bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved boundary condition for full‐f gyrokinetic simulations of circular‐limited tokamak plasmas in ELMFIRE
Authors: Chôné L. , Kiviniemi T.P. , Leerink S. , Niskala P. , Rochford R.
Published: July 2018

We report new results of full‐torus gyrokinetic simulations of electrostatic turbulence with Elmfire spanning from the magnetic axis to the scrape‐off layer (SOL). The new implementation presented here uses the logical boundary condition, which allows for improved stability and flexibility in terms of geometry. We simulate the full plasma of the FT‐2 tokamak (Ioffe Institute, Saint‐Petersburg, Russian Federation), with two poloidal limiters defining the SOL. We recover expected results in the SOL and find an improvement in our capacity to model the experimental particle and energy sinks in the SOL.
Taste sensitivity in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Kinnaird Emma , Stewart Catherine , Tchanturia Kate
Published: July 2018

Objective

There is evidence for altered processing of taste in anorexia nervosa, particularly in the areas of reward processing and hedonic sensitivity. However, research on whether people with anorexia nervosa identify taste stimuli accurately, known as taste sensitivity, has yielded mixed findings. The objective of this study was to synthesize the literature on taste sensitivity in this disorder to provide a basis for future discussion on whether altered taste sensitivity may be also implicated in wider atypical taste processing in anorexia.

Method

Electronic databases were searched systematically to identify published research examining taste sensitivity in anorexia. Search terms were “anorexia nervosa”, or “eating disorder”, combined with “taste”. 18 studies met inclusion criteria.

Results

The review of the findings suggest that individuals with AN may experience reduced taste sensitivity that may improve following recovery. However, there was a significant variability in results across studies, potentially reflecting methodological problems including low sample sizes, experimental designs, and uncontrolled confounding variables. Discussion: This review suggests that altered taste sensitivity could represent a component in the wider altered taste processing observed in anorexia nervosa. However, the heterogeneity of findings highlight the need for future research to consider methodological issues raised by this review.
Are dominant plant species more susceptible to leaf‐mining insects? A case study at Saihanwula Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Dai Xiaohua , Long Chengpeng , Xu Jiasheng , Guo Qingyun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhihong , Bater
Published: July 2018

Dominant species significantly affect interspecific relationships, community structure, and ecosystem function. In the field, dominant species are often identified by their high importance values. Selective foraging on dominant species is a common phenomenon in ecology. Our hypothesis is that dominant plant groups with high importance values are more susceptible to leaf‐mining insects at the regional level. Here, we used the Saihanwula National Nature Reserve as a case study to examine the presence–absence patterns of leaf‐mining insects on different plants in a forest‐grassland ecotone in Northeast China. We identified the following patterns: (1) After phylogenetic correction, plants with high importance values are more likely to host leafminers at the species, genus, or family level. (2) Other factors including phylogenetic isolation, life form, water ecotype, and phytogeographical type of plants have different influences on the relationship between plant dominance and leafminer presence. In summary, the importance value is a valid predictor of the presence of consumers, even when we consider the effects of plant phylogeny and other plant attributes. Dominant plant groups are large and susceptible targets of leaf‐mining insects. The consistent leaf‐mining distribution pattern across different countries, vegetation types, and plant taxa can be explained by the “species‐area relationship” or the “plant apparency hypothesis.”
Hospital admissions for severe infections in people with chronic kidney disease in relation to renal disease severity and diabetes status
Authors: Berni Ellen , Pritchard Nicholas , Jenkins‐Jones Sara , Ambery Philip , Jain Meena , Jermutus Lutz , Scott Laura A. , Currie Craig J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Immunosuppressive agents are being investigated for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) but may increase risk of infection. This was a retrospective observational study intended to evaluate the risk of hospitalized infection in patients with CKD, by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria status, aiming to identify the most appropriate disease stage for immunosuppressive intervention.

Methods

Routine UK primary‐care and linked secondary‐care data were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients with a record of CKD were identified and grouped into type 2, type 1 and nondiabetes cohorts. Time‐dependent, Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the likelihood of hospitalized infection.

Results

We identified 97 839 patients with a record of CKD, of these 11 719 (12%) had type 2 diabetes. In these latter patients, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.80‐1.25), 1.00, 1.03 (95% CI: 0.92‐1.15), 1.36 (95% CI: 0.20‐1.54), 1.82 (95% CI: 1.54‐2.15) and 2.41 (95% CI: 1.60‐3.63) at eGFR stages G1, G2 (reference), G3a, G3b, G4 and G5, respectively; and 1.00, 1.45 (95% CI: 1.29‐1.63) and 1.91 (95% CI: 1.67‐2.20) at proteinuria stages A1 (reference), A2 and A3, respectively. All aHRs (except G1 and G3a) were significant, with similar patterns observed within the non‐DM and overall cohorts.

Conclusions

eGFR and degree of albuminuria were independent markers of hospitalized infection in both patients with and without diabetes. The same patterns of hazard ratios of eGFR and proteinuria were seen in CKD patients regardless of diabetes status, with the risk of each outcome increasing with a decreasing eGFR and increasing proteinuria. Infection risk increased significantly from eGFR stage G3b and proteinuria stage A2 in type 2 diabetes. Treating type 2 DM patients with CKD at eGFR stages G1‐G3a with immunosuppressive therapy may therefore provide a favourable risk‐benefit ratio (G1‐G3a in type 2 diabetes; G1‐G2 in nondiabetes and overall cohorts) although the degree of proteinuria needs to be considered.
The beta‐adrenergic receptor agonist, terbutaline, reduces UVB‐induced mechanical sensitization in humans
Authors: Loeser J. , Blunk J.A. , Ruschulte H. , Knitsch J. , Karst M. , Hucho T.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Previously, we found in cultures of primary neurons and in animals that sensitized primary neurons can be desensitized by treatment with e.g. beta‐adrenergic receptor agonists. We now tested whether also in human sensitization such as UVB‐radiation induced sunburn‐like hyperalgesia can be reduced by intradermal injection of the beta‐adrenergic receptor agonist terbutaline.

Methods

In our prospective randomized study, 17 participants received an individual UVB dose to cause a defined local sunburn‐like erythema at four locations, two on each forearm. Twenty‐four hours later, the sensitized four areas were injected intradermally with terbutaline pH 4.3, terbutaline pH 7.0, saline pH 4.3 or saline pH 7.0, respectively. Pain thresholds were examined before and after induction of UVB‐sensitization, and 15, 30 and 60 min after injection of the respective solution. Mechanical pain thresholds of the skin and of deeper tissues were determined by pinprick and pressure algometer measurements, respectively.

Results

UVB‐irradiation decreased mechanical pain thresholds for pinprick and pressure algometer measurements demonstrating a successful sunburn‐like sensitization. Intradermal injection of terbutaline pH 7.0 into the sensitized skin reduced the sensitization for all measured timepoints as determined by pinprick measurements. Pinprick measurements of sensitization were not reduced by injection of terbutaline pH 4.3, saline solution pH 7.0 or saline solution pH 4.3. Also, sensitization of deeper tissue nociceptors were not altered by any of the injections as measured with the pressure algometer.

Conclusions

Similar to our cellular observations, also in humans beta‐adrenergic agonists such as terbutaline can reduce the sensitization of primary neurons in the skin.

Significance

We previously showed in model systems that beta‐adrenergic stimulation can not only sensitize but also desensitize nociceptors. Our study shows that also in humans beta‐adrenergic agonists desensitize if injected into UVB‐sensitized skin. This indicates an analgesic activity of adrenergic agonists in addition to their vasoconstrictory function.
Age‐dependent determinants of antipsychotic use among newly admitted residents of skilled nursing facilities: A population‐based study
Authors: Jester Dylan J. , Hyer Kathryn , Molinari Victor , Andel Ross , Rozek Ellen
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To assess factors related to antipsychotic (AP) use in skilled nursing facilities for newly admitted residents aged 18 to 49, 50 to 64, 65 to 84, and 85 years or older.

Methods

Retrospective, population‐level, Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 data from the United States during the year of 2009 were used. Over 1 million residents were included. Fourteen clinically relevant variables were identified through a literature search. Antipsychotic use was defined as APs dispensed daily for the prior 7 days. Logistic regression was used to identify clinically relevant variables, which were then ranked based on magnitude of their association with APs.

Results

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were consistently related to AP use across age groups. For older age groups, off‐label indications such as cognitive impairment, dementia, behavioral symptoms, and physical restraint use were more closely related to AP use, while delusions and hallucinations decreased in strength. Higher proportions of APs were found in all diseases and symptoms in nonelderly adults, with the exception of physical restraint use. Concurrent physical restraint and AP use was highest for older adults aged 65 to 84 at 36%.

Conclusions

Correlates of AP use varied by age, with stronger associations between on‐label conditions and AP use among younger adults and off‐label conditions among older adults. Several less conventional determinants, namely, Parkinson disease, traumatic brain injury, and the use of physical restraints were identified to increase the likelihood of AP use. This study highlights the importance of monitoring for adverse effects for residents of all ages.
Front Cover: Ultraviolet radiation oxidative stress affects eye health (J. Biophotonics 7/2018)
Authors: Ivanov Iliya V. , Mappes Timo , Schaupp Patrick , Lappe Christian , Wahl Siegfried
Published: July 2018

The role of ultraviolet radiation in oxidative stress‐related ocular pathologies is less known than its role in skin cancer. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is associated with increased oxidative stress in eye tissues, which may promote the development of photokeratitis, cataract, and retinal damages. Children are especially vulnerable: large pupils, transparent ocular media. Efficient everyday protection of the eye should be considered from early age. (Image: with permission from Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH, Aalen, Germany)

Further details can be found in the article by Iliya V. Ivanov, Timo Mappes, Patrick Schaupp, et al. (e201700377).

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Inside Front Cover: Near‐infrared bone densitometry: A feasibility study on distal radius measurement (J. Biophotonics 7/2018)
Authors: Chung Chun , Chen Yu‐Pin , Leu Tsai‐Hsueh , Sun Chia‐Wei
Published: July 2018

This study provides a simple method to detect human distal radius bone density based on near infrared (NIR) imaging. The information of bone mineral density can be measured by transluminational optical bone densitometric system. Compared to dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) results in clinical trial, NIR images show a strong correlation to DXA.

Further details can be found in the article by Chun Chung, Yu‐Pin Chen, Tsai‐Hsueh Leu, and Chia‐Wei Sun (e201700342).

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Inside Back Cover: The conformation of bovine serum albumin adsorbed to the surface of single all‐dielectric nanoparticles following light‐induced heating (J. Biophotonics 7/2018)
Authors: Krasilin Andrei A. , Volodina Katerina , Sukhova Arina A. , Petrov Mihail I. , Zuev Dmitry A. , Dyachuk Vyacheslav A. , Milichko Valentin A.
Published: July 2018

Germanium vs Silicon: All‐dielectric nanoparticles provides the heat resistance for proteins under light‐induced heating.

Further details can be found in the article by Andrei A. Krasilin et al. (e201700322)

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Study on the potential way of hepatic cytotoxicity of N,N‐dimethylformamide
Authors: Li Shiqing , Wang Cui
Published: July 2018

The intermediate metabolites and redox status imbalance were supported as the two major points for N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐induced hepatotoxicity. However, the potential mechanism has not yet been concerned. By applying two inhibitors, this study tried to seek the major role in DMF‐induced toxicity on HL7702 cell. We observed that DMF induced cell apoptosis through mitochondrial‐dependent and p53 pathway. Inhibition reactive oxygen species by catalase remarkably attenuated the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), apoptotic proteins, and apoptosis. On the contrary, it reduced the biodegradation rate of DMF by coincubation with CYP2E1 antagonist (DDC) partially reduced late apoptosis. However, the change in MMP, the ratio of Bax to Bcl‐xl, and cleaved‐caspase 9 was not attenuated by DDC. The pathway in DDC coincubation groups was related to the p53 rather than the mitochondrial pathway. Restoring the redox balance during biodegradation is much more effective than attenuating the metabolite rate of DMF. This study may provide a suitable prevention method to occupational workers.
Statistical characteristics of cloud burst and mini‐cloud burst events during monsoon season in India
Authors: Deshpande N. R. , Kothawale D. R. , Kumar Vinay , Kulkarni J. R.
Published: July 2018

A short‐duration heavy rainfall events over India have been studied using hourly rainfall data of 126 stations for the period 1969–2015 for the Indian summer monsoon season. The events have been classified into two categories. The first category pertains to cloud burst (CB). The CB events have been further classified into two types, viz. “CBa” and “CBb.” CBa events are associated with heavy rainfall in the steep slope mountainous regions of Himalayas identified based on flash floods and damages to properties and human losses, irrespective of the rainfall amount. CBb events are associated with rainfall >10 cm/hr as per the definition by India Meteorological Department (IMD). The statistics of CBb events has been provided in the paper. A total of 28 CBb events have been recorded over Indian region in the study period. These are found to occur over different parts of India. A new and second category of short‐term heavy rainfall event has been defined as “mini‐cloud burst” (MCB). It is an event in which rainfall in two consecutive rain‐hours is 5 cm or more. Statistical characteristics of these events have been investigated. MCB occurs in June over Western Ghats, over central India and foot hills of Himalayas in July and August. The frequency is low in the month of September. These events generally found to occur in the early morning hours at foot hills of Himalaya and along the west coast of India. In the interior of the land mass these are observed in the afternoon hours while in southern peninsula during night hours. Trend analyses indicate significant increase in these events at many places, except over northeast India. The statistics of CBb and MCB events provided in the paper will trigger numerical modelling studies for understanding the dynamics and invigoration of convection.
Romantic restorations in the Alhambra monument: Spectroscopic characterization of decorative plasterwork in the Royal Baths of Comares
Authors: Arjonilla Paz , Ayora‐Cañada María José , Rubio Domene Ramón , Correa Gómez Elena , de la Torre‐López María José , Domínguez‐Vidal Ana
Published: July 2018

The polychrome plasterwork decorations of the Room of the Beds in the Royal Bath of Comares of the Alhambra monumental ensemble have been studied using Raman microspectroscopy and complementary techniques. This area keeps the testimony of the controversial restorations carried out in the 19th century in an attempt to imitate the lost original appearance of the authentic Nasrid plasterwork. Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence have been employed to identify the pigments and extenders. Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy has been used to gain additional information about the morphology of the painting layers. Additionally, infrared microspectroscopy provided insight into the nature of the organic materials employed as binders. Vermillion, synthetic ultramarine blue, hematite, and carbon black were clearly identified in red, blue, brown, and black decorations by Raman spectroscopy. Green decorations were executed with a copper‐arsenic pigment that could not be unambiguously identified although the presence of Raman bands typical of arsenate stretching bands could point to alteration processes of copper arsenite pigments. Regarding the execution technique, the pictorial layer was applied over a preparation layer of white lead that also contained barite using a proteinaceous binder. The presence of anglesite and other phases related to hydrocerussite alteration due to humidity and salts was also evidenced. Finally, a comparison of the materials found in this redecoration with those identified in original Nasrid decorations has been performed, revealing noticeable differences in both the materials and the execution technologies.
Getting the best out of data for open access monograph presses: A case study of UCL Press
Authors: Montgomery Lucy , Neylon Cameron , Ozaygen Alkim , Leaver Tama
Published: July 2018

This study of UCL Press sought to identify the extent to which data available to open access (OA) monograph presses can be combined with low‐cost analysis tools to provide insight into development and strategy. An additional goal was identifying practical steps that monograph publishers can take to ensure that they make the most of the data they have access to. The project team carried out an analysis of downloaded figures from platforms providing access to UCL Press monograph titles, social media activity, and sales patterns. Patterns of engagement with the books were cross‐referenced against key marketing and dissemination events in order to identify relationships between marketing approaches and awareness or use of a title. This study shows that it is possible to gain valuable insights into the uses of OA books by collating and analysing usage and social media data. It also identifies a series of relatively straightforward steps that can be taken by presses to maximize the richness of the data captured. These include proactively gathering and storing data; providing best practice advice to those engaging in promotion, particularly when promotion is via social media; and making it easier to track specific efforts to publicize books by using tagged links.
The Effect of Intramolecular Cross‐Linking on Polymer Interactions in Solution
Authors: Galant Or , Davidovich‐Pinhas Maya , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: July 2018

The conformation of a polymer in a solvent is typically defined by the solvent quality, which is a consequence of the solvent and macromolecule's chemistry. Yet, additional factors can affect the polymer conformation, such as non‐covalent interactions to surfaces or other macromolecules, affecting the amount of polymer–solvent interactions. Herein, chemically folded polymers with protein‐like architectures are studied and compared to their unfolded linear precursor in good solvents using rheology measurements. The current research reveals that permanent folding by intramolecular chemical cross‐linking limits the chain mobility and therefore causes a reduction in polymer–solvent interactions, making a good solvent become theta. This change not only affects the “solvent quality” but also leads to a change in particle–particle interactions as a function of concentration. These findings provide crucial insight into the effects of intramolecular cross‐links on macromolecule solubility and self‐assembly, which are critical for mimicking structurally similar biological materials.
Synthesis of Micrometer‐Size Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Particles by Utilizing Microsuspension Iodine Transfer Polymerization (ms ITP): Kinetic Approach
Authors: Okubo Masayoshi , Kitayama Yukiya , Yamashita Nobuko , Liu Xiang , Huang Chujuan
Published: July 2018

In a previous work, microsuspension ITP (ms ITP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using iodoform (CHI3) as a chain transfer agent and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator could be successfully carried out at 80 °C for the synthesis of micrometer‐size poly(MMA) (PMMA) particles without the byproduct of submicrometer‐size particles. Whereas, in microsuspension conventional radical polymerization (ms CRP) at the same conditions except for non‐use of CHI3, about half amount of PMMA was formed as submicrometer‐size byproduct particles by accompanying emulsion polymerization. In this article, kinetic simulations of ITP and CRP in bulk systems, which, respectively, correspond to those within MMA droplets in ms ITP and ms CRP, are performed using PREDICI software from CiTGmbH to understand the successful reason of the ms ITP of MMA. The simulation results of the ITP indicate that the concentrations of MMA oligomer radicals having BPO initiator fragment and vinyl group as end‐group, which seem to exit from MMA droplets and accompany emulsion polymerization in the aqueous medium in the ms CRP, remarkably decreased in the presence of CHI3. This strongly supports the idea “RED effect” proposed in the previous article to explain the success of the ms ITP of MMA.
Effect of combined translation and torsion on undrained uplift capacity of plate anchors: Plastic limit analysis (PLA) solution
Authors: Nouri Hamid Reza , Biscontin Giovanna , Aubeny Charles P.
Published: July 2018

Uplift capacity of plate anchors has been the focus of numerous studies, because anchor plates are designed for pull‐out in normal operating conditions. However, the response of plate anchors under 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom loading caused during extreme loading conditions is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to propose a simple yet sufficiently accurate analytical solution to investigate the behavior of plate anchor under combined in‐plane translation and torsion and to evaluate its effect on the plate uplift bearing capacity. To this end, a modified plastic limit analysis (PLA) approach is introduced and compared with limit equilibrium and simplified upper bound baseline solutions. The proposed method is verified with 3‐dimensional finite element. The variables considered in this study include plate aspect ratio, plate thickness, as well as load direction and eccentricity. Results of analytical solutions indicate the insensitivity of the “shape” of the shear‐torsion yield envelope to plate thickness. This finding facilitates the use of simplified yet reasonable yield envelope for infinitely thin plate obtained from simplified PLA approach for other plate thicknesses. The “size” of the failure envelope (controlled by pure torsional and translational capacity) could be predicted fairly accurately by PLA and limit equilibrium methods. Combination of these analytical methods offers a simple yet reasonably accurate solution to describe shear‐torsion response of anchor plate. The obtained shear‐torsion yield envelope is then fitted in the generalized 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom yield surface which describes the reducing effect of moment, torsion, and planar forces on the uplift capacity of plate.
Elliptical localization with pulsed second‐order fields (ECLIPSE) for robust lipid suppression in proton MRSI
Authors: de Graaf Robin A. , Brown Peter B. , De Feyter Henk M. , McIntyre Scott , Nixon Terence W.
Published: July 2018

Proton MRSI has great clinical potential for metabolic mapping of the healthy and pathological human brain. Unfortunately, the promise has not yet been fully achieved due to numerous technical challenges related to insufficient spectral quality caused by magnetic field inhomogeneity, insufficient RF transmit power and incomplete lipid suppression. Here a robust, novel method for lipid suppression in 1H MRSI is presented. The method is based on 2D spatial localization of an elliptical region of interest using pulsed second‐order spherical harmonic (SH) magnetic fields. A dedicated, high‐amplitude second‐order SH gradient setup was designed and constructed, containing coils to generate Z2, X2Y2 and XY magnetic fields. Simulations and phantom MRI results are used to demonstrate the principles of the method and illustrate the manifestation of chemical shift displacement. 1H MRSI on human brain in vivo demonstrates high quality, robust suppression of extracranial lipids. The method allows a wide range of inner or outer volume selection or suppression and should find application in MRSI, reduced‐field‐of‐view MRI and single‐volume MRS.
Seismic wave propagation in floating ice sheets – a comparison of numerical approaches and forward modelling
Authors: Landschulze Marcus
Published: July 2018

Seismic data processing collected from arctic sea ice is often challenging. Large amplitudes of coherent surface waves interfere with the reflected seismic waves and can make the reflection data virtually unusable. In order to understand this noise, forward modelling of the full wavefield is a useful approach. I present and test a forward modelling workflow by comparing the modelling results with common numerical approaches. The main differences between numerical curves and modelling results depend on simplifications in the assumptions of the numerical approaches. Forward modelling is less dependent on rough assumptions and can give a more accurate understanding of the surface wave propagation and its interaction with reflected waves. Furthermore, a thin elastic layer with high velocity located between two low velocity layers, like sea ice, generates guided waves. The numerical approaches focus only on the flexural waves and ignore other wave types. The presented results demonstrate that forward modelling can provide improved detail in the generated wavefield. In addition, the forward modelling results in this work show that leaky Rayleigh and Scholte waves can exist simultaneously.
Increased jejunal permeability in human obesity is revealed by a lipid challenge and is linked to inflammation and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Genser Laurent , Aguanno Doriane , Soula Hédi A , Dong Liping , Trystram Laurence , Assmann Karen , Salem Joe‐Elie , Vaillant Jean‐Christophe , Oppert Jean‐Michel , Laugerette Fabienne , Michalski Marie‐Caroline , Wind Philippe , Rousset Monique , Brot‐Laroche Edith , Leturque Armelle , Clément Karine , Thenet Sophie , Poitou Christine
Published: July 2018

Obesity and its metabolic complications are characterized by subclinical systemic and tissue inflammation. In rodent models of obesity, inflammation and metabolic impairments are linked with intestinal barrier damage. However, whether intestinal permeability is altered in human obesity remains to be investigated. In a cohort of 122 severely obese and non‐obese patients, we analyzed intestinal barrier function combining in vivo and ex vivo investigations. We found tight junction impairments in the jejunal epithelium of obese patients, evidenced by a reduction of occludin and tricellulin. Serum levels of zonulin and LPS binding protein, two markers usually associated with intestinal barrier alterations, were also increased in obese patients. Intestinal permeability per se was assessed in vivo by quantification of urinary lactitol/mannitol (L/M) and measured directly ex vivo on jejunal samples in Ussing chambers. In the fasting condition, L/M ratio and jejunal permeability were not significantly different between obese and non‐obese patients, but high jejunal permeability to small molecules (0.4 kDa) was associated with systemic inflammation within the obese cohort. Altogether, these results suggest that intestinal barrier function is subtly compromised in obese patients. We thus tested whether this barrier impairment could be exacerbated by dietary lipids. To this end, we challenged jejunal samples with lipid micelles and showed that a single exposure increased permeability to macromolecules (4 kDa). Jejunal permeability after the lipid load was two‐fold higher in obese patients compared to non‐obese controls and correlated with systemic and intestinal inflammation. Moreover, lipid‐induced permeability was an explicative variable of type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, intestinal barrier defects are present in human severe obesity and exacerbated by a lipid challenge. This paves the way to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate intestinal barrier function or personalize nutrition therapy to decrease lipid‐induced jejunal leakage in metabolic diseases. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photopolymerization for filling porous ceramic matrix: Improvement of mechanical properties and drug delivering behavior
Authors: Canillas María , Geever Tess , Vieira Katilayne , Nugent Michael J.D. , Killion John A. , Devine Declan M. , Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: July 2018

This work presents the photopolymerisation of composite scaffolds where a prefabricated ceramic scaffold was impregnated with poly(ethylene) glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) macromonomer solution. The PEGDMA solution penetrates the porosity of ceramic scaffold where it cures in situ thereby enhancing their mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the obtained composite approximate the mechanical properties of cancellous bone. The Young´s Modulus of the composite developed is 106 ± 5 MPa. PEGDMA is a polymer that shows excellent percentages of gel fraction (96%), which preserves when ceramic scaffold is introduced, and swelling (134%). Furthermore, thanks to their swelling properties, the composite is able to control the release vancomycin and dexamethasone. The efficacy of in situ delivery of vancomycin is demonstrated by the inhibition of bacteria colony proliferation. Dexamethasone released is recorded for up to 10 days using ultra violet‐visible spectroscopy. These excellent results make photopolymerization and PEGDMA strong candidates for the manufacture of different loaded bone void fillers. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1654–1662, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Selective laser sintering of copper filled polyamide 12: Characterization of powder properties and process behavior
Authors: Lanzl Lydia , Wudy Katrin , Greiner Sandra , Drummer Dietmar
Published: July 2018

Commercially available materials for selective laser sintering (SLS) include mainly semicrystalline polymers and only a few composites like polyamide 12 filled with glass beads or aluminum. Powder composites can be used for setting tailored properties. Exemplarily, mechanical properties as well as thermal or electrical conductivity can be improved. Thermally conductive SLS parts filled with copper particles have not been under investigation before. This study contains the characterization of polyamide 12 filled with copper acting as a metal filler with a high thermal conductivity. Two composites differing in the filler shapes are investigated concerning powder properties and the resulting processability. The thermal conductivity in dependence on the filler content and anisotropy is of major interest. Isotropic, spherically shaped copper fillers are compared with strongly anisotropic flakes leading to the result that a much lower content of anisotropic filler is needed to reach an increased thermal conductivity. However, the powder flowability and processability is also highly influenced by the filler shape and content. Fillers with a similar shape like the matrix powder lead to a better flowability allowing higher filler contents. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1801–1809, 2019. © 2018 The Authors Polymer Composites published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel electroactive polyamide 12 based nanocomposites filled with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Dorigato A. , Pegoretti A.
Published: July 2018

Novel electroactive nanocomposites were prepared by adding to a polyamide 12 (PA12) matrix different amounts (from 1 to 8 wt%) of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and the thermo‐electrical behavior of the prepared bulk materials was compared with that of the corresponding fibers. FESEM micrographs on bulk materials highlighted an evident aggregation of the rGO lamellae, proportional to the filler concentration. The presence of rGO stacks was responsible of a heavy embrittlement of the samples, with a strong reduction of the elongation at break, and of the limited electrical conductivity of the samples (about 105 Ω·cm with a rGO amount of 4 wt%). Moreover, nanofiller addition determined an improvement of the thermal degradation resistance, associated to a slight drop of the glass transition temperature (about 7°C with a nanofiller concentration of 4 wt%) and of the crystallinity degree (up to 9% for an rGO loading of 4 wt%). The extrusion process adopted to prepare nanocomposite fibers caused a partial breakage of rGO aggregates and their progressive alignment along the drawing direction, determining thus an electrical resistivity increase with respect to the bulk samples. Therefore, the surface heating of the prepared fibers through Joule effect was possible only at elevated rGO amounts (i.e., 8 wt%). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:198–205, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conductive films of sonicated multiwall carbon nanotubes on stretchable substrates
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Wu Rui‐Rui , Zhen Qi‐Ye , Lee Dong‐Joo
Published: July 2018

Conductive films were prepared on stretchable substrates by mixing sonicated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber. Microscopic investigations show a broad range of MWCNT particles with diameters in the range 15–17 nm, lengths from a few nanometers to a few micrometers, and thus a high aspect ratio of 55–70. The sonicated MWCNTs have 40 wrapped graphene layers and an out‐of‐plane correlation length of 13 nm. Also, the grain size of the dispersed sonicated MWCNTs is around 35 nm, and the roughness is around 13.5 nm. At 3 phr, the modulus is higher for the MWCNTs (5.95 MPa). The electrical resistance of the MWCNTs is as low as 180 Ω at 3 phr. These improvements were introduced in an actuator and energy harvester for industrial applications. The actuator shows a displacement of 2.18 mm at 10 kV. At 60% strain, the energy harvesting is 1.07 V during compressive strain and 0.015 V during tensile strain. From durability tests under 30% compressive strain, the voltage drops from the energy harvesting device are negligible for up to 3000 cycles. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A proposal for a new PhD level curriculum on quantitative methods for drug development
Authors: Jaki T. , Gordon A. , Forster P. , Bijnens L. , Bornkamp B. , Brannath W. , Fontana R. , Gasparini M. , Hampson L.V. , Jacobs T. , Jones B. , Paoletti X. , Posch M. , Titman A. , Vonk R. , Koenig F.
Published: July 2018

This paper provides an overview of “Improving Design, Evaluation and Analysis of early drug development Studies” (IDEAS), a European Commission–funded network bringing together leading academic institutions and small‐ to large‐sized pharmaceutical companies to train a cohort of graduate‐level medical statisticians. The network is composed of a diverse mix of public and private sector partners spread across Europe, which will host 14 early‐stage researchers for 36 months. IDEAS training activities are composed of a well‐rounded mixture of specialist methodological components and generic transferable skills. Particular attention is paid to fostering collaborations between researchers and supervisors, which span academia and the private sector. Within this paper, we review existing medical statistics programmes (MSc and PhD) and highlight the training they provide on skills relevant to drug development. Motivated by this review and our experiences with the IDEAS project, we propose a concept for a joint, harmonised European PhD programme to train statisticians in quantitative methods for drug development.
Escitalopram‐associated hyponatremia
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: July 2018

Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a very good safety profile, they, like all drugs, can have significant adverse effects. Hyponatremia, although uncommon, is one such adverse effect, and it is known to be of particular concern in the elderly.
Comparative terrestrial atmospheric circulation regimes in simplified global circulation models. Part I: From cyclostrophic super‐rotation to geostrophic turbulence
Authors: Wang Yixiong , Read Peter L. , Tabataba‐Vakili Fachreddin , Young Roland M. B.
Published: July 2018

The regimes of possible global atmospheric circulation patterns in an Earth‐like atmosphere are explored using a simplified Global Circulation Model (GCM) based on the University of Hamburg's Portable University Model for the Atmosphere (PUMA)—with simplified (linear) boundary‐layer friction, a Newtonian cooling scheme, and dry convective adjustment (designated here as PUMA‐S). A series of controlled experiments is conducted by varying planetary rotation rate and imposed equator‐to‐pole temperature difference. These defining parameters are combined further with each other into dimensionless forms to establish a parameter space in which the occurrences of different circulation regimes are mapped and classified. Clear, coherent trends are found when varying planetary rotation rate (thermal Rossby number) and frictional and thermal relaxation time‐scales. The sequence of circulation regimes as a function of parameters, such as the planetary rotation rate, strongly resembles that obtained in laboratory experiments on rotating, stratified flows, especially if a topographic β‐effect is included in those experiments to emulate the planetary vorticity gradients in an atmosphere induced by the spherical curvature of the planet. A regular baroclinic wave regime is also obtained at intermediate values of thermal Rossby number and its characteristics and dominant zonal wavenumber depend strongly on the strength of radiative and frictional damping. These regular waves exhibit some strong similarities to baroclinic storms observed on Mars under some conditions. Multiple jets are found at the highest rotation rates, when the Rossby deformation radius and other eddy‐related length‐scales are much smaller than the radius of the planet. These exhibit some similarity to the multiple zonal jets observed on gas giant planets. Jets form on a scale comparable to the most energetic eddies and the Rhines scale poleward of the supercritical latitude. The balance of heat transport varies strongly with Ω∗ between eddies and zonally symmetric flows, becoming weak with fast rotation.
Implicit and explicit cross‐correlations in coupled data assimilation
Authors: Laloyaux Patrick , Frolov Sergey , Ménétrier Benjamin , Bonavita Massimo
Published: July 2018

The European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts has recently developed an implicit coupling approach in the coupled atmosphere–ocean assimilation (CERA) system, where atmospheric 4D‐Var and ocean 3D‐Var are synchronized using multiple outer iterations in the incremental variational formulation. Since this original work on outer‐loop coupling, it has been unclear just how closely the CERA system with implicit coupled covariances approximates a strongly coupled data assimilation with ensemble‐based coupled covariances.

A series of single‐observation experiments in a perfect twin framework has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of outer‐loop coupling and the amplitude of the implicit cross‐correlations between atmospheric and ocean temperature. They are compared against a coupled assimilation system that specifies cross‐correlations explicitly from an ensemble of coupled forecasts. We find that both the implicit outer‐loop and explicit ensemble‐based methods produce equally skilful estimates of the coupled state in the middle of a 24 hr assimilation window. Our estimates of the rate of outer‐loop convergence suggest that atmospheric and ocean states synchronize within the first 6–10 hr of the assimilation window. We conclude that outer‐loop coupling is effective when the window is long enough that original imbalances in the atmospheric and ocean increments can synchronize within the length of the assimilation window. On the other hand, we suggest that explicit coupling is preferable for data assimilation systems with short assimilation windows (e.g. 6 hr or less).
Investigating Linguistically Diverse Adolescents’ Literacy Trajectories Using Latent Transition Modeling
Authors: Sinclair Jeanne , Jang Eunice Eunhee , Vincett Megan
Published: July 2018

This study examined the literacy profiles of students from diverse home‐language backgrounds and tracked those profiles from grade 6 to grade 10. The authors also investigated the predictive relations of students’ immigration background, gender, and participation in two instructional programs. The results from latent class and latent transition analyses suggest that grade 6 literacy profiles are strong predictors of literacy profiles in grade 10. Students from diverse home‐language backgrounds and those who had immigrated to Canada tended to have strong literacy profiles and positive trajectories. The analyses also indicate that students who used very little or no English at home, even those who had a strong literacy skill profile in grade 6, may benefit from additional literacy support in high school. In terms of instructional programming variables, participation in an English as a Second Language program was associated with little change in students’ literacy profiles over time, and career‐oriented streaming showed a strong negative impact on literacy skill development. In terms of language‐in‐education policy and practice, the findings support the idea that, generally speaking, students from multilingual home‐language environments retain strong literacy profiles between elementary and high school. The findings also emphasize the importance of quality instructional programming.
Impact of drug supply chain on the dynamics of infectious diseases
Authors: Paul Siddhartha , Venkateswaran Jayendran
Published: July 2018

The effect of drug shortages on estimating the infectivity of antiviral‐treatable disease epidemics is evaluated using an illustrative dataset. Simulation‐based analysis shows that a given outbreak can be caused by either (i) a high infectivity parameter even with sufficient and timely supply of medicines, or (ii) a low infectivity parameter and poor supply of medicines. Also, the use of a stand‐alone epidemic model is found to overestimate disease transmissibility. A compartmental epidemic model is integrated with multi‐echelon supply chain models to further investigate the impact of medicine supply chain on the epidemic dynamics. In integrated models, medicine demands for the supply chain are generated from the disease model, and the medicine supply rate controls the recovery rate of patients in the disease model. It is found that supply chain aspects have a significant effect on epidemic dynamics. Some improvement schemes for supply chain management are also highlighted.
Wide‐Band Reflection‐Type, All‐Solid‐State Switchable Mirror Composed of WO3–Mg4Ni Thin Films and Proton‐Conductive Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Li Ning , Bao Shanhu , Zhang Qixuan , Xie Lingling , Jin Ping
Published: July 2018

In all‐solid‐state devices based on WO3–NiO thin films, solid electrolytes such as Ta2O5 or Nb2O5 are usually used as the ion conducting layers. However, the thickness of the proton conducting layer of Ta2O5 or Nb2O5 is thicker, and the sputtering rate is low, which affects the cost and practical application of the devices. In this paper, a wide‐band reflection‐type all‐solid‐state WO3–Mg4Ni thin film switchable mirror was fabricated by using an assemble process and a proton‐conductive Nafion membrane was used as a solid electrolyte for the first time. WO3 is an ideal discoloration material in all‐solid‐state electrochromic devices, whereas Pd/Mg4Ni is a reflective switching material. WO3 and Pd/Mg4Ni thin films were deposited on ITO‐coated glass and glass substrates, respectively, by DC magnetron sputtering. The device was assembled by two separated thin films using a poly vinyl butyral (PVB) glue containing a proton‐conductive Nafion as the electrolyte. The fabricated all‐solid‐state mirror could be reversibly switched between the mirror and transparent state by applying different voltages. The influences of the Nafion concentration and applied power on the switching properties were investigated.
An Efficient ZnO‐Nanoparticle‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Chemoselective Synthesis of Novel Functionalized 4H‐Chromenes in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Rao Lenka Chandrasekhara , Kumar Nandigama Satish , Bheeram Vema Reddy , Hemambika Sadasivuni , Mukkamala Sarathchandra Babu
Published: July 2018

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) catalyzed synthesis of novel 4H‐chromene hemiacetals with 3‐methyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one and cyclic 1,3‐diketone with high regioselectivity in aqueous medium has been demonstrated. This method is applicable to diverse substituted chromene hemiacetals and different functionalized 1,3‐diketones. All these reactions proceeded smoothly, and the products were obtained in good to excellent yields. The catalyst could be recycled and reused up to 5 cycles without any loss of efficiency.
A Synergetic Experimental and Computational Approach Towards a Better Comprehension of Redox Reactions of N3 Dye [cis‐bis(Isothiocyanato)‐Ruthenium(II)‐bis(2, 2’‐Bipyridine‐4,4’‐Dicarboxylic Acid] in Solution
Authors: Zerón Paulino , Carmona‐Espíndola Javier , Flores‐Leonar Martha M. , Gázquez José L. , González Ignacio , Amador‐Bedolla Carlos , Ugalde‐Saldívar Víctor M.
Published: July 2018

Charge transfer processes in coordination compounds with labile ligands are strongly dependent on the coordination sphere. Various intermediate steps involve creation of new species during the redox reactions in solution. For the prototypical N3 dye [cis–bis(isothiocyanato)‐ruthenium(II)‐bis(2, 2’‐bipyridine‐4,4’‐dicarboxylic acid], its electro‐oxidation transformation involves a knotty mechanism in which the coordination of the Ru(II) with SCN‐ ligands is modified. This process produces reactive chemical species that are not easily identified during the spectroelectrochemical characterization. TDDFT calculated absorption spectra were used as an easy and trustworthy tool to identify actual intermediates amongst different possible products in coordination compound transformation. The evolution of the spectra demonstrates, by an experimental and theoretical synergetic approach, the complicated reaction processes, and allows the identification of intermediate and final species both in DMSO and THF solvents. By combining EPR/UV‐Vis spectroscopies and TDDFT calculations we show previously undetected Ru(III) species in the N3 dye at higher potentials in both solvents.