constraints and prospects of testing leptogenesis in presence of seesaw scalars at colliders.
Influence of alliance portfolio diversity on innovation performance: the role of internal capabilities of value creation
Authors: Chung Doohee , Kim Marco Jinhwan , Kang Jina
Published: March 2018

In this study, we suggest a new perspective on the linkage between alliance portfolio diversity and innovation performance based on a contingency approach. Using a longitudinal data set on alliance portfolios and patents of 182 firms in the U.S. manufacturing industries, we examined that alliance portfolio diversity has a U-shaped relationship with firm-level innovation. Internal value creation capabilities in terms of routine and ability are found to moderate the relationship between alliance portfolio diversity and innovation performance: organizational search routine strengthens the relationship of alliance portfolio diversity and innovation performance while technological capabilities weaken and flip the relationship.