bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yttrium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation/Claisen Rearrangement Sequence: Efficient Synthesis of Medium‐Sized Lactams
Authors: Zhou Bo , Li Long , Zhu Xin‐Qi , Yan Juan‐Zhu , Guo Yi‐Lin , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: March 2017

An efficient yttrium‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement sequence has been achieved, thus enabling facile access to a diverse array of valuable medium‐sized lactams. Furthermore, a mechanistic rationale for this novel cascade reaction is well supported by a variety of control experiments.
One‐Pot Transformation of Simple Furans into Octahydroindole Scaffolds
Authors: Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Triantafyllakis Myron , Ioannou Georgios I. , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios
Published: March 2017

A highly efficient and general singlet‐oxygen‐initiated one‐pot transformation of readily accessible furans into octahydroindole scaffolds has been developed.
Coordination Polymer Framework Based On‐Chip Micro‐Supercapacitors with AC Line‐Filtering Performance
Authors: Yang Chongqing , Schellhammer Karl Sebastian , Ortmann Frank , Sun Sai , Dong Renhao , Karakus Melike , Mics Zoltán , Löffler Markus , Zhang Fan , Zhuang Xiaodong , Cánovas Enrique , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Bonn Mischa , Feng Xinliang
Published: March 2017

On‐chip micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) are important Si‐compatible power‐source backups for miniaturized electronics. Despite their tremendous advantages, current on‐chip MSCs require harsh processing conditions and typically perform like resistors when filtering ripples from alternating current (AC). Herein, we demonstrated a facile layer‐by‐layer method towards on‐chip MSCs based on an azulene‐bridged coordination polymer framework (PiCBA). Owing to the good carrier mobility (5×10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1) of PiCBA, the permanent dipole moment of azulene skeleton, and ultralow band gap of PiCBA, the fabricated MSCs delivered high specific capacitances of up to 34.1 F cm−3 at 50 mV s−1 and a high volumetric power density of 1323 W cm−3. Most importantly, such MCSs exhibited AC line‐filtering performance (−73° at 120 Hz) with a short resistance–capacitance constant of circa 0.83 ms.
Enantioselective Iridium‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution with 2‐Methylpyridines
Authors: Liu Xi‐Jia , You Shu‐Li
Published: March 2017

An enantioselective iridium‐catalyzed allylic substitution with a set of highly unstabilized nucleophiles generated in situ from 2‐methylpyridines is described. Enantioenriched 2‐substituted pyridines, which are frequently encountered in natural products and pharmaceuticals, could be easily constructed by this simple method in good yields and excellent enantioselectivity. The synthetic utility of the pyridine products is demonstrated through the synthesis of a key intermediate of a reported Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor and the total synthesis of (−)‐lycopladine A.
Physicochemical stability of calcium alginate beads immobilizing TiO2 nanoparticles for removal of cationic dye under UV irradiation
Authors: Lam Weng‐Hoong , Chong Meng Nan , Horri Bahman Amini , Tey Beng‐Ti , Chan Eng‐Seng
Published: March 2017

Recently, there have been considerable interests to immobilize photocatalyst in alginate beads for removing pollutants from water sources. However, the feasibility of using alginate beads in industry largely depends on its long‐term stability during operation. This study investigated the physicochemical stability of alginate/titanium dioxide beads (Alg/TiO2) when exposed to UV irradiation in aqueous environment. The degradation of Alg/TiO2 beads was evident because the diameter and mass of the beads was reduced by 12% and 40%, respectively, after 120 h of irradiation. A substantial amount of TiO2 was leached into the external medium. Consequently, the removal efficiency of model cationic dye was found to reduce after every process cycle. Morphological analysis showed the formation of cavities on the surface of the Alg/TiO2 beads. Interestingly, the blank alginate beads degraded more rapidly than the Alg/TiO2 beads, confirming the UV‐shielding effect of TiO2. Nevertheless, this study reveals the need to improve the UV stability of alginate‐based beads before they can be considered for practical application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45002.
Poly(urethane acrylate)‐based gel polymer films for mechanically stable, transparent, and highly conductive polymer electrolyte applications
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jin , Park Kyung‐Hun , Lee Young‐Hee , Kim Kyung‐Geun , Jeong Yeon Uk , Kim Sung Yeol , Kim Han‐Do
Published: March 2017

Polymer electrolytes are attractive for the applications in conventional electrochemical devices and emerging flexible devices. In this study, we developed a poly(urethane acrylate)‐based gel polymer electrolyte with excellent mechanical stability, optical transparency, and a high ionic conductivity. These polymer electrolytes showed excellent dimensional stability and an elastomer‐like behavior with a Shore A hardness in the range of 20–40. The optical transmittance values of these polymers films were over 80% in the visible range. Their ionic conductivities were controlled via changes in the concentration of the linker, dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), and the lithium salt incorporated into the polymer. The maximum ionic conductivity reached 3.7 mS/cm at room temperature (∼23 °C) when the DMPA/poly(ethylene glycol) molar ratio was 0.25, and the ionic conductivity was found to be proportional to the salt concentration. We believe that these polymer electrolytes will be useful in various electrochemical applications where flexibility, high ionic conductivity, and transparency in the electrolytes are necessary. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45009.
Small dams need consideration in riverscape conservation assessments
Authors: Mantel Sukhmani Kaur , Rivers‐Moore Nick , Ramulifho Pfananani
Published: March 2017

Small, off‐channel dams are generally ignored in impact assessments owing to limited information and spatial resolution issues. Previous research on South African rivers showed correlative links between high density of small dams and associated reductions in low flows, poorer water quality, and impoverished aquatic macroinvertebrate communities that were dominated by opportunistic taxa instead of specialist groups.

Since small dams are usually associated with catchment transformation (for example, vineyards, stock farming and exotic timber plantations), they are convenient surrogates of the impacts of catchment transformation on river functionality. Here, an index of cumulative small dams for South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland is presented and evaluated.

Fifty‐two per cent of the water management catchments in the study region exceeded the threshold for the cumulative small dams density (SDD) index above which river functionality is compromised. This estimate of potentially affected catchments is considered to be conservative for reasons discussed.

The index results are compared with a recent systematic biodiversity planning exercise for setting biodiversity targets for freshwater areas of South Africa. Although the systematic planning included in‐stream small dams within 50 m of a river, analysis showed that 36% of all quaternaries that have high SDD score overlap with river reaches classified as ‘natural’ or ‘largely natural’.

Disregarding dams outside the 50 m buffer area equates to ignoring the majority of small dams (94%) in South Africa, and it is recommended that aquatic conservation assessments include the SDD index as a cost layer for prioritizing rivers for rehabilitation and conservation.
Water Solubilization of Fullerene Derivatives by β‐(1,3‐1,6)‐d‐Glucan and Their Photodynamic Activities toward Macrophages
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Iizuka Tatsuya , Maekubo Naotake , Nobusawa Kazuyuki , Sugikawa Kouta , Koumoto Kazuya , Suzuki Toshio , Nagasaki Takeshi , Akiyama Motofusa
Published: March 2017

Anionic and neutral fullerene derivatives were dissolved in water by using β‐(1,3‐1,6)‐d‐glucan (β‐1,3‐glucan) as a solubilizing agent. In the water‐solubilized complexes, the concentrations of fullerene derivatives were ≈0.30 mm and the average particle sizes were ≈90 nm. The β‐1,3‐glucan‐complexed fullerene derivative with a carboxylic acid was found to have higher photodynamic activity toward macrophages under visible‐light irradiation (λ>610 nm) than other β‐1,3‐glucan‐complexed fullerene derivatives. This result suggests that carboxylic acid moieties in the complex enhance the binding affinity with β‐1,3‐glucan receptors on the surface of macrophages when the β‐1,3‐glucan is recognized. In contrast, all β‐1,3‐glucan‐complexed fullerene derivatives showed no photodynamic activity toward HeLa cells under the same conditions.
Queue discharge patterns at signalized intersections with green signal countdown device and long cycle length
Authors: Tang Keshuang , Dong Keran , Chung Edward
Published: March 2017

Two apparent features that prevail at signalized intersections in China are green signal countdown device and long cycle lengths. The objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of green signal countdown device and long cycle length on queue discharge patterns and to discuss its implications on capacity estimation in the context of China's traffic. At five typical large intersections in Shanghai and Tianjin, 11 through lanes were observed, and 9251 saturation headways were obtained as valid samples. Statistical analyses indicate that the discharge process of queuing vehicles can be divided into three distinct stages according to the discharge flow rate: a start‐up stage, a steady stage, and a rush stage. The average time for queuing vehicles to reach a stationary saturation flow rate, that is, the start‐up stage, was found to be approximately 20–30 seconds; the rush stage usually occurs during the phase transition period. The finding is contrary to the conventional assumption that the discharge rate reaches a maximum value after the fourth vehicle is discharged and then remains constant during the green time until the queue is completely dissolved. The capacity estimation errors that might arise from the conventional methods are discussed through a comparative study and a sensitivity analysis that are based on the identified queue discharge patterns. In addition, a piecewise linear regression method was proposed in order to reduce such errors. The proposed method can be used for capacity estimation at signalized intersections with the identified queue discharge patterns. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot study of serotonergic modulation after long‐term administration of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hirosawa Tetsu , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Ouchi Yasuomi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Yoshimura Yuko , Kosaka Hirotaka , Furutani Naoki , Hiraishi Hirotoshi , Fukai Mina , Yokokura Masamichi , Yoshikawa Etsuji , Bunai Tomoyasu , Minabe Yoshio
Published: March 2017

Oxytocin (OT) and the serotonergic system putatively play important roles in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology and symptoms, but no direct neurobiological evidence exists for long‐term OT administration effects on the brain's serotonergic system. This pilot study examined 10 male participants with ASD who were administered OT intranasally for 8–10 weeks in an open‐label, single‐arm, nonrandomized, and uncontrolled manner. Positron emission tomography (PET) with a radiotracer (11C)−3‐amino‐4‐(2‐[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenylthio)benzonitrile (11C‐DASB) was used before and after OT treatment. The binding potential of serotonin transporter (11C‐DASB BPND) was then estimated. The main outcome measures were changes in 11C‐DASB BPND and their correlation with changes in symptoms. ASD participants showed significantly elevated 11C‐DASB BPND in the left inferior frontal gyrus extending to the left middle frontal gyrus. No significant correlation was found between the change in any clinical symptom and the change in 11C‐DASB BPND. This report of a pilot study is the first describing long‐term effects of OT on the brain's serotonin system in ASD. Additional randomized controlled studies must be conducted to confirm whether activation of the serotonergic system contributes to the prosocial effect of OT in people with ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 821–828. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social communication in children with autism spectrum disorder (asd): Correlation between DSM‐5 and autism classification system of functioning—social communication (ACSF:SC)
Authors: Craig Francesco , Fanizza Isabella , Russo Luigi , Lucarelli Elisabetta , Alessandro Lorenzo , Pasca Maria Grazia , Trabacca Antonio
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to classify children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication (ACSF:SC) criteria, in order to investigate the association between social communication ability, ASD severity, adaptive functioning, cognitive abilities and psychoeducational profile. The severity of social communication impairment was specified through Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5th edition (DSM‐5) and ACSF:SC tool. The ADOS‐2, Vineland‐II and PEP‐3 were administered to all participants. We found a positive correlation between DSM‐5 levels and ACSF:SC‐Typical Performance (r = 0.35; P = 0.007) and ACSF:SC‐Capacity (r = 0.31; P = 0.01) levels. Children included in the five levels of ACSF:SC (Typical Performance and Capacity) showed statistically significant differences in ADOS‐2 (Social Affect), Vineland‐II (Communication and Socialization), and PEP‐3 (Communication, motor skills, maladaptive behavior) scores. The results of this study indicate that ACSF:SC provide a better understanding of functional profile of children with ASD based on the social communication abilities. Children with greater severity of social communication showed more difficulty in adaptive behavior and psychoeducational profiles. In conclusion, the ACSF:SC could help clinicians and therapists not only to understand the strength and weakness of preschool children with ASD but also to devise specific treatment in order to promote their social integration. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1249–1258. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do we consent to rules of consent and confidentiality?
Authors: Wegscheider Karl , Friede Tim
Published: March 2017

Confidentiality and informed consent are important concepts enabling the sharing of sensitive data. In a paper on this topic of this issue, Williams and Pigeot () discuss that these have to be balanced with openness to ensure research standards. In this opinion paper, we give some background on how the paper by Williams and Pigeot evolved, reflect on their concepts, and provide some examples of the application of these concepts in various settings relevant to biostatisticians working in health research.
Spreadsheets for understanding seismic energy partitioning equations
Authors: Bangash Anees Ahmad , Khan Khalid Amin , Akhter Gulraiz
Published: March 2017

Spreadsheets have come a long way and have become a universal computational tool and a powerful platform for performing scientific and engineering calculations. Their inherent strength lies in integrated storage and manipulation of data, together with a wide range of calculations, charting, and graphics presentation capabilities. These facilities make them ideal tools for prototyping mathematical equations and algorithms that can be adapted for instructional purposes to improve the quality of engineering education. This paper presents a set of spreadsheets that help in understanding the mathematical details behind the Zoeppritz equations and their various approximations that describe the partitioning of seismic wave energy at a planar interface between two homogeneous isotropic and elastic layers of rock. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:441–448, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21811
Exploiting sp2‐Hybridisation in the Development of Potent 1,5‐α‐l‐Arabinanase Inhibitors
Authors: Coyle Travis , Debowski Aleksandra W. , Varrot Annabelle , Stubbs Keith A.
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of potent inhibitors of GH93 arabinanases as well as a synthesis of a chromogenic substrate to measure GH93 arabinanase activity are described. An insight into the reasons behind the potency of the inhibitors was gained through X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the arabinanase Arb93A from Fusarium graminearum. These compounds lay a foundation for future inhibitor development as well as for the use of the chromogenic substrate in biochemical studies of GH93 arabinanases.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention within 1 year of coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Sharma Divyesh , Kotowycz Mark A. , Sharma Vinoda , Choudhury Anirban , Chan William , Freixa Xavier , Džavík Vladimír , Overgaard Christopher B.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and procedural outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 1 year of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Background

CABG is the preferred revascularization strategy for patients with complex coronary artery disease due to a lower rate of repeat revascularization. Despite advances in surgical technique and medical therapy, >5% of patients require repeat revascularization within 1 year of CABG.

Methods and Results

Patients who underwent PCI within 1 year of CABG were identified from a prospective registry with data on over 20,000 PCI procedures (April 2000–June 2011). 203 post‐CABG patients underwent 228 PCI procedures on 390 lesions during this period. 45% of patients had elective PCI while 55% had PCI on an urgent basis. 81% of PCI was performed in native coronary arteries, usually following graft failure in a previously grafted vessel (60%) or in an ungrafted native vessel (21%).

Conclusions

Patients who required PCI within 1 year of CABG were more likely to present on an urgent basis and have PCI performed in grafted native coronary vessels. However, nearly third of the patients had PCI to an ungrafted native vessel or to a lesion in the native vessel where the graft was still patent. Further studies are needed to determine whether the use of hybrid revascularization strategies (combination CABG and planned PCI) in appropriate patients could reduce the need for urgent PCI within the first year after CABG. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Synthesis of Terminal Acetals from Vinylarenes Assisted by π‐Acceptor Ligands
Authors: Matsumura Satoko , Sato Ruriko , Nakaoka Sonoe , Yokotani Wakana , Murakami Yuka , Kataoka Yasutaka , Ura Yasuyuki
Published: March 2017

The front cover artwork for Issue 5/2017 is provided by researchers from Nara Women's University (Japan). The image shows a novel synthesis of terminal acetals from vinylarenes and diols that uses Pd and Cu catalysts and O2, brought by the fairies, and is efficiently promoted by methoxy‐p‐benzoquinone brought by the goddess. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201601517.
Molybdenum and Tungsten Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts Bearing Cationic Ligands for Use in Biphasic Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Elser Iris , Schowner Roman , Frey Wolfgang , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: March 2017

Ionic Mo‐ and W‐imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) olefin metathesis catalysts, [Mo{N‐2,6‐(Me2)C6H3}(CHCMe2Ph)(IMesH2)(OTf)(PPS)]OTf (3), [Mo(N‐2,6‐(Me2)C6H3)(CHCMe2Ph)(IMesH2)(OC6F5)(PPS)][B(ArF)4] (5), [Mo(NtBu)(CHCMe2Ph)(4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene)(OTf)(2,6‐Ph‐4‐{2,4,6‐Ph‐pyridinium}phenolate)][OTf] (9), [Mo(NtBu)(CHCMe2Ph)(4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene)(2,6‐Ph‐4‐{2,4,6‐Ph‐pyridinium}phenolate)][B(ArF)4]2 (10, PPS=pyridiniumpropanesulfonate, IMesH2=1,3‐dimesitylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, OTf=CF3SO3, B(ArF)4=tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) were prepared from betaine‐type ligands. Also, the first bis‐NHC and a nitron‐based bis(amido) bistriflate imido alkylidene complex, [Mo(NtBu)(CHCMe2Ph)(4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene)2(THF)(2,6‐Ph‐4‐{2,4,6‐Ph‐pyridinium}phenolate)][OTf]2 (11) and [Mo(N‐2,6‐Me2‐C6H3)(CHCMe2Ph)(N‐{1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐triazol‐2‐ylium}‐N‐phenyl‐amido)2][OTf]2 (14) along with ionic [W(N‐2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)(CHCMe2Ph)(N‐2,5‐Me2C4H2)(IiPr)(2,6‐tBu‐4‐PPh3‐phenolate)] (17, IiPr=1,3‐diisopropylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) are reported. With these new catalysts, the first biphasic reaction setup with Group 6 metal alkylidene NHC complexes was successfully established using a pyrrole/heptane mixture as a liquid phase. Productivities under biphasic conditions were comparable to those of reactions in 1,2‐dichloroethane or toluene. Metal concentrations of <2 ppm migrated into the nonpolar heptane phase as measured by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy.
Performance of Pt and Pt‐Rh catalyst in the hydrogen production from glycerol
Authors: Oliveira Éder V. , Seixas Ana C. M. , Jordão Elizabete
Published: March 2017

This paper shows the behaviour of Pt and Pt‐Rh catalysts supported on α‐Al2O3 and γ‐Al2O3 for hydrogen production by glycerol aqueous phase reforming. The catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation with ion exchange correcting the pH of catalysts. The catalyst Pt/α‐Al2O3 showed low activity, high selectivity, and fast deactivation. Its behaviour was completely modified by the presence of Rh, which improved the conversion and the life span. The Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst showed a different behaviour, with more conversion and high life span. The presence of rhodium in this catalyst did not change significantly the catalyst behaviour like other catalysts made with α‐alumina. The yield for hydrogen production was low for all catalysts.
Study on regenerative process of the new carbon capture technique based on antisolvent crystallization to strengthen crystallization
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gao Jianmin , Feng Dongdong , Du Qian , Wu Shaohua , Zhao Yijun
Published: March 2017

A new technique for reinforced ammonia with a low carbonized ratio to be crystallized by means of antisolvent crystallization using ethanol as the antisolvent was put forward in this paper in view of existing problems of carbon capture by ammonia. Through the application of antisolvent crystallization to reinforce the crystallization process, low energy consumption of regeneration could be achieved easily due to saving the energy to heat the water of carbonized ammonia in the desorption process. Additionally, if the rate of rising temperature is 5 K/min, the crystal product will be totally decomposed, which has advantages over the process of rich carbonated ammonia. The percent conversion of crystal product can be 100 % when the temperature is 350 K, which can be achieved by the waste heat from the power plant that can be used as a heat source of the regeneration process. When the regenerated temperature is between 313 K and 353 K, the active energy can be 44 kJ/mol. When the rate of rising temperature is 5 K/min, 10 K/min, 15 K/min, and 25 K/min respectively, the rate of decomposition and active energy at different experimental conditions are studied in this paper.
Air and Soil Concentrations and Source Identification of Ambient Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Northeastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Kuzu Sadullah Levent , Saral Arslan
Published: March 2017

Ambient air and soil samples were taken in Istanbul between November 2012 and May 2013 in order to determine polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations. A high volume air sampler was operated to collect air samples. Soil samples were taken from top of bare land. Air PCB concentrations ranged from 201 to 705 pg m−3 with an average of 360 pg m−3. The dry weight soil PCB concentrations varied from 3.4 to 13.6 ng g−1 with an average of 8.3 ng g−1. The fate of PCBs was investigated through gas/particle partitioning. Further investigation was made between soil and air phases by fugacity fractions. Effect of wind direction was revealed by conditional probability function (CPF). Potential source contribution function was employed to determine the likely distant PCB sources. Di‐chlorinated biphenyls (Di‐CBs) tended to accumulate in soil while 5‐, 7‐, and 8‐CBs volatilized from the soil. According to CPF, 3‐CBs were likely to be released from the Marmara Sea. Additionally, SW wind direction was dominant for Σ‐, 2‐, 5‐, 6‐, 7‐CBs, and concentration of 9‐CBs increased for the winds of NW, N, NE directions. Previously reported hot‐spot zones for iron‐steel manufacturing industry were identified to contribute to PCBs in air masses, arriving from SW direction. Additional contribution was detected when air masses arrived from the north. These sources were from the south of the Ukraine.
Progression‐free survival of children with localized ependymoma treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy or proton‐beam radiation therapy
Authors: Sato Mariko , Gunther Jillian R. , Mahajan Anita , Jo Eunji , Paulino Arnold C. , Adesina Adekunle M. , Jones Jeremy Y. , Ketonen Leena M. , Su Jack M. , Okcu M. Fatih , Khatua Soumen , Dauser Robert C. , Whitehead William E. , Weinberg Jeffrey , Chintagumpala Murali M.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The treatment for childhood intracranial ependymoma includes maximal surgical resection followed by involved‐field radiotherapy, commonly in the form of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Proton‐beam radiation therapy (PRT) is used at some centers in an effort to decrease long‐term toxicity. Although protons have the theoretical advantage of a minimal exit dose to the surrounding uninvolved brain tissue, it is unknown whether they have the same efficacy as photons in preventing local recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records from September 2000 to April 2013 was performed. Seventy‐nine children with newly diagnosed localized intracranial ependymomas treated with either IMRT (n = 38) or PRT (n = 41) were identified, and progression‐free survival (PFS) was analyzed with Kaplan‐Meier and Cox multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 3.7 years for all patients (range, 0.4‐18.7 years). There were 54 patients with infratentorial tumors (68% of the total population). Patients treated with PRT were younger (median age, 2.5 vs 5.7 years; P = .001) and had a shorter median follow‐up (2.6 vs 4.9 years; P < .0001). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 67 patients (85%) and was more frequent in the PRT group versus the IMRT group (93% vs 76%; P = .043). The 3‐year PFS rates were 60% and 82% with IMRT and PRT, respectively (P = .031).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with localized ependymomas treated with PRT have a 3‐year PFS rate comparable to that of children treated with IMRT. This analysis suggests that local control is not compromised by the use of PRT. The data also support GTR as the only prognostic factor for PFS. Cancer 2017;123:2570–78. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Cell type‐dependent axonal localization of translational regulators and mRNA in mouse peripheral olfactory neurons
Authors: Korsak Lulu I T. , Shepard Katherine A. , Akins Michael R.
Published: March 2017

Local protein synthesis in mature axons may play a role in synaptic plasticity, axonal arborization, or functional diversity of the circuit. To gain insight into this question, we investigated the axonal localization of translational regulators and associated mRNAs in five parallel olfactory circuits, four in the main olfactory bulb and one in the accessory olfactory bulb. Axons in all four main olfactory bulb circuits exhibited axonal localization of Fragile X granules (FXGs), structures that comprise ribosomes, mRNA, and RNA binding proteins including Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and the related protein FXR2P. In contrast, FXGs were not seen in axons innervating the accessory olfactory bulb. Similarly, axons innervating the main olfactory bulb, but not the accessory olfactory bulb, contained the FXG‐associated mRNA Omp (olfactory marker protein). This differential localization was not explained by circuit‐dependent differences in expression of FXG components or Omp, suggesting that other factors must regulate their axonal transport. The specificity of this transport was highlighted by the absence from olfactory axons of the calmodulin transcript Calm1, which is highly expressed in peripheral olfactory neurons at levels equivalent to Omp. Regulation of axonal translation by FMRP may shape the structure and function of the axonal arbor in mature sensory neurons in the main olfactory system but not in the accessory olfactory system.
Game theoretic approach on Real‐time decision making for IoT‐based traffic light control
Authors: Bui Khac‐Hoai Nam , Jung Jai E. , Camacho David
Published: March 2017

Smart traffic light control at intersections is 1 of the major issues in Intelligent Transportation System. In this paper, on the basis of the new emerging technologies of Internet of Things, we introduce a new approach for smart traffic light control at intersection. In particular, we firstly propose a connected intersection system where every objects such as vehicles, sensors, and traffic lights will be connected and sharing information to one another. By this way, the controller is able to collect effectively and mobility traffic flow at intersection in real‐time. Secondly, we propose the optimization algorithms for traffic lights by applying algorithmic game theory. Specially, 2 game models (which are Cournot Model and Stackelberg Model) are proposed to deal with difference scenarios of traffic flow. In this regard, based on the density of vehicles, controller will make real‐time decisions for the time durations of traffic lights to optimize traffic flow. To evaluate our approach, we have used Netlogo simulator, an agent‐based modeling environment for designing and implementing a simple working traffic. The simulation results shows that our approach achieves potential performance with various situations of traffic flow.
Delay‐bounded skyline computing for large‐scale real‐time online data analytics
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Chao , Zhang Yiming , Li Huiba , Zhong Ping
Published: March 2017

The proliferation of Internet applications, cloud systems, and mobile social networks results in unprecedented data set scale and high data generation rate. For us to be able to extract any meaningful information, it is important to achieve real‐time online data analytics. Skyline queries are important in many online data applications such as real‐time Web mining, multipreference analysis, and decision making. Most existing studies mainly focus on centralized systems, and distributed skyline query processing is still an emerging and challenging topic. In this paper, we propose SkyStorm, a delay‐bounded parallel skyline computing approach for large‐scale real‐time data analytics by dividing the search into multiple rounds and limiting the search in each round within a budget‐restricted range. The effectiveness of our proposals is demonstrated through analysis and simulations.
Mitigating impact of short‐term overload on multi‐cloud web applications through geographical load balancing
Authors: Qu Chenhao , Calheiros Rodrigo Neves , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: March 2017

Managed by an auto‐scaler in the clouds, applications may still be overloaded by sudden flash crowds or resource failures as the auto‐scaler takes time to make scaling decisions and provision resources. With more cloud providers building geographically dispersed data centers, applications are commonly deployed in multiple data centers to better serve customers worldwide. In this case, instead of sufficiently over‐provisioning each data center to prepare for occasional overloads, it is more cost‐efficient to over‐provision each data center a small amount of capacity and to balance the extra load among them when resources in any data center are suddenly saturated. In this paper, we present a decentralized system that timely detects short‐term overload situations and autonomously handles them using geographical load balancing and admission control to minimize the resulted performance degradation. Our approach also includes a new algorithm that optimally distributes the excessive load to remote data centers causing minimum increase of overall response times. We developed a prototype and evaluated it on Amazon Web Services. The results show that our approach is able to maintain acceptable quality of service while greatly increase the number of requests served during overloading periods.
Controlled Growth of Gold Nanostars: Effect of Spike Length on SERS Signal Enhancement
Authors: Sheen Mers S. V. , Umadevi S. , Ganesh V.
Published: March 2017

Two different types of gold nanostars (Au NS), namely, short‐spiked nanostars (SSNS) and long‐spiked nanostars (LSNS), are prepared by using a hexagonal lyotropic liquid‐crystalline (LLC) phase as a template. The formation, size and length of spikes or arms of the resultant Au NS are controlled by preparation in either a hexagonal LLC phase or an isotropic phase. These NS are anchored onto indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes through a self‐assembled monolayer of 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, which acts as a linker molecule. Structural and morphological characterisations of SSNS‐ and LSNS‐anchored ITO electrodes are performed by means of microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. Further electrochemical techniques, namely, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are also used to confirm the immobilisation of these Au NS on ITO electrodes and to study the electrochemical characteristics. These studies clearly reveal the formation of star‐shaped, branched, anisotropic nanostructures of gold during the template preparation method and these Au NS are successfully anchored onto ITO electrodes through a covalent immobilisation strategy. Furthermore, the SERS activity of these Au NS is analysed by using glutathione and crystal violet as analytes and by employing glass and ITO as substrates. It is interesting to note that SSNS show a significant enhancement in SERS signals relative to those of LSNS.
Chemocatalytic Conversion of Cellulosic Biomass to Methyl Glycolate, Ethylene Glycol, and Ethanol
Authors: Xu Gang , Wang Aiqin , Pang Jifeng , Zhao Xiaochen , Xu Jinming , Lei Nian , Wang Jia , Zheng Mingyuan , Yin Jianzhong , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2017

Production of chemicals and fuels from renewable cellulosic biomass is important for the creation of a sustainable society, and it critically relies on the development of new and efficient transformation routes starting from cellulose. Here, a chemocatalytic conversion route from cellulosic biomass to methyl glycolate (MG), ethylene glycol (EG), and ethanol (EtOH) is reported. By using a tungsten‐based catalyst, cellulose is converted into MG with a yield as high as 57.7 C % in a one‐pot reaction in methanol at 240 °C and 1 MPa O2, and the obtained MG can be easily separated by distillation. Afterwards, it can be nearly quantitatively converted to EG at 200 °C and to EtOH at 280 °C with a selectivity of 50 % through hydrogenation over a Cu/SiO2 catalyst. By this approach, the fine chemical MG, the bulk chemical EG, and the fuel additive EtOH can all be efficiently produced from renewable cellulosic materials, thus providing a new pathway towards mitigating the dependence on fossil resources.
An Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Unexpected Catalytic Activity of Triethanolamine for the Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Amines with CO2
Authors: Zhao Yuling , Qiu Jikuan , Li Zhiyong , Wang Huiyong , Fan Maohong , Wang Jianji
Published: March 2017

Chemical conversion of CO2 under atmospheric pressure and metal‐free conditions remains a great challenge. In this work, a series of alkanolamines, low‐cost and biodegradable bases, were used to catalyze the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2. Among these alkanolamines, triethanolamine (TEOA) was found to be a highly efficient organocatalyst for this important transformation at atmospheric pressure, and a series of desired products were synthesized in good to excellent yields. After the reactions, TEOA could be easily recovered and reused without obvious reduction in the efficiency. DFT studies revealed that TEOA may activate CO2 to form a ring‐shaped carbonate intermediate that plays an important role in the catalysis of the reaction. This finding provides an effective and environmentally friendly alternative route for the production of 2‐oxazolidinones.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to 1,3‐Propanediol: Manipulating the Frustrated Lewis Pairs by Introducing Gold to Pt/WOx
Authors: Zhao Xiaochen , Wang Jia , Yang Man , Lei Nian , Li Lin , Hou Baolin , Miao Shu , Pan Xiaoli , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Tao Zhang at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The image shows that Au promoter can simultaneously improve the glycerol conversion and 1,3‐propanediol selectivity under relatively mild conditions, by enlarging the analogue of “Frustrated Lewis Pairs” with the assistance of H2. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201601503.
Cytomorphology of metastatic pituitary carcinoma to the bone
Authors: Chandler Christopher M. , Lin Xiaoqi
Published: March 2017

Metastatic pituitary carcinoma to bone is rare. In this report, we present a case of a 59‐year‐old female with recurrent pituitary adenoma of the sparsely granulated somatotroph subtype with metastasis to a few bony sites 10 years later. Needle core biopsy (NCB) with touch preparations was performed on a 5 mm lesion in left ilium. Diff‐Quik stained NCB touch preparation slides showed a few loosely cohesive epithelial polygonal cells that were arranged in nests or acini, or singly, had scant vacuolated cytoplasm and eccentrically located round nuclei (plasmacytoid) with slight nuclear pleomorphism, fine granular chromatin, conspicuous nucleoli, and smooth nuclear membrane. Trilineage hematopoietic cells of bone marrow were also appreciated in the background. H&E stained core sections showed fragments of bone and bone marrow with nests of bland epithelial cells with similar cytomorphology as seen in NCB touch preparation slides. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for juxtanuclear dot‐like staining of pan‐cytokeratin (CAM 5.2 and AE1/AE3) (a specific feature), neuroendocrine markers (CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. Additionally, scattered cells were immunoreactive for growth hormone. Molecular test showed that tumor cells were negative for the promoter methylation of O‐6‐Methylguanine‐DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT). Final diagnosis of metastatic pituitary carcinoma was rendered. Morphology of metastatic pituitary carcinoma, its differential, clinical presentation and treatment were discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:645–650. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wood ants produce a potent antimicrobial agent by applying formic acid on tree‐collected resin
Authors: Brütsch Timothée , Jaffuel Geoffrey , Vallat Armelle , Turlings Ted C. J. , Chapuisat Michel
Published: March 2017

Wood ants fight pathogens by incorporating tree resin with antimicrobial properties into their nests. They also produce large quantities of formic acid in their venom gland, which they readily spray to defend or disinfect their nest. Mixing chemicals to produce powerful antibiotics is common practice in human medicine, yet evidence for the use of such “defensive cocktails” by animals remains scant. Here, we test the hypothesis that wood ants enhance the antifungal activity of tree resin by treating it with formic acid. In a series of experiments, we document that (i) tree resin had much higher inhibitory activity against the common entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum after having been in contact with ants, while no such effect was detected for other nest materials; (ii) wood ants applied significant amounts of endogenous formic and succinic acid on resin and other nest materials; and (iii) the application of synthetic formic acid greatly increased the antifungal activity of resin, but had no such effect when applied to inert glass material. Together, these results demonstrate that wood ants obtain an effective protection against a detrimental microorganism by mixing endogenous and plant‐acquired chemical defenses. In conclusion, the ability to synergistically combine antimicrobial substances of diverse origins is not restricted to humans and may play an important role in insect societies.
Oxygen and carbon isoscapes for the Baltic Sea: Testing their applicability in fish migration studies
Authors: Torniainen Jyrki , Lensu Anssi , Vuorinen Pekka J. , Sonninen Eloni , Keinänen Marja , Jones Roger I. , Patterson William P. , Kiljunen Mikko
Published: March 2017

Conventional tags applied to individuals have been used to investigate animal movement, but these methods require tagged individuals be recaptured. Maps of regional isotopic variability known as “isoscapes” offer potential for various applications in migration research without tagging wherein isotope values of tissues are compared to environmental isotope values. In this study, we present the spatial variability in oxygen () and dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) isotope values of Baltic Sea water. We also provide an example of how these isoscapes can reveal locations of individual animal via spatial probability surface maps, using the high‐resolution salmon otolith isotope data from salmon during their sea‐feeding phase in the Baltic Sea. A clear latitudinal and vertical gradient was found for both and δ13CDIC values. The difference between summer and winter in the Baltic Sea values was only slight, whereas δ13CDIC values exhibited substantial seasonal variability related to algal productivity. Salmon otolith δ18Ooto and δ13Coto values showed clear differences between feeding areas and seasons. Our example demonstrates that dual isotope approach offers great potential for estimating probable fish habitats once issues in model parameterization have been resolved.
Climate change may reduce the spread of non‐native species
Authors: Bezeng Bezeng S. , Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , van der Bank Michelle , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Daru Barnabas H. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Invasive species are considered a major threat to ecosystem functioning and native biodiversity. Their negative impacts on ecosystems and the provisioning of ecosystem services have been widely documented. South Africa faces one of the most significant challenges from invasive species globally, and the South African government spent an estimated US $100 million to mitigate impacts of non‐native species between 1995 and 2000 alone. Here, we modeled the current climatic niche of 162 non‐native trees and shrubs within South Africa and explored potential shifts in their distribution with projected climate change. Our results indicate that over half of these species will experience a decrease in their suitable climate over the next decades, although not uniformly so and ranges are predicted to expand into some regions. We also compared recent vs. historical introductions and showed similar patterns, indicating that possible violation of equilibrium assumptions in our distribution models likely does not strongly influence our findings. We suggest that climate change may therefore provide a window of opportunity for more effective invasive species control within South Africa, but that large range shifts are likely for many non‐natives in the future, and new invasive threats might emerge.
Study on a Voltage Estimation of Tap‐Changing Transformer in Consideration of SVC Introduction
Authors: YONEZAWA SEIJI , MATSUOKA NANAKO , TAKAYAMA SATOSHI , ISHIGAME ATSUSHI , MATSUURA YASUO , ABE KATSUYA , MINAMI MASAHIRO
Published: March 2017

Recent years, installation of photovoltaic (PV) system is active by the environmental problem and feed in tariff system. Due to PV's output fluctuation, the static var compensator (SVC) made by power electronics technology is planning to install in distribution system. The SVC is expected for maintain the voltage. But SVC differs in a theory of operation of the existing voltage controller load ratio control transformer (LRT) and step voltage regulator (SVR). Because the SVC operation makes the system impedance changes, the existing voltage controller may not operate effectively. In this study, the intelligent‐control method which used the radial basis function (RBF) network is proposed. This method can reduce the effects of the SVC operation by including the performance characteristics of SVC in the conventional method. An advantage of unnecessary arrangement attention of the SVC setup node and easy cooperation with the existing equipment is obtained by applying this method.
Loss Minimization Design Using Permeance Method for Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: SATO DAISUKE , ITOH JUN‐ICHI
Published: March 2017

In this study, the lowest loss point is calculated using the permeance method when the machine parameters of the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor are changed. Using the proposed method, the motor loss is easily calculated compared to the conventional method. The periodic change in the magnetic resistance in the air‐gap according to the rotation of the rotor does not need to be considered because the magnetic equivalent circuits of the rotor and stator are separated. In this study, the motor loss is calculated by the proposed method and a finite element method (FEM). As a result, the error in the calculation results between the permeance method and the FEM is 2.9%. On the other hand, the motor losses are calculated by the permeance method when some machine parameters are changed. As a result, these results agree in principle with those of the FEM. Therefore, the validity of the proposed method is confirmed. In addition, the method for motor design is considered in terms of the loss.
Positive Creeping Discharge along Aerial Insulated Wire Generated by Lightning Stroke
Authors: NISHI TOSHIYUKI , HANAOKA RYOICHI , MURDIYA FRI , MIYAGI KATSUNORI
Published: March 2017

There are two causes, inductive lightning surge and direct lightning stroke, as the aerial insulated wire accidents accompanying lightning in a power distribution system. When the overvoltage due to the inductive lightning surge invades to the wire core, the creeping discharge can develop along the wire surface from the free end of the binding wire just after a flashover of the post insulator at the wire supporting point. This creeping discharge may give rise to the accidents such as a melting or snapping of the wire. The creeping discharge along the wire surface has the positive or negative polarity. Positive creeping discharge is restricted to the area where a positive lightning generates. Only a few examples have been reported on the positive creeping discharge, and its characteristic has many unsolved points. In the previous studies, we have observed the positive creeping discharges along the wire surface under the negative inductive lightning surge with the peak values in the range |Vm| ≤80 kV. In this study, the positive creeping discharges are examined newly in the range |Vm| > 80 kV. It is reported that the positive creeping discharges are greatly affected by the negative corona discharges generating from the wire surface in |Vm| ≥ 95 kV.