bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust self cleaning polypyrrole‐polysulfone blend hollow fiber membrane for biofouling mitigation
Authors: Mukherjee Munmun , De Sirshendu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPersistent biofouling of membrane is the most commonly encountered problem during separation diminishing the throughput of the system. Many techniques have been adopted to mitigate biofouling. This paper describes the fabrication of polysulfone and polypyrrole blend hollow fiber membrane with outstanding self‐cleaning potential. Blending of polypyrrole promoted excellent anti‐biofouling surface against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The impact of flow rate and pressure on membrane performance was also evaluated during the separation process.RESULTSLoading of polypyrrole resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity, permeability, zeta potential and tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the appearance of macrovoids with increase of polypyrrole concentration, indicating the porous structure of the membrane. Hollow fibers exhibited negative potential at pH 7, leading to excellent anti‐biofouling surface. Roughness of fibers was dramatically reduced from 120 to 3 nm with polypyrrole concentration imparting superior self cleaning surface on the membrane. Fluorescence microscopy analyses revealed significant reduction in bacteria adhesion on 1 wt% polypyrrole loaded fibers. Modified membrane showed striking antibacterial property due to the leakage of cytoplasmic materials through lysis, as supported by A260nm absorption study. Morphological analysis of the used blend membrane showed almost no deposition of bacteria even after a long run, holding the promise of biofouling mitigation.CONCLUSIONModification of membrane by polypyrrole imparted an outstanding self‐cleaning property to the hollow fiber; hence, it is a simple and scalable approach to prevent biofouling during long‐term performance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Distinct Trauma Types in Military Service Members Seeking Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Litz Brett T. , Contractor Ateka A. , Rhodes Charla , Dondanville Katherine A. , Jordan Alexander H. , Resick Patricia A. , Foa Edna B. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Mintz Jim , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Peterson Alan L. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe examined the frequency of trauma types reported in a cohort of service members seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and compared symptom profiles between types. In this observational study, 999 service members (9.2% women; Mage = 32.91 years; 55.6% White) were evaluated using a standardized assessment procedure to determine eligibility for clinical trials. Participants were evaluated for DSM‐IV‐TR‐defined PTSD using the PTSD Symptom Scale–Interview; all participants reported a Criterion A event. Independent evaluators rated descriptions of Criterion A events as belonging to trauma types at a high degree of reliability, κ = 0.80. Aggregated non‐life‐threat primary trauma types were more frequently endorsed than aggregated life‐threat types, 95% CI [17.10%, 29.20%]. Participants who endorsed moral injury–self traumas had a higher level of reexperiencing (d = 0.39), guilt (hindsight bias, d = 1.06; wrongdoing, d = 0.93), and self‐blame (d = 0.58) symptoms, relative to those who reported life threat–self. Participants who experienced traumatic loss had greater reexperiencing (d = 0.39), avoidance (d = 0.22), guilt (responsibility, d = 0.39), and greater peri‐ and posttraumatic sadness (d = 0.84 and d = 0.70, respectively) symptoms, relative to those who endorsed life threat–self. Relative to life threat–self, moral injury–others was associated with greater peri‐ (d = 0.36) and posttraumatic (d = 0.33) betrayal/humiliation symptoms, and endorsement of aftermath of violence was associated with greater peri‐ (d = 0.84) and posttraumatic sadness (d = 0.57) symptoms. War zone traumas were heterogeneous, and non‐life‐threat traumas were associated with distinct symptoms and problems.
Long‐term outcome of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis
Authors: van Veen Martinus M. , Dusseldorp Joseph R. , Hadlock Tessa A. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the long‐term effect and treatment stability of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all patients treated with highly selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis between August 2009 and August 2015. Primary outcome was time to recommencing treatment for periocular synkinesis. Palpebral fissure width was measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at long‐term ( > 2.5 years) follow‐up. Mean units of botulinum toxin used pre‐ and postoperatively were compared.ResultsOf the 12 patients, 10 could be included. Only one was free of treatment for periocular synkinesis at a follow‐up of 3.5 years. The other nine patients recommenced treatment with botulinum toxin after a median time of 1.2 (interquartile range 0.6–2.6) years. Palpebral fissure width while smiling was significantly different between the pre‐ and postoperative (P = 0.008) and preoperative and long‐term (P = 0.008) measurements. Postoperatively, previously refractory patients demonstrated good response to botulinum toxin treatments.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that most patients require renewed pharmacological treatment of periocular synkinesis after neurectomy. Although the effect of neurectomy in the treatment of refractory synkinesis does not appear to be sustained, patients usually experience a symptom‐free interval and demonstrate larger palpebral fissure width at long‐term follow‐up compared to preoperative measurements.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:2291–2295, 2018
Pulsed Lasers for Industrial Applications
Authors: Jansen Florian , Budnicki Aleksander , Sutter Dirk 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMaterial processing with ultrashort pulses provides the user with a variety of benefits. The significantly reduced heat affected zone and the ability to machine numerous different materials are the most striking features. The key for commercial viability of industrial ultrashort‐pulse lasers is long‐term reliability in an industrial environment in combination with sufficient parameter flexibility in terms of different pulse lengths, pulse energies, and pulse repetition rates. Trumpf's TruMicro laser portfolio is designed to fulfill these requirements by using the know‐how of many tens of thousands of operational hours for individual lasers and accumulated tens of millions of operational hours in industrial environment. The TruMicro portfolio includes nanosecond lasers of up to 2000 W average power within the TruMicro 7000 series. The ultrashort‐pulse lasers TruMicro 2000 and TruMicro 5000 currently cover a power range of 10 – 150 W and are based on fiber‐ and, respectively, thin‐disk technology.
CFRP is Demanding – Also on Laser Cutting
Authors: Schneider Frank , Petring Dirk 
Published: April 2018

AbstractComposite materials as glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP and CFRP) are among the most promising materials to achieve the demanding goals of lightweight design. In competition with other materials as high‐strength steel or light metals, the market forecast for carbon fiber reinforced materials predicts a continuous growth around ten percent per year as it was achieved in the recent years [1]. This underlines the importance of CFRP in the lightweight material mix. Aerospace and automotive are the major growth drivers in this market. Even though the material costs take a large share for parts made of CFRP, efficient production technologies are in demand.
Insight into the Process
Authors: Otto Andreas , Vázquez Rodrigo Gómez , Hartel Udo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite the steadily improving methods for process diagnostics in laser beam welding the fluid dynamics within the weld pool responsible for defects like pore formation, humping or spiking are not understood sufficiently. The multiphysical simulation model presented within this contribution is not only a powerful tool to reliably predict processing results like weld depth and width or temperature distributions but also helps to reveal the reasons for the above mentioned welding defects.
Land‐use change and land degradation on the Mongolian Plateau from 1975 to 2015—A case study from Xilingol, China
Authors: Batunacun  , Nendel Claas , Hu Yunfeng , Lakes Tobia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLand degradation is a severe environmental problem on a regional and global scale that is often aggravated by intensive land‐use and climate change. The arid to semi‐arid Xilingol in Inner Mongolia, China, is an example of an area that has witnessed continuous land degradation for decades, in spite of numerous attempts to reverse this trend. In this study, land‐use and land‐cover change (LUCC) between 1975 and 2015 was investigated for Xilingol based on multi‐temporal remote sensing images. The aim of the study was to derive detailed information on LUCC over space and time as a basis for assessing ecological and social consequences of land degradation in a bid to develop better strategies for combating land degradation. Two main LUCC processes and two distinct phases were identified: During Phase 1 (1975–2000), the LUCC pattern was dominated by land degradation, affecting 11.4% (22,937 km2) of the total area. During Phase 2 (2000–2015), land restoration increased (12.0% or 24,161 km2) whereas degradation continued, resulting in a further 9.5% (19,124 km2) of degraded land. The transition pattern changed accordingly. Our findings show that, in spite of notable restoration successes in the past, grassland degradation continues to be the main ecological and environmental problem in Xilingol, requiring the continued attention of decision‐makers. Strategic land‐use management has already had a significant influence on LUCC in this area, leading to the expectation that science‐based land‐use strategies can be developed to further reduce land degradation in Xilingol.
The influences of thorny bamboo growth on the bacterial community in badland soils of southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu‐Te , Whitman William B. , Coleman David C. , Shiau Yo‐Jin , Jien Shih‐Hao , Chiu Chih‐Yu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe badland soils originated from mudstone in southwestern Taiwan are inhospitable for plant growth because of their high‐salinity and poor physicochemical properties. Thorny bamboo is one of the few plants that can survive in these soils. To investigate the responses of the soil bacterial communities to plant cover, bare soils and soils from thorny bamboo plantations were analyzed with the barcoded pyrosequencing technique.ActinobacteriaandProteobacteriapredominated in the bare soil communities, butAcidobacteria,Actinobacteria, andProteobacteriawere the most abundant groups in the thorny bamboo soils. Environmental stress may have selected forActinobacteriain the bare community. Canonical correspondence analysis of the distributions of abundant operational taxonomic units also revealed consistent differences between the communities in the bamboo and bare soils. The bacterial diversity in the bamboo soils was also higher than that in the bare soils. The soluble organic carbon and nitrogen in bamboo soils were significantly higher, but electrical conductivity was lower than that in the bare soils. These soil properties, as well as soil pH, were related to the structure and diversity of the bacterial communities. Statistical analyses also indicated that these factors affected the distribution ofAcidobacteria,Actinobacteria,Alphaproteobacteria, andGammaproteobacteria. Analysis of thiocyanate oxidation activity revealed higher activity in the bare than in the bamboo soils, further suggesting differences in structure and metabolic activity between bamboo and bare soil microbial communities. Apparently, growth of thorny bamboo in the badland soil changed soil properties, which in turn directly and/or indirectly affected soil bacterial structure and diversity.
Lipocalin‐Type Prostaglandin D Synthase Is a Novel Phytocannabinoid‐Binding Protein
Authors: Elmes Matthew W. , Volpe Anthony D. , d'Oelsnitz Simon , Sweeney Joseph M. , Kaczocha Martin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS; EC:5.3.99.2) is an enzyme with dual functional roles as a prostaglandin D2‐synthesizing enzyme and as an extracellular transporter for diverse lipophilic compounds in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Transport of hydrophobic endocannabinoids is mediated by serum albumin in the blood and intracellularly by the fatty acid binding proteins, but no analogous transport mechanism has yet been described in CSF. L‐PGDS has been reported to promiscuously bind a wide variety of lipophilic ligands and is among the most abundant proteins found in the CSF. Here, we examine the binding of several classes of endogenous and synthetic ligands to L‐PGDS. Endocannabinoids exhibited low affinity toward L‐PGDS, while cannabinoid metabolites and synthetic cannabinoids displayed higher affinities for L‐PGDS. These results indicate that L‐PGDS is unlikely to function as a carrier for endocannabinoids in the CSF, but it may bind and transport a subset of cannabinoids.
Endo/Exo Reactivity Ratios in Living Vinyl Addition Polymerization of Substituted Norbornenes
Authors: Tsai Steven D. , Register Richard A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSubstituted norbornenes may be enchained by vinyl addition polymerization (VAP), through the norbornene double bond. Such monomers are generally prepared by Diels–Alder cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene and the corresponding olefin, which leads to a mixture of endo and exo stereoisomers with potentially very different reactivity, but these differences have not previously been quantified (e.g., as copolymerization reactivity ratios rendo and rexo). A living Pd‐based VAP initiator is employed and the consumption of endo and exo monomers to high conversions is measured to determine rendo and rexo; since the polymerization is living, the products are gradient copolymers. For norbornenes bearing n‐butyl, norbornyl, or methylhexafluoroisopropanol substituents, rexo = 1–4, and rexo rendo = 0.2–0.8, indicating only moderate deviations from ideal copolymerization behavior. By contrast, for norbornene bearing a pentamethyldisiloxane substituent, rendo is indistinguishable from zero, indicating that the endo isomer is effectively incapable of homopropagation. However, since the polymerization is living, propagation resumes (and chain extension proceeds) when additional exo monomer is charged.
Functionally Graded Polyurethane/Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites
Authors: Natterodt Jens C. , Meesorn Worarin , Zoppe Justin O. , Weder Christoph 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe preparation and investigation of functionally graded polymer nanocomposites, which have a concentration gradient of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) along one direction, is reported here. As a test bed, a series of nanocomposites consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) and 0–15% w/w CNCs is prepared via solvent casting and the mechanical properties of films of these materials are characterized by dynamic mechanical analyses and tensile tests. The formation of graded materials is accomplished by lamination of films with varying CNC content. The processing conditions are optimized to achieve intimate fusion of the individual layers. The elimination of internal interfaces is evidenced by an elongation at break of up to 500%. In order to explore potential applications of graded PU/CNC nanocomposites, structure‐dependent actuation in response to water is demonstrated in a bioinspired architecture. In addition, the damping behavior of cylindrical shaped composites is investigated by way of compression tests. The results show that functionally graded PU/CNC composites show good damping behavior over a much larger range of forces than the neat PU or the homogeneous nanocomposites.
Parent‐centered communication at time of pediatric cancer diagnosis: A systematic review
Authors: Hentea Cristiana , Cheng Erika R. , Bauer Nerissa S. , Mueller Emily L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere are limited data focused on parental communication needs surrounding the time when a child is diagnosed with cancer. In this systematic review, we synthesized current literature on communication preferences of parents at the time of their child's diagnosis of cancer. We identified 16 studies that yielded 4 major themes parents recognized as important: communication style, content, logistics, and healthcare team. We further identified several concepts that inform parent‐centered communication practice. The ensuing pediatric oncology parent‐centered communication concept map is meant as a tool to expand providers’ communication experience at the time of a new cancer diagnosis.
Views of parents of children with sickle cell disease on pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Darbari Isha , O'Brien Jeanne E. , Hardy Steven J. , Speller‐Brown Barbara , Thaniel Lisa , Martin Brenda , Darbari Deepika S. , Nickel Robert S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an option for parents who have a child with sickle cell disease (SCD) to have another child without SCD. We conducted a survey of 19 parents with at least one child with SCD to investigate views on PGD. Before education, 44% of parents were aware of PGD. All parents rated PGD education as important. All parents considering another child also reported interest in using PGD if insurance covered its costs. Parents who have a child with SCD appear to be interested in PGD and educational tools informing this group about PGD should be developed.
Recent advances in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) for in situ analysis of endogenous molecules in plants
Authors: Qin Liang , Zhang Yawen , Liu Yaqin , He Huixin , Han Manman , Li Yanyan , Zeng Maomao , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) as a label‐free and powerful imaging technique enables in situ evaluation of a tissue metabolome and/or proteome, becoming increasingly popular in the detection of plant endogenous molecules.ObjectiveThe characterisation of structure and spatial information of endogenous molecules in plants are both very important aspects to better understand the physiological mechanism of plant organism.MethodsMatrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) is a commonly‐used tissue imaging technique, which requires matrix to assist in situ detection of a variety of molecules on the surface of a tissue section. In previous studies, MALDI‐MSI was mostly used for the detection of molecules from animal tissue sections, compared to plant samples due to cell structural limitations, such as plant cuticles, epicuticular waxes, and cell walls. Despite the enormous progress that has been made in tissue imaging, there is still a challenge for MALDI‐MSI suitable for the imaging of endogenous compounds in plants.ResultsThis review summarises the recent advances in MALDI‐MSI, focusing on the application of in situ detection of endogenous molecules in different plant organs, i.e. root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed.ConclusionFurther improvements on instrumentation sensitivity, matrix selection, image processing and sample preparation will expand the application of MALDI‐MSI in plant research.
Secondary prostate cancer screening outcomes by race in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial
Authors: Miller Eric A. , Pinsky Paul F. , Black Amanda , Andriole Gerald L. , Pierre‐Victor Dudith 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundDespite disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates between black and white men, there is still insufficient data available to assess potential differences in the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening by race. Although the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial is underpowered to detect a difference by race in prostate‐cancer specific mortality, because of the large study size, there are still sufficient numbers to examine secondary screening outcomes. The objective of this analysis is to examine whether differences exist between black and white participants with respect to screening false‐positive rates, biopsy follow‐up of men with positive screens, tumor characteristics, and overdiagnosis of prostate cancer.MethodsParticipants from the PLCO included men aged 55‐74 years at baseline. Cancer diagnoses and deaths were identified through study update questionnaires, records of biopsy procedures, and linkage with the National Death Index. Cancer characteristics were obtained by medical abstractors. We used chi‐squared tests to assess differences in false‐positive rates, biopsy follow‐up, and tumor characteristics. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare incidence and mortality rates adjusting for age and survival rates adjusting for Gleason scores.ResultsBlack men were slightly more likely (14.5%) to have a false‐positive PSA test compared to white men (12.4%; P = 0.02) but less likely to have a false‐positive digital rectal exam (DRE) (10.9% vs 14.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among all men who were screened, black men were significantly more likely to undergo a biopsy than white men (16.5% vs 13.8%, respectively [P = 0.003]) but there was no difference when limited to those with a positive PSA test. Prostate cancer tumors were more likely to be aggressive and to have metastasized in black men compared to white men. Disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival rates were comparable to those seen in population‐based data.ConclusionsThere was evidence that false‐positive test results differed by race and screening test. Consistent with previous studies, cancer outcomes, and tumor characteristics were all more unfavorable in black men.
How to use prior knowledge and still give new data a chance?
Authors: Weber Kristina , Hemmings Rob , Koch Armin 
Published: April 2018

A common challenge for the development of drugs in rare diseases and special populations, eg, paediatrics, is the small numbers of patients that can be recruited into clinical trials. Extrapolation can be used to support development and licensing in paediatrics through the structured integration of available data in adults and prospectively generated data in paediatrics to derive conclusions that support licensing decisions in the target paediatric population. In this context, Bayesian analyses have been proposed to obtain formal proof of efficacy of a new drug or therapeutic principle by using additional information (data, opinion, or expectation), expressed through a prior distribution. However, little is said about the impact of the prior assumptions on the evaluation of outcome and prespecified strategies for decision‐making as required in the regulatory context.On the basis of examples, we explore the use of data‐based Bayesian meta‐analytic–predictive methods and compare these approaches with common frequentist and Bayesian meta‐analysis models. Noninformative efficacy prior distributions usually do not change the conclusions irrespective of the chosen analysis method. However, if heterogeneity is considered, conclusions are highly dependent on the heterogeneity prior. When using informative efficacy priors based on previous study data in combination with heterogeneity priors, these may completely determine conclusions irrespective of the data generated in the target population. Thus, it is important to understand the impact of the prior assumptions and ensure that prospective trial data in the target population have an appropriate chance, to change prior belief to avoid trivial and potentially erroneous conclusions.