bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parametric shape and topology optimization: A new level set approach based on cardinal basis functions
Authors: Jiang Long , Chen Shikui , Jiao Xiangmin 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe parametric level set approach is an extension of the conventional level set methods for topology optimization. By parameterizing the level set function, level set methods can be directly coupled with mathematical programming to achieve better numerical robustness and computational efficiency. Moreover, the parametric level set scheme can not only inherit the primary advantages of the conventional level set methods, such as clear boundary representation and the flexibility in handling topological changes, but also alleviate some undesired features from the conventional level set methods, such as the need for reinitialization. However, in the existing radial basis function–based parametric level set method, it is difficult to identify the range of the design variables. Besides, the parametric level set evolution often struggles with large fluctuations during the optimization process. Those issues cause difficulties both in numerical stability and in material property mapping. In this paper, a cardinal basis function is constructed based on the radial basis function partition of unity collocation method to parameterize the level set function. The benefit of using cardinal basis function is that the range of the design variables can now be clearly specified as the value of the level set function. A distance regularization energy functional is also introduced, aiming to maintain the desired signed distance property during the level set evolution. With this desired feature, the level set evolution is stabilized against large fluctuations. In addition, the material properties mapped from the level set function to the finite element model can be more accurate.
An improved stress recovery technique for low‐order 3D finite elements
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Zhang Jian , Langelaar Matthijs , van Keulen Fred , Aragón Alejandro M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a stress recovery procedure for low‐order finite elements in 3D. For each finite element, the recovered stress field is obtained by satisfying equilibrium in an average sense and by projecting the directly calculated stress field onto a conveniently chosen space. Compared with existing recovery techniques, the current procedure gives more accurate stress fields, is simpler to implement, and can be applied to different types of elements without further modification. We demonstrate, through a set of examples in linear elasticity, that the recovered stresses converge at a higher rate than that of directly calculated stresses and that, in some cases, the rate of convergence is the same as that of the displacement field.
Preparation and characterization of polyphenylene sulfide–based chelating resin–functionalized 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole for selective removal Hg(II) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shao Gonglei , Xiao Junfeng , Tian Zhihong , Huang Jiajia , Yuan Siguo 
Published: November 2017

A novel chelating resin (PPS‐ATD) containing N and S elements was prepared through the chloromethylation of polyphenylene sulfide resin and subsequent functionalization with 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (ATD). The structure of PPS‐ATD was systematically characterized and analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer. The adsorption performance of PPS‐ATD was evaluated by batch methods at different pH, temperature, adsorption time, and initial concentration, and the results showed that the PPS‐ATD exhibited high adsorption capacity (197.79 mg·g−1 at 298 K) and selectivity for Hg(II). The adsorption of PPS‐ATD for Hg(II) was well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption process was endothermic. After 5 consecutive regeneration cycles, no obvious loss in the adsorption capacity of the PPS‐ATD was found, which implied that the PPS‐ATD had great application prospects in the treatment of mercury‐containing wastewater.
An in vitro focus on doxorubicin hydrochloride delivery of novel pH‐responsive poly(2‐succinyloxyethylmethacrylate) and poly[(N‐4‐vinylbenzyl),N,N‐diethylamine] diblock copolymers
Authors: Ghamkhari Aliyeh , Massoumi Bakhshali , Agbolaghi Samira 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNovel pH‐responsive poly(2‐succinyloxyethylmethacrylate)‐b‐poly[(N‐4‐vinylbenzyl),N,N‐diethylamine] [poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA)] diblock copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization to investigate their self‐assembly micellar behavior. The self‐assembly behaviors of synthesized diblock copolymers with distinct molecular weights (labeled (1) to) were confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, TEM and dynamic light scattering measurements. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) loading capacity was evaluated, and the in vitro cytotoxicity effect of DOX‐loaded diblock copolymer was also studied by assessing the survival rate of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results exhibited remarkable controlled release in the MTT assay. The DOX encapsulation efficiency was calculated to be 96.4%. The size and zeta potential of DOX‐loaded poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) diblock copolymers were 204 nm and +5.7 mV at a pH of 7.4. DOX release values after 440 h at pH 7.4, 5.4 and 4 were 22.15%, 31.43% and 47.06%, respectively. The released values of DOX‐loaded poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) and at pH 7.4 were 22.15%, 20.5% and 17.5%, respectively. Cell survival ratios were 18.9%, 23.16% and 16.92% after 72 h. Poly(SEMA‐b‐VEA) copolymers can be considered in nanomedicine applications due to their excellent pH‐responsive micellar behavior. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks based on crosslinked poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose prepared by frontal polymerization
Authors: Mariani Alberto , Nuvoli Luca , Sanna Davide , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Rassu Mariella , Malucelli Giulio 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this work, semi‐interpenetrating gels of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose were successfully synthesized by using the Frontal Polymerization (FP) technique. The gels were obtained in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium persulfate, as polymerization solvent and radical initiator, respectively, hence avoiding the formation of bubbles during polymerization. Then, some of the gels containing dimethyl sulfoxide were thoroughly washed with water, hence obtaining the corresponding hydrogels. The effects of the ratio between poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and methylcellulose, the amount of crosslinker and solvent medium (i.e., dimethyl sulfoxide and water) were thoroughly studied, assessing the influence of temperature and velocity of FP fronts on the glass transition temperature values (dried samples), on the swelling behavior and on the dynamic‐mechanical properties (gels swollen both in water and dimethyl sulfoxide). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 437–443
Mobile‐based patient‐provider communication in cancer survivors: The roles of health literacy and patient activation
Authors: Jiang Shaohai , Hong Y. Alicia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveThanks to rapid penetration of mobile tools, more and more cancer survivors have adopted mobile‐based patient‐provider communication (MBPPC). The relationship between MBPPC and patients' health outcomes, however, remains unclear; how health literacy and patient activation interact with such relationship is unexplored.MethodsData were drawn from National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 3. A sample of 459 cancer survivors were included in the analysis. Based on the 3‐stage model of health promotion using interactive media, this study empirically tested a moderated mediation model.ResultsMBPPC (eg, patient use of email, text message, mobile app, and social media to communicate with providers) had no direct effect on cancer survivors' emotional health. Instead, health literacy completely mediated this path. Patient activation positively moderated the effect of health literacy on emotional health and further increased the indirect effect of MBPPC on emotional health.ConclusionsMBPPC alone does not directly result in better emotional health outcomes; health literacy is the key to realize its health benefits; patient activation significantly strengthens the effects of MBPPC. As we embrace the mHealth movement, innovative programs are needed to promote MBPPC, and improve health literacy and activation of cancer survivors, particularly in underserved communities, to reduce health disparities.
Larvicidal and residual activity of imidazolium salts againstAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Goellner Emanuelle , Schmitt Ademir Tramontini , Couto Júlia Lacerda , Müller Nicolas Drumm , Pilz‐Junior Harry Luiz , Schrekker Henri Stephan , Silva Carlos Eugenio , da Silva Onilda Santos 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAedes aegyptiis an important mosquito species that can transmit several arboviruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. Because these mosquitoes are becoming resistant to most chemical insecticides used around the world, studies with new larvicides should be prioritized. Based on the known biological profile of imidazolium salts (IS), the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of six IS as larvicides againstAe.aegypti, as tested againstAe. aegyptilarvae. Larval mortality was measured after 24 and 48 h, and residual larvicidal activity was also evaluated.RESULTSPromising results were obtained with aqueous solutions of two IS: 1‐n‐octadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (C18MImCl) and 1‐n‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS), showing up to 90% larval mortality after 48 h exposure.C18MImClwas more effective thanC16mIMeS, causing mortality until day 15 after exposure. An application ofC18MImClleft to dry under ambient conditions for at least 2 months and then dissolved in water showed a more pronounced residual effect (36 days with 95% mortality and 80% mortality up to 78 days).CONCLUSIONThis is the first study to show the potential of IS in the control ofAe. aegypti. Further studies are needed to understand the mode of action of these compounds in the biological development of this mosquito species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
F2 screen, inheritance and cross‐resistance of field‐derived Vip3A resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from Louisiana, USA
Authors: Yang Fei , Morsello Shannon , Head Graham P , Sansone Chris , Huang Fangneng , Gilreath Ryan T , Kerns David L 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDFall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a target pest of the Vip3A protein used in pyramided Bt corn and cotton in the USA. In this study, we provide the first documentation of a resistance allele conferring Vip3A resistance in a field‐derived population of S. frugiperda from the USA, and characterize its inheritance and cross‐resistance.RESULTSAn F2 screen with 104 two‐parent families generated from a field collection of S. frugiperda in Louisiana, USA, resulted in one family carrying a Vip3A resistance allele. The Vip3A‐resistant strain (RR) derived from the two‐parent family showed a high level of resistance to Vip3A in both diet and whole‐plant bioassays, with a resistance ratio of >632.0‐fold relative to a susceptible population (SS) based on diet‐overlay bioassays. The inheritance of Vip3A resistance was monogenic, autosomal and recessive. Furthermore, the Vip3A resistance conferred no cross‐resistance to Cry1F, Cry2Ab2 or Cry2Ae purified proteins, with resistance ratios of 3.5, 5.0 and 1.1, respectively.CONCLUSIONThese findings provide valuable information for characterizing Vip3A resistance, resistance monitoring, and developing effective resistance management strategies for the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The importance of trifluoromethyl pyridines in crop protection
Authors: Burriss Adam , Edmunds Andrew JF , Emery Daniel , Hall Roger G , Jacob Olivier , Schaetzer Jürgen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe pyridine ring, substituted by a trifluoromethyl substituent has been successfully incorporated into molecules with useful biological properties. During the period 1990 to September 2017, 14 crop protection products bearing a trifluoromethyl pyridine have been commercialized or proposed for an ISO common name, covering fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and nematicides. Chemical processes have been developed to provide trifluoromethyl pyridine intermediates, from non‐fluorinated pyridine starting materials, at scale and with affordable costs of goods. These attractive starting materials were readily adopted by research chemists, and elaborated through simple chemical modifications into new active ingredients. In a second approach, substituted trifluoromethyl pyridine rings have been constructed from acyclic, trifluoromethyl starting materials, which again has served to identify new active ingredients. Molecular matched pair analysis reveals subtle, yet important differences in physicochemical and agronomic properties of trifluoromethyl pyridines compared with the phenyl analogues. This review focuses on the past 27 years, seeking to identify reasons behind the success of such research programmes, and inspire the search for new crop protection chemicals containing the trifluoromethyl pyridine ring. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Curcumin nanomicelle improves semen parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and reproductive hormones in infertile men: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alizadeh Fatemeh , Javadi Maryam , Karami Ali Akbar , Gholaminejad Fereshteh , Kavianpour Maria , Haghighian Hossein Khadem 
Published: November 2017

At least 50% of infertile couple's problems are related to male factor infertility. This Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial conducted in Urology unit of Infertility Clinic on 60 infertile men. Patients were randomly assigned to one of intervention and placebo (n = 30) groups. Finally, 28 subjects in each group completed the study. Participants in the intervention group took daily 80 mg curcumin nanomicelle and those in the placebo group took daily placebo for 10 weeks. Semen analysis, anthropometric, physical activity assessments, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors, and reproductive hormones were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. At the end of study, statistically significant differences were seen in the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility in the intervention group to the control group. In treatment group, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility levels were also statistically increased at the end of study compared to the baseline values. Curcumin nanomicelle supplementation also resulted in a statistically significant improvement in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, C‐reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor a in comparison to the placebo. Medical therapy of asthenoteratospermia with curcumin nanomicelle supplement could improve quality of semen parameters. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.
Retrospective cohort study of the risk factors for secondary infertility following hysteroscopic metroplasty of the uterine septum in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ono Shuichi , Yonezawa Mirei , Watanabe Kenichiro , Abe Takashi , Mine Katsuya , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Akira Shigeo , Takeshita Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeA hysteroscopic metroplasty was performed for women with recurrent pregnancy loss owing to a uterine septum, following which some women became infertile. The aim of this study was to elucidate the risk factors of secondary infertility 1 year after hysteroscopic metroplasty for a uterine septum.MethodsA retrospective, single‐center, cohort study included women with a history of at least two miscarriages that had been attributed to a uterine septum who underwent a hysteroscopic metroplasty. The patients’ background data were compared between the patients who conceived and those who remained infertile at 1 year postoperatively. The data were analyzed by using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe postoperative live birth rate was 83.9% (n = 26), with persistent infertility in five women at 1 year. When comparing the pregnancy group with the infertile group, the women in the postoperative infertility group were significantly older than those in the postoperative pregnancy group. The multivariate analysis showed that age was an independent risk factor for persistent infertility.ConclusionAge was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative secondary infertility. Therefore, surgery as early as possible is recommended.
Acceleration of finite‐time stable homogeneous systems
Authors: Dvir Y. , Levant A. , Efimov D. , Polyakov A. , Perruquetti W. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryStabilization rates of power‐integrator chains are easily regulated. It provides a framework for acceleration of uncertain multiple‐input–multiple‐output dynamic systems of known relative degrees (RDs). The desired rate of the output stabilization (sliding‐mode control) is ensured for an uncertain system if its RD is known, and a rough approximation of the high‐frequency gain matrix is available. The uniformly bounded convergence time (fixed‐time stability) is obtained as a particular case. The control can be kept continuous everywhere except the sliding‐mode set if the partial RDs are equal. Similarly, uncertain smooth systems of complete multiple‐input–multiple‐output RDs (ie, lacking zero dynamics) are stabilized by continuous control at their equilibria in finite time and are accelerated. Output‐feedback controllers are constructed. Computer simulation demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Soundpeaking – Hydropeaking induced changes in river soundscapes
Authors: Lumsdon A.E. , Artamonov I. , Bruno M.C. , Righetti M. , Tockner K. , Tonolla D. , Zarfl C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnderwater soundscapes and their unique acoustic signatures are mainly generated through movement of streambed sediment, subsequent particle collisions, and turbulence created by water flowing over submerged obstructions such as rocks and woody debris. This study characterized river soundscapes in Alpine rivers of Trentino, (North East Italy) with the combined use of hydrophones and a new microelectricalmechanical systems based device (Hydroflown) that is capable of measuring particle velocity components of the sound field. Pool and riffle habitats affected and unaffected by hydropeaking were characterized in terms of their particle velocity and sound pressure levels across 10 octave bands (acoustic signature) to assess temporal variations in overall sound levels, changes in frequency composition, and relationship to hydromorphological habitat parameters. Data revealed that soundscapes affected by hydropeaking are highly homogenized, and sound pressure levels are strongly correlated with turbine discharge, which results in rapid, multiple‐fold spikes in low frequency amplitude levels within the typical hearing range of common teleost fish species. The outcomes of this study provide the basis for further examination of the resulting behavioural and physiological responses of organisms to anthropogenic changes in river soundscapes.
Synergetic use of Sentinel‐1 and Sentinel‐2 for assessments of heathland conservation status
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Fassnacht Fabian E. , Förster Michael , Schmidtlein Sebastian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHabitat quality assessments often demand wall‐to‐wall information about the state of vegetation. Remote sensing can provide this information by capturing optical and structural attributes of plant communities. Although active and passive remote sensing approaches are considered as complementary techniques, they have been rarely combined for conservation mapping. Here, we combined spaceborne multispectral Sentinel‐2 and Sentinel‐1SARdata for a remote sensing‐based habitat quality assessment of dwarf shrub heathland, which was inspired by nature conservation field guidelines. Therefore, three earlier proposed quality layers representing (1) the coverage of the key dwarf shrub species, (2) stand structural diversity and (3) an index reflecting co‐occurring vegetation were mapped via linkingin situdata and remote sensing imagery. These layers were combined in anRGB‐representation depicting varying stand attributes, which afterwards allowed for a rule‐based derivation of pixel‐wise habitat quality classes. The links between field observations and remote sensing data reached correlations between 0.70 and 0.94 for modeling the single quality layers. The spatial patterns shown in the quality layers and the map of discrete quality classes were in line with the field observations. The remote sensing‐based mapping of heathland conservation status showed an overall agreement of 76% with field data. Transferring the approach in time (applying a second set of Sentinel‐1 and ‐2 data) caused a decrease in accuracy to 73%. Our findings suggest that Sentinel‐1SARcontains information about vegetation structure that is complimentary to optical data and therefore relevant for nature conservation. While we think that rule‐based approaches for quality assessments offer the possibility for gaining acceptance in both communities applied conservation and remote sensing, there is still need for developing more robust and transferable methods.
Spectroscopy on photografted polyethylene surfaces using a perfluorophenyl azide: Evidence for covalent attachment
Authors: Siegmann Konstantin , Inauen Jan , Sterchi Robert , Winkler Martin 
Published: November 2017

The present study was conducted in order to confirm C―H insertion of a perfluorophenyl nitrene, produced by UV‐irradiation of a perfluorophenyl azide, to polyethylene surfaces.It was shown previously that water‐repelling, oil‐repelling, and dirt‐repelling polyethylene surfaces can be created by “grafting to” of perfluoroalkanes using a photoreactive surface modifier based on azide/nitrene chemistry. The abrasion resistance of the new surfaces was enhanced compared with a coating using a simple, long‐chain perfluoroalkane. However, covalent binding of the surface modifier was not unequivocally demonstrated.Here, spectroscopic information is presented suggesting that, indeed, a monomolecular, covalently bound grafted layer is formed from the photodecomposition of a perfluorophenyl azide on polyethylene surfaces.Infrared spectroscopy showed that the peak from the azide moiety disappeared upon UV‐irradiation, and the light dose for completion of the photo decomposition was determined to be approximately 322 mJ/cm2.A model compound mimicking the grafted nitrene species was synthesized, having a λmax of 281 nm in hexane. The photografted and washed layer had a λmax of 286 nm, indicating a good conformity with the model compound.X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the nitrogen species from the photografted layer showed a peak at 400.0 eV. The model compound had a N 1s binding energy of 399.7 eV, thus being comparable.