bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in the intratumoral distributions of extracellular‐fluid and intravascular MR contrast agents in glioblastoma growth
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Suh Ji‐Yeon , Woo Dong‐Cheol , Sung Yu Sub , Son Woo‐Chan , Choi Yoon Seok , Pae Sang Joon , Kim Jeong Kon
Published: October 2016

Contrast enhancement by an extracellular‐fluid contrast agent (CA) (Gd‐DOTA) depends primarily on the blood–brain‐barrier permeability (bp), and transverse‐relaxation change caused by intravascular T2 CA (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, SPIONs) is closely associated with the blood volume (BV). Pharmacokinetic (PK) vascular characterization based on single‐CA‐using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) has shown significant measurement variation according to the molecular size of the CA. Based on this recognition, this study used a dual injection of Gd‐DOTA and SPIONs for tracing the changes of bp and BV in C6 glioma growth (Days 1 and 7 after the tumor volume reached 2 mL). bp was quantified according to the non‐PK parameters of Gd‐DOTA‐using DCE‐MRI (wash‐in rate, maximum enhancement ratio and initial area under the enhancement curve (IAUC)). BV was estimated by SPION‐induced ΔR2* and ΔR2. With validated measurement reliability of all the parameters (coefficients of variation ≤10%), dual‐contrast MRI demonstrated a different region‐oriented distribution between Gd‐DOTA and SPIONs within a tumor as follows: (a) the BV increased stepwise from the tumor center to the periphery; (b) the tumor periphery maintained the augmented BV to support continuous tumor expansion from Day 1 to Day 7; (c) the internal tumor area underwent significant vascular shrinkage (i.e. decreased ΔR2 and ΔR2) as the tumor increased in size; (d) the tumor center showed greater bp‐indicating parameters, i.e. wash‐in rate, maximum enhancement ratio and IAUC, than the periphery on both Days 1 and 7 and (e) the tumor center showed a greater increase of bp than the tumor periphery in tumor growth, as suggested to support tumor viability when there is insufficient blood supply. In the MRI–histologic correlation, a prominent BV increase in the tumor periphery seen in MRI was verified with increased fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran signals and up‐regulated immunoreactivity of CD31–VEGFR. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal alterations of BV and bp in glioblastoma growth, i.e. augmented BV in the tumor periphery and increased bp in the center, can be sufficiently evaluated by MRI with dual injection of extracellular‐fluid Gd chelates and intravascular SPION.
The influence of thermal treatment on the morphology in differently prepared films of a oligodepsipeptide based multiblock copolymer
Authors: Yan Wan , Fang Liang , Weigel Thomas , Behl Marc , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: October 2016

Degradable multiblock copolymers prepared from equal weight amounts of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐diol (PCL‐diol) and poly[oligo(3S‐iso‐butylmorpholine‐2,5‐dione)]‐diol (PIBMD‐diol), named PCL‐PIBMD, provide a phase‐segregated morphology. It exhibits a low melting temperature from PCL domains (Tm,PCL) of 38 ± 2 °C and a high Tm,PIBMD of 170 ± 2 °C with a glass transition temperature (Tg,PIBMD) at 42 ± 2 °C from PIBMD domains.

In this study, we explored the influence of applying different thermal treatments on the resulting morphologies of solution‐cast and spin‐coated PCL‐PIBMD thin films, which showed different initial surface morphologies. Differential scanning calorimetry results and atomic force microscopy images after different thermal treatments indicated that PCL and PIBMD domains showed similar crystallization behaviors in 270 ± 30 µm thick solution‐cast films as well as in 30 ± 2 and 8 ± 1 nm thick spin‐coated PCL‐PIBMD films. Existing PIBMD crystalline domains highly restricted the generation of PCL crystalline domains during cooling when the sample was annealed at 180 °C. By annealing the sample above 120 °C, the PIBMD domains crystallized sufficiently and covered the free surface, which restricted the crystallization of PCL domains during cooling. The PCL domains can crystallize by hindering the crystallization of PIBMD domains via the fast vitrification of PIBMD domains when the sample was cooled/quenched in liquid nitrogen after annealing at 180 °C. These findings contribute to a better fundamental understanding of the crystallization mechanism of multi‐block copolymers containing two crystallizable domains whereby the Tg of the higher melting domain type is in the same temperature range as the Tm of the lower melting domain type. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(HEMA‐co‐AAm) hydrogels by visible‐light photopolymerization of aqueous solutions containing aspirin or ibuprofen: analysis of the initiation mechanism and the drug release
Authors: Gómez María Lorena , Gallastegui Antonela , Spesia Mariana B. , Montejano Hernán A. , Williams Roberto J. , Previtali Carlos M.
Published: October 2016

Recently, we reported the synthesis of hydrogels by visible‐light photopolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate and acrylamide, employing safranine O as sensitizer, and a functionalized silsequioxane (SFMA) as co‐initiator/crosslinker. The influence of the ionic character of a drug on its release rate from the hydrogels was also reported. In the present study, we analyzed the photoinitiation mechanism, the synthesis of hydrogels in the presence of aspirin (ASA) or ibuprofen (Ibu), and their release from hydrogels synthesized with variable SFMA concentrations. Concerning the photoinitiation mechanism, we found that the main contribution was the electron transfer reaction between the excited triplet state of safranine and SFMA, followed by a fast proton transfer reaction from secondary amine groups. The generated nitrogen radicals initiated the copolymerization reaction. The photoreaction quantum yield was 0.031. Concerning the drug‐release study, we found that the release rate of both drugs increased by increasing pH from 7 to 10. This was ascribed to the increase in the partial ionization of the carboxylic acid groups, a fact that reduced the interactions with the secondary amine groups present in SFMA and increased the release rate. The effect was larger for ASA than for Ibu. Increasing the amount of SFMA increased both the crosslink density and the fraction of H‐bonds formed with the drugs. At pH 10, the increment in the crosslink density was dominant for the release of Ibu while the increase in fraction of H‐bonds determined the release rate of ASA. Cytotoxicity studies showed that these materials did not exhibit significant hemolytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring cancer‐specific child adjustment difficulties: Development and validation of the Children's Oncology Child Adjustment Scale (ChOCs)
Authors: Burke Kylie , McCarthy Maria , Lowe Cherie , Sanders Matthew R. , Lloyd Erin , Bowden Madeleine , Williams Lauren
Published: October 2016

Background

Childhood cancer is associated with child adjustment difficulties including, eating and sleep disturbance, and emotional and other behavioral difficulties. However, there is a lack of validated instruments to measure the specific child adjustment issues associated with pediatric cancer treatments. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of a parent‐reported, child adjustment scale.

Procedure

One hundred thirty‐two parents from two pediatric oncology centers who had children (aged 2–10 years) diagnosed with cancer completed the newly developed measure and additional measures of child behavior, sleep, diet, and quality of life. Children were more than 4 weeks postdiagnosis and less than 12 months postactive treatment. Factor structure, internal consistency, and construct (convergent) validity analyses were conducted.

Results

Principal component analysis revealed five distinct and theoretically coherent factors: Sleep Difficulties, Impact of Child's Illness, Eating Difficulties, Hospital‐Related Behavior Difficulties, and General Behavior Difficulties. The final 25‐item measure, the Children's Oncology Child Adjustment Scale (ChOCs), demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.79–0.91). Validity of the ChOCs was demonstrated by significant correlations between the subscales and measures of corresponding constructs.

Conclusion

The ChOCs provides a new measure of child adjustment difficulties designed specifically for pediatric oncology. Preliminary analyses indicate strong theoretical and psychometric properties. Future studies are required to further examine reliability and validity of the scale, including test–retest reliability, discriminant validity, as well as change sensitivity and generalizability across different oncology samples and ages of children. The ChOCs shows promise as a measure of child adjustment relevant for oncology clinical settings and research purposes.
Developmental trajectory of time perspective: From children to older adults
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Lu‐lu , Cui Ji‐fang , Chen Xing‐jie , Wang Ya
Published: October 2016

Time perspective is a fundamental dimension of the psychological time construct, with a pervasive and powerful influence on human behavior. However, the developmental trajectory of time perspective across a human lifespan remains unclear. The current study aimed to portray the developmental trajectory of all dimensions of time perspectives from children to older adults in a large sample. A total of 1,901 individuals (aged 9–84 years) completed measures of time perspective. They were then divided into five age groups: children, teenagers, young adults, middle‐aged adults, and older adults. Results suggested that each time perspective showed a unique developmental pattern across the lifespan. Moreover, perceived economic situation and education were related to some dimensions of time perspective.
PLMA‐b‐POEGMA amphiphilic block copolymers: Synthesis and self‐assembly in aqueous media
Authors: Skandalis Athanasios , Pispas Stergios
Published: October 2016

The synthesis and self‐assembly properties in aqueous solutions of novel amphiphilic block copolymers composed of one hydrophobic poly (lauryl methacrylate), (PLMA) block and one hydrophilic poly (oligo ethylene glycol methacrylate) (POEGMA) block are reported. The block copolymers were prepared by RAFT polymerization and were molecularly characterized by size exclusion chromatography, NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy, and DSC. The PLMA‐b‐POEGMA amphiphilic block copolymers self‐assemble in nanosized complex nanostructures resembling compound micelles when inserted in aqueous media, as supported by light scattering and TEM measurements. The encapsulation and release of the model, hydrophobic, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin in the polymeric micelles is also investigated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 155–163
Development and validation of a self‐efficacy scale for postoperative rehabilitation management of lung cancer patients
Authors: Huang Fei‐Fei , Yang Qing , Han Xuan Ye , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Lin Ting
Published: October 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop a Self‐Efficacy Scale for Rehabilitation Management designed specifically for postoperative lung cancer patients (SESPRM‐LC) and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Patients and methods

Based on the concept of self‐management of chronic disease, items were developed from literature review and semistructured interviews of 10 lung cancer patients and screened by expert consultation and pilot testing. Psychometric evaluation was done with 448 postoperative lung cancer patients recruited from 5 tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou, China, by incorporating classical test theory and item response theory methods.

Results

A 6‐factor structure was illustrated by exploratory factor analysis and confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, explaining 60.753% of the total variance. The SESPRM‐LC achieved Cronbach's α of 0.694 to 0.893, 2‐week test‐retest reliability of 0.652 to 0.893, and marginal reliability of 0.565 to 0.934. The predictive and criterion validities were demonstrated by significant association with theoretically supported quality‐of‐life variables (r = 0.211–0.392,P < .01), and General Perceived Self‐efficacy Scale (r = 0.465,P < .01), respectively. Item response theory analysis showed that the SESPRM‐LC offers information about a broad range of self‐efficacy measures and discriminates well between patients with high and low levels of self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

We demonstrated initial support for the reliability and validity of the 27‐item SESPRM‐LC, as a developmentally appropriate instrument for assessing self‐efficacy among lung cancer patients during postoperative rehabilitation.
Evaluation of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides for the management of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri on containerized citrus
Authors: Byrne Frank J , Daugherty Matthew P , Grafton‐Cardwell Elizabeth E , Bethke James A , Morse Joseph G
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Studies were conducted to evaluate uptake and retention of three systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, in potted citrus nursery plants treated at standard label rates. Infestation of these plants placed at a field site with moderate levels of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) was monitored for 14 weeks following treatments, and insecticide residues in leaf tissue were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bioassays were conducted using leaves harvested on various dates post‐treatment to compare the efficacies of residues against adult ACP.

RESULTS

Residues of the three neonicotinoids were detected in leaf tissues within 1 week after treatment. Peak concentrations established at 1 week for imidacloprid and dinotefuran and at 2 weeks for thiamethoxam. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam outperformed the control and dinotefuran treatments at protecting trees from infestations by ACP eggs and nymphs. For a given insecticide concentration in leaf tissue, thiamethoxam induced the highest mortality of the three insecticides, and dinotefuran was the least toxic.

CONCLUSION

If the time needed to achieve effective thresholds of a systemic neonicotinoid is known, treatments at production facilities could be scheduled that would minimize unnecessary post‐treatment holding periods and ensure maximum retention of effective concentrations after the plants have shipped to retail outlets. The rapid uptake of the insecticides and retention at effective concentrations in containerized citrus suggest that the current 30 day post‐treatment shipping restriction from production facilities to retail outlets outside of quarantine could be shortened to 14 days. Thiamethoxam should be added to the list of approved nursery treatments. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Recovery of Co from aqueous solutions using nanodiamonds as solid adsorbents
Authors: Reina Giacomo , Peruzzi Carlotta , Orlanducci Silvia , Terranova Maria Letizia
Published: October 2016

A study has been carried out to test detonation nanodiamond (DND) as solid adsorbent for the recovery of Co ions from wastewater. With the aim to enhance the surface affinity for Co ions, after preliminary purification and oxidation steps, the DNDs were functionalized with three different diamine chelant molecules. The as prepared materials were characterized via FT‐IR and TGA. Finally, the Co adsorption capacity of DND was obtained by quantifying, by means of UV‐Vis spectroscopy, the residual concentration of Co ions in the solutions. Playing with the surface chemistry of DND it was possible to strongly enhance the DND uptake of cobalt ions, up to a value of about 60%. The proposed process offers flexibility in design and operation and the proper functionalized DNDs demonstrated to be effective solid adsorbent systems for metal recycling.

Top left: cartoon of the amidation reaction of the DND surface; top right: thermogravimetric analysis of the pristine and functionalized DNDs; bottom left: scheme of the Co absorption experiments made with the various DNDs in the Co solution, bottom right: UV‐Vis spectra of the various Co standard solutions.
Spectral probing of carrier traps in Si–Ge alloy nanocrystals
Authors: Ha Ngo Ngoc , Giang Nguyen Truong , Khiem Tran Ngoc , Dung Nguyen Duc , Gregorkiewicz Tom
Published: October 2016

Photogenerated carriers in Si–Ge alloy nanocrystals (NCs) prepared by co‐sputtering method were investigated by mean of transient induced absorption. The carrier relaxation features multiple components, with three decay life times of τ ≈ 600 fs, 12 ps, and 15 ns, established for Si0.2Ge0.8 alloy NCs of a mean crystal size of 9 nm and standard deviation of 3 nm. Deep carrier traps, identified at the boundary between the NCs and the SiO2 host with the ionization energy of about 1 eV, are characterized by a long‐range Coulombic potential. These are responsible for rapid depletion of free carrier population within a few picoseconds after the excitation, which explains the low emissivity of the investigated materials, and also sheds light on the generally low luminescence of Si/Ge and Ge NCs. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel Compounds with new Anti‐Ulcergenic Activity from Convolvulus pilosellifolius Using Bio‐Guided Fractionation.
Authors: Awaad Amani S. , Al‐Refaie Asmaa , El‐Meligy Reham , Zain Mohamed , Soliman Hesham , Marzoke Mohamed S. , El‐Sayed Nabil
Published: October 2016

Oral administration of the total alcohol extract of Convolvulus pilosellifolius Desr. (250 and 500 md/kg) showed potent anti‐ulcerogenic activity in absolute ethanol‐induced ulcer model in rats; it showed percent protection of control ulcer by 69.2 and 84.6%, respectively, while standard ranitidine (100 mg/kg) exhibited 46.2%. Bio‐guided work leads to isolation of two novel compounds (1 and 2), which were identified through 1H, 13C NMR, HMPC, HMQC and DEPT as: methyl 2‐(hydroxymethyl) octanoate, named as amanitate, and 16‐amino‐9,13‐dimethyl‐17‐(prop‐1‐en‐2‐yl)‐hexadecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a] phenanthren‐3‐ol, named as asmatol. Both compounds (50 mg/kg) possessed anti‐ulcerogenic activity with 95.4% and 55.84% protection, respectively. Two known compounds (3 and 4) were also isolated and identified through comparison with authentic samples and confirmed through different NMR techniques as kampeferol and quercetin. These compounds also showed anti‐ulcerogenic activity with 78.38% and 5.38% protection, respectively. The cytoprotective mechanism explains the potent anti‐ulcerogenic activity of the total alcohol extract and the isolated compounds. The extract was highly safe as the LD50 was more than 5000 mg/kg. These results were well supported by the sub‐chronic toxicity study, as the extract (500 mg/kg) administrated orally to rats for 35 consecutive days showed no alteration in the liver and kidney functions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daikenchuto (TU‐100) Suppresses Tumor Development in the Azoxymethane and APCmin/+ Mouse Models of Experimental Colon Cancer
Authors: Hasebe Takumu , Matsukawa Jun , Ringus Daina , Miyoshi Jun , Hart John , Kaneko Atsushi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Kono Toru , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kohgo Yutaka , Wang Chong‐Zi , Yuan Chun‐Su , Bissonnette Marc , Musch Mark W. , Chang Eugene B.
Published: October 2016

Chemopreventative properties of traditional medicines and underlying mechanisms of action are incompletely investigated. This study demonstrates that dietary daikenchuto (TU‐100), comprised of ginger, ginseng, and Japanese pepper effectively suppresses intestinal tumor development and progression in the azoxymethane (AOM) and APCmin/+ mouse models. For the AOM model, TU‐100 was provided after the first of six biweekly AOM injections. Mice were sacrificed at 30 weeks. APCmin/+ mice were fed diet without or with TU‐100 starting at 6 weeks, and sacrificed at 24 weeks. In both models, dietary TU‐100 decreased tumor size. In APC min/+ mice, the number of small intestinal tumors was significantly decreased. In the AOM model, both TU‐100 and Japanese ginseng decreased colon tumor numbers. Decreased Ki‐67 and β‐catenin immunostaining and activation of numerous transduction pathways involved in tumor initiation and progression were observed. EGF receptor expression and stimulation/phosphorylation in vitro were investigated in C2BBe1 cells. TU‐100, ginger, and 6‐gingerol suppressed EGF receptor induced Akt activation. TU‐100 and ginseng and to a lesser extent ginger or 6‐gingerol inhibited EGF ERK1/2 activation. TU‐100 and some of its components and metabolites of these components inhibit tumor progression in two mouse models of colon cancer by blocking downstream pathways of EGF receptor activation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing spatial precipitation uncertainties in a convective‐scale ensemble
Authors: Dey Seonaid R. A. , Plant Robert S. , Roberts Nigel M. , Migliorini Stefano
Published: October 2016

New techniques have recently been developed to quantify the location‐dependent spatial agreement between ensemble members, and the spatial spread–skill relationship. In this article a summer of convection‐permitting ensemble forecasts are analysed to better understand the factors influencing location‐dependent spatial agreement of precipitation fields and the spatial spread–skill relationship over the UK. The aim is to further investigate the agreement scale method, and to highlight the information that could be extracted for a more long‐term routine model evaluation. Overall, for summer 2013, the UK 2.2 km grid spacing ensemble system was found to be reasonably well spread spatially, although there was a tendency for the ensemble to be overconfident in the location of precipitation. For the forecast lead times considered (up to 36 h), a diurnal cycle was seen in the spatial agreement and in the spatial spread–skill relationship: the forecast spread and error did not increase noticeably with forecast lead time. Both the spatial agreement and the spatial spread–skill were dependent on the fractional coverage and average intensity of precipitation. A poor spread–skill relationship was associated with a low fractional coverage of rain and low average rain rates. The times with a smaller fractional coverage, or lower intensity, of precipitation were found to have lower spatial agreement. The spatial agreement was found to be location dependant, with higher confidence in the location of precipitation to the northwest of the UK.
Orographic drag on islands in the NWP mountain grey zone
Authors: Vosper S. B. , Brown A. R. , Webster S.
Published: October 2016

The drag due to resolved and subgrid flow blocking and gravity waves is examined in simulations of flow over mountainous islands at ‘grey zone’ resolutions, in which the processes are neither well resolved or fully subgrid‐scale. Simulations of flows over narrow (South Georgia) and broad (New Zealand) mountain barriers are used to determine the behaviour of resolved and parametrized pressure drag and gravity‐wave momentum fluxes as a function of horizontal grid length. Analysis of the pressure drag in spectral space suggests that contributions from wavelengths shorter than 8–10 grid lengths are poorly resolved and that parametrization schemes should compensate for the missing drag from processes on these scales, rather than strictly the subgrid scales. The model performance for South Georgia is such that the total (resolved plus parametrized) pressure drag is approximately invariant across a range of resolutions. The parametrized (resolved) drag increases (decreases) as the grid length increases and the resolved and parametrized drag become comparable when the characteristic island wavelength is approximately 8 times the grid length. This is not true when the same tuning of the drag parametrization is applied to New Zealand, in which case the parametrized drag increases too rapidly with increasing grid length. However, satisfactory results are obtained when the scheme is re‐tuned and it is shown that the optimal tuning for the two islands is consistent with scaling the subgrid orographic heights to be representative of the orography on longer length‐scales, of up to 10 grid lengths. The results suggest that drag schemes require orographic information on these longer scales, rather than only the subgrid scale. At the coarsest resolutions, where the island wavelength and grid length are similar, the parametrized drag is too small because the grid boxes are increasingly treated as sea points. Possible solutions to this problem are discussed.
Iceland's Great Frost Winter of 1917/1918 and its representation in reanalyses of the twentieth century
Authors: Moore G. W. K. , Babij M.
Published: October 2016

Climate variability during the twentieth century is a subject of considerable interest as it represents a way to place the changes that we are currently experiencing into a long‐term context. The characterization of climatic extremes and their representation in models is of particular importance as these events have a significant impact on communities and ecosystems. Much of the focus on these extremes has been on events that occurred after the establishment of the upper‐air observing network in the 1950s. The recent availability of reanalyses that extend throughout the twentieth century now allow extreme events that occurred before this time to be more fully investigated. The winter of 1917/1918 is referred to as the Great Frost Winter in Iceland. It was the coldest winter in the region during the twentieth century. It was remarkable for the presence of sea ice in Reykjavik Harbour as well as for the unusually large number of polar bear sightings in northern Iceland. Here we use observations as well as two reanalyses that span the twentieth century to document this event. We show that throughout much of the region, January 1918 was the coldest winter month on record. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) attained one of its most negative values during January 1918 and the westward shift in its northern centre of action allowed cold Arctic and Greenlandic air to penetrate south towards Iceland. We also show that the two reanalyses diverged in their ability to represent the temperature anomalies during the event. Differences in the sea‐surface temperature (SST) and sea ice concentration fields used to force the underlying models contributed to this divergence. These results stress the important role that boundary conditions play in determining the fidelity with which reanalyses can represent extreme climate events in data‐sparse regions.
Chromatographic peak reconstruction algorithm to improve qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace pesticide residues
Authors: Chen Xiu‐Ping , Fan Ruo‐Jing , Zhang Fang , Li Zhong‐Quan , Xu Bin , Guo Yin‐Long
Published: October 2016

Rationale

In order to improve analysis of analytes in trace amounts in a complex matrix, we developed a novel post‐processing method, named Chromatographic Peak Reconstruction (CPR), to process the recorded data from gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS).

Methods

For a trace ion, the relative deviation (δ) between the adjacent scanned mass‐to‐charge ratios (m/z) was found to be inversely proportional to its MS peak intensity. Based on this relationship, the thresholds of δ value within the specified intensity segments were estimated by the CPR and used to screen out the suspicious scan‐points in the extracted ion chromatographic (EIC) peak. Then, the intensities of these suspicious scan‐points were calibrated to reconstruct a new EIC peak.

Results

In the qualitative analysis of 118 pesticides, 107 out of the test pesticides can be confirmed. The corrected response ratios of the qualitative ion (q) over the quantitative ion (Q), q/Q, became closer to their references. In the quantitative analysis of 10 test pesticides at 5 ppb, the relative errors of the calculated concentrations after using the CPR were below ±1.55%, down from ±2.29% without using the CPR.

Conclusions

The developed CPR showed great potential in the analysis of trace analytes in complex matrices. It was proved to be a helpful data processing method for the monitoring of trace pesticide residues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed plantwide control based on differential dissipativity
Authors: Wang Ruigang , Bao Jie
Published: October 2016

Modern chemical plants are becoming very complex, often consisting of a number of nonlinear process units (subsystems) with strong interactions due to material recycle and energy integration. The operation setpoint may need to be adjusted from time to time based on the market demand. To address the aforementioned challenges, a plantwide distributed nonlinear control scheme based on differential dissipativity is proposed in this paper, which can ensure plantwide incremental exponential stability and achieve bounded incremental L2 gain performance. As a non‐unique property, the differential dissipativity of individual subsystem is shaped by a setpoint‐independent control structure – differential state feedback control. The dissipativity properties of subsystems and individual controllers are determined simultaneously as a large‐scale feasibility problem to ensure the plantwide stability and performance. It is converted into an LMI condition for plantwide supply rate planning and small‐scale sum‐of‐squares programming problems for individual subsystem dissipativity shaping, by using the alternating direction method of multipliers method. The proposed approach is illustrated using a chemical reactor network with a recycle stream. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impacts of Natural Flood Management Approaches on In‐Channel Sediment Quality
Authors: Janes V. J. , Grabowski R. C. , Mant J. , Allen D. , Morse J. L. , Haynes H.
Published: October 2016

Natural Flood Management (NFM) techniques aim to reduce downstream flooding by storing and slowing the flow of stormwater to river channels. These techniques include a range of measures, including setback stormwater outfalls and the physical restoration of channels and floodplains, to improve the natural functioning of catchments. An additional benefit of NFM measures is the potential reduction in sediment and pollutant delivery to the channel. Urban development releases a variety of heavy metal and nutrient pollutants that enter rivers through stormwater outfalls with adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem. In this study, the influence of channel modification and quality of the river habitat on the sediment quality surrounding stormwater outfalls was assessed. Sediment samples were taken at several outfalls within the Johnson Creek catchment, Oregon, USA, and analysed for a variety of urban pollutants. The level of river habitat quality and modification at each site were assessed using a semi‐quantitative scoring methodology. Significant increases in pollutant levels were observed at outfalls, with a greater and more variable increase at direct compared to setback outfalls. Removal efficiency of certain pollutants was found to be significantly correlated to the level of habitat quality or modification (for Fe, Ba, Sn, Mg, P, K) indicating that more natural reaches had greater potential for pollutant removal. The findings highlight the multiple benefits associated with NFM and river restoration approaches in relation to sediment quality and pollutant content. © 2016 The Authors River Research and Applications Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Search‐based model transformations
Authors: Fleck Martin , Troya Javier , Wimmer Manuel
Published: October 2016

Model transformations are an important cornerstone of model‐driven engineering, a discipline which facilitates the abstraction of relevant information of a system as models. The success of the final system mainly depends on the optimization of these models through model transformations. Currently, the application of transformations is realized either by following the apply‐as‐long‐as‐possible strategy or by the provision of explicit rule orchestrations. This implies two main limitations. First, the optimization objectives are implicitly hidden in the transformation rules and their orchestration. Second, manually finding the best orchestration for a particular scenario is a major challenge due to the high number of possible combinations.

To overcome these limitations, we present a novel framework that builds on the non‐intrusive integration of optimization and model transformation technologies. In particular, we formulate the transformation orchestration task as an optimization problem, which allows for the efficient exploration of the transformation space and explication of the transformation objectives. Our generic framework provides several search algorithms and guides the user in providing a proper search configuration. We present different instantiations of our framework to demonstrate its feasibility, applicability, and benefits using several case studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A meta‐model of software development project states behavioral study of software projects
Authors: Akbar Rehan , Hassan Mohd Fadzil , Abdullah Azrai
Published: October 2016

Software development project during its lifecycle passes through various states. These states describe the condition, status, and behavior of software projects. In the present study, these states are defined based on the various activities performed during project lifecycle like initial environment setup, requirement analysis, coding, testing, problem resolution, and completion. The taxonomy of these states and substates is defined, and a project states meta‐model is designed. The meta‐model is composed of states and substates of the software projects. Detailed case studies of real projects have been conducted to validate the states of the meta‐model. Evidences are collected; and events and observations are recorded about existence of the states, execution flow, duration, and behavior. The evidences, events, and observations are presented in the sequence to translate them into results. Results show that project states exist in all projects such that each software project passes through these states serially and in particular cases, a few states may exist in parallel. Project states show the status and progress of the software projects. It is found that issues in software projects can effectively be resolved by performing micro project management activities of the projects states. Project states meta‐model provides basic structure for deriving new models.
On Novice Facilitators Doing Research—Research in Problem Structuring Methods as Autoethnography
Authors: Tavella Elena
Published: October 2016

Opportunities for novices to facilitate Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs) workshops are limited, especially because of a lack of access to real‐world interventions and confidence in their capabilities. Novices are usually young academics building their careers through publishing. Publishing is challenging if facilitation and opportunities for data collection are limited. To address this challenge, this paper suggests autoethnography as a framework for addressing difficulties that novices face in conducting research and publishing on PSMs. This suggestion grows out of a literature study on autoethnography and PSMs combined with reflections on the author's experience as a PSM novice and young academic. Autoethnography is presented as a means to enable access to real‐world interventions, enhance novices' confidence, and identify research and publishing opportunities. The author outlines strengths and challenges associated with PSM novices carrying out autoethnography. Contributions to PSM literature and practice are also provided. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis of subcarrier intensity modulation using rectangular QAM over Malaga turbulence channels with integer and non‐integer β
Authors: Alheadary Wael G. , Park Ki‐Hong , Alouini Mohamad‐Slim
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we derive the performances of optical wireless communication system utilizing adaptive subcarrier intensity modulation over the Malaga turbulent channel. More specifically, analytical closed‐form solutions and asymptotic results are derived for average bit error rate, achievable spectral efficiency, outage probability, and ergodic capacity by utilizing series expansion identity of modified Bessel function. Our asymptotic and analytical results based on series solutions with finite numbers highly matched to the numerical results. By exploiting the inherent nature of fading channel, the proposed adaptive scheme enhances the spectral efficiency without additional transmit power while satisfying the required bit error rate criterion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global competitiveness analysis of energy storage system:model and index
Authors: Lee Chansong , Kim Jeong Won , Yeom Sung Chan , Kim Kyung Nam
Published: October 2016

Energy storage system (ESS) plays a significant role in increasing the reliability and the performance of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Because of its positive relevance to the electric grid, renewables, and grid security, many developed countries enhance their efforts to develop the ESS technologies. A comparative study on global ESS competitiveness helps researchers to identify leading and lagging countries in ESS field while providing the key indicators to explain the differences. To develop a model index to measure the ESS competitiveness, we, first, devises a competitiveness framework of categories and indicators based on theories of science and technology innovation. Second, we set up the model indexes, both theoretical and experimental, by conducting analytic hierarchy process analysis and collecting experts’ review. Then, we measure the ESS competitiveness of 11 OECD countries and China, and find that the United States is an outstanding first‐runner in the ESS sector. China is the second while Japan, Germany, and South Korea belong to the next competitive group. Research findings in this paper provide policy implications for ESS technological development and commercialization. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e235. doi: 10.1002/wene.235

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Stochastic modeling of the Ogden class of stored energy functions for hyperelastic materials: the compressible case
Authors: Staber Brian , Guilleminot Johann
Published: October 2016

This paper is devoted to the modeling of compressible hyperelastic materials whose response functions exhibit uncertainties at some scale of interest. The construction of parametric probabilistic representations for the Ogden class of stored energy functions is specifically considered and formulated within the framework of Information Theory. The overall methodology relies on the principle of maximum entropy, which is invoked under constraints arising from existence theorems and consistency with linearized elasticity. As for the incompressible case discussed elsewhere, the derivation essentially involves the conditioning of some variables on the stochastic bulk and shear moduli, which are shown to be statistically dependent random variables in the present case. The explicit construction of the probability measures is first addressed in the most general setting. Subsequently, particular results for classical Neo‐Hookean and Mooney‐Rivlin materials are provided. Salient features of the probabilistic representations are finally highlighted through forward Monte‐Carlo simulations. In particular, it is seen that the models allow for the reproduction of typical experimental trends, such as a variance increase at large stretches. A stochastic multiscale analysis, where uncertainties on the constitutive law of the matrix phase are taken into account through the proposed approach, is also presented.
Measuring the Burden of Surgical Disease Averted by Emergency and Essential Surgical Care in a District Hospital in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Stokes Matthew A. R. , Guest Glenn D. , Mamadi Perista , Seta Westin , Yaubihi Noel , Karawiga Grace , Naidi Billy , Watters David A. K.
Published: October 2016

Background

Timely access to emergency and essential surgical care (EESC) and anaesthesia in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) prevents premature death, minimises lifelong disability and reduces their economic impact on families and communities. Papua New Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the Pacific region, and provides much of its surgical care at a district hospital level. We aimed to evaluate the surgical capacity of a district hospital in PNG and estimate the effectiveness of surgical interventions provided.

Methods

We performed a prospective study to calculate the number of DALYs averted for 465 patients treated with surgical care over a 3‐month period (Sep–Nov 2013) in Alotau Hospital, Milne Bay Province, PNG (pop 210,000). Data were also collected on infrastructure, workforce, interventions provided and equipment available using the World Health Organization’s Integrated Management of Emergency and Essential Surgical Care Toolkit, a survey to assess EESC and surgical capacity. We also performed a retrospective one‐year audit of surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care to provide context with regards to annual disease burden treated and surgical activity.

Results

EESC was provided by 11 Surgeons/Anaesthetists/Obstetricians (SAO) providers, equating to 5.7 per 100,000 population (including 4 nurse anaesthetists). They performed 783/100,000 procedures annually. Over the 3‐month prospective study period, 4954 DALYs were averted by 465 surgical interventions, 52 % of which were elective. This equates to 18,330 DALYs averted annually or, approximately 18 % of the published but estimated disease burden in the Province in the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study. The overall peri‐operative mortality rate was 1.29 %, with 0.41 % for elective procedures and 2.25 % for emergencies.

Conclusions

Much of the burden of surgical disease in Papua New Guinea presenting to Alotau General Hospital serving Milne Bay Province can be effectively treated by a small team providing emergency and essential surgical care. This is despite a relatively low surgical volume and limited numbers of trained surgical anaesthesia obstetric providers, and likely underservicing. The ability of surgical care to avert disease in Papua New Guinea highlights its importance to public health in LMICs.
Considering Horn’s Parallel Analysis from a Random Matrix Theory Point of View
Authors: Saccenti Edoardo , Timmerman Marieke E.
Published: October 2016

Horn’s parallel analysis is a widely used method for assessing the number of principal components and common factors. We discuss the theoretical foundations of parallel analysis for principal components based on a covariance matrix by making use of arguments from random matrix theory. In particular, we show that (i) for the first component, parallel analysis is an inferential method equivalent to the Tracy–Widom test, (ii) its use to test high-order eigenvalues is equivalent to the use of the joint distribution of the eigenvalues, and thus should be discouraged, and (iii) a formal test for higher-order components can be obtained based on a Tracy–Widom approximation. We illustrate the performance of the two testing procedures using simulated data generated under both a principal component model and a common factors model. For the principal component model, the Tracy–Widom test performs consistently in all conditions, while parallel analysis shows unpredictable behavior for higher-order components. For the common factor model, including major and minor factors, both procedures are heuristic approaches, with variable performance. We conclude that the Tracy–Widom procedure is preferred over parallel analysis for statistically testing the number of principal components based on a covariance matrix.
Drug repositioning
Authors: Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Wadhai Swati , Tyagi Brij , Gulati Natasha , Sinha Madhu
Published: October 2016

Rapid advances in pharmacotherapy and bioinformatics has led to the discovery and growing popularity of drug repositioning which includes re-investigating or recycling of existing drugs for new indications. There are innumerable advantages as well as challenges of drug repositioning. Since de-novo drug discovery takes plenty of time, effort and money, it has proved to a preferred alternative strategy for accelerated drug discovery. Moreover it is relatively inexpensive and carries minimal risk due to availability of previous pharmacological, safety and toxicology data. The strategies used are Known drug – new target/Drug focus/Drug-centric, Known target- new indication/Target focus/Target-centric and Disease focus/Disease-centric. Drug repositioning is a new breakthrough strategy to benefit patients by offering safer and effective treatment using shelved drugs.
Individuals at Risk for Suicide
Authors: Alonzo Dana , Moravec Claire , Kaufman Benjamin
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Background: Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behaviors are often difficult to engage in treatment. Up to 50% of individuals presenting to an ER for treatment of a suicidal crisis refuse outpatient treatment referrals. This study examined outpatient mental health clinicians' perceptions of the barriers to and facilitators of mental health treatment engagement of individuals at risk for suicide. Method: Thirty-six mental health clinicians working with clients with past and/or current suicidality (ideation, behaviors) in outpatient mental health centers participated in four focus groups. Data were collected using semistructured interview. A process of content analysis was utilized in which data were analyzed thematically. Results: Five main domains of barriers and facilitators emerged including (a) client-level, (b) clinician-level, (c) service-level, (d) agency-level, and (e) intervention-level variables. In all, 38 barriers and 31 facilitators were identified. The most frequently identified facilitator was the clinician's own sense of engagement with the client, identified by 31% of the clinicians. The most frequently identified barrier was housing instability, identified by 34% of the clinicians. Conclusion: Knowledge of clinicians' perspective on treatment engagement of clients at risk for suicide may inform the development and implementation of interventions and guide training/supervision programs for those working with this vulnerable population.