bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superhydrophobic Fabrics for Oil/Water Separation Based on the Metal–Organic Charge‐Transfer Complex CuTCNAQ
Authors: Hoshyargar Faegheh , Mahajan Manika , Anuradha  , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Kyratzis Louis , Bhatt Anand I. , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: February 2016

The fabrication of a superhydrophobic nylon textile based on the organic charge‐transfer complex CuTCNAQ (TCNAQ=11,11,12,12‐tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane) is reported. The nylon fabric, which is metallized with copper, undergoes a spontaneous chemical reaction with TCNAQ dissolved in acetonitrile to form nanorods of CuTCNAQ that are intertwined over the entire surface of the fabric. This creates the necessary micro‐ and nanoscale roughness that often allows the Cassie–Baxter state to be obtained with high robustness, thereby achieving a superhydrophobic/superoleophilic surface without the need for a fluorinated surface. The material is characterized with SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and investigated for its ability to separate oil and water in two modes, namely through filtration and as an absorbent material. It is found that the fabric can separate dichloromethane, olive oil, and crude oil from water, and reduce the water content of the oil during the separation process. The fabric is reusable, highly durable, and tolerant to conditions such as seawater, hydrochloric acid, and extensive time periods on the shelf. Given that CuTCNAQ is a copper‐based semiconductor, there may also be the possibility of other uses in areas such as photocatalysis and antibacterial applications.
Protection or Vulnerability? A Meta‐Analysis of the Relations Between the Positive and Negative Components of Self‐Compassion and Psychopathology
Authors: Muris Peter , Petrocchi Nicola
Published: February 2016

Self‐compassion is increasingly explored as a protective factor in relation to psychopathology. The Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS) and its Short Form variant (SCS‐SF) are the most widely used instruments for measuring this psychological construct, and previous studies have indeed shown that the total score of this scale is negatively associated with psychopathology. In this article, we point out that half of the items of the SCS and SCS‐SF are positive indicators of self‐compassion and directly refer to the three key components of self‐kindness, common humanity and mindfulness, while the other half of the items are negative indicators of the construct and reflect the precise opposite of the key components, namely self‐judgment, isolation and over‐identification. A meta‐analysis was conducted including 18 studies that reported on the positive and negative indicators of self‐compassion as indexed by the SCS/SCS‐SF and their relations to various types of psychopathology. Results showed that positive indicators of self‐compassion were negatively associated with psychopathology, which confirms their hypothesized protective influence. However, the negative indicators were positively linked to psychopathology, suggesting that these scales tap increased vulnerability to mental health problems. Moreover, tests comparing the strength of the relations between various SCS/SCS‐SF counterparts (i.e., self‐kindness versus self‐judgment, common humanity versus isolation and mindfulness versus over‐identification) and psychopathology showed that the negative indicators were significantly stronger linked to mental health problems than the positive indicators. This provides support for the idea that the use of a total self‐compassion score of the SCS or SCS‐SF, which typically includes the reversely scored negative subscales, will probably result in an inflated relationship with symptoms of psychopathology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐Phase Reactions of Glyceraldehyde and 1,3‐Dihydroxyacetone as Models for Levoglucosan Conversion during Biomass Gasification
Authors: Fukutome Asuka , Kawamoto Haruo , Saka Shiro
Published: February 2016

Levoglucosan, the major intermediate in wood gasification, is decomposed selectively to C1/C2 fragments at 550–600 °C. Kinetic analyses suggest that radical chain mechanisms with the involvement of short‐lived carbonyl intermediates explain the lower production of larger fragments. To address this hypothesis, the gas‐phase reactivities of glyceraldehyde (Gald), 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and glycerol, as simple C3 model compounds, were compared at 400–800 °C under N2 flow at residence times of 0.9–1.4 s. Retro‐aldol fragmentation and dehydration proceeded for the pyrolysis of Gald/DHA at 400 °C, far below the 600 °C decomposition point of glycerol. Pyrolysis of Gald/DHA generated exclusively syngas (CO and H2). On the basis of the results of theoretical calculations, the effects of carbonyl intermediates on reactivity were explained by postulating uni‐ and bimolecular reactions, although the bimolecular reactions became less effective at elevated temperatures.
L2 Spelling Errors in Italian Children with Dyslexia
Authors: Palladino Paola , Cismondo Dhebora , Ferrari Marcella , Ballagamba Isabella , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: February 2016

The present study aimed to investigate L2 spelling skills in Italian children by administering an English word dictation task to 13 children with dyslexia (CD), 13 control children (comparable in age, gender, schooling and IQ) and a group of 10 children with an English learning difficulty, but no L1 learning disorder. Patterns of difficulties were examined for accuracy and type of errors, in spelling dictated short and long words (i.e. disyllables and three syllables). Notably, CD were poor in spelling English words. Furthermore, their errors were mainly related with phonological representation of words, as they made more ‘phonologically’ implausible errors than controls. In addition, CD errors were more frequent for short than long words. Conversely, the three groups did not differ in the number of plausible (‘non‐phonological’) errors, that is, words that were incorrectly written, but whose reading could correspond to the dictated word via either Italian or English rules. Error analysis also showed syllable position differences in the spelling patterns of CD, children with and English learning difficulty and control children. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SnO2@N‐Doped Carbon Hollow Nanoclusters for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Li Lu , Zhang Lingyu , Chai Fang , Wang Tingting , Li Zilu , Xie Haiming , Wang Chungang , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue are Chungang Wang and Zhongmin Su from the Northeast Normal University, Changchun, and Fang Chai from the Harbin Normal University, Harbin, P. R. China. The cover image shows monodisperse SnO2@N‐doped carbon hollow nanoclusters that enhance the performance of lithium‐ion batteries.
Application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbents for the extraction of mycotoxins in water samples and infant milk formula prior to high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Socas‐Rodríguez Bárbara , González‐Sálamo Javier , Hernández‐Borges Javier , Rodríguez Delgado Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2016

In this work, a simple and environmental friendly methodology has been developed for the analysis of a group of six mycotoxins with estrogenic activity produced by Fusarium species (i.e. zearalanone, zearalenone, α‐zearalanol, β‐zearalanol, α‐zearalenol, and β‐zearalenol), using microdispersive SPE (μ‐dSPE) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbent. Separation, determination, and quantification were achieved by HPLC coupled to ion trap MS with an ESI interface. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of µ‐dSPE such as pH of the sample, amount of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and type and volume of elution solvent, were studied and optimized. The methodology was validated for mineral, pond, and wastewater as well as for powdered infant milk using 17β‐estradiol‐2,4,16,16,17‐d5 (17β‐E2‐D5) as internal standard, obtaining recoveries ranging from 85 to 120% for the three types of water samples and from 77 to 115% for powdered infant milk. RSD values were lower than 10%. The LOQs achieved were in the range 0.05–2.90 μg/L for water samples and 2.02–31.9 μg/L for powdered infant milk samples.
What keeps enrollment managers up at night?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: February 2016

On December 16, 2015, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center published a report indicating that college enrollment dropped 1.7 percent in fall 2015. The decline represented a decrease of approximately 340,000 students.
Low temperature oxidation of PCDD/Fs by TiO2‐based V2O5/WO3 catalyst
Authors: Yu Ming‐Feng , Li Xiao‐Dong , Ren Yong , Chen Tong , Lu Sheng‐Yong , Yan Jian‐Hua
Published: February 2016

Catalytic oxidation of vapor phase PCDD/Fs (polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans) by V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 catalyst at low temperature (180°C) was studied. An innovative PCDD/Fs generating system was designed to supply stable gaseous PCDD/Fs steam with initial concentration of 5.60 ng I‐TEQ Nm−3. The effects of Gas Hourly Space Velocity (GHSV), water vapor content and sulphur‐dioxide (SO2) concentration on catalytic oxidation were investigated. The destruction efficiency (DE) reaches a maximum value of 76.4% with a GHSV value of 2000 h−1. In the presence of water vapor, there are almost no changes for the RE values of PCDD/Fs. Water vapor negatively affects the destruction of PCDD/Fs. However, when 3 vol % of water vapor is introduced into the reaction system, even more PCDD/Fs are destroyed compared with the absence of water vapor. SO2 can inhibit the destruction of PCDD/Fs by poisoning catalyst. With SO2 concentration increasing from 0 to 250 ppm, DE value of PCDD/Fs significantly decreases from 68.6% to 38.8%. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1265–1273, 2016
The Early Carboniferous Xiaomiaogou granite porphyry dykes in the northern margin of the North China Craton: implication for crust–mantle interaction and intraplate magmatism
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Genhou , Lei Shibin , Qing Min , Jia Liqiong , Chang Chunjiao , Kang Jiankun , Hou Wanrong
Published: February 2016

The age, petrogenesis and geodynamic implication of Xiaomiaogou granite porphyry dykes in the northern margin of the North China Craton were investigated using geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic data. LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded the concordant 206Pb/238U weighted mean age of 350.4 ± 1.4 Ma for the dykes, suggesting they were the productions of the Early Carboniferous magmatism in the northern margin of the North China Craton. The granite porphyries display the pronounced A‐type affinities: apart from higher zircon saturation temperature, they are high‐K calc‐alkaline and metaluminous, with high concentrations of K2O + Na2O varying from 7.93 to 8.55 wt.%, incompatible elements (e.g. Zr, Y, Nb and Ce), REEs and 10 000 Ga/Al ratios but less obvious LREE and HREE fractionation. With the lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7055 to 0.7070), negative values of εNd(t) (−7.1 to −4.9) and εHf(t) (−11.2 to −8.0) and old Nd (1505 to 1681 Ma) and Hf (1861 to 2061 Ma) model ages, all the rocks exhibit the similar geochemical compositions to the melts obtained in experimental studies by dehydration melting of meta‐basalts, implying a lower continental crust origin. However, the high Mg# values (47.53 to 53.60) and subcontinental lithospheric mantle‐like εNd(t), εHf(t) and Pb isotopic compositions ((206Pb/204Pb)i = 17.296–17.766, (207Pb/204Pb)i = 15.460–15.490 and (208Pb/204Pb)i = 37.097–37.568) indicate the involvement of melts from subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Combined with the special features of mafic microgranular enclaves occurring within the granite porphyries, mixing of the lower crust and subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the North China Craton is proposed for the genesis of granite porphyry dykes in this study. During the hybrid magma ascending, pronounced fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation may have also occurred. Based on geochemical criteria, the Xiaomiaogou granite porphyries can be classified into A1 group. Characterized by the compositional features of anorogenic granites, an intraplate setting is envisaged for the formation of Xiaomiaogou granite porphyry dykes. Such a tectonic environment may be related to the northward drift of the North China Craton during rifting away from East Gondwana. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of evapotranspiration models over semi‐arid and semi‐humid areas of China
Authors: Yang Zesu , Zhang Qiang , Yang Yang , Hao Xiaocui , Zhang Hongli
Published: February 2016

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical component in the hydrological cycle. However, its actual values appear to be difficult to obtain, especially in areas in which precipitation has high inter‐annual variability. Here, we evaluated eight commonly used ET models in semi‐arid and semi‐humid areas of China. The order of overall performance from best to worst is as follows: the revised Priestley–Taylor model (PT‐JPL, 0.71, 1.65 [18.37%], 4.72 [49.19%]), the modified PT‐JPL model (M1‐PT‐JPL, 0.67, −0.68 [7.56%], 3.87 [40.31%]), the Community Land Model (CLM, 0.68, −2.52 [28.01%], 5.10 [53.17%]), the modified PT‐JPL model (M2‐PT‐JPL, 0.63, 0.57 [6.27%], 5.04 [52.52%]), the revised Penman–Monteith model (RS‐PM, 0.62, 3.56 [37.40%], 6.11 [63.68%]), an empirical model (Wang, 0.59, −1.04 [11.57%], 5.61 [58.43%]), the advection‐aridity model (AA, 0.55, 5.56 [61.78%], 7.45 [77.60%]), and the energy balance model (SEBS, 0.35, 5.11 [56.72%], 9.43 [98.18%]). The performance of all of the models is comparably poor in winter and summer, except for the PT‐JPL model, and relatively good in spring and autumn. Because of the vegetation control on ET, the Wang, RS‐PM, PT‐JPL, M1‐PT‐JPL, and M2‐PT‐JPL models perform better for cropland, whereas the AA model, SEBS model and CLM perform better for grassland. The CLM, PT‐JPL, and Wang models perform better in semi‐arid region than in semi‐humid region, whereas the opposite is true for SEBS and RS‐PM. The AA, M1‐PT‐JPL, and M2‐PT‐JPL models perform similarly in semi‐arid and semi‐humid regions. When considering the inter‐annual variability in precipitation, the Wang model has relatively good performance under only some annual precipitation conditions; the performance of the PT‐JPL and AA models is reduced under conditions of high precipitation; the two modified PT‐JPL models inherited the steady performance of the PT‐JPL model and improved the performance under conditions of high annual precipitation by the modification of the soil moisture constraint. RS‐PM is more appropriate for humid conditions. CLM and PT‐JPL models could be effectively applied to all precipitation conditions because of their good performance across a wide annual precipitation range. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From discharge to readmission: Understanding the process from the patient perspective
Authors: Howard‐Anderson Jessica , Busuttil Ashley , Lonowski Sarah , Vangala Sitaram , Afsar‐manesh Nasim
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Patient engagement is critical in delivering high‐quality care. However, literature investigating patient perspectives on readmissions is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To understand patients' beliefs and attitudes about 30‐day readmissions and to elucidate areas for improvement aimed at reducing readmissions.

DESIGN

In person survey.

SETTING

Academic medical center and affiliated community hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients with 30‐day readmissions to medicine and cardiology services.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient readiness, attitudes toward readmissions, discharge instructions, ambulatory resources, and follow‐up care.

RESULTS

Of 479 eligible patients approached for interviews, 230 (48%) were interviewed. Of these, 28% reported not feeling ready for discharge, and this correlated with inadequate symptom resolution, poor pain control, and concerns about self‐care. Sixty‐five percent remembered reviewing discharge paperwork, but over 22% could not identify critical information on this paperwork. Eighty‐five percent reported having a primary doctor; however, only 56% of patients who received a contact number on discharge called a physician before returning to the hospital. One‐third of patients knew where to obtain same‐day care outside of the emergency room. Lastly, patients reported feeling more relieved than burdened upon readmission (7.7 [standard deviation {SD} 2.8) vs 5.9 [SD 3.4]; P < 0.001, scale of 1–10).

CONCLUSIONS

By engaging readmitted patients we have illuminated areas for future interventions, including better symptom management and self‐care planning before discharge, more clarity in discharge instructions, promoting awareness of outpatient resources, and improved alignment of patient and provider attitudes about readmissions. As the United States strives to reduce readmissions, attending to the patient perspective is critical in informing appropriate avenues for quality improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:407–412. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Potential effects of pleasant and cold stimuli on nausea and vomiting induced by disgusting tastes
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Dimonte Valerio
Published: February 2016

Several pharmacological agents have disgusting tastes that are perceived strongly in the back of the mouth and may trigger nausea and vomiting (NV), resulting in poor adherence to medication schedules and negative impacts on clinical outcomes. Pleasant stimuli and cold temperature lessen the disgusting stimuli, lowering NV through different mechanisms. A pleasant stimulus can mask an unpleasant one, presumably through lateral inhibitory connections in the local neuronal circuit. Similarly, temperature deeply influences taste perception because the response to bitter as well as to salty and sour has been found to assume a reversed U‐shaped form, being reduced by cooling to 18°C and enhanced by warming to 30–37°C. This Review describes the mechanisms by which pleasant and cold stimuli may mask emetogenic disgusting stimuli and identifies the potential clinical applications of cooling for inhibiting objectionable drug‐related gustatory reactions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Passive hip movement measurements related to dynamic motion during gait in hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Baker Matt , Moreside Janice , Wong Ivan , Rutherford Derek J.
Published: February 2016

Reduced sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) has been reported in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA) both during walking and passive testing. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between hip extension ROM recorded during gait and passive hip extension ROM in individuals with moderate and severe hip OA, in comparison to an asymptomatic group. Sagittal plane hip ROM was calculated using skin surface marker trajectories captured during treadmill walking at self‐selected speed. Passive hip ROM was measured using standardized position and recording procedures with a goniometer. Sagittal plane extension, flexion, and overall ROM were measured dynamically and passively. A two‐way mixed model analysis of variance determined significant differences between groups and between passive and dynamic ROM (α = 0.05). Pearson correlations determined relationships between passive and dynamic ROM. Significant group by ROM interactions were found for flexion and extension ROM (p < 0.05). For extension, the severe OA group had less dynamic and passive ROM compared to the other groups and greater passive than dynamic ROM (p < 0.05). For flexion, significant differences in passive ROM existed between all three groups (p < 0.05) whereas no differences were found for dynamic flexion (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between dynamic and passive hip extension were found in the moderate (r = 0.596) and severe OA (r = 0.586) groups, and no correlation was found in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.139). Passive ROM explains variance in dynamic ROM measurements obtained during gait in individuals with moderate and severe hip OA which have implications for the design of treatment strategies targeting walking pathomechanics. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1790–1797, 2016.
Novel measurement method on plain radiographs to predict postoperative stem anteversion in cementless THA
Authors: Weber Markus , Messmer Benedikt , Woerner Michael , Grifka Joachim , Renkawitz Tobias
Published: February 2016

Preoperative knowledge of femoral stem anteversion can reduce instability and impingement especially using the standard “cup first” technique in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we asked whether stems at risk of retroversion or high anteversion (>20°) can be detected preoperatively using hip radiographs in two planes (anteroposterior and Lauenstein). In 123 patients undergoing cementless THA using a non‐anatomic, non‐modular, straight stem, low centered hip radiographs in two planes were obtained preoperatively and three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) 6 week postoperatively. The novel developed Isthmus Ratio (iRatio) as the relation between canal isthmus and calcar isthmus in the anteroposterior and Lauenstein view was calculated by two observers twice in a 6‐week interval. iRatio was compared to postoperative 3D‐CT stem version measured by an independent and blinded, external institute. We found a correlation between mean radiographic iRatio and 3D‐CT stem torsion of r = 0.578 (p < 0.0001). The observers had excellent agreements within (ICC ≥0.918) and between (mean CCC = 0.967) radiographic iRatio measurements. Eighty‐one percent (21/26) of the retroverted cementless stems had a preoperative iRatio below 0.35 and 91% (10/11) of stems with an anteversion exceeding 20° an iRatio above 0.55, respectively. The novel iRatio represents a feasible and reliable method for analyzing anteversion of the final stem on plain radiographs before cementless THA with a straight, tapered stem. iRatios below 0.35 and above 0.55 represent a warning of retroversion and anteversion more than 20° of the final stem, respectively. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2025–2030, 2016.
Efficient continuous wave laser operation of Tb3+‐doped fluoride crystals in the green and yellow spectral regions
Authors: Metz Philip Werner , Marzahl Daniel‐Timo , Majid Ahmad , Kränkel Christian , Huber Günter
Published: February 2016

In this work Tb3+ is revisited as a laser ion for efficient visible laser operation. In detailed spectroscopic investigations of absorption and fluorescence properties we reveal, that neither the spin‐forbidden transitions nor the widespread belief of excited state absorption or upconversion into 4f75d1‐states ultimately prevent efficient visible laser operation in Tb3+‐doped fluorides. In contrast, the rise of blue semiconductor‐based pump sources enabled us to achieve slope efficiencies up to 58% around 545 nm in the green spectral region in highly Tb3+‐doped LiLuF4, LiYF4, KY3F10, β‐BaLu2F8 and LaF3 crystals. In addition, we obtained laser emission from Tb3+ in the yellow spectral region around 585 nm with slope efficiencies approaching 20%. To the best of our knowledge, these results represent the first continuous wave laser operation of Tb3+‐doped crystals and demonstration of laser oscillation on the 5D4 → 7F4‐transition in this ion.

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Definable types in algebraically closed valued fields
Authors: Cubides Kovacsics Pablo , Delon Françoise
Published: February 2016

In , Marker and Steinhorn characterized models of an o‐minimal theory such that all types over M realized in N are definable. In this article we characterize pairs of algebraically closed valued fields satisfying the same property. In o‐minimal theories, a pair of models for which all 1‐types over M realized in N are definable has already the desired property. Although it is true that if M is an algebraically closed valued field such that all 1‐types over M are definable then all types over M are definable, we build a counterexample for the relative statement, i.e., we show for any that there is a pair of algebraically closed valued fields such that all n‐types over M realized in N are definable but there is an ‐type over M realized in N which is not definable.
Ultrahuge cardinals
Authors: Tsaprounis Konstantinos
Published: February 2016

In this note, we start with the notion of a superhuge cardinal and strengthen it by requiring that the elementary embeddings witnessing this property are, in addition, sufficiently superstrong above their target . This modification leads to a new large cardinal which we call ultrahuge. Subsequently, we study the placement of ultrahugeness in the usual large cardinal hierarchy, while at the same time show that some standard techniques apply nicely in the context of ultrahuge cardinals as well.
Inverse bifurcation problems for diffusive Holling–Tanner population model
Authors: Shibata Tetsutaro
Published: February 2016

We consider the equation which is called Holling–Tanner population model
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201500144:mana201500144-math-0001where is a bifurcation parameter and are unknown constants. In this paper, we determine the unknown constants from the asymptotic behavior of the bifurcation curve , where .
Revascularization of the femoral head by anastomosis of superior retinacular vessels for the treatment of femoral neck fracture: A case report
Authors: Zhao Dewei , Wang Zihua , Wang Benjie , Qiu Xing , Liu Baoyi , Yang Lei , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this report is to present a method of revascularization of the femoral head for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in a young adult. The patient is a 22‐year‐old male with the femoral neck fracture of Garden type III. We performed an open reduction with internal fixation of the fracture and repaired the superior retinacular vessels using microsurgical techniques to achieve revascularization to the femoral head. A desensitized‐digital subtraction angiography examination showed that the blood supply from the superior retinacular artery to the femoral head was re‐established three months after surgery. The X‐ray showed that the femoral head had a normal shape without any necrotic lesions or sclerotic changes at four months follow‐up and the bone achieved good union without redisplacement of the fracture site. This case showed that revascularization of the femoral head by microsurgery could be feasible in treatment of certain type of femoral neck fracture. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:426–429, 2016.
Investigating tumor perfusion by hyperpolarized 13C MRI with comparison to conventional gadolinium contrast‐enhanced MRI and pathology in orthotopic human GBM xenografts
Authors: Park Ilwoo , von Morze Cornelius , Lupo Janine M. , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen Jan H. , Kadambi Achuta , Vigneron Daniel B. , Nelson Sarah J.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enables the acquisition of 13C magnetic resonance data with a high sensitivity. Recently, metabolically inactive hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled compounds have shown to be potentially useful for perfusion imaging. The purpose of this study was to validate hyperpolarized perfusion imaging methods by comparing with conventional gadolinium (Gd)‐based perfusion MRI techniques and pathology.

Methods

Dynamic 13C data using metabolically inactive hyperpolarized bis‐1,1‐(hydroxymethyl)‐[1‐13C]cyclopropane‐d8 (HMCP) were obtained from an orthotopic human glioblastoma (GBM) model for the characterization of tumor perfusion and compared with standard Gd‐based dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI data and immunohistochemical analysis from resected brains.

Results

Distinct HMCP perfusion characteristics were observed within the GBM tumors compared with contralateral normal brain tissue. The perfusion parameters obtained from the hyperpolarized HMCP data in tumor were strongly correlated with normalized peak height measured from the DSC images. The results from immunohistochemical analysis supported these findings by showing a high level of vascular staining for tumor that exhibited high levels of hyperpolarized HMCP signal.

Conclusion

The results from this study have demonstrated that hyperpolarized HMCP data can be used as an indicator of tumor perfusion in an orthotopic xenograft model for GBM. Magn Reson Med 77:841–847, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
A numerical investigation of the incremental behavior of crushable granular soils
Authors: Ciantia M.O. , Arroyo M. , Calvetti F. , Gens A.
Published: February 2016

The mechanical behavior of granular materials is characterized by strong nonlinearity and irreversibility. These properties have been differently described by a variety of constitutive models. To test any constitutive model, experimental data relative to the nature of the incremental stress–strain response of the material is desirable. However, this type of laboratory data is scarce because of being expensive and difficult to obtain. The discrete element method has been used several times as an alternative to obtain incremental responses of granular materials. Crushable grains add one extra source of irreversibility to granular materials. Crushability has been variously incorporated into different constitutive models. Again, it will be helpful to obtain incremental responses of crushable granular materials to test these models, but the experimental difficulties are increased. Making use of a recently introduced crushing model for discrete element simulation, this paper presents a new procedure to obtain incremental responses in discrete analogs of granular crushable materials. The parallel probe approach, previously used for uncrushable discrete analogs, is here extended to account for the presence of crushable grains. The contribution of grain crushing to the incremental irreversible strain is identified and separately measured. Robustness of the proposed method is examined in detail, paying particular attention to aspects such as dynamic instability or crushing localization. The proposed procedure is later applied to map incremental responses of a discrete analog of Fontainebleau sand on the triaxial plane. The effect of stress ratio and granular state on plastic flow characteristics is highlighted. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local search metaheuristics for the critical node problem
Authors: Aringhieri Roberto , Grosso Andrea , Hosteins Pierre , Scatamacchia Rosario
Published: February 2016

We present two metaheuristics for the Critical Node Problem, that is, the maximal fragmentation of a graph through the deletion of
nodes. The two metaheuristics are based on the Iterated Local Search and Variable Neighborhood Search frameworks. Their main characteristic is to exploit two smart and computationally efficient neighborhoods which we show can be implemented far more efficiently than the classical neighborhood based on the exchange of any two nodes in the graph, and which we prove is equivalent to the classical neighborhood in the sense that it yields the same set of neighbors. Solutions to improve the overall running time without deteriorating the quality of the solution computed are also illustrated. The results of the proposed metaheuristics outperform those currently available in literature. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 67(3), 209–221 2016
Brain imaging demonstrates a reduced neural impact of eating in obesity
Authors: Puzziferri Nancy , Zigman Jeffrey M. , Thomas Binu P. , Mihalakos Perry , Gallagher Ryan , Lutter Michael , Carmody Thomas , Lu Hanzhang , Tamminga Carol A.
Published: February 2016

Objective

This study investigated functional brain response differences to food in women with BMI either <25 kg/m2 (lean) or >35 kg/m2 (severe obesity).

Design and Methods

Thirty women, 18‐65 years old, from academic medical centers participated. Baseline brain perfusion was measured with arterial spin labeling. Brain activity was measured via blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging in response to food cues, and appeal to cues was rated. Subjective hunger/fullness was reported pre‐ and post‐imaging. After a standard meal, measures were repeated.

Results

When fasting, brain perfusion did not differ significantly between groups; and both groups showed significantly increased activity in the neo‐ and limbic cortices and midbrain compared with baseline (P < 0.05, family‐wise‐error whole‐brain corrected). Once fed, the lean group showed significantly decreased activation in these areas, especially the limbic cortex, whereas the group with severe obesity showed no such decreases (P < 0.05, family‐wise‐error whole‐brain corrected). After eating, appeal ratings of food decreased only in lean women. Within groups, hunger decreased (P < 0.001) and fullness increased (P < 0.001) fasted to fed.

Conclusions

While fasting, brain response to food cues in women did not differ significantly despite BMI. After eating, brain activity quickly diminished in lean women but remained elevated in women with severe obesity. These brain activation findings confirm previous studies.
β–HCG Elevation in Wilms Tumor: An Uncommon Presentation
Authors: Gupta Aditya Kumar , Charlton Amanda , Prelog Kristina , Kellie Stewart J.
Published: February 2016

Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) is a readily diagnosed common abdominal tumor in children. Rarely, it may present with factors that may confound the diagnosis. We report a 6‐year‐old female child who presented with a rapidly growing and invasive abdominal mass with the histopathologic features of Wilms tumor associated with an elevated serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin, which has not been previously reported in this condition.
Thermosetting composites prepared using husk of pine nuts from Araucaria angustifolia
Authors: Mattos Bruno D. , de Souza Brites Queiroz Lívia M. R. , Mieko Nishidate Kumode Marina , Luiz Esteves Magalhães Washington
Published: February 2016

The high consumption of pine nuts as food leads to high amounts of husk dispensed as waste. The incorporation of the husk from pine nut into composites appears as a strategic route to explore the commercialization of the Araucaria angustifolia. The present study aims to prepare and characterize thermosetting composites of urea and phenol formaldehyde and husk of pine nuts. For this, husk particles, paraffin emulsion, ammonium sulfate, and resins, were mixed with a high‐shear mixer and then cured by flat‐pressing at 4 MPa, 120°C, for 5 min. SEM and optical images revealed good homogenization between resin and husk. DTG and DSC results showed chemical affinity between filler and matrix—tracked by shifts in the DTG peaks of the husk. The UF composites showed higher wettability and water absorption; therefore higher thickness swelling. The UF and PF composites with 30% of resin provided the greatest repellency to water, and the highest mechanical properties. It was possible to prepare composites of UF and PF resins loaded with 70% and 80% of husk from pine nuts. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:476–483, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Survey of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in seven varieties of Lappula squarrosa: An alternative source of heart‐healthy vegetable oil
Authors: Letsyo Emmanuel , Jerz Gerold , Winterhalter Peter , Horn Gert , Beuerle Till
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Growing demand for heart‐healthy omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is putting stress on wild fish stocks. There is now a compelling need for new and novel sources of non‐traditional seed oils containing high stearidonic acid (SDA), a precursor of EPA and DHA, to reduce this demand. The seed oil of Lappula squarrosa is one of the richest sources of SDA, however, the plant has been found to contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).

Objective

In this study, the PA concentrations of seven varieties (A–G) of Lappula squarrosa were analysed to determine the most suitable varieties for commercial seed oil production.

Methods

Whilst the clean‐up procedure for the PAs in the roots, flowers and leaves was on diatomaceous earth columns and finally analysed with GC‐EI‐MS, that of the seeds was through SCX‐SPE and a more sensitive HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS sum parameter method was used in the analysis.

Results

Altogether six PAs (supinine, amabiline, intermedine, lycopsamine and 3ʹ‐acetylintermedine) including one unknown retronecine‐type PA were identified with variety C recording the lowest total PA concentration (4.64 mg seneciphylline equivalents (SE)/g dry weight (d.w.)). Besides, the total PA concentrations in the seeds of Lappula squarrosa varieties ranged between 2.88 μg PA/g and 10.36 μg PA/g d.w.

Conclusion

Based solely on overall PA concentrations and PA distribution, variety D (5.95 mg SE/g d.w.) was found to be a potential candidate for commercial seed oil cultivation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Administration of Antithymocyte Globulin (Rabbit) to Treat a Severe, Mixed Rejection Episode in a Pregnant Renal Transplant Recipient
Authors: Kutzler Heather L. , Ye Xiaoyi , Rochon Caroline , Martin Spencer T.
Published: February 2016

Pregnancy in solid organ transplant recipients carries numerous risks to the mother such as increased risk of rejection, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preeclampsia. The developing fetus is subjected to risks such as birth defects, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Typically, these risks can be managed through intensive, multidisciplinary prenatal care and a proper immunosuppressive regimen. In the setting of rejection, however, little data are available to suggest safe and effective treatment of acute cellular rejection, antibody‐mediated rejection, or mixed rejection episodes in the pregnant solid organ transplant recipient. We describe the first case, to our knowledge, in which antithymocyte globulin (rabbit) was used to successfully treat a pregnant renal transplant recipient who experienced a mixed rejection episode. A 22‐year‐old, African American woman with stage 6 chronic kidney disease received a deceased donor renal transplant after undergoing hemodialysis for 3 years. Her maintenance immunosuppressive regimen at the time of transplantation consisted of tacrolimus, prednisone, and mycophenolate mofetil. Despite counseling efforts on the importance of having a planned pregnancy after kidney transplantation so that her immunosuppressive medications could be optimized, the patient became pregnant 12 months later; her mycophenolate mofetil was changed to azathioprine to reduce the risk of fetal deformities or death. Three months later, the patient was admitted for biopsy of her transplanted kidney and was evaluated for possible kidney rejection. After confirmation of a mixed 1B acute cellular rejection and antibody‐mediated rejection episode, the patient decided to pursue resolution of her rejection episode and continue the pregnancy despite the potential risks to the fetus. She was treated with high‐dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and antithymocyte globulin (rabbit). Twenty‐nine months after transplantation, the patient was induced and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Our patient's case offers unique insight into the potential management of a rejection episode requiring aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Although potent immunosuppressive therapies were successfully used in our patient, further studies are needed to make definitive recommendations regarding the use of such therapies for treatment of rejection episodes in pregnant solid organ transplant recipients. The risks and uncertainties of treating rejection episodes should always be discussed with and understood by the patient before an informed decision is made.
Daikenchuto (TU‐100) shapes gut microbiota architecture and increases the production of ginsenoside metabolite compound K
Authors: Hasebe Takumu , Ueno Nobuhiro , Musch Mark W. , Nadimpalli Anuradha , Kaneko Atsushi , Kaifuchi Noriko , Watanabe Junko , Yamamoto Masahiro , Kono Toru , Inaba Yuhei , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kohgo Yutaka , Chang Eugene B.
Published: February 2016

Many pharmaceutical agents not only require microbial metabolism for increased bioavailability and bioactivity, but also have direct effects on gut microbial assemblage and function. We examined the possibility that these actions are not mutually exclusive and may be mutually reinforcing in ways that enhance long‐term of these agents. Daikenchuto, TU‐100, is a traditional Japanese medicine containing ginseng. Conversion of the ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) to bioactive compound K (CK) requires bacterial metabolism. Diet‐incorporated TU‐100 was administered to mice over a period of several weeks. T‐RFLP and 454 pyrosequencing were performed to analyze the time‐dependent effects on fecal microbial membership. Fecal microbial capacity to metabolize Rb1 to CK was measured by adding TU‐100 or ginseng to stool samples to assess the generation of bioactive metabolites. Levels of metabolized TU‐100 components in plasma and in stool samples were measured by LC‐MS/MS. Cecal and stool short‐chain fatty acids were measured by GC‐MS. Dietary administration of TU‐100 for 28 days altered the gut microbiota, increasing several bacteria genera including members of Clostridia and Lactococcus lactis. Progressive capacity of microbiota to convert Rb1 to CK was observed over the 28 days administration of dietary TU‐100. Concomitantly with these changes, increases in all SCFA were observed in cecal contents and in acetate and butyrate content of the stool. Chronic consumption of dietary TU‐100 promotes changes in gut microbiota enhancing metabolic capacity of TU‐100 and increased bioavailability. We believe these findings have broad implications in optimizing the efficacy of natural compounds that depend on microbial bioconversion in general.
Time‐bound key‐aggregate encryption for cloud storage
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Chi , Li Chun‐Ta , Chiu Shih‐Ting , Chen Shun‐Der
Published: February 2016

Handling huge loads of data that are subject to change within every second, cloud storage services are facing the challenge of properly dealing with the problem of user legality management while making sure that the services are conveniently user‐friendly. Ideally, the concept of attribute‐based encryption should be applied, meaning that data should be able to be encrypted using some specific attributes before it is uploaded to cloud, so that fine access control is possible. However, in a traditional attribute‐based encryption scheme, the user typically needs to have different attribute‐based keys for the decryption of various pieces of data downloaded, which really is a lot of trouble. To solve this problem, the idea of key‐aggregate cryptosystem has been brought up. With key‐aggregate cryptosystem, the user gets to use one single aggregate key to decrypt data that match all the attributes specified by the user. In addition, in some cases of cloud data usage, we as users might not exactly want to share our cloud data with others 24 h a day and for as long as it gets. Therefore, in this paper, we shall propose a time‐bound key‐aggregate encryption scheme for cloud storage, together with the results of some comparisons as well as correctness and security analyses we have made to prove the superiority of our new scheme over related works. Not only will our new scheme take the burden of maintaining the attribute‐based keys off the user, but it will also provide satisfactory confidentiality and security for cloud data in a more efficient way. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemocompatibility properties of a polymer surface treated in plasma containing sulfur
Authors: Vesel Alenka , Zaplotnik Rok , Modic Martina , Mozetic Miran
Published: February 2016

Polymer polyethylene terephthalate was treated in plasmas containing sulfur to incorporate different sulfur functional groups and improve its hemocompatibility properties. Plasma was created either by SO2, H2S or an H2S/O2 mixture. Sequential treatments in H2S and O2 plasmas were also used. The surface of the treated samples was analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface hemocompatibility was tested by investigating platelet adhesion. While SO2 plasma caused functionalization of the surface with –SO3 and –SO4 functional groups, H2S plasma caused functionalization with non‐oxidized –SH2 sulfur groups, as well as sulfur deposition on the polymer surface. Addition of oxygen to the H2S gas caused a significant decrease in the amount of sulfur on the polymer surface and only minor sulfur oxidation. This observation led to the conclusion that added oxygen removed/prevented sulfur deposition on the polymer surface. Enhanced results were obtained by a sequential treatment in H2S and then O2 plasma, where oxidation of sulfur and formation of –SO and –SO2 functional groups were observed. The O2 plasma exposure had to be short enough to prevent the unwanted removal of sulfur from the surface. High platelet adhesion was observed for all plasma‐treated surfaces. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectrally selective CuS solar absorber coatings on stainless steel and aluminum
Authors: Cuevas A. , Romero R. , Dalchiele E. A. , Ramos‐Barrado J. R. , Martin F. , Leinen D.
Published: February 2016

CuS and ZrO2/CuS thin films have been deposited at 200 °C in ambient atmosphere by spray pyrolysis onto stainless steel S304 and aluminum AA1050 sheets in order to be used as prospective solar absorbers for thermal energy harvesting. Zirconia has been deposited as a top layer working as an antireflection coating increasing the solar absorption and protecting the underlying copper sulfide layer, which works as the solar light absorbing material. Solar selectivity of the samples was evaluated measuring the total hemispherical reflectivity in the ultraviolet‐visible infrared range and calculating solar absorptance and thermal emittance. The solar selectivity was optimized by tuning the film thickness of the coating stack. X‐ray diffraction, SEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses have been used to proof crystal phase, coverage, film thickness, and surface contamination of optimized samples, revealing that the copper sulfide film is CuS covellite and the optimized film thicknesses are in the range of 50 nm for the ZrO2 top layer and 140 nm for the CuS layer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.