bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the functionality of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane–POSS containing glycidyl groups on the dispersion and interaction with epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Longhi Marielen , Pistor Vinicius , Pandolphi Zini Lucas , Jonko Birriel Eliena , Raquel Kunst Sandra , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: March 2016

For the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites with epoxy resins, the POSS functionality is an important issue since these compounds will be diluted in the resin that will later undergo a chemical reticulation process. In this study, mono, tri and octa‐functional POSS containing glycidyl groups were dispersed in an epoxy resin by applying ultrasound. Based on the results obtained from the transmission electron microscopy, POSS tended to form an ordered phase to minimize the interfacial tension; however, this form was influenced by its functionality. The use of mono‐functional POSS shows finer dispersion and promotes an increase in the resin glass transition temperature. However, the octa‐functional POSS leads to improvement in thermal stability as seen in the degradation analysis. These results showed that the equilibrium of the dispersed nanoparticle is more evident for lower functionalized particles since higher functionalized ones hinder diffusion movements which ultimately form an ordered and dispersed phase in the resin during reticulation. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E229–E236, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The use of noninvasive prenatal testing in obstetric care: educational resources, practice patterns, and barriers reported by a national sample of clinicians
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Agatisa Patricia K. , Mercer Mary Beth , Mitchum Ariane G. , Coleridge Marissa B.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify how physicians develop their knowledge base and practice patterns regarding noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Methods

A survey was used to assess physicians' informational sources and practice patterns regarding NIPT.

Results

While most of the 258 participants acquire knowledge about NIPT from the medical literature or didactic educational programming, 74 (28.7%) cite commercial laboratories as an initial source and 124 (47.8%) as a way to keep current with changes in NIPT. About one‐third (n = 94, 36.4%) seek information about ethical issues related to NIPT. Half of the OB/GYN respondents (n = 136, 52.7%) provide pretest counseling; fewer refer to a genetic counselor or maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM) (n = 94, 34.6%, n = 29, 11.2%, respectively). Pretest counseling content and the comfort with which participants discuss topics pertinent to patients' utilization of NIPT varied between OB/GYNs and MFMs.

Conclusions

Advances in cff DNA technology emphasize the need for effective strategies for physicians to develop competency and practice patterns regarding NIPT. Study findings speak to the need for effective educational resources for obstetric providers, not just early adopters of NIPT but also for primary OB/GYNs as they serve in the role of the first point of contact for women considering their prenatal testing options. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Likelihood and predictors of detention in patients with personality disorder compared with other mental disorders: A retrospective, quantitative study of Mental Health Act assessments
Authors: Olajide Kike , Tyrer Peter , Singh Swaran P. , Burns Tom , Rugkåsa Jorun , Thana Lavanya , Paul Moli , Islam Zoebia , Crawford Mike J.
Published: March 2016

Background

The UK guidelines on the treatment of personality disorder recommend avoiding compulsory treatment except in extreme situations. Little is known about how often patients with personality disorder are detained or how this compares with the treatment of other mental disorders.

Objectives

Our aim is to test the hypothesis that people with personality disorder are infrequently detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and that risk factors associated with detention are the same as those for people with other mental disorders.

Method

We used a retrospective, quantitative study of MHA assessments.

Results

Of the 2 087 assessments undertaken, 204 (9.8%) patients had a diagnosis of personality disorder; 40.7% of assessments in the personality disorder group resulted in detention, as did 69.7% of patients with other mental disorders. A higher proportion of people with personality disorder received no intervention following assessment compared with those with other mental disorders (20.6% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001). Study centre and a history of admission were risk factors for detention in both groups. Risk was a predictor of detention in those with other mental disorders.

Conclusions

Detention rates in patients with personality disorder are lower than those for other disorders but are still substantial. Risk factors for detention in patients with personality disorder differ from those with other mental disorders. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MALDI imaging mass spectrometry of Pacific White Shrimp L. vannamei and identification of abdominal muscle proteins
Authors: Schey Kevin L. , Hachey Amanda J. , Rose Kristie L. , Grey Angus C.
Published: March 2016

MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has been applied to whole animal tissue sections of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, in an effort to identify and spatially localize proteins in specific organ systems. Frozen shrimp were sectioned along the ventral‐dorsal axis and methods were optimized for matrix application. In addition, tissue microextraction and homogenization was conducted followed by top‐down LC‐MS/MS analysis of intact proteins and searches of shrimp EST databases to identify imaged proteins. IMS images revealed organ system specific protein signals that highlighted the hepatopancreas, heart, nervous system, musculature, and cuticle. Top‐down proteomics identification of abdominal muscle proteins revealed the sequence of the most abundant muscle protein that has no sequence homology to known proteins. Additional identifications of abdominal muscle proteins included titin, troponin‐I, ubiquitin, as well as intact and multiple truncated forms of flightin; a protein known to function in high frequency contraction of insect wing muscles. The combined use of imaging mass spectrometry and top‐down proteomics allowed for identification of novel proteins from the sparsely populated shrimp protein databases.
Synthesis and characterization of “Living” star‐shaped poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) with four arms and carboxylic acid end groups
Authors: Cortez‐Lemus Norma A. , Licea‐Claverie Angel
Published: March 2016

Poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) star‐shaped polymers with four arms and carboxyl end groups were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N‐vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) employing a tetrafunctional trithiocarbonate as an R‐RAFT agent. The resulting star polymers were characterized using 1H NMR, FT‐IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and UV–vis. Molecular weight of star polymers were analyzed by GPC and UV–vis being observed that the values obtained were very similar. Furthermore, the thermosensitive behavior of the star polymers was studied in aqueous solution by measuring the lower critical solution temperature by dynamic light scattering. Star‐shaped PNVCL were chain extended with ethyl‐hexyl acrylate (EHA) to yield star PNVCL‐b‐PEHA copolymers with an EHA molar content between 4% and 6% proving the living character of the star‐shaped macroCTA. These star block copolymers form aggregates in aqueous solutions with a hydrodynamic diameter ranged from 170 to 225 nm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2156–2165
Improved self‐assembly of poly(dimethylsiloxane‐b‐ethylene oxide) using a hydrogen‐bonding additive
Authors: Luo Yingdong , Kim Bongkeun , Montarnal Damien , Mester Zoltan , Pester Christian W. , McGrath Alaina J. , Hill Glake , Kramer Edward J. , Fredrickson Glenn H. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: March 2016

Block copolymers with increased Flory–Huggins interaction parameters (χ) play an essential role in the production of sub‐10 nm nanopatterns in the growing field of directed self‐assembly for next generation lithographic applications. A library of PDMS‐b‐PEO block copolymers were synthesized by click chemistry and their interaction parameters (χ) determined. The highest χ measured in our samples was 0.21 at 150 °C, which resulted in phase‐separated domains with periods as small as 7.9 nm, suggesting that PDMS‐b‐PEO is a prime candidate for sub‐10 nm nanopatterning. To suppress PEO crystallization, PDMS‐b‐PEO was blended with (l)‐tartaric acid (LTA) which allows for tuning of the self‐assembled morphologies. Additionally, it was observed that the order‐disorder transition temperature (TODT) of PDMS‐b‐PEO increased dramatically as the amount of LTA in the blend increased, allowing for further control over self‐assembly. To understand the mechanism of this phenomenon, we present a novel field‐based supramolecular model, which describes the formation of copolymer‐additive complexes by reversible hydrogen bonding. The mean‐field phase separation behavior of the model was calculated using the random phase approximation (RPA). The RPA analysis reproduces behavior consistent with an increase of the effective χ in the PDMS‐b‐(PEO/LTA suprablock). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2200–2208
Understanding volumetric capacitance in conducting polymers
Authors: Proctor Christopher M. , Rivnay Jonathan , Malliaras George G.
Published: March 2016

Recent measurements in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films show that capacitance scales with film volume. We discuss the ramifications of this finding and propose a simple model that describes capacitance in terms of sites in which ions injected from the electrolyte replace holes that are extracted from the film by a metal contact. We propose that volumetric capacitance is inversely proportional to the average distance between these sites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1433–1436
Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Based Multiplexed Immunochromatographic Strip for Simultaneous Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A, B, C, D, and E
Authors: Wang Wenbin , Liu Liqiang , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Zhu Jianping , Xu Chuanlai
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) in food samples can cause severe gastroenteritis even at low doses. Detection of SEs with a single assay would not only improve reliability and portability, but would also save time. In this paper, for the first time, a multiplexed gold‐nanoparticle‐based immunochromatographic (ICT) strip that allows the simultaneous detection of the five main SEs has been reported: SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE. Based on the sandwich immunoassay of each SE, a multiplexed ICT strip with five test lines is developed. Sensitive and specific paired monoclonal antibodies facilitate the detection, allowing for high sensitivity and good specificity. The portable biosensor platform can simultaneously detect SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE at concentrations as low as 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 1, and 5 ng mL−1, respectively. The entire test can be performed within 15 min and requires no sophisticated instruments except a portable strip reader. To evaluate the multiplexed strip, naturally SEA and SEC contaminated milk samples and pure milk samples spiked with the five SEs are analyzed.
Aggregation of Trp > Glu point mutants of human gamma‐D crystallin provides a model for hereditary or UV‐induced cataract
Authors: Serebryany Eugene , Takata Takumi , Erickson Erika , Schafheimer Nathaniel , Wang Yongting , King Jonathan A.
Published: March 2016

Numerous mutations and covalent modifications of the highly abundant, long‐lived crystallins of the eye lens cause their aggregation leading to progressive opacification of the lens, cataract. The nature and biochemical mechanisms of the aggregation process are poorly understood, as neither amyloid nor native‐state polymers are commonly found in opaque lenses. The βγ‐crystallin fold contains four highly conserved buried tryptophans, which can be oxidized to more hydrophilic products, such as kynurenine, upon UV‐B irradiation. We mimicked this class of oxidative damage using Trp→Glu point mutants of human γD‐crystallin. Such substitutions may represent a model of UV‐induced photodamage—introduction of a charged group into the hydrophobic core generating “denaturation from within.” The effects of Trp→Glu substitutions were highly position dependent. While each was destabilizing, only the two located in the bottom of the double Greek key fold—W42E and W130E—yielded robust aggregation of partially unfolded intermediates at 37°C and pH 7. The αB‐crystallin chaperone suppressed aggregation of W130E, but not W42E, indicating distinct aggregation pathways from damage in the N‐terminal vs C‐terminal domain. The W130E aggregates had loosely fibrillar morphology, yet were nonamyloid, noncovalent, showed little surface hydrophobicity, and formed at least 20°C below the melting temperature of the native β‐sheets. These features are most consistent with domain‐swapped polymerization. Aggregation of partially destabilized crystallins under physiological conditions, as occurs in this class of point mutants, could provide a simple in vitro model system for drug discovery and optimization.
Janis–Newman algorithm for supergravity black holes
Authors: Erbin Harold
Published: March 2016

We summarize the recent generalization of the Janis–Newman algorithm in view of its application to (gauged) supergravity. In particular this includes an extension of the algorithm to gauge fields and complex scalar fields, to topological horizons, to dyonic and NUT charges.
Dissecting the roles of local packing density and longer‐range effects in protein sequence evolution
Authors: Shahmoradi Amir , Wilke Claus O.
Published: March 2016

What are the structural determinants of protein sequence evolution? A number of site‐specific structural characteristics have been proposed, most of which are broadly related to either the density of contacts or the solvent accessibility of individual residues. Most importantly, there has been disagreement in the literature over the relative importance of solvent accessibility and local packing density for explaining site‐specific sequence variability in proteins. We show that this discussion has been confounded by the definition of local packing density. The most commonly used measures of local packing, such as contact number and the weighted contact number, represent the combined effects of local packing density and longer‐range effects. As an alternative, we propose a truly local measure of packing density around a single residue, based on the Voronoi cell volume. We show that the Voronoi cell volume, when calculated relative to the geometric center of amino‐acid side chains, behaves nearly identically to the relative solvent accessibility, and each individually can explain, on average, approximately 34% of the site‐specific variation in evolutionary rate in a data set of 209 enzymes. An additional 10% of variation can be explained by nonlocal effects that are captured in the weighted contact number. Consequently, evolutionary variation at a site is determined by the combined effects of the immediate amino‐acid neighbors of that site and effects mediated by more distant amino acids. We conclude that instead of contrasting solvent accessibility and local packing density, future research should emphasize on the relative importance of immediate contacts and longer‐range effects on evolutionary variation. Proteins 2016; 84:841–854. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy of explosives spontaneous combustion accidents in the Chinese underground coal mine: Causes and prevention
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Zhang Jiangshi , Zhu Kai , Zhou Lin
Published: March 2016

Explosives spontaneous combustion accidents in underground coal mines have not been taken seriously in China despite serious casualties and property losses. In order to avoid disasters of this sort, anatomy on eight accidents were performed, mainly involving the process of the occurrence and development, characteristics of casualties, causes and prevention. Improper storage and use of shoddy explosives were the primary reasons for these accidents. Toxic gases and smoke were generated in the explosives' smoldering or burning, so the poisoning and suffocation were the main types of casualties. Besides, unsafe acts of different staff, which resulted in the occurrence of accidental events and the expansion of casualties (i.e., affecting the evacuation and rescue), were analyzed emphatically, and almost all of them were violations. The senior manager and middle manager were the main producers of unsafe acts, which can provide the guidance for employees' targeted training and supervision. Overall, eliminating unsafe acts is an effective way to prevent this kind of accidents, and casualties can be reduced or even avoided through the proper evacuation and rescue. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 221–227, 2016
Analysis of p‐type SiOx layers as a boron diffusion source for n‐type c‐Si substrates
Authors: Goyal Prabal , Urrejola Elias , Hong Junegie , Voillot Julien , i Cabarrocas Pere Roca , Johnson Erik
Published: March 2016

We evaluate the use of p‐type silicon oxide (p‐SiOx) dielectric layers as a boron diffusion source for n‐type crystalline silicon (c‐Si) substrates. The p‐SiOx layers grown on n‐type c‐Si substrates by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a gas mixture of He/hexamethyldisiloxane/CO2/B2H6 are thermally stable and do not peel off during annealing up to 1050 °C, making them effective diffusion sources. The layers were examined before and after annealing with characterization techniques including spectroscopic ellipsometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry. We observe that there is a reduction in the thickness of the p‐SiOx layer after annealing by about 50%, and that boron diffuses into the n‐type c‐Si substrate, forming a p+ layer, limited by the formation of a carbon‐rich layer above the c‐Si surface. The concentration of holes in the diffused region was measured by the electrochemical capacitance–voltage technique, and it was found that essentially all the boron that diffused into the n‐type c‐Si was active, unaffected by the presence of carbon and oxygen atoms. The concentration of carriers can be controlled by the initial thickness of the p‐SiOx layers and the depth of the p+/n junction can be controlled by the time of annealing. A surface carrier concentration of 3 × 1019 at cm−3 and a sheet resistance of the order of 120 Ω sq−1 was obtained upon annealing at 1050 °C for 30 min.
Influence of substrate misorientation on the surface morphology of homoepitaxial diamond (111) films
Authors: Tokuda Norio , Ogura Masahiko , Matsumoto Tsubasa , Yamasaki Satoshi , Inokuma Takao
Published: March 2016

We studied the influence of misorientation angles and directions of single crystal diamond (111) substrates on the surface morphology of homoepitaxial diamond (111) films grown by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in the anisotropic lateral growth mode. Hillocks were completely suppressed on the diamond (111) films grown by CVD on the substrates with misorientation angles of 2° and 4°, while hillocks were formed on the CVD‐grown diamond (111) films on the substrates with misorientation angles of 0° and 1°. In addition, an atomically flat diamond (111) film was grown on the substrate with a misorientation angle of 2° toward the direction, while rough films were grown on the substrate with a misorientation angle of 2° toward the direction.
Decision‐making in early clinical drug development
Authors: Frewer Paul , Mitchell Pat , Watkins Claire , Matcham James
Published: March 2016

This paper illustrates an approach to setting the decision framework for a study in early clinical drug development. It shows how the criteria for a go and a stop decision are calculated based on pre‐specified target and lower reference values. The framework can lead to a three‐outcome approach by including a consider zone; this could enable smaller studies to be performed in early development, with other information either external to or within the study used to reach a go or stop decision. In this way, Phase I/II trials can be geared towards providing actionable decision‐making rather than the traditional focus on statistical significance. The example provided illustrates how the decision criteria were calculated for a Phase II study, including an interim analysis, and how the operating characteristics were assessed to ensure the decision criteria were robust. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian D‐optimal Designs for Weibull Distribution with Censoring
Authors: Zohbi Ibrahim , Wainakh Mohieldin , Arafeh Hamzeh
Published: March 2016

Bayesian optimal designs have received increasing attention in recent years, especially in reliability experiments. Weibull distribution is one of the most widely used in reliability analysis, owing to its various shapes for the probability density function and its convenient representation of lifetime data, particularly when data are censored, which is quite common in most life‐testing experiments. This paper provides analytical characterizations of Bayesian D‐optimal designs for Weibull distribution, as well as proposes an algorithm for finding a Bayesian D‐optimal design that combines the point exchange algorithm with the Monte Carlo simulation method. Different censoring mechanisms are incorporated, and the robustness of designs against parameters' mis‐specification is assessed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of bacterial adhesion to dental materials of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Fang Jie , Wang Chuanyong , Li Yifei , Zhao Zhihe , Mei Li
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the bacterial adhesion to denture materials of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion forces of living Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans to PET and PMMA were directly measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid. Streptococcal biofilms formed on the two material surfaces were investigated and compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and colony‐forming units (CFU) counting. Surface roughness and hydrophobicity of PET and PMMA were also measured. The results showed that PET surfaces were significantly smoother and more hydrophilic than PMMA surfaces both with and without a salivary film (p < 0.01). The adhesion forces of S. sanguinis and S. mutans to PET surfaces were significantly stronger than to PMMA surfaces in the absence of a salivary film (p < 0.01). In the presence of a salivary film, the adhesion forces of both bacterial strains to PET and PMMA were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The adhesion forces of S. mutans to PET surfaces (0.14 nN) were still significantly stronger than to PMMA surfaces (0.09 nN) (p < 0.01). The biofilm formed on PET surfaces was also significantly denser and more than on PMMA surfaces (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the bacterial adhesion to PMMA was significantly less in comparison with PET. PMMA may be preferable for patients who have poor oral hygiene, caries susceptibility, periodontosis, and halitosis. SCANNING 38:665–670, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface immobilization of functional molecules by reactive self‐assembling
Authors: Mezzi A. , Kaciulis S. , Brucale M. , Gentili D. , Barbalinardo M. , Durso M. , Melucci M. , Cavallini M.
Published: March 2016

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), combined with the lithography, were employed to fabricate functional surfaces. A new strategy in SAM technology, by using reiterated micro contact printing process, was proposed to produce a multi‐level fluorescent TAG (multi‐TAG), which consists of two overlapping micrometric patterns, made of a fluorescent oligothiophene SAM bonded with a Si/3‐aminopropylthriethoxysilane substrate. The samples were characterized by fluorescence microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). In particular, the process of chemical interaction occurring during the self‐assembling was investigated. The obtained results showed that the SAM process occurred with the amidic bond formation. Moreover, the grazing‐angle XPS measurements indicated that the horizontal arrangement of oligothiophene molecules on the substrate surface was preferred. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation coated AA7075 treated using an electrolyte containing lanthanum‐salts
Authors: Pezzato L. , Brunelli K. , Dabalà M.
Published: March 2016

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a very promising process that can enhance the corrosion and wear resistance by producing a relatively thick, dense and hard oxide ceramic coating on light alloys. The improvement in the corrosion behaviour of the treated metals strongly depends on some process parameters: current density, voltage, treatment time and electrolyte composition. In particular, the addition of additives in the electrolyte produces significant changes in the corrosion behaviour. The use of rare earth salts, especially of cerium and lanthanum, during PEO treatment was already studied in literature and the use of these salts improved the corrosion resistance of the obtained coatings. However, only few works reported the dissolution of rare earth salts in the electrolyte, whereas in the majority of studies these salts are used in pre‐treatment or post‐treatment solutions.

In this work, the effect of the dissolution in the electrolyte of various concentrations of lanthanum nitrate on the corrosion properties of PEO coated 7075 aluminium alloy was studied. The base electrolyte was an alkaline solution containing sodium silicate and different concentrations of lanthanum nitrate (0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 g/l). All the samples were treated with high current densities and for short treatment times. The morphology, thickness and composition of the protective layer were studied with SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), glow‐discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistance was evaluated performing potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests.

PEO coatings obtained with additions between 0.05 and 0.075 g/l of lanthanum nitrate resulted more dense and adherent, as evidenced by SEM analysis. These additions of La(NO3)3 had a positive effect on the corrosion resistance causing the formation of a large passive zone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamics simulations of hydration shell on montmorillonite (001) in water
Authors: Yi Hao , Zhang Xian , Zhao Yunliang , Liu Lingyun , Song Shaoxian
Published: March 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) of montmorillonite (001)/water interface system were used for studying the hydration shell on the montmorillonite surface in this work. The study was performed on the simulation of concentration profile and self‐diffusion coefficients. The results have shown that there was a hydration shell on the surface with the thickness of approximately 1.74 nm, which was composed of six ordered water molecule layers, including ordered layers and transition layers. The water molecules in the shell were closely and orderly arranged than those in bulk water, leading to a higher concentration of water molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of segregation during oxidation of Ni–Cu alloy by in situ photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Doi Takashi , Nishiyama Yoshitaka , Yoshigoe Akitaka , Teraoka Yuden
Published: March 2016

Ni‐based alloys has been widely used for plant application because of their high strength and excellent oxidation resistance. In particularl, the addition of Cu in Ni‐based alloys significantly improves the metal dusting resistance. It is indicated that Cu is segregated on the alloy surface in the metal dusting environment; however, the details have not been clarified yet. The behavior of Ni–2Cu alloy under a high temperature oxidation environment was investigated using in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was confirmed that Cu have been segregated at the surface of Ni–2Cu alloy during oxidation. These results propose that the Cu segregation improves the metal dusting resistance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A marginal rank‐based inverse normal transformation approach to comparing multiple clinical trial endpoints
Authors: Cai Xiaoyu , Li Huiyun , Liu Aiyi
Published: March 2016

The increase in incidence of obesity and chronic diseases and their health care costs have raised the importance of quality diet on the health policy agendas. The healthy eating index is an important measure for diet quality which consists of 12 components derived from ratios of dependent variables with distributions hard to specify, measurement errors and excessive zero observations difficult to model parametrically. Hypothesis testing involving data of such nature poses challenges because the widely used multiple comparison procedures such as Hotelling's T2 test and Bonferroni correction may suffer from substantial loss of efficiency. We propose a marginal rank‐based inverse normal transformation approach to normalizing the marginal distribution of the data before employing a multivariate test procedure. Extensive simulation was conducted to demonstrate the ability of the proposed approach to adequately control the type I error rate as well as increase the power of the test, with data particularly from non‐symmetric or heavy‐tailed distributions. The methods are exemplified with data from a dietary intervention study for type I diabetic children. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Deformation Structure and Recrystallization of Ferritic FeSi Steels
Authors: Schneider Jürgen , Franke Armin , Stöcker Anett , Kawalla Rudolf
Published: March 2016

The magnetic properties of finally fabricated nonoriented FeSi electrical steels depend critically on microstructure and crystallographic texture components. The resulting microstructure and texture are influenced along the whole processing route of Fe–Si steels: hot rolling, coiling and cooling, hot band annealing before cold rolling (optional), cold rolling, and final thermal treatment. There is an interplay of microstructure and texture between the various processing steps, which is not investigated in any detail. Especially for ferritic FeSi steels are no specific investigations on the influence of microstructure and texture of cold‐rolled material on their evolution at final annealing. In this paper, authors summarize the recent experimental results on the evolution of microstructure and texture at final annealing for cold‐rolled material of ferritic FeSi steels with 2.4 and 3 wt% Si. The evolution of microstructure and texture is analyzed by metallographic studies and EBSD. Special attention is paid to the through‐thickness dependence of microstructure and texture, which is caused by the strain gradients as well as thermal gradients at processing. The obtained experimental results altogether demonstrate clearly the effect of different misoriented substructures after cold rolling due to nonuniform strain on recrystallization behavior for the ferritic FeSi steels.
Repeated exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles causes testicular toxicity in mice
Authors: Sundarraj Kiruthika , Manickam Vijayprakash , Raghunath Azhwar , Periyasamy Madhivadhani , Viswanathan Mangala Priya , Perumal Ekambaram
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3‐NPs) could be toxic to mice testis. Fe2O3‐NPs (25 and 50 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered into mice once a week for 4 weeks. Our study showed that Fe2O3‐NPs have the ability to cross the blood‐testis barrier to get into the testis. The findings showed that exposure resulted in the accumulation of Fe2O3‐NPs which was evidenced from the iron content and accumulation in the testis. Furthermore, 25 and 50 mg/kg Fe2O3‐NPs administration increased the reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, glutathione peroxidase activity, and nitric oxide levels with a concomitant decrease in the levels of antioxidants—superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and vitamin C. Increased expression of Bax, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and cleaved‐PARP confirms apoptosis. Serum testosterone levels increased with increased concentration of Fe2O3‐NPs exposure. In addition, the histopathological lesions like vacuolization, detachment, and sloughing of germ cells were also observed in response to Fe2O3‐NPs treatment. The data from our study entailed that testicular toxicity caused by Fe2O3‐NPs exposure may be associated with Fe2O3‐NPs accumulation leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, precautions should be taken in the safe use of Fe2O3‐NPs to avoid complications in the fertility of males. Further research will unravel the possible molecular mechanisms on testicular toxicity of Fe2O3‐NPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 594–608, 2017.
Cervical cerclage for preterm birth prevention in twin gestation with short cervix: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Houlihan C. , Poon L. C. Y. , Ciarlo M. , Kim E. , Guzman E. R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine if cervical cerclage reduces the rate of spontaneous early preterm birth in cases of dichorionic–diamniotic (DCDA) twin gestation with an ultrasound‐detected short cervix.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 40 consecutive DCDA twin gestations at Saint Peter's University Hospital from November 2006 to November 2014 in which cervical cerclage was performed for an ultrasound‐determined cervical length of 1–24 mm at 16–24 weeks' gestation. The cases were matched with 40 controls without cerclage for cervical length and gestational age at cervical assessment. The primary outcome measure was spontaneous birth < 32 weeks.

Results

There was no difference between the two groups in maternal age, body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, use of in‐vitro fertilization (IVF), parity and prior spontaneous preterm birth. There were more Caucasian women among the controls compared with cases. In the cases, compared with controls, spontaneous delivery < 32 weeks was significantly less frequent (20.0% vs 50.0%; relative risk, 0.40 (95% CI, 0.20–0.80)). In the prediction of spontaneous delivery < 32 weeks, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the risk was reduced with the insertion of cervical cerclage (odds ratio, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.058–0.835); P = 0.026), corrected for maternal age, BMI, racial origin, cigarette smoking, IVF, parity and previous preterm birth.

Conclusion

In DCDA twin gestation with a short cervix, treatment with cervical cerclage may reduce the rate of early preterm birth. The findings suggest the need for adequate randomized controlled trials on cerclage in twin gestations with a short cervix. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
What are snow leopards really eating? Identifying bias in food‐habit studies
Authors: Weiskopf Sarah R. , Kachel Shannon M. , McCarthy Kyle P.
Published: March 2016

Declining prey populations are widely recognized as a primary threat to snow leopard (Panthera uncia) populations throughout their range. Effective snow leopard conservation will depend upon reliable knowledge of food habits. Unfortunately, past food‐habit studies may be biased by inclusion of nontarget species in fecal analysis, potentially misinforming managers about snow leopard prey requirements. Differentiation between snow leopard and sympatric carnivore scat is now cost‐effective and reliable using genetics. We used fecal mitochondrial DNA sequencing to identify scat depositors and assessment bias in snow leopard food‐habit studies. We compared presumed, via field identification, and genetically confirmed snow leopard scats collected during 2005 and 2012 from 4 sites in Central Asia, using standard forensic microscopy to identify prey species. Field identification success varied across study sites, ranging from 21% to 64% genetically confirmed snow leopard scats. Our results confirm the importance of large ungulate prey for snow leopards. Studies that fail to account for potentially commonplace misidentification of snow leopard scat may mistakenly include a large percentage of scats originating from other carnivores and report inaccurate dietary assessments. Relying on field identification of scats led to overestimation of percent occurrence, biomass, and number of small mammals consumed, but underestimated values of these measures for large ungulates in snow leopard diet. This clarification suggests that the conservation value of secondary prey, such as marmots (Marmota spp.) and other small mammals, may be overstated in the literature; stable snow leopard populations are perhaps more reliant upon large ungulate prey than previously understood. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluating Enhancements to a Perioperative Nurse Liaison Program
Authors: Hanson‐Heath Cathy Ann , Muller Linda M. , Cunningham Maureen F.
Published: March 2016

The impetus for the perioperative nurse liaison (PNL) program at our cancer center was to reduce anxiety for family members of patients undergoing surgery by improving communication between the family and the perioperative team. The purpose of our quality improvement project was to increase contact with family members during the patient's surgery and to support families and surgeons during the postoperative family consult when findings were unexpected. After implementing process changes, the PNLs evaluated the program using a short survey given to families after the postoperative consult. Families reported a reduction in stress and anxiety when intraoperative updates were received either in person or by telephone. In addition, when the PNL accompanied family members to the postoperative consult, the family felt supported when receiving unexpected findings. Further, family contact with the PNL increased from 77% to 98%, and the number of consults with surgeons that included the PNL rose from an average of 254 to 500 per year.
Bar Code‐Based Management to Enhance Efficiency of a Sterile Supply Unit in Singapore
Authors: Goh Meh Meh , Tan Agnes B.H. , Leong Mike H.W.
Published: March 2016

Sterile surgical instruments are essential for successful surgical outcomes. The Singapore General Hospital's Theatre Sterile Supplies Unit (TSSU) has faced many challenges, including increasing demand for instruments and the need to maintain instruments of greater complexity. To address these challenges, stakeholders from key departments at Singapore General Hospital formed a multidisciplinary team to transform operations in the TSSU. The team adopted and implemented the TSSU Instrument Management System (TIMS) in three phases over five years. The project included standardizing instrument‐naming conventions, implementing electronic integration of instrument tracking in the unit, extending traceability of instruments to the major ORs, initiating integrated web‐based instrument ordering, and extending the system management of instruments at ambulatory surgery and specialized OR facilities. The implementation of TIMS has improved inventory, supply, and quality management; reduced instrument repairs; and led to savings through increased productivity and lower expenses.
New horizon for infection prevention technology and implantable device
Authors: Kondo Yusuke , Ueda Marehiko , Kobayashi Yoshio , Schwab Joerg O.
Published: March 2016

There has been a significant increase in the number of patients receiving cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) over the last two decades. CIED infection represents a serious complication after CIED implantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, newly advanced technologies have offered attractive and suitable therapeutic alternatives. Notably, the leadless pacemaker and anti‐bacterial envelope decrease the potential risk of CIED infection and the resulting mortality, when it does occur. A completely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator is also an alternative to the transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), as it does not require implantation of any transvenous or epicardial leads. Among the patients who require ICD removal and subsequent antibiotics secondary to infection, the wearable cardioverter defibrillator represents an alternative approach to inpatient monitoring for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. In this review paper, we aimed to introduce the advanced technologies and devices for prevention of CIED infection.
Therapeutic targeting of two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Wiedmann Felix , Schmidt Constanze , Lugenbiel Patrick , Staudacher Ingo , Rahm Ann-Kathrin , Seyler Claudia , Schweizer Patrick A. , Katus Hugo A. , Thomas Dierk
Published: March 2016

The improvement of treatment strategies in cardiovascular medicine is an ongoing process that requires constant optimization. The ability of a therapeutic intervention to prevent cardiovascular pathology largely depends on its capacity to suppress the underlying mechanisms. Attenuation or reversal of disease-specific pathways has emerged as a promising paradigm, providing a mechanistic rationale for patient-tailored therapy. Two-pore-domain K+ (K2P) channels conduct outward K+ currents that stabilize the resting membrane potential and facilitate action potential repolarization. K2P expression in the cardiovascular system and polymodal K2P current regulation suggest functional significance and potential therapeutic roles of the channels. Recent work has focused primarily on K2P1.1 [tandem of pore domains in a weak inwardly rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)-1], K2P2.1 [TWIK-related K+ channel (TREK)-1], and K2P3.1 [TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channel (TASK)-1] channels and their role in heart and vessels. K2P currents have been implicated in atrial and ventricular arrhythmogenesis and in setting the vascular tone. Furthermore, the association of genetic alterations in K2P3.1 channels with atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction disorders and pulmonary arterial hypertension demonstrates the relevance of the channels in cardiovascular disease. The function, regulation and clinical significance of cardiovascular K2P channels are summarized in the present review, and therapeutic options are emphasized.
Mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism in the placenta with gestational diabetes mellitus: role of miR-143
Authors: Muralimanoharan Sribalasubashini , Maloyan Alina , Myatt Leslie
Published: March 2016

A predisposing factor for development of the hyperglycaemic state of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is obesity. We previously showed that increasing maternal obesity is associated with significant reductions in placental mitochondrial respiration. MicroRNA (miR)-143 has been previously shown to regulate the metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis in cancer tissues. We hypothesized that mitochondrial respiration is reduced and aerobic glycolysis is up-regulated via changes in miR-143 expression in the placenta of women with GDM. Placental tissue was collected at term from women with A1GDM (controlled by diet), A2GDM (controlled by medication) and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (CTRL). miR-143 expression was measured by RT-PCR. Expression of mitochondrial complexes, transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1α (PGC1α) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), components of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling, glucose transporter GLUT1 and glycolytic enzymes [hexokinase-2 (HK-2), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] were measured by Western blot. Trophoblast respiration was measured by XF24 Analyser. Expression of miR-143, mitochondrial complexes, and PPARγ and PGC1α, which act downstream of miR-143, were significantly decreased in A2GDM placentae compared with A1GDM and CTRL (P<0.01). Placental hPL (human placental lactogen) levels, expression of glycolytic enzymes, GLUT1 and mTOR signalling were also significantly increased by more than 2-fold in A2GDM compared with A1GDM and CTRL (P<0.05). There was a 50% reduction in mitochondrial respiration in trophoblast cells isolated from A2GDM placentae. Overexpression of miR-143 was able to increase mitochondrial respiration, increase protein expression of mitochondrial complexes and decrease expression of glycolytic enzymes by 40% compared with A2GDM. Down-regulation of miR-143 mediates the metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis in placenta of women with A2GDM.
Phoneme and Word Scoring in Speech-in-Noise Audiometry
Authors: Billings Curtis J. , Penman Tina M. , Ellis Emily M. , Baltzell Lucas S. , McMillan Garnett P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Understanding speech in background noise is difficult for many individuals; however, time constraints have limited its inclusion in the clinical audiology assessment battery. Phoneme scoring of words has been suggested as a method of reducing test time and variability. The purposes of this study were to establish a phoneme scoring rubric and use it in testing phoneme and word perception in noise in older individuals and individuals with hearing impairment.

Method

Words were presented to 3 participant groups at 80 dB in speech-shaped noise at 7 signal-to-noise ratios (−10 to 35 dB). Responses were scored for words and phonemes correct.

Results

It was not surprising to find that phoneme scores were up to about 30% better than word scores. Word scoring resulted in larger hearing loss effect sizes than phoneme scoring, whereas scoring method did not significantly modify age effect sizes. There were significant effects of hearing loss and some limited effects of age; age effect sizes of about 3 dB and hearing loss effect sizes of more than 10 dB were found.

Conclusion

Hearing loss is the major factor affecting word and phoneme recognition with a subtle contribution of age. Phoneme scoring may provide several advantages over word scoring. A set of recommended phoneme scoring guidelines is provided.
chopBAI: BAM index reduction solves I/O bottlenecks in the joint analysis of large sequencing cohorts
Authors: Kehr Birte , Melsted Páll
Published: March 2016

Summary: Advances in sequencing capacity have led to the generation of unprecedented amounts of genomic data. The processing of this data frequently leads to I/O bottlenecks, e. g. when analyzing a small genomic region across a large number of samples. The largest I/O burden is, however, often not imposed by the amount of data needed for the analysis but rather by index files that help retrieving this data. We have developed chopBAI, a program that can chop a BAM index (BAI) file into small pieces. The program outputs a list of BAI files each indexing a specified genomic interval. The output files are much smaller in size but maintain compatibility with existing software tools. We show how preprocessing BAI files with chopBAI can lead to a reduction of I/O by more than 95% during the analysis of 10 kb genomic regions, eventually enabling the joint analysis of more than 10 000 individuals.

Availability and Implementation: The software is implemented in C ++, GPL licensed and available at http://github.com/DecodeGenetics/chopBAI

Contact:  birte.kehr@decode.is