bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetable fillers for electric stimuli responsive elastomers
Authors: Poikelispää Minna , Shakun Alexandra , Sarlin Essi , Das Amit , Vuorinen Jyrki
Published: March 2017

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been studied widely in recent years for artificial muscle applications, but their implementation into production is limited due to high operating voltages required. The actuation behavior of dielectric elastomer under an applied electric field is predicted by Maxwell's pressure and thickness strain equations. According to these equations, the best electromechanical response is achieved when the relative permittivity is high and elastic modulus is low. The potential source for additives increasing the relative permittivity of rubbers can be vegetable powders that have much higher dielectric constant than common elastomers. In the present research, the dielectric and actuation properties of polyacrylate rubber (ACM) were studied after the addition of different vegetable‐based fillers such as potato starch, corn starch, garlic, and paprika. The results were compared to ACM filled with barium titanate. The compounds containing vegetable fillers showed higher relative dielectric permittivity at 1 Hz frequency than the compounds containing barium titanate due to higher interfacial polarization. The actuation studies showed that lower electric fields are required to generate certain actuation forces when the starches and garlic are used in the rubber instead of barium titanate. Therefore, the vegetable‐based fillers can be used to improve actuation performance of DEAs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45081.
Bifunctional Cage‐Type Cubic Mesoporous Silica SBA‐1 Nanoparticles for Selective Adsorption of Dyes
Authors: Lin Chien‐Hua , Deka Juti Rani , Wu Cheng‐En , Tsai Cheng‐Hsun , Saikia Diganta , Yang Yung‐Chin , Kao Hsien‐Ming
Published: March 2017

Bifunctional SBA‐1 mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with carboxylic acid and amino groups (denoted as CNS‐10‐10) have been successfully synthesized, characterized, and employed as adsorbents for dye removal. Adsorbent CNS‐10‐10 shows high affinity towards cationic and anionic dyes in a wide pH range, and exhibits selective dye removal of a two‐dye mixture system of cationic methylene blue and anionic eosin Y. By changing the pH of the medium, the selectivity of the adsorption behavior can be easily modulated. For comparison purposes, the counterparts, that is, pure silica SBA‐1 MSNs (CS‐0) and those with either carboxylic acid or amino functional groups (denoted as CS‐10 and NS‐10, respectively) were also prepared to evaluate their dye‐adsorption behaviors. As revealed by the zeta‐potential measurements, the electrostatic interaction between the adsorbent surface and the dye molecule plays an important role in the adsorption mechanism. Adsorbent CNS‐10‐10 can be easily regenerated and reused, and maintains its adsorption efficiency up to 80 % after four cycles.
Quantitation and mapping of the epigenetic marker 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine
Authors: Qing Ying , Tian Zhiqi , Bi Ying , Wang Yongyao , Long Jiangang , Song Chun‐Xiao , Diao Jiajie
Published: March 2017

We here review primary methods used in quantifying and mapping 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), including global quantification, restriction enzyme‐based detection, and methods involving DNA‐enrichment strategies and the genome‐wide sequencing of 5hmC. As discovered in the mammalian genome in 2009, 5hmC, oxidized from 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) by ten‐eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases, is increasingly being recognized as a biomarker in biological processes from development to pathogenesis, as its various detection methods have shown. We focus in particular on an ultrasensitive single‐molecule imaging technique that can detect and quantify 5hmC from trace samples and thus offer information regarding the distance‐based relationship between 5hmC and 5mC when used in combination with fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Screening and identification of multiple constituents and their metabolites of Zhi‐zi‐chi decoction in rat urine and bile by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Feng Wei , Dong Qiuju , Liu Minyan , Li Si , Liu Ting , Wang Xinguo , Niu Liying
Published: March 2017

Zhi‐zi‐chi decoction (ZZCD) is a classical formula widely used in Chinese clinical application. In the present study, a novel and efficient strategy has been developed for screening and identification of multiple constituents and their metabolites of ZZCD using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with triple time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The novel approach of an online data acquisition method dependent on multiple mass defect filter and dynamic background subtraction is combined with multiple data processing techniques. First, a total of 109 potential bioactive compounds were detected in ZZCD. Based on the same instrumental conditions, 100 compounds were found in rat biofluids after oral administration of ZZCD, including 61 original compounds of ZZCD as well as 39 metabolites. Conjugations with sulfate, glucuronate and amino acids were found as the predominant metabolic reaction of ZZCD. As more xenobiotics were detected in urine than those in bile were, it demonstrated that multiple components of ZZCD have undergone comprehensive renal excretion. This study reported the urinary and biliary excretion in rats after oral administration of ZZCD for the first time. The present study expands our knowledge about the constituents and metabolism of ZZCD, which could be very useful for further pharmacological and clinical studies of ZZCD.
Data‐driven regions of interest for longitudinal change in three variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Binney Richard J. , Pankov Aleksandr , Marx Gabriel , He Xuanzie , McKenna Faye , Staffaroni Adam M. , Kornak John , Attygalle Suneth , Boxer Adam L. , Schuff Norbert , Gorno‐Tempini Maria‐Luisa , Weiner Michael W. , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Rosen Howard J.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Longitudinal imaging of neurodegenerative disorders is a potentially powerful biomarker for use in clinical trials. In Alzheimer's disease, studies have demonstrated that empirically derived regions of interest (ROIs) can provide more reliable measurement of disease progression compared with anatomically defined ROIs.

Methods

We set out to derive ROIs with optimal effect size for quantifying longitudinal change in a hypothetical clinical trial by comparing atrophy rates in 44 patients with behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), 30 with the semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), and 26 with the nonfluent variant PPA (nfvPPA) to atrophy in 97 cognitively healthy controls.

Results

The regions identified for each variant were generally what would be expected from prior studies of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Sample size estimates for detecting a 40% reduction in annual rate of ROI atrophy varied substantially across groups, being 103 per arm in bvFTD, 31 in nfvPPA, and 10 in svPPA, but in all groups were less than those estimated for a priori ROIs and clinical measures. The variability in location of peak regions of atrophy across individuals was highest in bvFTD and lowest in svPPA, likely relating to the differences in effect size.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that, while cross‐validated maps of change can improve sensitivity to change in FTLD compared with a priori regions, the reliability of these maps differs considerably across syndromes. Future studies can utilize these maps to design clinical trials, and should try to identify factors accounting for the variability in patterns of atrophy across individuals, particularly those with bvFTD.
Web 2.0 applications for engineering education: Faculty members’ perception, barriers, and solutions
Authors: Zarei Ataollah , Mohd‐Yusof Khairiyah , Daud Mohd Fadzil , Azizi Nematollah
Published: March 2017

Despite increasing the number of engineering departments and students in Iran, the quality of education is less than satisfactory. Regarding the huge potential of Web 2.0 applications, which is also known as Web 2.0 tools, Web 2.0 services, or social media, for improving the quality of teaching and learning, this study was undertaken to investigate the perception of the faculty members toward using these technologies for teaching and learning engineering, the ways they use these tools for educational aims, and the factors that influence. The systematic design of grounded theory method was followed to achieve the research objectives. In addition, the required data was collected through interview and questionnaire and NVivo 8 software was used to facilitate data analysis process. The results show that the faculty members use some of these applications occasionally for the sole purpose of obtaining information. The traditional teaching method, which is influenced by the instructors’ traditional mindset, traditional curricula, and organizational disregard for the quality of teaching, are the most salient factors. Also, instructors’ emotional barriers and limited access to these tools in Iran are subsidiary factors influencing the failure to use these tools for teaching engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:449–457, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21812
Bilingual subtitles for second‐language acquisition and application to engineering education as learning pills
Authors: García Boni
Published: March 2017

This paper introduces the concept of bilingual subtitles, a kind of captioning in which a pair of subtitles (in the mother tongue, L1, and second language, L2) is shown at the same time on the screen. The aim of dual subtitles is to help the final user in different learning processes, due to the fact that several capacities (listening, reading, and matching) are exercised at the same time by the learner while watching dual‐captioned media. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it presents DualSub, an open source desktop tool aimed to create bilingual subtitles. Second, a descriptive study was designed and executed to evaluate the extent to which bilingual subtitles are perceived by final users in the incidental vocabulary knowledge of a second language. Third, an experimental case study in which dual subtitles were used in the engineering education arena was carried out. The results of these surveys confirm that bilingual subtitles are perceived as useful in the different dimensions of the incidental vocabulary learning process (form, meaning, use) and are also helpful when applied to the educational domain (deliberate learning). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:468–479, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21814
GOLPH3 induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Jing , Yang Xiaoming , Zhang Ru , Liu Suqing , Gan Xupei , Xi Xiaowei , Zhang Zhenbo , Feng Youji , Sun Yunyan
Published: March 2017

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), a newly recognized oncogene, is associated with tumor growth, metastasis, and poor prognosis in several types of cancer. However, its biological role and underlying mechanism in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain poorly understood. Here, we found that GOLPH3 was overexpressed in EOC tissues and cell lines. This overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of EOC cells. Moreover, GOLPH3 upregulated the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, such as N‐cadherin and Snail, and the Wnt/β‐catenin‐related genes cyclin‐D1 and c‐Myc, which were restored via silencing of GOLPH3 expression. Furthermore, the inhibitor and activator of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, XAV939 and LiCl, enhanced or decreased, respectively, the effect of GOLPH3 on EMT, which further confirmed that GOLPH3 promoted EMT progression via activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. In addition, we found that EDD, the human hyperplastic discs gene, was consistent with GOLPH3 expression and also promoted the EMT process and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. These findings demonstrate that EDD might be a downstream factor of GOLPH3. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the existence of a GOLPH3–Wnt/β‐catenin–EMT axis in EOC and provide a new therapeutic target to treat EOC.
The mitochondrial hinge protein, UQCRH, is a novel prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Eun‐Ran , Kim Sang‐Bum , Lee Jee‐San , Kim Yang‐Hyun , Lee Dong‐Hyoung , Cho Eung‐Ho , Park Sun‐Hoo , Han Chul Ju , Kim Bu‐Yeo , Choi Dong Wook , Yoo Young Do , Yu Ami , Lee Jae Won , Jang Ja June , Park Young Nyun , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Lee Kee‐Ho
Published: March 2017

Alterations in mitochondrial respiration contribute to the development and progression of cancer via abnormal biogenesis, including generation of reactive oxygen species. Ubiquinol–cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH) consists of the cytochrome bc1 complex serving respiration in mitochondria. In the present study, we analyzed UQCRH abnormalities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with clinical outcomes of patients. UQCRH expression in HCC was determined via semiquantitative and quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of 96 surgically resected HCC tissues positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen. UQCRH was frequently overexpressed in HCC tissues (46.8%, based on 2.1‐fold cutoff). UQCRH overexpression was observed in HCCs with larger tumor size, poorer differentiation, or vascular invasion. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significantly shorter overall (P = 0.005) and recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.027) in patients with tumors overexpressing UQCRH. The prognostic impact of UQCRH was significant in subgroups of patients divided according to the α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level. The patient subgroup with higher AFP levels (≥20 ng/mL) exhibited significant differences in 5‐year overall (18.5% vs. 67.9%) and recurrence‐free survival rates (11.1% vs. 46.4%) between groups with and without UQCRH overexpression. In contrast, no marked survival differences were observed between subgroups with lower AFP levels (<20 ng/mL). Multivariate analysis defined UQCRH as an independent poor prognostic factor. Conclusively, our results indicate that UQCRH overexpression is correlated with poor outcomes of HCC patients. Furthermore, in patients grouped as high risk based on elevated AFP, lack of UQCRH overexpression could be a useful indicator for clinical treatment.
CEACAM1 long isoform has opposite effects on the growth of human mastocytosis and medullary thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Ueshima Chiyuki , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Takei Yusuke , Hirata Masahiro , Sugimoto Akihiko , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Okayama Yoshimichi , Blumberg Richard S. , Haga Hironori
Published: March 2017

Carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is expressed in a number of tumor cell types. The immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif (ITIM)‐containing isoforms of this molecule which possess a long cytoplasmic tail (CEACAM1‐L) generally play inhibitory roles in cell function by interacting with Src homology 2 domain‐containing tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)‐1 and/or SHP‐2. Src family kinases (SFKs) are also known to bind to and phosphorylate CEACAM1‐L isoforms. Here, we report that CEACAM1 was uniquely expressed at high levels in both human neoplastic mast cells (mastocytosis) and medullary thyroid carcinoma cell (MTC) lines, when compared with their expression in nonneoplastic mast cells or nonneoplastic C cells. This expression was mainly derived from CEACAM1‐L isoforms based upon assessment of CEACAM1 mRNA expression. CEACAM1 knockdown upregulated cell growth of HMC1.2 cells harboring KIT mutations detected in clinical mastocytosis, whereas downregulated the growth of TT cells harboring RET mutations detected in clinical MTCs. Immunoblotting, ELISA and immunoprecipitaion analysis showed that activated SHP‐1 is preferentially associated with CEACAM1 in HMC1.2 cells harboring KIT mutations, whereas Src family kinases (SFKs) are preferentially associated with CEACAM1 in TT cells harboring RET mutations. These studies suggest that the dominantly interacting proteins SHP1 or SFK determine whether CEACAM1‐L displays a positive or negative role in tumor cells.
Secondary school counselling supervision and the impact of the work environment
Authors: Harries Imogen , Spong Sheila
Published: March 2017

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the secondary school as a working environment for counsellors in the South West of England impacted on what they required from their supervision.

Method

Seven experienced school counsellors participated in semi‐structured interviews. Participants all had worked for at least 1 year as a school counsellor (m = 4.7), and had been qualified as a counsellor for at least 1 year (m = 7). Methods of analysing interview transcripts were heavily influenced by grounded theory.

Findings

One core concept (‘The counsellor as part of a system’) linked five main themes (‘the ‘context’ and ‘content’’, ‘separation of roles’, ‘boundaries and confidentialities’, ‘the goals of the environment’, and ‘managing risk’). Counsellors identified four main requirements from their supervisors: a need to be external to the school, a knowledge and understanding of risk and child protection legislation, an understanding of the working context of the counsellor and how that impacts on their work, and a knowledge of how to work therapeutically with this age group.

Conclusion

Findings indicated that school counsellors do have specific needs from supervision in order to fulfil their therapeutic role within secondary schools. This has important implications for supervisors and trainers. More nationwide research is recommended in this area of supervision, as well as the supervisory needs of school counsellors in primary schools.
Gender‐based outcomes of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mina George S. , Firouzbakht Tina , Modi Kalgi , Dominic Paari
Published: March 2017

Objectives

We aimed to perform a gender‐based meta‐analysis of the outcome of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Background

Bivalirudin has been shown to decrease major bleeding when compared to heparin ± glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) in patients undergoing PCI. It is unclear, however, if those differences in outcomes are the same for men and women.

Methods

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared bivalirudin to heparin with or without GPI in patients undergoing PCI and reported outcome data that were stratified by gender. Random effect model was used to pool odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We included 9 trials with 33,224 patients. Bivalirudin decreased major bleeding when compared to heparin plus routine GPI in both men (OR: 0.51, P < 0.001) and women (OR: 0.55, P < 0.001). However, when GPI were used selectively with heparin, the bleeding lowering effect of bivalirudin was statistically significant in men (OR: 0.69, P = 0.02) but not in women (OR: 0.71, P = 0.21). When compared to heparin ± GPI, there was a nonstatistically significant trend toward lower all‐cause mortality with bivalirudin in both men (OR: 0.76, P = 0.055) and women (OR: 0.79, P = 0.21). There were no significant differences in major adverse cardiovascular events between heparin and bivalirudin in both men and women.

Conclusion

Bivalirudin decreases major bleeding in both men and women when compared to heparin plus routine GPI. However, when compared to heparin alone, the bleeding lowering benefit of bivalirudin is less evident in women. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management strategies for severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation era
Authors: Mahmood M. M. , Muir D. F.
Published: March 2017

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (AS) frequently coexist. The advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its increased use over the last decade has brought a paradigm shift in the management of patients with severe AS who are considered inoperable or high risk for sAVR. The most appropriate management of coexistent CAD in patients undergoing TAVI is yet to be defined. In this article, we present a review of the issues arising in the management of CAD in patients with severe AS—with particular reference to those who are undergoing TAVI.

Answer questions and earn CME: https://wileyhealthlearning.com/Activity2/5222680/Activity.aspx
Three‐Dimensional Probing of Catalyst Ageing on Different Length Scales: A Case Study of Changes in Microstructure and Activity for CO Oxidation of a Pt–Pd/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Nilsson Pingel Torben , Fouladvand Sheedeh , Heggen Marc , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Jäger Wolfgang , Westenberger Peter , Phifer Daniel , McNeil Jace , Skoglundh Magnus , Grönbeck Henrik , Olsson Eva
Published: March 2017

The effects of thermal treatment on the microstructure of a Pt–Pd/Al2O3 oxidation catalyst and its activity for CO oxidation have been studied. The microstructural analysis was performed by using several high‐resolution electron microscopy techniques such as STEM, FIB/SEM slice & view, SEM and EDX. A combination of these analytic techniques and advanced TEM specimen preparation allowed for three‐dimensional probing at different length scales, avoiding the random character of conventionally crushed powder specimens owing to site specificity. A core–shell distribution of Pt–Pd nanoparticles within the alumina support particles, with enlarged nanoparticles (≈1.5 to 40 nm) present in the shell and small nanoparticles (<1.5 nm) in the core, was revealed in the untreated catalyst. A more uniform spatial distribution developed during thermal treatment at 700 °C or higher with larger nanoparticles forming in the core. Accompanying measurements of the catalytic activity for CO oxidation showed the detrimental effect of sintering of the small nanoparticles on the reaction rate and apparent activation energy of the reaction.
Influence of the Transition‐Metal Fragment on the Reactivity of Metallaanthracenes
Authors: García‐Rodeja Yago , Fernández Israel
Published: March 2017

The influence of the nature of the transition‐metal fragment on the Diels–Alder reactivity of metallaanthracenes has been explored computationally within the Density Functional Theory framework. It is found that the cycloaddition reactions with maleic anhydride become kinetically less favored for those processes involving metallaanthracenes compared with the analogous reaction involving the parent anthracene. The origins of this reduction in the Diels–Alder reactivity have been quantitatively analyzed in detail by using the activation strain model of reactivity in combination with the energy decomposition analysis method. In general, the transition‐metal fragment makes the interaction energy between the reactants significantly lower, particularly at the transition state region, which is translated into a higher activation barrier. In addition, the influence of the aromaticity strength of the metallabenzene present in the considered metallaanthracenes on the barriers of the cycloaddition reactions has also been assessed.
Ceric Cyclopentadienides Bearing Alkoxy, Aryloxy, Chlorido, or Iodido Co‐Ligands
Authors: Schneider David , Harmgarth Nicole , Edelmann Frank T. , Anwander Reiner
Published: March 2017

A series of heteroleptic tris(cyclopentadienyl) CeIV complexes has been isolated and crystallographically characterized, revealing the broad accessibility of such organocerium(IV) compounds. The oxidation of complexes CpMe3Ce(thf) and Cp′3Ce(thf) (CpMe=C5H4Me, Cp′=C5H4SiMe3), bearing monosubstituted electron‐poor cyclopentadienyl ligands, with 0.5 equivalents of 1,4‐benzoquinone or C2Cl6 gave the cerium(IV) hydroquinolate complexes CpMe3Ce(OC6H4O)CeCpMe3 and Cp′3Ce(OC6H4O)CeCp′3, or the chloride complexes CpMe3CeCl and Cp′3CeCl, respectively; the iodide complex Cp′3CeI was obtained from the reaction of Cp′3Ce(thf) with elemental iodine. The behavior of Cp′3CeCl in salt metathesis protocols employing alkali metal amides or alkyl, alkoxide, and aryloxide reagents was investigated, which gave rise to the robust and isolable cerium(IV) alkoxide Cp′3Ce(OtBu). Trivalent [Cp′2CeCl]2 was synthesized by AlMe4→Cl exchange utilizing Cp′2Ce(AlMe4) and AlMe2Cl. The reactivity of [Cp′2CeCl]2 towards the oxidants Ph3CCl, C2Cl6, 1,4‐benzoquinone, and I2 has been assessed, and has provided useful information on CeIII/CeIV redox deactivation pathways. In addition to X‐ray structure analysis, all the complexes were characterized by NMR, DRIFT (diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform), and UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. The tetravalent compounds were further analyzed for their magnetic susceptibility by using Evans’ method.
A Strategy for Breaking Polyoxometalate‐based MOFs To Obtain High Loading Amounts of Nanosized Polyoxometalate Clusters to Improve the Performance of Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Xiaotao , Chen Weilin , Chen Li , Wang Yijing , Guo Xiangwei , Wang Jiabo , Wang Enbo
Published: March 2017

Polyoxometalates (POM) have already been confirmed to act as effective electron‐transfer mediators for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on previous studies. However, the improvement may be limited by the agglomeration of the polyoxoanions. In this paper, the previous synthesis strategy is improved upon by breaking the metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with POMs as the secondary building units ([Ni(bpp)(H2O)2]3[P2W18O62]⋅24 H2O (1) (bpp=1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane) and H6[Cu3(H2O)6(P2W18O62)2(3‐dpye)6]⋅28 H2O (2) (3‐dpye=N,N′‐bis(3‐pyridinecarboxamide)‐1,2‐ethane)) to design and synthesize small sized and highly disperse POM nanoparticles by means of compositing with TiO2, through calcination to remove the organic ligand. TEM and element mapping confirm that P2W18O626− (denoted as P2W18) nanoparticles with the diameter of ≈1 nm are uniformly distributed in TiO2 composites. The loading amount (wt. %) of POM in MOFs reaches 75.67 %. The small sized and highly disperse P2W18 nanoparticles may provide more active sites and specific surface areas for improving the PCE of DSSCs. Finally, the investigations indicate that the PCE of composite P2W18⋅NiO@TiO2 photoanodes is up to 7.56 %, which was 26 % higher than the pristine TiO2 based photoanodes.
Probing Zeolite Crystal Architecture and Structural Imperfections using Differently Sized Fluorescent Organic Probe Molecules
Authors: Hendriks Frank C. , Schmidt Joel E. , Rombouts Jeroen A. , Lammertsma Koop , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Bert M. Weckhuysen at Utrecht University. The image depicts the probe molecule‐based staining method applied to large zeolite crystals, and is drawn with inspiration from the well‐known surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201700078.
Hydroisomerization of Long‐Chain n‐Alkanes on Bifunctional Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Zschiesche Christopher , Himsl Dieter , Rakoczy Rainer , Reitzmann Andreas , Freiding Jens , Wilde Nicole , Gläser Roger
Published: March 2017

Die Hydroisomerisierung eines C10 – C13‐n‐Alkangemisches wurde an sechs bifunktionellen, platinhaltigen Zeolith‐Katalysatoren mit 10‐ und 12‐Ring‐Porensystemen untersucht. Die Katalysatoren mit 12‐Ring‐Porensystemen zeigen eine höhere Aktivität als die mit 10‐Ring‐Porensystemen. Dagegen werden an den 10‐Ring‐Zeolithen aufgrund formselektiver Eigenschaften höhere Ausbeuten an den gewünschten einfach verzweigten Isomeren erhalten. Für die 10‐Ring‐Zeolithe werden jedoch höhere Reaktionstemperaturen für das Erreichen der maximalen Isomerenausbeuten benötigt. Dies führt im Vergleich zu den 12‐Ring‐Zeolithen zu mehr Spaltprodukten.
Percutaneous biopsy of the renal mass: FNA or core needle biopsy?
Authors: Yang Chi‐Shun , Choi Euna , Idrees Muhammad T. , Chen Shaoxiong , Wu Howard H.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there have been increasing indications for percutaneous renal biopsy. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA), with or without core needle biopsy (CB), has been used increasingly in the management of renal tumors at the study institution.

METHODS

A computerized search of laboratory records was conducted to retrieve FNA cases of renal masses as well as the correlating CB and/or nephrectomy specimens. The cases spanned a period of 10 years (2006‐2015). The diagnoses were classified into 5 categories: malignant, suspicious for malignancy, neoplastic, atypical, and negative/nondiagnostic. Based on the results of the nephrectomy specimens, the diagnostic rate, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated among 3 groups of specimens: FNA only, CB only, and combined FNA and CB.

RESULTS

A total of 247 cases of FNA with 123 correlating CB and 101 follow‐up nephrectomy specimens were identified. The diagnostic rate, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy were 72%, 78%, and 96%, respectively, for FNA; 87%, 92%, and 94%, respectively, for CB; and 92%, 92%, and 94%, respectively, for the combined FNA and CB group. Renal cell carcinoma and its variants were the most common histologic diagnoses (112 of 174 cases; 64%). Significant diagnostic discrepancy was noted in one case: a malignant melanoma that was misdiagnosed as renal cell carcinoma in both the preoperative FNA specimen and in the CB specimen.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, both FNA and CB demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (96% and 94%, respectively). The combination of FNA and CB was found to significantly improve the diagnostic rate when compared with either FNA alone (92% vs 72%; P<.05) or CB alone (92% vs 87%). Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:407–15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
CeIV–GdIII Mixed Oxides as Hosts for ErIII‐Based Upconversion Phosphors
Authors: Sorbello Cecilia , Gross Petra , Strassert Cristian A. , Jobbágy Matías , Barja Beatriz C.
Published: March 2017

A family of ErIII and ErIII–YbIII based nanophosphors, hosted in monophasic oxidic CeIV–GdIII binary solid solutions, was prepared. The samples were formulated with a constant ErIII content as the activator, with the eventual addition of YbIII as a sensitizer. The amorphous Ce0.94−xGdxEr0.06(OH)CO3⋅H2O and Ce0.94−xGdxEr0.05Yb0.01(OH)CO3⋅H2O precursors were prepared by following the urea method to obtain monodispersed spheres of tunable size ranging from 30 to 450 nm. After being decomposed at 1273 K under an atmosphere of air, the precursors of 200 nm in diameter evolved into monophasic polycrystalline particles preserving the parent shape and size. The role of the composition of the binary matrices in the emission properties was evaluated for two different excitation wavelengths (976 nm and 780 nm) based on the upconversion (UC) emission spectra and their dependence on the incident power. The yield of the UC process is discussed in the framework of established and novel alternative mechanisms. The number of vacancies and mainly the symmetry of the ErIII environment play major roles in the deactivation pathways of the UC emission mechanisms. However, the colours obtained by employing bare CeIV or GdIII hosts are preserved in the related monophasic CeIV‐rich or GdIII‐rich binary hosts.
Direct Electron Transfer of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase on Positively Charged Polyethyleneimine Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Tavahodi Mojtaba , Ortiz Roberto , Schulz Christopher , Ekhtiari Ali , Ludwig Roland , Haghighi Behzad , Gorton Lo
Published: March 2017

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Dr. Lo Gorton at Lund University, Sweden. The cover picture shows a biosensor for measuring lactose in dairy products. It consists of a gold electrode, onto which a layer of polyethyleneimine‐capped gold nanoparticles is deposited. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201600453.
On the security of an RFID‐based parking lot management system
Authors: Safkhani Masoumeh , Bagheri Nasour , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Eslamnezhad Namin Mojtaba , Rostampour Samad
Published: March 2017

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)‐based parking management systems provide facilities to control parking lot systems within easy access and secure inspection. Chen and Chong have presented a scheme to prevent car thefts for parking lot management systems, which is based on EPC C1‐G2 RFID standard. They claimed that their protocol is resistant against well‐known RFID attacks. In this paper, we prove that Chen and Chong's scheme is not resistant against secret disclosure and impersonation attacks. Therefore, in Chen and Chong parking lot system, a car may be stolen without having a valid tag. In this paper, we also show that the proposed impersonation attack works for any length of cyclic redundancy check and the secret disclosure attack costs at most 216 evaluations of the used pseudo random number generator. The success probability of both attacks is 1 while their complexity is only 2 runs of the protocol. Finally, we present an improved protocol and formally and informally prove that the improved protocol provides the desired level of security and privacy.
Prepare faculty, teaching assistants for difficult classroom discussions
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2017

The higher education classroom is meant to be a place where ideas are exchanged freely and students encounter perspectives that are different from their own. But classroom conversations about issues such as race and identity can be difficult. And in the wake of the presidential election and inauguration, strong opposing views are even more challenging to manage in a classroom, said William Atkins, interim executive director of multicultural and diversity affairs in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Florida.
Mitochondrial function and bioenergetic trade‐offs during lactation in the house mouse (Mus musculus)
Authors: Mowry Annelise V. , Donoviel Zachary S. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Hood Wendy R.
Published: March 2017

Energy allocation theory predicts that a lactating female should alter the energetic demands of its organ systems in a manner that maximizes nutrient allocation to reproduction while reducing nutrient use for tasks that are not vital to immediate survival. We posit that organ‐specific plasticity in the function of mitochondria plays a key role in mediating these energetic trade‐offs. The goal of this project was to evaluate mitochondrial changes that occur in response to lactation in two of the most energetically demanding organs in the body of a rodent, the liver and skeletal muscle. This work was conducted in wild‐derived house mice (Mus musculus) kept in seminatural enclosures that allow the mice to maintain a natural social structure and move within a home range size typical of wild mice. Tissues were collected from females at peak lactation and from age‐matched nonreproductive females. Mitochondrial respiration, oxidative damage, antioxidant, PGC‐1α, and uncoupling protein levels were compared between lactating and nonreproductive females. Our findings suggest that both liver and skeletal muscle downregulate specific antioxidant proteins during lactation. The liver, but not skeletal muscle, of lactating females displayed higher oxidative damage than nonreproductive females. The liver mass of lactating females increased, but the liver displayed no change in mitochondrial respiratory control ratio. Skeletal muscle mass and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio were not different between groups. However, the respiratory function of skeletal muscle did vary among lactating females as a function of stage of concurrent pregnancy, litter size, and mass of the mammary glands. The observed changes are predicted to increase the efficiency of skeletal muscle mitochondria, reducing the substrate demands of skeletal muscle during lactation. Differences between our results and prior studies highlight the role that an animals’ social and physical environment could play in how it adapts to the energetic demands of reproduction.
Reduced reproductive performance associated with warmer ambient temperatures during incubation in a winter‐breeding, food‐storing passerine
Authors: Whelan Shannon , Strickland Dan , Morand‐Ferron Julie , Norris D. Ryan
Published: March 2017

Timing of reproduction can influence individual fitness whereby early breeders tend to have higher reproductive success than late breeders. However, the fitness consequences of timing of breeding may also be influenced by environmental conditions after the commencement of breeding. We tested whether ambient temperatures during the incubation and early nestling periods modulated the effect of laying date on brood size and dominant juvenile survival in gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a sedentary boreal species whose late winter nesting depends, in part, on caches of perishable food. Previous evidence has suggested that warmer temperatures degrade the quality of these food hoards, and we asked whether warmer ambient temperatures during the incubation and early nestling periods would be associated with smaller brood sizes and lower summer survival of dominant juveniles. We used 38 years of data from a range‐edge population of gray jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, where the population has declined over 50% since the study began. Consistent with the “hoard‐rot” hypothesis, we found that cold temperatures during incubation were associated with larger brood sizes in later breeding attempts, but temperatures had little effect on brood size for females breeding early in the season. This is the first evidence that laying date and temperature during incubation interactively influence brood size in any bird species. We did not find evidence that ambient temperatures during the incubation period or early part of the nestling period influenced summer survival of dominant juveniles. Our findings provide evidence that warming temperatures are associated with some aspects of reduced reproductive performance in a species that is reliant on cold temperatures to store perishable food caches, some of which are later consumed during the reproductive period.
A fluorescence polarization assay for bisphenol analogs in soybean oil using glucocorticoid receptor
Authors: Guan Tianzhu , Sun Yonghai , Yu Hansong , Li Tiezhu , Zhang Jie , Zhang Tiehua
Published: March 2017

A fluorescence polarization (FP) assay based on receptor was developed for the determination of bisphenol analogs (BPs) in soybean oil. In the competitive binding system, dexamethasone fluorescein (Dex‐fl) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were selected as probe and recognition element, respectively. Crucial factors that affect the precision and accuracy were optimized. After development, the method was characterized by IC50 values ranging from 1.8 to 66.9 µM of 11 BPs. The established method revealed a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 µM and a working range of 7.6–30 µM for BPA in soybean oil. Analysis of spiked soybean oil samples showed that acceptable recoveries ranged from 71.99 to 82.95% with coefficients of variation (CVs) less than 10%. Furthermore, the results detected by the FP assay showed good agreement with that of HPLC with a fit of R2 = 0.9171. It is concluded that this method offers a reliable alternative for determination of BPs in soybean oil.

Practical applications: This work aims to develop FP assay for determination of BPs in soybean oil. Based on the recombinant GR, this method can detect multiple BPs simultaneously. It can potentially be used for high‐throughput screening of BPs, which may serve as an assistant of chromatographic techniques.
Biochemical responses to bicarbonate supplementation on biomass and lipid productivity of Chlorella Sp. BTA9031 isolated from Coalmine area
Authors: Mondal Madhumanti , Ghosh Ashmita , Oinam Gunapati , Tiwari O.N. , Gayen K. , Halder G.N.
Published: March 2017

The present study aims towards the investigation of lipid production capability of microalgae isolated from coal mining site. The biomass production and lipid productivity of the isolate was studied under the influence of different bicarbonate, nitrate, and phosphate concentration. The production of biomass was observed to be highest at 8.4, 0.75, and 0.06 gL−1 of bicarbonate, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations. The role of bicarbonate supplementation under different nutritional starvation conditions viz. N+ P+, N– P–, N+ P–, and N– P+ with and without sodium bicarbonate respectively was also evaluated. Addition of sodium bicarbonate increased the lipid content to 35% of dry cell weight (DCW) and carbohydrate content to 52% of DCW under the nitrate and phosphate nutritional starvation conditions. The results revealed that the microalgae grown in sodium bicarbonate can be a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1498–1506, 2017
Numerical and experimental study of temperature distribution on thermal plant coal mill walls
Authors: Kozić M. , Ristić S. , Katavić B. , Linić S. , Prvulović M.
Published: March 2017

This article presents results of a numerical and experimental study of the temperature distribution inside and on the walls of the ventilation mill in the Kostolac B power plant, Serbia. This is very important because heat exchange between gas mixtures, ventilation mill walls and the environment, influences coal powder temperature, the combustion process, and the emission of greenhouse gases. The most complex multi‐phase model in the Euler‐Euler approach has been used through the ANSYS FLUENT code, for the numerical simulation of temperature distribution. Two ventilation mill models have been considered, one with zero wall thickness and the other one with steel walls, with and without insulation. An infrared thermographic camera was used for monitoring the temperature distribution on the outside wall of the ventilation mill housing, before insulator reparation, while after the reparation measurements were carried out at the selected points with infrared thermometer. The experimental results were used for verifying the results of the numerical simulation method as well as for detecting the damaged insulation. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1517–1527, 2017
Energy detection–based spectrum sensing with constraint region in cognitive LTE systems
Authors: Wang Nan , Gao Yue , Yang Fengyi , Bi Qi , Xie Weiliang , Parini Clive
Published: March 2017

Cognitive LTE system, such as LTE‐U, has received tremendous interest from almost all research disciplines in wireless communications. In Cognitive LTE systems, spectrum sensing is the key enabling technology to realize dynamic spectrum access. In this paper, an error decision probability is proposed to solve the trade‐off problem between detection and false alarm probability with the constraint region requirement. The closed‐form expression for the error decision probability, satisfied Signal‐to‐Noise ratio value, number of samples, and primary users' spectrum utilization ratio are derived for in both fixed and adaptive threshold setting algorithms. By implementing both Welch and wavelet‐based energy detectors, the adaptive threshold setting algorithm demonstrates a more reliable and robust sensing result for both primary users and secondary users in comparison with the conventional fixed one. Furthermore, the wavelet denoising method is applied to improve the sensing performance when there are insufficient number of samples.
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in South East Asia: An analysis of the histopathology, clinical features, and survival from Thailand
Authors: Intragumtornchai Tanin , Bunworasate Udomsak , Wudhikarn Kitsada , Lekhakula Arnuparp , Julamanee Jakrawadi , Chansung Kanchana , Sirijerachai Chittima , Norasetthada Lalita , Nawarawong Weerasak , Khuhapinant Archrob , Siritanaratanakul Noppadol , Numbenjapon Tontanai , Prayongratana Kannadit , Chuncharunee Suporn , Niparuck Pimjai , Suwanban Tawatchai , Kanitsap Nongluk , Wongkhantee Somchai , Pornvipavee Rutchanid , Wong Peerapon , Makruasi Nisa , Wannakrairot Pongsak , Assanasen Thamathorn , Sukpanichnant Sanya , Boonsakan Paisarn , Kanoksil Wasana , Ya‐in Charin , Kayasut Kanita , Mitranun Winyu , Warnnissorn Naree
Published: March 2017

Systemic reports on the descriptive epidemiology of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from Southeast Asia are scarce. A nationwide multi‐institutional registry was conducted to compare the histopathology, clinical features, and survival of Thai adult patients with NHL using large registries, especially those from Far East Asia (FEA). Using a web‐based registry system, 13 major medical centers from the 4 geographic regions of Thailand prospectively collected, from 2007 to 2014, the diagnostic pathology, according to the World Health Organization classification, 2008, clinical features and survival of 4056 patients who were newly diagnosed with NHL. The median age of the patients was 56 years (range, 16‐99 years). The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.3:1. From the total of 4056 patients, T/NK‐cell lymphoma (TNKCL) accounted for 12.6% of cases, and 5.1% had human immunodeficiency virus–associated lymphoma. The four leading histological subtypes were diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (58.1%); follicular lymphoma (5.6%); extranodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (5.2%); and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (4.0%). With a median follow‐up duration of 46.1 months, the median overall survival of B‐cell NHL was significantly longer than that of patients with TNKCL (76.5 vs 28.8 months, P = .0001). Compared to FEA, the Thai registry had an approximately one‐half lower relative frequency of TNKCL; the prevalence of extranodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma was much lower than in Korea, and the frequency of extranodal TNKCL, nasal type, was strikingly low compared to China. It is concluded that while the median age of Thai patients with NHL was approximately a decade younger than for Caucasians, the long‐term survival rates for most histological subtypes were comparable. While the histological distribution generally complied with the characteristic Asian features, some differences from FEA were observed.