bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly selective Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis for C10‐C20 diesel fuel under low pressure
Authors: Dong Zhen , Zhang Haiping , Whidden Tom , Zheng Ying , Zhao Jianshe
Published: February 2017

This work deals with the improvement of diesel (C10‐C20) production of Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) synthesis at low pressure over Co‐Re/Al2O3 since high catalytic activity and great potential in producing C10‐C20 hydrocarbons were observed under conventional conditions. To improve the catalytic performance, CO conversion and hydrocarbon selectivity were investigated against pressure, syngas H2/CO ratio, gas flow rate, and temperature. 93.7 % of CO conversion was achieved as well as 62.3 % diesel selectivity over Co‐Re/Al2O3 catalyst even after working for 15 days, which was far higher than the maximum value of the Anderson‐Schulz‐Flory (ASF) distribution and the results in literature reports. It is suggested that Re plays an important role in enhancing dissociation of hydrogen as well as the formation of CH, CH2, and CH3 species to convert CO.
Symptom incidence, distress, cancer‐related distress, and adherence to chemotherapy among African American women with breast cancer
Authors: Yee Melissa K. , Sereika Susan M. , Bender Catherine M. , Brufsky Adam M. , Connolly Mary C. , Rosenzweig Margaret Q.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

There is a persistent racial survival disparity between African American (AA) and white women with breast cancer. There is evidence that symptom incidence, associated distress, and overall cancer‐related distress may be unexplored, important contributing factors. The purpose of the current study was to: 1) describe and compare the number of chemotherapy‐related symptoms and associated distress among AA women with breast cancer over the course of chemotherapy at 3 time points (at baseline before initiating chemotherapy, midpoint, and at the completion of chemotherapy); and 2) to describe the relationship between the number of chemotherapy‐related symptoms and overall cancer distress compared with the ability to receive at least 85% of the prescribed chemotherapy within the prescribed timeframe.

METHODS

Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses of symptom incidence, symptom distress, cancer‐related distress, and prescribed chemotherapy dose received among a cohort of AA women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer were performed.

RESULTS

AA women (121 women) experienced worsening symptoms from baseline to midpoint in chemotherapy and then stabilized for the duration of therapy. The inability to receive 85% of the prescribed chemotherapy within a prescribed time point was found to be significantly correlated with midpoint symptom distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The main findings of the current study were that AA women experience a deterioration in symptom distress over the course of chemotherapy from baseline (before chemotherapy) to the midpoint, which was found to be associated with less adherence to chemotherapy overall. Thus, the incidence and management of physical and emotional symptoms, as measured through a multidimensional symptom measurement tool, may be contributing to breast cancer dose disparity and should be explored further. Cancer 2017;123:2061–2069. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Charge Neutralization Strategy: A Novel Synthetic Approach to Fully Cationized Thiolate‐Protected Au25(SR+)18 Clusters with Atomic Precision
Authors: Ishida Yohei , Huang Yu‐Ling , Yonezawa Tetsu , Narita Kunihiro
Published: February 2017

Many thiolate‐protected molecular Au clusters, of different cluster sizes and with varying neutral or anionic thiolate ligands, have been reported over the past two decades. Despite this abundance of information, to date there has been no report of atomically pure cationized molecular Au clusters that are protected with cationic thiolates. We herein present a novel, facile and high‐yield synthetic approach towards producing a new series of thiolate‐protected molecular Au clusters: a fully cationized Au25(SR+)18 cluster with atomic precision. The simple “charge neutralization strategy” presented enables treatment of the cationic thiols as neutral thiols, thus the well‐established method for preparing Au25 clusters with neutral thiolates can be adopted for cationic Au25 clusters at a very high synthetic yield. We believe that this report will widen the spectrum of gold cluster chemistry and also help in the further development of cationized molecular clusters with various metals, core sizes, and ligand structures.
Sustainable Development in Spanish Listed Companies: A Strategic Approach
Authors: Charlo Maria J. , Moya Ismael , Muñoz Ana M.
Published: February 2017

Companies should be interested in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices not only for ethical reasons, but also for their potential profits. Considering the need to confirm this relationship more thoroughly, this research is based on the only stock market index in Spain which is an objective indicator of best business practices. The purpose of this study is to find out whether being listed in the FTSE4Good IBEX explains a different ulterior financial performance. To this end, the potential accounting and stock market differences between two groups of companies listed in the Spanish IBEX are analysed: those classified as responsible due to their inclusion in the responsible company index and those companies which, as they are not in it, do not receive this denomination. The study, conducted according to the CSR strategic approach, covers 2008–2013. Its outcomes confirm the presence of significant differences between the two groups. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
MechanoAPI‐ILs: Pharmaceutical Ionic Liquids Obtained through Mechanochemical Synthesis
Authors: Martins Inês C. B. , Oliveira M. Conceição , Diogo Hermínio P. , Branco Luís C. , Duarte M. Teresa
Published: February 2017

An alternative, efficient, and green synthetic strategy for the preparation of pharmaceutical ionic liquids using mechanochemistry (MechanoAPI‐ILs) is reported. Six new API‐ILs based on gabapentin and l‐glutamic acid were successfully synthesized and characterized, demonstrating that mechanochemistry is a very promising synthetic strategy. Results compare both the new and the classical approach and clearly show the advantages of the new method. This new technique is faster, solvent free, reproducible, selective, and leads to higher yields.
Fibroblast Growth Factors in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Twists and Turns
Authors: Danopoulos Soula , Schlieve Christopher R. , Grikscheit Tracy C. , Al Alam Denise
Published: February 2017

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of conserved peptides that play an important role in the development, homeostasis, and repair processes of many organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. All four FGF receptors and several FGF ligands are present in the intestine. They play important roles in controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, epithelial cell restitution, and stem cell maintenance. Several FGFs have also been proven to be protective against gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases or to aid in regeneration after intestinal loss associated with short bowel syndrome. Herein, we review the multifaceted actions of canonical FGFs in intestinal development, homeostasis, and repair in rodents and humans. Developmental Dynamics 246:344–352, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conserved versus derived patterns of controlled cell death during the embryonic development of two species of Onychophora (velvet worms)
Authors: Treffkorn Sandra , Mayer Georg
Published: February 2017

Background: Apoptosis is involved in various developmental processes, including cell migration and tissue and organ formation. Some of these processes are conserved across metazoans, while others are specific to particular taxa. Although the patterns of apoptosis have been investigated in arthropods, no corresponding data are available from one of their closest relatives, the Onychophora (velvet worms). Results: We analyzed the patterns of apoptosis in embryos of two onychophoran species: the lecithotrophic/matrotrophic viviparous peripatopsid Euperipatoides rowelli, and the placentotrophic viviparous peripatid Principapillatus hitoyensis. Our data show that apoptosis occurs early in development and might be responsible for the degeneration of extra‐embryonic tissues. Moreover, apoptosis might be involved in the morphogenesis of the ventral and preventral organs in both species and occurs additionally in the placental stalk of P. hitoyensis. Conclusions: Despite the different developmental modes in these onychophoran species, our data suggest that patterns of apoptosis are conserved among onychophorans. While apoptosis in the dorsal extra‐embryonic tissue might contribute to dorsal closure—a process also known from arthropods—the involvement of apoptosis in ventral closure might be unique to onychophorans. Apoptosis in the placental stalk of P. hitoyensis is most likely a derived feature of the placentotrophic onychophorans. Developmental Dynamics 246:403–416, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of the frequency of familial suicide attempts across eating disorder diagnoses
Authors: Pisetsky Emily M. , Peterson Carol B. , Mitchell James E. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Crosby Ross D. , Le Grange Daniel , Hill Laura , Powers Pauline , Crow Scott J.
Published: February 2017

This study examined the prevalence of reported suicide attempts among family members of individuals with an eating disorder (ED). 1870 individuals presenting for ED treatment reported whether their family members ever made a suicide attempt using the Eating Disorders Questionnaire. A lifetime suicide attempt by any family member was reported by 10.8% (n = 202) of the sample and ranged from 7.0% of those with eating disorder not otherwise specified to 16.1% of those with purging disorder. Controlling for age and gender, individuals with bulimia nervosa had a higher prevalence of any familial suicide attempt and mother suicide attempt than individuals with EDNOS; no other differences were observed across ED diagnoses. There were no differences in prevalence of reported suicide attempts made by fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, or aunts by ED diagnosis. Findings support a growing literature indicating a familial association between EDs and suicide risk.
A simple, fast, and repeatable survey method for underwater visual 3D benthic mapping and monitoring
Authors: Pizarro Oscar , Friedman Ariell , Bryson Mitch , Williams Stefan B. , Madin Joshua
Published: February 2017

Visual 3D reconstruction techniques provide rich ecological and habitat structural information from underwater imagery. However, an unaided swimmer or diver struggles to navigate precisely over larger extents with consistent image overlap needed for visual reconstruction. While underwater robots have demonstrated systematic coverage of areas much larger than the footprint of a single image, access to suitable robotic systems is limited and requires specialized operators. Furthermore, robots are poor at navigating hydrodynamic habitats such as shallow coral reefs. We present a simple approach that constrains the motion of a swimmer using a line unwinding from a fixed central drum. The resulting motion is the involute of a circle, a spiral‐like path with constant spacing between revolutions. We test this survey method at a broad range of habitats and hydrodynamic conditions encircling Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The approach generates fast, structured, repeatable, and large‐extent surveys (~110 m2 in 15 min) that can be performed with two people and are superior to the commonly used “mow the lawn” method. The amount of image overlap is a design parameter, allowing for surveys that can then be reliably used in an automated processing pipeline to generate 3D reconstructions, orthographically projected mosaics, and structural complexity indices. The individual images or full mosaics can also be labeled for benthic diversity and cover estimates. The survey method we present can serve as a standard approach to repeatedly collecting underwater imagery for high‐resolution 2D mosaics and 3D reconstructions covering spatial extents much larger than a single image footprint without requiring sophisticated robotic systems or lengthy deployment of visual guides. As such, it opens up cost‐effective novel observations to inform studies relating habitat structure to ecological processes and biodiversity at scales and spatial resolutions not readily available previously.
Proteomic profiling of mature leaves from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
Authors: Tan Hooi Sin , Jacoby Richard P. , Ong‐Abdullah Meilina , Taylor Nicolas L. , Liddell Susan , Chee Wong Wei , Chin Chiew Foan
Published: February 2017

Oil palm is one of the most productive oil bearing crops grown in Southeast Asia. Due to the dwindling availability of agricultural land and increasing demand for high yielding oil palm seedlings, clonal propagation is vital to the oil palm industry. Most commonly, leaf explants are used for in vitro micropropagation of oil palm and to optimize this process it is important to unravel the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying somatic embryo production from leaves. In this study, a proteomic approach was used to determine protein abundance of mature oil palm leaves. To do this, leaf proteins were extracted using TCA/acetone precipitation protocol and separated by 2DE. A total of 191 protein spots were observed on the 2D gels and 67 of the most abundant protein spots that were consistently observed were selected for further analysis with 35 successfully identified using MALDI TOF/TOF MS. The majority of proteins were classified as being involved in photosynthesis, metabolism, cellular biogenesis, stress response, and transport. This study provides the first proteomic assessment of oil palm leaves in this important oil crop and demonstrates the successful identification of selected proteins spots using the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Elaeis guineensis EST and NCBI‐protein databases. The MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange Consortium database with the data set identifier PXD001307.
Biocatalytic synthesis of vitamin A palmitate using immobilized lipase produced by recombinant Pichia pastoris
Authors: Yao Chuanyi , Lin Wangjin , Yue Kaili , Ling Xueping , Jing Keju , Lu Yinghua , Tang Shaokun , Fan Enguo
Published: February 2017

In this work, the Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), produced by recombinant Pichia pastoris, was immobilized and used to synthesize vitamin A palmitate by transesterification of vitamin A acetate and palmitic acid in organic solvent. The reaction conditions including the type of solvent, temperature, rotation speed, particle size, and molar ratio between the two substrates were investigated. It turned out that the macroporous resin HPD826 serving as a carrier showed the highest activity (ca. 9200 U g−1) among all the screened carriers. It was found that the transesterification kinetic of the immobilized CALB followed the ping pong Bi‐Bi mechanism and the reaction product acetic acid inhibited the enzymatic reaction with an inhibition factor of 2.823 mmol L−1. The conversion ability of the immobilized CALB was 54.3% after 15 cycles. In conclusion, the present work provides a green route for vitamin A palmitate production using immobilized CALB to catalyze the transesterification of vitamin A acetate and palmitic acid.
Combined environmental risk assessment for the antiviral pharmaceuticals ganciclovir and valganciclovir in Europe
Authors: Straub Jürg Oliver
Published: February 2017

Potential environmental risks of the old antiviral pharmaceuticals ganciclovir (GCV) and valganciclovir (VGCV) were reassessed based on new environmental fate and chronic ecotoxicity tests and on actual use data for Europe. Valganciclovir is hydrolyzed to GCV by intestinal and hepatic esterases, and hence the new environmental tests only refer to GCV. A sorption study showed that GCV will not sorb significantly, excluding the soil as a relevant environmental compartment. Despite earlier data suggesting nondegradability, a new water/sediment fate test showed GCV to be primarily and ultimately degraded and to be nonpersistent. The chronic ecotoxicity tests with algae and daphnids resulted in no inhibition at the highest tested concentrations, whereas a fish partial life cycle test, selected in view of mammalian mutagenicity and reprotoxicity data, showed effects on growth of the young fish, but not on gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis, or teratogenicity. Predicted environmental concentrations were derived based on actual per capita use data for European countries for 2004 to 2014, and the highest was selected for the risk assessment. A comparison of predicted environmental concentrations with predicted no-effect concentrations shows no significant risk for wastewater treatment, surface waters, groundwater, or sediment. In addition, potential risks to (semi)aquatic top predators or to human consumers of water and fish are exceedingly low. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2205–2216. © 2017 The Author. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC
Supreme Court Precedents Tested Again by NY Zero‐Emission Regs
Authors: Sabino Anthony Michael , Abatemarco Michael J.
Published: February 2017

Recently in these pages—in fact, quite recently—we conducted an extensive review of new US Supreme Court landmarks that unequivocally established the paramountcy of federal law regulating the interstate energy markets. This noble triad is composed of Oneok, Inc. v. Learjet, Inc., establishing that federal law is supreme over state promulgations regulating the natural gas industry, followed by FERC v. Electric Power Supply Association, which likewise declared that the interstate wholesale market in electricity is subject solely to national regulation, to the exclusion of state law, and, finally, Hughes v. Talen Energy Marketing, LLC, where, consistent with its earlier precedents, a unanimous Supreme Court voided a state‐aid program to certain energy producers as an unlawful intrusion into a domain constitutionally mandated as one susceptible only to federal oversight.
The Effects of Lead Species and Growth Time on Accumulation of Lead in Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Corley Megan , Mutiti Samuel
Published: February 2017

A major pathway for heavy metal exposure in contaminated areas is via consumption of locally produced food. This study investigated the accumulation of lead in Chinese cabbage grown in contaminated soils and estimated the weekly dietary intake. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different growth times, concentrations, and lead species (carbonate, nitrate, and sulfide) on the uptake of lead in shoots. Results show that Chinese cabbage accumulated up to 38 mg kg−1 in the shoots. There was a significant difference in lead uptake by plants grown in soils with 400 mg kg−1 (Upper Critical Limit: UCL) and those grown in 600 mg kg−1 (Above Critical Limit: ACL) lead concentrations. However, there was no significant difference in the ACL shoots despite the different growth period. The cabbages grown for eight weeks (at UCL) had four times more lead than those grown for four weeks. The elemental form also affected lead uptake with the lead sulfide (mineral form) having the least uptake and lead carbonate (solution) having the highest. Calculated weekly dietary intake levels of lead were higher (above 0.28 mg kg−1 per human body weight) than the recommended levels for human consumption (0.025 mg kg−1 per human body weight).
Birth injuries to growth plates: A sheep in wolves' clothing
Authors: Varghese Jerrin , Teng Matthew , Huang Mingqian , Balsam Dvorah
Published: February 2017

Growth plate injuries (Salter‐Harris type 1 or physeal fractures) of the long bones in the newborn are easily misdiagnosed as joint fractures with dislocations due to their nonossified epiphyses on plain radiographs. Diagnosis with musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is advantageous due to its ability to visualize the nonossified epiphysis. We present two cases of humeral growth plate fractures in newborns, one at the shoulder (proximal humerus) and the other at the elbow (distal humerus). These cases emphasize the importance of quick and noninvasive diagnosis with US to avoid unnecessary intervention. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:511–514, 2017
Oxidative stress gene polymorphisms may have an impact in the development of ischemic stroke
Authors: Karahalil Bensu , Elkama Aylin , Orhan Gürdal
Published: February 2017

Background

Antioxidants are responsible for detoxification of harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. Genetic factors may influence antioxidant activity as a result of polymorphisms on antioxidant enzymes. These polymorphisms can be risk in ischemic stroke (IS) risk. IS is a disorder with genetic and environmental factors contributing to overall risk. Although a few studies have been conducted, there have been no reports on catalase (CAT C262T), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD Ala16Val) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1 Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms and IS risk.

Methods

We aimed to perform a case–control study to increase the awareness of the impact of oxidative stress (OS) gene polymorphism in the development of IS. A restriction fragment length polymorphism‐polymerase chain reaction was used to determine genotypes. The interactions between genes and smoking and possible risk factors were evaluated.

Results

An approximately four‐fold higher IS risk was found in patients with the Val allele compared to the Ala allele. Smoking was a risk factor in the development of IS for CAT TT and MnSOD Ala/Val genotypes; we found a 3.5‐ to 5.5‐fold higher IS risk in CAT TT and MnSOD Ala/Val genotypes. Different logistic regression models were performed for possible risk factors (smoking, body mass index, low‐density lipoprotein and diabetes mellitus). The IS risk increases statistically significant only with age by multiple logistic regression analysis. CAT gene polymorphisms in IS patients were not different from controls.

Conclusions

It is unlikely that CAT and GPX1 single nucleotide polymorphisms are risk factors for IS. The results of the present study show that smoking may be a risk factor for IS risk in patients with MnSOD mutant genotypes.
BEYOND FIELDS, NETWORKS, AND FAME: LAWRENCE KRADER AS AN “OUTSIDER” INTELLECTUAL
Authors: SANDER SABINE , LEVITT CYRIL , MCMAUGHLIN NEIL
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the intellectual biography of the American philosopher and anthropologist Lawrence Krader (1919–1998) as a contribution to the sociology of intellectuals and history of ideas. We trace Krader's career trajectory to his intellectual self‐concept, his scholarly and political worldviews, and his financial independence. Krader entertained a self‐concept of a lone pioneer that led him to reject the competition for attention as highlighted in the current literature, dominated as it is by an emphasis on field, habitus, the accumulation and reproduction of power, and symbolic capital. His self‐concept and his happier financial circumstance kept him relatively aloof from key intellectual networks and narrow institutional constraints. Our paper seeks to combine the new sociology of ideas with its focus on institutions and networks with traditional Wissenssoziologie that emphasized the role of class, status, and worldviews to explain the rise and fall of theories and thinkers.
Radiomics assessment of bladder cancer grade using texture features from diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Zhang Xi , Xu Xiaopan , Tian Qiang , Li Baojuan , Wu Yuxia , Yang Zengyue , Liang Zhengrong , Liu Yang , Cui Guangbin , Lu Hongbing
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To 1) describe textural features from diffusion‐weighted images (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps that can distinguish low‐grade bladder cancer from high‐grade, and 2) propose a radiomics‐based strategy for cancer grading using texture features.

Materials and Methods

In all, 61 patients with bladder cancer (29 in high‐ and 32 in low‐grade groups) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Histogram‐ and gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM)‐based radiomics features were extracted from cancerous volumes of interest (VOIs) on DWI and corresponding ADC maps of each patient acquired from 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A Mann–Whitney U‐test was applied to select features with significant differences between low‐ and high‐grade groups (P < 0.05). Then support vector machine with recursive feature elimination (SVM‐RFE) and classification strategy was adopted to find an optimal feature subset and then to establish a classification model for grading.

Results

A total 102 features were derived from each VOI and among them, 47 candidate features were selected, which showed significant intergroup differences (P < 0.05). By the SVM‐RFE method, an optimal feature subset including 22 features was further selected from candidate features. The SVM classifier using the optimal feature subset achieved the best performance in bladder cancer grading, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.861, 82.9%, 78.4%, and 87.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Textural features from DWI and ADC maps can reflect the difference between low‐ and high‐grade bladder cancer, especially those GLCM features from ADC maps. The proposed radiomics strategy using these features, combined with the SVM classifier, may better facilitate image‐based bladder cancer grading preoperatively.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1281–1288.
Proinflammatory chemokines are major mediators of exuberant immune response associated with Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus infection
Authors: Thomas Maria , Mani Reeta Subramaniam , Philip Mariamma , Adhikary Ranjeeta , Joshi Sangeeta , Revadi Srigiri S. , Buggi Shashidhar , Desai Anita , Vasanthapuram Ravi
Published: February 2017

In India, the case fatality ratio of the pandemic A (H1N1) pdm09 influenza was relatively higher when compared to seasonal Influenza A infection. Hypercytokinemia or “cytokine storm” has been previously implicated in the pathogenesis of other influenza viruses. The present study was undertaken to compare the cytokine profiles of A (H1N1) pdm09 influenza and seasonal H3 infection in Indian population and to correlate the findings with disease severity. Plasma levels of 18 cytokines/chemokines were measured by flow‐cytometry using a bead based assay in patients infected with A (H1N1) pdm09 virus (n = 96) and Influenza A seasonal H3 virus (n = 30) categorised into mild, moderate, and severe groups along with healthy controls (n = 36). There was an overall trend indicating an exuberant cytokine/chemokine response in A (H1N1) pdm09 as compared to seasonal H3 influenza, which was more evident in severe cases, suggesting a role for these cytokines/chemokines in the pathogenesis of A(H1N1) pdm09. Increased levels of CXCL‐8/IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐6, and IL‐17A were seen in both A(H1N1) pdm09 influenza and seasonal H3 cases when compared to healthy controls. However, dysregulated production of proinflammatory chemokines was seen more pronounced in A (H1N1) pdm09 influenza cases as compared to seasonal H3 cases. This study has brought forth the potential role of chemokines as prognostic indicators of disease severity and outcome. Further research on modulating the host immune response to limit severity of the disease could help in the treatment and management of influenza.
Cytomegalovirus infection alters phenotypes of different γδ T‐cell subsets in renal transplant recipients with long‐term stable graft function
Authors: Lee Silvia , Affandi Jacquita S. , Irish Ashley B. , Price Patricia
Published: February 2017

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection alters the phenotypic profiles of T‐cells and NK cells in healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Here, we examined the effects of CMV infection on the phenotype and functions of γδ T‐cell subsets in renal transplant recipients (RTR) stable several years after transplantation (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 72). Differentiation status, function, and expression of HLA‐DR, CD57, and LIR‐1 on Vδ2− and Vδ2+ γδ T‐cells were examined in peripheral blood cells using flow cytometry. Percentages of Vδ2− γδ T‐cells were higher in RTR who are CMV‐seropositive and correlated with CMV antibody levels. Proportions of Vδ2− γδ T‐cells expressing HLA‐DR, CD57, or LIR‐1 were increased in CMV‐seropositive RTR and healthy controls compared to their seronegative counterparts. Additionally, Vδ2− γδ T‐cells were skewed towards a terminally differentiated phenotype and most expressed CD8 in individuals who were CMV‐seropositive. Increased expression of LIR‐1 on terminally differentiated Vδ2− γδ T‐cells was associated with CMV seropositivity in RTR and controls. The presence of CMV DNA in 15 RTR was associated with higher frequencies of LIR‐1+ Vδ2+ γδ T‐cells and increased percentages of terminally differentiated effector memory cells in both γδ T‐cell subsets. Our study further characterises the effects of CMV and transplantation on γδ T‐cell phenotypes.
A Newly Designed Dual‐Functional Epoxy Monomer for Preparation of Fishbone‐Shaped Heterochain Polymer with a High Damping Property at Low Temperature
Authors: Li Yan , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying
Published: February 2017

A novel high purity dual‐functional epoxy monomer, diglycidyl ether of 4,4′‐diallyl‐bisphenol‐A, is deliberately designed for the construction of a fishbone‐shaped heterochain polymer by polymerizing it with the methyl phenyl polysiloxane. Their curing reactions with Jeffamine D230 are investigated. The cured fishbone‐shaped heterochain polymer presents a wide transition range spanning over 120 °C with a peak half‐width of 62 °C. In contrast to the traditional epoxy/polysiloxane materials, the cured fishbone‐shaped heterochain polymer takes full advantage of the cooperative effect of epoxy and polysiloxane exhibiting excellent damping properties (tan δ > 0.3) at temperatures near the T
g of the polysiloxane. This outstanding low‐temperature damping performance can be ascribed to the fishbone‐shaped structure of the heterochain polymer. These results provide new approach to explore high damping materials used at extremely low temperature (−125 °C).

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Optimal experimental design for filter exchange imaging: Apparent exchange rate measurements in the healthy brain and in intracranial tumors
Authors: Lampinen Björn , Szczepankiewicz Filip , van Westen Danielle , Englund Elisabet , C Sundgren Pia , Lätt Jimmy , Ståhlberg Freddy , Nilsson Markus
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Filter exchange imaging (FEXI) is sensitive to the rate of diffusional water exchange, which depends, eg, on the cell membrane permeability. The aim was to optimize and analyze the ability of FEXI to infer differences in the apparent exchange rate (AXR) in the brain between two populations.

Methods

A FEXI protocol was optimized for minimal measurement variance in the AXR. The AXR variance was investigated by test‐retest acquisitions in six brain regions in 18 healthy volunteers. Preoperative FEXI data and postoperative microphotos were obtained in six meningiomas and five astrocytomas.

Results

Protocol optimization reduced the coefficient of variation of AXR by approximately 40%. Test‐retest AXR values were heterogeneous across normal brain regions, from 0.3 ± 0.2 s−1 in the corpus callosum to 1.8 ± 0.3 s−1 in the frontal white matter. According to analysis of statistical power, in all brain regions except one, group differences of 0.3–0.5 s−1 in the AXR can be inferred using 5 to 10 subjects per group. An AXR difference of this magnitude was observed between meningiomas (0.6 ± 0.1 s−1) and astrocytomas (1.0 ± 0.3 s−1).

Conclusions

With the optimized protocol, FEXI has the ability to infer relevant differences in the AXR between two populations for small group sizes. Magn Reson Med 77:1104–1114, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Reliability and mean residual life functions of coherent systems in an active redundancy
Authors: Bayramoglu Kavlak Konul
Published: February 2017

In this article, the reliability and the mean residual life (MRL) functions of a system with active redundancies at the component and system levels are investigated. In active redundancy at the component level, the original and redundant components are working together and lifetime of the system is determined by the maximum of lifetime of the original components and their spares. In the active redundancy at the system level, the system has a spare, and the original and redundant systems work together. The lifetime of such a system is then the maximum of lifetimes of the system and its spare. The lifetimes of the original component and the spare are assumed to be dependent random variables. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 64: 19–28, 2017
Parameter estimation in a thermoelastic composite problem via adjoint formulation and model reduction
Authors: Garcia‐Cardona Cristina , Lebensohn Ricardo , Anghel Marian
Published: February 2017

Advances in nondestructive material characterization are providing a wealth of information that could be exploited to gain insight into general aspects of material performance and, in particular, discover relationships between microstructure and thermo‐mechanical properties in polycrystalline and other complex composite materials. In order to facilitate the integration of such measurements into existing models, as well as inform new physics‐based predictions, we developed a C++/MPI computational framework for sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation. The framework utilizes a micro‐mechanical modeling based on fast Fourier transforms, direct and adjoint formulations, and Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling techniques. We illustrate the characteristics of this framework and demonstrate its utility by computing the residual stresses arising from thermal expansion of an elastic composite and using data from simulated experiments. We show that the availability of nondestructive 3‐D measurements is crucial to reduce the uncertainty in predictions, emphasizing the importance of an integrated experimental/modeling/data analysis approach for improved material characterization and design. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control approach for discontinuous dynamical systems
Authors: Noori Skandari M. H. , Ghaznavi M.
Published: February 2017

In this work, we consider a wide class of discontinuous dynamical systems, discontinuity of which is based on the sign (for short sgn) function. We propose a smooth optimal control problem to solve the main discontinuous system. By solving some numerical examples in mechanical engineering, we show the efficiency of our approach with respect to 2 smoothing methods for discontinuous systems.
Beyond Power Politics: Evaluating the Policy Design Process of Rural Electrification in Gujarat, India
Authors: Chindarkar Namrata
Published: February 2017

Drawing upon existing theories, this article argues that good policy design requires two enabling conditions—an optimal design space that balances political and technical goals, and policy capacity that includes organizational and analytical capacity to carry out the implementation. The case of Gujarat's unique ‘Jyotigram Yojana’ (JGY) is used to illustrate how the policy design process operates in the context of a particularly challenging issue of rural electrification. Our analysis suggests that the design process and implementation of JGY were as much problem‐driven as it was politically motivated. A top‐down approach favored the conception and implementation of JGY and enabled the state government of Gujarat to effectively leverage its financial, technical, and administrative capacity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐life practices for preventing venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma patients: a cohort study from the French health insurance database
Authors: Palmaro Aurore , Rougé‐Bugat Marie‐Eve , Gauthier Martin , Despas Fabien , Moulis Guillaume , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The risk of venous thromboembolic event (VTE) in multiple myeloma is particularly increased. Current guidelines recommend systematic VTE prophylaxis with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or low weight molecular heparin (LWMH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) in high‐risk patients, based on treatment received [e.g. use of IMiDs (thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide), alkylating agents or erythropoietin] and individual risk factors (e.g. history of VTE). The aim of this study was to describe strategy of VTE prophylaxis and prescribing of other antithrombotic agents during the first 6 months of multiple myeloma therapy, with stratification on IMiD‐based regimens and drug and disease‐related risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of French beneficiaries from the health insurance database (SNIIRAM, Système National d'Information Inter‐Régime de l'Assurance Maladie) was designed in the Midi‐Pyrénées area (South West France). Patients starting a treatment for multiple myeloma in the period 2011–2014 were identified through hospital and chronic disease diagnoses.

Results

Among the 236 incident multiple myeloma patients, 56% male (n = 133), 67% >65 years (n = 159) and 47% (n = 110) patients received an IMiD‐based regimen. In these patients, 63% (n = 69) were identified as high‐risk patients with indication for low molecular weight heparin or equivalent, and 37% (n = 41) were identified as low‐risk with aspirin recommended. Among the high‐risk IMiDs patients, 43% (30/69) currently received a VTE prophylaxis after starting their first regimen: 70% LWMH (21/30), 40% VKA (12/30), 10% UFH (3/30) and 13% (4/30) other drugs (rivaroxaban and fondaparinux); 33% of the patients (23/69) received an antiplatelet drug only, and 23% (16/69) did not receive any antithrombotic drug.

Conclusions

These results revealed lack of implementation of VTE prophylaxis in one out of high‐risk multiple myeloma patients with IMiD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The State of the Art of Hidden Markov Models for Predictive Maintenance of Diesel Engines
Authors: Simões António , Viegas José Manuel , Farinha José Torres , Fonseca Inácio
Published: February 2017

The maintenance of diesel Engines is usually scheduled according to the maintenance procedures defined by manufacturers. However, the state of the art shows that the condition monitoring maintenance associated with adequate prediction algorithms allows performance improvement both by increasing the intervals between interventions and by helping to maintain reliability levels. There are many types of variables that can be used to measure equipment condition, as is the case of several types of pollutant emissions such as NOx, CO2, HC, PM, and NOISE, among others. This is a typical problem that can be solved through a hidden Markov model, taking into account the specificity of this type of equipment. The paper describes two algorithms that can help to increase the quality of assessment of engine states and the efficiency of maintenance planning. Those are the Viterbi and Baum–Welch algorithms. The importance of how to calculate the performance index of the model by the use of the perplexity algorithm is also emphasized. In this paper, a new paradigm is proposed, designated as ecological predictive maintenance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical prediction on the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydropyridines through Co(III)‐catalysed reaction of unsaturated oximes with alkenes
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Biao , Yu Bin‐Bin , Si Sheng‐Meng , Wang Song
Published: February 2017

Cobalt‐based catalysts can replace the homologous group‐9 rhodium‐based ones. Herein, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydropyridines using α,β‐unsaturated oxime pivalates and alkenes catalysed by [Cp*CoOAc]+ instead of [Cp*RhOAc]+. The catalytic cycle involves reversible acetate‐assisted metalation‐deprotonation, migratory insertion of alkenes, and reductive elimination/N‐O cleavage. The migratory insertion of alkenes was determined to be the rate‐determining step, and the reaction is irreversible due to the strongly exergonic reductive elimination/NO cleavage. When using the CF3‐substituted Cp*Co(III) catalyst, the apparent activation energy indicates that the title reaction can proceed at higher temperatures. Electron‐withdrawing substituent groups on Cp* facilitate the reaction. In contrast, substituting phenyl with the electron‐deficient p‐CF3‐phenyl at the 2‐position of α,β‐unsaturated oxime pivalate hinders the reaction, and so does the use of polarized alkenes with electron‐withdrawing substituent groups
Isotopic half‐life and enrichment factor in two species of European freshwater fish larvae: an experimental approach
Authors: Latli Adrien , Sturaro Nicolas , Desjardin Nelson , Michel Loïc N. , Otjacques William , Lepoint Gilles , Kestemont Patrick
Published: February 2017

Rationale

Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen are valuable tools for field ecologists to use to analyse animal diets. However, the application of these tools requires knowledge of the tissue enrichment factor (TEF) and half‐life (HL). We experimentally compared TEF and HL in two freshwater fish larvae. We hypothesised that chub had a better growth/tissue replacement ratio than roach, due to the use of a food closer to their natural diet.

Methods

We determined the isotopic HL, the TEF and the contribution of growth or metabolic tissue replacement to dynamic isotopic incorporation. After yolk sac resorption, larvae were fed for 5 weeks with prey similar to their natural diet (Artemia nauplii) up to the isotopic equilibrium followed by Chironomid larvae. Stable isotope measurements were carried out using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to an elemental analyser.

Results

Changes in isotopic composition strongly followed the predictions of exponential growth and time‐dependent models. The isotopic HL varied between 8.2 and 12.6 days and the TEF of nitrogen and carbon ranged from 1.7 to 3.1 ‰ and from –0.9 to 1.2 ‰, respectively. The incorporation of dietary 13C was due more to the production of new tissue (between 56 and 79%) than to the metabolic process. Chub allocated more energy to growth than roach and the Chironomidae diet contributed more to the consumers' growth than the Artemia diet.

Conclusions

Metabolic rates seemed lower for chub than for roach, especially when they were fed with Chironomidae. A Chironomidae‐based diet would be more profitable to chub, and the high associated growth rate could increase the development of the fish larvae. The HL and TEF were in the range of those reported in the literature. These results will be helpful for field‐based studies, because they can help to increase the accuracy of models. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy Approaches For Sustainable Conservation Of Built Heritage Using Transfer Of Development Rights: International Comparison
Authors: Hou Jun , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: February 2017

The important factors for successfully implementing transfer of development rights (TDR) programs have been explored. However, these factors are not yet adequate to guide the practice directly, especially for those cities at the early stage of exploring TDR. This research aims to find out how different cities/counties put these successful factors into practice to achieve sustainable conservation of built heritage by adopting a successful TDR framework to conduct a systematic comparison of 15 cities/counties internationally. The research identifies six key factors included in most policy approaches in practice. Interviews are carried out with local experts in Hong Kong as a case study to understand how these factors can be implemented in the local context. Through coding of the interview data using NVivo, the analyses also show how these factors are interrelated to each other. The results have not only contributed to better understanding of the theory of implementing TDR in general, but also provided useful guidance for sustainable TDR practice. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A self‐determination approach to the understanding of the impact of physical activity on depressive symptoms
Authors: Cecchini José Antonio , Fernández‐Río Javier , Méndez‐Giménez Antonio , Carriedo Alejandro , Arruza José Antonio
Published: February 2017

The purpose was to test a new motivational sequence. It was hypothesized that more autonomous forms of motivation would predict the intensity of physical activity (PA), which in turn, would predict depressive symptoms. In order to evaluate self‐determined motivation, the Self‐Determination Index (SDI) was used. Because the reasons that can lead a person to engage in walking, moderate PA, or vigorous PA may be different, 3 independent self‐determination indexes were measured (SDIWalking, SDIModerate, and SDIVigorous). It was also measured the metabolic equivalent of task values (METs) for walking, moderate, and vigorous PA, as well as the depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 357 college students whose ages ranged from 18 to 29 years. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. The indices of fit showed that the revised model fits the data reasonably well: S‐Bχ2(11) = 14.83, p = .190; χ2/df = 1.35; *comparative fit index = .99; *root mean square error of approximation = .03, 90% CI [.000, .068]; standardised root mean square residual = .03. It was found that vigorous PA is the only intensity that predicts depressive symptoms. In other words, SDIV‐predicted vigorous PA (measured as METSV), which subsequently predicted less depressive symptoms (SDIV → METSV → Depressive symptoms). Further research should investigate the effects of vigorous PA on depressive symptoms.
Boosting Bifunctional Oxygen Electrolysis for N‐Doped Carbon via Bimetal Addition
Authors: Wang Jian , Ciucci Francesco
Published: February 2017

The addition of transition metals, even in a trace amount, into heteroatom‐doped carbon (M‐N/C) is intensively investigated to further enhance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. However, the influence of metal decoration on the electrolysis of the reverse reaction of ORR, that is, oxygen evolution reaction (OER), is seldom reported. Moreover, further improving the bifunctional activity and corrosion tolerance for carbon‐based materials remains a big challenge, especially in OER potential regions. Here, bimetal‐decorated, pyridinic N‐dominated large‐size carbon tubes (MM′‐N/C) are proposed for the first time as highly efficient and durable ORR and OER catalysts. FeFe‐N/C, CoCo‐N/C, NiNi‐N/C, MnMn‐N/C, FeCo‐N/C, NiFe‐N/C, FeMn‐N/C, CoNi‐N/C, MnCo‐N/C, and NiMn‐N/C are systematically investigated in terms of their structure, composition, morphology, surface area, and active site densities. In contrast to conventional monometal and N‐decorated carbon, small amounts of bimetal (≈2 at%) added during the one‐step template‐free synthesis contribute to increased pyridinic N content, much longer and more robust carbon tubes, reduced metal particle size, and stronger coupling between the encapsulated metals and carbon support. The synergy of those factors accounts for the dramatically improved ORR and OER activity and stability. By comparison, NiFe‐N/C and MnCo‐N/C stand out and achieve superior bifunctional oxygen catalytic performance, exceeding most of state‐of‐the‐art catalysts.