bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molar Mass Analysis of Hydrophobically Modified Hyaluronic Acid by SEC‐MALLS: Facing the Challenges of Amphiphilic Biomacromolecules
Authors: Botha Carlo , Kuntz Jean‐François , Moire Claudine , Farcet Céline , Pfukwa Helen , Pasch Harald
Published: August 2018

A size exclusion chromatography–multiangle laser light scattering (SEC‐MALLS) method is developed for determining the molar masses of amphiphilic hyaluronan (HA), consisting of a hydrophilic polymer backbone modified to varying extents with hydrophobic, polymerizable acrylate groups. The polymers are prepared via the base‐catalyzed esterification of HA with acrylic anhydride. Various parameters are investigated including mobile phase composition, temperature, pH, salt type, and concentration in order to find the most suitable conditions for completely dissolving the modified polymers irrespective of the degree of substitution (DS), and for suppressing secondary polymer interactions. The hydrolytic and the thermal stability of the different materials at various experimental conditions are also extensively investigated. HAs with DS varying from 0 to 3.4 are subsequently analyzed at the optimized experimental conditions for the mobile phase being DMSO/H2O 60/40(v/v) with 0.05 M LiBr and an operating temperature of 40 °C. The refractive index increments (dn/dc) of the HAs are determined and the results show a dependence of dn/dc on DS.
Rigid–Flexible Coupling Polymer Electrolytes toward High‐Energy Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhang Jianjun , Cui Guanglei
Published: August 2018

Polymer electrolytes have aroused wide interest in lithium batteries, but their comprehensive performances (including ionic conductivity, electrochemical window, and mechanical strength) need to be enhanced for high‐energy lithium batteries. A rigid–flexible coupling strategy is proposed to enhance the comprehensive performances of polymer electrolytes. To date, “rigid–flexible coupling” has been widely applied in gel and solid polymer electrolytes. For many kinds of polymer electrolytes, their ionic conductivity, electrochemical window, interfacial stability, and mechanical properties are significantly improved by “rigid–flexible coupling,” breaking their inherent application barriers in high‐energy lithium battery. Herein, recent key progress in rigid–flexible coupling polymer electrolytes is reviewed in terms of their design concepts, chemical‐physical properties, electrochemical performances, and battery properties. This overview also conducts a perspective for rigid–flexible coupling polymer electrolytes. It is hoped that fresh and established researchers can obtain a clear perspective of “rigid–flexible coupling” and this mini review can also throw light on the exploration of high‐energy polymer lithium batteries.
Gradient estimates for solutions of elliptic systems with measurable coefficients from composite material
Authors: Jang Yunsoo , Kim Youchan
Published: August 2018

We study global gradient estimates for the weak solution to elliptic systems with measurable coefficients from composite materials in a nonsmooth bounded domain. The principal coefficients are assumed to be merely measurable in one variable and have small bounded mean oscillation (BMO) seminorms in the other variables on each subdomain whose boundary satisfies the so‐called δ‐Reifenberg flat condition. Under these assumptions and based on our new geometric observation for disjoint Reifenberg domains in a previous study, we obtain global W1,p estimates.
Wave propagation in a diffusive SIR epidemic model with spatiotemporal delay
Authors: Zhen Zaili , Wei Jingdong , Tian Lixin , Zhou Jiangbo , Chen Wenxia
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we propose a SIR epidemic model incorporating Laplacian diffusion and the spatiotemporal delay to model the transmission of communicable diseases. The existence and nonexistence of traveling wave solutions for the model are investigated. It is found that the threshold dynamics are determined by the basic reproduction number
and the minimum wave speed c∗. By introducing an auxiliary system and Schauder's fixed point theorem, we establish the existence of traveling wave solutions for the model if
and c > c∗. Employing Fubini theorem and the two‐sided Laplace transform, we obtain the nonexistence of traveling wave solutions for the model if
or 0 < c < c∗. Our results cover and improve some results in the literature.
On two topologies that were suggested by Zeeman
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Papadopoulos Basil K.
Published: August 2018

The class of Zeeman topologies on spacetimes in the frame of relativity theory is considered to be of powerful intuitive justification, satisfying a sequence of properties with physical meaning, such as the group of homeomorphisms under such a topology is isomorphic to the Lorentz group and dilatations, in Minkowski spacetime, and to the group of homothetic symmetries in any curved spacetime. In this article, we focus on two distinct topologies that were suggested by Zeeman as alternatives to his fine topology, showing their connection with two orders, ie, a timelike and a (noncausal) spacelike one. For the (noncausal) spacelike order, we introduce a partition of the null cone, which gives the desired topology invariantly from the choice of the hyperplane of partition. In particular, we observe that these two orders induce topologies within the class of Zeeman topologies, while the two suggested topologies by Zeeman himself are intersection topologies of these two order topologies (respectively) with the manifold topology. We end up with a list of open questions and a discussion, comparing the topologies with bounded against those with unbounded open sets and their possible physical interpretation.
Global and blow‐up analysis for a class of nonlinear reaction diffusion model with Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Wang Hui , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2018

The work is concerned with the following nonlinear reaction diffusion model with Dirichlet boundary conditions:urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5241:mma5241-math-0001wherep ≥ 2 is a real number andis a bounded domain with smooth boundary∂D. Under some appropriate assumptions on the functionsf,h,k,g,ρ, and initial valueu0, by defining auxiliary functions and using a first‐order differential inequality technique, we not only present that the solution exists globally or blows up in a finite time but also compute the upper and lower bound for blow‐up time when blow‐up occurs. Additionally, two examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Some explicit solutions of the Landau‐Lifshitz equation for anisotropic ferromagnets
Authors: Han Fangyu , Yang Ganshan
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to construct explicit solutions of the Landau‐Lifshitz equation for anisotropic ferromagnets. Firstly, we present some explicit solutions for n‐dimensional Landau‐Lifshitz equation with a generalized uniaxial anisotropy field (depending only on time) under a suitable transformation, where the generalized uniaxial anisotropy field contains the classical easy‐axis case and the important higher‐order approximations. Some relevant examples are indicated that contains the cubic system proposed by Landau and Lifshitz in 1960. Secondly, an explicit plane‐wave solution of Landau‐Lifshitz equation for the completely anisotropic case is obtained. Finally, some properties of magnetization for ferromagnets are provided by analysis of the solutions.
Dietary Galacto‐Oligosaccharides and Resistant Starch Protect Against Altered CB1 and 5‐HT1A and 2A Receptor Densities in Rat Brain: Implications for Preventing Cognitive and Appetite Dysfunction During a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Yu Yinghua , Patch Craig , Weston‐Green Katrina , Zhou Yuan , Zheng Kuiyang , Huang Xu‐Feng
Published: August 2018

Scope

A high‐fat, but low‐fiber, diet is associated with obesity and cognitive dysfunction, while dietary fiber supplementation can improve cognition.

Methods and results

This study examines whether dietary fibers, galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) and resistant starch (RS), could prevent high‐fat (HF)‐diet‐induced alterations in neurotransmitter receptor densities in brain regions associated with cognition and appetite. Rats are fed a HF diet, HF diet with GOS, HF diet with RS, or a low‐fat (LF, control) diet for 4 weeks. Cannabinoid CB1 (CB1R) and 5HT1A (5HT1AR) and 5‐HT2A (5HT2AR) receptor binding densities are examined. In the hippocampus and hypothalamus, a HF diet significantly increases CB1R binding, while HF + GOS and HF + RS diets prevented this increase. HF diet also increases hippocampal and hypothalamic 5‐HT1AR binding, while HF + GOS and HF + RS prevented the alterations. Increased 5‐HT2A binding is prevented by HF + GOS and HF + RS in the medial mammillary nucleus.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that increased CB1R, 5‐HT1AR and 5‐HT2AR induced by a HF diet can be prevented by GOS and RS supplementation in brain regions involved in cognition and appetite. Therefore, increased fiber intake may have beneficial effects on improving learning and memory, as well as reducing excessive appetite, during the chronic consumption of a HF (standard Western) diet.
A hybrid parallel algorithm for large sparse linear systems
Authors: Rao S. Chandra Sekhara , Kamra Rabia
Published: August 2018

Large sparse linear systems arise in many areas of scientific computing, and the solution of these systems is the most time‐consuming part in many large‐scale problems. We present a hybrid parallel algorithm, named incomplete WZ parallel solver (IWZPS), for the solution of large sparse nonsingular diagonally dominant linear systems on distributed memory architectures. The method is a combination of both direct and iterative techniques. We compare the present hybrid parallel sparse algorithm IWZPS with the direct and iterative sparse solvers, namely, MUMPS and ILUPACK, respectively. In addition, we compare it with a hybrid parallel solver, DDPS.
A mesh‐independent method for planar three‐dimensional crack growth in finite domains
Authors: Sheng A. , Ghoniem N. M. , Crosby T. , Po G.
Published: August 2018

The discrete crack mechanics (DCM) method is a dislocation‐based crack modeling technique where cracks are constructed using Volterra dislocation loops. The method allows for the natural introduction of displacement discontinuities, avoiding numerically expensive techniques. Mesh dependence in existing computational modeling of crack growth is eliminated by utilizing a superposition procedure. The elastic field of cracks in finite bodies is separated into two parts: the infinite‐medium solution of discrete dislocations and an finite element method solution of a correction problem that satisfies external boundary conditions. In the DCM, a crack is represented by a dislocation array with a fixed outer loop determining the crack tip position encompassing additional concentric loops free to expand or contract. Solving for the equilibrium positions of the inner loops gives the crack shape and stress field. The equation of motion governing the crack tip is developed for quasi‐static growth problems. Convergence and accuracy of the DCM method are verified with two‐ and three‐dimensional problems with well‐known solutions. Crack growth is simulated under load and displacement (rotation) control. In the latter case, a semicircular surface crack in a bent prismatic beam is shown to change shape as it propagates inward, stopping as the imposed rotation is accommodated.
A combined scheme of generalized finite difference method and Krylov deferred correction technique for highly accurate solution of transient heat conduction problems
Authors: Qu Wenzhen , Gu Yan , Zhang Yaoming , Fan Chia‐Ming , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a numerical framework for the highly accurate solutions of transient heat conduction problems. The numerical framework discretizes the temporal direction of the problems by introducing the Krylov deferred correction (KDC) approach, which is arbitrarily high order of accuracy while remaining the computational complexity same as in the time‐marching of first‐order methods. The discretization by employing the KDC method yields a boundary value problem of the inhomogeneous modified Helmholtz equation at each time step. The meshless generalized finite difference method (GFDM) or meshless finite difference method (MFDM), a meshless method, is then applied to the solution of resulting boundary value problems at each time step. Six numerical experiments in one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional cases show that the proposed hybrid KDC‐GFDM scheme allows big time step size for a long‐time dynamic simulation and has a great potential for the problems with complex boundaries. In addition, some comparisons are also presented between the present method, the COMSOL software, and the GFDM with implicit Euler method.
Comparing fill and floor: A taphonomic framework for understanding depositional histories in a semi‐subterranean house in north‐west Alaska
Authors: Norman Lauren E.Y.
Published: August 2018

Collapsed semi‐subterranean dwelling features are often excellent sources for well‐preserved faunal, artefactual, and architectural material in the Arctic. However, collapsed structures may be reused after house abandonment as storage areas, hunting blinds, refuse areas, or other resource facilities. Despite their reuse and possibly different occupation period, artefacts and faunal material from the fill are often employed, uncritically, to interpret the original house occupation. Within a Thule Inuit house depression, I employ an analytical framework as a heuristic device to compare the social nature of the various faunal deposits and the processes that affected them. Analyses show that the taphonomic processes alter the fill more extensively and intensively than the underlying floor. The floor shows little post‐depositional disturbance and is evidence for a cold‐season occupation. By contrast, the fill is a palimpsest of multiple occupations, some possibly related to the house occupation. Archaeologists need to differentiate fill from floor contexts when talking about the original occupation because the taphonomy of the two contexts indicate each is a distinct set of assemblages with differing operative processes.
Preparation of highly interconnected porous poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) scaffolds via supercritical foaming
Authors: Sun Shuhao , Li Qian , Zhao Na , Jiang Jing , Zhang Kangkang , Hou Jianhua , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Guoji
Published: August 2018

Highly interconnected porous polymer scaffolds were prepared by gas foaming. Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends were melt mixed and batch foamed using CO2 as a physical blowing agent. The effects of the foaming temperature, pressure, and CO2 saturation time on the foam morphology were related to the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. The cell size in cross section of scaffolds decreased and became more homogeneous until CO2 saturation time reached 1.5 hours. With an increase in temperature, the cell size increased markedly and the cell size uniformity decreased gradually, whereas the reverse happened when the foaming pressure was increased. Meanwhile, many open cells can also be detected on the surface of scaffolds. High porosity and an open‐cell content of greater than 90% were obtained. The compressive strength of scaffolds was regulated by controlling the foam architecture. The information gathered in this study may provide a theoretical basis for research into porous tissue engineering scaffolds.
Evaluating automated approaches to anaphylaxis case classification using unstructured data from the FDA Sentinel System
Authors: Ball Robert , Toh Sengwee , Nolan Jamie , Haynes Kevin , Forshee Richard , Botsis Taxiarchis
Published: August 2018

Introduction

In May 2008, the Food and Drug Administration launched the Sentinel Initiative, a multi‐year program for the establishment of a national electronic monitoring system for medical product safety that led, in 2016, to the launch of the full Sentinel System. Under the Mini‐Sentinel pilot, several algorithms for identifying health outcomes of interest, including one for anaphylaxis, were developed and evaluated using data available from the Sentinel common data model.

Purpose

To evaluate whether features extracted from unstructured narrative data using natural language processing (NLP) could be used to classify anaphylaxis cases.

Methods

Using previously developed methods, we extracted features from unstructured narrative data using NLP and applied rule‐based and similarity‐based algorithms to identify anaphylaxis among 62 potential cases previously classified by human experts as anaphylaxis (N = 33), not anaphylaxis (N = 27), and unknown (N = 2).

Results

The rule‐based and similarity‐based approaches demonstrated almost equal performance (recall 100% vs 100%, precision 60.3% vs 57.4%, F‐measure: 0.753 vs 0.729). Reasons for misclassification included the inability of the algorithms to make the same clinical judgments as human experts about the timing, severity, or presence of alternative explanations; and the identification of terms consistent with anaphylaxis but present in conditions other than anaphylaxis.

Conclusions

Although precision needs to be improved before these algorithms could be used without human review, we demonstrated that applying rule‐based and similarity‐based algorithms to unstructured narrative information from clinical records can be used for classification of anaphylaxis in the Sentinel System. Further development and assessment of these methods in the Sentinel System are warranted.
Mapping the Structure of Human Values through Conceptual Representations
Authors: Coelho Gabriel Lins de Holanda , Hanel Paul H.P. , Johansen Mark K. , Maio Gregory R.
Published: August 2018

The present research provides the first direct examination of human values through concept categorization tasks that entail judging the meaning of values. Seven studies containing data from nine samples ( N = 1086) in two countries (the UK and Brazil) asked participants to compare the meaning of different values found within influential quasi–circumplex model of values. Different methods were used across experiments, including direct similarity judgment tasks, pile sorting, and spatial arrangement. The results of these diverse conceptual assessments corresponded to spatial configurations that are broadly convergent with Schwartz's model, both between and within participants. © 2018 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Side chain length affects backbone dynamics in poly(3‐alkylthiophene)s
Authors: Zhan Pengfei , Zhang Wenlin , Jacobs Ian E. , Nisson David M. , Xie Renxuan , Weissen Albree R. , Colby Ralph H. , Moulé Adam J. , Milner Scott T. , Maranas Janna K. , Gomez Enrique D.
Published: August 2018

Charge transport in conjugated polymers may be governed not only by the static microstructure but also fluctuations of backbone segments. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we predict the role of side chains in the backbone dynamics for regiorandom poly(3‐alkylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl)s (P3ATs). We show that the backbone of poly(3‐dodecylthiophene‐2‐5‐diyl) (P3DDT) moves faster than that of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) as a result of the faster motion of the longer side chains. To verify our predictions, we investigated the structures and dynamics of regiorandom P3ATs with neutron scattering and solid state NMR. Measurements of spin‐lattice relaxations (T1) using NMR support our prediction of faster motion for side chain atoms that are farther away from the backbone. Using small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS), we confirmed that regiorandom P3ATs are amorphous at about 300 K, although microphase separation between the side chains and backbones is apparent. Furthermore, quasi‐elastic neutron scattering (QENS) reveals that thiophene backbone motion is enhanced as the side chain length increases from hexyl to dodecyl. The faster motion of longer side chains leads to faster backbone dynamics, which in turn may affect charge transport for conjugated polymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1193–1202
Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Yellow‐Green N‐Doped Carbon Nanorings for pH Variation Detection and Bioimaging
Authors: Xu Quan , Su Rigu , Zhong Jian , Zhang Lipeng , Guo Yongjian , Street Jason , Chen Yusheng , Cai Lulu , Tang Peifu
Published: August 2018

A facile and direct chemical route is developed to produce intercrossed N‐doped graphene carbon nanorings (N‐CNRs) with a high yellow‐green photoluminescence emission in both solid and aqueous states. The N‐CNRs are directly synthesized at an elevated temperature in an inert atmosphere without additional pressure using urea and sodium citrate as raw materials. N‐CNRs have a photoluminescence change phenomenon from green to blue when the pH is altered from a neutral to a base value. The luminescence mechanism is analyzed under absorbance and lifetime decay, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Results indicate how the optical properties are tuned. The fluorescence bioimaging of zebrafish using N‐CNRs as the probe is also studied in terms of zebrafish husbandry, embryo harvesting, and the introduction of N‐CNRs into embryos and juveniles by soaking and microinjection. The prepared N‐CNRs serve as a promising fluorescent probe for pH variation analysis, and bioimaging. The N‐CNTs show potential for use in air purification applications.
TGF‐β receptor I inhibitor enhances response to enzalutamide in a pre‐clinical model of advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Paller Channing , Pu Hong , Begemann Diane E. , Wade Cameron A. , Hensley Patrick J. , Kyprianou Natasha
Published: August 2018

Background

Prostate cancer progression is navigated by the androgen receptor (AR) and transforming‐growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling. We previously demonstrated that aberrant TGF‐β signaling accelerates prostate tumor progression in a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer via effects on epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), driving castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Methods

This study examined the antitumor effect of the combination of TGF‐β receptor I (TβRI) inhibitor, galunisertib, and FDA‐approved antiandrogen enzalutamide, in our pre‐clinical model. Age‐matched genotypically characterized DNTGFβRII male mice were treated with either galunisertib and enzalutamide, in combination or as single agents in three “mini”‐trials and the effects on tumor growth, phenotypic EMT, and actin cytoskeleton were evaluated.

Results

Galunisertib in combination with enzalutamide significantly suppressed prostate tumor growth, by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell proliferation of tumor cell populations compared to the inhibitor as a monotherapy (P < 0.05). The combination treatment dramatically reduced cofilin levels, actin cytoskeleton regulator, compared to single agents. Treatment with galunisertib targeted nuclear Smad4 protein (intracellular TGF‐β effector), but had no effect on nuclear AR. Consequential to TGF‐β inhibition there was an EMT reversion to mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) and re‐differentiation of prostate tumors. Elevated intratumoral TGF‐β1 ligand, in response to galunisertib, was blocked by enzalutamide.

Conclusion

Our results provide novel insights into the therapeutic value of targeting TGF‐β signaling to overcome resistance to enzalutamide in prostate cancer by phenotypic reprogramming of EMT towards tumor re‐differentiation and cytoskeleton remodeling. This translational work is significant in sequencing TGF‐β blockade and antiandrogens to optimize therapeutic response in CRPC.
The Effects of Radial Compression on the Electronic Properties and Hydrogen Adsorption of SiC Nanotubes
Authors: Alfieri Giovanni
Published: August 2018

The electronic properties of radially deformed SiC nanotubes (SiCNT) are studied by density functional theory. It is found that the band gap of zig‐zag SiCNT can be engineered by radial compression. The reason for this is found by examining bond length/angle modification and by group theoretical analysis. In addition, the variation of the binding energy of H, in deformed SiCNT, is also studied. The analysis of the structural changes of the CSiH or SiCH bond length/angle, as well as the inspection of the molecular orbitals, shows that tunable hydrogen adsorption is feasible as for its carbon or boron nitride counterparts.
Measurement and evaluation of the effect of vibration on fruits in transit—Review
Authors: Fernando Indika , Fei Jiangang , Stanley Roger , Enshaei Hossein
Published: August 2018

Mechanical vibration is a prominent cause of produce damage in many postharvest fruit supply chains. Knowledge on the causes, occurrence, and mechanistic relationship of vibration to produce damage is important for systematic development of remedial actions. This review identifies and discusses the critical factors of vibration, their implications for fruit quality, and possible improvements to addressing the issue of fruit quality deterioration. Frequently reported mechanical damage types caused by vibration on fruits are scuffing, fruit rub, and skin bruising. A wide range of factors can significantly affect the vibration intensity and thus resultant mechanical damage. Critical frequencies of vibration in the range of 0 to 10 Hz, attributed to peak energy levels in the power spectrum, cause substantial damage in fruits. Greater vertical acceleration and transmission of vibration to the higher tiers in a stacked column of packages result in increased mechanical damage. Fruit packages stacked in the rear positions of trucks are also affected more by vibration. Produce transported in leaf spring trucks has a higher risk of damage when compared with air‐ride suspension trucks. Additionally increased road roughness, vehicle speed, and duration of exposure to vibration proliferate fruit damage. The effects of different inner packing methods and different package types on mechanical damage are less frequently investigated. More accurate characterization of mechanical damage caused by vibration and shocks and its reproduction by enhanced simulation methods will contribute to optimizing damage prevention mechanisms and further improving the quality of fruits in transit within the postharvest supply chain.
An animated visualization of orbital angular momentum and spin‐orbit coupling
Authors: Asher James R.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents an approach toward visualizing a complex orbital based on animation using a time‐dependent phase factor. This makes orbital angular momentum clearly visible, in a way that reflects the nature of the orbital angular momentum wavefunction. Visualization of this quantity is also useful for examining the effects of spin‐orbit coupling (SOC), in which higher orbital angular momentum states are admixed into the orbital; in this case, however, scaling of one phase‐component is needed. The phase orientation of a complex orbital, which is generally not guaranteed by the SCF procedure, must be considered when doing this. The method of visualization presented here may prove useful when analyzing properties where SOC is important, such as magnetic resonance parameters. Animated visualizations are performed, and compared with the method of phase‐colored isosurfaces, first for a model p‐orbital to explain the idea, and then for the singly‐occupied molecular orbitals of two small doublet radicals.
Development of a detection method for antisense oligonucleotides in mouse kidneys by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Yokoi Hiroyuki , Kasahara Yuya , Obika Satoshi , Doi Takefumi , Kamada Haruhiko
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Oligonucleotide therapeutics have recently gained much attention, but its pharmacokinetic evaluation methods are still not sufficient, and, in particular, more tools are needed to evaluate their tissue distribution and metabolites. We developed a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS)‐based method to evaluate the tissue distribution of oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Methods

We used an antisense oligonucleotide containing locked nucleic acids (LNA‐A). Various washing protocols were examined using mouse kidney homogenate sections. Next, we applied a two‐step matrix preparation strategy. As a first step, 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid (3‐HPA) matrix containing citrate and amines was sprayed using an airbrush and subsequently 3‐HPA matrix containing citrate only was sprayed using the ImagePrep. Finally, kidney sections prepared from LNA‐A‐dosed mice were treated with our optimized method and analyzed with MALDI‐IMS.

Results

The selected washing method made it possible to detect LNA‐A with MALDI‐IMS and, furthermore, our developed matrix pretreatment method enhanced signal intensity approximately two‐fold. MALDI‐IMS revealed that LNA‐A localized in a portion presumed to be the renal cortex. We also obtained information on LNA‐A metabolites, which showed the same distribution profile as LNA‐A in kidneys.

Conclusions

This study shows that MALDI‐IMS can be applied to evaluate the tissue distribution of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Our method can evaluate the tissue distribution along with metabolites and has the potential to help the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutics.
On‐substrate derivatization for detection of highly volatile G‐series chemical warfare agents via paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Mach Phillip M. , Dhummakupt Elizabeth S. , Carmany Daniel O. , McBride Ethan M. , Busch Michael W. , Demond Paul S. , Rizzo Gabrielle M. , Hollinshead Donna E. , Glaros Trevor
Published: August 2018

Rationale

The analysis of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from ambient atmosphere presents an analytical challenge due to their ease of degradation and volatility. Herein is described a method for derivatizing CWAs directly onto a paper spray substrate prior to analysis. This derivatization allows for much longer times of analysis without sample degradation and with little to no sample preparation.

Methods

Derivatization was performed using 2‐[(dimethylamino)methyl] phenol both in‐vial and directly on paper spray cartridges. Solution studies were carried out over time and samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) operated in positive ion mode. Paper spray substrates impregnated with the derivatizing agent prior to CWA vapor capture were also analyzed over time using a mass spectrometer operated in positive ion mode.

Results

Use of 2‐[(dimethylamino)methyl] phenol as a paper spray substrate dopant enables derivatization of G‐series compounds into lower volatility complexes. The reaction occurs in solution and in the vapor phase. This new technique effectively traps and captures G‐series agents for analysis while extending the time for which the compound remains absorbed. The complex is highly suitable for direct analysis via paper spray mass spectrometry.

Conclusions

Derivatization of paper spray substrates was shown to greatly increase the time for analysis of CWAs. This technique, combined with the vapor phase capture stage outlined previously, allows for rapid, quantitative CWA detection by paper spray ionization with little or no sample preparation.
Three‐dimensional numerical simulations of smooth, asymmetrically roughened, and baffled culverts for upstream passage of small‐bodied fish
Authors: Zhang Gangfu , Chanson Hubert
Published: August 2018

Traditional box culvert designs lead to development of high velocity zones in the culvert barrel that often impede upstream migration of fish. Herein, three‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS)‐ and Large eddy simulation (LES)‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulations were performed to compare the effectiveness of smooth, asymmetrically roughened, and corner‐baffled barrels, in creating low‐velocity zones (LVZs) and providing opportunity for upstream passage of small‐bodied fish. The results revealed distinctive benefits provided by the asymmetrically roughened and corner‐baffled barrels relative to the smooth barrel. Cross‐sectional asymmetry, corners, and obstructions are important factors that contribute to the generation of LVZs conducive to fish passage, albeit contiguity of LVZs is required, particularly for weak swimmers. The study demonstrates the adequacy and effectiveness of CFD models to complement traditional laboratory studies in understanding basic mechanisms beneficial to fish passage and to provide insights into future designs.
Effects of natal water dilution on the migration of Pacific salmon in a regulated river
Authors: Bett Nolan N. , Hinch Scott G. , Casselman Matthew T.
Published: August 2018

Adult salmon are guided by chemical cues from their natal water during the spawning migration. Consequently, hydroelectric activities can have negative effects on adult salmon navigation if they alter the chemical properties of the homing environment. We conducted riverside experiments to examine the effects of natal water dilution resulting from hydroelectric operations on upstream navigation in a British Columbia river and the efficacy of current dilution management in providing clear migratory cues for two local populations of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and a population of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). We found that both sockeye populations exhibited behavioural preferences for pure natal water when compared with various levels of diluted natal water, whereas pink salmon, which spawn throughout the system and exhibit lower levels of natal site fidelity, appeared unaffected by natal water dilution. Our findings confirmed that current management operations were appropriate for ensuring timely migration to spawning grounds and highlight the potential effects of alterations to water odour properties on salmon migrations.
Inhibitors of sustainable consumption: Insights from university academic staff in southern Nigeria
Authors: Ukenna Stephen , Nkamnebe Anayo , Idoko Edwin
Published: August 2018

Sustainable consumption behavior is increasingly becoming a topical issue in most developing economies. The growing unfavorable ecological footprint of most developing countries, including Nigeria, is becoming of concern and needs to be managed or reduced through strategic policy prescription and marketing strategy. Thus, insight from factors inhibiting sustainable consumption behavior could be a primary source to trigger reductions. Nevertheless, fostering sustainable consumption behavior in southern Nigeria, where the phenomenon is relatively nascent, requires contemporary insights into the factors that inhibit consumers to adopt sustainable consumption behavior. This research examines factors that discourage consumers' adoption of sustainable consumption behavior in southern Nigeria and uses those factors to develop a theory. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 3,495 academic staff in nine universities in southern Nigeria. Structural equation modeling with the aid of SmartPLS 2.0 software was used to analyze the causal model. Statistical support was found mainly for sustainability awareness as the most critical inhibitor. Other inhibitors with lesser significance are government regulation, price perception, and religious and social groups. The marketing management and public policy implications are discussed.
Temperature‐dependent magnetic and synchrotron radiation–based structural study of Fe/Al multilayers
Authors: Brajpuriya Ranjeet
Published: August 2018

This paper shows in situ annealing study of interface reaction of Fe/Al multilayer structure (MLS) grown by ion beam sputtering (IBS). The structural studies with respect to thermal annealing were carried out using synchrotron‐based grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) and X‐ray reflectivity (XRR), at P08, high‐resolution XRD beamline. In situ annealing was done in a range from 200°C to 400°C. The structural studies show that (1) the pristine MLS consisted of a thin intermixed layer of FeAl at the interfaces formed at the time of deposition, (2) growth of FeAl layer with annealing, and (3) finally converted into a single‐ordered layer of Fe3Al at higher annealing temperature. The effect of thermal annealing on the interfacial structure of MLS is also investigated by using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM results further confirm the above XRD and XRR results. The magnetization with respect to temperature is recorded using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Coercivity as well as saturation field increases continuously, but the magnetization decreases as a result of annealing. The Curie temperature (Tc) determined from the M‐T curve is found to be very less as compared with Fe bulk but much higher than that of room temperature. The magnetization behavior received is largely associated to change in MLS structure, FeAl phase formation, and enhancement in antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling with respect to thermal annealing.
A spatiotemporal back‐calculation approach to estimate cancer incidence measures
Authors: Nautiyal Nisheet , Holford Theodore R.
Published: August 2018

Incidence rates are an important population‐level disease risk measure. Cancer incidence data in the United States, which are collected by disease registries, have been spatiotemporally sparse. Back‐calculation methods can yield incidence estimates for a spatial domain by solving a convolution equation that relates mortality to incidence through survival estimates. We propose a novel back‐calculation approach that uses spatiotemporal age‐period‐cohort (APC) modeling to estimate incidence for spatial units within a region. The method is applied to state‐specific lung cancer data in the United States for males ages 30 to 84 in years 1975‐2004. SEER data are used to model cancer progression from incidence to mortality along three timescales (APC) and across four regions. Using mortality data from National Vital Statistics System, incidence is back‐calculated for unique birth cohorts in 49 states. A conditionally autoregressive model with cubic splines for temporal effects is used to smooth back‐calculated estimates. Bayesian estimates of model parameters are obtained using integrated nested Laplace approximation. Results show varying time trends in lung cancer risk across states, which may quantify effects of state policies.
Computationally efficient methods for fitting mixed models to electronic health records data
Authors: Rhodes K.M. , Turner R.M. , Payne R.A. , White I.R.
Published: August 2018

Motivated by two case studies using primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we describe statistical methods that facilitate the analysis of tall data, with very large numbers of observations. Our focus is on investigating the association between patient characteristics and an outcome of interest, while allowing for variation among general practices. We explore ways to fit mixed‐effects models to tall data, including predictors of interest and confounding factors as covariates, and including random intercepts to allow for heterogeneity in outcome among practices. We introduce (1) weighted regression and (2) meta‐analysis of estimated regression coefficients from each practice. Both methods reduce the size of the dataset, thus decreasing the time required for statistical analysis. We compare the methods to an existing subsampling approach. All methods give similar point estimates, and weighted regression and meta‐analysis give similar standard errors for point estimates to analysis of the entire dataset, but the subsampling method gives larger standard errors. Where all data are discrete, weighted regression is equivalent to fitting the mixed model to the entire dataset. In the presence of a continuous covariate, meta‐analysis is useful. Both methods are easy to implement in standard statistical software.
Grasp of evidence: Problematizing and expanding the next generation science standards’ conceptualization of evidence
Authors: Duncan Ravit Golan , Chinn Clark A. , Barzilai Sarit
Published: August 2018

Practices of generating, analyzing, and using evidence play a central role in the Framework for K‐12 Science Education and the NGSS. However, the construct of evidence remains largely underspecified in these documents, providing insufficient guidance on how to engage students with the broad and complex nature of evidentiary reasoning. This creates a risk of perfunctory and simplified implementation of evidence‐based practices that misses the intent of the standards and does little to prepare students for reasoning with the complex, varied, and contentious evidence encountered in popular media or in advanced education. To address these challenges, we propose a theoretical framework, which we callGrasp of Evidence, that complexifies the concept of evidence in ways that facilitate introducing more authentic forms of evidence and more sophisticated ways of engaging with evidence in science classrooms. Our approach focuses on promoting alaygrasp of evidence needed by competent outsiders as they engage with science in their everyday lives. The framework posits five dimensions. The first four dimensions capture what students should understand about how experts work with evidence: evidence analysis, evidence evaluation, evidence interpretation, and evidence integration. The fifth dimension focuses on how laypeople can use evidence reports themselves. Each of these dimensions of practice involves specific epistemic aims, epistemic ideals, and reliable epistemic processes for reasoning with and about evidence. We discuss these dimensions and their contribution to the conceptualization of evidence as well as provide some initial instructional implications and potential directions for future research.
Negotiating the meaning of Next Generation Science Standards in a secondary biology teacher professional learning community
Authors: Friedrichsen Patricia J. , Barnett Ellen
Published: August 2018

This instrumental case study examines how secondary biology teachers in a professional learning community (PLC) negotiated the meaning of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in a year‐long process of redesigning their curriculum. The PLC consisted of six biology teachers, five females and one male, who co‐planned and taught a 10th grade biology course. The case is bounded by the PLC's first year adoption of NGSS as the teachers worked without the support of a facilitator, professional development, or curricular resources. The study is framed through the lens of Communities of Practice. Data sources included field notes and transcripts of the PLC meetings, teachers’ emails, two semi‐structured interviews per teacher, one focus group, and the original and redesigned curricula. The interpretations consist of the following five themes. (1) Members of the PLC negotiated specific, clearly defined, mutually agreed upon, and complementary roles as they worked to adopt NGSS. (2) The PLC developed two new tools: a road map (i.e., a year‐long plan of action that reified their meaning‐making and sustained the PLC's redesign efforts) and a unit template. (3) The PLC's use of a borrowed tool, the World Studies Skills Rubric, influenced their prioritization of NGSS practices focusing on obtaining, evaluating and communicating information, and reasoning with evidence (i.e., argumentation and constructing explanations). (4) The newly designed assessments did not reflect three‐dimensional learning. (5) The teachers’ experiences were marked by a central tension between content details and NGSS practices. Implications are given for professional development and research.
Investigation of the constant‐voltage, constant‐current, and power characteristics of capacitive power transfer systems based on double‐CLC topology
Authors: Xia Chenyang , Chen Rui , Liu Limin , Lei Ke , Wu Xiaojie
Published: August 2018

To achieve a power supply mode that can load constant current, constant voltage, and high power, there are some problems in capacitive power transfer (CPT) systems such as complicated control structure and poor control effects. To solve these problems, a new CPT system based on the double‐CLC topology is proposed, which can accurately calculate the frequency points of the multiresonance of the system and analyze different output characteristics of each resonance point; Hereby, taking the three‐phase wireless charging as an example, based on the switching of resonance points, a control mode to achieve constant‐current, constant‐voltage, and high‐power output of the system is proposed and studied. While not adding extra auxiliary circuits or increasing controlling complexity, it can meet some power demands of loaded constant current, constant voltage, and high‐power output. First, this article puts forward a new CPT circuit mode based on the double‐CLC topology. Then, through theoretical derivation, its multiresonance characteristics are analyzed; Third, by formula derivation and software simulations, the system power output and the relationship between load and frequency are achieved. Finally, using experimental measures, the operation performance of the CPT system based on the double‐CLC topology, in the case of multiresonance, was verified. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien
Authors: Luber Claus , Scheffel Bert , Saager Stefan , Straach Steffen , Schiller Nicolas
Published: August 2018

Lithium‐Ion Batteries – Potential of vacuum thin film processes in production

In modern societies, daily life would not be possible without lithium‐ion‐batteries. Their market share is expected to grow continuously throughout the next years. Nevertheless, from a technical point of view, there is still a large need for improvement and optimization of the cells and their production processes. Vacuum thin film processes can probably add a good share to this improvement. This article tries, without claiming to be exhaustive, to show the potential of vacuum processes in the field of lithium‐ion‐batteries, based on experience and examples projects Fraunhofer FEP worked on, pointing out possible starting points inside the battery cell. And by doing this, scalability to industrial scale processes is always kept in mind.