bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endodontic Procedural Errors: Frequency, Type of Error, and the Most Frequently Treated Tooth
Authors: Yousuf Waqas , Khan Moiz , Mehdi Hasan
Published: August 2015

Introduction.The aim of this study is to determine the most common endodontically treated tooth and the most common error produced during treatment and to note the association of particular errors with particular teeth.Material and Methods.Periapical radiographs were taken of all the included teeth and were stored and assessed using DIGORA Optime. Teeth in each group were evaluated for presence or absence of procedural errors (i.e., overfill, underfill, ledge formation, perforations, apical transportation, and/or instrument separation) and the most frequent tooth to undergo endodontic treatment was also noted.Results.A total of 1748 root canal treated teeth were assessed, out of which 574 (32.8%) contained a procedural error. Out of these 397 (22.7%) were overfilled, 155 (8.9%) were underfilled, 16 (0.9%) had instrument separation, and 7 (0.4%) had apical transportation. The most frequently treated tooth was right permanent mandibular first molar (11.3%). The least commonly treated teeth were the permanent mandibular third molars (0.1%).Conclusion.Practitioners should show greater care to maintain accuracy of the working length throughout the procedure, as errors in length accounted for the vast majority of errors and special care should be taken when working on molars.
Can the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Be Delayed by a Group-Based Lifestyle Intervention in Women with Prediabetes following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)? Findings from a Randomized Control Mixed Methods Trial
Authors: O’Dea Angela , Tierney Marie , McGuire Brian E. , Newell John , Glynn Liam G. , Gibson Irene , Noctor Eoin , Danyliv Andrii , Connolly Susan B. , Dunne Fidelma P.
Published: August 2015

Objective. To evaluate a 12-week group-based lifestyle intervention programme for women with prediabetes following gestational diabetes (GDM).Design. A two-group, mixed methods randomized controlled trial in which 50 women with a history of GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance postpartum were randomly assigned to intervention (n=24) or wait control (n=26) and postintervention qualitative interviews with participants.Main Outcome Measures. Modifiable biochemical, anthropometric, behavioural, and psychosocial risk factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. The primary outcome variable was the change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) from study entry to one-year follow-up.Results. At one-year follow-up, the intervention group showed significant improvements over the wait control group on stress, diet self-efficacy, and quality of life. There was no evidence of an effect of the intervention on measures of biochemistry or anthropometry; the effect on one health behaviour, diet adherence, was close to significance.Conclusions. Prevention programmes must tackle the barriers to participation faced by this population; home-based interventions should be investigated. Strategies for promoting long-term health self-management need to be developed and tested.
Contribution to the knowledge of Terpidinae Kluge 2009 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)
Authors: KLUGE NIKITA J.
Published: August 2015

Three new species of Terpides s.str. from Peru are described as larvae, reared subimagoes and imagoes of both sexes, and eggs extracted from female imagoes: T. ornatodermis sp. n., T. echinovaris sp. n. and T. contamanensis sp. n. Besides hitherto known characters, Terpides s.str. is characterized by unusual structure of eggs and differs from Fittkaulus and Tikuna by arrangement of microtrichia and microlepides on subimaginal legs. Tergalii and eggs of Tikuna bilineata (Needham & Murphy 1924) and eggs of Fittkaulus amazonicus (Kluge 2009) are described for the first time. Comments about structure, phylogenetic position and classification of Terpidinae are given.
On the genus Limnocassis Spaeth, with description of two new species from South Africa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)
Authors: Borowiec Lech , Sekerka Lukáš
Published: August 2015

Limnocassis compacta sp. nov. and L. regularis sp. nov. are described from South Africa. They are well distinguished from Limnocassis pumilio (Boheman, 1854), the only known species in the genus, in fine and mostly regular elytral punctation. Colour photographs of all species and new distribution data for L. pumilio are given.
Defining a Simplified Yet “Realistic” Equation of State for Seawater
Authors: Roquet Fabien , Madec Gurvan , Brodeau Laurent , Nycander J.
Published: August 2015

There is a growing realization that the nonlinear nature of the equation of state has a deep impact on the global ocean circulation; however, the understanding of the global effects of these nonlinearities remains elusive. This is partly because of the complicated formulation of the seawater equation of state making it difficult to handle in theoretical studies. In this paper, a hierarchy of polynomial equations of state of increasing complexity, optimal in a least squares sense, is presented. These different simplified equations of state are then used to simulate the ocean circulation in a global 2°-resolution configuration. Comparisons between simulated ocean circulations confirm that nonlinear effects are of major importance, in particular influencing the circulation through determination of the static stability below the mixed layer, thus controlling rates of exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean interior. It is found that a simple polynomial equation of state, with a quadratic term in temperature (for cabbeling), a temperature–pressure product term (for thermobaricity), and a linear term in salinity, that is, only four tuning parameters, is enough to simulate a reasonably realistic global circulation. The best simulation is obtained when the simplified equation of state is forced to have an accurate thermal expansion coefficient near the freezing point, highlighting the importance of polar regions for the global stratification. It is argued that this simplified equation of state will be of great value for theoretical studies and pedagogical purposes.
P38 Phosphorylation in Medullary Microglia Mediates Ectopic Orofacial Inflammatory Pain in Rats
Authors: Kiyomoto Masaaki , Shinoda Masamichi , Honda Kuniya , Nakaya Yuka , Dezawa Ko , Katagiri Ayano , Kamakura Satoshi , Inoue Tomio , Iwata Koichi
Published: August 2015

Background

Orofacial inflammatory pain is likely to accompany referred pain in uninflamed orofacial structures. The ectopic pain precludes precise diagnosis and makes treatment problematic, because the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Using the established ectopic orofacial pain model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into trapezius muscle, we analyzed the possible role of p38 phosphorylation in activated microglia in ectopic orofacial pain.

Results

Mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin was induced following trapezius muscle inflammation, which accompanied microglial activation with p38 phosphorylation and hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc). Intra-cisterna successive administration of a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase selective inhibitor, SB203580, suppressed microglial activation and its phosphorylation of p38. Moreover, SB203580 administration completely suppressed mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin and enhanced WDR neuronal excitability in Vc. Microglial interleukin-1β over-expression in Vc was induced by trapezius muscle inflammation, which was significantly suppressed by SB203580 administration.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that microglia, activated via p38 phosphorylation, play a pivotal role in WDR neuronal hyperexcitability, which accounts for the mechanical hypersensitivity in the lateral facial skin associated with trapezius muscle inflammation.
Canadian migration destinations of recent immigrants and interprovincial migrants: similarities, differences and explanations
Authors: Shannon Mike
Published: August 2015

Canadian Census data for 1981–2006 is used to document substantial differences in the destination locations of immigrants and interprovincial migrants. These differences have increased over time as have differences in the characteristics of the two migrant groups. Differences in age, education, and marital status of the two migrant groups explain little of the observed differences. Visible minority status and language differences are somewhat more important; however, much of the difference in migrant group destinations cannot be explained by measured characteristics.
Not Ready for College, but Ready for the Military: A Policy Challenge for the College- and Career-Readiness Agenda
Authors: Castro Erin L
Published: August 2015

This essay examines the Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Students and Student Recruiting Information (Section 9528) provision of the No Child Left Behind Act and its influence on the success of intervention programming for college and career readiness in Title I high schools. Using critical policy analysis, I show how Federal and State policies potentially unfold in local contexts and influence students’ ability and desire to participate in intervention programming aimed at increasing readiness for college and career. I ask whether readiness for college and career includes readiness for the military and argue that readiness intervention programming designed to provide students labeled as not college ready a pathway to postsecondary education may fail if they do not address the permanent legal presence of military recruiters inside underserved schools.
Educator Evaluation Policy that Incorporates EVAAS Value-Added Measures: Undermined Intentions and Exacerbated Inequities
Authors: Hewitt Kimberly Kappler
Published: August 2015

In the United States, policies in forty states and D.C. incorporate student growth measures – estimates of student progress attributed to educators – into educator evaluation. The federal government positions such policies as levers for ensuring that more students are taught by effective teachers and that effective educators are more equitably distributed amongst schools. Because these policies are new, little is known about how educators respond to them. Mixed methods survey data from a large, diverse district in North Carolina, a state that incorporates value-added data into teacher evaluations, indicate that substantive, unintended effects may undermine the purposes for which these policies were developed. Results indicate that educators evaluated by value-added are generally opposed to its use. Those who have previously been evaluated by value-added have significantly more negative perceptions about the fairness and accuracy of value-added, are more opposed to its use in educator evaluation, and are more likely to perceive that it will not result in more equitable distribution of good educators across schools and that educators will avoid working with certain students because of value-added. Respondents perceived effects of the use of value-added for teacher accountability that fall within five themes: 1) Educators increasingly game the system and teach to the test, 2) Teachers increasingly leave the field, 3) Some educators seek to avoid working with certain students and at certain schools, 4) Educators feel an increase in stress, pressure, and anxiety, 5) Educator collaboration is decreasing, and competition is increasing. Based on findings, the author recommends five mid-course policy corrections.
Some 2+1 Dimensional Super-Integrable Systems
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Tam Honwah , Mei Jianqin
Published: August 2015

In the article, we make use of the binormial-residue-representation (BRR) to generate super 2+1 dimensional integrable systems. Using these systems, we can deduce a super 2+1 dimensional AKNS hierarchy, which can be reduced to a super 2+1 dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In particular, two main results are obtained. One of them is a set of super 2+1 dimensional integrable couplings. The other one is a 2+1 dimensional diffusion equation. The Hamiltonian structure of the super 2+1 dimensional hierarchy is derived by using the super-trace identity.
LA SOCIEDAD DE LA INFORMACIÓN, TICS, INNOVACIÓN TECNOLÓGICA. FORMACIÓN Y EDUCACIÓN EMPRESARIAL
Authors: Walas Mateo Federico , Balbo Gabriel
Published: August 2015

El paradigma de la Sociedad de la Información se fundamenta en la aplicación del conocimiento como variable clave en la generación de valor, y tiene como principal elemento difusor a la tecnología. Esta mancomunción entre información y tecnología se traduce en la mayor importancia que suman dia a dia en nuestra vida cotidiana las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicaciones (TICs). El impacto del Uso de la Información como herramienta de mejora se manifiesta asimismo en la capacidad de innovación de las empresas, convirtiéndose de esta forma en un elemento central para lograr niveles de competitividad superiores. En la nueva economía, la empresa y la tecnología pensadas en forma racional no pueden estar aisladas, se encuentran inseparablemente vinculadas en el permanente transito hacia nuevos desafíos Este trabajo se focalizará en la problemática de la incorporación de TICs en el medio productivo, y la necesidad de reforzar la cultura empresarial en lo que se refiere a consideración de la tecnología y la innovación como medio de apalancamiento para la competitividad de las PyMEs. El objetivo general es el análisis y desarrollo de conceptos asociados a Tecnologías de Información y Comunicaciones (TICs) de aplicación en el ámbito de la producción, y a la promoción de su implementación en distintos sectores tanto para lograr una mayor integración en las cadenas de valor, como así también facilitar el agregado de valor en productos o servicios. La metodología de trabajo incluye el desarrollo de un marco conceptual que describa el estado del arte de las TICs en ámbitos de la producción de clase mundial, y posteriormente el desarrollo de actividades para promover e incentivar el uso de estas herramientas tecnológicas en el ámbito empresario. Las actividades comprenden tareas de sensibilización, entrevistas con actores clave, y talleres de trabajo para discutir la temática.
Interactions of Fe(III) and Viscoelastic-Surfactant-Based Acids
Authors: Shu Yi , Wang Guanqun , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A. , Zhou Jian
Published: August 2015

Viscoelastic-surfactant (VES) -based acid systems have been used successfully in matrix-acidizing and acid-fracturing treatments. However, the existence of Fe(III) as a contaminant in such systems may lead to many problems because of the interactions between VES and Fe(III). Such interactions can reduce the effectiveness of VES-based acid systems and potentially lead to formation damage.

In this study, two commercial VES products were used and the interactions between VES and Fe(III) were studied. Rheological properties of these two VES-based acids were examined with various concentrations of Fe(III). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to identify precipitates from the reaction products. Inductively coupled plasma was applied to measure iron concentrations, and the two-phase titration method was used to determine the VES concentrations in all liquid phases of the samples. The effect of several chelating agents on the reaction of VES with Fe(III) was also examined.

Experimental results indicate that the apparent viscosity of live VES-1-based acids [20 wt% hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 4 vol% VES-1] increased from approximately 2 to 126 cp at a shear rate of 100 s−1 at room temperature when the Fe(III) concentration increased from 0 to 1,400  ppm, and it started to decrease at higher Fe(III) concentrations. This is because of the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged [FeCl4]− groups and positively charged amine groups in VES in live acids. Live VES-2-based acids (20 wt% HCl and 4 vol% VES-2) showed properties similar to those of the VES-1-based acids in apparent viscosity. Both surfactants interacted with Fe(III) and precipitates, which are complexes containing iron and VES. These interactions were noted at Fe(III) concentrations greater than 5,000 ppm.

On the other hand, the addition of a chelating agent [1:1 mole ratio to Fe(III)] helped to reduce the apparent viscosity of the sample, which means that the chelating agent reacted with Fe(III) and reduced the interactions between VES and Fe(III). At the same time, when the Fe(III) concentration was 6,000 ppm in VES-2-based acid, the disappearance of precipitates with the addition of chelating agents showed a reduction of the Fe(III) impact on such VES-based acid systems. Moreover, the addition of enough chelating agent [more than 1:1 mole ratio to Fe(III) amount] reduced the amount of precipitates that formed significantly when the Fe(III) concentration was very high. Adding a suitable chelating agent can minimize the impact of Fe(III) on VES-based acids.
Model-based leak detection and location in water distribution networks considering an extended-horizon analysis of pressure sensitivities
Authors: Casillas Ponce Myrna V. , Garza Castañón Luis E. , Cayuela Vicenç Puig
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose a new approach for model-based leak detection and location in water distribution networks (WDN), which considers an extended time-horizon analysis of pressure sensitivities. Five different ways of using the leak sensitivity matrix to isolate the leaks are described and compared. The first method is based on the binarization approach. The second, third and fourth methods are based on the comparison of the measured pressure vectors with the leak sensitivity matrix using different metrics: correlation, angle between vectors and Euclidean distance, respectively. The fifth method is based on the least square optimization method. The performance of these methods is compared when applied to two academic small networks (Hanoi and Quebra) widely used in the literature. Finally, the three methods with better performance are applied to a district metering area of the Barcelona WDN using real data.
Pattern matching and associative artificial neural networks for water distribution system time series data analysis
Authors: Mounce S. R. , Mounce R. B. , Jackson T. , Austin J. , Boxall J. B.
Published: August 2015

Water distribution systems, and other infrastructures, are increasingly being pervaded by sensing technologies, collecting a growing volume of data aimed at supporting operational and investment decisions. These sensors monitor system characteristics, i.e. flows, pressures and water quality, such as in pipes. This paper presents the application of pattern matching techniques and binary associative neural networks for novelty detection in such data. A protocol for applying pattern matching to automatically recognise specific waveforms in time series based on their shapes is described together with a system called Advanced Uncertain Reasoning Architecture (AURA) Alert for autonomous determination of novelty. AURA is a class of binary neural network that has a number of advantages over standard artificial neural network techniques for condition monitoring including a sound theoretical basis to determine the bounds of the system operation. Results from application to several case studies are provided including both hydraulic and water quality data. In the case of pattern matching, the results demonstrated some transferability of burst patterns across District Metered Areas; however limitations in performance and difficulties with assembling pattern libraries were found. Results for the AURA system demonstrate the potential for robust event detection across multiple parameters providing valuable information for diagnosis; one example also demonstrates the potential for detection of precursor information, vital for proactive management.
Gene expression models for prediction of dam breach parameters
Authors: Sattar Ahmed M. A.
Published: August 2015

Data from a large database of 140 dam failure cases are used with gene expression programming (GEP) to develop new empirical formulae of physical meaning for prediction of non-dimensional key dam breach parameters. The GEP models are trained on 75% of the data set and validated on the remaining 25%. Parametric and error analyses are conducted to confirm the robustness of the developed relations. Moreover, uncertainty analyses using the Monte Carlo technique is performed to check for the output uncertainty of key dam breach parameters and the contribution of various input parameters to the overall output uncertainty. It is found that uncertainties of 20 to 40% are calculated for the developed GEP models with reservoir shape factor and dam erodibility being main influential predictors.
Health after Pregnancy in the Mother with Diabetes
Authors: Kaaja Risto , Gordin Daniel
Published: August 2015

Progression of retinopathy and nephropathy in women with diabetes occurs, at least temporarily, during pregnancy and postpartum. However, normotensive pregnancy seems to have no detrimental effects regarding the long-term progression of any microvascularcomplication. Increased risk from pregnancy induced hypertension without proteinuria and with proteinuria (pre-eclampsia) relates mainly to the association with kidney disease in diabetes, and poor glycemic control. A history of pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension is an important prognostic factor for micro- and macro-vascular complications later in life. Data regarding the long-term effects of hypertensive pregnancies on late complications of diabetes suggest that women with diabetes should be monitored regularly and nephroprotective treatment initiated early.
A new flash-free orthodontic adhesive system: A first clinical and stereomicroscopic study
Authors: Foersch Moritz , Schuster Christian , Rahimi Roman K. , Wehrbein Heinrich , Jacobs Collin
Published: August 2015

Objective: 

To analyze the clinical and laboratory properties of the recently introduced APC flash-free orthodontic adhesive.

Material and Methods: 

After bonding of 80 brackets on human teeth (group A: APC flash-free adhesive n  =  40, group B: APC Plus adhesive n  =  40), the following measurements were recorded: time for bonding, stereomicroscopic evaluation of excess adhesive, color penetration (methylene blue, 0.5%/24 h), and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) score after debonding.

Results: 

The time needed for bonding differed significantly between the two groups (A: 19.5 s/tooth vs B: 33.8 s/tooth). The adhesive excess, which was metrically measured from the bracket edge, ranged from 166.27 µm to 81.66 µm (group A) and 988.53 µm to 690.81 µm (group B). After methylene coloration in group A, 52 of 80 measurements showed discoloration on the bracket-adhesive and/or adhesive-enamel interface, while for group B, 78 of 80 were coloration positive. The ARI scores did not differ, with an average ARI score of 2.0 for group A and 2.8 for group B.

Conclusion: 

The flash-free adhesive significantly reduced the time needed for the bonding process. The excess resin expanded 0.16 to 0.08 mm over the bracket margin. The new technology seems to facilitate a smooth and sufficient marginal surface of the adhesive, which clinically might improve reduction of plaque accumulation.
Anchorage condition during canine retraction using transpalatal arch with continuous and segmented arch mechanics
Authors: Alhadlaq Adel , Alkhadra Thamer , El-Bialy Tarek
Published: August 2015

Objective: 

To compare anchorage condition in cases in which transpalatal arch was used to enhance anchorage in both continuous and segmented arch techniques.

Materials and Methods: 

Twenty cases that required first premolar extraction for orthodontic treatment and transpalatal arch to enhance anchorage were included in this study. Ten cases were treated using the continuous arch technique, while the other 10 cases were treated using 0.019 × 0.025-inch TMA T-loops with posterior anchorage bend according to the Burstone and Marcotte description. Lateral cephalometric analysis of before and after canine retraction was performed using Ricketts analysis to measure the anteroposterior position of the upper first molar to the vertical line from the Pt point. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test.

Results: 

There was a statistically significant forward movement of the upper first molar in cases treated by continuous arch mechanics (4.5 ± 3.0 mm) compared with segmented arch mechanics (−0.7 ± 1.4 mm; P  =  .01).

Conclusions: 

The posterior anchorage bend to T-loop used to retract the maxillary canine can enhance anchorage during maxillary canine retraction.
Gas induced semi-solid process effects on microstructure and mechanical properties of 319 aluminum alloy
Authors: Baygan Milad , Gholamipour Reza , Shahri Farzad
Published: August 2015

The exclusive effects of gas induced semi-solid parameters such as rheocasting temperature, agitation intensity and flow rate of gas injection into the melt on the average size and shape factor of primary α-Al particles and subsequently tensile properties of 319 aluminum alloy have been studied. Applying vigorous agitation and rapid heat extraction simultaneously in the early stages of solidification in order to achieve a slurry with fine and dispersed primary α-Al particles is essential. Hence, in order to investigate these two factors separately, three different types of graphite diffusion in three proportional gas flow rates have been used. It was found that a reduction in rheocasting temperature leads to a decrease in the average size of the primary α-Al particles and an increase in their sphericity and improvement of tensile properties as well. The average size of primary particles slightly decreases as the agitation intensity increases as expected; while a decrease in agitation intensity in a given gas flow rate leads to the formation of gas porosity. Also the gas was trapped due to an increase in gas flow rate at constant agitation intensity whereas the decrease in gas flow rate has no significant effect on morphology of primary α-Al particles.
Preparation of (100) oriented Sc-doped AlN film on flexible substrate under different pressures using RF reactive sputtering
Authors: Yang Yixi , Li Xiaomei , Zhou Dong , Yang Chengtao , Feng Fan , Yang Junsong , Hu Qijun
Published: August 2015

Sc-doped AlN films with (100) orientation have high surface acoustic wave velocity and excellent optical properties. Sc-doped AlN thin films based on flexible substrate were prepared by RF reactive magnetron sputtering at pressure levels ranging from 0.3 Pa to 1.5 Pa. The sputtering rate, crystal quality, and electric properties of the Sc-doped AlN films were investigated. The results show that pressure greatly influences the preparation of Sc-doped AlN thin films. Under low pressure, (002) oriented Sc-doped AlN film was prepared; with increasing pressure, the fraction of the (100) plane increased. Furthermore, the electrical properties were closely related to the crystal quality, achieving a maximum resistivity of 3.5 × 1012 Ω · cm, a minimum leakage current of 0.65 × 10−8 A, and a maximum piezoelectric response of 5.2 pC · N−1.
Evaluation of Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized Polydimethylsiloxane Based Coatings for In-Tube Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Capillary Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Jornet-Martínez Neus , Serra-Mora Pascual , Moliner-Martínez Yolanda , Herráez-Hernández Rosa , Campíns-Falcó Pilar
Published: August 2015

In the present work, the performance of carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based coatings as extractive phases for in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled to Capillary LC (CapLC) has been evaluated. Carboxylic-single walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWNTs) and carboxylic-multi walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) have been immobilized on the activated surface of PDMS capillary columns. The effect of different percentages of diphenyl groups in the PDMS extractive phase has also been evaluated. The extraction capability of the capillary columns has been tested for different organic pollutants, nitrogen heterocyclic compounds and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs). The results indicated that the use of the c-CNTs-PDMS capillary columns improve pyriproxyfen and mainly PAH extraction. Triazines were better extracted by unmodified TRB-35 and modified c-CNTs-PDMSTRB-5. The results showed that the extraction capability of the c-CNT capillary columns depends not only on the polarity of the analytes (as it occurs with PDMS columns) but also on the interactions that the analytes can establish with the immobilized c-CNTs on the PDMS columns. The extraction efficiency has been evaluated on the basis of the preconcentration rate that can be achieved, and, in this sense, the best c-CNTs-PDMS capillary column for each group of compounds can be proposed.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Heterocarpin from the Salt Marsh Plant Corydalis heterocarpa in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells
Authors: Kim You , Kong Chang-Suk , Park Hyo , Lee Eunkyung , Jang Mi-Soon , Nam Ki-Ho , Seo Youngwan
Published: August 2015

The inhibitory effect of three chromones 1–3 and two coumarins 4–5 on the production of nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Among the compounds tested heterocarpin (1), a furochromone, significantly inhibited its production in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, heterocarpin suppressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and expression of cytokines such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Secure and Authenticated Data Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alfandi Omar , Bochem Arne , Kellner Ansgar , Göge Christian , Hogrefe Dieter
Published: August 2015

Securing communications in wireless sensor networks is increasingly important as the diversity of applications increases. However, even today, it is equally important for the measures employed to be energy efficient. For this reason, this publication analyzes the suitability of various cryptographic primitives for use in WSNs according to various criteria and, finally, describes a modular, PKI-based framework for confidential, authenticated, secure communications in which most suitable primitives can be employed. Due to the limited capabilities of common WSN motes, criteria for the selection of primitives are security, power efficiency and memory requirements. The implementation of the framework and the singular components have been tested and benchmarked in our testbed of IRISmotes.
Some Methods of Research Results Approximation
Authors: Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Olaru Adrian
Published: August 2015

The paper presents compare methods of approximation results of studies using regression analysis and neural networks. As a research facility used theoretical values of surface roughness based on theoretical values of surface roughness calculated as kinematics-geometric projection of the cutting edge on finish surface. Pointed to the limitations of the presented methods of research results approximation.
Long-term agroecosystem research on northern Great Plains mixed-grass prairie near Mandan, North Dakota
Authors: Sanderson M. A. , Liebig M. A. , Hendrickson J. R. , Kronberg S. L. , Toledo D. , Derner J. D. , Reeves J. L.
Published: August 2015

Sanderson, M. A., Liebig, M. A., Hendrickson, J. R., Kronberg, S. L., Toledo, D., Derner, J. D. and Reeves, J. L. 2015. Long-term agroecosystem research on northern Great Plains mixed-grass prairie near Mandan, North Dakota. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1101–1116. In 1915, a stocking rate experiment was started on 101 ha of native mixed-grass prairie at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NGPRL) near Mandan, ND (100.9132N, 46.7710W). Here, we document the origin, evolution, and scientific outcomes from this long-term experiment. Four pastures of 12.1, 20.2, 28.3, and 40.5 ha were laid out and stocked continuously from May until October with 2-yr-old or yearling beef steers at four rates [initially 0.98, 1.39, 1.83, and 2.4 animal unit months ha−1]. The experiment generated some of the first information on the resilience of mixed-grass prairie to grazing and drought and relationships of livestock productivity to soil moisture for predictive purposes. After 1945, the experiment was reduced to the light and heavy stocking rate pastures only, which have been managed and grazed in approximately the same manner to the present day. The pastures were used to assess responses of vegetation to fertilizer in the 1950s and 1960s, develop grazing readiness tools in the 1990s, and assess remote sensing technologies in the 2000s. The long-term pastures currently serve as a unique resource to address contemporary questions dealing with drought, soil quality, carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, invasive species, and climate change.
A simulation optimization approach for resource allocation in an emergency department
Authors: Keshtkar Leila , Salimifard Khodakaram , Faghih Nezameddin
Published: August 2015

The emergency department (ED) is a primary health care unit and one of the main entrances to the hospital system where appropriate, timely and good performance can save lives. Lack of sufficient resources, such as beds and qualified health care professionals, are major stumbling blocks to providing timely and suitable services; but resources availability and moving towards the ideal situation without attention to budget restrictions is neither practical nor achievable. In this study, simulation optimization is used to finding the best configuration in ED resources (e.g., Bed, Nurse, and GP) that affects a patient's length of stay, subject to budget constraints. Simulation is used to analyze the system and estimate target function an optimization model is then solved under different budget constraints. By considering the current budget, the new configuration of 20 inpatient beds, 3 nurses and 1 GP, with 554.4 minutes of a patient's length of stay shows 8.1% length of stay (LOS) improvement. Whilst with a maximum 35.5 budget units allocation of 20 inpatient beds, 4 nurses and 3 GPs a 9.5% decrease in LOS is proposed.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for the treatment of medically inoperable primary renal cell carcinoma: Current evidence and future directions
Authors: Swaminath Anand , Chu William
Published: August 2015

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is steadily rising due to an aging population and more frequent imaging of the abdomen for other medical conditions. While surgery remains the standard of care treatment for localized disease, many patients are unfit due to their advanced age and medical comorbidities. In these patients, an active surveillance strategy or ablative therapies, including radiofrequency/ microwave ablation or cryotherapy, can be offered. Such options have limitations particularly with fast growing, or larger tumors. A promising ablative therapy option to consider is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SBRT refers to high dose, focally ablative radiation delivered in a short time (3–5 fractions), and is safe and effective in many other cancer sites, including lung, liver and spine. SBRT offers potential advantages in the primary kidney cancer setting due to its ablative dosing (overcoming the notion of “radio-resistance”), short treatment duration (important in an elderly population), low toxicity profile (enabling SBRT to treat larger RCCs than other ablative modalities), and non-invasiveness. To date, there is limited long-term prospective data on the outcomes of SBRT in primary RCC. However, early evidence is intriguing with respect to excellent local control and low toxicity; however, most studies vary in terms of technique and radiation dosing used. Welldesigned prospective cohort studies with clearly defined and standardized techniques, dosing, follow-up, and integration of quality of life outcomes will be essential to further establish the role of SBRT in management of inoperable, localized RCC.
Structural basis for recognition and remodeling of the TBP:DNA:NC2 complex by Mot1
Authors: Butryn Agata , Schuller Jan M , Stoehr Gabriele , Runge-Wollmann Petra , Förster Friedrich , Auble David T , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: August 2015

Swi2/Snf2 ATPases remodel substrates such as nucleosomes and transcription complexes to control a wide range of DNA-associated processes, but detailed structural information on the ATP-dependent remodeling reactions is largely absent. The single subunit remodeler Mot1 (modifier of transcription 1) dissociates TATA box-binding protein (TBP):DNA complexes, offering a useful system to address the structural mechanisms of Swi2/Snf2 ATPases. Here, we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Mot1 in complex with TBP, DNA, and the transcription regulator negative cofactor 2 (NC2). Our data show that Mot1 reduces DNA:NC2 interactions and unbends DNA as compared to the TBP:DNA:NC2 state, suggesting that Mot1 primes TBP:NC2 displacement in an ATP-independent manner. Electron microscopy and cross-linking data suggest that the Swi2/Snf2 domain of Mot1 associates with the upstream DNA and the histone fold of NC2, thereby revealing parallels to some nucleosome remodelers. This study provides a structural framework for how a Swi2/Snf2 ATPase interacts with its substrate DNA:protein complex.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of GH3535 Superalloy Joints Using Electron Beam Welding
Authors: Ma Baoyun , Wang Sai , Li Huaxin , Zheng Wenjian , Ma Yinghe , Lv Chuanyang , Ren Sendong , He Yanming , Yang Jianguo
Published: August 2024

To achieve low‐stress and small‐deformation welding of thin‐walled structures for the fourth‐generation nuclear power plants, GH3535 superalloy is welded to itself using electron beam welding (EBW). The microstructure and mechanical properties of the GH3535 superalloy joints are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), hardness, and tensile tests. A macro‐defect‐free GH3535 superalloy joint could be obtained using 22 mA welding beam current under 65 kV welding voltage with 300 mm min−1 welding speed. Different sub‐grain solidification morphologies are observed at the weld zone because of the influence of composition undercooling on the solidification process of the weld pool. The M6C type carbides formed in the weld zone and heat‐affected zone (HAZ) take place eutectic transformation under the action of thermal cycles. The eutectic transformation of M6C has no significant effect on the strength of HAZ, whereas this phenomenon is beneficial to hinder the dislocation movement in the weld zone, thereby promoting the tensile strength of the joint. The Vickers hardness of weld zone and HAZ are 250.6 and 252 HV0.5, remarkably lower than that of the base metal (261.2 HV0.5), due to the grain coarsening in those zones. The tensile strength of the GH3535 superalloy joint reached 791 MPa, ≈93.5% that of the base metal, with the fracture occurred in the weld zone.
Ir(III)‐Based Photosensitizer‐Loaded M1 Macrophage Exosomes for Synergistic Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kang Tianyi , Wu Xue , Wang Fangliang , Shi Yuxin , Wei Fangfang , Dong Ming , Xiao Shuting , Qian Yuhan , Zha Menglei , Li Chong , Chen Feng , Li Kai
Published: August 2024

The synthesis of organic photosensitizers with effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation remains one of the urgent needs for cancer therapy. In this study, a simple strategy is developed to endow the intrinsic non‐photosensitizer fluorophores with profound ROS‐generating ability upon light irradiation. This strategy is featured by introducing donor–acceptor (D‐A) structured fluorophores as auxiliary ligands into the Ir(III) metal complex, which provides the Ir(III) metal center‐based triplet state (T1) as an energy level springboard to efficiently enhance the energy transition to the D‐A ligand‐based triplet state (T1'). The energy level difference between T1 and T1' can be regulated through altering the cyclometalated ligands of Ir(III), facilitating the energy transfer from T1 to T1' for augmented ROS generation. To improve the pharmacological properties of the obtained D‐A coordinated Ir(III) complex, it is incorporated with the exosomes extracted from M1 phenotype macrophages (M1‐Exos). The generated nanocomplexes are able to trigger synergistic photodynamic therapy, facilitating the reprogramming of tumor‐associated macrophages and eradicating the tumors in mice. This study provides a general strategy to transform non‐photosensitizer fluorophores into effective photosensitizers for biomedical applications.
Recent Advances and Prospects in High‐Performance Bio‐Based Phthalonitrile Resins
Authors: Bulgakov Boris A. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: August 2024

Phthalontirile resins are renowned as the most heat‐resistant polymeric materials and exhibit exceptional performance under harsh conditions. Consequently, phthalonitrile thermosets offer the potential to substitute metals in hot parts, thereby broadening the operational limits of plastic materials in high‐tech applications. Given their unique combination of properties, phthalonitriles have garnered significant demand across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and renewable energy. With industrial production and application of phthalonitriles recently initiated in several countries, questions regarding the sustainability of these materials have naturally arisen. Thermosetting materials, owing to their highly cross‐linked architecture, cannot be recycled, necessitating the adoption of synthetic methods utilizing bio‐feedstock raw materials and green protocols to mitigate their environmental impact. The present prospective review summarizes and analyzes the current state‐of‐the‐art in bio‐based phthalonitrile resins and discusses potential directions for research and development of new application areas, with a focus on the challenge of maintaining high‐performance levels during the transition to bio‐based raw materials.
Effect of Self‐Incandescent Heating on Superconducting NbN Nanowire Yarn
Authors: Park Jeongmin , Kim Jeong‐Gyun , Hong Sung Ju , Yun Yoojoo , Ryu Jung Hyun , Wang Feng , Kang Haeyong , Suh Dongseok
Published: August 2024

A flexible superconducting yarn composed of twisted niobium nitride (NbN) nanofibrils is developed and exhibited a superconducting transition temperature that met the reported record of ≈17 K. NbN is sputter‐deposited onto a template of aligned single‐layer carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets and subsequently processed by post‐Joule heat annealing following the insertion of twists. Considering self‐Joule heating approaches the level of incandescent light emission, the melting, reflow, and recrystallization of the NbN layer around each CNT template occurred, considerably enhancing the macroscopic superconducting properties of the NbN nanofibrillar yarn, including the critical current density and critical magnetic field. Furthermore, the superconducting performance, which degrades as a result of mechanical damage to the internal structure under excessive stress such as bending, can be restored by the reflow of the NbN during this process. Considering the melting point of NbN is higher than 2800 K, the proposed incandescent light‐emission‐driven Joule self‐heating process is considered an effective method for improving the properties of CNT‐templated metal hybrid yarns.
Rational Design of 3D Space Connected Donor–Acceptor System in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Xie Yinghui , Mao Fengyi , Rong Qiuyu , Liu Xiaolu , Hao Mengjie , Chen Zhongshan , Yang Hui , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Ma Shengqian , Wang Xiangke
Published: August 2024

Herein, a rational strategy is presented to reduce the energy barrier of singlet ground state to singlet excited state transitions, whilst simultaneously reducing energy losses in populating triplet excited states. The approach relies on constructing 3D space connected donor–acceptor systems in COFs. The 3D space connected D–A system in 8‐connected 3D COFs (denoted as COF‐1 and COF‐2) allows the efficient transfer of electrons, overcoming the traditional electron transport limitations of 2D COFs and significantly boosting the solar energy utilization efficiency under visible light irradiation. COF‐2, possessing an extended π‐conjugated structure relative to COF‐1, demonstrated high selectivity for the photocatalytic generation of H2O2 (6.93 mmol g−1 h−1) in natural seawater without the need for sacrificial reagents, exceeding the performance of most previously reported COF‐based photocatalysts. The 3D space connected D–A system reported in this work offers a new approach for optimizing electron and energy transfer in COF‐based photocatalysts for H2O2 production and other applications.
Overcoming Chemical Dissociation Processes: Electrochemical Modulation of High‐Affinity Binding Sites for Rapid Uranium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Zeyu , Ma Rongchen , Cao Jiarui , Ruan Xianghui , Cao Doudou , Song Yingbo , Chen Shusen , Song Yan , Wang Fengju , Yuan Ye , Yang Yajie , Zhu Guangshan
Published: August 2024

Currently reported adsorption (hydroxyl or amidoxime) groups must dissociate hydrogen ions to form ─O− units for the coordination with uranyl ions. However, this process suffers a high energy barrier for bond dissociation, leading to the sluggish uptake speed and low adsorption capacity for uranium extraction from natural seawater. Herein, this study proposes a strategy for electrochemical modulation of adsorption sites, which overcomes the chemical dissociation processes of hydrogen ions. Poly‐2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone containing redox carbonyl groups is intercalated into the channels of a covalent organic framework (COF) through in situ cross‐linking of 2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone. Under electrochemical modulation, the C═O groups are transformed into adjacent phenol–oxygen anions to cooperate with the coordination atoms (O and N) on the COF channel for rapid binding of uranyl ions, which gave an absorption rate of 4.2 mg g−1 d−1 (≈3.3 ppb of uranium in natural seawater). Notably, the COF‐based electrodes delivered an average capacity of ≈20.8 mg‐U per g for uranyl ion adsorption during 5 days of extraction, ≈3000 times larger than that of classical tannin‐based adsorbents. The proposed method for preparing electrochemically modulated binding sites is expected to provide guidance for designing high‐efficiency adsorbents in the future.
Narrowband Organic Photodetectors: From Fundamentals to Prospects
Authors: Zhao Xingchao , Wang Jian , Liu Ming , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Fujun
Published: August 2024

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have achieved rapid development due to the emergence of organic semiconducting materials with high absorption coefficient and tunable optical bandgap, as well as the progress in device physics and engineering. The working mechanism and fundamental parameters of OPDs are briefly introduced. Some smart strategies for realizing high performance photovoltaic type narrowband OPDs (PV‐NB‐OPDs) and photomultiplication type narrowband OPDs (PM‐NB‐OPDs) are comprehensively reviewed. The recent progress of PV‐NB‐OPDs and PM‐NB‐OPDs is systematically introduced from fundamentals to prospects, exhibiting colorful development and application potential in full‐color imaging, spectroscopic photodetection, medical monitoring, and optical communication, which may promote their rapid development for the potential applications.