bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The discrete element method with deformable particles
Authors: Rojek Jerzy , Zubelewicz Aleksander , Madan Nikhil , Nosewicz Szymon 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis work presents a new original formulation of the discrete element method (DEM) with deformable cylindrical particles. Uniform stress and strain fields are assumed to be induced in the particles under the action of contact forces. Particle deformation obtained by strain integration is taken into account in the evaluation of interparticle contact forces. The deformability of a particle yields a nonlocal contact model, it leads to the formation of new contacts, it changes the distribution of contact forces in the particle assembly, and it affects the macroscopic response of the particulate material. A numerical algorithm for the deformable DEM (DDEM) has been developed and implemented in the DEM program DEMPack. The new formulation implies only small modifications of the standard DEM algorithm. The DDEM algorithm has been verified on simple examples of an unconfined uniaxial compression of a rectangular specimen discretized with regularly spaced equal bonded particles and a square specimen represented with an irregular configuration of nonuniform‐sized bonded particles. The numerical results have been verified by a comparison with equivalent finite element method results and available analytical solutions. The micro‐macro relationships for elastic parameters have been obtained. The results have proved to have enhanced the modeling capabilities of the DDEM with respect to the standard DEM.
Enhanced interaction in the polyimide/sepiolite hybrid films via acid activating and polydopamine coating of sepiolite
Authors: Kim Jun‐Seok , Choi Myeon‐Cheon , Jeong Keuk‐Min , Kim Gue‐Hyun , Ha Chang‐Sik 
Published: January 2018

We aimed at enhancing interaction in the polyimide/sepiolite hybrid films with the loading of sepiolite in the polyimide matrix ranged from 0 to 8 wt% via acid activating and polydopamine doping. First, sepiolite was treated with a 3M HCl solution under reflux conditions. Then the acid‐activated sepiolite was coated by mussel‐inspired polydopamine under alkaline conditions. The coated polydopamine was found to successfully enhance dispersibility of sepiolite in the polyimide matrix. The modification of the sepiolite in the hybrid films was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscope. The results indicated that polydopamine coating could increase interaction between the polyimide matrix and sepiolite.
Novel insights into the disease dynamics of B‐cell lymphomas in the Genomics Era
Authors: Chan Fong Chun , Lim Emilia , Kridel Robert , Steidl Christian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHigh‐throughput sequencing has significantly contributed to revealing the molecular underpinnings of B‐cell lymphomagenesis and disease progression. It is now a widely accepted concept that the diversity of clinical responses to front‐line therapy and the development of relapsed/refractory disease are in part explained by ‘inter‐patient’ genetic heterogeneity measurable by individual sets of somatic gene alterations in tumor genomes. Moreover, extensive ‘intra‐tumor’ heterogeneity on the genotypic and phenotypic levels is the product of ongoing tumor evolution and adaptation to various selective pressures during cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic intervention. As the management of disease progression remains one of the most significant clinical challenges, it is becoming increasingly important to delineate how B‐cell lymphomas evolve over time and to develop progression‐related biomarker assays. Toward this goal, recent investigations have moved from studying lymphoma biology at initial diagnosis to doing so at multiple time points during the disease course. Profiling progressed tumors, and in particular paired biopsies at initial diagnosis and disease progression of the same patients, has led to novel insights into clonal tumor evolution and tumor microenvironment dynamics. This review discusses the latest findings on genomic alterations and microenvironment biology associated with relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphomas, with a particular emphasis on alterations that are acquired or become more prevalent at disease progression. We also describe overarching tumor evolution patterns, and highlight emerging precision medicine methodologies that can aid in an improved understanding and management of relapsed/refractory disease. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends and uptake of new formulations of controlled‐release oxycodone in Canada
Authors: Gomes Tara , Jain Sonia , Paterson J. Michael , Sketris Ingrid , Caetano Patricia , Henry David ,   the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES) Investigators
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeThis study investigated the impact of changing availability of tamper‐deterrent and non‐tamper‐deterrent oxycodone on prescribing patterns of controlled‐release oxycodone across Canada.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based, serial cross‐sectional study of controlled‐release oxycodone dispensing from community pharmacies across Canada between October 2007 and April 2016. We calculated rates of dispensing (tablets per 100 population) and reported the relative market share of generic non‐tamper‐deterrent controlled‐release oxycodone. All analyses were reported nationally and stratified by province.ResultsAfter the introduction of a tamper‐deterrent formulation, the national rate of controlled‐release oxycodone dispensing fell by 44.6% (from 26.4 to 14.6 tablets per 100 population from February 2012 to April 2016). Between December 2012 and July 2013, there was moderate uptake of generic non‐tamper‐deterrent controlled‐release oxycodone (968 452 tablets; 16.0% in July 2013), which appeared to have little impact on the overall rate of controlled‐release oxycodone dispensing in Canada. However, the uptake of generic non‐tamper‐deterrent oxycodone varied considerably by province. By April 2016, 55.0% of all controlled‐release oxycodone tablets dispensed in Quebec were for the generic formulation. Elsewhere in Canada, this prevalence was less than 30%, ranging between 1.6% (Prince Edward Island) and 26.9% (British Columbia) at the end of our study period.ConclusionsThe changing availability of tamper‐deterrent and non‐tamper‐deterrent formulations of controlled‐release oxycodone in Canada has had variable influence on the rate of use of these products across Canada. Future research should explore whether the availability of generic controlled‐release oxycodone has led to measurable changes in the safety of oxycodone use in Canada.
Dose‐dependent relationships between weight status and clinical outcomes among infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infections
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Morisaki Naho , Michihata Nobuaki , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundAssociations between weight status and manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus infections remain unclear, especially in infants.ObjectiveThis study investigated the dose‐response relationships between weight status and clinical outcomes among infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infections.MethodsWe obtained hospital discharge records for inpatients aged <12 months with diagnoses of bronchitis/pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus infections, using a Japanese national inpatient database. The patients were classified into underweight, normal‐weight, or overweight/obese groups using weight‐for‐length according to World Health Organization criteria. We compared need for intensive care, 30‐day readmission, mean total hospitalization costs, and length of hospital stay across the three groups using multivariable mixed‐effects regression models and restricted cubic spline functions.ResultsOverall, 42 698 patients were identified, comprising 3697 underweight, 35 849 normal‐weight, 3152 overweight/obese patients. The underweight group had significantly higher risk of intensive care (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.18‐1.82) and longer length of stay (adjusted difference, 0.12 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.04‐0.20 days) than the normal‐weight group. No significant differences in 30‐day readmission or hospitalization costs were observed among the three groups. The lower and upper thresholds for a significant association between weight status and intensive care were weight‐for‐length z‐scores of −0.64 (26th percentile) and 2.08 (98th percentile), respectively.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that abnormal weight status is an independent risk factor for greater illness severity among infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infections.
Supertranslations and Holography near the Horizon of Schwarzschild Black Holes
Authors: Lüst Dieter 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper we review and discuss several aspects of supertranslations and their associated algebras at the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole. We will compare two different approaches on horizon supertranslations, which were recently considered in separate publications. Furthermore we describe a possible holographic description of a Schwarzschild black hole in terms of a large N boundary theory, which accommodates the Goldstone bosons of the horizon supertranslations.
Chitosan‐based nanofibers as bioactive meat packaging materials
Authors: Arkoun Mounia , Daigle France , Holley Richard A. , Heuzey Marie Claude , Ajji Abdellah 
Published: January 2018

Shelf life and safety of minimally processed food are crucial for both consumers and the food industry. This study investigates the in vitro and in situ efficiency of electrospun chitosan‐based nanofibers (CNFs) as inner part of a multilayer packaging in maintaining the quality of unprocessed red meat. Activated CNF‐based packaging (CNFP) were obtained by direct electrospinning of chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) solutions on top of a conventional multilayer food packaging. The electrospinning solutions were firstly characterized at the molecular level, mainly in terms of zeta potential and viscoelastic properties, and the evolution of the conformational structure was correlated to the nanofiber formation process. The oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of CNF‐based (CNFP) meat packaging were also investigated. The in vitro antibacterial activity of CNFs was determined against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria innocua, bacteria commonly incriminated in the alteration of food products. The efficiency of the CNFP materials against meat spoilage by E. coli was also assessed. Our results indicate that the electrospinning of CS is a multifactorial process and fiber formation requires the choice of a good solvent, high electrical conductivity, moderate surface tension, optimum viscoelastic properties, and sufficient chain flexibility and entanglement. The results also indicate that all the tested bacterial strains were significantly sensitive to the action of CNFs. The in situ bioactivity against E. coli showed the potential of CNFP as bioactive nanomaterial barriers to meat contamination by extending the shelf life of fresh meat up to 1 week.
Peptide selection for the quantification of P‐III‐NP in human serum by mass spectrometry
Authors: Moncrieffe Danielle , Parkin Mark C. , Cowan David A. 
Published: January 2018

RationaleProcollagen III amino‐terminal propeptide (P‐III‐NP) is currently monitored in human doping control as a biomarker for growth hormone administration and also in clinical diagnostics using immunoassays. Drawbacks to this approach have been highlighted and research is ongoing to develop a mass spectrometric method to complement these methods. However, a lack of traceable reference material, the presence of post‐translational modifications (PTMs), and small blood concentration complicate the development of targeted analytical methods for P‐III‐NP quantification.MethodsTryptic digest products of P‐III‐NP were assessed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). In silico digestion was used to predict P‐III‐NP peptides for MS analysis; however, these excluded PTMs. With a priori knowledge of PTMs, we associated experimental P‐III‐NP peptides with those derived by in silico digestion. Synthesized P‐III‐NP peptides, hT1 (human) and T5 (human/bovine), were used to develop sensitive micro‐ and nano‐flow LC/MS methods to analyse P‐III‐NP originating from human serum semi‐quantitatively.ResultsP‐III‐NP peptides, T1 and T5, were identified using high‐resolution accurate MS (HRAMS). PTMs modified the mass of observed peptides. N‐terminal pyroglutamation (pE) in T1 and several hydroxylated prolines (hP) in T5 (G‐X‐hP motif) were observed. With PTM, hT1 and T5 were observed in a digest of immuno‐captured P‐III‐NP by LC/MS. Using a semi‐quantitative approach, hP‐III‐NP at basal concentrations of 2 ng/mL (50 pmol) could be estimated from a 200‐μL sample volume.ConclusionsConsideration of PTMs is needed to identify P‐III‐NP peptides produced by digestion with trypsin. The information presented here now gives the most appropriate peptide sequences for synthesizing suitable reference materials required for quantification of human P‐III‐NP in blood and evidences methodology that is sufficiently sensitive to develop a quantitative method.
Economic MPC of nonlinear systems with nonmonotonic Lyapunov functions and its application to HVAC control
Authors: Wang Zheming , Hu Guoqiang 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes a Lyapunov‐based economic model predictive control (MPC) scheme for nonlinear systems with nonmonotonic Lyapunov functions. Relaxed Lyapunov‐based constraints are used in the MPC formulation to improve the economic performance. These constraints will enforce a Lyapunov decrease after every few steps. Recursive feasibility and asymptotical convergence to the steady state can be achieved using Lyapunov‐like stability analysis. The proposed economic MPC can be applied to minimize energy consumption in heating ventilation and air conditioning control of commercial buildings. The Lyapunov‐based constraints in the online MPC problem enable the tracking of the desired set‐point temperature. The performance is demonstrated by a virtual building composed of 2 adjacent zones.
Formation control of rigid graphs with flex edges
Authors: Pham Viet Hoang , Trinh Minh Hoang , Ahn Hyo‐Sung 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper studies a distance‐based formation control problem of multiagent systems, in which each agent uses only relative positions of its neighbors with respect to its own coordinate system. First, we provide an analysis for the properties of the undesired equilibria‐corresponding 2 specific formations, ie, a triangle group in 2‐dimensional space and a tetrahedron group in 3‐dimensional space. Then, we consider the formation of multiagent systems whose interaction graph consists of a rigid group and an extra node. Although the extra node may have an additional control input, the desired formation where all interagent distance constraints are satisfied is asymptotically stable. If the rigid group is a triangle in 2‐dimensional space or a tetrahedron in 3‐dimensional space, any undesired equilibrium is unstable. In these cases, the desired formations are almost globally asymptotically stable. Finally, we extend these results to a more general formation, which is a series of rigid groups connecting via flex edges.
A river vegetation quality metric in the eco‐hydromorphology philosophy
Authors: O'Briain R. , Shephard S. , Coghlan B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVegetation is a key biological element used to assess the ecological status of rivers, for example, under the EU Water Framework Directive. Current macrophyte‐based river vegetation metrics may not accurately reflect overall ecological state, particularly when plant community components are weakly related to broader hydromorphological context. A more holistic River Vegetation Quality Metric (RVQM) is proposed. The RVQM applies an eco‐hydromorphic approach to assessment of vegetation integrity, with a focus on lowland (low–moderate energy) rivers. The concepts underlying the RVQM and the methods for applying this new metric are presented and discussed. A pilot study then explores relationships between the RVQM and recorded physical variables in 119 sites (river reaches) within 27 rivers across Ireland. Statistical models suggest that the RVQM score for these study sites was most strongly related to physical components (assessed under the River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique). Water quality (assessed using a benthic invertebrate metric, Q‐value) also had a positive effect on RVQM score, but high ecological status was only recorded in sample sites with natural morphology and hydraulics, irrespective of water quality. Results indicate that interactions between vegetation and hydromorphological descriptors within the river corridor deserve greater consideration when assigning ecological status to lowland rivers.
An investigation into drug partitioning behaviour in simulated pulmonary surfactant monolayers with associated molecular modelling
Authors: Davies Michael J. , Leach Andrew G. , Riley Fatima 
Published: January 2018

Drug delivery to the body via the inhaled route is dependent upon patient status, device use, and respirable formulation characteristics. Further to inhalation, drug‐containing particles interact and dissolve within pulmonary fluid leading to the desired pharmacological response. Pulmonary surfactant stabilises the alveolar air‐liquid interface and permits optimal respiratory mechanics. This material represents the initial contacting surface for all inhaled matter. On dissolution, the fate of a drug substance can include receptor activation, membrane partitioning and cellular penetration. Here, we consider the partitioning behaviour of salbutamol when located in proximity to a simulated pulmonary surfactant monolayer at pH 7. The administration of salbutamol to the underside of the surfactant film resulted in an expanded character for the 2‐dimensional ensemble and a decrease in the compressibility term. The rate of drug partitioning was greater when the monolayer was in the expanded state (ie, inhalation end‐point), which was ascribed to more accessible areas for molecular insertion. Quantum mechanics protocols, executed via Gaussian 09, indicated that constructive interactions between salbutamol and integral components of the model surfactant film took the form of electrostatic and hydrophobic associations. The favourable interactions are thought to promote drug insertion into the monolayer structure leading to the observed expanded character. The data presented herein confirm that drug partitioning into pulmonary surfactant monolayers is a likely prospect further to the inhalation of respirable formulations. As such, this process holds potential to reduce drug‐receptor activation and/or increase the residence time of drug within the pulmonary space.
Technology generation to dissemination: lessons learned from the tef improvement project
Authors: Cannarozzi Gina , Chanyalew Solomon , Assefa Kebebew , Bekele Abate , Blösch Regula , Weichert Annett , Klauser Dominik , Plaza-Wüthrich Sonia , Esfeld Korinna , Jöst Moritz , Rindisbacher Abiel , Jifar Habte , Johnson-Chadwick Victoria , Abate Ermias , Wang Wuyan , Kamies Rizqah , Husein Negussu , Kebede Worku , Tolosa Kidist , Genet Yazachew , Gebremeskel Kidu , Ferede Brikti , Mekbib Firew , Martinelli Federico , Pedersen Hans Christian , Rafudeen Suhail , Hussein Shimelis , Tamiru Muluneh , Nakayama Naomi , Robinson Mike , Barker Ian , Zeeman Samuel , Tadele Zerihun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIndigenous crops also known as orphan crops are key contributors to food security, which is becoming increasingly vulnerable with the current trend of population growth and climate change. They have the major advantage that they fit well into the general socio-economic and ecological context of developing world agriculture. However, most indigenous crops did not benefit from the Green Revolution, which dramatically increased the yield of major crops such as wheat and rice. Here, we describe the Tef Improvement Project, which employs both conventional- and molecular-breeding techniques to improve tef—an orphan crop important to the food security in the Horn of Africa, a region of the world with recurring devastating famines. We have established an efficient pipeline to bring improved tef lines from the laboratory to the farmers of Ethiopia. Of critical importance to the long-term success of this project is the cooperation among participants in Ethiopia and Switzerland, including donors, policy makers, research institutions, and farmers. Together, European and African scientists have developed a pipeline using breeding and genomic tools to improve the orphan crop tef and bring new cultivars to the farmers in Ethiopia. We highlight a new variety, Tesfa, developed in this pipeline and possessing a novel and desirable combination of traits. Tesfa’s recent approval for release illustrates the success of the project and marks a milestone as it is the first variety (of many in the pipeline) to be released.
Long‐term data on forest regeneration after catastrophic windthrow in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Itô Hiroki , Seki Takeshi , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Iida Shigeo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTyphoon No. 15 in 1954 (Marie) caused catastrophic windthrow in Hokkaido, northern Japan. The Tomakomai District of the National Forest was one of the forests severely damaged. A study site was established in a stand of the National Forest within the jurisdiction of the Iburi East District Forest Office. The stand was located on the eastern slope of Mt. Tarumae at an elevation of approximately 300–310 m a.s.l. at an angle of approximately 5°. Two belts sized 4 m × 40 m, crossing at right angles at the center, were established within the site in 1957, and censuses on regeneration were conducted in 1957, 1970, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016. All stems of coniferous tree species (height ≥ 10 cm) that regenerated in the belts were marked. For broadleaved tree species, all stems with height ≥ 1.3 m were marked in 1957–1990, but stems with height ≥ 10 cm were marked after 1996. Height was measured for all marked stems, and the diameter at breast height was measured for stems with height ≥ 1.3 m. During the censuses, 27 coniferous and broadleaved tree species were identified and three more species were identified to the genus level. There are 2152 records for the occurrence data and 10,660 records for the measurement data, including missing values. The stem occurrence data were compiled following the Darwin Core format, and the measurement data were compiled following the Darwin Core Measurement or Fact Extension format. Finally all data were compiled for the Darwin Core Archive, an international standard format for biodiversity data. These data can help in understanding the succession of forests following large‐scale disturbance and in managing this type of forest properly.