bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the links between positive religious coping, satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms among a multinational sample of Muslims
Authors: Abu‐Raiya Hisham , Ayten Ali , Tekke Mustafa , Agbaria Qutaiba
Published: October 2018

This study tested the levels and consequences of positive religious coping among a multinational sample of Muslims. The sample consisted of 706 university students recruited in three Muslim countries: Israel/Palestine, Turkey and Malaysia. Participants' average age was 22.61, and 65% of them were females. This investigation applied a cross‐sectional comparative methodology. Measures used: demographics, positive religious coping, satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. The findings indicated that (a) participants reported high levels of positive religious coping usage, and Malaysians scored significantly higher in this regard than both Palestinians and Turks; (b) positive religious coping correlated positively with satisfaction with life but was not linked to depressive symptoms and (c) the magnitude of correlation between positive and satisfaction with life was significantly higher among Malaysians than among both Palestinians and Turks. The findings suggest that to understand the implications of positive religious coping for the health and well‐being of Muslims, a detailed and nuanced analysis is needed.
Perception, use and abolition of corporal punishment among high school teachers in a district in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Fakunmoju Sunday B.
Published: October 2018

Students in many regions of the world experience corporal punishment in multiple settings, although what is currently known about corporal punishment is derived from parental corporal punishment. Using a convenience sample of 271 teachers in 14 public and private secondary schools in a district in southwestern Nigeria, this article describes the associations between perception, use and support for abolition of corporal punishment. Results suggest that having children, more corporal punishment of own children and higher frequency of corporal punishment by colleagues were associated with frequent use of corporal punishment. Frequency of corporal punishment by colleagues accounted for the strongest variance in frequent use of corporal punishment. Lower corporal punishment of own children was associated with higher endorsement of abolition of corporal punishment from schools, whereas being male was associated with higher endorsement of abolition of corporal punishment from society. Teachers endorsed abolition of corporal punishment not only from schools but also from society. These findings highlight the “bandwagon” effect and teacher characteristics as potential risk factors for sustained perpetration and transmission of corporal punishment and draw attention to the need for intervention on alternative approaches to corporal punishment that could facilitate the abolition of corporal punishment from home and schools.
PREDICTING ATTENDANCE OF A PREVENTIVE PARENTING INTERVENTION FOR VERY PRETERM INFANTS
Authors: Winter Leanne , Sanders Matthew R. , N Boyd Roslyn , Pritchard Margo , Gray Peter H. , Whittingham Koa , Forrest Kylee , Webb Lachlan , Marquart Louise , Colditz Paul B
Published: October 2018

Preventive parenting interventions can experience challenges in maximizing dosage, or the amount of intervention received by parents. This study examined the associations of baseline mother, father, and very preterm infant (VPT; <32 weeks) characteristics with satisfactory intervention attendance of the family within a randomized controlled trial of Baby Triple P for Preterm Infants (Colditz et al., 2015). Mothers (n = 160) and fathers (n = 115) completed questionnaires prior to the randomization of family units (n = 160) to receive the intervention. Satisfactory session attendance (seven or eight sessions of eight in total) was achieved by 114 families (71.25%). In the logistic model for mothers, satisfactory attendance of the family was more likely when infants were extremely low birth weight (ELBW), odds ratio (OR) = 2.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.16, 6.80], when the mother had a university, OR = 11.38, 95% CI [4.03, 32.19], or trade‐certificate‐level education, OR = 4.97, 95% CI [1.93, 12.84], or when she was not under financial stress, OR = 3.53, 95% CI [1.34, 9.28]. A similar pattern of results was found in the model for fathers. Session attendance of preventive parenting interventions for VPT infants may be improved by increasing the engagement of parents with infants not born ELBW, who have lower education, or are experiencing financial stress.
Putting critical realism to use in ICT4D research: Reflections on practice
Authors: Smith Matthew L.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents my reflections on adopting critical realist (CR) assumptions in information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) research over the last decade. Critical realism, and its notion of generative mechanisms as contingent causality, offers one potential way to frame and engage in research that is compatible with the contextual nature of developing ICT4D theory. However, CR can be difficult to understand and operationalize. This paper provides practical insights on how to engage in ICT4D research underpinned by the CR philosophy of science. As such, the bulk of this paper presents insights and implications of accepting CR assumptions in the research process, looking at different elements of research (eg, including forming research questions, theory building, engaging in research). I use examples in ICT4D research to illustrate these implications.
Freeze–thaw cycles for biocompatible, mechanically robust scaffolds of human hair keratins
Authors: Cui Xinxing , Xu Songmei , Su Wen , Sun Zhe , Yi Zeng , Ma Xiaomin , Chen Guangcan , Chen Xiangyu , Guo Bo , Li Xudong
Published: October 2018

The keratin‐based scaffolds are getting more and more attention in the application of tissue engineering. Though various approaches have been considered to improve the physical properties of these scaffolds, few succeeded in achieving the enhanced properties of the pure keratin scaffolds. Due to the presence of –OH, –NH2, >CO, and –SH on the extracted human hair keratin (HHK), the formation of hydrogen bonds and disulfide bridges could be triggered under certain conditions, leading to the self‐cross‐linking of HHK materials. Herein, a simple and green strategy was introduced, via freeze–thaw cycles of keratin solutions without addition of extraneous reagents, to obtain the mechanically robust HHK scaffolds. The comparative quantitation of residual –SH among the samples treated with 1, 5, and 9 cycles confirmed the oxidation in the thaw process for forming disulfide bonds. So, the equivalent thaw time was applied in this study, and three groups of the treated samples after 1, 5, and 9 cycles with an appropriate extension thaw time were prepared to solely investigate the effects of physical cross‐linking networks, primarily by formation of hydrogen bonds, on the properties of the obtained scaffolds. The systematic assessments including swelling behavior, porosity, thermal analysis, compressive measurement, and microstructural observation confirmed that the repetitive freeze–thaw treatment contributed to mechanically robust scaffolds with good porous interconnectivity. The cell culturing experiments further verified that these HHK scaffolds had desirable cytocompatibility, permitting the proper proliferation, attachment, and infiltration. Accordingly, this study provided a simple and efficient method to obtain biocompatible, mechanically robust keratin scaffolds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1452–1461, 2019.
Shortened mean erythrocyte age in female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Koga Masafumi , Inada Shinya , Ijima Hiroko , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Ono Yasuhiro , Iwasaka Tsuyoshi , Okumiya Toshika
Published: October 2018

Background

The hyperglycemic state is known to shorten the erythrocyte life span. Erythrocyte creatine (EC) reflects the mean erythrocyte age and is useful as an indicator of hemolysis. Here, we studied the relationship between EC and glycemic control indicators [HbA1c or glycated albumin (GA)] in non‐diabetic subjects and diabetic patients.

Methods

This study included 119 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 76 non‐diabetic subjects matched by sex and age. We studied the relationships between EC and HbA1c or GA in patients with T2DM and non‐diabetic subjects.

Results

Erythrocyte creatine in T2DM patients was significantly higher than that in non‐diabetic subjects, and the ratio of high EC levels (>1.8 μmol/g Hb) in T2DM patients was significantly higher as well. Furthermore, female EC was significantly higher than male EC, and the ratio of high EC levels in females was significantly higher than in the males as well. While male EC had no significant correlation with HbA1c or GA, female EC had significant positive correlations with both. Male EC had no significant difference between T2DM patients and non‐diabetic subjects, while the EC in female patients with T2DM was significantly higher than in female non‐diabetic subjects.

Conclusions

The significant positive correlations of EC with HbA1c and GA in female patients with T2DM suggested that the mean erythrocyte age decreased in female diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.
Time‐resolved fluorescent immunoassay‐based combined detection of procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein, heparin binding protein, and serum amyloid A1 to improve the diagnostic accuracy of early infection
Authors: Niu Tingting , Liu Yang , Zhu Feifei , Ma Jiayan , Gao Jimin
Published: October 2018

Background

Serological tests are indispensable in the diagnosis of early infection. At present, only procalcitonin (PCT) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used in clinical practice. Recently, serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) and heparin binding protein (HBP) have been shown to be new biomarkers, because SAA1 is highly sensitive and specific for viral infections, and HBP is predictive for septic shock. In this study, PCT, CRP, HBP, and SAA1 were detected in different combinations to improve the diagnostic accuracy of early infection using the biotin‐avidin amplifying system‐based time‐resolved fluorescent immunoassay (BA‐TRFIA).

Methods

A time‐resolved fluorescent immunoassay for PCT, CRP, HBP, and SAA1 was developed and then tested in a clinical setting. All experiments were carried out using the DR6608 time‐resolved fluorescent immunoassay analyzer.

Results

The cutoff values of PCT, CRP, HBP, and SAA1 were 0.05 μg/L, 5.59 mg/L, 3.83 μg/L, and 1.56 mg/L, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that PCT ˃ SAA1 ˃ CRP ˃ HBP > 0.8. A methodological comparison of the results showed that a combination of the four biomarkers had the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Conclusion

The time‐resolved fluorescent immunoassay‐based combined detection of PCT, CRP, HBP, and SAA1 was shown to significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of early infection. Thus, our results indicate that combined detection based on BA‐TRFIA may represent a promising strategy in the clinical diagnosis of infection.
Toward Better Understanding of Insulin Therapy by Translation of a PK‐PD Model to Visualize Insulin and Glucose Action Profiles
Authors: Schneck Karen , Tham Lai San , Ertekin Ali , Reviriego Jesus
Published: October 2018

Insulin replacement therapy is a fundamental treatment for glycemic control for managing diabetes. The engineering of insulin analogues has focused on providing formulations with action profiles that mimic as closely as possible the pattern of physiological insulin secretion that normally occurs in healthy individuals without diabetes. Hence, it may be helpful to practitioners to visualize insulin concentration profiles and associated glucose action profiles. Expanding on a previous analysis that established a pharmacokinetic (PK) model to describe typical profiles of insulin concentration over time following subcutaneous administration of various insulin formulations, the goal of the current analysis was to link the PK model to an integrated glucose‐insulin (IGI) systems pharmacology model. After the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) model was qualified by comparing model predictions with clinical observations, it was used to project insulin (PK) and glucose (PD) profiles of common insulin regimens and dosing scenarios. The application of the PK‐PD model to clinical scenarios was further explored by incorporating the impact of several hypothetical factors together, such as changing the timing or frequency of administration in a multiple‐dosing regimen over the course of a day, administration of more than 1 insulin formulation, or insulin dosing adjusted for carbohydrates in meals. Visualizations of insulin and glucose profiles for commonly prescribed regimens could be rapidly generated by implementing the linked subcutaneous insulin PK‐IGI model using the R statistical program (version 3.4.4) and a contemporary web‐based interface, which could enhance clinical education on glycemic control with insulin therapy.
Relationships between muscle size, strength, and physical activity in adults with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Jacques Matthew F. , Onambele‐Pearson Gladys L. , Reeves Neil D. , Stebbings Georgina K. , Smith Jonathon , Morse Christopher I.
Published: October 2018

Background

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness, yet few comparisons to non‐MD controls (CTRL) of muscle strength and size in this adult population exist. Physical activity (PA) is promoted to maintain health and muscle strength within MD; however, PA reporting in adults with MD is limited to recall data, and its impact on muscle strength is seldom explored.

Methods

This study included 76 participants: 16 non‐MD (CTRL, mean age 35.4), 15 Duchenne MD (DMD, mean age 24.2), 18 Becker's MD (BMD, mean age 42.4), 13 limb‐girdle MD (LGMD, mean age 43.1), and 14 facioscapulohumeral MD (mean age 47.7). Body fat (%) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured using bioelectrical‐impedance. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSA) was determined using B‐mode ultrasound. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was assessed during plantar flexion (PFMVC) and knee extension (KEMVC). PA was measured for seven continuous days using triaxial accelerometry and was expressed as daily average minutes being physically active (TPAmins) or average daily percentage of waking hours being sedentary (sedentary behaviour). Additionally, 10 m walk time was assessed.

Results

Muscular dystrophy groups had 34–46% higher body fat (%) than CTRL. DMD showed differences in LBM with 21–28% less LBM than all other groups. PFMVC and KEMVC were 36–75% and 24–92% lower, respectively, in MD groups than CTRL. GM ACSA was 47% and 39% larger in BMD and LGMD, respectively, compared with CTRL. PFMVC was associated with GM ACSA in DMD (P = 0.026, R = 0.429) and CTRL (P = 0.015, R = 0.553). MD groups were 14–38% more sedentary than CTRL groups, while DMD were more sedentary than BMD (14%), LGMD (8%), and facioscapulohumeral MD (14%). Sedentary behaviour was associated with LBM in DMD participants (P = 0.021, R = −0.446). TPAmins was associated with KEMVC (P = 0.020, R = 0.540) in BMD participants, while TPAmins was also the best predictor of 10 m walk time (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.540) in ambulant MD, revealed by multiple linear regression.

Conclusions

Quantified muscle weakness and impaired 10 m walking time is reported in adults with MD. Muscle weakness and 10 m walk time were associated with lower levels of TPA in adults with MD. Higher levels of sedentary behaviour were associated with reduced LBM in DMD. These findings suggest a need for investigations into patterns of PA behaviour, and relevant interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour and encourage PA in adults with MD regardless of impairment severity.
Application of a novel microalgae‐film based air purifier to improve air quality through oxygen production and fine particulates removal
Authors: Lu Qian , Ji Chengcheng , Yan Yuping , Xiao Yan , Li Jun , Leng Lijian , Zhou Wenguang
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Low oxygen content and high density of airborne fine particulates in closed environments are serious problems threatening people's health. Herein a novel concept of using microalgae for air purification is proposed, and approaches, including the construction of a condensed microalgae film and the use of hydrogel, to realize this concept in a real‐world application are discussed.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that moisture loss, which limited O2 production and fine particulates removal, is a serious technical barrier to the durable use of this air purifier. With the addition of hydrogel, moisture loss of microalgae film in 8 h was reduced to 24.76%. Comparison of the contributions of hydrogel and microalgae indicated that in this air purifier, microalgae mainly contributed to fine particulates removal while hydrogel enhanced the performance of microalgae film by alleviating the moisture loss. Studies on the mechanisms proved that fine particulates removal by microalgae film is mainly driven by negative surface charge on microalgae cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that qa microalgae‐film based air purifier performed well in oxygen production and fine particulates removal. In a real‐world application, to properly operate this air purifier, moisture content and pH value of the microalgae film should be strictly controlled. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of mannosylerythritol lipids from lignocellulose hydrolysates: tolerance thresholds of Moesziomyces antarcticus to inhibitors
Authors: Santos Marisa V , Faria Nuno T , Fonseca César , Ferreira Frederico Castelo
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Moesziomyces antarcticus is an efficient producer of mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL), a biosurfactant with a wide range of potential applications. The use of lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to sustainable MEL production. While lignocellulosic sugars (e.g. D‐glucose and D‐xylose) can be converted to MEL, the required pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass releases by‐products that are potentially inhibitory for yeasts. A design of experiment (DoE) was performed to evaluate the effect of furfural, acetate and formate on M. antarcticus and their capacity to produce MEL from lignocellulose hydrolysates.

RESULTS

Furfural presented a higher inhibitory effect on MEL production than the two dissociated weak acids. The DoE was developed for 7‐days D‐glucose cultures with inhibitors up to 0.7 g L−1 furfural, 2.0 g L−1 acetate and 1.7 g L−1 formate. The model equations relate D‐glucose consumption rate and the production of cell biomass, lipids and MEL with the concentration of inhibitors. For example, MEL titre is reduced by 25% when 0.08 g L−1 furfural, 0.29 g L−1 acetate and 0.25 g L−1 formate were used. The model was validated in D‐glucose and used to study MEL production in D‐glucose and D‐glucose/D‐xylose mixtures. The use of D‐xylose showed a positive effect on MEL production in the presence of inhibitors since similar MEL titres were attained with (0.08 g L−1 furfural, 0.29 g L−1 acetate and 0.30 g L−1 formate) or without inhibitors when using a D‐glucose/D‐xylose mixture.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight to the conditions required by M. antarcticus for MEL production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates and points towards further process and strain development requirements. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and Synthesis of Impurities During a Novel Process Development of Rivaroxaban
Authors: Yu Jun , Qiu Peng‐Cheng , Ke Bin , Chen Hui , Zhao Chuan‐Meng , Zhang Fu‐Li
Published: October 2018

During the development of rivaroxaban, seven process‐related impurities have been identified and synthesized. These structures are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The impurities (S)‐2‐(2‐((4‐(5‐(aminomethyl)‐2‐oxooxazolidin‐3‐yl)phenyl)amino)ethoxy)acetohydrazide (A) and (S)‐4‐(4‐(((2‐oxooxazolidin‐5‐yl)methyl)amino)phenyl)morpholin‐3‐one (F) are confirmed and distinguished from their isomers by single‐crystal diffraction. This work proves to be valuable in regard to complying with regulatory norms and assessing the quality of rivaroxaban.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Isatin‐Pomalidomide Hybrids for Cytotoxicity against Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
Authors: Panga Shyam , Podila Naveen Kumar , Ciddi Veeresham
Published: October 2018

Inspired by the concept of molecular hybridization, a series of new isatin‐pomalidomide hybrids (9a–9g) were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against U266B1 and RPMI 8226 multiple myeloma cell lines. Sandmeyer methodology and N‐halomethylketo alkylation reaction are the two important reactions involved in the synthesis of isatin‐pomalidomide hybrids (9a–9g). All the synthesized compounds (3a–3d, 4, 5, 6, and 9a–9g) were characterized by using IR, mass, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectral techniques. The efficacy of all the synthesized compounds was tested against the aforementioned cell lines by employing MTT assay (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) standard protocols while using pomalidomide as a standard. The test concentrations used in the MTT assay were 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 μM, and the period of incubation was 24 h. All the synthesized compounds were found to have moderate to greater cytotoxic activity against the aforementioned cell lines. Among them, synthesized hybrids 9f (IC50, U266B1 = 5.15 ± 0.72 μM, RPMI8226 = 11.66 ± 0.79 μM) and 9g (IC50, U266B1 = 2.50 ± 0.37 μM, RPMI8226 = 6.70 ± 0.55 μM) displayed better cytotoxic activity against both the cell lines used in the present study.
Optimization of two‐dimensional electron gas characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Douara Abdelmalek , Djellouli Bouaza , Abid Hamza , Rabehi Abdelaziz , Ziane Abderrezzaq , Mostefaoui Mohammed , Ben Toumi Ahmed , Dif Naas
Published: October 2018

In this work, we present a physics‐based model for a two‐dimensional electron gas (2‐DEG) density at heterointerface in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). One‐dimensional Schrödinger‐Poisson equations are solved self‐consistently using a nonuniform mesh within the framework of the nextnano device simulation software. The 2‐DEG density of AlGaN/GaN HEMT is investigated through the dependence of electron concentrations on various structural parameters such as barrier layer thickness, doping concentration, and the Al content. We report calculations of gate capacitance from charge density characteristics with respect to gate voltage. Good agreement between calculation and experiment is found.
On the origins of informal hierarchy: The interactive role of formal leadership and task complexity
Authors: Oedzes Jacoba J. , Van der Vegt Gerben S. , Rink Floor A. , Walter Frank
Published: October 2018

Informal hierarchies are a common and important feature of many groups, yet we know little about the antecedent conditions that determine the strength of such hierarchies. Building on theory that has depicted hierarchy as a mechanism for reducing uncertainty and creating structure, we posit that informal hierarchies emerge most strongly in situations that are ambiguous, ill‐defined, and unstructured. Three independent studies confirm this notion, demonstrating that groups develop particularly strong informal hierarchies in situations characterized by both a lack of strong formal leadership and high task complexity. These findings support the theoretical notion that formal and informal hierarchies are closely related, but only under conditions of high task complexity in which the structuring functions of hierarchies are most crucial.
Observed changes in temperature extremes over China–Pakistan Economic Corridor during 1980–2016
Authors: Ullah Safi , You Qinglong , Ullah Waheed , Ali Amjad , Xie Wenxin , Xie Xinru
Published: October 2018

This study uses the daily maximum and minimum temperature data sets of 48 meteorological stations to assess the observed changes in temperature extremes over China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during 1980–2016. The nonparametric Mann–Kendall, Sen's slope estimator, least squares method, and two‐tailed simple t‐test methods were used to assess the trend in nine temperature extreme indices. The results of the study indicated that the trends in annual mean anomalies of cold nights, cold days, and frost days significantly decreased at the rates of −1.09, −1.58, and −1.05 day/decade, respectively. The number of warm nights, warm days, and summer days exhibited significant positive trends at the rates of 1.49, 1.04, and 4.32 day/decade, respectively. In addition, the trends of the warmest day and coldest day also increased significantly at the rates of 0.45 and 0.51 °C/decade, respectively. The trend of diurnal temperature range decreased significantly with −0.35 °C/decade. The spatial distribution of temperature extreme indices indicated that the number of cold nights, cold days, and diurnal temperature range have been decreased, while the trends of warm nights, warm days, summer days, warmest day, and coldest day have been increased over the whole country. Large‐scale atmospheric circulation changes derived from ERA‐Interim reanalysis show that a weak (strong) wind pressure, increasing (decreasing) geopotential height, and rapid warming (cooling) over the northern (southern) region have contributed to the changes in temperature extremes in Pakistan to some extent. With respect to elevation‐dependent warming (EDW), the trends of cold nights, warm days, summer days, warmest day, and diurnal temperature range showed significant positive correlations with increasing elevation. However, the trends of cold days, warm nights, frost days, and coldest day showed significant negative relationships with increasing elevation. The findings of this study will be helpful in the adaptation of climate change and mitigation of climatological disasters in the region. The study recommends that future studies should investigate the natural and anthropogenic drivers of temperature extremes and the possible mechanism of EDW in the CPEC region.
Synoptic patterns and sounding‐derived parameters associated with summertime heavy rainfall in Beijing
Authors: Yan Yan , Miao Yucong , Guo Jianping , Liu Shuhua , Liu Huan , Lou Mengyun , Liu Lin , Chen Dandan , Xue Weitao , Zhai Panmao
Published: October 2018

Heavy precipitation in Beijing is modulated by both synoptic forcings and local thermodynamic characteristics of troposphere, which has yet to be well known. This study investigated the large‐scale synoptic patterns and local sounding features associated with the summertime heavy precipitation in Beijing, based on long‐term surface meteorological observations, radiosonde measurements, in combination of reanalysis data from 2008 to 2017. The results show that the heavy rainfall occurs more frequently in late July, which is associated with the movement of subtropical anticyclone. The sounding parameters during the heavy rainfall days are examined as well. It is found that the heavy rainfall is often related to favourable convective conditions characterized by abundant water vapour and high unstable energy. The soundings for around 45% of heavy rainfall days in Beijing exhibit the pattern of “thin tube” (TT), and those for ~25 and ~20% of heavy rainfall days show the patterns of “loaded gun” (LG) and “inverted V” (IV), respectively. On average, the rainfall amount of TT is 55.8 mm/day, which is ~3 mm/day (~15 mm/day) higher than that of LG (IV). The more frequent and heavier rainfall observed for TT pattern is due to the high values of precipitable water and wind shear. On the large scale, three dominant synoptic patterns associated with heavy rainfall in Beijing have been identified using the T‐mode principle component analysis. These synoptic patterns are all characterized by prevailing southerly winds within the lower troposphere, resulting in water vapours being easily transported from southern regions to Beijing, which in turn favours the occurrence of heavy precipitation. These dominant synoptic patterns and thermodynamic characteristics associated with the heavy rainfall in Beijing revealed in this study have important implications for better understanding of heavy rainfall in the North China Plain.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Co‐Occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders in Veterans: Pilot Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Meyer Eric C. , Walser Robyn , Hermann Barbara , La Bash Heidi , DeBeer Bryann B. , Morissette Sandra B. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Kwok Oi‐Man , Batten Sonja V. , Schnurr Paula P.
Published: October 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co‐occur and are associated with worse outcomes together than either disorder alone. A lack of consensus regarding recommendations for treating PTSD–AUD exists, and treatment dropout is a persistent problem. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic, mindfulness‐ and acceptance‐based form of behavior therapy, has potential as a treatment option for PTSD–AUD. In this uncontrolled pilot study, we examined ACT for PTSD–AUD in 43 veterans; 29 (67%) completed the outpatient individual therapy protocol (i.e., ≥ 10 of 12 sessions). Clinician‐assessed and self‐reported PTSD symptoms were reduced at posttreatment, ds = 0.79 and 0.96, respectively. Self‐reported symptoms of PTSD remained lower at 3‐month follow‐up, d = 0.88. There were reductions on all alcohol‐related outcomes (clinician‐assessed and self‐reported symptoms, total drinks, and heavy drinking days) at posttreatment and 3‐month follow‐up, dmean = 0.91 (d range: 0.65–1.30). Quality of life increased at posttreatment and follow‐up, ds = 0.55–0.56. Functional disability improved marginally at posttreatment, d = 0.35; this effect became significant by follow‐up, d = 0.52. Fewer depressive symptoms were reported at posttreatment, d = 0.50, and follow‐up, d = 0.44. Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation reported significant reductions by follow‐up. Consistent with the ACT theoretical model, these improvements were associated with more between‐session mindfulness practice and reductions in experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility. Recommendations for adapting ACT to address PTSD–AUD include assigning frequent between‐session mindfulness practice and initiating values clarification work and values‐based behavior assignments early in treatment.
Maladaptive Eating in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Population‐Based Examination of Typologies and Medical Condition Correlates
Authors: Sommer Jordana L. , Mota Natalie , El‐Gabalawy Renée
Published: October 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating pathology are frequently comorbid, and both are independent risk factors for various medical conditions. Using population‐based data collected as part of the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC‐III; N = 36,309), the primary objectives of this study were to (a) identify eating pathology classes among PTSD and (b) investigate associations between maladaptive eating and medical conditions among PTSD. Using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS–5), we assessed PTSD and maladaptive eating symptoms in accordance with the DSM‐5. We used a latent class analysis to identify maladaptive eating typologies among adults with lifetime PTSD (n = 2,339; 6.1%) and multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations between each of the six emergent maladaptive eating typologies and medical conditions. Results revealed that over 40% of individuals with PTSD endorsed indicators of maladaptive eating. In addition, each maladaptive eating typology among PTSD was significantly associated with unique sociodemographic characteristics and increased odds of medical conditions relative to no PTSD and no eating disorder, adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 1.34–6.55, and PTSD with no eating psychopathology, AORs = 1.43–5.11. Results of this study provide a better understanding of maladaptive eating in adults with PTSD and potential medical sequelae. Results indicate maladaptive eating may be an important mechanism in the association between PTSD and medical conditions, which may inform targeted interventions among individuals with these comorbidities.
Gender‐Moderated Pathways From Childhood Abuse and Neglect to Late‐Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Kobulsky Julia M. , Yoon Susan , Bright Charlotte L. , Lee Guijin , Nam Boyoung
Published: October 2018

Substantial research has linked childhood maltreatment to the development of substance use in adolescence. However, gender differences in the mechanisms that connect child abuse and neglect to substance use remain unclear. In this study, we applied multiple‐group structural equation modeling in a sample of 1,161 youths (boys, n = 552; girls, n = 609) from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) to examine gender differences in the associations between childhood abuse and neglect exposure from ages 0–12 years and substance use severity at age 18 as mediated by early substance use at age 14 and psychological symptoms (anger, anxiety, and depression) at age 16. In both genders, neglect directly predicted substance use severity, β = .25, p < .001 for boys and β = .17, p = .007 for girls; and early substance use, β = .03, p = .002 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls; and anger mediated this association, β = .10, p < .001 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls. Anger mediated paths from abuse in boys, β = .06, p = .018. In girls, early substance use mediated the path from abuse to substance use severity, β = .06, p = .008, with the mediated effect and direct path from abuse to early substance use significantly moderated by gender. For substance use severity, R2 = .26 for girls and R2 = .27 for boys. These findings demonstrate the prominence of neglect in predicting substance use severity and gender differences in paths from abuse.
Treatment Efficacy for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Latent Class Trajectories of Treatment Response and Their Predictors
Authors: Murphy Dominic , Smith Kirsten V.
Published: October 2018

Evidence suggests that veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a poorer treatment response than nonveterans.  In this study, we explored heterogeneity in treatment response for 960 veterans in the United Kingdom with PTSD who had been offered a residential intervention consisting of a mixture of group sessions and individual trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF–CBT). The primary outcome was PTSD score on the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES–R).  Covariates included depression, anxiety, anger, alcohol misuse, functional impairment, and sociodemographic characteristics.  Follow‐up occurred posttreatment at set time points for 12 months.  We present predictors of PTSD severity at posttreatment and follow‐up obtained using a latent class growth analysis to identify different treatment trajectories.  Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify covariates predicting class membership, and five classes were identified. Of participants, 71.3% belonged to three classes showing positive treatment responses, and 1.2% showed initial improvement but later relapsed. Additionally, 27.5% of participants were identified within a treatment‐resistant class that showed little change in severity of presentation. Depression, anxiety, and having had a combat role during military service increased the likelihood of membership in the treatment‐resistant class, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.12–1.53, 1.16–1.32, and 2.89, respectively. Additionally, participants in the treatment‐resistant class had higher pretreatment PTSD scores for reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms, ORs = 5.24, 2.62, and 3.86, respectively. Findings suggest the importance of triaging individuals and offering interventions tailored to severity of presentation.
Self‐Healable and Mechanically Reinforced Multidimensional‐Carbon/Polyurethane Dielectric Nanocomposite Incorporates Various Functionalities for Capacitive Strain Sensor Applications
Authors: Ling Lei , Liu Feng , Li Jinhui , Zhang Guoping , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: October 2018

With the continuous development of wearable sensing devices utilized for human motion monitoring, structural health monitoring, and robotic systems, higher demands on a set of material properties of functional materials are placed. Moreover, high flexibility and self‐healability are indispensable properties in wearable electronic devices. Herein, a self‐healing flexible dielectric nanocomposite with various incorporated functionalities is described. Multidimensional carbons, that is, graphene and carbon nanotubes, are introduced into a self‐healing polyurethane matrix to obtain the healable dielectric nanocomposite which contributes to the capacitance response of the wearable sensors. The as‐prepared nanocomposite exhibits a dramatic increase in properties, which reach up to 10.50 ± 0.44 MPa for Young's modulus, 35.1 for dielectric constant at 103 Hz, and 1.67 W m−1 K−1 for the in‐plane thermal conductivity with low loading. More importantly, the nanocomposites display a unique ability to recover the structure and multiple properties after mechanical damages. In addition, a self‐healing capacitive strain sensor with the “sandwich” structure is prepared based on the nanocomposite. The strain sensor shows good sensitivity in a larger strain range (up to 100%), stable responsiveness, and healable ability.
Characteristics of crude oil‐degrading bacteria Gordonia iterans isolated from marine coastal in Taean sediment
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Sook , Dong Ke , Kim Jinsoo , Lee Sang‐Seob
Published: October 2018

Crude oil is a major pollutant of marine and coastal ecosystems, and it causes environmental problems more seriously. It is believed ultimate and complete degradation is accomplished mainly by microorganisms. In this study, we aim to search out for bacterial strains with high ability in degrading crude oil. From sediments contaminated by the petroleum spilled in 2007, an accident in Taean, South Korea, we isolated thirty‐one bacterial strains in total with potential application in crude oil contamination remediation. In terms of removal percentage after 7 days, one of the strains, Co17, showed the highest removal efficiency with 84.2% of crude oil in Bushnell‐Haas media. The Co17 strain even exhibited outstanding ability removing crude oil at a high salt concentration. Through the whole genome sequencing annotation results, many genes related with n‐alkane degradation in the genome of Gordonia sp. Co17, revealed alkane‐1‐monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase. Specially, for confirmation of gene‐level, alkB gene encoding alkane hydroxylase (alkane‐1‐monooxygenase) was found in the strain Co17. The expression of alkB upregulated 125‐fold after 18 hr accompany with the removal of n‐alkanes of 48.9%. We therefore propose the strain Gordonia iterans Co17, isolated from crude oil‐contaminated marine sediment, could be used to offer a new strategy for bioremediation with high efficiency.
Spiral planar coil design for the intracranial pressure sensor
Authors: Wang Fa , Zhang Xuan , Shokoueinejad Mehdi , Iskandar Bermans J. , Webster John G. , Medow Joshua E.
Published: October 2018

Limited by the physiological constraints, implanted intracranial pressure (ICP) sensor's diameter is usually much shorter than measurement distance, which related to the poor coupling factor for the inductance coupling‐based passive sensor. As a result, the pattern of spiral planar coil on the sensor needs to be carefully designed; otherwise, the sensor could not be detected by the external reader. This paper begins with an improved lumped circuit model for the passive ICP sensor, in which the physical characteristics and corresponding approximated values of each component are discussed. Then, this study presents a formula to help researchers design the sensor's pattern such as dimensions, turns, spacing width and trace width, to make sensor easier to be detected. Some sensors were fabricated on PCB to verify the formula given. A set of the improved pattern parameters and fabrication progress are designed for the microelectromechanical systems sensor.
Evolution equation for wave amplitude exhibiting quartic nonlinearity
Authors: Shukla Triveni P. , Sharma Vishnu D.
Published: October 2018

We consider quasi‐linear hyperbolic system of partial differential equations and use the method of multiple scales to derive a transport equation governing the evolution of weakly nonlinear waves propagating through a state that lies close to the one where the quadratic and cubic nonlinearity parameters are, respectively, O(ε2) and O(ε); here, ε is a small parameter measuring the wave amplitude. The resultant evolution equation involves quadratic, cubic, and quartic nonlinear terms and the flux function admits two inflection points. We provide an example from gasdynamics with analytical and numerical results exhibiting a rich variety of wave phenomena and study the interaction of expansion and compression waves evolving from a rectangular pulse.
Periodic solutions for nonsmooth second‐order Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Deng Yiyang , Li Fengying , Li Bingyu , lv Ying
Published: October 2018

We apply the saddle–point‐type theorems of Rabinowitz and Benci‐Rabinowitz for local Lipschitz functionals that entails an extension of the classical Palais‐Smale‐Cerami condition for a C1 functional to this setting to show the existence of new periodic solutions for second‐order Hamiltonian systems with local Lipschitz potentials, which are weaker than Rabinowitz's original conditions. The key difficulty in these arguments arises from the lack of smoothness and symmetry in the potential when extending the Cerami‐Palais‐Smale condition for the local Lipschitz case.
Mathematical analysis on MHD Prandtl‐Eyring nanofluid new mass flux conditions
Authors: Rehman Khalil Ur , Awais Muhammad , Hussain Arif , Kousar Nabeela , Malik Muhammad Yousaf
Published: October 2018

A speculative investigation has been presented to explore the salient features of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Prandtl‐Eyring nanofluid over stretching surface. Effects of Navier slip and convective boundary conditions are included in flow configuration. The effects of higher order chemical reactions along with Nield conditions are assumed in the concentration of nanoparticles. The mathematical modelling of the said flow problem accomplished the nonlinear partial differential equations along with appropriate boundary conditions. The nondimensional form of governing problem is yielded with the aid of similarity variables. The pivotal physical quantities, ie, velocity, temperature, and concentration (in nondimensional form), within boundary layer region are computed with shooting technique. The physical significance of flow controlling parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration is illustrated through graphs. Additionally, thermophysical aspects of fluid near stretching surface (wall friction factor, wall heat flux, and wall mass flux) are instantiated graphically. A comparison of the current solution with reported data is established to validate the accuracy of adapted procedure. It is observed that the current findings agree with existing data. This led to confidence on adapted numerical procedure.
A derivative concept with respect to an arbitrary kernel and applications to fractional calculus
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Kirane Mokhtar , Samet Bessem
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose a new concept of derivative with respect to an arbitrary kernel function. Several properties related to this new operator, like inversion rules and integration by parts, are studied. In particular, we introduce the notion of conjugate kernels, which will be useful to guaranty that the proposed derivative operator admits a right inverse. The proposed concept includes as special cases Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivatives, Hadamard fractional derivatives, and many other fractional operators. Moreover, using our concept, new fractional operators involving certain special functions are introduced, and some of their properties are studied. Finally, an existence result for a boundary value problem involving the introduced derivative operator is proved.
High impedance transforming simplified Balun architecture in microstrip technology
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Hashmi Mohammad
Published: October 2018

In this article, a simplified balun structure inherently capable of providing high impedance transformation is proposed. The structure fulfills the requirements of a balun such as matching at all the ports, output ports phase difference of 180°, and isolation between output ports. The design is a symmetric network and is able to provide fully closed‐form design equations using the even‐odd mode analysis. The proposed systematic design approach also augments the overall design process. The presence of free variables in design equations provide a number of flexibility to the balun structure including the wide range of impedance transformation ratios of 0.1 to 10.0. A prototype, operating at 1 GHz, on Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate demonstrates a very good agreement between the measured and EM simulated results with amplitude and phase imbalance of 1 dB and 10°, respectively.
Ultrafast chaotic switching and monitoring using plasmonic add‐drop multiplexer
Authors: Youplao Phichai , Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Udomariyasap Pongputhai , Amiri Iraj S. , Punthawanunt Suphanchai , Ali Jalil , Singh Ghanshyam , Poznanski Roman R. , Yupapin Preecha , Grattan Kenneth T.V.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose a plasmonic circuit based on optical add‐drop multiplexer. A stack of silicon–graphene–gold layers is used at optical add‐drop filter ends. The light input from a laser source at the silicon base of the stack enables ultrafast electrical switching by rapid light‐electron energy conversion. It allows feedback signals monitoring by the output mobility visibility, which is useful for system control. Certain results show ultra‐fast switching time of ~5.0 fs at a stable power of 3 mW. The results further demonstrate great avenues for the secured communication channel‐based on the plasmonic electronic circuit.