bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CH3NH3PbI3 and HC(NH2)2PbI3 Powders Synthesized from Low‐Grade PbI2: Single Precursor for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yong , Kim Seul‐Gi , Lee Do‐Kyoung , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: May 2018

High‐efficiency perovskite solar cells are generally fabricated by using highly pure (>99.99 %) PbI2 mixed with an organic iodide in polar aprotic solvents. However, the use of such an expensive chemical may impede progress toward large‐scale industrial applications. Here, we report on the synthesis of perovskite powders by using inexpensive low‐grade (99 %) PbI2 and on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells prepared from a powder‐based single precursor. Pure APbI3 [A=methylammonium (MA) or formamidinium (FA)] perovskite powders were synthesized by treating low‐grade PbI2 with MAI or FAI in acetonitrile at ambient temperature. The structural phase purity was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The solar cell with a MAPbI3 film prepared from the synthesized perovskite powder demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.14 %, which is higher than the PCE of MAPbI3 films prepared by using both MAI and PbI2 as precursors (PCE=13.09 % for 99 % pure PbI2 and PCE=16.39 % for 99.9985 % pure PbI2). The synthesized powder showed better absorption and photoluminescence, which were responsible for the better photovoltaic performance. For the FAPbI3 powder, a solution with a yellow non‐perovskite δ‐FAPbI3 powder synthesized at room temperature was found to lead to a black perovskite film, whereas a solution with the black perovskite α‐FAPbI3 powder synthesized at 150 °C was not transformed into a black perovskite film. The α↔δ transition between the powder and film was assumed to correlate with the difference in the iodoplumbates in the powder‐dissolved solution. An average PCE of 17.21 % along with a smaller hysteresis [ΔPCE=PCEreverse−PCEforward)=1.53 %] was demonstrated from the perovskite solar cell prepared by using δ‐FAPbI3 powder; this PCE is higher than the average PCE of 17.05 % with a larger hysteresis (ΔPCE=2.71 %) for a device based on a conventional precursor solution dissolving MAI with high‐purity PbI2. The smaller hysteresis was indicative of fewer defects in the resulting FAPbI3 film prepared by using the δ‐FAPbI3 powder.
Modelling cross‐regulation in a single switched capacitor DC‐DC converter
Authors: Kushnerov Alexander
Published: May 2018

The letter proposes to model cross‐regulation in a dual‐output switched capacitor converter (SCC) by three equivalent resistances connected in delta circuit. It is shown that as opposed to linear equivalent (output) resistance of single‐output SCCs, these resistances are voltage‐controlled. The obtained analytical expressions have been verified by simulations and give correct results even if the output voltages change in wide range. The proposed analysis paves the way for modelling cross‐regulation in complex SCCs with multiple topologies and can be useful in studies of crosstalk through parasitic capacitances on chip.
A ZVS‐ZCS phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converter with secondary‐side control for battery charging applications
Authors: Saeed Junaid
Published: May 2018

The output power requirement of battery charging circuits can vary in a wide range, hence making the use of conventional phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converters infeasible because of poor light load efficiency. In this paper, a new ZVS‐ZCS phase shift full bridge topology with secondary‐side active control has been presented for battery charging applications. The proposed circuit uses 2 extra switches in series with the secondary‐side rectifier diodes, operating with phase shift PWM. With the assistance of transformer's magnetizing inductance, the proposed converter maintains zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the primary‐side switches over the entire load range. The secondary‐side switches regulate the output voltage/current and perform zero current switching (ZCS) independent of the amount of load current. The proposed converter exhibits a significantly better light load efficiency as compared with the conventional phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converter. The performance of the proposed converter has been analyzed on a 1‐kW hardware prototype, and experimental results have been included.
Effects of increased temperature on plant communities depend on landscape location and precipitation
Authors: Cowles Jane , Boldgiv Bazartseren , Liancourt Pierre , Petraitis Peter S. , Casper Brenda B.
Published: May 2018

Global climate change is affecting and will continue to affect ecosystems worldwide. Specifically, temperature and precipitation are both expected to shift globally, and their separate and interactive effects will likely affect ecosystems differentially depending on current temperature, precipitation regimes, and other biotic and environmental factors. It is not currently understood how the effects of increasing temperature on plant communities may depend on either precipitation or where communities lie on soil moisture gradients. Such knowledge would play a crucial role in increasing our predictive ability for future effects of climate change in different systems. To this end, we conducted a multi‐factor global change experiment at two locations, differing in temperature, moisture, aspect, and plant community composition, on the same slope in the northern Mongolian steppe. The natural differences in temperature and moisture between locations served as a point of comparison for the experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation. We conducted two separate experiments, one examining the effect of climate manipulation via open‐top chambers (OTCs) across the two different slope locations, the other a factorial OTC by watering experiment at one of the two locations. By combining these experiments, we were able to assess how OTCs impact plant productivity and diversity across a natural and manipulated range of soil moisture. We found that warming effects were context dependent, with the greatest negative impacts of warming on diversity in the warmer, drier upper slope location and in the unwatered plots. Our study is an important step in understanding how global change will affect ecosystems across multiple scales and locations.
Soot Oxidation over CeO2 or Ag/CeO2: Influences of Bulk Oxygen Vacancies and Surface Oxygen Vacancies on Activity and Stability of the Catalyst
Authors: Wu Shijie , Yang Yu , Lu Chunxiang , Ma Yuanyuan , Yuan Shuxia , Qian Guangren
Published: May 2018

Three types of CeO2 were synthesized and through impregnation of Ag employing these CeO2 types as supports, three kinds of Ag/CeO2 were prepared. Their morphologies and structures were characterized by SEM, HRTEM, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and H2‐TPR reduction, indicating that the effective soot‐catalyst contact and size distribution as well as the chemical state of Ag were identical. Surface oxygen vacancies (VO–s) and bulk oxygen vacancies (VO–b) were investigated by using XPS and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The activities of the CeO2 catalysts are related to surface chemisorbed oxygen, while the activities of Ag/CeO2 are decided by VO–s near the Ag particles under oxygen‐rich conditions. When switching the atmosphere to oxygen‐poor conditions, the activities of Ag/CeO2 are controlled by VO–b instead. These results originate from the fact that the generation and delivery of active oxygen are affected by combinations of VO–s and VO–b rather than just one of them. The moderate concentration of VO–s and sufficient concentration of VO–b are favorable for increasing catalytic activity under oxygen‐poor conditions for Ag/CeO2. In this work, Ag loaded on CeO2, prepared at 50 °C, (defined as Ag/CeO2‐50) can be considered as a prospective catalyst for use in gasoline particulate filters.
Employing Small Polyfunctionalized Molecules for a Diastereoselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted Indolines
Authors: de Souza Fernandes Fábio , Cormanich Rodrigo A. , Zeoly Lucas A. , Formiga André Luiz B. , Coelho Fernando
Published: May 2018

An efficient approach has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of 1,2,3‐trisubstituted indolines. The reaction sequence includes the highly diastereoselective reductive amination of 2‐oxo‐1,3‐propanediols, which are prepared by postfunctionalization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts, to give substituted 2‐amino‐1,3‐propanediols with an anti relative configuration. A subsequent intramolecular palladium‐catalyzed Buchwald coupling reaction provided the 1,2,3‐trisubstituted indolines in 47–82 % yield. The preference for the anti diastereomer was investigated by Gibbs free energy diagrams and applying theoretical calculations at the M06–2X/6‐31+G** level.
Sequential biaxial stretching of polycarbonate‐films for characterization of strain‐induced anisotropy
Authors: Dammann Christian , Caylak Ismail , Mahnken Rolf
Published: May 2018

Amorphous polymers consist of polymer‐chains whose alignment is a well‐known microstructural evolution effect due to stretching of polymers. This so‐called morphology‐development is investigated in the literature, where for thin films simultaneous biaxial stretching is distinguished from sequential biaxial stretching. Both procedures have a strong influence on the macroscopic properties of an initially isotropic material, resulting in induced anisotropy. This work concentrates on sequential biaxial stretching of cold forming realized by tensile testing. To this end, thin polycarbonate films are examined in 2 loading phases: In the first preloading phase anisotropy is induced and in the consecutive second reloading phase, the material direction is varied. Optical measurements support the analysis of highly inhomogenous strain fields. As a main result two‐dimensional strain contours are obtained from test data which will set a basis for parameter identification of constitutive equations for strain‐induced anisotropy in the future.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐Induced Protein 1 Targets Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor 1α to Protect Against Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Sun Peng , Lu Yue‐Xin , Cheng Daqing , Zhang Kuo , Zheng Jilin , Liu Yupeng , Wang Xiaozhan , Yuan Yu‐Feng , Tang Yi‐Da
Published: May 2018

Sterile inflammation is an essential factor causing hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. As a critical regulator of inflammation, the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) in hepatic I/R injury remains undetermined. In this study, we discovered that MCPIP1 downregulation was associated with hepatic I/R injury in liver transplant patients and a mouse model. Hepatocyte‐specific Mcpip1 gene knockout and transgenic mice demonstrated that MCPIP1 functions to ameliorate liver damage, reduce inflammation, prevent cell death, and promote regeneration. A mechanistic study revealed that MCPIP1 interacted with and maintained hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) expression by deubiquitinating HIF‐1α. Notably, the HIF‐1α inhibitor reversed the protective effect of MCPIP1, whereas the HIF‐1α activator compensated for the detrimental effect of MCPIP1 deficiency. Thus, we identified the MCPIP1–HIF‐1α axis as a critical pathway that may be a good target for intervention in hepatic I/R injury. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000‐000).
Optogenetic stimulation: Understanding memory and treating deficits
Authors: Barnett S. C. , Perry B. A. L. , Dalrymple‐Alford J. C. , Parr‐Brownlie L. C.
Published: May 2018

Technology allowing genetically targeted cells to be modulated by light has revolutionized neuroscience in the past decade, and given rise to the field of optogenetic stimulation. For this, non‐native, light activated proteins (e.g., channelrhodopsin) are expressed in a specific cell phenotype (e.g., glutamatergic neurons) in a subset of central nervous system nuclei, and short pulses of light of a narrow wavelength (e.g., blue, 473 nm) are used to modulate cell activity. Cell activity can be increased or decreased depending on which light activated protein is used. We review how the greater precision provided by optogenetics has transformed the study of neural circuits, in terms of cognition and behavior, with a focus on learning and memory. We also explain how optogenetic modulation is facilitating a better understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of some neurological and psychiatric conditions. Based on this research, we suggest that optogenetics may provide tools to improve memory in neurological conditions, particularly diencephalic amnesia and Alzheimer's disease.
Ablation of proliferating neural stem cells during early life is sufficient to reduce adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Youssef Mary , Krish Varsha S. , Kirshenbaum Greer S. , Atsak Piray , Lass Tamara J. , Lieberman Sophie R. , Leonardo E. David , Dranovsky Alex
Published: May 2018

Environmental exposures during early life, but not during adolescence or adulthood, lead to persistent reductions in neurogenesis in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). The mechanisms by which early life exposures lead to long‐term deficits in neurogenesis remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether targeted ablation of dividing neural stem cells during early life is sufficient to produce long‐term decreases in DG neurogenesis. Having previously found that the stem cell lineage is resistant to long‐term effects of transient ablation of dividing stem cells during adolescence or adulthood (Kirshenbaum, Lieberman, Briner, Leonardo, & Dranovsky, ), we used a similar pharmacogenetic approach to target dividing neural stem cells for elimination during early life periods sensitive to environmental insults. We then assessed the Nestin stem cell lineage in adulthood. We found that the adult neural stem cell reservoir was depleted following ablation during the first postnatal week, when stem cells were highly proliferative, but not during the third postnatal week, when stem cells were more quiescent. Remarkably, ablating proliferating stem cells during either the first or third postnatal week led to reduced adult neurogenesis out of proportion to the changes in the stem cell pool, indicating a disruption of the stem cell function or niche following stem cell ablation in early life. These results highlight the first three postnatal weeks as a series of sensitive periods during which elimination of dividing stem cells leads to lasting alterations in adult DG neurogenesis and stem cell function. These findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between DG development and adult neurogenesis, as well as suggest a possible mechanism by which early life experiences may lead to lasting deficits in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Groundwater recharge amidst focused stormwater infiltration
Authors: Bhaskar Aditi S. , Hogan Dianna M. , Nimmo John R. , Perkins Kimberlie S.
Published: May 2018

Distributed, infiltration‐based approaches to stormwater management are being implemented to mitigate effects of urban development on water resources. One of the goals of this type of storm water management, sometimes called low impact development or green infrastructure, is to maintain groundwater recharge and stream base flow at predevelopment levels. However, the connection between infiltration‐based stormwater management and groundwater recharge is not straightforward. Water infiltrated through stormwater facilities may be stored in soil moisture, taken up by evapotranspiration or contribute to recharge and eventually base flow. This study focused on a 1.1 km2 suburban, low impact development watershed in Clarksburg, Maryland, USA, that was urbanized and contained 73 infiltration‐based stormwater facilities. Continuous water table measurements were used to quantify the movement of infiltrated stormwater. Time series analyses were performed on hydrographs of 7 wells, and the episodic master recession method was used. Persistence in water levels, as measured by autocorrelation function, was found to be positively related to depth to water. Storm properties (precipitation rate and duration) and well location (proximity to the nearest stream) were significant in driving episodic recharge to precipitation ratios. The well that had the highest recharge to precipitation ratios and water table rises of up to 1.5 m in response to storm events was located furthest from the stream and down gradient of stormwater infiltration locations. This work may be considered in evaluating the effects of planned watershed‐scale infiltration‐based stormwater management on groundwater flow systems.
Assessment of groundwater recharge processes through karst vadose zone by cave percolation monitoring
Authors: Poulain Amaël , Watlet Arnaud , Kaufmann Olivier , Van Camp Michel , Jourde Hervé , Mazzilli Naomi , Rochez Gaëtan , Deleu Romain , Quinif Yves , Hallet Vincent
Published: May 2018

Recharge processes of karst aquifers are difficult to assess given their strong heterogeneity and the poorly known effect of vadose zone on infiltration. However, recharge assessment is crucial for the evaluation of groundwater resources. Moreover, the vulnerability of karst aquifers depends on vadose zone behaviour because it is the place where most contamination takes place. In this work, an in situ experimental approach was performed to identify and quantify flow and storage processes occurring in karst vadose zone. Cave percolation monitoring and dye tracing were used to investigate unsaturated zone hydrological processes. Two flow components (diffuse and quick) were identified and, respectively, account for 66% and 34% of the recharge. Quickflow was found to be the result of bypass phenomenon in vadose zone related to water saturation. We identify the role of epikarst as a shunting area, most of the storage in the vadose zone occurring via the diffuse flow component in low permeability zones. Relationship between rainfall intensity and transit velocity was demonstrated, with 5 times higher velocities for the quick recharge mode than the diffuse mode. Modelling approach with KarstMod software allowed to simulate the hybrid recharge through vadose zone and shows promising chances to properly assess the recharge processes in karst aquifer based on simple physical models.
Low concentrations of permethrin and malathion induce numerical and structural abnormalities in KMT2A and IGH genes in vitro
Authors: Navarrete‐Meneses M. P. , Pedraza‐Meléndez A. I. , Salas‐Labadía C. , Moreno‐Lorenzana D. , Pérez‐Vera P.
Published: May 2018

Pesticides are commonly used worldwide and almost every human is potentially exposed to these chemicals. Exposure to pesticides such as permethrin and malathion has been associated with hematological malignancies in epidemiological studies. However, biological evidence showing if these chemicals induce genetic aberrations involved in the etiology of leukemia and lymphoma is missing. In our previous work, we have shown that a single high exposure (200 μm, 24 hours) of permethrin and malathion induce damage in genes associated with hematological malignancies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the present study, we assessed by FISH whether exposure to low concentrations (0.1 μm, 72 hours) of permethrin and malathion induce aberrations in KMT2A and IGH genes, which are involved in the etiology of leukemia and lymphoma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to the chemicals, and damage in these genes was assessed on interphases and metaphases. We observed that both chemicals at low concentration induced structural aberrations in KMT2A and IGH genes. A higher level of damage was observed in KMT2A gene with malathion treatment and in IGH gene with permethrin exposure. We also observed numerical aberrations induced by these chemicals. The most frequent aberrations detected on interphase FISH were also observed on metaphases. Our results show that permethrin and malathion induce genetic damage in genes associated with hematological cancer, at concentrations biologically relevant. In addition, damage was observed on dividing cells, which suggests that these cells maintain their proliferation capacity in spite of the genetic damage they possess.
Involvement of CGRP‐RCP in the caveolin‐1/ERK1/2 signal pathway in the static pressure‐induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Guo Feng , Yang Li , Luo Jingfei , Quan Haiyan , Wang Zhen , Peng Hongyan , Hong Chenliang , Li Jie , Jiang Zhisheng , Zhang Liang , Qin Xuping
Published: May 2018

Previous study suggested that the receptor component protein (RCP), one of the components of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor, plays a multiple role in the cellular signal transduction. The study was designed to investigate whether or not the RCP involved in the regulation of caveolin‐1/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases‐1 and ‐2 (ERK1/2) signal pathway in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation induced by static pressure. Mouse‐derived VSMCs line A10 (A10 VSMCs) was served as project in this experiment. Results showed that the A10 VSMCs viability and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression which were increased by static pressure were inhibited by pretreatment of CGRP. In like manner, the expressions of the decreased‐caveolin‐1 and the increased‐phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) induced by static pressure were significantly reversed by pretreatment of CGRP, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of RCP was up‐regulated by the static pressure. Silence of RCP gene with the small interrupt RNA (siRNA) not only significantly increased A10 VSMC proliferation but also increased the expression of p‐ERK1/2 in response to static pressure. When treatment of A10 VSMCs with 120‐mmHg static pressure for different time, however, the protein band of caveolin‐1 and RCP was the least at time point of 10 min, but the p‐ERK1/2 expression was the most maximum. In conclusion, RCP maybe involved in the static pressure‐induced A10 VSMCs proliferation by regulation of caveolin‐1/ERK1/2 signal pathway.
Targeting the death receptor signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Moradi Marjaneh Reyhaneh , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ghobadi Niloofar , Ferns Gordon A. , Karimi Afshin , Jazayeri Mir Hadi , Nasiri Mohammadreza , Avan Amir , Khazaei Majid
Published: May 2018

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), it remains a major cause of cancer related death globally. There are currently no chemotherapeutic agents that have been found to eradicate the disease without adverse effects. A defect in the death receptor signaling pathway is a feature of CRC. The ligand of these receptors belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family, and that are particularly expressed by cells of the immune system, and that induce apoptosis in a caspase dependent manner. The fact that malignant cells are particularly sensitive to these ligands, compared to normal cells, has led to work on the assessment of compounds that activate this pathway in the treatment of CRC. Phase I trials have shown that these death receptor agonists are safe. Phase II and III trials are currently investigating the efficacy of these therapeutic agents in the treatment of CRC. In this review, we describe the biochemical death receptor signaling pathway and its relationship to CRC. We also summarize the current clinical studies that are targeting this signaling pathway in CRC treatment.
EBI2 in splenic and local immune responses and in autoimmunity
Authors: Barington L , Wanke F , Niss Arfelt K , Holst P J , Kurschus F C , Rosenkilde M M
Published: May 2018

The seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor EBV-induced gene 2 (EBI2), also known as GPR183, is expressed in particular in immune cells. Activated by its endogenous ligands, which are a group of oxysterols, it functions as a chemo-attractant receptor, mediating cell migration. In coordination with other receptors, EBI2 plays important roles in controlling the migration of immune cells during the course of a T-dependent Ab response in the spleen. In recent years, it has become clear that EBI2 also has other roles to play in the immune system. Thus, EBI2 seems to be involved in innate immune responses, such as those mediated by TLR signaling, and it has been implicated in regional immune responses, including immune responses in the CNS. In this review, we describe the functions of EBI2 in B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells during the course of a T-dependent Ab response in the spleen. Furthermore, we review the existing evidence supporting a role for EBI2 in local immune responses and in autoimmune diseases, with a special focus on immune responses in the CNS. Finally, we discuss which type of role EBI2 may play in autoimmune diseases, and we give our opinion about the paths of future research in EBI2.

Review on the roles of EBI2 in T-dependent antibody responses and its potential roles in local immune responses and autoimmunity.
New trends and applications in carboxylation for isotope chemistry
Authors: Bragg Ryan A. , Sardana Malvika , Artelsmair Markus , Elmore Charles S.
Published: May 2018

Carboxylations are an important method for the incorporation of isotopically labeled 14CO2 into molecules. This manuscript will review labeled carboxylations since 2010 and will present a perspective on the potential of recent unlabeled methodology for labeled carboxylations. The perspective portion of the manuscript is broken into 3 major sections based on product type, arylcarboxylic acids, benzylcarboxylic acids, and alkyl carboxylic acids, and each of those sections is further subdivided by substrate.
Integrating Brain Science into Crisis Leadership Development
Authors: McNulty Eric J. , Dorn Barry C. , Serino Richard , Goralnick Eric , Grimes Jennifer O. , Flynn Lisa B. , Pillay Srinivasan S. , Marcus Leonard J.
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in neuroscience and psychology research (“brain science”) provide a fruitful avenue for developing approaches to leadership development. Literature on the application of these advances to crisis leadership is sparse, despite significant neurological and psychological dimensions of crisis response scenarios. The current study analyzed the nature of perceived impact of leader behavior on outcomes in crisis management systems such as the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS), and explored the extent to which brain science principles are integrated into ICS/NIMS training. Analysis of survey data from a sample of 198 crisis leaders revealed that observed leader behaviors was related to ICS/NIMS performance and that typical ICS/NIMS training fails to address the behavioral aspects of crisis leadership. To address the identified deficiency, a training model incorporating brain science into crisis leadership training systems is suggested. Further research is recommended to better determine the impact of incorporating neuroscience and psychology research into formal crisis leadership training and to further evaluate effective measurement and teaching tools.
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging in human achilles tendon
Authors: Wengler Kenneth , Fukuda Takeshi , Tank Dharmesh , Huang Mingqian , Gould Elaine S. , Schweitzer Mark E. , He Xiang
Published: May 2018

Background

Limited microcirculation has been implicated in Achilles tendinopathy and may affect healing and disease progression. Existing invasive and noninvasive approaches to evaluate tendon microcirculation lack sensitivity and spatial coverage.

Purpose

To develop a novel Achilles tendon intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI protocol to overcome the limitations from low tendon T2/T2* value and low intratendinous blood volume and blood velocity to evaluate tendon microcirculation.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Sixteen healthy male participants (age 31.0 ± 2.1) were recruited.

Field Strength/Sequence

A stimulated echo readout‐segmented echo planar imaging (ste‐RS‐EPI) IVIM sequence at 3.0T.

Assessment

The feasibility of the proposed ste‐RS‐EPI IVIM protocol combined with Achilles tendon magic angle effect was evaluated. The sensitivity of the protocol was assessed by an exercise‐induced intratendinous hemodynamic response in healthy participants. The vascular origin of the observed IVIM signal was validated by varying the diffusion mixing time and echo time.

Statistical Tests

Two‐tailed t‐tests were used to evaluate differences (P < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results

Consistent with known tendon hypovascularity, the midportion Achilles tendon at baseline showed significantly lower IVIM‐derived perfusion fraction (fp) (3.1 ± 0.9%) compared to the proximal and distal Achilles tendon (6.0 ± 1.8% and 6.1 ± 2.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). Similarly, the midportion Achilles tendon exhibited significantly lower baseline blood flow index (D*×fp) (40.9 ± 19.2, 18.3 ± 5.3, and 32.0 ± 9.4 in proximal, midportion, and distal Achilles tendon, respectively; P < 0.01). Eccentric heel‐raise exercise led to ∼2 times increase of Achilles tendon blood flow in healthy participants. Consistent with its vascular origin, the estimated fp demonstrated a high dependency to IVIM protocol parameters, while the T1/T2‐corrected absolute intratendinous microvascular blood volume fraction (Vb) did not vary.

Data Conclusion

Achilles tendon ste‐RS‐EPI IVIM noninvasively assessed baseline values and exercise‐induced changes to tendon microcirculation in healthy tendon.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1690–1699
A Riemannian‐steepest‐descent approach for optimization on the real symplectic group
Authors: Wang Jing , Sun Huafei , Fiori Simone
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we first give the geodesic in closed form on the real symplectic group endowed with a Riemannian metric and then study a geodesic‐based Riemannian‐steepest‐descent approach to compute the empirical average out of a set of symplectic matrices. The devised averaging algorithm is compared with the Euclidean gradient algorithm and the extended Hamiltonian algorithm. Simulation examples show that the convergence of the geodesic‐based Riemannian‐steepest‐descent algorithm is the fastest among the 3 considered algorithms.
Involutions in split semi‐quaternions
Authors: Bekar Murat , Yayli Yusuf
Published: May 2018

A map is an involution (resp, anti‐involution) if it is a self‐inverse homomorphism (resp, antihomomorphism) of a field algebra. The main purpose of this paper is to show how split semi‐quaternions can be used to express half‐turn planar rotations in 3‐dimensional Euclidean space
and how they can be used to express hyperbolic‐isoclinic rotations in 4‐dimensional semi‐Euclidean space
. We present an involution and an anti‐involution map using split semi‐quaternions and give their geometric interpretations as half‐turn planar rotations in
. Also, we give the geometric interpretation of nonpure unit split semi‐quaternions, which are in the form p = coshθ + sinhθi + 0j + 0k = coshθ + sinhθi, as hyperbolic‐isoclinic rotations in
.
Asymptotic profile of solutions for some wave equations with very strong structural damping
Authors: Ikehata Ryo , Iyota Shin
Published: May 2018

We consider the Cauchy problem in Rn for some types of damped wave equations. We derive asymptotic profiles of solutions with weighted L1,1(Rn) initial data by using a simple method introduced in by the first author. The obtained results will include regularity loss type estimates, which are essentially new in this kind of equation.
Numerical investigation of the acoustic scattering problem from penetrable prolate spheroidal structures using the Vekua transformation and arbitrary precision arithmetic
Authors: Gergidis Leonidas N. , Kourounis Drosos , Mavratzas Stylianos , Charalambopoulos Antonios
Published: May 2018

A complete set of radiating “outwards” eigensolutions of the Helmholtz equation, obtained by transforming appropriately through the Vekua mapping the kernel of Laplace equation, is applied to the investigation of the acoustic scattering by penetrable prolate spheroidal scatterers. The scattered field is expanded in terms of the aforementioned set, detouring so the standard spheroidal wave functions along with their inherent numerical deficiencies. The coefficients of the expansion are provided by the solution of linear systems, the conditioning of which calls for arbitrary precision arithmetic. Its integration enables the polyparametric investigation of the convergence of the current approach to the solution of the direct scattering problem. Finally, far‐field pattern visualization in the 3D space clarifies the preferred scattering directions for several frequencies of the incident wave, ranging from the “low” to the “resonance” region.
A randomized tensor singular value decomposition based on the t‐product
Authors: Zhang Jiani , Saibaba Arvind K. , Kilmer Misha E. , Aeron Shuchin
Published: May 2018

The tensor SVD (t‐SVD) for third‐order tensors, previously proposed in the literature, has been applied successfully in many fields, such as computed tomography, facial recognition, and video completion. In this paper, we propose a method that extends a well‐known randomized matrix method to the t‐SVD. This method can produce a factorization with similar properties to the t‐SVD, but it is more computationally efficient on very large data sets. We present details of the algorithms and theoretical results and provide numerical results that show the promise of our approach for compressing and analyzing image‐based data sets. We also present an improved analysis of the randomized and simultaneous iteration for matrices, which may be of independent interest to the scientific community. We also use these new results to address the convergence properties of the new and randomized tensor method as well.
Information, issues, and supporters: The application of online persuasion in the 2015 General Election
Authors: Jackson Nigel
Published: May 2018

This paper explores how political parties use their websites to persuade visitors during the 2015 UK General Election campaign. The home pages of 41 party websites were assessed. The findings suggest that parties view visitors as rationally assessing material, not emotionally; thus, the content provides information and seeks to mobilise support and generate resources. However, application of Nielsen's F‐pattern finds that these are precisely the areas within a website most likely to be placed beyond where visitors will look. Simple changes in design structure, the use of emotional messages, and shortcuts should make party websites more persuasive.
Generation of random fiber distributions for unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites based on particle swarm optimizer
Authors: Liu Zhao , Zhu Chao , Zhu Ping
Published: May 2018

The stochastic nature of fiber distribution over transversal cross‐section in unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites has a significant effect on the microscopical distribution of stresses and strains. Towards simulation‐based analysis and design of fiber‐reinforced composite, this paper concentrates on the issue of random fiber distributions and a new approach is developed to effectively generate microstructures of composite material with high fiber volume fraction. The method, named random distribution particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, is proposed based on the particle movement regulation and position updating principle of PSO. The method creates microstructures with different fiber volume fractions conveniently by distributing each single fiber with inter‐fiber distance arrangement. The performance of algorithm is analyzed statistically and the results demonstrate that it is capable of catching the typical distribution of these materials for both low and high fiber volume fractions. Finite‐element analysis is conducted to predict effective properties of the generated microstructures and the simulation results exhibit reasonable agreement with experimental results. The developed algorithm is easily realized and highly efficient without introducing heuristic steps to achieve high volume fraction. The approach provides a valuable alternative to generate random numerical models used in micromechanical analysis of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1643–1653, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of physical activity on psychological well‐being outcomes in breast cancer survivors from prediagnosis to posttreatment survivorship
Authors: Aguiñaga Susan , Ehlers Diane K. , Cosman Josh , Severson Joan , Kramer Arthur F. , McAuley Edward
Published: May 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical activity from prediagnosis to posttreatment survivorship on the psychological well‐being (PWB) outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

Participants (N = 387) completed a questionnaire battery by using an iPad‐based platform. Measures included self‐reported PA (before diagnosis and currently) and perceptions of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and QoL. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in PWB among BCS categorized into 1 of 4 physical activity levels: (a) low‐active prediagnosis, low‐active currently (low‐active maintainers; n = 128); (b) low‐active prediagnosis, active currently (increasers; n = 74); (c) active prediagnosis, low‐active currently (decreasers; n = 52); and (d) active prediagnosis, active currently (high‐active maintainers; n = 136). Participants were classified as active (≥24 units) or low‐active (<24 units) by using Godin Leisure‐Time Exercise Questionnaire cut‐points for health benefits.

Results

Fatigue and depression were lowest, and QoL was highest among women in the high‐active maintainers category, followed by the increasers, low‐active maintainers, and decreasers. No differences in anxiety were observed across categories. Women in the high‐active maintainers category differed significantly in fatigue, depression, and QoL from both low‐active categories (low‐active maintainers and decreasers), P ≤ .001. Women in the increasers category also differed significantly in fatigue, depression, and QoL from the decreasers, P ≤ .01.

Conclusion

Low physical activity during survivorship was associated with greater fatigue and depression and lower QoL. Implications for cancer survivors: Efforts to help increase or maintain high levels of physical activity may be critical to helping BCS maintain their PWB.
Light barrier properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) glass bottles—Effect of glass colour and decoration
Authors: Jaime S.B.M. , Bócoli P.F.J. , Miguel K. , Ferreira E.A.H. , Alves R.M.V.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of some glass bottles used for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) related to light barrier properties, including clear and coloured glass in different colour intensities, glass with shrink labels, and external ceramic decoration. Some of these glass bottles available on the Brazilian market were also evaluated for closure integrity and barrier to oxygen, headspace gas atmosphere, and the quality of the product according to legislation. An increase in light barrier properties was observed for the darkest glass bottle that depends on the pigment quantity and the wall thickness. A total light barrier was obtained for glass with black shrink labels and external ceramic decoration. Closure systems used for the analysed packaging showed good integrity and low oxygen permeability, and the inertness of headspace atmosphere ensured a lower availability of oxygen for product oxidation. In general, the products met the requirements imposed in the legislation.
Deodorizing effect of induced hydroxyl ionic materials on odour from overfermented kimchi
Authors: Hwang KiSeob , Yoo SeungRan , Lee Hyun‐Gyu , Kwon Hyuk Jun , Lee Jun‐Yong
Published: May 2018

Hydroxyl‐ion‐containing polymer films and compound baking soda films were evaluated in their ability to neutralize the odour of overfermented kimchi. Evaluation was performed by using a colorimetric gas detector tube for determining the levels of acetic acid as the main kimchi flavour component, as well as by sensory and electronic nose methods. Although the highest deodorant efficiencies were observed for ion‐exchanged alkaline polymers (poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl benzyl hydroxide) and poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium hydroxide)) to hydroxyl group films by using the colorimetric gas detector tube method, only the poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl benzyl hydroxide) film exhibited high efficiency when sensory evaluation and electronic nose methods were used, with other polymer films being ineffective. The deodorant efficiency of baking soda films increased with increasing baking soda content, as determined by the colorimetric gases detector tube, sensory evaluation, and electronic nose methods. Investigation of deodorant films by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that their functional groups were changed upon reacting with acetic acid. The synthesized films and baking soda films exhibited a pronounced deodorant effect, with the deodorant efficiency increasing with increasing amounts of introduced hydroxyl ions.
Influence of Cr addition on hot‐dip galvanizing reaction of Mn containing sheet steel
Authors: Kawano T. , Fushiwaki Y. , Nagataki Y. , Nagoshi M.
Published: May 2018

To clarify the influence of Cr on the galvanizability of a sheet steel containing Mn, a Cr‐added Mn steel and a Cr‐free Mn steel were compared in terms of selective surface oxidation and interfacial reaction during galvanizing with a molten Zn bath containing Al. The surface oxides formed by selective oxidation on the Cr‐added steel were identified as Mn‐Cr spinel in addition to MnO, whereas only MnO was found on the Cr‐free steel. Analyses of the coating interface of the galvanized samples revealed that a columnar ζ‐phase Fe‐Zn intermetallic compound was formed on both of the Cr‐added and Cr‐free steels. Furthermore, a granular Fe‐Zn intermetallic compound was found anomalously on the Cr‐added steel, which was Γ1‐phase containing a higher Fe content compared with the ζ‐phase. The most remarkable feature was that Al from the molten Zn preferentially reacted with the Mn‐Cr spinel more than the Fe of the substrate steel on the Cr‐added steel during the galvanizing. This reaction could suppress the formation of the Fe‐Al intermetallic compound, which is generally formed and inhibit a reaction between Zn and Fe in a normal galvanizing process, and instead lead to the formation reaction of the Fe‐Zn intermetallic compound to make the Fe content higher to form Γ1‐phase. These results indicate that the performance in the galvanizing process can be controlled by Cr addition through the modification of the surface oxides.
Multivariate longitudinal data analysis with censored and intermittent missing responses
Authors: Lin Tsung‐I , Lachos Victor H. , Wang Wan‐Lun
Published: May 2018

The multivariate linear mixed model (MLMM) has emerged as an important analytical tool for longitudinal data with multiple outcomes. However, the analysis of multivariate longitudinal data could be complicated by the presence of censored measurements because of a detection limit of the assay in combination with unavoidable missing values arising when subjects miss some of their scheduled visits intermittently. This paper presents a generalization of the MLMM approach, called the MLMM‐CM, for a joint analysis of the multivariate longitudinal data with censored and intermittent missing responses. A computationally feasible expectation maximization–based procedure is developed to carry out maximum likelihood estimation within the MLMM‐CM framework. Moreover, the asymptotic standard errors of fixed effects are explicitly obtained via the information‐based method. We illustrate our methodology by using simulated data and a case study from an AIDS clinical trial. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method is able to provide more satisfactory performance as compared with the traditional MLMM approach.
On holographic Rényi entropy in some modified theories of gravity
Authors: Dey Anshuman , Roy Pratim , Sarkar Tapobrata
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We perform a detailed analysis of holographic entanglement Rényi entropy in some modified theories of gravity with four dimensional conformal field theory duals. First, we construct perturbative black hole solutions in a recently proposed model of Einsteinian cubic gravity in five dimensions, and compute the Rényi entropy as well as the scaling dimension of the twist operators in the dual field theory. Consistency of these results are verified from the AdS/CFT correspondence, via a corresponding computation of the Weyl anomaly on the gravity side. Similar analyses are then carried out for three other examples of modified gravity in five dimensions that include a chemical potential, namely Born-Infeld gravity, charged quasi-topological gravity and a class of Weyl corrected gravity theories with a gauge field, with the last example being treated perturbatively. Some interesting bounds in the dual conformal field theory parameters in quasi-topological gravity are pointed out. We also provide arguments on the validity of our perturbative analysis, whenever applicable.
All the entropies on the light-cone
Authors: Casini Horacio , Testé Eduardo , Torroba Gonzalo
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We determine the explicit universal form of the entanglement and Renyi entropies, for regions with arbitrary boundary on a null plane or the light-cone. All the entropies are shown to saturate the strong subadditive inequality. This Renyi Markov property implies that the vacuum behaves like a product state. For the null plane, our analysis applies to general quantum field theories, and we show that the entropies do not depend on the region. For the light-cone, our approach is restricted to conformal field theories. In this case, the construction of the entropies is related to dilaton effective actions in two less dimensions. In particular, the universal logarithmic term in the entanglement entropy arises from a Wess-Zumino anomaly action. We also consider these properties in theories with holographic duals, for which we construct the minimal area surfaces for arbitrary shapes on the light-cone. We recover the Markov property and the universal form of the entropy, and argue that these properties continue to hold upon including stringy and quantum corrections. We end with some remarks on the recently proved entropic a-theorem in four spacetime dimensions.
Exact results in 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 Spin(7) gauge theories with vector and spinor matters
Authors: Nii Keita
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We study three-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 Spin(7) gauge theories with N

S
spinorial matters and with N

f
vectorial matters. The quantum Coulomb branch on the moduli space of vacua is one- or two-dimensional depending on the matter contents. For particular values of (N

f

, N

S
), we find s-confinement phases and derive exact superpotentials. The 3d dynamics of Spin(7) is connected to the 4d dynamics via KK-monopoles. Along the Higgs branch of the Spin(7) theories, we obtain 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 G
2 or SU(4) theories and some of them lead to new s-confinement phases. As a check of our analysis we compute superconformal indices for these theories.