bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the processing parameters on the electrocaloric effect of poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) copolymers
Authors: Yao Yongtao , Hou Guanghua , Li Nannan , Zhou Tianyang , Liu Liwu , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe influence of the processing parameters on the electrocaloric effect of a ferroelectric polymer was investigated. A normal ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF–TrFE)] (55:45 mol %) copolymer was selected and fabricated. The crystallinity, microstructure, mechanical properties, and refrigeration capability of this copolymer were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. We found that N,N‐dimethylformamide was the most suitable solvent for enhancing the crystallinity of the copolymer film. In combination with the consideration of the effect of the processing parameters on the microstructure of copolymer, a lower spin‐coating temperature and annealing temperature at 140 °C gave the highest crystallinity and uniform microstructure without defects. The highest temperature change was 12.13 °C when the copolymer film was operated at 110 °C under a higher electric field. The direct measurement of the refrigeration was carried out with an IR thermometer. We found that the P(VDF–TrFE) copolymer film had a considerable refrigeration capability, which increased as the applied electric field strength increased before electric breakdown. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44413.
Anisotropic mechanical behavior of semi‐crystalline polymers: Characterization and modeling of non‐monotonic loading including damage
Authors: Arieby Rida B. , Mrabet Kaïs , Terfas Osama A. , Laurent Cédric , Rahouadj Rachid 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTIn this work, the mechanical response of high density polyethylene (HDPE) to complex uniaxial tensile loadings is firstly characterized experimentally, taking into account the damage occurring in large deformation and the initial anisotropy induced by the forming process. Anisotropic effects are characterized through tensile tests using several complex loading paths involving large deformation, and for different orientation with respect to the extrusion direction. A mechanical model is then developed, based on a non‐equilibrium thermodynamic approach of irreversible processes, resulting in a new thermodynamic potential describing both the elasto‐viscoelastic–viscoplastic behavior and the volume variation due to damage. Results show that transverse strains and volume strain of HDPE highly depend on specimen orientation, whereas the apparent Young's modulus is not affected by this orientation. The developed model is validated for HDPE, and satisfyingly predicts the complex response of HDPE to complex loadings paths. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44468.
Mechanical and drug release properties of alginate beads reinforced with cellulose
Authors: Guo Ting , Pei Ying , Tang Keyong , He Xichan , Huang Jinbao , Wang Fang 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe limited efficacy of alginate as a drug carrier is thought to be due to its poor mechanical stability and durability. In the present study, cellulose/alginate (C/Alg) beads were successfully fabricated by droplet extrusion/precipitation method for drug release of metformin hydrochloride (MH). To evaluate the effects of three different cellulose fibers, including cotton linter (CL), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the stability and drug release property, the structure and properties of composite beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and also mechanical properties, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling and in vitro drug release properties were assessed. The results indicated that the incorporation of cellulose enhances the mechanical properties and thermal stability of alginate matrix. The peak force values of the alginate beads increased from 4.07 ± 1.64 kg to 11.87 ± 2.61 kg with adding 30 wt % MFC. Cellulose with micro‐ and nanostructures improved the encapsulation efficiency and inhibited the rapid release of alginate in simulated intestinal fluid. It was suggested that cellulose could be an effective modifier to adjust the swelling property, mechanical property, and drug release behavior of alginate beads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44495.
Fault Diagnosis and Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control for Non‐Gaussian Stochastic Distribution Control Systems Using T‐s Fuzzy Model
Authors: Lina Yao , Chunhui Lei 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFor the non‐Gaussian stochastic distribution control system using Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model, a new fault diagnosis and sliding mode fault tolerant control algorithm is presented. First, a new adaptive fault diagnosis algorithm is adopted to diagnose the fault that occurred in the system, and the observation error system is proven to be uniformly bounded. Second, the sliding mode control algorithm is used to reconfigure the controller, based on the fault estimation information. The post‐fault probability density function can still track the given distribution, leading to fault tolerant control of non‐Gaussian stochastic distribution control systems using Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Diprosopus: Systematic review and report of two cases
Authors: Bidondo María Paz , Groisman Boris , Tardivo Agostina , Tomasoni Fabián , Tejeiro Verónica , Camacho Inés , Vilas Mariana , Liascovich Rosa , Barbero Pablo 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundDiprosopus is a subtype of symmetric conjoined twins with one head, facial duplication and a single trunk. Diprosopus is a very rare congenital anomaly.MethodsThis is a systematic review of published cases and the presentation of two new cases born in Argentina. We estimated the prevalence of conjoined twins and diprosopus using data from the National Network of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC).ResultsThe prevalence of conjoined twins in RENAC was 19 per 1,000,000 births (95% confidence interval, 12–29). Diprosopus prevalence was 2 per 1,000,000 births (95% confidence interval, 0.2–6.8). In the systematic review, we identified 31 diprosopus cases. The facial structures more frequently duplicated were nose and eyes. Most frequent associated anomalies were: anencephaly, duplication of cerebral hemispheres, craniorachischisis, oral clefts, spinal abnormalities, congenital heart defects, diaphragmatic hernia, thoracic and/or abdominal visceral laterality anomalies. One of the RENAC cases and three cases from the literature had another discordant nonmalformed twin.ConclusionThe conjoined twins prevalence was similar to other studies. The prevalence of diprosopus was higher. The etiology is still unknown. The presence of visceral laterality anomalies may indicate the link between diprosopus and the alteration or duplication of the primitive node in the perigastrulation period (12–15 days postfertilization). Pregnancies of more than two embryos may be a risk factor for diprosopus. Given the low prevalence of this defect, it would be useful to perform studies involving several surveillance systems and international consortiums. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:993–1007, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of a β‐sheet‐cap for long loop closure
Authors: Anderson Jordan M. , Shcherbakov Alexander A. , Kier Brandon L. , Kellock Jackson , Shu Irene , Byrne Aimee L. , Eidenschink Lisa A. , Andersen Niels H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractProtein loops make up a large portion of the secondary structure in nature. But very little is known concerning loop closure dynamics and the effects of loop composition on fold stability. We have designed a small system with stable β‐sheet structures, including features that allow us to probe these questions. Using paired Trp residues that form aromatic clusters on folding, we are able to stabilize two β‐strands connected by varying loop lengths and composition (an example sequence: RWITVTI – loop – KKIRVWE). Using NMR and CD, both fold stability and folding dynamics can be investigated for these systems. With the 16 residue loop peptide (sequence: RWITVTI‐(GGGGKK)2GGGG‐KKIRVWE) remaining folded (ΔGU = 1.6 kJ/mol at 295K). To increase stability and extend the series to longer loops, we added an additional Trp/Trp pair in the loop flanking position. With this addition to the strands, the 16 residue loop (sequence: RWITVRIW‐(GGGGKK)2GGGG‐WKTIRVWE) supports a remarkably stable β‐sheet (ΔGU = 6.3 kJ/mol at 295 K, Tm = ∼55°C). Given the abundance of loops in binding motifs and between secondary structures, these constructs can be powerful tools for peptide chemists to study loop effects; with the Trp/Trp pair providing spectroscopic probes for assessing both stability and dynamics by NMR.
Collision‐induced thermochemistry of reactions of dissociation of glycyl–homopeptides—An experimental and theoretical analysis
Authors: Ivanova Bojidarka , Spiteller Michael 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe research draws on experimental and theoretical data about energetics and kinetics of mass spectrometric (MS) reactions of glycyl homopenta– (G5) and glycyl homohexapeptides (G6). It shows the great applicability of the methods of quantum chemistry to predict MS profile of peptides using energetics of collision induced dissociation (CID) fragment species. Mass spectrometry is among irreplaceable methods, providing unambiguous qualitative, quantitative and structural information about analytes, applicable to many scientific areas like environmental chemistry; food chemistry; medicinal chemistry; and more. Our study could be considered of substantial interdisciplinary significance, where MS proteomics is widely used. The experimental design involves electrospray ionization (ESI) and CID MS/MS. Theoretical design is based on ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. Experimental MS and theoretical free Gibbs energies as well as rate constants of fragment reactions are compared. The thermodynamic encompasses gas–phase and polar continuum analysis, including polar protic and aprotic solvents within temperature T = 10–500 K; dielectric constant ε = 0–78, pH, and ionic strengths μ = 0.001–1.0 mol dm−1. There are computed and discussed 39 protonated forms of peptides at amide N– and –(NHC)=O centers; corresponding fragment ions studying their thermodynamic stability depending on experimental conditions. A correlation analysis between molecular conformations of parent ions and fragment species; their proton accepting ability and internal energy distribution is carried out. Data about ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) are discussed, as well.
Systematic review of the prevalence of faecal incontinence
Authors: Sharma A , Yuan L , Marshall R J , Merrie A E H , Bissett I P 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundFaecal incontinence (FI) is widely recognized as a significant problem in the community. Conjecture exists around the proportion of the population affected. This systematic review evaluated studies reporting the community prevalence of FI in terms of methodology, design and definitions.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Collaboration and National Guideline databases were searched for studies investigating the prevalence of FI in community-based adults published from January 1966 to February 2015. Study data, including methodology, sample size, response rate, definition of FI and prevalence rates, were extracted on to a pro forma and appraised critically. Where possible, FI prevalence estimates were pooled.ResultsThirty studies were analysed from 4840 screened articles. FI prevalence estimates varied from 1·4 to 19·5 per cent. This variation was explained by differences in data collection method and two factors within definitions of FI: type of stool and frequency of FI episodes. When these factors were accounted for, the FI prevalence at a threshold of at least once per month for liquid or solid stool was 8·3–8·4 per cent for face-to-face or telephone interviews, and 11·2–12·4 per cent for postal surveys. The pooled prevalence rate from studies for functional FI (defined by ROME II criteria) was 5·9 (95 per cent c.i. 5·6 to 6·3) per cent.ConclusionWhen comparable methodologies and definitions are used, studies produce remarkably similar prevalence rates in different community populations. FI remains an unspoken symptom, with lower rates reported in personal interviews compared with anonymous postal questionnaires.
Retracted: RGB and HSV quantitative analysis of autofluorescence bronchoscopy used for characterization and identification of bronchopulmonary cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxuan , Xiong Hongkai , Li Yong , Han Baohui , Sun Jiayuan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAutofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) shows good sensitivity in detecting dysplasia and bronchopulmonary cancer. However, the poor specificity of AFB would lead to excessive biopsy. The aim of the study is to establish a more effective quantitative method (optimal identification index and reference value) for characterizing the AFB images within the region of interest and discuss AFB's significance in the diagnosis of central‐type lung cancer. A total of 218 suspected lung cancer patients were enrolled in this study. A quantitative analysis based on color space (red, green, blue[RGB] and HSV system) was conducted and the result was compared with the final diagnosis obtained by the pathology of biopsy. Cases were divided into different groups according to the pathological diagnosis of normal bronchial mucosa, inflammation, low‐grade preinvasive (LGD), high‐grade preinvasive (HGD), and invasive cancer. Quantitative analyses in multi‐color spaces for the lesions showed by AFB images were conducted by software MATLAB. Finally, there is statistical significance among the different groups in some parameter in RGB and HSV system. So, both RGB and HSV quantitative analysis of autofluorescence bronchoscopy are useful to define benign and malignant diseases, which can objectively guide the bronchoscopist in selecting sites for biopsy with good pathologic correlation.
Radiofrequency ablation versus stereotactic body radiotherapy for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a Markov model‐based analysis
Authors: Seo Young‐Seok , Kim Mi‐Sook , Yoo Hyung‐Jun , Jang Won Il , Paik Eun Kyung , Han Chul Ju , Lee Byung‐Hee 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study is to compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) smaller than 3 cm. A Markov cohort model was developed to simulate a cohort of patients aged 60–65 years with small HCCs who had undergone either RFA or SBRT and were followed up over their remaining life expectancy. The inclusion criteria were: (1) HCC ≤3 cm in diameter with ≤ 3 nodules; (2) absence of extrahepatic metastasis or portal/hepatic vein invasion; (3) Child‐Pugh Class A or B. Twenty thousand virtual patients were randomly assigned to undergo RFA or SBRT. Predicted life expectancy was 6.452 and 6.371 years in the RFA and SBRT groups, respectively. The probability distributions of the expected overall survival were nearly identical. The 95% confidence intervals were 6.25–6.66 and 6.17–6.58 years for RFA and SBRT, respectively. The difference between RFA and SBRT was insignificant (P = 0.2884). Two‐way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that if the tumor is 2–3 cm, SBRT is the preferred treatment option. Our Markov model has shown that expected overall survival of SBRT is nearly identical to RFA in HCCs smaller than 3 cm, but SBRT may have an advantage for tumors 2 cm and larger. A randomized trial is required to confirm these findings.
Clinical decision‐making and intuition: A task analysis of 44 experienced counsellors
Authors: Fox Jesse , Hagedorn W. Bryce , Sivo Stephen A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundClinical decision‐making and intuition are important concepts to counsellors. However, our understanding of clinical decision‐making and intuition, that is the process whereby clinicians make sound therapeutic judgements, is not well understood and thus is an underrepresented area of research in counselling.AimThe purpose of this study was to better understand the development of clinical decision‐making and intuition and how it is utilised during therapeutic encounters.MethodologyThis study used Q‐Methodology to explore the responses of 44 experienced clinicians to a set of standardised clinical scenarios.FindingsThe results suggested that experienced clinicians clustered into a single, common‐factor response, which the researchers assert is the factor of intuition.ImplicationsThe implications from the study's findings include that (a) the study's methodology shows promise for developing more advanced research designs that measure the influence of clinical decision‐making and intuition on client outcomes and (b) the resulting single common factor suggests that experienced clinicians eventually transcend the confines of any single theoretical perspective.
Variations in Essential Oil Compositions of Lavandula pubescens (Lamiaceae) Aerial Parts Growing Wild in Yemen
Authors: Al‐Badani Rowaida N. , Da Silva Joyce Kelly R. , Setzer William N. , Awadh Ali Nasser A. , Muharam Bushra A. , Al‐Fahad Ahmed J. A. 
Published: October 2016

Lavandula pubescens Decne. is one of five Lavandula species growing wild in Yemen. The plant is used in Yemeni traditional medicine, and the essential oil tends to be rich in carvacrol. In this work, L. pubescens was collected from eight different locations in Yemen, the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, and the oils analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to differentiate between the L. pubescens samples. The essential oils were rich in carvacrol (60.9 – 77.5%), with lesser concentrations of carvacrol methyl ether (4.0 – 11.4%), caryophyllene oxide (2.1 – 6.9%), and terpinolene (0.6 – 9.2%). The essential oil compositions in this study showed very high similarity, but it was possible to discern two separate groups based on minor components, in particular the concentrations of terpinolene, carvacrol methyl ether, m‐cymen‐8‐ol, and caryophyllene oxide.
Risk factors for dating violence versus cohabiting violence: Results from the third generation of the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development
Authors: Theobald Delphine , Farrington David P. , Ttofi Maria M. , Crago Rebecca V. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundDating violence is an important problem. Evidence suggests that women are more likely to perpetrate dating violence.AimsThe present study investigates the prevalence of dating violence compared with cohabiting violence in a community sample of men and women and assesses to what extent child and adolescent explanatory factors predict this behaviour. A secondary aim is to construct a risk score for dating violence based on the strongest risk factors.MethodsThe Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development is a prospective longitudinal survey of 411 men (generation 2) born in the 1950s in an inner London area. Most recently, their sons and daughters [generation 3 (G3)] have been interviewed regarding their perpetration of dating and cohabiting violence, utilising the Conflict Tactics Scale. Risk factors were measured in four domains (family, parental, socio‐economic and individual).ResultsA larger proportion of women than men perpetrated at least one act of violence towards their dating partner (36.4 vs 21.7%). There was a similar pattern for cohabiting violence (39.6 vs 21.4%). A number of risk factors were significantly associated with the perpetration of dating violence. For G3 women, these included a convicted father, parental conflict, large family size and poor housing. For G3 men, these included having a young father or mother, separation from the father before age 16, early school leaving, frequent truancy and having a criminal conviction. A risk score for both men and women, based on 10 risk factors, significantly predicted dating violence.ConclusionRisk factors from four domains were important in predicting dating violence, but they were different for G3 men and women. It may be important to consider different risk factors and different risk assessments for male compared with female perpetration of dating violence. Early identification and interventions are recommended. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Activity Correlations for Brønsted Acid, Lewis Acid, and Photocatalyzed Reactions of Exfoliated Crystalline Niobium Oxides
Authors: Koito Yusuke , Rees Gregory J. , Hanna John V. , Li Molly M. J. , Peng Yung‐Kang , Puchtler Tim , Taylor Robert , Wang Tong , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Teixeira Ivo F. , Khan M. Abdullah , Kreissl Hannah T. , Tsang S. C. Edman 
Published: October 2016

AbstractExfoliated crystalline niobium oxides that contain exposed but interconnected NbO6 octahedra with different degrees of structural distortion and defects are known to catalyze Brønsted acid (BA), Lewis acid (LA), and photocatalytic (PC) reactions efficiently but their structure–activity relationships are far from clear. Here, three exfoliated niobium oxides, namely, HSr2Nb3O10, HCa2Nb3O10, and HNb3O8, are synthesized, characterized extensively, and tested for selected BA, LA, and PC reactions. The structural origin for BA is associated mainly with acidic hydroxyl groups of edge‐shared NbO6 octahedra as proton donors; that of LA is associated with the vacant band position of Nb5+ to receive electron pairs from substrate; and that of PC is associated with the terminal Nb=O of NbO6 octahedra for photon capture and charge transfer to long‐lived surface adsorbed substrate complex through associated oxygen vacancies in close proximity. It is believed that an understanding of the structure–activity relationships could lead to the tailored design of NbOx catalysts for industrially important reactions.
Microbubble Generation with the Aid of a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: da Silva Henauth Rosangela Cristine , de Souza Vasconcelos Robson , de Moura Alex Elton , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora , dos Santos Valdemir Alexandre 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFor saturation of water treated with atmospheric air in a dissolved air flotation (DAF) system and the production of microbubbles, air was introduced through the suction pipe of a centrifugal pump. The operating conditions of the centrifugal pump were adjusted to avoid the occurrence of cavitation phenomena. The novel technique was applied for the treatment of oily water in a DAF pilot prototype. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to determine the high efficiency of the separation process. In addition to this high degree of oil‐water separation, the technique reduces space and energy costs in comparison to conventional processes of saturation of the effluent treated with compressed air.