bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Dielectric Breakdown Path along c‐Axis Planar Boundaries in Cr2O3 Thin Films
Authors: Sun Congli , Song Zhewen , Rath Ashutosh , Street Michael , Echtenkamp William , Feng Jie , Binek Christian , Morgan Dane , Voyles Paul
Published: August 2017

The 3D atomic structure of an interface‐stabilized planar boundary in the magnetoelectric Cr2O3 thin films is reported based on scanning transmission electron microscopy as a function of scattering angle. Local boundary electron energy loss spectroscopy shows a prepeak on the O–K edge arising from unoccupied O 2p states. Density functional theory calculations reproduce the images and spectra and show that the boundary has smaller bandgap than bulk Cr2O3, but does not interrupt the (0001) surface spin polarization and boundary magnetization. The reduced bandgap at the boundaries means they provide potential breakdown paths in Cr2O3 thin films. The same planar defect is predicted to occur in other epitaxial corundum film/substrate systems.
Tumor‐Targeting Photothermal Heating‐Responsive Nanoplatform Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Mesoporous Silica/Hyaluronic Acid Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , Mo Fan , Jin Xin , Chen Lian , Xu Liang Jun , Guo Liangqia , Fu FengFu
Published: August 2017

This study herein develops a novel tumor‐targeting photothermal heating‐responsive nanoplatform for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT). The nanoplatform is prepared by using dopamine‐reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO‐PDA) to enhance photothermal ability, mesoporous silica coated on the rGO‐PDA surface to load drug, and hyaluronic acid to act as gate keeper as well as targeting moiety. The developed nanoplatform has outstanding biocompatibility, well targeting ability, excellent near‐infrared radiation (NIR) photothermal conversion ability, controllable drug release with NIR irradiation response, and the capacity of delivering diverse drugs. The proposed nanoplatform is successfully used to specifically deliver chlorin e6 (Ce6) to CD‐44 over‐expressing cancer cells for PDT with a loading capacity of 0.605 mg mg−1 and controllable Ce6 release with NIR irradiation response. The combination of excellent NIR photothermal conversion ability and controllable Ce6 release confers the nanoplatform with enhanced singlet oxygen generation, which leads to more significant destruction of target cancer cells. The prepared photothermal heating‐responsive nanoplatform can enhance photodynamic therapeutic efficiency and hold great potential for multimodal cancer therapy.
Sequentially Programmable and Cellularly Selective Assembly of Fluorescent Polymerized Vesicles for Monitoring Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Peng Shu , Pan Yu‐Chen , Wang Yaling , Xu Zhe , Chen Chao , Ding Dan , Wang Yongjian , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: August 2017

The introduction of controlled self‐assembly into living organisms opens up desired biomedical applications in wide areas including bioimaging/assays, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Besides the enzyme‐activated examples reported before, controlled self‐assembly under integrated stimuli, especially in the form of sequential input, is unprecedented and ultimately challenging. This study reports a programmable self‐assembling strategy in living cells under sequentially integrated control of both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Fluorescent polymerized vesicles are constructed by using cholinesterase conversion followed by photopolymerization and thermochromism. Furthermore, as a proof‐of‐principle application, the cell apoptosis involved in the overexpression of cholinesterase in virtue of the generated fluorescence is monitored, showing potential in screening apoptosis‐inducing drugs. The approach exhibits multiple advantages for bioimaging in living cells, including specificity to cholinesterase, red emission, wash free, high signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Lead‐Free, Air‐Stable All‐Inorganic Cesium Bismuth Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Bin , Chen Junsheng , Hong Feng , Mao Xin , Zheng Kaibo , Yang Songqiu , Li Yajuan , Pullerits Tõnu , Deng Weiqiao , Han Keli
Published: August 2017

Lead‐based perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have outstanding optical properties and cheap synthesis conferring them a tremendous potential in the field of optoelectronic devices. However, two critical problems are still unresolved and hindering their commercial applications: one is the fact of being lead‐based and the other is the poor stability. Lead‐free all‐inorganic perovskite Cs3Bi2X9 (X=Cl, Br, I) NCs are synthesized with emission wavelength ranging from 400 to 560 nm synthesized by a facile room temperature reaction. The ligand‐free Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs exhibit blue emission with photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) about 0.2 %. The PLQE can be increased to 4.5 % when extra surfactant (oleic acid) is added during the synthesis processes. This improvement stems from passivation of the fast trapping process (2–20 ps). Notably, the trap states can also be passivated under humid conditions, and the NCs exhibited high stability towards air exposure exceeding 30 days.
Morphological control and properties of poly(lactic acid) hollow fibers for biomedical applications
Authors: Domingues Rui Carlos Castro , Pereira Cristina Cardoso , Borges Cristiano Piacsek
Published: August 2017

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) hollow‐fiber (HF) membranes were prepared by wet spinning with a phase‐inversion technique. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), and 1,4‐dioxane (DIO) were applied as solvents (Ss), and water was applied as a nonsolvent in the precipitation bath. The polymer solution viscosities, PLA–S–water miscibility regions, and precipitation onsets were measured and related to the Hansen solubility and Flory–Huggins interaction parameters. We observed a morphological transition from fingerlike to spongelike pores when DIO was applied as the S instead NMP or DMSO. The water permeabilities of these membranes were not detectable at a transmembrane pressure of 1 bar, and higher pressures caused them mechanical damage. However, the addition of 5 wt % poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) induced a higher porosity and water permeabilties from 3.14 to 9.38 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. These membranes were characterized by dialysis, and after 6 h, feed concentration reductions of 2% and 17% for bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, respectively, were observed. In vitro degradation tests showed that a 30% mass loss took place after 90 days of incubation, and a faster initial degradation of spongelike membranes occurred. The spongelike membranes presented a higher maximum stress (12.80 MPa) than the fingerlike membranes (∼6 MPa). With PVP addition, the HFs were less resistant to axial traction and showed a decreased elongation of break from 58% to 23%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45494.
Synthesis and characterization of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate/2‐(3‐indol‐yl)ethylmethacrylamide‐based novel hydrogels as drug carrier with in vitro antibacterial properties
Authors: Ilgin Pinar , Selcuk Zorer Ozlem , Ozay Ozgur , Boran Gokhan
Published: August 2017

In this study, a new cationic monomer 2‐(3‐indol‐yl)ethylmethacrylamide (IEMA) derived from tryptamine was synthesized in a single step and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. Then, one‐step preparation of novel poly[2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐c‐2‐(3‐indol‐yl)ethylmethacrylamide], or p(HEMA‐c‐IEMA), copolymeric hydrogels has been performed successfully with IEMA and 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) as monomers using free radical aqueous polymerization. The hydrogels were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and texture profile analysis instruments. p(HEMA‐c‐IEMA) hydrogels were used for swelling, diffusion, drug release, and antibacterial activity studies. The drug‐release behavior of the hydrogels was determined as a function of time at 37 °C in pH 1.2 and 7.2. The swelling and drug‐release studies showed that an increased IEMA amount caused a higher increase in swelling and drug‐release values. Additionally, zero‐order, first‐order, and Higuchi equation kinetic models were applied to the drug‐release data, and the data fit well in the Higuchi model, and the Peppas power‐law model was applied to the release mechanism. Finally, the antibacterial activities of the hydrogels were screened against Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45550.
Development of an electrochemical‐surface plasmon dual biosensor based on carboxylated conducting polymer thin films
Authors: Sriwichai Saengrawee , Janmanee Rapiphun , Phanichphant Sukon , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo , Kaneko Futao , Yamamoto Tadashi , Baba Akira
Published: August 2017

A biosensing platform based on the covalent attachment of biomolecules on electropolymerized carboxylated conducting polymers, poly(3‐aminobenzoic acid) and poly(3‐pyrrole carboxylic acid), were developed for the selective simultaneous detection of two biomolecules using electrochemical‐surface plasmon resonance (EC–SPR) spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the developed biosensors was studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The EC–SPR dual biosensor was developed for the label‐free, simultaneous, and selective detection of glucose and human immunoglobulin G (IgG). A change in current density was clearly observed after the injection of glucose, whereas a change in SPR reflectivity was clearly observed after the injection of human IgG. The present work demonstrates the potential of this biosensing platform for real sample analysis in the future. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45641.
Diarylpyrazole Ligated Dihydropyrimidine Hybrids as Potent Non‐Classical Antifolates and Their Efficacy Against Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Bhatt Jaimin D. , Chudasama Chaitanya J. , Patel Kanuprasad D.
Published: August 2017

A series of diarylpyrazole clubbed dihydropyrimidine derivatives (J1–J30) was synthesized under microwave‐assisted heating conditions by employing Biginelli reaction methodology and utilizing triethylammonium acetate both as a catalyst and as reaction medium, leading towards a greener reaction pathway. The synthesized entities were screened for their antimalarial efficacy against a Plasmodium falciparum strain in vitro. The active entities (J9, J15, J21, J25, and J27) obtained out of the in vitro screening were further evaluated for their enzyme inhibitory potency against the Pf‐DHFR enzyme in vitro as well as in silico using Glide. Furthermore, the active scaffolds were tested for their cytotoxicity against Vero cells, proving their nontoxic behavior and selectivity. The ADME parameters were also evaluated and predicted in silico, indicating good oral bioavailability of the compounds.
On the relationship between the continuum of interstellar extinction curves, the 2200 Å bump, and the diffuse interstellar bands
Authors: Zagury F.
Published: August 2017

A previous article argued that the antagonism between sight‐lines with and without a bump at 2200 Å  disappears, and that the observed properties of interstellar extinction can be globally understood, if it is accepted that scattered starlight contaminates the observed spectrum of reddened stars. The present paper develops this new paradigm by providing a better understanding of the characteristics of this scattered light. It further examines the consequences of this revision of interstellar extinction theory for interpreting the 2200 Å  bump and the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). Two implications are worth noting: (a) the effect of interstellar extinction on cosmic distance estimations needs to be reconsidered; (b) it is unnecessary to invoke hypothetical particles, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to explain the peculiarities of interstellar extinction. Hydrogen, by far the most abundant constituent of interstellar clouds, should alone account for the three major features of interstellar extinction: the departure of the continuum from linearity, the bump, and the DIBs.
Flexible Bayesian additive joint models with an application to type 1 diabetes research
Authors: Köhler Meike , Umlauf Nikolaus , Beyerlein Andreas , Winkler Christiane , Ziegler Anette‐Gabriele , Greven Sonja
Published: August 2017

The joint modeling of longitudinal and time‐to‐event data is an important tool of growing popularity to gain insights into the association between a biomarker and an event process. We develop a general framework of flexible additive joint models that allows the specification of a variety of effects, such as smooth nonlinear, time‐varying and random effects, in the longitudinal and survival parts of the models. Our extensions are motivated by the investigation of the relationship between fluctuating disease‐specific markers, in this case autoantibodies, and the progression to the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes. Using Bayesian P‐splines, we are in particular able to capture highly nonlinear subject‐specific marker trajectories as well as a time‐varying association between the marker and event process allowing new insights into disease progression. The model is estimated within a Bayesian framework and implemented in the R‐packagebamlss.
Full mouth rehabilitation with retrievable metal–ceramic implant‐supported fixed prostheses for a young patient with atrophic jaws: a clinical report
Authors: Ameri Narges , Alikhasi Marzieh , Rezayani Vida
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Treatment of atrophic edentulous jaws with implant‐supported fixed prostheses is one of the most complicated challenges in dentistry. This clinical report describes the prosthesis which consists of screw retained frameworks with individual cement retained crowns which combines the advantages of the screw retained restoration with the advantage of cement retained.
High Performance and Active Sites of a Ceria‐Supported Palladium Catalyst for Solvent‐Free Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Shi Xiuxiu , Wang Xueguang , Shang Xingfu , Zou Xiujing , Ding Weizhong , Lu Xionggang
Published: August 2017

Cerium oxide‐supported palladium catalysts (Pd/CeO2) prepared by a simple impregnation method exhibit exciting catalytic activity and high chemoselectivity for the solvent‐free hydrogenation of a variety of substituted nitroarenes including the reducible functional groups to the corresponding aromatic amines under mild reaction conditions. Taking nitrobenzene as an example, the Pd/CeO2 catalyst can afford aniline yields of >99 % with turnover frequencies as high as 11 411 h−1 and 69 824 h−1 at 40 °C and 100 °C, respectively. Pd2+ ion species exist as isolated single atoms with −Pd2+−O2−−Ce4+− linkages on the surface of PdxCe1−xO2−σ solid solution and are found to be active sites for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes in the absence of solvent. The superior catalytic performance can be attributed to the cooperative effect between Pd2+ ions and unique surface sites of CeO2. A possible mechanism is proposed for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes with H2 over the Pd/CeO2. The Pd/CeO2 catalyst can be recovered easily and reused for at least seven recycling reactions without loss of catalytic properties.
Present‐day and future contribution of climate and fires to vegetation composition in the boreal forest of China
Authors: Wu Chao , Venevsky Sergey , Sitch Stephen , Yang Yang , Wang Menghui , Wang Lei , Gao Yu
Published: August 2017

Climate is well known as an important determinant of biogeography. Although climate is directly important for vegetation composition in the boreal forests, these ecosystems are strongly sensitive to an indirect effect of climate via fire disturbance. However, the driving balance of fire disturbance and climate on composition is poorly understood. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed their individual contributions for the boreal forests of the Heilongjiang Province, China, and their response to climate change using four warming scenarios (+1.5°, 2°, 3°, and 4°C). This study employs the statistical methods of Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and variation partitioning combined with simulation results from a SErgey VERsion Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (SEVER‐DGVM), and remote sensing datasets of global land cover (GLC2000) and the third version of Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED3). Results show that the vegetation distribution for the present day is mainly determined directly by climate (35%) rather than fire (1–10.9%). However, with a future global warming of 1.5°C, local vegetation composition will be determined by fires rather than climate (36.3% > 29.3%). Above 1.5°C warming, temperature will be more important than fires in regulating vegetation distribution although other factors such as precipitation can also contribute. The spatial pattern in vegetation composition over the region, as evaluated by Moran's Eigenvector Map (MEM), has a significant impact on local vegetation coverage; for example, composition at any individual location is highly related to that in its neighborhood. It represents the largest contribution to vegetation distribution in all scenarios, but will not change the driving balance between climate and fires. Our results are highly relevant for forest and wildfires' management.
Empirical evaluation of peak ground velocity and displacement as a function of elastic spectral ordinates for design
Authors: Paolucci Roberto , Smerzini Chiara
Published: August 2017

In the framework of the revision of Part 1 of Eurocode 8, this study aims at developing new empirical correlations to compute peak values of ground velocity (PGV) and displacement (PGD) as a function of elastic spectral ordinates for design. At variance with the expressions for PGV and PGD currently adopted in the Eurocode 8, based solely on the peak ground acceleration (PGA), in this paper reference is made to spectral ordinates of the short and intermediate period range, namely Ss, which is the constant acceleration spectral ordinate, and S1, which is the spectral ordinate at 1 s. On the one hand, a relationship between PGV and the product (Ss⋅S1) was found based on the regression analysis on a high‐quality strong‐motion dataset. On the other hand, the PGD was estimated by extrapolating to long periods the constant displacement branch of the elastic response spectrum, introducing a correlation between the corner period TD and S1. For this purpose, results of a long period probabilistic seismic hazard assessment study for Italy, encompassing low to high seismicity areas, were considered. Furthermore, verification of the proposed relationship against strong‐motion records was carried out, and differences justified in terms of the concept of uniform hazard spectrum.
G protein‐coupled receptor 37‐like 1 modulates astrocyte glutamate transporters and neuronal NMDA receptors and is neuroprotective in ischemia
Authors: Jolly Sarah , Bazargani Narges , Quiroga Alejandra C. , Pringle Nigel P. , Attwell David , Richardson William D. , Li Huiliang
Published: August 2017

We show that the G protein‐coupled receptor GPR37‐like 1 (GPR37L1) is expressed in most astrocytes and some oligodendrocyte precursors in the mouse central nervous system. This contrasts with GPR37, which is mainly in mature oligodendrocytes. Comparison of wild type and Gpr37l1–/– mice showed that loss of GPR37L1 did not affect the input resistance or resting potential of astrocytes or neurons in the hippocampus. However, GPR37L1‐mediated signalling inhibited astrocyte glutamate transporters and – surprisingly, given its lack of expression in neurons – reduced neuronal NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity during prolonged activation of the receptors as occurs in ischemia. This effect on NMDAR signalling was not mediated by a change in the release of D‐serine or TNF‐α, two astrocyte‐derived agents known to modulate NMDAR function. After middle cerebral artery occlusion, Gpr37l1 expression was increased around the lesion. Neuronal death was increased by ∼40% in Gpr37l1–/– brain compared to wild type in an in vitro model of ischemia. Thus, GPR37L1 protects neurons during ischemia, presumably by modulating extracellular glutamate concentration and NMDAR activation.
Measurement tools of resource use and quality of life in clinical trials for dementia or cognitive impairment interventions: A systematically conducted narrative review
Authors: Yang Fan , Dawes Piers , Leroi Iracema , Gannon Brenda
Published: August 2017

Objective

Knowledge is limited about the standardised instruments used to collect resource use and quality of life data alongside trials of dementia interventions. This review aimed to identify the trials using such instruments in order to guide the design of future trial‐based cost‐effectiveness studies.

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement, this review examined all original, peer‐reviewed research in major databases and general searches published until June 2017, including randomised clinical trials, pilot studies, or feasibility studies about interventions for older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Results

Forty‐one studies were identified. Only 8 collected the resource use data using adapted Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI), Resource Use Inventory (RUI), cost diary, or study‐specific questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using a wide range of instruments. The most frequently used dementia‐specific instrument was Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QOL‐AD) and Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire (DEMQOL). Among the generic measures, EuroQol 5‐dimentison (EQ‐5D) was mostly used to collect health utility data, and Short Form surveys (SF‐36 or SF‐12) were widely to measure general health.

Conclusions

Several useful resource use and quality of life measurement instruments have been identified by this review. For resource use, CSRI was mostly used, but no studies have used Resource Utilisation in Dementia (RUD); for quality of life, we recommend the inclusion of dementia‐specific DEMQOL, generic SF‐12, and health utility EQ‐5D‐5L, based on both self‐report and proxy‐report.
Core‐shell fibrous scaffold as a vehicle for sustained release of retinal pigmented epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) for photoreceptor differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Nasehi Fatemeh , Karshenas Mohsen , Nadri Samad , Barati Ghasem , Salim Ahdiye
Published: August 2017

Coaxial electrospinning technique was introduced as a flexible and promising technique for the fabrication of core‐shell fibrous scaffold from poly ethylene glycol/poly caprolactone (PEG/PCL), where retinal pigmented epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) was encapsulated in the core, for photoreceptor differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells (CJMSCs) seed on scaffolds. The morphology and structure of fibers were characterized using SEM and TEM and photoreceptor differentiation was examined by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Release study showed that, a sustained release of PEDF from PEG/PCL scaffold was observed over 14 days. qPCR analysis demonstrated that rhodopsin (as a main photoreceptor gene) was significantly expressed in CJMSCs cultured on scaffold loaded with PEDF. According to the result, the core‐shell scaffold loaded with PEDF (PEG + PEDF)/PCL) has superior control over factor release profile and has a potential for guiding photoreceptor differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and promoting retinal regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3514–3519, 2017.
iVI: An iterative vector interaction method for large eigenvalue problems
Authors: Huang Chao , Liu Wenjian , Xiao Yunlong , Hoffmann Mark R.
Published: August 2017

Based on the generic “static‐dynamic‐static” framework for strongly coupled basis vectors (Liu and Hoffman, Theor. Chem. Acc. 2014, 133, 1481), an iterative Vector Interaction (iVI) method is proposed for computing multiple exterior or interior eigenpairs of large symmetric/Hermitian matrices. Although it works with a fixed‐dimensional search subspace, iVI can converge quickly and monotonically from above to the exact exterior/interior roots. The efficacy of iVI is demonstrated by taking both mathematical and physical matrices as examples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decadal prediction skill of BCC‐CSM1.1 climate model in East Asia
Authors: Xin Xiaoge , Gao Feng , Wei Min , Wu Tongwen , Fang Yongjie , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2017

The forecast skill of BCC‐CSM1.1 model in summer East Asian climate was evaluated with the decadal prediction experiments launched annually during 1961–2005. Results of the decadal prediction were compared with those of the historical simulation to estimate contribution of the initialization. Improved prediction skill is found for summer surface air temperature (SAT) in central eastern China measured by both root mean square error (RMSE) and anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) for the forecast years 2–5. The decadal hindcast of precipitation in central eastern China shows increased skill in RMSE but not ACC. Such improvement in East Asia is related to enhanced prediction skill of the western Pacific (WP) sea surface temperature (SST) originated from the oceanic initialization. In the decadal hindcast, the lower tropospheric atmospheric circulation associated with warm WP exhibits an anticyclone over the South China Sea, which resembles the observation. The southwesterly increases over southeast China associated with warm WP, favouring higher SAT in central eastern China. This reveals that the decadal predictions could more realistically reproduce the relationship between summer East Asian atmospheric circulation and WP SST. The 4‐year average forecast within a decade shows that the initialization increases the ACC skill up to forecast years 4–7 for summer SAT in central eastern China.
Surface wind speed: trend and climatology of Brazil from 1980–2014
Authors: Gilliland Joshua M. , Keim Barry D.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the spatial and temporal surface (10 m) wind speed trend characteristics of Brazil during 1980–2014 using two in situ and three climate reanalysis datasets. Nonparametric regression is used to understand how mean seasonal and annual wind speeds change over space and time across Brazil. Overall temporal linear trends show that station and reanalysis products exhibit varying seasonal and annual wind speed trends. A geographic examination displays statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive (negative) mean wind speed trends for equatorial (southeastern and central) Brazil. Quantile regression is performed to interpret how wind speed changed across different percentiles. Results show that the largest positive and negative spatial wind speed trends occur for the upper percentiles (75 and 95%). The spatial and temporal trends and correlations described could be interconnected to possible changes developing with the location of Intertropical Convergence Zone and South Atlantic Anticyclone over the study region. Results have implications for optimizing renewable wind energy production and development across Brazil.
Magnetic porous carbon derived from Co‐doped metal–organic frameworks for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of endocrine disrupting chemicals
Authors: Hao Lin , Wei Jiayi , Zheng Ruixue , Wang Chun , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Zhi
Published: August 2017

Metal–organic frameworks‐5 (MOF‐5) was explored as a template to prepare porous carbon due to its high surface area, large pore volume, and permanent nanoscale porosity. Magnetic porous carbon, Co@MOF‐5‐C, was fabricated by the one‐step direct carbonization of Co‐doped MOF‐5. After carbonization, the magnetic cobalt nanoparticles are well dispersed in the porous carbon matrix, and Co@MOF‐5‐C displays strong magnetism (with the saturation magnetization intensity of 70.17emu/g), high‐specific surface area, and large pore volume. To evaluate its extraction performance, the Co@MOF‐5‐C was applied as an adsorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of endocrine disrupting chemicals, followed by their analysis with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The developed method exhibits a good linear response in the range of 0.5–100 ng/mL for pond water and 1.0–100 ng/mL for juice samples. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) for the analytes were in the range of 0.1–0.2 ng/mL.
Lowering the Healing Temperature of Photoswitchable Dynamic Covalent Polymer Networks
Authors: Fuhrmann Anne , Broi Kevin , Hecht Stefan
Published: August 2017

To reduce the environmental footprint of the modern society, it is desirable to elongate the lifetime of consumer products, for example by implementing healable coatings and protective layers. However, since most healing processes carried out by heat or light suffer from material degradation, improving the robustness and integrity of healable materials is of tremendous importance to prolong their lifetime. In recent work, a prototype is created of a dynamic covalent polymer network, whose thermal healing ability can be switched “on” and “off” by light to provide a means to locally control repair of a damaged coating. Based on the initial concept, herein a new set of difunctional crosslinkers and linear polymers of various compositions is presented to form dynamic covalent polymer networks, in which the barrier for the retro Diels–Alder decrosslinking reaction is decreased. The approach results in lower healing temperatures and thus a longer lifetime of the material.
Expression of Concern: Combination cisplatin and sulforaphane treatment reduces proliferation, invasion, and tumor formation in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kerr Candace , Adhikary Gautam , Grun Daniel , George Nicholas , Eckert Richard L.
Published: August 2017

Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma is an extremely common type of cancer. Early tumors can be successfully treated by surgery, but recurrent disease is aggressive and resistant to therapy. Cisplatin is often used as a treatment, but the outcome is rarely satisfactory. For this reason new strategies are required. Sulforaphane is a diet‐derived cancer prevention agent that is effective in suppressing tumor growth in animal models of skin cancer. We monitored the efficacy of sulforaphane and cisplatin as a combined therapy for squamous cell carcinoma. Both agents suppress cell proliferation, growth of cancer stem cell spheroids, matrigel invasion and migration of SCC‐13 and HaCaT cells, and combination treatment is more efficient. In addition, SCC‐13 cell derived cancer stem cells are more responsive to these agents than non‐stem cancer cells. Both agents suppress tumor formation, but enhanced suppression is observed with combined treatment. Moreover, both agents reduce the number of tumor‐resident cancer stem cells. SFN treatment of cultured cells or tumors increases apoptosis and p21Cip1 level, and both agents increase tumor apoptosis. We suggest that combined therapy with sulforaphane and cisplatin is efficient in suppressing tumor formation and may be a treatment option for advanced epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
Technical Note: The effect of 2D excitation profile on T1 measurement accuracy using the variable flip angle method with an average flip angle assumption
Authors: Svedin Bryant T. , Parker Dennis L.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To study the accuracy and precision of T1 estimates using the Variable Flip Angle (VFA) method in 2D and 3D acquisitions.

Methods

Excitation profiles were simulated using numerical implementation of the Bloch equations for Hamming‐windowed sinc excitation pulses with different time‐bandwidth products (TBP) of 2, 6, and 10 and for T1 values of 295 ms and 1045 ms. Experimental data were collected in 5° increments from 5° to 90° for the same T1 and TBP values. T1 was calculated for every combination of flip angle with and without a correction for B1 and slice profile variation. Calculations were also made for flat slice profile such as obtained in 3D acquisition. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to obtain T1 measurement uncertainty.

Results

VFA T1 measurements in 2D without correction can result in a 40–80% underestimation of true T1. Flip angle correction can reduce the underestimation, but results in accurate measurements of T1 only within a narrow band of flip angle combinations. The narrow band of accuracy increases with TBP, but remains too narrow for any practical range of T1 values or B1 variation. Simulated noisy VFA T1 measurements in 3D were accurate as long as the two angles chosen are on either side of the Ernst angle.

Conclusions

Accurate T1 estimates from VFA 2D acquisitions are possible, but only a narrow range of T1 values within a narrow range of flip angle combinations can be accurately calculated using a 2D slice. Unless a better flip angle correction method is used, these results demonstrate that accurate measurements of T1 in 2D cannot be obtained robustly enough for practical use and are more likely obtained by a thin slab 3D VFA acquisition than from multiple‐slice 2D acquisitions. VFA T1 measurements in 3D are accurate for wide ranges of flip angle combinations and T1 values.
Application of differentiated human tonsil–derived stem cells to trembler‐J mice
Authors: Park Saeyoung , Choi Yoonyoung , Kwak Geon , Hong Young Bin , Jung Namhee , Kim Jieun , Choi Byung‐ok , Jung Sung‐Chul
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cell types.

Methods

In this study we investigated the potential of human tonsil–derived MSCs (T‐MSCs) for neuromuscular regeneration in trembler‐J (Tr‐J) mice, a model for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A).

Results

T‐MSCs differentiated toward skeletal myocytes with increased expression of skeletal muscle–related markers (including troponin I type 1, and myogenin), and the formation of myotubes in vitro. In‐situ transplantation of T‐MSC–derived myocytes (T‐MSC myocytes) into the gastrocnemius muscle in Tr‐J mice enhanced motor function, with recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Morphology of the sciatic nerve and skeletal muscle recovered without the formation of teratomas, and the expression levels of nerve growth factor and glial‐cell‐line–derived neurotrophic factor were increased significantly in T‐MSC myocytes compared with T‐MSCs in vitro.

Discussion

Transplantation of T‐MSC myocytes could enable neuromuscular regeneration in patients with CMT1A. Muscle Nerve 57: 478–486, 2018
Optical and shape memory properties of semicrystalline poly(cyclooctene) upon cold‐drawing
Authors: Hong Seok Bin , Hong Seok Jin , Kang Tae‐Hyung , Youk Ji Ho , Yu Woong‐Ryeol
Published: August 2017

Semicrystalline thermoplastic poly(cyclooctene) (PCO) shows significant improvement in transparency when cold‐drawn at room temperature, unlike other semicrystalline polymers whose fibrillated chains cause crazing upon cold‐drawing, making the polymers opaque to visible light. Upon heating, transparent cold‐drawn PCO recovers its original opacity as well as its undeformed shape. In situ wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray diffraction and polarized Fourier transform infrared analyses show that molecular density differences between the PCO crystalline and amorphous phases were reduced due to strain‐induced crystallization and that fibrillated chains and voids, an indication of craze, were not observed due to chain entanglements concentrated in trans double‐bond regions. These two factors explain the unique optical properties of PCO. Finally, it is demonstrated that crosslinked PCO enhanced optical and shape memory recovery without deterioration of the transparency of the polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1595–1607
Preparation and Characterization of Nanoenergetics Based Composition B
Authors: Qiu Hongwei , Stepanov Victor , Patel Rajen B. , Samuels Philip , Maier Katherine H.
Published: August 2017

Explosive compositions employing nanoscale crystals of high explosives (i. e., nanoenergetics) have demonstrated reduced sensitivities to external stimuli. Until recently, the investigated formulations were limited to plastic bonded explosives. Explosives that are normally melt‐cast also would benefit from the use of nanoenergetics. However, the integration of nanoenergetics into the melt‐cast process is challenging due to the large surface area and solubility associated with nanoenergetics. In this work, we explored the preparation of nanoenergetics‐based Composition B (Comp B), a widely used melt‐cast explosive, by spray drying followed by mechanical compaction. The Comp B molding powder obtained from spray drying was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The structure and the shock sensitivity of the compacted nanoenergetics‐based Comp B (N‐Comp B), both as‐prepared and thermally cycled, was also studied using melt‐cast Comp B as the reference material. The characterization shows that N‐Comp B consisting of nanoscale cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) contains mostly nanoscale voids but has a large number density. Reduced shock sensitivity was observed from N‐Comp B, attributed to the elimination of large voids. But the decrease seems to have been constrained by the large number density of voids. Thermal cycling induced significant structural change, i. e., the increase of both void size and the crystal size, causing an increase in sensitivity. Procedures are proposed to further reduce the sensitivity and enhance the thermal stability of N‐Comp B.
Insight into diacetylene photopolymerization in Langmuir‐Blodgett films using simultaneous AFM and fluorescence microscopy imaging
Authors: Araghi Hessamaddin Younesi , Paige Matthew F.
Published: August 2017

A phase‐separated monolayer film comprised of a mixture of 10, 12‐pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) with perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PF; CF3(CF2)12COOH) has been characterized using a microscope that is capable of simultaneous atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and fluorescence imaging. Design criteria for this instrument are described, as well as its application to investigating the mixed film systems. The product of PCDA photopolymerization has two phases, a red phase with strong fluorescence and a blue phase with no fluorescence. With the help of the dual AFM‐fluorescence microscope, it was found that both the red and the blue phase polymers were produced in the same sample from photoillumination, and the relative quantities of the different phases were quantified. Further, the importance of intrinsic mechanical stress in the films is discussed in terms of its influence on selectivity towards the red polymer phase.
Inference for multimarker adaptive enrichment trials
Authors: Simon Richard , Simon Noah
Published: August 2017

Identification of treatment selection biomarkers has become very important in cancer drug development. Adaptive enrichment designs have been developed for situations where a unique treatment selection biomarker is not apparent based on the mechanism of action of the drug. With such designs, the eligibility rules may be adaptively modified at interim analysis times to exclude patients who are unlikely to benefit from the test treatment.We consider a recently proposed, particularly flexible approach that permits development of model‐based multifeature predictive classifiers as well as optimized cut‐points for continuous biomarkers. A single significance test, including all randomized patients, is performed at the end of the trial of the strong null hypothesis that the expected outcome on the test treatment is no better than control for any of the subset populations of patients accrued in the K stages of the clinical trial.

In this paper, we address 2 issues involving inference following an adaptive enrichment design as described above. The first is specification of the intended use population and estimation of treatment effect for that population following rejection of the strong null hypothesis. The second issue is defining conditions in which rejection of the strong null hypothesis implies rejection of the null hypothesis for the intended use population.
Developing optimized strengthening systems for shear‐deficient concrete members
Authors: Randl Norbert , Harsányi Peter
Published: August 2017

Strengthening methods for shear‐deficient bridges were developed and tested in cooperation with the HILTI Corporation and SIKA Austria. In order to identify the strengthening effect in shear, a number of 12 T‐shaped RC‐beams with a length of 5.38 m were designed. In the experimental campaign two different types of strengthening systems were applied and subjected to shear loading until failure. The successful use of a modern digital image correlation system provided the basis for an in‐depth analysis of failure mode and crack pattern as well as shear degradation at each load stage. Finally, the applicability of existing shear design models with consideration of the strengthening elements analogously to cast‐in shear reinforcement was evaluated.
Sonographers' self‐reported visualization of normal postmenopausal ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound is not reliable: results of expert review of archived images from UKCTOCS
Authors: Stott W. , Campbell S. , Franchini A. , Blyuss O. , Zaikin A. , Ryan A. , Jones C. , Gentry‐Maharaj A. , Fletcher G. , Kalsi J. , Skates S. , Parmar M. , Amso N. , Jacobs I. , Menon U.
Published: August 2017

Objective

In the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS), self‐reported visualization rate (VR) of the ovaries by the sonographer on annual transvaginal sonographic (TVS) examinations was a key quality control (QC) metric. The objective of this study was to assess self‐reported VR using expert review of a random sample of archived images of TVS examinations from UKCTOCS, and then to develop software for measuring VR automatically.

Methods

A single expert reviewed images archived from 1000 TVS examinations selected randomly from 68 931 TVS scans performed in UKCTOCS between 2008 and 2011 with ovaries reported as ‘seen and normal’. Software was developed to identify the exact images used by the sonographer to measure the ovaries. This was achieved by measuring caliper dimensions in the image and matching them to those recorded by the sonographer. A logistic regression classifier to determine visualization was trained and validated using ovarian dimensions and visualization data reported by the expert.

Results

The expert reviewer confirmed visualization of both ovaries (VR‐Both) in 50.2% (502/1000) of the examinations. The software identified the measurement image in 534 exams, which were split 2:1:1 providing training, validation and test data. Classifier mean accuracy on validation data was 70.9% (95% CI, 70.0–71.8%). Analysis of test data (133 exams) provided a sensitivity of 90.5% (95% CI, 80.9–95.8%) and specificity of 47.5% (95% CI, 34.5–60.8%) in detecting expert confirmed visualization of both ovaries.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, in a significant proportion of TVS annual screens, the sonographers may have mistaken other structures for normal ovaries. It is uncertain whether or not this affected the sensitivity and stage at detection of ovarian cancer in the ultrasound arm of UKCTOCS, but we conclude that QC metrics based on self‐reported visualization of normal ovaries are unreliable. The classifier shows some potential for addressing this problem, though further research is needed. © 2017 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Operative Results and Oncologic Outcomes of Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Versus Two‐Stage Hepatectomy (TSH) in Patients with Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Moris Dimitrios , Ronnekleiv‐Kelly Sean , Kostakis Ioannis D. , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Beal Eliza W. , Papalampros Alexandros , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Felekouras Evangelos , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has recently emerged as a treatment choice for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and inadequate future liver remnant (FLR). The aim of this study was to define the results of ALPPS compared with two‐stage hepatectomy (TSH) for patients with CLM.

Materials and methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Identification of eligible studies was performed using three distinct databases through February 2017; Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane library—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using a syntax including medical subject headings terms “portal vein ligation,” “PVE,” “staged hepatectomy,” “staged liver resection,” “liver resection,” “two‐stage hepatectomy,” “TSH,” “in situ liver transection with portal vein ligation,” “associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy” and “ALPPS”.

Results

Among the 634 records identified, 9 studies comparing ALPPS with TSH met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 657 patients with unresectable CLM (ALPPS, n = 186 vs TSH, n = 471). There was no difference in final postoperative FLR between ALPPS versus TSH (mean difference: 31.72, 95% CI: −27.33 to 90.77, p = 0.29). The kinetic growth rate was faster with the ALPPS versus TSH (mean difference 19.07 ml/day, 95% CI 8.12–30.02, p = 0.0006). TSH had a lower overall and major morbidity versus ALPPS (overall morbidity: RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07–1.8, p = 0.01; I2: 58%, p = 0.01; major morbidity: RR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18–2.08, p = 0.002; I2: 0%, p = 0.44). Overall survival was comparable following ALPPS versus TSH.

Conclusion

While ALPPS may be a suitable approach for patients, the higher morbidity and mortality should be considered when determining the operative approach for patients with extensive CLM.
Fecal incontinence and quality of life assessment through questionnaires
Authors: Rodrigues Beatriz Deoti Silva , Reis Igor Guedes Nogueira , Coelho Felipe Marcondes de Oliveira , Buzatti Kelly Cristine de Lacerda Rodrigues
Published: August 2017

Background: Fecal incontinence causes a big impact on patient's quality of life. Our study analyzed the main questionnaires about fecal incontinence available internationally, aiming to delineate vantages and limitations of these instruments and their application, to mention the cultural aspects involved in the process of development and validation, as well as to suggest a reflection about the complexity of this matter. Results: Four of the instruments (Pescatori score, FISI, MSKCC bowel function instrument, and LARS score) do not include quality of life, working only as diagnostic tools. Two others, ‘Jorge and Wexner Fecal Incontinence score’, and ‘St Marks’ Fecal incontinence grading system’ can diagnose and grade fecal incontinence, however they are very subtle in assessing quality of life. The ‘EORTC Colorectal Cancer-specific’, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on quality of life. Although the ‘FIQL’ questionnaire assesses quality of life related to fecal incontinence, it does not measure leakage. Lastly, the ‘RAFIS’ assesses both aspects but too superficially. Conclusion: None of the questionnaires analyzed were able to simultaneously assess both fecal incontinence and quality of life successfully. Furthermore, the concepts related to fecal incontinence have different meanings depending on the cultural and psychosocial context. These differences are even greater when individuals of developed countries like the ones where these questionnaires were developed are compared to the ones of developing countries, such as Brazil, which makes its very hard for these instruments to be used universally.