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There are several models accounting for the induced polarization phenomenon in terms of complex, frequency‐dependent conductivity σ or resistivity ρ = 1/σ. The most popular ones are the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity models. Each model includes four parameters: resistivity ρ (or its inverse, conductivity σ), chargeability m, relaxation time τ and frequency dependence c. Some authors argue that these models predict different relaxation times and are equivalent provided that this difference is accounted for in interpreting induced polarization data. We show that the discussion about the equivalence of the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity equations might arose from not taking into consideration the difference between the relaxation time as a model parameter, and that observed experimentally. We also show that, when comparing models as such, there is no reason to talk about different relaxation times. The equivalence of conductivity and resistivity equations manifests itself in that both, with allowance made for the measurement circuit, predict the same experimental data.

Background Dermatologic toxicity represents a substantial portion of all immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare cutaneous side effect of these medications, which can initially be clinically indistinguishable from other, low-grade cutaneous toxicity. Objective To better characterize the clinical features of BP associated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, evaluate the efficacy of various treatment regimens, determine the frequency of prodromal pruritus, and assess whether immunological diagnostic studies for BP are warranted in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors who develop intractable pruritus. Methods A comprehensive review of the English-language medical literature was performed using key terms. Papers published on any date and from all origins were considered. Fourteen publications, containing 21 patient cases, were selected independently by two reviewers and deemed relevant to the present publication. Results Pruritus was a prominent feature of the majority (12/21) of cases and preceded or occurred concurrently with BP development. Bullae developed within 6-8 months of initiation of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors; however, a smaller subset of patients did not develop bullae for 1-1.5 years following initiation of therapy. Mean time to pruritus was similar for pembrolizumab and nivolumab at 19 and 21 weeks, respectively. Development of BP required discontinuation of immunotherapy in 76% (16/21) of cases. Conclusion Prodromal or "non-bullous" variants of BP must be considered in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors who develop protracted or worsening pruritus. Early diagnostic immunological evaluation of the skin may lead to improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely initiation of treatment and prevent disruptions in cancer therapy.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and interventions for achieving the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets-"WHO Targets" (65% reduction in HCV-related deaths, 90% reduction in new infections and 90% of infections diagnosed by 2030) were considered. Scaling up treatment and diagnosis rates over time would be required to achieve these targets in all but one country, even with the introduction of high SVR therapies. The scenarios developed to achieve the WHO Targets in all countries studied assumed the implementation of national policies to prevent new infections and to diagnose current infections through screening.

Rheological and mechanical properties of nanofilled epoxy resin were studied, including adhesion to aramid fibers and strength of impregnated aramid strands. Light scattering and rheological measurements data imply that nanodiamonds (NDs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes form stable nanosized agglomerates in epoxy resin, whereas for epoxy-organomodified montmorillonite systems, individual clay platelets orientation might be present. Also, according to the rheology of these systems, formation of the networks of epoxy molecules adsorbed on the NDs particle surface is suggested. Increase in the viscosity of the epoxy oligomers due to the nanoparticles incorporation results in the worsening of the impregnation of the aramid fibers by these formulations. However, enhanced adhesion properties could be obtained when using nanofillers, with a maximum at 1–2 wt% of nanofillers. A 25–35% growth of the pull-out adhesion strength is also achieved. Increased cohesive strength and decreased residual stresses are supposed to be the reasons of adhesion strength decrease according to the literature. Adhesion strength increase was accompanied by a 10% enhancement of the strength of impregnated aramid strands. Moreover, a notable effect—up to a fourfold increase—was observed for the impact toughness of epoxy-nanofillers samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

The theoretical treatment of complex oxide structures requires a combination of efficient methods to calculate structural, electronic, and magnetic properties, due to special challenges such as strong correlations and disorder. In terms of a multicode approach, this study combines various complementary first‐principles methods based on density functional theory to exploit their specific strengths. Pseudopotential methods, known for giving reliable forces and total energies, are used for structural optimization. The optimized structure serves as input for the Green's function and linear muffin‐tin orbital methods. Those methods are powerful for the calculation of magnetic ground states and spectroscopic properties. Within the multicode approach, disorder is investigated by means of the coherent potential approximation within a Green's function method or by construction of special quasirandom structures in the framework of the pseudopotential methods. Magnetic ground states and phase transitions are studied using an effective Heisenberg model treated in terms of a Monte Carlo method, where the magnetic exchange parameters are calculated from first‐principles. The performance of the multicode approach is demonstrated with different examples, including defect formation, strained films, and surface properties. Refereed/Peer-reviewed Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 31047526 Version of record

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of color and fluorescence of resin based composite exposed to beer. Materials and Methods 84 samples (13 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm thick) of microhybrid composite Gradia DirectTM extra bleach white were immersed in 5 different beers (dark and light) or distilled water. Color and fluorescence were measured prior and after 1-, 7-, and 14-day immersion by Spectrophotometer Thermo Evolution 600 and Fluorolog-3-221 spectrofluorometer. Results Resin based composites changed color after immersion in beers of different types. Beers with higher optical absorption induced greater color changes. The fluorescence intensity of composites was decreased after immersion in beer, but the shape of fluorescence spectra was not changed. 14-day immersion in Bernard dark beer caused the greatest changes in optical properties of composite: ΔE*=9.0 and 57.6% reduced fluorescence. Conclusion Dark and light beers changed optical properties of resin based composite. The color change come exclusively from the change of chroma. Clinical Significance To fully meet esthetic criteria when using dental materials in restoration it is crucial to match optical properties of teeth and dental restoration at the moment of placement, but also to keep the match over the time. Considering that staining in beer causes changes in color and fluorescence of composites and that discoloration is a frequent reason for replacement of composite restorations, the data and conclusions on discoloration of dental restorations caused by beer consumption should aid dental professionals when reaching for high esthetics of modern dentistry.(J Esthet Restor Dent, 2016)