bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective vacuum well in a deep excavation, prevention of a serious incident
Authors: Meier Joachim , Böhm Sebastian
Published: October 2018

In the course of the new construction of the Wehrhahn Line in Düsseldorf, works included the top‐down building of the station at Schadowstraße with back‐anchored diaphragm walls embedded up to 12 m into the Tertiary fine sand. The formation of the excavation was planned to lie above this in the Quaternary sand gravel. During the construction period, it was noticed that the Tertiary groundwater aquitard in the east part of the excavation is up to 2.5 m higher than forecast. This made necessary the installation of partially inclined suction wells in the Tertiary, in the protection of which the Tertiary groundwater was to be replaced by a surface filter. Altogether 41 suction wells were sunk.

Shortly before reaching the excavation bottom level, an increased sand freight and an unplanned higher inside water level were recorded in places. Immediately introduced investigations showed that a defective foot cap had led to the intake of fine sand. In consequence, an erosion channel had formed at the underside of the lance, running through under the diaphragm wall. After a first stabilisation, a remedial concept was worked out collaboratively with all parties. Accordingly the filter section was closed by nitrogen freezing and the action point of the heave was moved downward. An adapted excavation concept was also decided from heave calculations. The extent of the frozen body was checked with an extensive monitoring programme. Through meticulous preparation and the frictionless collaboration of all parties, a major incident could be prevented.
Synthesis of a Ca3SiO5–Ca2SiO4–Ca3Al2O6 cement system with rapid setting capacity by spray‐pyrolysis coupled with sol–gel method
Authors: Choi Hae Won , Um Seung‐Hoon , Rhee Sang‐Hoon
Published: October 2018

A modified mineral‐trioxide‐aggregate (mMTA) with rapid setting capacity was newly synthesized by spray‐pyrolysis following a sol–gel reaction. Its faster setting capacity and initially higher compressive strength compared with Portland cement (PC) were evaluated. The precursor solution of the mMTA was prepared through condensation following hydrolysis among Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, Si(OC2H5)4, and Al(NO3)3·9H2O under nitric acid. The mMTA powder was then synthesized by spray‐pyrolysis at 1500°C. The particle shape was spherical with an average particle size of 0.8 ± 0.3 μm, while PC particles were irregular and 3.9 ± 3.0 μm in size. The mMTA consisted of mostly Ca3SiO5, Ca3Al2O6, and partial Ca2SiO4 phases, while the PC comprised mainly Ca3SiO5, Ca2SiO4, and partial Ca3Al2O6 phases. The final setting times of mMTA and PC measured under 95% relative humidity were about 11 min and 3 h, respectively. The early stage of setting in mMTA was dominated by the rapid formation of hexagonal‐plate‐like Ca3Al2O6·6H2O crystals, while that in PC was dominated by needle‐like calcium‐silicate‐hydrate gels and columnar‐shaped Ca(OH)2 crystals. The late stage of setting in mMTA was dominated by calcium‐silicate‐hydrate gels and Ca(OH)2 crystals, while that in PC was dominated by Ca3Al2O6·6H2O crystals. The compressive strengths of mMTA and PC after 30 min of setting were 4.5 and 0.2 MPa, respectively. The results suggest that mMTA has potential to be used as a filling material for accidental pulp‐exposure or pulpal floor perforation cases that require rapid setting capacity and initial good strength. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1440–1451, 2019.
Agmatine protects against sodium valproate–induced hepatic injury in mice via modulation of nuclear factor‐κB/inducible nitric oxide synthetase pathway
Authors: Ahmed Nishat , Aljuhani Naif , Al‐Hujaili Hind S. , Al‐Hujaili Manar A. , Elkablawy Mohamed A. , Noah Magdy M. , Abo‐Haded Hany , El‐Agamy Dina S.
Published: October 2018

Valproate is a widely used drug against epilepsy and several other neurological disorders although it has deleterious hepatotoxic side effects. The current study was designed to test if agmatine as nitric oxide modulator has protective effects against valproate‐induced hepatic injury. Male Swiss albino mice were treated with sodium valproate (SVP) with or without agmatine for 7 days. Serum and liver samples were collected for analysis. Results have revealed that agmatine exerted hepatoprotective effects against SVP‐associated hepatic injury. Agmatine ameliorated SVP‐induced elevated serum biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Histopathological examination of the liver showed improvement of hepatic lesions in case of agmatine treatment. Furthermore, agmatine attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidants in liver tissue. Agmatine inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐κB and ameliorated the immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase. This was accompanied by decrease in the level of inflammatory markers as nitrite/nitrate, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6. These data provide new evidence of the hepatoprotective activity of agmatine against SVP‐induced hepatotoxic effects.
Higenamine protects neuronal cells from oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced injury
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Chuntao , Guo Sheng , Su Jing , Zhao Wendong , Xing Hongxia
Published: October 2018

Higenamine, a plant‐based alkaloid, exhibits various properties, such as antiapoptotic and antioxidative effects. Previous studies proved that higenamine possesses potential therapeutic effects for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, the role of higenamine in cerebral I/R injury has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of higenamine on cerebral I/R injury and the potential mechanism. Our data showed that higenamine ameliorated oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)‐induced neuronal cells injury. Induction of reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde production, and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity caused by OGD/R were attenuated by higenamine. In addition, higenamine inhibited the increases in caspase‐3 activity and Bax expression, and inhibited the decrease in Bcl‐2 expression. Furthermore, higenamine elevated the expression levels of p‐Akt, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). The inhibitor of PI3K/Akt (LY294002) abolished the protective effects of higenamine on OGD/R‐induced neuronal cells. These findings indicated that higenamine protects neuronal cells against OGD/R‐induced injury by regulating the Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1‐signaling pathways. Collectively, higenamine might be considered as new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cerebral I/R injury.
The Dmp8‐Dmp18 bicistron messenger RNA enables unusual translation during cellular stress
Authors: Bucio‐Mendez Alyeri , Cruz‐Becerra Grisel , Valadez‐Graham Viviana , Dinkova Tzvetanka D. , Zurita Mario
Published: October 2018

Alternatives to the cap mechanism in translation are often used by viruses and cells to allow them to synthesize proteins in events of stress and viral infection. In Drosophila there are hundreds of polycistronic messenger RNA (mRNA), and various mechanisms are known to achieve this. However, proteins in a same mRNA often work in the same cellular mechanism, this is not the case for Drosophila's Swc6/p18Hamlet homolog Dmp18, part of the SWR1 chromatin remodeling complex, who is encoded in a bicistronic mRNA next to Dmp8 (Dmp8‐Dmp18 transcript), a structural component of transcription factor TFIIH. The organization of these two genes as a bicistron is conserved in all arthropods, however the length of the intercistronic sequence varies from more than 90 to 2 bases, suggesting an unusual translation mechanism for the second open reading frame. We found that even though translation of Dmp18 occurs independently from that of Dmp8, it is necessary for Dmp18 to be in that conformation to allow its correct translation during cellular stress caused by damage via heat‐shock and UV radiation.
The effects of fatty acids consumption on OPG/RANKL/RANK system in cardiovascular diseases: Current status and future perspectives for the impact of diet‐gene interaction
Authors: Tamtaji Omid Reza , Borzabadi Shokoofeh , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon , Asemi Zatollah
Published: October 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an overall term that comprises a number of related pathologies, these include peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), venous thromboembolism, and rheumatic and congenital heart diseases. Fatty acids in the diet have been reported to affect CVD. The OPG/RANKL/RANK system appears to have a role in CVD outcomes. However, there have been few studies on the impact of diet‐gene interaction for effects of fatty acids consumption on the OPG/RANKL/RANK system in CVD. This review focuses on the effects of fatty acids on OPG/RANKL/RANK in CVD.
Tumour‐derived leukaemia inhibitory factor is a major driver of cancer cachexia and morbidity in C26 tumour‐bearing mice
Authors: Kandarian Susan C. , Nosacka Rachel L. , Delitto Andrea E. , Judge Andrew R. , Judge Sarah M. , Ganey John D. , Moreira Jesse D. , Jackman Robert W.
Published: October 2018

Background

Cancer cachexia is a metabolic wasting syndrome that is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. The initiating factors causing fat and muscle loss are largely unknown. Previously, we found that leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) secreted by C26 colon carcinoma cells was responsible for atrophy in treated myotubes. In the present study, we tested whether C26 tumour‐derived LIF is required for cancer cachexia in mice by knockout of Lif in C26 cells.

Methods

A C26 Lif null tumour cell line was made using CRISPR‐Cas9. Measurements of cachexia were compared in mice inoculated with C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumour cells, and atrophy was compared in myotubes treated with medium from C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumour cells. Levels of 25 cytokines/chemokines were compared in serum of mice bearing C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumours and in the medium from these tumour cell lines.

Results

At study endpoint, C26 mice showed outward signs of sickness while mice with C26Lif−/− tumours appeared healthy. Mice with C26Lif−/− tumours showed a 55–75% amelioration of body weight loss, muscle loss, fat loss, and splenomegaly compared with mice with C26 tumours (P < 0.05). The heart was not affected by LIF levels because the loss of cardiac mass was the same in C26 and C26Lif−/− tumour‐bearing mice. LIF levels in mouse serum was entirely dependent on secretion from the tumour cells. Serum levels of interleukin‐6 and G‐CSF were increased by 79‐fold and 68‐fold, respectively, in C26 mice but only by five‐fold and two‐fold, respectively, in C26Lif−/− mice, suggesting that interleukin‐6 and G‐CSF increases are dependent on tumour‐derived LIF.

Conclusions

This study shows the first use of CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout of a candidate cachexia factor in tumour cells. The results provide direct evidence for LIF as a major cachexia initiating factor for the C26 tumour in vivo. Tumour‐derived LIF was also a regulator of multiple cytokines in C26 tumour cells and in C26 tumour‐bearing mice. The identification of tumour‐derived factors such as LIF that initiate the cachectic process is immediately applicable to the development of therapeutics to treat cachexia. This is a proof of principle for studies that when carried out in human cells, will make possible an understanding of the factors causing cachexia in a patient‐specific manner.
Cerebral autoregulation in hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography studies
Authors: Minhas Jatinder S. , Panerai Ronney B. , Ghaly George , Divall Pip , Robinson Thompson G.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

International guidelines advocate intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering within 6 hours of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to a target systolic BP of 130‐140 mm Hg, though more intensive lowering may be associated with adverse outcome. Observational studies suggest impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA) following ICH. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD), alongside continuous BP monitoring, provides a noninvasive bedside investigation that offers detailed perspectives on physiological perturbations post‐acute ICH. This systematic review and meta‐analysis focuses on all TCD studies of CA in ICH.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for studies of hemorrhagic stroke and blood flow measurement.

Results

Eight studies met inclusion criteria (293 ICH patients); CA was impaired up to 12‐days post‐acute ICH. Impaired CA was evidenced by reduced transfer function analysis phase and higher mean flow correlation values: these were associated with worsened clinical parameters including ICH‐volume and Glasgow Coma Scale. Meta‐analysis of CBV demonstrated that, compared to controls, mean CBV was significantly lower in the ipsilateral (49.7 vs 64.8 cm s−1, Z = 4.26, P < .0001) and contralateral hemispheres following ICH (51.5 vs 64.8 cm s−1, Z = 3.44, P = .0006).

Conclusion

Lower mean CBV in combination with impaired CA may have implications for more intensive BP lowering and warrants further studies examining such strategies on cerebral blood flow and its regulatory mechanisms.
Antibacterial activities of plasma from the common (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
Authors: Baker Sarah J. , Kessler Ethan J. , Merchant Mark E.
Published: October 2018

Innate immunity provides a fast‐acting and nonspecific defense against microbial infection, and appears to have particular importance in the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates. Chelonians are a globally distributed and diverse group, yet little is known about their basic immune function. The chelonian family Chelydridae is made up of two genera (Chelydra and Macrochelys), represented in our study by the widespread common snapping turtle (
Chelydra serpentina; CST) and the southeast USA endemic alligator snapping turtle (
Macrochelys temminckii; AST). Our goal was to quantify the innate immune response of the family Chelydridae, using the antibacterial activity of plasma as a measure of immune function. Our results show that the plasma of both species has strong antibacterial properties, but CST plasma kills a higher percentage of bacteria than AST plasma. In addition, while both species showed the highest antibacterial activity at 25 to 30°C, CST plasma retained its antibacterial properties at lower and higher temperatures than AST plasma. Our results indicate that, like many ectotherms, Chelydridae have a relatively strong innate immune response. The stronger, more robust immune response of CSTs compared with ASTs is likely correlated to the differences in geographic ranges but may also have implications for each species’ tolerance to anthropogenic habitat degradation and global climate change.
Differential implications of team member promotive and prohibitive voice on innovation performance in research and development project teams: A dialectic perspective
Authors: Liang Jian , Shu Rui , Farh Crystal I.C.
Published: October 2018

How and when does team member voice facilitate team innovation? Integrating research on member voice and a dialectic perspective of innovation, we advance a model in which team member promotive voice enhances team innovation through team knowledge utilization, whereas team member prohibitive voice enhances team innovation through team reflexivity in a nonlinear fashion. We further propose that the differential effects of team member promotive and prohibitive voice will be stronger at different stages (idea generation vs. idea implementation) of the innovation cycle. Survey data from 78 research and development project teams showed a positive indirect effect between team member promotive voice and team innovation through team knowledge utilization, although this relationship was also mediated through team reflexivity. Moreover, the indirect effect of team member promotive voice on team innovation via team knowledge utilization was stronger for teams in the idea generation stage of team innovation. Results also confirmed a nonlinear indirect relationship between team member prohibitive voice and team innovation via team reflexivity such that the positive effects of team member prohibitive voice tapered off at high levels. Contrary to our expectations, the effects of prohibitive voice held regardless of stage. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Enhanced halophilic lipase secretion by Marinobacter litoralis SW‐45 and its potential fatty acid esters release
Authors: Musa Haliru , Hafiz Kasim Farizul , Nagoor Gunny Ahmad A. , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Azmier Ahmad Mohd.
Published: October 2018

An approach was made to enhance the halophilic lipase secretion by a newly isolated moderate halophilic Marinobacter litoralis SW‐45, through the statistical optimization of Plackett‐Burman (PB) experimental design and the Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD). Initially, PB statistical design was used to screen the medium components and process parameters, while the One‐factor‐at‐a‐time technique was availed to find the optimum level of significant parameters. It was found that MgSO4 · 7H2O, NaCl, agitation speed, FeSO4 · 7H2O, yeast extract and KCl positively influence the halophilic lipase production, whereas temperature, carbon source (maltose), inducer (olive oil), inoculum size, and casein‐peptone had a negative effect on enzyme production. The optimum level of halophilic lipase production was obtained at 3.0 g L−1 maltose, 1% (v/v) olive oil, 30 °C growth temperature and 4% inoculum volume (v/v). Further optimization by FCCCD was revealed 1.7 folds improvement in the halophilic lipase production from 0.603 U ml−1 to 1.0307 U ml−1. Functional and biochemical characterizations displayed that the lipase was significantly active and stable in the pH ranges of 7.0–9.5, temperature (30–50 °C), and NaCl concentration (0–21%). The lipase was maximally active at pH 8.0, 12% (w/v) NaCl, and 50 °C temperature. Besides, M. litoralis SW‐45 lipase was found to possess the promising industrial potential to be utilized as a biocatalyst for the esterification.
The potential aroma and flavor compounds in Vitis sp. cv. Koshu and V. vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay under different environmental conditions
Authors: Bahena‐Garrido Sharon Marie , Ohama Tomoko , Suehiro Yuka , Hata Yuko , Isogai Atsuko , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Goto‐Yamamoto Nami , Koyama Kazuya
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Koshu, a hybrid of Vitis vinifera L. and V. davidii Foex, is the most popular indigenous cultivar for wine production in Japan. However, little is known about the potential aroma compounds it contains and how environmental factors affect these. In this study, we obtained comprehensive profiles of the volatile (both glycosidically bound and free) and phenolic compounds that occur in koshu berries, and compared these with similar profiles for V. vinifera cv. chardonnay. We then compared the response of these two cultivars to bunch shading and the ripening‐related phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA).

RESULTS

Koshu berries contained significantly higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, such as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and some volatile phenols, such as 4‐vinyl guaiacol and eugenol, than chardonnay berries, which are thought to contribute to the characteristics of koshu wine. In addition, koshu berries had a distinctly different terpenoid composition from chardonnay berries. Shading reduced the concentration of norisoprenoid in both cultivars, as well as several phenolic compounds, particularly their volatile derivatives in koshu berries. The exogenous application of ABA induced ripening and increased the concentrations of lipid derivatives, such as hexanol, octanol, 1‐nonanol, and 1‐octen‐3‐ol. Multivariate and discriminant analyses showed that the potential aroma and flavor compounds in the berries could be discriminated clearly based on cultivar and environmental cues, such as light exposure.

CONCLUSION

The unique secondary metabolite profiles of koshu and their different responses to environmental factors could be valuable for developing various types of koshu wines and new cultivars with improved quality and cultural characteristics. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Existence and concentration of positive ground state solutions for nonlinear fractional Schrödinger‐Poisson system with critical growth
Authors: Teng Kaimin , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we study the following fractional Schrödinger‐Poisson system involving competing potential functions

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5289:mma5289-math-0001
where ϵ > 0 is a small parameter, f is a function of C1 class, superlinear and subcritical nonlinearity,
,
, t ∈ (0,1), V(x), K(x), and Q(x) are positive continuous functions. Under some suitable assumptions on V, K, and Q, we prove that there is a family of positive ground state solutions with polynomial growth for sufficiently small ϵ > 0, of which it is concentrating on the set of minimal points of V(x) and the sets of maximal points of K(x) and Q(x).
A circular echo planar sequence for fast volumetric fMRI
Authors: Rettenmeier Christoph , Maziero Danilo , Qian Yongxian , Stenger V. Andrew
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate a circular EPI (CEPI) sequence as well as a generalized EPI reconstruction for fast fMRI with parallel imaging acceleration.

Methods

The CEPI acquisition was constructed using variable readout lengths and maximum ramp sampling as well as blipped‐CAIPI z‐gradient encoding for simultaneous multislice (SMS) and 3D volumetric imaging. A signal equation model with constant and linear phase terms was used to iteratively reconstruct images with low ghosting. Simulation, phantom, and human imaging experiments including audio/visual fMRI were performed at 3T using a 52‐channel coil.

Results

Application of CEPI gradients with duration of 27 ms covering a 22‐cm FOV at a 64 × 64 pixel resolution in SMS and 3D acquisitions resulted in images with comparable quality to those of standard Cartesian EPI. With parallel imaging techniques robust detection of BOLD fMRI activation with temporal sampling down to 275 ms was possible. The high temporal resolution enabled higher activation statistics at a penalty in increased noise and residual aliasing. The un‐accelerated 3D acquisition showed large temporal instability compared with a standard 2D acquisition.

Conclusion

Nonuniform sampling and generalized image reconstructions can be applied to EPI acquisitions including those with blipped‐CAIPI z gradients. The same gradients can be used for either SMS or 3D acquisitions providing identical coverage.
Ferritinbasierte makroporöse Gelnanoreaktoren
Authors: Häring Marleen , Díaz Díaz David
Published: October 2018

Mehrere Ferritine, also Proteinkomplexe, lassen sich zu einem stabilen makroporösen Hydrogel verbinden. Ferritin enthält normalerweise Eisenoxid, das sich wegen der großen Poren aber einfach gegen andere katalytisch aktive monodisperse Metallnanopartikel austauschen lässt. Zudem erleichtern die Poren den Reaktandentransport, was die Verbindung zu einem vielseitigen heterogenen Katalysator macht.
Pro Glyphosat: Die Diskussion um Glyphosat ist nicht sachlich
Authors: Küchler Thoralf
Published: October 2018

Jede Methode, Unkraut zu bekämpfen, greift in die Natur ein. Herbizide sind eine Option dafür, die den Boden schont, und Glyphosat ist der am besten untersuchte Wirkstoff, meint Thoralf Küchler.
Quanteneffekte – ganz natürlich
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2018

Kuriose Effekte der Quantenmechanik sind nicht nur im Subatomaren wichtig, sondern auch bei Photosynthese oder Geruchswahrnehmung. Kürzlich wurden 100 000 Versuchspersonen rund um die Welt Teil eines quantenmechanischen Experiments zum Nachweis, dass die Kuriositäten nicht mit klassischer Physik zu erklären sind.
Isrium 2018 – eine Konferenz für ungewöhnliche Moleküle
Authors: Kretschmer Robert
Published: October 2018

Etwa hundert Wissenschaftler aus der ganzen Welt trafen sich Mitte Juli zum International Symposium on Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules (Isrium) in Ascona (Schweiz). Mit dem Monte Verità hätten die Organisatoren Thomas Bally (Universität Freiburg) und Peter Chen (ETH Zürich) keinen besseren Ort für diese Konferenz finden können. 33 Vorträge und 30 Poster über reaktive Intermediate, Katalysemechanismen, physikalisch‐organische Chemie, mechanistische Aspekte der biologisch‐organischen Chemie sowie zu Fragen und Problemen der angewandten theoretischen Chemie ließen Raum für Diskussionen.
Informationstechnik: Vernetzungsrisiken vermeiden
Authors: Zenner Jos , Crocoll Nora
Published: October 2018

Industrie 4.0 vernetzt Prozesse und Fabriken. Öffentliche Einrichtungen müssen sich dabei nach bestimmten Normen zertifizieren lassen. Diese Standards könnten auch in der chemischen Industrie verhindern, dass jemand unbefugt auf Geräte und Daten zugreift.
Synthesis of new fluorinated aromatic poly (ether ketone amide)s containing cardo structures by a heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative polycondensation
Authors: Liu Limin , Zou Feihua , Zhang Rongli , Cai Mingzhong
Published: October 2018

New fluorinated aromatic poly (ether ketone amide)s containing cardo structures were prepared by a heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed polycondensation of fluorinated aromatic diiodides with ether ketone units, aromatic diamines containing cardo groups, and CO. Polymerizations were conducted in N,N‐dimethylacetamide at 120°C using 6 mol% of magnetic nanoparticles‐supported bidentate phosphine palladium (II) complex [Fe3O4@SiO2‐2P‐PdCl2] as catalyst and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5,4,0]‐7‐undecene as base and resulted in fluorinated cardo poly (ether ketone amide)s with inherent viscosities up to 0.75 dL/g. All the polymers were readily soluble in many organic solvents and could afford transparent, flexible, and strong films by solution casting. These polymers showed good thermal stability with the glass transition temperature of 237°C–258°C, the temperature at 5% weight loss of 462°C–477°C in nitrogen. These polymer films also exhibited good mechanical properties, excellent electrical and dielectric performance, and high optical transparency. The incorporation of bulky fluorinated groups and cardo structures into polymer backbone has played an important role in the improvement of solubility, dielectric performance, and optical properties. Importantly, the heterogeneous palladium catalyst can easily be recovered from the reaction mixture by simply applying an external magnet and recycled up to 7 times without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Radical processes initiated by ionizing radiation in PEEK and their macroscopic consequences
Authors: Kornacka Ewa Maria , Przybytniak Grażyna , Nowicki Andrzej
Published: October 2018

Poly (ether ether ketone) was irradiated with gamma rays or electron beam to investigate the radical process. The generated paramagnetic species were observed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy at ambient temperature and in liquid nitrogen. The effect of microwave power on saturation of the particular spectra and thermal annealing effects were determined. The following radicals were identified: radical anion, phenoxyl radical, and phenylperoxy radical. Despite the fact that the intermediates were formed as a result of backbone cleavage causing degradation, the macroscopic features were almost unaffected by irradiation up to dose of 1500 kGy.
Hyaluronic acid‐poly(vinyl alcohol) composite cryo‐gel for biofunctional material application
Authors: Kuchaiyaphum Pusita , Rifai Ghamra , Yuuki Watanabe , Yamauchi Takeshi
Published: October 2018

Recently, applications of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a biomaterial were investigated. However, the weak structure of HA gel and the effects of using cross‐linker raised concerns during in vivo resolution. In this study, we investigated the method to solve these two problems using physical cross‐linking and compositing with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Various weight ratios of HA and PVA solutions were mixed, adjustment of pH to 1.8 using HCl then used to fabricate HA‐PVA cryo‐gel by freezing‐thawing. Young's modulus of the prepared gel rose with the increase of both HA and PVA concentrations or either one of them. We estimated that HA and PVA have exhibited these mechanical properties due to forming a double network. HA‐PVA gel showed kinetic friction force of approximately 10 times of PVA gel, while water contact angle and protein adsorption of HA‐PVA gels were remarkably decreased. The properties of the prepared gel suggest that it can be used for postoperative adhesion prevention applications.
Effect of the nanosilica content in the shell of coextruded wood‐plastic composites to enhance the ultraviolet aging resistance
Authors: Liu Chaozheng , Mei Changtong , Xu Bing , Jiang Min , Chen Weimin , Zhou Guoqiang , Wang Ke
Published: October 2018

Weathering durability of wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) is a significant issue for outdoor applications. Nanosilica is widely used to enhance the ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance of composites. In this study, the effects of nanosilica (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) added into the shell of coextruded WPCs were investigated after 2500‐hour UV exposure. Discoloration, durability, degradation, and photooxidation of the composites were studied by colorimetry, mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples with 2% nanosilica addition (the N2 samples) provided optimal color protection, showing the lowest ΔE* (color difference) and ΔL* (lightness) values in all samples. The surface of N2 samples was less oxidized after UV exposure as revealed by FTIR and XPS analysis, and showed fewer cracks in SEM images compared with controls and other samples. In addition, N2 samples provided best flexural properties. In summary, the addition of 2% nanosilica was most effective in protecting WPCs from UV degradation. Moreover, obtained results provide a theoretical development for adopting the nanosilica as a reinforcing agent in WPCs and applying coextruded WPCs in outdoors.
Role of antithyroid autoimmunity as a predictive biomarker of chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Giordano Paola , Urbano Flavia , Lassandro Giuseppe , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Tolva Alessandra , Saracco Paola , Russo Giovanna , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Gabelli Maria , Cesaro Simone , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Faienza Maria Felicia
Published: October 2018

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune‐mediated disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. Pediatric ITP patients are prone to develop autoantibodies such as antithyroglobulin (TG) and antithyroperoxidase (TPO), even in the absence of clinical signs of autoimmune disease. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate (1) the prevalence of positivity of antithyroid antibodies (TPO and TG) in a large cohort of pediatric patients with chronic ITP; (2) the role of autoimmune thyroiditis as a prognostic factor for chronicity of ITP.

Procedure

For this retrospective study, we collected data from patients diagnosed as affected by chronic ITP between 2011 and 2014 in six centers belonging to the Italian Association of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology (AIEOP).

Results

From the analysis of data, we found a significantly higher prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in children with chronic ITP (11.6%) than in the pediatric population (1.2%–1.3%).

No correlation has been found between the platelet count and the prevalence of positive antithyroid antibodies at any detection time of the study.

Conclusions

The results of our study demonstrated that (1) the prevalence of positivity for antithyroid antibodies (anti‐TPO and anti‐TG) in pediatric patients with chronic ITP results is significantly higher than in the pediatric population; (2) autoimmune thyroiditis does not seem to play a role as a prognostic factor for chronicity of ITP in pediatric patients.
Refinements on eigenvalue elasticity analysis: interpretation of parameter elasticities
Authors: Naumov Sergey , Oliva Rogelio
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this article is to report on improvements on the interpretation and insights emerging from dynamic decomposition weight analysis (DDWA). These improvements emerged from efforts to further automate and expand the eigenvalue elasticity analysis methods and resolve inconsistencies in assumptions made in published reports of DDWA usage. In addition to making available to the broad system dynamics community an improved toolset to perform eigenvalue elasticity analysis, in this paper we clarify the set of assumptions needed to obtain reliable results and develop a new framework to assess the impact of model parameters on the projections of behavior modes on stock behavior. We illustrate the use of these developments by updating a previously published model analysis. The paper concludes by summarizing our findings and their implications for the further development of structural dominance analysis.

© 2018 System Dynamics Society
Anodizing—Interplay between bath aging and oxide formation and properties
Authors: Schneider Michael , Kremmer Kerstin , Gierth Uta
Published: October 2018

The present study investigates the interplay between ongoing bath aging during the anodizing process and the formation and properties of the anodic formed oxide layers on AA 1050 in sulfuric acid. The change in the bath over the time of use is studied by controlling the conductivity of the bath. The pH value and the concentration of Al3+ ions in the bath are simultaneously measured. The kinetic of the oxide formation depending on the bath aging is electrochemically investigated by repetitive potential controlled anodizing of reference samples. Supplementary material diagnostics by SEM and infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy show a significant decrease of the oxide film thickness as well as the molecular composition with ongoing bath aging.
The surface modification of carbon fiber for thermoplastic HDPE composites
Authors: Shengbo Zhang , Qingling Dai
Published: October 2018

The interfacial adhesion strength between the fiber and the matrix greatly affects the properties of the carbon fiber (CF)–reinforced composite. The presence of surface functional groups on the fiber and changes in surface roughness were determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of surface modification of CF on the mechanical properties and tribological properties of the composites is enhanced. The performance has been significantly improved. SEM analysis showed that modification had a positive effect on the interface between fiber and matrix. In the paper, the method of CF modification and the treatment of enhanced high‐density polyethylene have simple and effective characteristics, which can be widely used and have guiding significance for industrial production.
A practical implementation of weighted kernel density estimation for handling shape constraints
Authors: Wolters Mark Anthony , Braun Willard John
Published: October 2018

The weighted kernel density estimator is an attractive option for shape‐restricted density estimation, because it is simple, familiar, and potentially applicable to many different shape constraints. Despite this, no reliable software implementation has appeared since the method's original proposal in 2002. We found that serious numerical and practical difficulties arise when attempting to implement the method. We overcame these difficulties and in the process discovered that the weighted method and our own recently proposed method—controlling the shape of a kernel density using an adjustment curve—can be unified in a single computational framework. This article describes our findings and introduces the R packagescdensity, which can be used to easily obtain density estimates that are unimodal, bimodal, symmetric, and more. © 2018 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Zur Verwendung von Keilsicherungsscheiben für geschraubte Verbindungen im bauaufsichtlich geregelten Bereich
Authors: Denkert Christian , Ulbrich Detlef , Glienke Ralf
Published: October 2018

Der Problematik des selbsttätigen Losdrehens wird offensichtlich auch im Stahl‐ und Metallbau eine solche technische und wirtschaftliche Relevanz beigemessen, dass Keilsicherungsscheiben auch für die Verwendung im bauaufsichtlich geregelten Bereich vorgesehen sind. Die Sicherungswirkung stellt hierbei ein Gebrauchstauglichkeitskriterium dar, welches auf der Ausnutzung einer Vorspannkraft beruht. In diesem Beitrag wird die Verwendung der Keilsicherungsscheiben in Schraubenverbindungen vor dem Hintergrund der derzeitigen Normungslage des bauaufsichtlich geregelten Bereiches diskutiert. Aus den Erfahrungen umfangreicher experimenteller Untersuchungen wird in diesem Beitrag eine Methodik vorgestellt, mit deren Hilfe der Verwendbarkeitsnachweis für Keilsicherungsscheiben experimentell und rechnerisch abgebildet werden kann.
Landmarke Duhamel – das Saarpolygon
Authors: Pfeiffer Katja , Sachse Oliver , Lehmann Dirk
Published: October 2018

Das Saarpolygon ist ein Symbol des tiefgreifenden Wandels der saarländischen Industrielandschaft nach dem Ende der Bergbauära. Es erinnert an die über 250‐jährige Tradition des Kohlebergbaus und verweist zugleich auf den Strukturwandel und die zukünftige Entwicklung der Region. Die formal abstrakte, begehbare Großskulptur aus Stahl von fast 30 m Höhe auf der Bergehalde Duhamel ist aus mehreren Kilometern Distanz sichtbar. Als Aussichtsturm mit Panoramablick auf das umgebende Saartal ist es zugleich ein Ausflugsziel auf dem 150 m hohen Haldenplateau (Bild 1).

Das Projekt entstand aus einem internationalen Wettbewerb, aus dem der Entwurf von Katja Pfeiffer und Oliver Sachse als Gewinner hervorging. Mit der Realisierung der Landmarke auf der Halde Duhamel wurden vom Förderverein BergbauErbeSaar e.V. als Bauherr die Gewinner des Wettbewerbs pfeiffer sachse architekten (Berlin) und die Claus Queck GmbH (Düren) als Generalunternehmer beauftragt.
Zur Mechanik des äquivalenten T‐Stummels
Authors: Steinmann Ralf
Published: October 2018

Das Modell des „äquivalenten T‐Stummels” ist ein anerkanntes Verfahren zur Beurteilung der Tragfähigkeit geschraubter Plattenverbindungen. In DIN EN 1993‐1‐8 wird diese Methode als Standard vorgegeben. Die dort angegebenen Formeln für die Berechnung der effektiven Länge beruhen auf der Auswertung umfangreicher Versuchsergebnisse und ergänzender FE‐Berechnungen. Ein schlüssiges mechanisches Modell fehlt bis heute. Im Folgenden wird nun ein solches mechanisches Modell vorgestellt, welches es erlaubt, auf der Basis der Fließlinientheorie die effektive Länge von Fließlinien für unterschiedliche Versagensmuster auf einfache Weise zu berechnen.
Epigenetic Control of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate Decision via Histone Methyltransferase Ash1l
Authors: Yin Bei , Yu Fanyuan , Wang Chenglin , Li Boer , Liu Mengyu , Ye Ling
Published: October 2018

Previous research indicates that knocking out absent, small, or homeotic-like (Ash1l) in mice, a histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) trimethyltransferase, can result in arthritis with more severe cartilage and bone destruction. Research has documented the essential role of Ash1l in stem cell fate decision such as hematopoietic stem cells and the progenitors of keratinocytes. Following up on those insights, our research seeks to document the function of Ash1l in skeletal formation, specifically whether it controls the fate decision of mesenchymal progenitor cells. Our findings indicate that in osteoporotic bones, Ash1l was significantly decreased, indicating a positive correlation between bone mass and the expression of Ash1l. Silencing of Ash1l that had been markedly upregulated in differentiated C3H10T1/2 (C3) cells hampered osteogenesis and chondrogenesis but promoted adipogenesis. Consistently, overexpression of an Ash1l SET domain-containing fragment 3 rather than Ash1lΔN promoted osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of C3 cells and simultaneously inhibited adipogenic differentiation. This indicates that the role of Ash1l in regulating the differentiation of C3 cells is linked to its histone methyltransferase activity. Subcutaneous ex vivo transplantation experiments confirmed the role of Ash1l in the promotion of osteogenesis. Further experiments proved that Ash1l can epigenetically affect the expression of essential osteogenic and chondrogenic transcription factors. It exerts this impact via modifications in the enrichment of H3K4me3 on their promoter regions. Considering the promotional action of Ash1l on bone, it could potentially prompt new therapeutic strategy to promote osteogenesis. Stem Cells  2019;37:115–127
Top tagging: an analytical perspective
Authors: Dasgupta Mrinal , Guzzi Marco , Rawling Jacob , Soyez Gregory
Published: October 2018

Abstract

In this paper we study aspects of top tagging from first principles of QCD. We find that the method known as the CMS top tagger becomes collinear unsafe at high p

t
and propose variants thereof which are IRC safe, and hence suitable for analytical studies, while giving a comparable performance to the CMS tagger. We also develop new techniques to identify three-pronged jet substructure, based on adaptations of the Y-splitter method and its combination with grooming. A novel feature of our studies, relative to previous calculations of two-pronged substructure, is our use of triple-collinear splitting functions combined with all-order resummation, which owes to the presence of two mass scales of the same order, m

t
and m

W
, in the signal jet. We carry out leading logarithmic resummed calculations for the various top-taggers, for both background and signal jets, and compare the results to those from parton showers. We also identify and comment on the main features driving tagger performance at high p

t
and discuss the role of non-perturbative effects.
Institutional Guidelines Can Decrease the Amount of Opioids Prescribed after Total Joint Replacement
Authors: Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Stepan Jeffrey G. , Premkumar Ajay , Lovecchio Francis D. , Cross Michael B.
Published: October 2018

Background

In the midst of the nationwide opioid epidemic, our institution began an effort to improve the education of opioid prescribers and disseminate procedure-specific guidelines for the number of opioid pills to prescribe post-operatively for total joint arthroplasty. The number of opioid pills suggested for total hip or knee replacement was 70 tablets.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to evaluate the impact of the new institutional guideline on opioid prescribing practices, hypothesizing that it would lead to a decrease in the number of pills prescribed but an increase in patient call volume after discharge.

Methods

After the new guidelines were implemented in February 2018, we retrospectively reviewed all opioid prescriptions written for patients on the joint-replacement service from March 2016 to March 2018. In addition, we tabulated post-operative telephone calls made to the nurse practitioner service before and after guideline implementation. The majority of calls to the nurse practitioner service are for opioid renewals.

Results

We included 9514 patients in the analysis. Prior to guideline implementation, the mean number of pills prescribed after primary total joint arthroplasty was 91 ± 26.6 pills and after it was 65 ± 16.3 pills. The monthly number of unique patient telephone interactions was statistically significantly lower after the implementation of the new guidelines.

Conclusion

An institutional guideline for opioid prescribing after total joint arthroplasty significantly reduced the number of pills prescribed to patients without causing a significant increase in the number of phone calls to the service.
Internalizing symptoms and dating violence perpetration in adolescence
Authors: Yu Rongqin , Pepler Debra J. , van de Bongardt Daphne , Josephson Wendy L. , Connolly Jennifer
Published: October 2018

Background

Increasing evidence suggests an association between internalizing symptoms and violence against others. It remains unknown whether this link exists in the context of romantic relationships. In the current study, we tested whether anxiety and depression were associated over time with adolescent dating violence perpetration.

Methods

The sample included 238 Canadian adolescents (42% boys). Using a longitudinal design, their anxiety, depressive symptoms, and dating violence perpetration were annually assessed from age 14 to 15 years.

Results

Cross‐lagged analyses revealed effects from anxiety and depressive symptoms to dating violence one year later (β = 0.27, p < .001; and β = 0.14, p = .04, respectively). No reversed cross‐lagged paths were found from dating violence to subsequent anxiety or depression.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the predictive value of internalizing symptoms on dating violence perpetration. Reducing internalizing symptoms and improving coping strategies are important targets for the prevention of dating violence.
Striking a balance: resolving conflicts between the duty of confidentiality and duties to third parties in genetics
Authors: Hawkins Naomi , Hughes-Davies Timon
Published: October 2018

Genetic information is relevant not only to the patient, but also to their family. Where a patient refuses to share that information with family members, then their legal rights may conflict. This paper focuses on that conflict between the rights of individuals and the rights of third parties. We first examine the nature of the duty of confidence as it applies in these circumstances, and the extent to which it can appropriately accommodate the familial nature of genetic information. We then consider the situations in which a healthcare practitioner might owe a third-party family member a tortious duty of care. We conclude that in most cases, there will be no duty owed to third parties, but that in certain limited circumstances, a duty of care should arise.
Divine Text, National Language, and Their Publics: Arguing an Indonesian Qur'an
Authors: Keane Webb
Published: October 2018

The entry of a universal revelation into the mundane world of language threatens to be paradoxical: it must take a specific and local form. As such, it becomes implicated in nationalist, ethnic, linguistic, and other sources of community. This article centers on a small melodrama in late twentieth-century Indonesia, home to the largest number of Muslims of any country. After undergoing a mid-life spiritual awakening, H. B. Jassin, a modernist literary critic, editor, and ardent defender of freedom of expression, undertook two projects intended to convey the aesthetic power of the Qur'an to a non-Arabic speaking public. But if Qur'anic Arabic summons a transnational community of the faithful, standardized Indonesian was developed to address a nation of citizens. If scripture speaks in a divine, uncreated idiom, the national language is shaped by human efforts. Jassin's career had served a vision of literature and its public whose values and semiotic ideologies were dramatically at odds with Qur'anic traditions. Although this may appear at first glance to be a familiar story of progress and its opponents, this article asks whether Jassin's critics grasped something about signs and communities that his defenders did not. Examining the furor that resulted from his Qur'ans, it explores an array of conflicting assumptions about language, freedom, truth, and people's lives together in the late twentieth century.