bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting brain structure in population‐based samples with biologically informed genetic scores for schizophrenia
Authors: Van der Auwera Sandra , Wittfeld Katharina , Shumskaya Elena , Bralten Janita , Zwiers Marcel P. , Onnink A. Marten H. , Usberti Niccolo , Hertel Johannes , Völzke Henry , Völker Uwe , Hosten Norbert , Franke Barbara , Grabe Hans J.
Published: March 2017

Schizophrenia is associated with brain structural abnormalities including gray and white matter volume reductions. Whether these alterations are caused by genetic risk variants for schizophrenia is unclear. Previous attempts to detect associations between polygenic factors for schizophrenia and structural brain phenotypes in healthy subjects have been negative or remain non‐replicated. In this study, we used genetic risk scores that were based on the accumulated effect of selected risk variants for schizophrenia belonging to specific biological systems like synaptic function, neurodevelopment, calcium signaling, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. We hypothesized that this “biologically informed” approach would provide the missing link between genetic risk for schizophrenia and brain structural phenotypes. We applied whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analyses in two population‐based target samples and subsequent regions of interest (ROIs) analyses in an independent replication sample (total N = 2725). No consistent association between the genetic scores and brain volumes were observed in the investigated samples. These results suggest that in healthy subjects with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia additional factors apart from common genetic variants (e.g., infection, trauma, rare genetic variants, or gene–gene interactions) are required to induce structural abnormalities of the brain. Further studies are recommended to test for possible gene–gene or gene–environment effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fibrous material based on a combination of poly(acrylic acid‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with iron ions as a heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for dye oxidative decomposition
Authors: Lu Yuyao , Xu Naiku , Lv Yuanyuan , Feng Yan
Published: March 2017

The Fenton method has been used to remedy dye wastewater because hydroxyl radicals generated from the Fenton reaction can oxidize the dye into small molecules. In comparison with a homogeneous reaction, a heterogeneous reaction with a solid material as a catalyst is a more appropriate alternative for dye wastewater treatment. Because of the large specific surface area and excellent applicability, a novel fibrous material based on a combination of functional polymer with iron ions was designed in this study and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for dye wastewater treatment by the Fenton method. The fibrous material was found to have good catalytic activity for the oxidative decomposition of a variety of dyes and good reusability; additionally, the fibrous material could remove the dye to a greater extent and leave fewer iron ions in the treated wastewater than a homogeneous Fenton catalyst such as iron(II) chloride (FeCl2). What is more, the fibrous material could adsorb the residual iron ions from the treated wastewater and make these iron ions take part in the next catalyzation. The previous results make us believe that the prepared fibrous material might be used to create a green approach for dye wastewater treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44875
Component and system active redundancies for coherent systems with dependent components
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Amini‐Seresht Ebrahim , Ding Weiyong
Published: March 2017

The prevailing engineering principle that redundancy at the component level is superior to redundancy at the system level is generalized to coherent systems with dependent components. Sufficient (and necessary) conditions are presented to compare component and system redundancies by means of the usual stochastic, hazard rate, reversed hazard rate, and likelihood ratio orderings. Explicit numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical findings. Some related results in the literature are generalized and extended. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface magnetism of cool stars
Authors: Kochukhov O. , Petit P. , Strassmeier K. G. , Carroll T. A. , Fares R. , Folsom C. P. , Jeffers S. V. , Korhonen H. , Monnier J. D. , Morin J. , Rosén L. , Roettenbacher R. M. , Shulyak D.
Published: March 2017

Magnetic fields are essential ingredients of many physical processes in the interiors and envelopes of cool stars. Yet their direct detection and characterization is notoriously difficult, requiring high‐quality observations and advanced analysis techniques. Significant progress has been recently achieved by several types of direct magnetic field studies on the surfaces of cool, active stars. In particular, complementary techniques of field topology mapping with polarization data and total magnetic flux measurements from intensity spectra have been systematically applied to different classes of active stars, leading to interesting and occasionally controversial results. In this paper, we summarize the current status of direct magnetic field studies of cool stars and investigations of surface inhomogeneities caused by the field, based on the material presented at the Cool Stars 19 splinter session.
From Innovation to Transcreation: Adapting Digital Technologies to Address Violence against Children
Authors: Cronin Carmen , Sood Suruchi , Thomas Dawn
Published: March 2017

With seven billion mobile phone subscriptions and a third of the world's population going online, digital information and communication technologies present untapped platforms for communication, learning and empowerment. Newer technologies such as mobile phones, the internet and computers have the potential to contribute significantly to the prevention of violence against children. Yet, efforts to date have focused primarily on the risks associated with them. It is important to consider how digital technologies can enhance social and behaviour change interventions to prevent and respond to violence against children. We conducted a systematic review of social and behaviour change interventions addressing violence against children. We searched five databases for peer‐reviewed and grey literature published between 2000 and 2015, which yielded 18 manuscripts relevant to the use of computers, the internet or mobile phones. Digital technologies were typically combined with other communication channels in order to reach children, parents, teachers or service providers. We are unable to draw any conclusions on the direct effectiveness of digital technologies, indicating the need for more rigorous evaluations to assess their added value. Future work should explore how digital technologies can be integrated into programmes disseminating information, raising awareness, helping individuals report violence and mobilising communities to action. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Successful violence prevention programmes are not taking full advantage of digital technologies. Adapting programmes and messages for computer, internet or mobile phone delivery would broaden their scope and reach.

The interactive nature of digital technologies makes them ideally suited to involve and empower individuals and entire communities for change.

The effectiveness of digital technologies in preventing violence against children is still unclear. More investment in research and evaluation is needed.

‘A systematic review of social and behaviour change interventions addressing violence against children’

‘The effectiveness of digital technologies in preventing violence against children is still unclear’
Combined radial‐tibial access strategy and radial‐tibial reverse CART in a patient with aortobifemoral graft and complex superficial femoral artery occlusion
Authors: Hanna Elias B. , Prout Davey L.
Published: March 2017

We present the case of a patient with a history of aortobifemoral grafting who presented with left lower extremity ischemic rest pain. Aortofemoral angiography was performed through a left radial access and showed a long, calcified total occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery (SFA) and a subtotal popliteal occlusion. The popliteal artery and SFA were crossed retrogradely through a 4‐Fr anterior tibial access; the retrograde devices went subintimally and did not reenter at the common femoral level. Subsequently, the radial access was used for antegrade subintimal crossing and dilatation of the SFA, which allowed reentry of the retrograde devices (radial‐tibial reverse controlled antegrade‐retrograde tracking [CART]). The SFA was then successfully treated retrogradely with orbital atherectomy and drug‐coated balloon angioplasty, through a 4‐Fr equivalent tibial sheath. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and Characterization of an Innovative Process Screening Device for Multiphase Reactions
Authors: Leonhardt Tobias , Schulthess Pascal , Riedl Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Mithilfe eines definierten Versuchsaufbaus zur Durchführung von heterogen katalysierten Mehrphasenreaktionen lassen sich Aussagen zur Aktivität unterschiedlicher Katalysatoren und Additive treffen. Das hinsichtlich Stoff‐ und Wärmeübergang charakterisierte Parallelreaktorsystem eignet sich zur gleichzeitigen Durchführung von bis zu sechs Einzelversuchen bei vergleichbaren und homogen vorliegenden Prozessparametern. Zudem kann der Einfluss der Rührergeometrie, der Begasungsrate und der Zusammensetzung der Reaktionsmasse auf den Reaktionsfortschritt evaluiert werden.
Experimental Investigation of the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient in a Rectangular Microchannel
Authors: Sengen Anne‐Laura , Herbstritt Frank , Grünewald Marcus , Heck Joachim
Published: March 2017

Der Wärmeübergangskoeffizient ist ein entscheidender Parameter hinsichtlich der Sicherheit bei der Durchführung exothermer Reaktionen im Produktionsmaßstab. Die prozessseitigen Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten in kleinskaligen rechteckigen Kanälen mit darin eingebauten statischen Mischeinlagen wurden experimentell bestimmt und ihre Abhängigkeit von der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, der Geometrie und der Wärmeleitfähigkeit sowie vom Kanalquerschnitt wurde untersucht. Im Vergleich zum Leerkanal wird durch die Mischeinlagen eine deutliche Steigerung des Wärmeübergangs durch erzwungene Konvektion beobachtet.
Biomarkers—A General Review
Authors: Aronson Jeffrey K. , Ferner Robin E.
Published: March 2017

A biomarker is a biological observation that substitutes for and ideally predicts a clinically relevant endpoint or intermediate outcome that is more difficult to observe. The use of clinical biomarkers is easier and less expensive than direct measurement of the final clinical endpoint, and biomarkers are usually measured over a shorter time span. They can be used in disease screening, diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring; as prognostic indicators; for developing individualized therapeutic interventions; for predicting and treating adverse drug reactions; for identifying cell types; and for pharmacodynamic and dose‐response studies. To understand the value of a biomarker, it is necessary to know the pathophysiological relationship between the biomarker and the relevant clinical endpoint. Good biomarkers should be measurable with little or no variability, should have a sizeable signal to noise ratio, and should change promptly and reliably in response to changes in the condition or its therapy. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterization of dormant and active human cancer cells by quantitative phase imaging
Authors: Guo Peng , Huang Jing , Moses Marsha A.
Published: March 2017

The switch of tumor cells from a dormant, non‐angiogenic phenotype to an active, angiogenic phenotype is a critical step in early cancer progression. To date, relatively little is known about the cellular behaviors of angiogenic and non‐angiogenic tumor cell phenotypes. In this study, holographic imaging cytometry, a quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technique was used to continuously and non‐invasively analyze, quantify, and compare a panel of fundamental cellular behaviors of angiogenic and non‐angiogenic human osteosarcoma cells (KHOS) in a simple and economical way. Results revealed that angiogenic KHOS cells (KHOS‐A) have significantly higher cell motility speeds than their non‐angiogenic counterpart (KHOS‐N) while no difference in their cell proliferation rates and cell cycle lengths were observed. KHOS‐A cells were also found to have significantly smaller cell areas and greater cell optical thicknesses when compared with the non‐angiogenic KHOS‐N cells. No difference in average cell volumes was observed. These studies demonstrate that the morphology and behavior of angiogenic and non‐angiogenic cells can be continuously, efficiently, and non‐invasively monitored using a simple, quantitative, and economical system that does not require tedious and time‐consuming assays to provide useful information about tumor dormancy. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Investigation of the role of template features on the electrically induced structure formation (EISF) for a faithful duplication
Authors: Tian Hongmiao , Shao Jinyou , Chen Xiaoliang , Jiang Wei , Wang Li , Ding Yucheng
Published: March 2017

Electrically induced structure formation, as a physical approach to fabricate micro/nanostructures, has attracted much attention because of the simple process, low‐cost, high‐efficiency, and wide applications on electronics, microfluidics, and so forth. Hitherto, the influence of some process parameters, such as voltage, air gap, film thickness, polymer properties, on the polymeric behavior, and the structure formation has been explored, neglecting the effects of the template features, which affect the polymer deformation. Especially for the conductive protrusions directly contacting the polymer, the phenomenon of electric breakdown may occur, leading to a failure of structure formation. The limitation of the research on the template features triggers the necessity to study its influence for a faithful deformation. In this paper, three types of patterned template are studied based on the electric field at the air‐polymer interface, consisting of completely conductive template, partially conductive template, and dielectric template. Comprehensive consideration of the electric intensity for a sufficient driving pressure and the leaky current for preventing damaging the polymer, some guiding opinions on the template material and geometry can be provided to design the patterned template for the electrically induced structure formation process with a purpose for a faithful structure.
An innovative way for the delignification of Phragmites australis residues by steam explosion and γ‐valerolactone microwave assisted extraction
Authors: Cavalaglio Gianluca , Cotana Franco , Gelosia Mattia , Pompili Enrico , D'Antonio Silvia , Ingles David
Published: March 2017

This work aimed at optimizing the conditions for lignin removal in Phragmites australis processing residues from the manufacturing of local handicrafts. The delignification consisted of a double step treatment. The first step was represented by steam explosion (SE) pretreatment for the deconstruction of the lignocellulosic matrix and solubilization of the hemicelluloses to enhance the subsequent lignin extraction. The second step consisted in the organosolv extraction of lignin from the steam‐pretreated P. australis by microwave assisted extraction (MAE) using green solvent γ‐valerolactone. The optimization was carried out using design of experiments and response surface methodology generating a central composite design. The investigated factors were the severity factor (log R0) for the SE pretreatment and time and temperature for the MAE treatment. The processes led to a cellulose‐rich pulp with a delignification of 75%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 736–741, 2017
Characterization of biochar and its effects on the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil: Comparison of hemlock biochar and switchblade grass biochar characteristics
Authors: Yu O.‐Y. , Harper M. , Hoepfl M. , Domermuth D.
Published: March 2017

Two of the most important resources in agriculture are soil and water. The quality of the soil determines the health and output of crops. Biochar has been recognized as being a useful soil amendment due to its perceived benefits of increasing water and nutrient retention. However, limited research has been conducted to compare the characteristics of biochar created from different feedstocks to determine which are the most effective at raising water holding capacity. This study compared the water holding capacity and chemical composition of biochar created from two different materials: eastern hemlock and switchblade grass. Results showed that both the hemlock char and switchblade grass char were able to significantly raise the water holding capacity of loamy sand. The switchblade grass increased the water holding capacity more than the hemlock biochar. For example, at a mixture rate of 10% biochar by weight, switchblade grass increased loamy sand's water holding capacity by 228%, compared with 133% for hemlock. The water holding capacity of the switchblade grass biochar alone was 448.69% of its weight and the hemlock biochar held 268.34% of its weight. These results suggest that switchblade grass may be better suited for improving water retention in sandy soils. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1474–1479, 2017
Differential effects of zinc exposure on male and female oysters (Crassostrea angulata) as revealed by label-free quantitative proteomics
Authors: Luo Lianzhong , Zhang Qinghong , Kong Xue , Huang Heqing , You Weiwei , Ke Caihuan
Published: March 2017

Oysters accumulate Zn as an adaptation to Zn exposure; however, it is not known whether male and female oysters respond differently to Zn exposure. Proteomic and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to investigate differential responses of male and female oysters (Crassostrea angulata) to Zn exposure. After exposure to 50 μg L−1 or 500 μg L−1 Zn for 30 d, gonads of female oysters accumulated more Zn than those of males, and gonadal development was accelerated in females but was abnormal in males. Differentially expressed proteins after exposure to Zn were identified and shown to function in Zn transport, Ca transport, phosphate metabolism, energy metabolism, immune regulation, oxidative stress responses, gene expression regulation, and fat metabolism. Proteins with functions in Zn transportation and storage, and multifunctional proteins, such as hemicentin-1 and histidinol dehydrogenase, were expressed at significantly higher levels in the gonads of female than male oysters after Zn exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2602–2613. © 2017 SETAC

Abstract
The focus on chemicals alone in human-dominated ecosystems is inappropriate
Authors: Burton G Allen
Published: March 2017

As the earth's human population continues to increase, megacities rapidly expand, and agriculture tries to meet their needs, ecosystems are increasingly dominated by humans. This domination, of course, equates to increased loadings of eroded soils, nutrients, and chemicals, along with more degraded habitat. Governments will continue to struggle to address these conflicting issues and must adapt into more effective and efficient management modes. The traditional focus on using chemical-specific guidelines as the foundation of environmental protection and restoration no longer is sufficient and must move to a more realistic and effective approach. Improving environmental quality in aquatic systems to near an appropriate reference condition cannot occur without removing habitat and flow stressors, which in turn will be tied to removal of runoff loadings of soils, nutrients, and chemical pollutants. These issues cannot be resolved without a strategically designed, advanced weight-of-evidence approach to prioritize those stressors. This approach should subsequently improve the effectiveness and cost-benefit of site remediation and restoration. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:568–572. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

Ecosystems are increasingly dominated by humans, which leads to increased loadings of eroded soils, nutrients, and chemicals, along with more degraded habitat. The traditional focus on chemical-specific guidelines as the foundation of environmental protection and restoration is no longer sufficient and must move to a more realistic and effective approach. Improving environmental quality in aquatic systems to near an appropriate reference condition cannot occur without removing habitat and flow stressors, which in turn will be tied to removal of runoff loadings of soils, nutrients, and chemical pollutants. A strategically designed, weight-of-evidence–based approach should improve the effectiveness and cost-benefit of site remediation and restoration.
Asset Sales and Secured Creditor Control in Restructuring: A Comparison of the UK, US and Canadian Models
Authors: Nocilla Alfonso
Published: March 2017

The primary insolvency restructuring mechanism in the UK is administration under the Insolvency Act 1986, as amended by the Enterprise Act 2002. In an administration, an insolvency professional known as an administrator, who is accountable to the insolvent company's creditors as a whole, is appointed to oversee the restructuring. The administration process was designed to rehabilitate distressed but viable companies and businesses and to maximize creditors' recoveries. Increasingly, however, insolvent companies are using this process to sell substantially all of their assets through pre‐packaged administrations or ‘pre‐packs’. In a pre‐pack, the insolvent company and its senior creditors negotiate the terms of the sale prior to initiating administration proceedings and appointing an administrator. The administrator then implements the deal, often with little or no input from junior creditors or other stakeholders.

Both the US Bankruptcy Code and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada permit insolvent companies to sell substantially all of their assets under the auspices of the restructuring legislation. This article compares pre‐packs with these US and Canadian processes, arguing that they are all functionally equivalent in that they facilitate quick realizations for secured creditors by bypassing traditional restructuring processes. This analysis suggests that pre‐packs may give too much control over the restructuring process to secured creditors, encouraging rent‐seeking and other value‐destructive behaviours that undermine the fundamental goals of insolvency law. Copyright © 2017 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical and biological properties of a novel anti‐adhesion material made of thermally cross‐linked gelatin film: Investigation of the usefulness as anti‐adhesion material
Authors: Horii Tsunehito , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Hiroe , Yamanaka Koki , Tanaka Shota , Torii Hiroko , Ozamoto Yuki , Takamori Hideki , Nakamachi Eiji , Ikada Yoshito , Hagiwara Akeo
Published: March 2017

To create more useful, effective and safer anti‐adhesion materials, we developed a thermally cross‐linked gelatin film. In this study, we examined the physical properties of the film such as the physical strength and the adhesiveness to reveal the handling properties and biological properties, such as the anti‐adhesion effect, the influence on cell proliferation, and the cytotoxicity to reveal the anti‐adhesion mechanism, especially in comparison with the conventional hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose film (the conventional film). A tensile test under dry and wet conditions and shearing stress test showed that the gelatin film has significant higher maximum tensile stress and fracture strain than the conventional film. In the study using a rat model of cecum adhesion, the anti‐adhesion effect of the gelatin film was significantly superior to that of the conventional film. In the cell proliferation test, the number of fibroblast cells on the gelatin film increased at each time point, while no cell proliferation was observed on the conventional film. Furthermore, in the cytotoxicity test using a colony assay and Live/Dead assay, the extract of the gelatin film had no cytotoxicity, while the extract of the conventional film had cytotoxicity considerably. These results suggest that the gelatin film provides better handling than the conventional film, due to better physical strength and ductility of the film. In addition, the gelatin film has a significantly greater anti‐adhesion effect than the conventional film without any cytotoxicity. Therefore, the gelatin film is quite favorable as an anti‐adhesion material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 689–696, 2018.
Characterization of a novel POLD1 missense founder mutation in a Spanish population
Authors: Ferrer‐Avargues Rosario , Díez‐Obrero Virginia , Martín‐Tomás Ester , Hernández‐Illán Eva , Castillejo María‐Isabel , Codoñer‐Alejos Alan , Barberá Víctor‐Manuel , Sánchez‐Heras Ana‐Beatriz , Segura Ángel , Juan María‐José , Tena Isabel , Castillejo Adela , Soto José‐Luis
Published: March 2017

Background

We identified a new and a recurrent POLD1 mutation associated with predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). We characterized the molecular and clinical nature of the potential POLD1 founder mutation in families from Valencia (Spain).

Methods

Clinical and molecular data were collected from four independent families known to have a POLD1 Leu474Pro mutation. To establish its founder effect, haplotype construction was performed using 14 flanking POLD1 polymorphic markers. We calculated penetrance estimates and clinical expressivity, globally and stratified by age and sex.

Results

We included 32 individuals from the four families: 20 carriers and 12 noncarriers. A common haplotype was identified in these families in a region comprising 2,995 Mb, confirming L474P as the first founder POLD1 mutation identified. Thirteen tumors diagnosed in 10 POLD1 carriers: eight CRC, three endometrial and two other tumors were considered. The median age of cancer onset for POLD1 mutation carriers was 48 years. The observed penetrance was 50% and the cumulative risk at age of 50 years was 30%.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study contribute to a better understanding of CRC genetics in the Spanish population. The clinical phenotype for this mutation is similar to that in Lynch syndrome. Future studies using next generation sequencing with large gene panels for any hereditary cancer condition will offer the possibility of detecting POLE/POLD1 mutations in unsuspected clinical situations, demonstrating a more real and unbiased picture of the associated phenotype.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Modeling of Some Novel 5‐Aminopyrazole, Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine, Bispyrazole and Bispyridone Derivatives Containing Antipyrinyl Moiety
Authors: Helal Mohamed Hamdy , Salem Mohamed A. , Aly Hala Mohamed
Published: March 2017

2‐Cyano‐N‐(antipyrin‐4‐yl)‐3‐(ethylthio)‐3‐(naphthalen‐1‐ylamino)acryl‐amide 4 was achieved via a one‐pot, three‐component reactions of cyanoacetamide derivative 2, 2‐naphthyl isothiocyanate, and diethyl‐sulphate. The cyano acrylamide derivative 4 was hydrazinolysis to furnish 5‐aminopyrazole 5; many pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines 10a,b, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 have been synthesized via treatment of 5 with some electrophilic reagents. Also, ternary condensation of cyanoacetamide derivative 2, terephthalaldehyde, and active methylene derivatives afforded bispyridone derivatives 21a,b. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral data. Representative compounds of the synthesized products were tested and evaluated as antimicrobial. In general, the novel‐synthesized compounds showed a good antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and antifungal activity against Azithromycin and Ketoconazole. The molecular modeling of the 21a and 21b as representative examples of the synthesized compounds has been drawn, and their molecular parameters were calculated.
Effect of Depth of Centrifuged Synovial Fluid on Leukocyte Esterase Test for Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Ruangsomboon Pakpoom , Chinprasertsuk Sriprapa , Khejonnit Varanya , Chareancholvanich Keerati
Published: March 2017

Centrifugation of aspirated synovial fluid before leukocytes esterase (LE) testing for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) may make blood tinged specimens interpretable. We aimed to establish the proper sampling depth of centrifuged specimens for LE testing as one diagnostic criterion and also AS‐D chloroacetate esterase (CAE) staining testing as an adjunctive tool. A definite PJI knee joint group and an aseptic primary total knee arthroplasty control group were studied quasi‐experimentally (N = 46). At 2,000 g for 15 min, 3 ml of synovial fluid was centrifuged. LE strip testing and median synovial WBC count were performed at 2, 4, and 6 mm depths. CAE staining test characterized LE particles. ROC curve, area under the curve, and significant differences were determined. The proper predictive depth to diagnose PJI was sought by forward stepwise logistic regression. All fresh blood‐tinged specimens had uncertain interpretations. Centrifugation increased interpretability (55–100%). ROC curve and area under the curve at 2, 4, and 6 mm depths were 0.822, 0.804, and 0.786, respectively. The cut point of ++ to diagnose PJI was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at all depths. p‐values of forward stepwise logistic regression at 2, 4, and 6 mm were 0.001, 0.752, and 0.756, respectively. CAE staining confirmed extracellular LE release by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). A specimen at <2 mm from the surface of centrifuged synovial fluid at a grading of ++ or more for PJI diagnosis is proper for LE testing. CAE staining testing adjunctively characterizes LE particles and cell morphology. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2545–2550, 2017.
What Causes Multiple Borrowing in Microfinance? A Developing Country Experience
Authors: Mia Md Aslam
Published: March 2017

Multiple borrowing in microfinance is caused by factors from both the demand and supply sides and poses a credible threat to the long‐term sustainability of the sector.
Does Religious Affiliation Influence the Design of Corporate Governance? Evidence from the Global Microfinance Industry
Authors: Djan Kwame Ohene , Mersland Roy
Published: March 2017

Christian affiliation has a minimal impact on the design of corporate governance in microfinance organizations.
Are Microfinance Loan Officers Closer to Banking Staff or to Non‐profit Workers? A Motivational Approach
Authors: Godfroid Cécile
Published: March 2017

Even in double‐bottom‐line‐microfinance institutions, loan officers are not all prosocially motivated but rather are motivated by working conditions and promotions, highlighting the complexity of human resource management in hybrid organizations.
Performance of Listed Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Daher Lâma , Le Saout Erwan
Published: March 2017

Investment in microfinance equity may improve portfolio diversification and attract socially responsible investors.
Postoperative complications of total laryngectomy in diabetic patients
Authors: Filimonov Andrey , Brady Jacob S. , Govindan Aparna , Merchant Aziz , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Analyze postoperative complications of total laryngectomies (TL) in patients with diabetes mellitus and apply these data toward preoperative management of diabetic patients undergoing TL.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of surgical outcomes database

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for TL performed between 2005 and 2013. Comparison of demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes in a diabetic versus a nondiabetic cohort was conducted using SPSS software. Equal distribution of demographics and preoperative comorbidities was ensured between the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts using a propensity‐matching algorithm.

Results

Following propensity matching there were 495 TL patients included in this study. Among these, 110 (22.2%) were diabetic and 385 (77.8%) were nondiabetic. The only comorbidities associated with the diabetic cohort after matching were obesity, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, and hypertension. The rates of superficial surgical site infections were higher in the diabetic patient cohort (10.9% vs. 4.7%, P = .022). There were no significant differences in unplanned readmission (12.7% vs. 9.1%, P = .260), reoperation (14.3% vs. 15.1%, P = .864), and mortality (1.8% vs. 2.6%, P = 1.000) between the diabetic and the nondiabetic groups. Multivariate regression utilizing preoperative variables not accounted for by propensity matching showed that superficial surgical site infections were still higher in the diabetes cohort (odds ratio: 3.371, P = .021).

Conclusions

Diabetic patients undergoing TL showed an increased incidence of superficial surgical site infections postoperatively. There were no other significant differences in readmission, reoperation, and mortality.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2247–2251, 2017
Wettability with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens
Authors: Wang Zubin , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2017

Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have become an emerging field since the concept of AIE was proposed in 2001. Recently, AIEgens have attracted considerable attention due to their abnormal non‐emissive fluorescent behavior in solution but strongly emissive behavior in the aggregate state. By utilizing the inherent hydrophobicity, AIEgens can be used to monitor the crystal formation and dewetting behavior in the self‐assembly process. More importantly, some stimuli‐responsive AIE‐active surfaces have been successfully fabricated. In this perspective review, we outline the advances of surface wettability of AIEgens and its applications.

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A biased‐randomized metaheuristic for the vehicle routing problem with clustered and mixed backhauls
Authors: Belloso Javier , Juan Angel A. , Martinez Enoc , Faulin Javier
Published: March 2017

This article analyzes the Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls, where delivery and pick‐up customers are served from a central depot. Initially, we focus in the version with clustered backhauls (VRPCB), where all the customers in the delivery group of the same route have to be served before the first customer in the pick‐up group can be visited. The article presents a relatively simple‐to‐implement yet efficient metaheuristic algorithm that integrates a biased‐randomized version of the popular savings heuristic within a metaheuristic framework. A skewed probability distribution is used to induce a biased (oriented) randomization effect on the savings list of routing edges, and a penalty cost is assigned to those edges connecting delivery customers with pick‐up customers in order to promote a sequential order in delivery and pick‐up activities. In the proposed approach, the fleet size constraint is implicitly relaxed. This feature allows the perturbation process to explore unfeasible but promising regions in the solution space. Then, whenever the number of routes does not match the number of available vehicles, a “recursive corrective operator” is employed to transform the new solution into a feasible one. Some classical benchmark instances for the VRPCB are selected in order to compare our approach with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, and a new best‐know solution for a classical benchmark set is obtained. Finally, we analyze the flexibility of our approach by employing it, after a minor adaptation, in the Vehicle Routing Problem with Mixed Backhauls, where linehaul and backhaul customers might appear in any order during a route. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(3), 241–255 2017
An iterated beam search algorithm for the green vehicle routing problem
Authors: Yavuz Mesut
Published: March 2017

Green, or, alternative‐fuel vehicles provide opportunities to improve fleet operators’ financial and environmental bottom lines. They also present challenges due to limited driving ranges, limited refueling infrastructure, and lengthy refueling times. This paper addresses a green vehicle routing problem of homogeneous service fleets with stated challenges, and develops an Iterated Beam Search algorithm for its solution. The developed algorithm can employ different lower and upper bounding strategies, and can work as an exact or a heuristics algorithm. A dominance strategy is also developed to improve efficiency of the algorithm. Computational experiments on various‐size test instances show that the algorithm's performance is comparable to existing approaches. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(3), 317–328 2017
Primary mediastinal and retroperitoneal malignant germ cell tumors in children and adolescents: Results of the TGM95 trial, a study of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology (Société Française des Cancers de l'Enfant)
Authors: Sudour‐Bonnange Hélène , Faure‐Conter Cécile , Martelli Hélène , Hameury Frederic , Fresneau Brice , Orbach Daniel , Vérité Cécile
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To examine the clinical presentation, treatment and results in children and adolescents with primary mediastinal (PM) and retroperitoneal (RP) germ cell tumors (GCTs).

Methods

The TGM95 trial for malignant GCTs was conducted in France between 1995 and 2005 to evaluate a strategy adapted to prognostic factors with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy and surgical management. We reviewed patients with TGCTs at PM and RP sites.

Results

Among 239 patients, there were 16 patients with PM and 5 with RP tumors, which represent 9% of all patients, highlighting the rarity of these extragonadal locations. A bimodal demographic distribution was observed (11/21 patients <5 years old and 7/21 patients >12 years old). A majority of patients presented with bulky tumors that required urgent care with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In all patients, elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein indicated a yolk sac tumor component. Human chorionic gonadotrophin was elevated in five patients (four adolescents), suggesting a choriocarcinoma or seminoma component. The diagnosis was based on elevation of these tumor markers in addition to imaging. Chemosensitivity was observed for a majority of patients. An aggressive surgical approach allowed a microscopic complete resection in 12/15 patients with PM tumors and 4/5 with RP tumors. Overall, 14/16 and 4/5 patients survived, respectively. Three adolescents died of tumor progression.

Conclusion

In children with mediastinal or RP GCTs, the prognosis is favorable when a strategy of delayed aggressive surgery is performed after cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Younger patients have a better prognosis. Relapses were observed only in adolescents and could not be cured.
The prognostic value of early radiographic response in children and adolescents with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma stage IV, metastases confined to the lungs: A report from the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , von Kalle Thekla , Seitz Guido , Dantonello Tobias , Scheer Monika , Münter Marc , Fuchs Joerg , Ladenstein Ruth , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)
Published: March 2017

Background

Patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have a poor prognosis apart from children with embryonal RMS whose metastases are confined to the lungs (PRME). The prognostic significance of response in patients with metastatic disease is still unknown and optimal treatment remains to be defined.

Methods

Patient‐, tumor‐ and treatment‐related factors of patients with PRME treated on multiple prospective trials of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) (1981–2013) were analyzed with a focus on response to induction chemotherapy. Response at week 7–10 was based on anatomic imaging and determined (1) for the primary tumor as complete response (CR), good response (GR), partial response (PR) and no response (NR) and (2) for pulmonary metastases as either complete lack of residual lesions (pCR) or no complete response (no‐pCR). Event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were the endpoints.

Results

EFS and OS of all 53 eligible patients was 41% (±13 confidence interval [CI] 95%) and 52% (±11 CI 95%), respectively. pCR at week 7–10 and maintenance therapy (MT) were favorable prognostic factors. Interestingly, response of primary tumor at week 7–10 and number of metastases were not prognostic factors. The 5‐year OS was 68% (±18 CI 95%) for 26 patients in pCR, but only 36% (±18 CI 95%) for 27 patients not in pCR at week 7–10 (P = 0.004) despite achieving pCR under continuation of chemotherapy or local therapy.

Conclusion

Achievement of pCR at week 7–10 by induction chemotherapy is a prognostic factor.
Electromagnetic performance and impact damage of the microstrip antennas integrated in cylindrical three dimensional woven composite structures
Authors: Xu Fujun , Sun Lijun , Zhang Kun , Wang Liyong , Qiu Yiping
Published: March 2017

A three dimensional integrated microstrip antenna (3DIMA) is a novel multifunctional structure, which can perform as a load bearing structure and function as an antenna. In this study, a single‐element and a double‐element microstrip antenna were integrated into cylindrical three‐dimensional woven glass fiber/epoxy composites respectively. Their electromagnetic performance and impact damage were investigated. The results showed that with the decrease of the curvature radii from 75 to 25 mm, the single‐element 3DIMAs with the feed direction perpendicular to the curvature showed more stable resonant frequencies and gain values than those of 3DIMAs with the feed direction parallel to the curvature. While the opposite results were observed for the double‐element 3DIMAs. The double‐element cylindrical 3DIMAs with the feed direction parallel to the curvature showed the best voltage standing wave ratios (VSWR < 1.25), resonant frequencies (near 1.5 GHz), gains (from 2.37 to 1.44 dB) and reasonable radiation pattern properties. In addition, impact tests were conducted with the impact energies ranging from 0 to 20 J. The results showed that the VSWRs slightly changed, demonstrating good impact resistance, and structural integrity of cylindrical 3DIMA structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3259–3267, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Blends of polylactic acid with thermoplastic copolyester elastomer: Effect of functionalized terpolymer type on reactive toughening
Authors: Nagarajan Vidhya , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri
Published: March 2017

This study is an attempt to explore the effectiveness of thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPCE) as a toughening agent for improving the impact strength of PLA. Biobased Hytrel® thermoplastic copolyester of polyether glycol and polybutylene terephthalate was selected as the TPCE of choice for this study. Blends of PLA/Hytrel at varying weight ratios were prepared using extrusion followed by injection molding technique. Optimal synergies of two polymers were found in the PLA/Hytrel (70/30) blend, showing impact strength of 234 J/m, a sixfold increase compared to neat PLA. In order to obtain further enhancement in toughness, different functionalized terpolymers were added to accomplish reactive compatibilization. A series of functionalized terpolymers, ethylene methyle acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (EMA‐GMA), ethylene butyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (EBA‐GMA), ethylene methyl acrylate‐maleic anhydride (EMA‐MaH), and ethylene butyl acrylate‐maleic anhydride (EBA‐MaH) were selected. Comparing PLA ternary blends with different terpolymers, GMA containing terpolymers showed better impact toughness compared to MaH terpolymer blends. Unique fracture surface morphology showing debonding cavitation and massive shear yielding in the ternary blends containing EMA‐GMA resulted in super toughened blends. Highest zero shear viscosity and storage modulus was also observed for ternary blends with EMA‐GMA. Under the processing conditions and blend ratio investigated, EMA‐GMA showed better efficiency in improving the toughness of the PLA blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:280–290, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Functional polyisobutylenes via electrophilic cleavage/alkylation
Authors: Campbell C. Garrett , Storey Robson F.
Published: March 2017

Lewis‐acid catalyzed degradation of poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene) (butyl rubber) in the presence of an alkoxybenzene compound was studied as a new route toward low molecular weight multifunctional polyisobutylenes. Simultaneous cleavage and functionalization of butyl rubber was conducted at −70 °C and −40 °C under TiCl4 or AlCl3 catalysis in 60/40 hexane/methylene chloride cosolvents in the presence of (3‐bromopropoxy)benzene (BPB) for various times up to 24 h. The butyl rubber (EXXON™ Butyl 365) possessed Mn = 1.91 × 105 g/mol, PDI = 1.66 (GPC/MALLS), and 2.30 mol % isoprene units (nearly exclusively trans−1,4). At −70 °C with TiCl4, molecular weight was reduced to various values within the range 7 to 11 × 103 g/mol depending on conditions; lower BPB concentration produced lower molecular weight. However, the ratio of isobutylene repeat units to BPB units (IB/Q) remained constant at about 43:1, which is approximately the same as the ratio of isobutylene to isoprene repeat units (IB/IP) in the starting butyl rubber (42.5:1). At −40 °C with TiCl4, molecular weight was reduced to about 5 × 103 g/mol, and IB/Q was reduced below IB/IP, indicating nearly a difunctional telechelic structure. AlCl3 was a more active catalyst and produced results similar to TiCl4 at −40 °C, even when used at seven times lower concentration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1991–1997
Hydrolysis of aromatic polyurethane in water under high pressure of CO2
Authors: Motokucho Suguru , Yamaguchi Akito , Nakayama Yu , Morikawa Hiroshi , Nakatani Hisayuki
Published: March 2017

We have demonstrated a hydrolysis reaction of polyurethane (PU) under high pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water. We employed the PU sample, poly(methylene bis‐(1,4‐phenylene)hexamethylene dicarbamate), denoted as M‐PU, which was synthesized from 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate and 1,4‐butane diol (BD). The optimum hydrolysis reaction condition was 190 °C under CO2 pressures over 4.1 MPa in water medium, and 93% hydrolysis of M‐PU was achieved. After the reaction, the water‐soluble parts were obtained, and isolated by column chromatography. The isolated products were 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (MDA) and 1,4‐butane diol (BD), which were components of repeating unit of M‐PU. In addition, the hydrolysis reaction gave no byproduct. This hydrolysis under high pressure of CO2 with water is a reaction by which M‐PU is selectively hydrolyzed into MDA and BD by cleaving urethane linkage. Moreover, the resulting hydrolyzed products were easily obtained by evaporation of aqueous layer after the reaction, indicating an efficient chemical recycling of PU was achieved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2004–2010