bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitally reconstructing Van Gogh'sField with Irises near Arles.Part 2: Pigment concentration maps
Authors: Kirchner Eric , van der Lans Ivo , Ligterink Frank , Geldof Muriel , Ness Proano Gaibor Art , Hendriks Ella , Janssens Koen , Delaney John
Published: August 2017

Colors in many paintings of great art historical value have changed over time, due to the combined effects of natural ageing, accumulated surface grime, and materials added during later conservation treatments. The physical restoration of the colors in such paintings is not possible. This article describes one part of work done to digitally restore the colors of Van Gogh's paintingField with Irises near Arles, dating from May 1888. We have used multispectral reflectance data to estimate absorption K and backscattering S parameters of Kubelka‐Munk 2‐constant theory. This was done for all 13 pigments known to have been used by Van Gogh in this painting, and based on this the concentration maps for each of these pigments were calculated. We validated the calculated concentration maps in several ways. For some pigments, we were able to predict spots on the painting where the pigment is expected to occur in unmixed form based on visual examination. For several other pigments, the concentration maps could be shown to agree with XRF data. Finally, for some other pigments the concentration maps were supported by additional evidence from microscopic examinations, remarks in Van Gogh's letters and from early color reproductions. For the 1.7 million pixels for which multispectral data is available, the average color difference between the calculated and measured spectral reflectance curves is CIEDE2000 = 1.05. This further confirms that the Kubelka‐Munk calculations are well suited to describe the variety of spectral reflectance on the painting.
Generalized distributed compressive sensing with security challenges for linearly correlated information sources
Authors: Park Jeonghun , Hwang Seunggye , Yang Janghoon , Bae Kitae , Ko Hoon , Kim Dong Ku
Published: August 2017

Distributed compressive sensing (DCS) usually improves the signal recovery performance of multi‐signal ensembles by exploiting both intra‐ and inter‐signal correlation and sparsity structure. However, the existing DCS had proposed for a very limited ensemble of signals that has only single common information. This paper proposes a generalized DCS (GDCS) framework which can improve sparse signal detection performance given arbitrary types of common information, which are classified into full common information and partial common information after overcoming against existing limitation. Specifically, the theoretical bound on the required number of measurements under the GDCS is obtained. We also develop a practical algorithm to obtain benefits using the GDCS. At the end of this paper, it simply summarizes the potential security issues when it gets all sensing information in a sensor network. Finally, numerical results verify that the proposed algorithm reduces the required number of measurements for correlated sparse signal detection compared to the DCS algorithm. This research lays down the basis for efficient distributed signal detection so that it can improve the detection performance or it can detect the signal reliably when the number of signal observations is limited.
Preparing NERSC users for Cori, a Cray XC40 system with Intel many integrated cores
Authors: He Yun , Cook Brandon , Deslippe Jack , Friesen Brian , Gerber Richard , Hartman‐Baker Rebecca , Koniges Alice , Kurth Thorsten , Leak Stephen , Yang Woo‐Sun , Zhao Zhengji , Baron Eddie , Hauschildt Peter
Published: August 2017

The newest NERSC supercomputer Cori is a Cray XC40 system consisting of 2,388 Intel Xeon Haswell nodes and 9,688 Intel Xeon‐Phi “Knights Landing” (KNL) nodes. Compared to the Xeon‐based clusters NERSC users are familiar with, optimal performance on Cori requires consideration of KNL mode settings; process, thread, and memory affinity; fine‐grain parallelization; vectorization; and use of the high‐bandwidth MCDRAM memory. This paper describes our efforts preparing NERSC users for KNL through the NERSC Exascale Science Application Program, Web documentation, and user training. We discuss how we configured the Cori system for usability and productivity, addressing programming concerns, batch system configurations, and default KNL cluster and memory modes. System usage data, job completion analysis, programming and running jobs issues, and a few successful user stories on KNL are presented.
The Music Therapy Session Assessment Scale (MT‐SAS): Validation of a new tool for music therapy process evaluation
Authors: Raglio Alfredo , Gnesi Marco , Monti Maria Cristina , Oasi Osmano , Gianotti Marta , Attardo Lapo , Gontero Giulia , Morotti Lara , Boffelli Sara , Imbriani Chiara , Montomoli Cristina , Imbriani Marcello
Published: August 2017

Background

Music therapy (MT) interventions are aimed at creating and developing a relationship between patient and therapist. However, there is a lack of validated observational instruments to consistently evaluate the MT process.

Aim

The purpose of this study was the validation of Music Therapy Session Assessment Scale (MT‐SAS), designed to assess the relationship between therapist and patient during active MT sessions.

Methods

Videotapes of a single 30‐min session per patient were considered. A pilot study on the videotapes of 10 patients was carried out to help refine the items, define the scoring system and improve inter‐rater reliability among the five raters. Then, a validation study on 100 patients with different clinical conditions was carried out. The Italian MT‐SAS was used throughout the process, although we also provide an English translation.

Results

The final scale consisted of 7 binary items accounting for eye contact, countenance, and nonverbal and sound–music communication. In the pilot study, raters were found to share an acceptable level of agreement in their assessments. Explorative factorial analysis disclosed a single homogeneous factor including 6 items (thus supporting an ordinal total score), with only the item about eye contact being unrelated to the others. Moreover, the existence of 2 different archetypal profiles of attuned and disattuned behaviours was highlighted through multiple correspondence analysis.

Conclusions

As suggested by the consistent results of 2 different analyses, MT‐SAS is a reliable tool that globally evaluates sonorous–musical and nonverbal behaviours related to emotional attunement and empathetic relationship between patient and therapist during active MT sessions.
Corporate Sustainability Performance and Assurance on Sustainability Reports: Diffusion of Accounting Practices in the Realm of Sustainable Development
Authors: Braam Geert , Peeters Roy
Published: August 2017

In response to investors and other stakeholders questioning the credibility of the performance information displayed in sustainability reports, companies increasingly have their sustainability reports voluntarily assured by an independent third party. However, voluntary third‐party assurance on sustainability reports (SA) may vary considerably in terms of the choice of the assurance provider as well as the scope and level of assurance. In this study, the relationship between corporate sustainability performance (CSP) and choices related to SA is explored.

Using a panel data set of 4686 listed companies (from 21 European and North American countries) during the period 2009–2014, the results indicate that companies with a superior CSP are more likely to employ third parties to provide assurance on their sustainability reports than companies with an inferior sustainability performance. For companies that employ third parties to provide assurance, we also find that, among the companies headquartered in the more shareholder‐oriented countries, CSP plays a significant role in explaining variation in the choice of the assurance provider, while predominantly in the more stakeholder‐oriented countries, companies with a good CSP are more likely to choose a broader assurance scope than companies with a poor CSP. The results support the notion that companies with a superior CSP make different choices related to SA than companies with an inferior CSP. The results also indicate that country‐specific characteristics are important for understanding the variation in choices related to SA. We discuss the findings and their implications. © 2017 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Factors Affecting Purchase Intention and Social Media Publicity of Green Products: The Mediating Role of Concern for Consequences
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Mohsin , Ali Bakhtiar , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil , Thurasamy Ramayah , Amin Naila
Published: August 2017

The emerging concern for the environment, particularly in consumer products, has grabbed the attention of both practitioners and academics equally. With the aid of new communication tools such as social media, the concern for the environment has been widely shared. The motivation behind consumer behaviour towards environmentally friendly green products is different compared to general non‐green products. The present study explored the factors that determine the purchase intention of green products and publicity on social media. The mediating role of concern for consequences and the moderating role of economic factors was also analysed. A total of 347 consumers were sampled in the present study by means of systematic sampling from cosmetic stores. Structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 3 software was employed to analyse the data of the present study. Notably, the mediating role of concern for consequences and economic factor are supported. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Error probability independent delay analysis of single electronics circuits
Authors: Jain Amit , Ghosh Arpita , Dutta Pranab Kishore , Singh N. Basanta , Sarkar Subir Kumar
Published: August 2017

This study based on Poisson process and orthodox theory of single electron tunneling for the first time proposes an error probability independent delay model for delay calculation of single electronics circuits, involving multiple tunneling events. The Poisson process assumes that the tunneling events are independent of each other, but in real single electronics circuits they are correlated through space and time, so this effect has been considered and included in the proposed model. The dependence of tunneling rates on the logic transition is thoroughly investigated. Finally, the model is applied to different logic gates, and the result is compared with the well known Monte Carlo approach to prove the accuracy of the proposed model.
Directing the Cation Recognition Ability of Calix[4]arenes toward Asymmetric Phase‐Transfer Catalysis
Authors: De Simone Nicola Alessandro , Schettini Rosaria , Talotta Carmen , Gaeta Carmine , Izzo Irene , Della Sala Giorgio , Neri Placido
Published: August 2017

The recognition abilities of chiral calixarene hosts toward alkali cation guests have been exploited for the first time in asymmetric phase‐transfer catalysis. The binding affinities of a series of chiral α‐methylbenzylamine‐derived calix[4]arene‐amides toward Na+ guest have been determined by 1H NMR spectroscopic titration experiments. The good apparent association constant values are consistent with the macrocycles' catalytic efficiency in the asymmetric alkylation reaction of N‐(diphenylmethylene)glycine esters under phase‐transfer conditions.
CABI's innovative use of technology, data, and knowledge transfer to reduce crop losses in the developing world
Authors: Powell Andrea
Published: August 2017

CABI is a not‐for‐profit, knowledge‐based organization with a mission to improve livelihoods by solving problems in agriculture and the environment. It aims to achieve impact at scale by combining modern ICTs with knowledge management skills and the ability to bridge the gap between research and the practical application of scientific knowledge. The global Plantwise program, led by CABI, aims to reduce crop losses by focusing on improving plant health information services throughout the developing world, where up to 80% of the world's food is produced. Its aim is to “lose less and feed more” by providing appropriate, authoritative, and practical information to farmers through a network of face‐to‐face plant clinics, backed up by a vast Knowledge Bank of factsheets, distribution maps, images, and pest management toolkits. Introducing simple Android tablets into the Plantwise plant clinics, backed up by mobile phone advisory services, has built capacity in farmer communities, increased the speed with which new pests and diseases can be identified and improved the quality of the diagnoses and advice provided by the Plant Doctors. As the Plantwise network grows, the data collected and held in the Knowledge Bank can be analyzed and combined with other sources to provide new insights and tools to address the challenges of increasing productivity and adapting to climate change. As a partner in the GODAN initiative, CABI is also collaborating with other data providers to seek solutions to the world's agricultural challenges and to build the digital skills needed to drive the data revolution.
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in combination with pomalidomide can overcome refractoriness to both agents in multiple myeloma: A case‐based approach
Authors: Baertsch Marc‐Andrea , Hundemer Michael , Hillengass Jens , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Raab Marc S.
Published: August 2017

In multiple myeloma (MM), the synergy between immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and monoclonal antibodies (MABs) has been demonstrated in several pivotal trials. However, disease refractory to either class of compounds remains a major therapeutic challenge. We here report on 3 heavily pretreated MM patients who were refractory to pomalidomide as well as to MABs against CD38 (daratumumab) or CD20 (rituximab), respectively, but who responded to retreatment with the same agents in combination. Responses were durable with PFS of 7, 10 (ongoing), and 30 months from initiation of combination treatment. The combination of IMiDs with MABs directed against MM cell surface antigens can overcome refractoriness to both agents.
Mediated pathways from maternal depression and early parenting to children's executive function and externalizing behaviour problems
Authors: Baker Claire , Kuhn Laura
Published: August 2017

Structural equation models were used to examine pathways from maternal depression and early parenting to children's executive function (EF) and externalizing behaviours in the first nationally representative study to obtain direct assessments of children's kindergarten EF skills (i.e., the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011). Preliminary analyses revealed that maternal depression was negatively related to children's EF and positively related to children's externalizing behaviour problems. However, the negative association between maternal depression and children's EF was completely mediated by maternal parenting practices (i.e., warmth and home learning stimulation). Furthermore, there was an indirect effect from maternal parenting practices to children's externalizing behaviour problems through EF, such that children with stronger EF skills had fewer externalizing behaviour problems. Findings provide support for a family process model in which warm, cognitively stimulating parenting supports children's EF, which in turn decreases externalizing behaviours.

Highlights

This study examined pathways from parent mental health to children's executive function (EF) and behaviour problems.

Maternal depression was negatively related to children's EF and positively related to children's behaviour problems.

The negative association between maternal depression and children's EF was completely mediated by maternal parenting. There was an indirect effect from maternal parenting to children's behaviour problems through EF.
Effect of Vitamin D in the Prevention of Myocardial Injury Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aslanabadi Naser , Jafaripor Iraj , Sadeghi Selda , Hamishehkar Hadi , Ghaffari Samad , Toluey Mehdi , Azizi Hanieh , Entezari‐Maleki Taher
Published: August 2017

Myocardial injury following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) occurs in about one‐third of patients and is associated with mortality. Platelet aggregation, thrombosis formation, and inflammation are the main causes of cardiac injury during PCI. Vitamin D plays a key role in the cardiovascular system by exerting antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. There is no published study that investigated the effect of vitamin D in the prevention of cardiac injury following elective PCI. In a randomized clinical trial, 99 patients admitted for elective PCI were randomized into vitamin D (n = 52) and control (n = 47) groups. The intervention group received 300 000 IU vitamin D orally 12 hours before PCI. The cardiac biomarkers were checked at baseline, 8 and 24 hours after PCI. hs‐CRP was also measured at baseline and after 24 hours. The increase in CK‐MB was documented in 20 patients (42%) in the control group and 18 patients (34.6%) in the intervention group (P = .417). Furthermore, the increase in cTnI occurred in 4 patients (8%) and 2 patients (3.3%) in the control and intervention groups, respectively (P = .419). No significant changes were noted in the level of cardiac biomarkers. In the vitamin D group, the mean difference in CK‐MB between 8 and 24 hours was significantly lower (P = .048). The mean difference in hs‐CRP was significantly lower in the vitamin D group (P = .045). This study could not show a clear effect of vitamin D in the prevention of cardiac injury during elective PCI. Further outcome‐based studies are needed to describe the role of vitamin D in the prevention of periprocedural myocardial injury.
Sleeping with a broken promise: The moderating role of generativity concerns in the relationship between psychological contract breach and insomnia among older workers
Authors: Garcia Patrick Raymund James M. , Bordia Prashant , Restubog Simon Lloyd D. , Caines Valerie
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the relationship between psychological contract breach and insomnia among older workers (aged 40 years and up). Drawing upon the conservation of resources theory, we conceptualize breach as a stressful event characterized by a perceived threat, failure to gain, or actual loss of valued resources, which increases psychological distress and insomnia. Moreover, we hypothesized that older workers' generativity concerns would act as a personal resource that would buffer the negative impact of breach. We tested our proposed model in 2 studies (Study 1 = 123; Study 2 = 168) of employee–spouse dyads. Results revealed that psychological distress mediated the relationship between psychological contract breach and insomnia. These mediated relationships were significant for those with low, but not for those with high levels of generativity concerns. These effects remained significant even after controlling for perceived organizational support (i.e., a social exchange mechanism). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A toroidal‐lens designed structure for static type table‐top floating image system with horizontal parallax function
Authors: Chou Ping‐Yen , Wu Jui‐Yi , Hsieh Po‐Yuan , Chen Chun‐Ho , Yu Zih‐Sin , Tai Chun‐Hsin , Huang Yi‐Pai
Published: August 2017

A new structure of horizontal parallax table‐top floating image system with toroidal‐lens optical film was developed. In this design, the circular arranged pico‐projectors limit the angular resolution of this system and display the floating image for surrounding viewing zones. In addition, the pinhole array and toroidal‐lens layer compose the optical film in the system and correspond with each other; both of them could be considered as a repeatable unit to control the spatial resolution of image. After passing through the optical film, the direction, position, shape, and divergence angle of light field could be controlled as fan ray, which has a widely scattered angle in latitude and high directivity in longitude direction. Moreover, to confirm the optical properties, the proposed structure was built in the commercially optical software, LightTools v8.3, which is widely used in the simulation of light distribution. Based on the imaging principle and the inverse light tracking method, displaying floating image with circular viewing zones would be achieved.
The migratory bird treaty and a century of waterfowl conservation
Authors: Anderson Michael G. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Batt Bruce D. J. , Blohm Robert J. , Higgins Kenneth F. , Perry Matthew C. , Ringelman James K. , Sedinger James S. , Serie Jerome R. , Sharp David E. , Trauger David L. , Williams Christopher K.
Published: August 2017

In the final decades of the nineteenth century, concern was building about the status of migratory bird populations in North America. In this literature review, we describe how that concern led to a landmark conservation agreement in 1916, between the United States and Great Britain (on behalf of Canada) to conserve migratory birds shared by Canada and the United States. Drawing on published literature and our personal experience, we describe how subsequent enabling acts in both countries gave rise to efforts to better estimate population sizes and distributions, assess harvest rates and demographic impacts, design and fund landscape‐level habitat conservation initiatives, and organize necessary political and regulatory processes. Executing these steps required large‐scale thinking, unprecedented regional and international cooperation, ingenuity, and a commitment to scientific rigor and adaptive management. We applaud the conservation efforts begun 100 years ago with the Migratory Bird Treaty Convention. The agreement helped build the field of wildlife ecology and conservation in the twentieth century but only partially prepares us for the ecological and social challenges ahead. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Characterizing and eliminating errors in enhancement and subtraction artifacts in dynamic contrast‐enhanced breast MRI: Chemical shift artifact of the third kind
Authors: Derakhshan Jamal J. , McDonald Elizabeth S. , Siegelman Evan S. , Schnall Mitchell D. , Wehrli Felix W.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To characterize errors in enhancement in breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI studies as a function of echo time and determine the source of dark band artifacts in clinical subtraction images.

Methods

Computer simulations, oil and water substitute (methylene chloride), as well as an American College of Radiology quality control phantom were tested. Routine clinical DCE breast MRI study was bracketed with (accelerated) in‐phase DCE acquisitions in five patients.

Results

Simulation results demonstrated up to −160% suppression of the expected enhancement caused by differential enhancement of fat and water. Two‐dimensional gradient‐recalled echo and fat‐suppressed 3D GRE phantom imaging confirmed the simulation results and showed that fat suppression does not eliminate the artifact. In vivo in‐phase DCE images showed increased enhancement consistent with predictions and also confirmed increased spatial blurring on in‐phase 3D gradient‐recalled echo images. Combined multi‐dimensional partial Fourier and parallel imaging provided a time‐equivalent in‐phase DCE MRI acquisition.

Conclusion

Errors in expected enhancement occur in DCE breast MRI subtraction images because of differential enhancement of fat and water and incomplete fat signal suppression. These errors can lead to artificial suppression of enhancement as well as dark band artifacts on subtraction images. These artifacts can be eliminated with a time‐equivalent in‐phase fat‐suppressed 3D gradient‐recalled echo sequence. Understanding chemical shift artifact of the third kind, a unique artifact of artificial enhancement suppression in the presence of intravoxel fat and water signal, will aid DCE breast MRI image interpretation. In‐phase acquisitions (combined with simultaneous minimum echo time or opposed‐phase echoes) may facilitate qualitative, quantitative and longitudinal analysis of contrast enhancement. Magn Reson Med 79:2277–2289, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Intraprostatic botulinum toxin type “A” injection in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and unsatisfactory response to medical therapy: A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial using urodynamic evaluation
Authors: Totaro Angelo , Pinto Francesco , Pugliese Dario , Vittori Matteo , Racioppi Marco , Foschi Nazario , Bassi Pier Francesco , Sacco Emilio
Published: August 2017

Aims

The injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BTA) into the prostate represents a minimally invasive treatment in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We evaluated the effectiveness of BTA in treating patients with BPH unresponsive to combined medical therapy (CMT), using urodynamic investigations.

Methods

This is a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double blind trial. Twenty consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive intraprostatic BTA injection (n = 10) or saline solution (SS) (n = 10). Patients in the intervention group (IG) received 200‐300 UI of BTA diluted in 6‐8 mL of SS and injected into the transitional zone. Patients in the control group (CG) were treated with SS alone. Primary endpoint was International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Secondary endpoints were: maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), safety, quality of life (QoL) score, and Patient Reported Outcome (PROs).

Results

All patients in the IG reported subjective improvement starting after 1 month. At 3 months of follow‐up IPSS, QoL, PVR were reduced by 55,3% (P < 0.01), and 50% (P < 0.01), 80,6%, (P < 0.01), respectively. Qmax was increased by 68% (P < 0.01). MCC increased by 27% (P < 0.01) and BOOI decreased by 54% (P < 0.01). PROs analysis revealed that 90% of patients in the IG reported a subjective symptomatic relief and treatment satisfaction. No local or systemic side effects were observed in any group.

Conclusions

These results indicated that intraprostatic BTA is safe and can improve LUTS and QoL in patients with BPH and unsatisfactory response to CMT.
User‐independent diffusion tensor imaging analysis pipelines in a rat model presenting ventriculomegalia: A comparison study
Authors: Akakpo Luis , Pierre Wyston C. , Jin Chen , Londono Irène , Pouliot Philippe , Lodygensky Gregory A.
Published: August 2017

Automated analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data is an appealing way to process large datasets in an unbiased manner. However, automation can sometimes be linked to a lack of interpretability. Two whole‐brain, automated and voxelwise methods exist: voxel‐based analysis (VBA) and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). In VBA, the amount of smoothing has been shown to influence the results. TBSS is free of this step, but a projection procedure is introduced to correct for residual misalignments. This projection assigns the local highest fractional anisotropy (FA) value to the mean FA skeleton, which represents white matter tract centers. For both methods, the normalization procedure has a major impact. These issues are well documented in humans but, to our knowledge, not in rodents. In this study, we assessed the quality of three different registration algorithms (ANTs SyN, DTI‐TK and FNIRT) using study‐specific templates and their impact on automated analysis methods (VBA and TBSS) in a rat pup model of diffuse white matter injury presenting large unilateral deformations. VBA and TBSS results were stable and anatomically coherent across the three pipelines. For VBA, in regions around the large deformations, interpretability was limited because of the increased partial volume effect. With TBSS, two of the three pipelines found a significant decrease in axial diffusivity (AD) at the known injury site. These results demonstrate that automated voxelwise analyses can be used in an animal model with large deformations.
Tsallis entropy in dual homogenization of random composites using the stochastic finite element method
Authors: Kamiński Marcin
Published: August 2017

This work concerns an application of the Tsallis entropy to homogenization problem of the fiber‐reinforced and also of the particle‐filled composites with random material and geometrical characteristics. Calculation of the effective material parameters is done with two alternative homogenization methods—the first is based upon the deformation energy of the Representative Volume Element (RVE) subjected to the few specific deformations, while the second uses explicitly the so‐called homogenization functions determined under periodic boundary conditions imposed on this RVE. Probabilistic homogenization is made with the use of three concurrent non‐deterministic methods, namely Monte‐Carlo simulation, iterative generalized stochastic perturbation technique as well as the semi‐analytical approach. The last two approaches are based on the Least Squares Method with polynomial basis of the statistically optimized order— this basis serves for further differentiation in the 10th‐order stochastic perturbation technique, while semi‐analytical method uses it in probabilistic integrals. These three approaches are implemented all as the extensions of the traditional Finite Element Method (FEM) with contrastively different mesh sizes, and they serve in computations of Tsallis entropies of the homogenized tensor components as the functions of input coefficient of variation.
Synthesis of PCL‐branched P(MMA‐co‐HEMA) to toughen electrospun PLLA fiber membrane
Authors: Jiang Suchen , Liu Huanchao , Zhang Xue , Ren Yajun , Cui Xinxiang , Song Xiaofeng
Published: August 2017

Electrospun biodegradable fiber mesh is a promising alternative scaffold for delivering progenitor cells for repairing damaged or diseased tissue, but its cripple mechanical stability has not met the requirement of tissue engineering yet. In this work, the well‐defined poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐branched poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PCL‐PMH) has been successfully synthesized to toughen electrospun poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) fiber membrane. Characterization of the obtained nanofibrous meshes indicates that PCL‐PMH and PLLA can be well blended to make smooth fibers, and fibrous diameter vary little with blending PCL‐PMH. The aggregation state of two macromolecules is closely correlated with blend ratio, molecular structure, and molecular weight of PCL‐PMH, and only when PCL‐PMH and PLLA form good interfacial adhesion can PMH give full play to its potential for toughening the fiber membrane. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the blend are 6.20 MPa and 63.40% under the optimal conditions, respectively, and it also exhibits the representative feature of toughness materials. The blending fiber membrane is as no cytotoxic as original PLLA. This work will provide a new way for toughness of electrospun fiber membrane in practice.
The mechanical properties of damping rubber reinforced by Wrap Knitted Spacer Fabric
Authors: Li Qiuying , Wang Haoqiu , Yin Peng , Sun Lewen , Wu Chifei
Published: August 2017

Damping rubber, which is a blend of chlorinated isobutylene isoprene rubber (CIIR) and micromolecule resins (petroleum resins or rosin resins), was impregnated onto Wrap Knitted Spacer Fabric (WKSF) through solution method in order to produce damping rubber/WKSF composites. CIIR‐grafted–(maleic anhydride) (abbreviated as CIIR‐g‐MAH) was synthesized and used as a novel compatibilizer for damping rubber/WKSF composites. The loss tangent factor (tan δ) values decreased and the tan δ peak moved to a lower temperature after WKSF was added. The tensile strength of the damping rubber was improved significantly with the skeleton structure of WKSF. The addition of CIIR‐g‐MAH increased the tensile strength further. Interfacial shear strength showed strong interactive interface between the matrix and the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber of WKSF after the addition of CIIR‐g‐MAH. Scanning electron microscopy showed the morphology of the fracture surface and the interfacial compatibilization mechanism was investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4434–4441, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aqueous self‐assembly of pullulan‐b‐poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) double hydrophilic block copolymers
Authors: Willersinn Jochen , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: August 2017

The self‐assembly of a novel double hydrophilic block copolymer in water without the application of external triggers is described, namely pullulan‐b‐poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (Pull‐b‐PEtOx). The biomacromolecules, Pull (8–38 kg mol−1), is modified and conjugated to biocompatible PEtOx (22 kg mol−1) via modular conjugation. Moreover, the molecular weight of the Pull blocks are varied to investigate the effect of molecular weight on the self‐assembly behavior. Spherical particles with sizes between 300 and 500 nm are formed in diluted aqueous solution (0.1–1.0 wt %) as observed via dynamic light scattering and static light scattering. Additionally, cryo scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy are performed to support the finding from light scattering. The block ratio study shows an optimum ratio of Pull and PEtOx of 0.4/0.6 for self‐assembly in water in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 wt %. At higher concentrations of 20 wt %, vesicular structures with sizes above 1 µm can be observed via optical microscopy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3757–3766
Effect of nematic ordering on the elasticity and yielding in disordered polymeric solids
Authors: Giuntoli Andrea , Calonaci Nicola , Bernini Sebastiano , Leporini Dino
Published: August 2017

The relation between elasticity and yielding is investigated in a model polymer solid by Molecular‐Dynamics simulations. By changing the bending stiffness of the chain and the bond length, semicrystalline and disordered glassy polymers — both with bond disorder — as well as nematic glassy polymers with bond ordering are obtained. It is found that in systems with bond disorder the ratio τY/G between the shear yield strength τY and the shear modulus G is close to the universal value of the atomic metallic glasses. The increase of the local nematic order in glasses leads to the increase of the shear modulus and the decrease of the shear yield strength, as observed in experiments on nematic thermosets. A tentative explanation of the subsequent reduction of the ratio τY/G in terms of the distributions of the per‐monomer stress is offered. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1760–1769
Longitudinal and Hall Transport in Amorphous InGaZnO4 Films Prepared by rf Sputtering Method
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xie Xin‐Jian , Zhang Xing‐Hua , Liu Xin‐Dian , Li Zhi‐Qing
Published: August 2017

We systematically investigated the temperature behaviors of the electrical conductivity and Hall coefficient of two series of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxides (a‐IGZO) films prepared by rf sputtering method. The two series of films are ∼700 and ∼25 nm thick, respectively. For each film, the conductivity increases with decreasing temperature from 300 K down to , where , ranging from ∼90 to ∼115 K for our films, is the temperature at which the conductivity reaches its maximum. Below , the conductivity decreases with decreasing temperature. Both the conductivity and Hall coefficient vary linearly with at low temperature regime. The behaviors of conductivity and Hall coefficient cannot be explained by the traditional electron–electron interaction theory, but can be quantitatively described by the current electron‐electron theory due to the presence of granularity. Combining with the scanning electron microscopy images of the films, we propose that the boundaries between the neighboring a‐IGZO particles could make the film inhomogeneous and play an important role in the electron transport processes.
Influence of Nickel Catalyst Morphology on Layer‐Exchange‐Based Carbon Crystallisation of Ni/a‐C Bilayers
Authors: Janke Daniel , Hulman Martin , Wenisch Robert , Gemming Sibylle , Rafaja David , Krause Matthias
Published: August 2017

Metal‐induced crystallisation with layer exchange is applied on Ni/C bilayer stacks deposited by three PVD techniques on SiO2. The layer stacks were deposited at room temperature by either ion beam sputtering, direct current magnetron sputtering or high‐power impulse magnetron sputtering. The influence of the Ni morphology on the layer exchange degree αLE and the resulting graphitic ordering is studied by atomic force microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The initial RMS roughness of the Ni top layer varied with the deposition technique by a factor of 20, from 0.3 to 6.1 nm.

After annealing in UHV at up to 700 °C, layer exchange was observed for all samples. Still, the layer exchange degree was affected by the roughness of the initial bilayer stack. The highest value of 96% was achieved for magnetron‐sputtered samples, what is by ∼35% higher than for the initially roughest Ni surfaces. Raman spectroscopy showed the formation of graphitic carbon, characterised by a strong 2D line, for all three bilayer stacks. The degree of graphitic ordering increased with decreasing Ni surface roughness.
First‐Principles Study of Superconducting ScRhP and ScIrP pnictides
Authors: Nasir M. T. , Hadi M. A. , Rayhan M. A. , Ali M. A. , Hossain M. M. , Roknuzzaman M. , Naqib S. H. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Uddin M. M. , Ostrikov K.
Published: August 2017

For the first time, we have reported in this study an ab initio investigation on elastic properties, Debye temperature, Mulliken population, Vickers hardness, and charge density of the two recently synthesized superconducting ScRhP and ScIrP pnictides. The optimized cell parameters show fair agreement with the experimental results. The mechanical stability of both ternary phosphides is confirmed via the calculated elastic constants. Both compounds are ductile in nature and damage tolerant. ScIrP is expected to be elastically more anisotropic than ScRhP. The estimated value of Debye temperature predicts that ScRhP is thermally more conductive than ScIrP and the phonon frequency in ScRhP is higher than that in ScIrP. Both pnictides are soft and easily machinable due to their low Vickers hardness. Moreover, the hardness of ScRhP is lower due to the presence of antibonding Rh–Rh in ScRhP. The metallic conductivity of ScRhP reduces significantly when Rh is replaced with Ir. The main contribution to the total density of states (TDOS) at Fermi‐level (EF) comes from d‐electrons of Sc and Rh/Ir in both pnictides. These two ternary compounds are characterized mainly by metallic and covalent bonding with little ionic contribution. The calculated superconducting transition temperatures fairly coincide with the reported measured values.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, and Anti‐inflammatory Activities of Four Amazonian Byrsonima Species
Authors: Guilhon‐Simplicio Fernanda , Machado Tallita Marques , do Nascimento Leandro Flores , Souza Rayanne da Silva , Koolen Hector Henrique Ferreira , da Silva Felipe Moura Araújo , Acho Leonard Domingo Rosales , dos Santos Adair Roberto Soares , Cos Paul , Pereira Maria de Meneses , Lima Emerson Silva
Published: August 2017

Species of the Byrsonima genus are widely used in Brazil, especially for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, species from the Amazonian region are still poorly studied. Thus, we studied the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti‐inflammatory activities of for Amazonian species, Byrsonima crispa, Byrsonima duckeana, Byrsonima garcibarrigae, and Byrsonima incarnata. Phenolic composition was determined by chemical and chromatographic methods. The aqueous extracts were evaluated in DPPH•, ABTS+•, and superoxide (O2•−) tests, LPS‐activated macrophage assay, and formalin test. All species contained a high phenolic and flavonoid content. We identified 15 phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and catechins. The extracts showed high antioxidant activity and were more active than quercetin at inhibiting nitric oxide release in the LPS‐activated macrophage assay. B. duckeana and B. garcibarrigae showed higher in vivo antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. B. garcibarrigae presented significant effect on the early phase of the formalin test, pointing to an antinociceptive mechanism distinct from traditional anti‐inflammatory medicines. In conclusion, the pharmacological potential of these species is closely related to their flavonoid‐rich chemical composition, which seems to act through antioxidant mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Curcumin and Curcumin–Phospholipid Complex on the Serum Pro‐oxidant–Antioxidant Balance in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ghazimoradi Maryam , Saberi‐Karimian Maryam , Mohammadi Farzane , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Tavallaie Shima , Safarian Hamideh , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Moohebati Mohsen , Esmaeili Habibollah , Ahmadinejad Malihe
Published: August 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by a clustering of metabolic and anthropometric abnormalities and is associated by an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We have investigated the effect of curcumin supplementation on the serum pro‐oxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) in patients with MetS. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted over 6 weeks. Subjects (n = 120) were randomly allocated to one of three groups (curcumin, phospholipidated curcumin, and placebo). The curcumin group received 1 g/day of simple curcumin, the phospholipidated curcumin group received 1 g/day of phospholipidated curcumin (containing 200 mg of pure curcumin), and the control group received 1 g/day of placebo. Serum PAB was measured before and after the intervention (at baseline and at 6 weeks). Data analyses were performed using spss software (version 16.0). Serum PAB increased significantly in the curcumin group (p < 0.001), but in the phospholipidated curcumin group, elevation of PAB level was not significant (p = 0.053). The results of our study did not suggest any improvement of PAB following supplementation with curcumin in MetS subjects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Gut Modulatory and Bronchodilator Activities of Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Authors: Rahman Hafiz Muhammad Abdur , Bashir Samra , Mandukhail Safur Rehman , Huda Sohaib , Gilani Anwarul Hassan
Published: August 2017

Achyranthes aspera L. is traditionally used to relieve constipation, diarrhea, and asthma. Its crude extract (Aa.Cr) was evaluated through in vivo and ex vivo experiments to rationalize these medicinal uses of A. aspera and to provide their scientific basis. Aa.Cr, at 3 and 10 mg/kg, increased fecal output, similar to castor oil, whereas at 30, 100, 300, and 700 mg/kg, it protected against castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice when administered orally. Aa.Cr caused spasmogenic effect on rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum preparations, which was partially inhibited by atropine while completely blocked by cyproheptadine preincubation. Aa.Cr also relaxed high K+ (80 mM)‐induced contraction in rabbit jejunum. Aa.Cr inhibited CCh (100 μg/kg)‐induced bronchospasm in rats, similar to aminophylline. Like dicyclomine, Aa.Cr relaxed high K+ and CCh (1 μM)‐induced contractions in guinea pig trachea and caused rightwards parallel shift of CCh concentration–response curves at the lower concentrations followed by non‐parallel shift at the higher concentrations. On activity‐directed fractionation, spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Aa.Cr were concentrated in aqueous and organic fraction, respectively. This study suggests the presence of dose‐specific laxative and antidiarrheal effects in A. aspera, possibly mediated through cyproheptadine‐sensitive receptors and dual cholinergic and calcium channel blockade, respectively. The latter combination is also a suggested mechanism underlying its bronchodilator effect. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampled‐data control of a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems in nonstrict‐feedback form
Authors: Mao Jun , Guo Jian , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the stabilization problem of sampled‐data output feedback for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems in nonstrict‐feedback form. An observer is designed to estimate the unmeasured states, and a sampled‐data controller is obtained by discretizing the virtual controller that is constructed via the dynamic surface control method. It is proved that the designed sampled‐data controller can render all states of the resulting closed‐loop system to converge to a neighborhood of the origin for the arbitrary switching signal, and an allowable sampling period is also given. Finally, 2 examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Combining walking and relaxation for stress reduction—A randomized cross‐over trial in healthy adults
Authors: Matzer Franziska , Nagele Eva , Lerch Nikolaus , Vajda Christian , Fazekas Christian
Published: August 2017

Both physical activity and relaxation have stress‐relieving potential. This study investigates their combined impact on the relaxation response while considering participants' initial stress level.

In a randomized cross‐over trial, 81 healthy adults completed 4 types of short‐term interventions for stress reduction, each lasting for 1 hr: (1) physical activity (walking) combined with resting, (2) walking combined with balneotherapy, (3) combined resting and balneotherapy, and (4) resting only. Saliva cortisol, blood pressure, state of mood, and relaxation were measured preintervention and postintervention. Stress levels were determined by validated questionnaires.

All interventions were associated with relaxation responses in the variables saliva cortisol, blood pressure, state of mood, and subjective relaxation. No significant differences were found regarding the reduction of salivary cortisol (F = 1.30; p = .281). The systolic blood pressure was reduced best when walking was combined with balneotherapy or resting (F = 7.34; p < .001). Participants with high stress levels (n = 25) felt more alert after interventions including balneotherapy, whereas they reported an increase of tiredness when walking was combined with resting (F = 3.20; p = .044).

Results suggest that combining physical activity and relaxation (resting or balneotherapy) is an advantageous short‐term strategy for stress reduction as systolic blood pressure is reduced best while similar levels of relaxation can be obtained.