bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the lipid of red carp (Cyprinus carpio) during frozen storage
Authors: Tenyang Noel , Tiencheu Bernard , Tonfack Djikeng Fabrice , Morfor Azia Theresia , Womeni Hilaire Macaire
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stability of oil extracted from red carp fish frozen up to 9 months at −18°C. To assess oil stability of red carp fish, the analytical indexes and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used. These methodologies used provided similar conclusions. Before frozen storage, the composition of fatty acids showed that red carp oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid (C18:2ω‐6: 5.29% of total fatty acid), linolenic acid (C18:3ω3: 3.53% of total fatty acid), arachidonic acid (C20:4ω6: 3.68% of total fatty acid), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5ω‐3, EPA: 4,06% of total fatty acid), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6ω‐3: 3.02% of total fatty acid). During frozen storage, the free fatty acid and peroxide value increased, respectively, from 1.35% to 8.06% in oleic acid and 3.77 to 18.62 meq O2/kg in lipid, while the ratio of PUFA/SFA and polyene index decreased, respectively, from 0.58 to 0.25 and 0.30 to 0.09. The triglycerides also decreased with frozen duration. Therefore, for good fish quality, red carp fish must be stored for <3 months at −18°C.
Chimeric vs composite flaps for mandible reconstruction
Authors: Silva Amanda K. , Humphries Laura S. , Maldonado Andrés A. , Gottlieb Lawrence J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Composite mandibular reconstruction requires multiple tissue components inset in different planes. Intrinsic chimeric flap design provides this, and may be best suited for these reconstructions.

Methods

A retrospective review of mandible reconstructions with composite, intrinsic chimeric, or 2 free flaps was performed. Patient and flap characteristics and complications were analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐five patients were reviewed. Defects reconstructed with intrinsic chimeric flaps had significantly more soft tissue needs than composite reconstructions. However, intrinsic chimeric bony defects were less complex. Despite significantly longer operative times for intrinsic chimeric flaps, there were no differences in complications or hospital stays. Intrinsic chimeric reconstruction resulted in significantly lower complication rates requiring an additional flap. This benefit was pronounced in through‐and‐through defects.

Conclusion

Intrinsic chimeric flaps are a better option than composite flaps for reconstruction of mandibular defects with large soft tissue needs with no increased complication risk despite longer operative time.
Rapid improvement of cognitive maps in the awake state
Authors: Craig Michael , Wolbers Thomas , Strickland Shannon , Achtzehn Johannes , Dewar Michaela
Published: February 2019

Post‐navigation awake quiescence, relative to task engagement, benefits the accuracy of a new “cognitive map”. This effect is hypothesized to reflect awake quiescence, like sleep, being conducive to the consolidation and integration of new spatial memories. Sleep has been shown to improve cognitive map accuracy over time. It remained unknown whether awake quiescence can induce similar time‐related improvements in new cognitive maps, or whether it simply counteracts their decay. We examined this question via two experiments. In Experiment 1, using an established cognitive mapping paradigm, we reveal that map accuracy for a virtual town was significantly better in people whose memory was probed after 10 min of post‐navigation awake quiescence or ongoing cognitive engagement, relative to those whose memory was probed shortly after initial navigation. In Experiment 2, using a newly developed cognitive mapping task that involved a more complex and real‐life virtual town, we again found that map accuracy was superior in those whose memory was probed after 10 min of awake quiescence than those who were tested soon after navigation. These findings indicate that actual improvements in human memories are not restricted to sleep. Thus, contrary to conventional wisdom and theories, the passage of (day)time need not always result in forgetting.
Self‐assembling water‐soluble polymethacrylate–MTX conjugates: The significance of macromolecules architecture on drug conjugation efficiency, the final shape of particles, and drug release
Authors: Bernaczek Katarzyna , Mielańczyk Anna , Mielańczyk Łukasz , Neugebauer Dorota , Grzywna Zbigniew Jan
Published: February 2019

Water‐soluble polymer–methotrexate (MTX) conjugates were obtained via efficient carbodiimide‐mediated amidation (E = 17–100%). Binding abilities between water‐soluble V‐shaped or star‐shaped copolymers and MTX were studied by isothermal titration calorimetry spectroscopic (UV–vis, NMR) and microscopic (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) techniques. The efficiency of the amidation reaction has depended on the amount of pendant amino alcohol groups and zeta potential (ZP) values of polymeric carries. The sizes of aggregates formed by polymer–drug conjugates in water increased with the number of copolymer arms (202–774 nm at 37°C). Moreover, the conjugates with the high amount of bounded MTX molecules (nMTX > 78) exhibited negative ZP values. The drug release experiments revealed that the amount of the released MTX depends on pH and can be controlled via shape, topology, and composition of polymeric carrier. Preliminary cytotoxicity studies of V‐shaped‐MTX conjugate on human immortalized nontumorigenic keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells indicated cytocompatibility of the compound in a wide range of concentrations. The results of our studies have shown that physicochemical and drug release properties of obtained polymer–MTX prodrugs can be tailored via the structure and the topology of the polymeric carrier. Thus conjugates might find the application in a different type of treatment (cancer or psoriasis therapy) and administration (intravenous, dermal, or pulmonary). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2476–2487, 2019.
Fluxional bonds in quasi‐planar and half‐sandwich (M = K, Rb, and Cs)
Authors: Yan Miao , Li Hai‐Ru , Tian Xin‐Xin , Mu Yue‐Wen , Lu Hai‐Gang , Li Si‐Dian
Published: February 2019

Detailed molecular orbital and bonding analyses reveal the existence of both fluxional σ‐ and π‐bonds in the global minima Cs (1) and Cs MB18 (3) and transition states Cs (2) and Cs (4) of dianion and monoanions (M = K, Rb, and Cs). It is the fluxional bonds that facilitate the fluxional behaviors of the quasi‐planar and half‐sandwich which possess energy barriers smaller than the difference of the corresponding zero‐point corrections. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and anti‐inflammatory effect of morachalcone B, morachalcone C, and analogs
Authors: Jhong Bo‐Syuan , Lin Ting‐Yu , Kao Chien‐Hsiang , Yu Hsi‐Jung , Chin Tsung‐Mei , Liu Ching‐Yang , Shen Yuh‐Chiang , Don Ming‐Jaw
Published: February 2019

An efficient method to synthesize morachalcones B and C (1 and 2) is described. Rap−Stoermer condensation and 1,3‐prenyl rearrangement were used as two key synthetic methods. Morachalcone C was obtained by photo‐oxygenation of morachalcone B. Morachalcones B and C showed moderate anti‐inflammatory activity.
The Relative Impact of Income and Financial Literacy on Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
Authors: Adetunji Olubanjo Michael , David‐West Olayinka
Published: February 2019

This study uses survey data of over 22 000 respondents in Nigeria, to provide evidence for the impact of two key drivers of financial inclusion: financial literacy and income levels. The study shows that financial literacy significantly determines savings patterns with formal and informal financial institutions; however, income only drives the frequency of informal savings. The results also highlight the demographic groups suitable for financial literacy and other interventions aimed at improving financial access. The findings will support the market segmentation capabilities of financial services providers and also guide regulators in formulating policies that will improve and deepen financial access. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monocyte heterogeneity and functions in cancer
Authors: Olingy Claire E , Dinh Huy Q , Hedrick Catherine C
Published: February 2019

Monocytes are innate immune cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system that have emerged as important regulators of cancer development and progression. Our understanding of monocytes has advanced from viewing these cells as a homogenous population to a heterogeneous system of cells that display diverse responses to different stimuli. During cancer, different monocyte subsets perform functions that contribute to both pro- and antitumoral immunity, including phagocytosis, secretion of tumoricidal mediators, promotion of angiogenesis, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, recruitment of lymphocytes, and differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells. The ability of cancer to evade immune recognition and clearance requires protumoral signals to outweigh ongoing attempts by the host immune system to prevent tumor growth. This review discusses current understanding of monocyte heterogeneity during homeostasis, highlights monocyte functions in cancer progression, and describes monocyte-targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Functional morphology of Trichadenotecnum male and female genitalia analyzed using μCT (Insecta: Psocodea: Psocomorpha)
Authors: Cheng Zixin , Yoshizawa Kazunori
Published: February 2019

Although the great genital diversity of the barklouse genus Trichadenotecnum has been described in previous studies, the specific function of the genital structures during the copulation process has received less investigative attention. We reconstructed 3D‐models of each structure of the male and female genitalia of Trichadenotecnum incognitum in copula and those of uncopulated male and female of Trichadenotecnum pseudomedium. By comparing the changes in male and female genital structures and related muscles in copulated and uncopulated states, the function of each genital structure can be described. During the copulation, we found that the female subgenital plate was hooked into the male body by the distal process on the male paraproct and was fixed by the male epiproct, hypandrium and phallosome. In addition, sexual coevolution was suggested by tightly contacting structures, that is, thorny male hypandrium and thickened membrane around the female spermapore plate. These results not only give us a new understanding copulation process of Trichadenotecnum, but also explain the reasons why genital structures are so divers in the genus.
Ethanol Lock Therapy for the Prevention of Nontunneled Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lopes Bellisa Caldas , Borges Paulo Sérgio Gomes Nogueira , Gallindo Rodrigo Melo , Tenório Thuanne Beatriz Silva , Machado Lara Barreto , de Orange Flávia Augusta
Published: February 2019

Background

Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been reported as being effective in preventing central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in tunneled (or long‐term) central venous catheters (CVCs). To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated this therapy in relation to nontunneled (or short‐term) CVCs.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of ELT in preventing CLABSI in nontunneled CVC in pediatric patients.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted with children aged 0–5 years and >2 kg in weight, in whom a double‐lumen polyurethane nontunneled CVC had been inserted. Patients with catheters inserted in an emergency situation, critically ill patients, and/or those with a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to ethanol were excluded from the study. The variables evaluated were CLABSI, etiological agents, adverse events, and the mechanical effects of ethanol on the catheter (breakage and obstruction).

Results

The CLABSI rate was lower in the ELT group compared with the control group (P = 0.0177). However, when the occurrence of CLABSI was evaluated per 1000 catheter‐days, no significant difference was found between the groups (P = 0.077). The frequency of side effects and catheter breakage was greater in the ELT group (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0005, respectively).

Conclusions

The CLABSI rate was statistically significantly reduced in the ELT group compared with the controls, but the analysis of frequency per catheter‐day showed no significant difference between the groups. Thus, we should not recommend ELT for CLABSI prophylaxis in nontunneled polyurethane CVC, which requires further clinical trials.
Post‐depositional bone destruction in cave sediments: a micromorphological study of the MIS 5a–d cave bear strata of Biśnik Cave, Poland
Authors: Krajcarz Magdalena , Krajcarz Maciej T.
Published: February 2019

Accumulations of cave bear bones are common in Pleistocene cave sediments. The reasons for the deposition are usually clear, and believed to be associated with the hibernation behavior of bears. Although they are common, little is known about the post‐sedimentary processes that affect the assemblages. The cave bear bone accumulations from the Lower Weichselian layers of Biśnik Cave, Poland, represent an interesting case of intensive post‐depositional bone destruction. Bones are highly fragmented and rounded, although no traces of water currents have been detected in the stratigraphic series. In this paper we use the case of Biśnik Cave as an example of cave bear strata, to describe the taphonomic features of the abraded‐like bones and to recognize the underlying processes. We present a micromorphological study of rounded bones and surrounding sediments to increase knowledge of the depositional context in the cave environment. Micromorphological analysis of the sediments indicated in situ disintegration of bones rather than abrasion. The factor responsible here was internal stress, as opposed to the external pressure of mineral grains in the case of abrasion. We indicate frost action as a possible factor responsible for the post‐depositional bone disintegration.
Applying clustering and classification data mining techniques for competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes improvement
Authors: Khanbabaei Mohammad , Alborzi Mahmood , Sobhani Farzad Movahedi , Radfar Reza
Published: February 2019

Processes as one of the valuable knowledge resources can create sustainable competitive advantages in organizations. There is a large number of processes in organizations. They generate a high volume of process data that leads to the high‐dimensionality problems, complex relationships, dynamic changes, and difficulties in the understanding of the process by human resources. Traditional process improvement methodologies have weaknesses in environment with the large number of processes. Data mining techniques can support process improvement in this environment. They can recommend the improvement suggestions through extracting valuable patterns from a high volume of the process dataset. Recently, knowledge‐intensive processes have been increasingly concentrated in the field of process improvement. These types of processes can induce a competitive behavior over the other processes. The main problem is the improvement of competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes in a high volume of process dataset.

The main purpose of this paper is to present a model to identify the behavior of competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes and recommend improvement suggestions. For this purpose, data mining techniques are applied to extract valuable patterns hidden in a high volume of process dataset. In this regard, K‐means clustering and C5 classification algorithms are applied to extract valuable patterns. A real process dataset was used to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the model. The results confirmed that the proposed model can apply data mining techniques to support competitive and knowledge‐intensive process improvement in a high volume of process dataset.
Reducing organizational memory mismatches through end user training: The influence of process modeling
Authors: Davis Joshua M. , Brattin Rick L.
Published: February 2019

An important risk to the success of newly embedded enterprise systems (ES) relates to mismatches between organizational knowledge embedded in the ES and that embedded in the user base. To help overcome this, the literature consistently prescribes user training as part of ES implementation. Despite its popularity in research circles, however, ES failure rates remain high in the face of healthy corporate investment in training, calling into question the effectiveness of typical training strategies. In an effort to extend the research on ES training and assimilation, we investigate the effectiveness of ES process modeling as a pre‐training intervention for enhancing the outcomes of commonly used procedural training strategies. Results from a field experiment conducted during a live ES implementation in the subsidiary of a Fortune 100 manufacturer support the hypotheses and highlight ES process modeling as an effective pre‐training intervention in this context.
Novel, anatomically appropriate balloon dilation technique of the glottis to treat posterior glottic stenosis in a 3D‐printed model
Authors: Cates Daniel J. , Magnetta Michael J. , Smith Libby J. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) often requires a destructive surgical treatment. Early PGS treatment involves glottic dilation to reduce airway constriction associated with chronic PGS. Round laryngeal dilation may not optimize posterior glottic dilation due to the teardrop shape of the glottis and may injure vocal fold tissue. We compared pressure applied to the glottis during traditional single balloon dilation and a novel, anatomically appropriate dilation technique (teardrop‐shaped glottic dilation [TSGD]).

Methods

Pressure sensors were affixed at various points on a three‐dimensional printed glottic model. The anterior glottis was stented with a triangular stent (18‐32F) in combination with balloon dilator (10–20 mm) placed in the posterior glottis (TSGD) in 30 unique combinations. Force applied to the vocal folds (VF) and posterior commissure (PC) during round balloon dilation and TSGD was measured.

Results

Dilatory force in the PC ranged from 0.0–3.8 newtons (N) using balloon dilators and 0.0–17.5 N using TSGD. The TSGD technique yielded a superior ratio of force applied to the PC versus VF (P = 0.0296) compared to round balloon dilation alone. Optimal targeting of the PC occurred when the sum of the anteroposterior (AP) dimensions of the stent and balloon dilator approached the AP length of the glottis.

Conclusion

Use of an anatomically appropriate glottic dilation maximizes expansive force applied to the posterior commissure and decreased force to the vocal folds. This study demonstrates that TSGD minimizes force to the anterior glottis and maximizes dilation of the posterior glottis. This technique may play a role in preventing laryngeal stenosis associated with chronic PGS.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:2239–2243, 2019
Technical Note: an algorithm and software for conversion of radiotherapy contour‐sequence data to ready‐to‐print 3D structures
Authors: Nowak Lukasz J. , Pawlowska Ewa
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is one of the most promising technologies that can significantly improve the efficiency of various radiotherapy (RT) procedures. In order to 3D print any structure from a DICOM file, it first has to be converted to one of the typical formats recognized by printing software, such as STL files. Due to the specificity of the data from RT planning systems and a lack of standardized methods, the geometry processing might be tricky and complex. However, all the articles presented in the literature so far either describe this step very briefly, or do not mention it at all.

Methods

We present a detailed description of an algorithm and a piece of open‐source software, that allow conversion of contour‐sequence data included within DICOM files into ready‐to‐print 3D structures saved as STL files. The algorithm allows automatic handling of the data from RT planning systems and takes into account and corrects for all the typical issues, such as different orientation of curves or artifacts. The implementing software, included as a supplementary material, is distributed as open source under GNU GPL license, which means that it can be freely used, modified, and redistributed by anyone.

Results

The algorithm and implementing software were used to convert numerous structures contained within DICOM files created with RT planning systems into ready‐to‐print 3D structures. The structures were converted with absolute fidelity, without any errors.

Conclusions

The presented tools can be used for research and development of patient‐specific accessories for RT. The described algorithm and software can make 3D printing in RT more accessible to medical professionals, contributing to its further development.
SPARKLING: variable‐density k‐space filling curves for accelerated T2*‐weighted MRI
Authors: Lazarus Carole , Weiss Pierre , Chauffert Nicolas , Mauconduit Franck , El Gueddari Loubna , Destrieux Christophe , Zemmoura Ilyess , Vignaud Alexandre , Ciuciu Philippe
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To present a new optimition‐driven design of optimal k‐space trajectories in the context of compressed sensing: Spreading Projection Algorithm for Rapid K‐space sampLING (SPARKLING).

Theory

The SPARKLING algorithm is a versatile method inspired from stippling techniques that automatically generates optimized sampling patterns compatible with MR hardware constraints on maximum gradient amplitude and slew rate. These non‐Cartesian sampling curves are designed to comply with key criteria for optimal sampling: a controlled distribution of samples (e.g., variable density) and a locally uniform k‐space coverage.

Methods

Ex vivo and in vivo prospective ‐weighted acquisitions were performed on a 7‐Tesla scanner using the SPARKLING trajectories for various setups and target densities. Our method was compared to radial and variable‐density spiral trajectories for high‐resolution imaging.

Results

Combining sampling efficiency with compressed sensing, the proposed sampling patterns allowed up to 20‐fold reductions in MR scan time (compared to fully sampled Cartesian acquisitions) for two‐dimensional ‐weighted imaging without deterioration of image quality, as demonstrated by our experimental results at 7 Tesla on in vivo human brains for a high in‐plane resolution of 390 μm. In comparison to existing non‐Cartesian sampling strategies, the proposed technique also yielded superior image quality.

Conclusions

The proposed optimization‐driven design of k‐space trajectories is a versatile framework that is able to enhance MR sampling performance in the context of compressed sensing.
Impact of congestion pricing schemes on costs and emissions of commercial fleets in urban areas
Authors: Zhang Shu , Campbell Ann M. , Ehmke Jan F.
Published: February 2019

As urbanization increases, municipalities across the world have become aware of the negative impacts of road‐based transportation, which include traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, several cities have introduced tolling schemes to discourage vehicles from entering the inner city. However, little research has been done to examine the impact of tolling schemes on the routing of commercial fleets, especially on the resulting costs and emissions. In this study, we investigate a vehicle routing problem considering different congestion charge schemes for several city types. We design comprehensive computational experiments to investigate whether different types of tolling schemes work in the way municipalities expect and what factors affect the performance of the congestion charge schemes. We compare the impact on a company's total costs, fuel usage (which drives emissions), and delivery tour plans. Our experimental results demonstrate that some congestion pricing schemes may even increase the emissions in the city center, and higher congestion charges may not necessarily lead to lower emissions.
Kriging‐based orthotropic closure for flow‐induced fiber orientation and the part stiffness predictions with experimental investigation
Authors: Su Dong‐Xiao , Zhao Jian , Wang Yan , Qu Min‐Jie
Published: February 2019

This study employs a new Kriging‐based orthotropic closure (KRI) and several current closures to solve the second‐order orientation tensor equation of motion, and the differences between closures and orientation distribution function calculation (DFC) are firstly compared by a new developed error metric. The mechanical properties of an injection molded short fiber reinforced composite directly depend on the orientation of fibers, the Halpin–Tsai and Tandon–Weng mechanical models are considered to evaluate the accuracy of the closures on stiffness predictions, quantitative comparisons between the numerical simulations and the experimental result are carried out for 30% weight fractions of short carbon fiber/poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) matrix composite. It is observed that the result of sequential KRI closure is in good agreement with the experimental data. The KRI closure is shown to be far more accurate than Hybrid closure and also performs better than orthotropic and natural closures. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3844–3856, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of UV curable coating for super hydrophobic cotton fabrics
Authors: Shen Lixiang , Pan Ya , Fu Heqing
Published: February 2019

A super hydrophobic cotton fabric was successfully prepared by a facile dip‐coating method using a synthetic fluorine‐free and UV curable super hydrophobic coating solution without additional particles. The obtained cotton fabric exhibited super hydrophobic property with a water contact angle above 159.5° and sliding angle 7.5°. Moreover, the treated cotton fabric could retain its super hydrophobic performance even after abrasion and accelerated laundering, as well as for different kinds of corrosive liquids. The coated cotton fabric was used to make up a surface tension‐driven, gravity‐assisted, floating oil–water separation device with separation efficiency above 99%. Additionally, the oil–water separation efficiency of super hydrophobic cotton fabric always was above 98% after 30 recycle times for cyclohexane–water mixture. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E452–E459, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Correlating structure with ionic conductivity in bis(phosphonium)‐containing [NTf2] thiol–ene networks
Authors: Sims Samantha M , Bontrager Nicholas C , Whittaker Rachel E , Miller Kevin M
Published: February 2019

Thiol–ene photopolymerization was employed in order to prepare a series of covalently crosslinked bis(phosphonium)‐containing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) networks. While the counteranion was held constant (NTf2), the structure of the bis(phosphonium)‐containing ‘ene’ monomer was varied in order to explore the breadth of thermal, mechanical and conductive properties available for this system. Towards this end, it was determined that more flexible spacers within the cationic monomer led to PIL networks with lower Tg values and higher conductivities. Most notable was a two‐ to three‐orders‐of‐magnitude increase in ionic conductivity (from 10−9 to 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C, 30% relative humidity) when the R group on phosphonium was changed from phenyl to isopropyl. Changing the functional group ratio to off‐stoichiometry also led to a slight increase in conductivity. Although the thermal stability (Td5%) of the phosphonium ionic liquid monomers was found to be significantly higher (>400 °C) than that of analogous imidazolium monomers, this improvement was not observed to directly transfer over to the polymer where a two‐step decomposition pathway was observed. The first step is attributed to the thiol monomer backbone while the second step correlates well with decomposition of the phosphonium portion of the PIL. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Moisture on the Mechanical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose and the Mobility of the Water Molecules as Studied by the Hybrid Molecular Mechanics–Molecular Dynamics Simulation Method
Authors: Sahputra Iwan H. , Alexiadis Alessio , Adams Michael J.
Published: February 2019

A hybrid molecular mechanics–molecular dynamics simulation method has been performed to study the effects of moisture content on the mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and the mobility of the water molecules. The specific volume and diffusion coefficient of the water increase with increasing moisture content in the range studied of 1.8–25.5 w/w%, while the Young's modulus decreases. The simulation results are in close agreement with the published experimental data. Both the bound scission and free‐volume mechanisms contribute to the plasticization of MCC by water. The Voronoi volume increases with increasing moisture content. It is related to the free volume and the increase enhances the mobility of the water molecules and thus increases the coefficient of diffusion of the water. Moreover, with increasing moisture content, the hydrogen bonding per water molecule between MCC–water molecules decreases, thus increasing the water mobility and number of free water molecules. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 454–464
Hydroxide‐Based Nanoenergetic Materials
Authors: Yolchinyan Srbuhi A. , Eads Ryker W. , Hobosyan Mkhitar A. , Martirosyan Karen S.
Published: February 2019

Hydroxide‐aluminum based nano‐energetic materials are new class of thermites which demonstrated high theoretical energy capacity of up to 50 kJ cm−3. Most of the hydroxide‐aluminum based systems exhibit a large gas generation (greater than two liters per gram) and high adiabatic combustion temperature (up to 3000 K), which ensures performance that attributes significantly for applications such as solid fuel propulsion, explosives, airbag deployment, etc. Thermodynamic calculations performed for a collection of 16 novel hydroxide‐based nano‐thermite systems show that most of the systems are stable. Four systems, based on bismuth, copper, nickel and cerium hydroxides, were mixed with aluminum to prepare nano‐thermites compositions. These formulations were tested to estimate the heat generation and pressure discharge values during the ignition. These systems were stable below ignition temperature, between 570–600 °C. The strongest performance was recorded for Al−Bi(OH)3 formulation with 5.6 kPa*m3 g−1 peak pressure, which is comparable to highest values reported in literature.
Time‐Efficient Stateful Dual‐Bit‐Memristor Logic
Authors: Xu Nuo , Fang Liang , Kim Kyung Min , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: February 2019

Stateful logic provides an attractive device‐level solution in achieving in‐memory computation, which can solve the critical problem of the von Neumann bottleneck − “memory wall” − in the current computer architecture. Recently, fully functional stateful logic operations and cascading are reported using a TiOx‐based dual‐bit memristor. In that work, all the 16 Boolean logic functions are accomplished in a stateful dual‐bit memristor, which can be expanded to more complicated computational tasks. This logic scheme is much more compact compared with the current complementary semiconductor field effect transistors based logic, providing the system with great area efficiency as well as energy‐saving performance. In such stateful logic device, the logic flow (cascading) is made along the time dimension. Therefore, “time efficiency” is the critical factor for estimating its performance. In this paper, two methods, changing the logic coding scheme and configuring the parallel‐circuit morphology, are suggested to improve the time efficiency of the previous dual‐bit memristor‐based logic. By implementing the two methods, a full adder can be demonstrated with three dual‐bit memristors and 12 operation steps, which corresponds to a 55.6% improvement compared with the previous work.
Separation of biologically relevant isomers on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer using high‐resolution drift tube ion mobility and varied drift gas mixtures
Authors: Kaszycki Julia L. , La Rotta Aurelio , Colsch Benoit , Fenaille François , Dauly Claire , Kamleh Anas , Wu Ching
Published: February 2019

Rationale

Atmospheric pressure drift tube ion mobility is a powerful addition to the Orbitrap mass spectrometer enabling direct separation of isomers. Apart from offering high resolving power in a compact design, it also facilitates optimization of the separation gas, as shown here for a series of biologically relevant isomer pairs.

Methods

An Excellims MA3100 High‐Resolution Atmospheric Pressure Ion Mobility Spectrometer (HR‐IMS) was coupled to a Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ Focus hybrid quadrupole–Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer, using an Excellims Directspray™ Electrospray Ionization source and a gas mixture setup to provide various drift gases (air, CO2 and mixtures). This instrument combination was used to separate isomers of eight pairs of metabolites and gangliosides, optimizing drift gas conditions for best separation of each set.

Results

All but one of the isomers pairs provided could be partially or fully separated by the HR‐IMS‐MS combination using ion mobility drift times. About half of the separated compounds showed significantly better analytical separation when analyzed in a mixture of CO2 and air rather than air or CO2 alone. Resolving power of up to 102 was achieved using the 10 cm atmospheric drift tube ion mobility add‐on for the Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Conclusions

The present analysis demonstrates the usefulness of using atmospheric drift tube IMS on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer to characterize the isomeric composition of samples. It also highlights the potential benefits of being able to quickly optimize the drift gas composition to selectively maximize the mobility difference for isomer separation.
Robotic‐assisted repair of iatrogenic common bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Marino Marco Vito , Mirabella Antonello , Guarrasi Domenico , Lupo Massimo , Komorowski Andrzej Lech
Published: February 2019

Background

Bile duct injury after cholecystectomy can be a life‐threatening complication. Use of robotic approach to manage a complex biliary injury is in an early phase.

Methods

We have performed an analysis of our prospectively maintained database that included 12 patients who underwent robotic‐assisted repair of bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2017.

Results

All patients underwent robotic biliary repair within 2 weeks after primary injury. No conversion to open surgery was necessary, the estimated mean blood loss was 252 mL, and the mean operative time was 260 minutes. The mean length of stay was 9.4 days. The 30‐day complication events were a subhepatic abscess and a recurrent episode of cholangitis. One patient underwent the reoperation. The mortality was null.

Conclusion

Robotic‐assisted bile duct injury repair seems to be safe and feasible. It offers promising results, thus potentially capable of modifying the management of biliary injury.
Mechanically reshaping stream banks alters fish community composition
Authors: Holmes Robin JP , Hayes John W. , Closs Gerard P. , Beech Mary , Jary Marc , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: February 2019

Mechanically reshaping stream banks is a common practice to mitigate bank erosion in streams that have been extensively channelised and lowered for land drainage. A common perception regarding this activity is that fish populations will be largely unaffected, at least in the short term, because the low‐flow wetted channel remains undisturbed. However, the response of fish populations to this practice has rarely been quantitatively evaluated. Using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact design, we assessed fish community responses to a catchment‐scale bank reshaping event in a fourth‐order low‐gradient stream that drains an intensive agricultural landscape. Quantitative electric fishing and fish habitat data were collected 2 months before and annually for 3 years after the reshaping event. After reshaping, deposited fine sediment levels increased in impact reaches, and there was a significant reduction in anguillid eel biomass (by 49%). In contrast, densities of obligate benthic gobiid bully species increased significantly in impact reaches—potentially due to reduced predation pressure from eels. Three years after bank reshaping, fish community structure had largely returned to its preimpact state in the reshaped areas. Our results suggest that, even in highly modified stream channels, further bank modification can reduce instream habitat quality and displace eels for at least 1 year. Managers should endeavour to use bank erosion control measures that conserve bank‐edge cover, especially in streams with populations of anguillid eels, because these fish are declining globally.
Sensitive Colorimetric Assay Based on Peroxidase‐Like Activity of CeO2 Nanoparticles Supported on SBA‐15 Mesoporous Silica to Determination of H2O2
Authors: Oliveira Larissa H. , de Barros Anerise , Pinto Lidiane O. , Oliveira Cristine S. , Kubota Lauro T. , Sigoli Fernando A. , Mazali Italo O.
Published: February 2019

We report a novel combination of nanomaterial proposed as a peroxidase‐like enzymatic mimic for detection of H2O2, where CeO2 nanoparticles dispersed on SBA‐15 through synthesis by the impregnation‐decomposition cycles method (IDC). The system displays a good peroxidase‐like activity and catalyzes to the oxidation of 3,3',5,5‘‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2. KM values were calculated between 0.04 and 0.08 mM for different (CeO2/SBA‐15)x catalyst system, the results demonstrates that the combination of these materials displayed a good affinity to TMB substrate, consequently improving the colorimetric assay, due to uniform mesostructures of SBA‐15 and their high surface areas. A detailed study of synergistic effects between CeO2NPs and SBA‐15 support were held in order to understand how these effects can improve the colorimetric assay. Additionally, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and textural properties were utilized for characterization of the prepared catalysts systems.
Chemical Characterization and in vitro Metabolism of a Novel Class of Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists, Analogs of SNC‐80
Authors: Usai Elisabetta Maria , Manca Ilaria , Pettinau Francesca , Mastino Antonio , Pittau Barbara
Published: February 2019

The diazatricyclodecane derivatives belong to a novel class of δ opioid receptor agonists, conformationally restricted analogs of SNC‐80. To support further investigation on the potential use of this class of δ opioid receptor agonists in humans, synthesis and chemical characterization of three tricyclic compounds of this class, designated as 3–4‐5, was carried out. Moreover, drug metabolism of the same compounds was investigated using human liver microsomes. Being drug candidates chiral compounds, they were also evaluated in terms of stereoisomers presence in the drug substances. Pharmacokinetic profiles and kinetic parameters of compound 3 and compound 4 and Michaelis parameters of compound 3 were determined. Remaining percentages of the parent drug versus time were analyzed. Results indicated that the examined derivatives display good in vitro metabolic stability.
Delamination‐Free Multifunctional Separator for Long‐Term Stability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Jungmin , Kim Byung‐Hyun , Yoon Sukeun , Cho Kuk Young
Published: February 2019

Next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) that satisfy the requirements for an electric vehicle energy source should demonstrate high reliability and safety for long‐term high‐energy‐density operation. This inevitably calls for a novel approach to advance major components such as the separator. Herein, a separator is designed and fabricated via application of multilayer functional coating on both sides of a polyethylene separator. The multilayer‐coated separator (MCS) has a porous structure that does not interfere with lithium ion diffusion and exhibits superior heat resistance, high electrolyte uptake, and persistent adhesion with the electrode. More importantly, it enables high capacity retention and reduced impedance build up during cycling when used in a coin or pouch cell. These imply its promising application in energy sources requiring long‐term stability. Fabrication of the MCS without the use of organic solvents is not only environmentally beneficial but also effective at cost reduction. This approach paves the way for the separator, which has long been considered an inactive major component of LIBs, to become an active contributor to the energy density toward achieving longer cycle stability.
Design, Performance, and Application of Thermoelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Zhang Ding , Wang Yuanhao , Yang Ya
Published: February 2019

Thermal energy harvesting from the ambient environment through thermoelectric nanogenerators (TEGs) is an ideal way to realize self‐powered operation of electronics, and even relieve the energy crisis and environmental degradation. As one of the most significant energy‐related technologies, TEGs have exhibited excellent thermoelectric performance and played an increasingly important role in harvesting and converting heat into electric energy, gradually becoming one of the hot research fields. Here, the development of TEGs including materials optimization, structural designs, and potential applications, even the opportunities, challenges, and the future development direction, is analyzed and summarized. Materials optimization and structural designs of flexibility for potential applications in wearable electronics are systematically discussed. With the development of flexible and wearable electronic equipment, flexible TEGs show increasingly great application prospects in artificial intelligence, self‐powered sensing systems, and other fields in the future.
Microstructure and Tensile Elongation Enhancement of 1.6 wt% B stainless Steel Plates Fabricated by Composite Rolling
Authors: Li Yong‐Wang , Liu Guang‐Jun , Wang Zhao‐Jie , Zhang Bao‐Guang , Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Liu Hai‐Tao
Published: February 2019

A 3‐layered composite plate is innovatively fabricated via composite rolling of 1.6 wt% B stainless steel surrounded by two layers of boron‐free steels. The tensile properties of composite and non‐composite plates are comparatively tested and analyzed. Besides, the microstructure evolution of the investigated plates is characterized in detail. It is found that the composite specimens exhibit higher tensile elongation comparing with that of non‐composite specimens. Specifically, the engineering strain of the 1050 °C × 30 min solution‐treated specimens reaches to 12.5 ± 0.8% which is 2.5–3.0 times as high as that of non‐composite specimens. In addition, the as‐cast lamellar borides break into bar‐shaped structures in hot rolled plates, however, their morphology and distribution hardly change after solution treatment. Besides, the transition regions between the core and clad layers are formed and characterized by medium‐sized recrystallized grains and fine borides in the solution‐treated composite specimens. The enhancement mechanism of tensile elongation is mainly analyzed in term of the geometrical restriction of necking in the composite plate during tensile deformation. This paper provides a promising method to effectively enhance the tensile fracture elongation for these metallic materials with poor plasticity like high borated stainless steels.
A game‐theoretic model for resource allocation with deception and defense efforts
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiong , Hipel Keith W. , Ge Bingfeng , Tan Yuejin
Published: February 2019

This paper develops a strategy for assisting two players in allocating multiple resources in a strategic sequential game. The defender first needs to allocate deception and defense efforts among targets to deceive the attacker and strengthen the target, respectively. Then, the attacker chooses a type of threat and a target to attack. The defender aims at mitigating the possible damage to the targets, whereas the attacker strives to cause maximum damage to the targets. Traditional modeling approaches typically focus only on the defender's homogeneous resource in defense and are not well suited to effectively capture the complex interplay between players. Given scarce resources, a game‐theoretic model is proposed for determining optimal strategies for both players. The key novel features of this model include: (1) the attacker's learning and the defender's counter‐learning efforts are considered; (2) trade‐offs between deception and defense efforts among different targets for the defender are investigated; and (3) sensitive analysis is carried out to see how different parameters can affect the equilibrium results. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the procedure of this game‐theoretic model and show its effectiveness. The results can provide additional insights for defense and deception strategies.
Climatic issues in early modern England: Shakespeare's views of the sky
Authors: Chiari Sophie
Published: February 2019

Climatic issues pervade early modern English drama, and three main reasons may be adduced for this. First, while in the first half of the 16th century Renaissance natural philosophers still felt compelled to acknowledge the accidental nature of weather‐related phenomena, in the second part of the century, new beliefs emerged and the dramatization of celestial events allowed for a more immediate access to the natural world. Second, then as now, Shakespeare's “sceptred isle” (Richard II) was often exposed to the wind, the rain and the freezing air, and such characteristics were believed to have a lasting impact on the habits of the English nation. Third, people then had to struggle against the adverse weather conditions characterized by what is now referred to as the “Little Ice Age.” As actor and playwright, Shakespeare saw the sky as a theatrical element. While his so‐called festive comedies appear far less festive if we pay attention to their climatic specificities, his tragedies offer interesting insights into the way the playwright associates heavens and humors on the one hand, climate and the planets on the other. I thus argue that climate was for Shakespeare a framing device giving coherence to his playtexts and providing the audience with a natural, elemental, and cosmic background. His interest in the way weather conditions affect human behavior prompted him to modify traditional points of view and, as a result, to foreground Man's ominous capacity to trigger climatic disorders.

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts
The $$ \mathrm{T}\overline{\mathrm{T}} $$ perturbation and its geometric interpretation
Authors: Conti Riccardo , Negro Stefano , Tateo Roberto
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Starting from the recently-discovered

$$ \mathrm{T}\overline{\mathrm{T}} $$

T

T
¯

-perturbed Lagrangians, we prove that the deformed solutions to the classical EoMs for bosonic field theories are equivalent to the unperturbed ones but for a specific field-dependent local change of coordinates. This surprising geometric outcome is fully consistent with the identification of

$$ \mathrm{T}\overline{\mathrm{T}} $$

T

T
¯

-deformed 2D quantum field theories as topological JT gravity coupled to generic matter fields. Although our conclusion is valid for generic interacting potentials, it first emerged from a detailed study of the sine-Gordon model and in particular from the fact that solitonic pseudo-spherical surfaces embedded in ℝ3 are left invariant by the deformation. Analytic and numerical results concerning the perturbation of specific sine-Gordon soliton solutions are presented.