bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
cis‐1,4‐Selective Copolymerization of Ethylene and Butadiene: A Compromise between Two Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Chunji , Liu Bo , Lin Fei , Wang Meiyan , Cui Dongmei
Published: May 2017

Introducing ethylene units into polybutadiene backbones is an approach to synthesize advanced rubber materials, which has been a research challenge because of distinct polymerization mechanisms of the two monomers. To date, only trans‐1,4‐ and 1,2‐regulated copolymers have been obtained. Herein, we reported the unprecedented cis‐1,4 selective copolymerization of ethylene and butadiene by using the thiophene‐fused cyclopentadienyl‐ligated scandium complexes. The effects of the sterics and electronics of the catalytic precursors as well as the monomer loading mode on the activity and selectivity as well as the sequence lengths were investigated, and the mechanism was elucidated. Thus a novel ethylene‐based rubber material possessing a high molecular weight, 80 % cis‐1,4 regularity and a Tg=−94 °C without an obvious melting point owing to short polyethylene sequences even at its content up to 45 mol %, was isolated. This new rubber material exhibited excellent anti‐flowing performance and strong tensile strength.
Iron Oxide Photoelectrode with Multidimensional Architecture for Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Kang Jin Soo , Noh Yoonsook , Kim Jin , Choi Hyelim , Jeon Tae Hwa , Ahn Docheon , Kim Jae‐Yup , Yu Seung‐Ho , Park Hyeji , Yum Jun‐Ho , Choi Wonyong , Dunand David C. , Choe Heeman , Sung Yung‐Eun
Published: May 2017

Nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors have shown outstanding performances in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, but limitations in light harvesting and charge collection have necessitated further advances in photoelectrode design. Herein, we propose anodized Fe foams (AFFs) with multidimensional nano/micro‐architectures as a highly efficient photoelectrode for PEC water splitting. Fe foams fabricated by freeze‐casting and sintering were electrochemically anodized and directly used as photoanodes. We verified the superiority of our design concept by achieving an unprecedented photocurrent density in PEC water splitting over 5 mA cm−2 before the dark current onset, which originated from the large surface area and low electrical resistance of the AFFs. A photocurrent of over 6.8 mA cm−2 and an accordingly high incident photon‐to‐current efficiency of over 50 % at 400 nm were achieved with incorporation of Co oxygen evolution catalysts. In addition, research opportunities for further advances by structual and compositional modifications are discussed, which can resolve the low fill factoring behavior and improve the overall performance.
Effects of the inner‐secondary‐air damper opening on flow and combustion in a 600‐MWe down‐fired boiler incorporating multiple‐injection and multiple‐staging
Authors: Song Minhang , Zeng Lingyan , Liu Yibo , Chen Zhichao , Li Zhengqi , Li Xiaoguang
Published: May 2017

Effects of adjusting the inner‐secondary‐air damper opening among 100%, 70%, and 50% on the flow, combustion, and NOx emissions of a 600‐MWe down‐fired boiler incorporating multiple‐injection and multiple‐staging technology were investigated. Both 1 : 20‐scale aerodynamic tests and industrial experiments were conducted. The small‐scale tests showed that symmetric flow patterns formed in all cases, and the velocities of boundary and outer secondary air decayed more quickly than the velocity of inner secondary air. As the inner‐secondary‐air damper opening decreased from 100% to 50%, the average dimensionless depth of downward airflow reduced from 0.830 to 0.788 while the horizontal velocity in the recirculation zone increased. Industrial experiments demonstrated that, as the inner‐secondary‐air damper opening decreased from 100% to 50%, the heating rate of fuel‐rich coal/air flow increased from 572 to 687°C/m, the corresponding ignition distance shortened from 1.36 to 1.11 m, and the hopper near‐wall temperature decreased by approximately 50°C. Carbon in fly ash decreased from 7.31% to 6.93%, and NOx emissions rose from 343 to 371 ppm at 6% O2. The boiler efficiency improved from 89.78% to 89.92%. An inner‐secondary‐air damper opening of 70% is more reasonable than 50% and 100% considering the ignition distance, carbon in fly ash, and NOx emissions. Copyright © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of short‐duration ethylene polymerization with MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst: Two‐stage initiation evidenced by changes in active center concentration
Authors: Khan Akbar , Guo Yintian , Fu Zhisheng , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: May 2017

The kinetics of ethylene polymerization with a TiCl4/MgCl2‐type Ziegler–Natta catalyst was studied. Changes in polymerization activity and concentration of active centers ([C*]) in the first 5 min were determined. Initiation of the active centers was found to proceed in two stages. In the first stage, [C*]/[Ti] quickly rose to about 1% in less than 30 s and then remained stable in the subsequent 60 s. Then the [C*]/[Ti] value started to increase again, forming the second buildup stage. The polymerization activity was found to change roughly in parallel with the change in [C*]/[Ti]. Changes in the polymer/catalyst particle morphology and polymer molecular weight distribution with polymerization time were studied. A mechanistic model was proposed to explain the two‐stage kinetics: initiation of active sites on the outer surface of catalyst particles takes place in the first stage, and initiation of active sites buried inside the particles takes place in the second stage. These buried sites are released when the catalyst particles are fragmented by the expanding polymer phase. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45187.
Argon low‐temperature plasma modification of chopped aramid fiber and its effect on paper performance of aramid sheets
Authors: Lu Zhaoqing , Hu Wenjing , Xie Fan , Hao Yang , Liu Guodong
Published: May 2017

Chopped aramid fiber was modified by an argon low‐temperature plasma treatment to enhance the interfacial strength of aramid paper. The water contact angle of the aramid fiber and the tensile strength, tearing strength, and evenness of the aramid sheets were investigated under different conditions, and the parameters of the argon low‐temperature plasma modification, like gas pressure, discharge power, and discharge time, were optimized. The chemical structure and surface morphology of the fiber after plasma modification were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The strengthening mechanism of aramid paper by low‐temperature plasma modification was also studied. It was found that the argon low‐temperature plasma treatment introduced some new polar groups onto the fiber surface and increased the fiber surface wettability and roughness. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45215.
Data‐Driven Adaptive Critic Approach for Nonlinear Optimal Control via Least Squares Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sun Jingliang , Liu Chunsheng , Liu Nian
Published: May 2017

This paper develops an online adaptive critic algorithm based on policy iteration for partially unknown nonlinear optimal control with infinite horizon cost function. In the proposed method, only a critic network is established, which eliminates the action network, to simplify its architecture. The online least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) is utilized to approximate the gradient of the associated cost function in the critic network by updating the input‐output data. Additionally, a data buffer memory is added to alleviate computational load. Finally, the feasibility of the online learning algorithm is demonstrated in simulation on two example systems.
A comparative study between bulk and bin microphysical schemes of a simulated squall line in East China
Authors: Yin Lei , Ping Fan , Mao Jiahua
Published: May 2017

A squall line occurred in East China during 12 July 2014 was simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using spectral bin and two‐moment bulk microphysical parameterization scheme, respectively. Comparative study showed that significant differences existed in the dynamic, thermodynamic and microphysical structures of squall line between bulk and bin simulation results. The bulk scheme produced a well‐organized but shorter radar structure while bin scheme simulated scattered but stronger radar echo which was more consistent with observation. Bulk scheme had a better performance in predicting the strong rainfall areas and amount. The strong rear‐to‐front (RTF) inflow and convective updrafts were identified in bulk scheme by comparison with weak RTF and updrafts in bin scheme. In addition, bulk simulated a deeper cold pool than bin. Much higher cloud droplet number concentration was simulated by bulk scheme, while higher raindrop mass and number concentration was generated by bin scheme. Detailed analysis and sensitivity tests are needed in future to further investigate the possible mechanisms that responsible for the distinctive results.
Radiative forcing of the tropical thick anvil evaluated by combining TRMM with atmospheric radiative transfer model
Authors: Yang Yuanjian , Fu Yunfei , Qin Fang , Zhu Jiachen
Published: May 2017

The presences of anvil clouds significantly affect the tropical mean radiation budget and increase the uncertainty of climate model simulations. In this study, the climatological mean distributions of thick anvil parameters, such as top, bottom, occurrence, cloud effective radius (CER) and cloud optical depth (COD) in the tropics (20°S–20°N) are investigated by Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission's (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and visible and infrared scanner (VIRS) from 1998 to 2007. The thick anvil radiative forcing at shortwave (0.2 ∼ 4 µm) and longwave (4 ∼ 50 µm) length, i.e. Shortwave radiative forcing (SRF) and Longwave radiative forcing (LRF) and their net effects at different altitudes are simulated with Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Model (SBDART). The results show that thick anvils present higher top/bottom, smaller CER, and thicker COD over land than those over ocean. At the top of atmosphere (TOA), net radiative effects of thick anvils are positive warming, which means the earth‐atmosphere system obtains energy forced by thick anvils. At earth surface, net radiative effects of thick anvils are positive warming at land surface and negative cooling at ocean surface, respectively. In general, anvil SRF, LRF and net effects vary with different geographical locations and also present large land–ocean differences in the tropics, due to different anvil properties forced by the surface heating and topography. All spatial patterns of stronger anvil SRF, LRF and net effects are well matched with the places where exist higher fractions of anvils, such as Asian monsoon zone, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), tropical Africa, Mid‐America and South America. In addition, the present work provides an evidence that it is an effective approach to calculate quantitatively the grid‐cell SRF and LRF of cloud at a large scale by using the SBDART model with inputs from satellite observations.
Multi‐scale response of runoff to climate fluctuation in the headwater region of the Kaidu River in Xinjiang of China
Authors: Liu Zuhan , Wang Lili , Yu Xiang , Wang Shengqian , Deng Chengzhi , Xu Jianhua , Chen Zhongsheng , Bai Ling
Published: May 2017

Based on the climatological‐hydrological daily data recorded in the headwater region of the Kaidu River during 1972–2011, the multi‐scale characteristics of runoff variability and four climatic factor fluctuations (i.e. temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and evaporation) are analyzed using detrended fluctuation analysis. Furthermore, multi‐scale response of runoff to climate fluctuation is investigated using detrended cross‐correlation analysis. Main findings are as follows: (1) The temporal scaling behaviors of runoff and four climate factor series all exhibit two different power laws. In shorter temporal scaling, all the series indicate the similar persistence corresponding to the annual cycle. However, in longer temporal scaling, their different trends reflect the different inherent dynamic nature of various hydro‐climatic change. (2) In the double logarithm curve logF2(s) ∼ logs, the long‐range correlation of runoff and temperature, long‐range correlation of runoff and precipitation and long‐range correlation of runoff and relative humidity (hereafter referred to as Lrc‐R‐T, Lrc‐R‐P and Lrc‐R‐H, respectively) show two scaling regimes with two different scale indexes and a critical time scale of about 1 year; the long‐range correlation of runoff and evaporation (hereafter referred to as Lrc‐R‐E) presents three scaling regime with three different scale indexes and with two critical time scales of about 1 and 10 years. These results reflect the multi‐scale response characteristics of the runoff to climate change on different time scales.
Reinforcement, Rationality, and Intentions: How Robust Is Automatic Reinforcement Learning in Economic Decision Making?
Authors: Hügelschäfer Sabine , Achtziger Anja
Published: May 2017

Reinforcement learning is often observed in economic decision making and may lead to detrimental decisions. Because of its automaticity, it is difficult to avoid. In three experimental studies, we investigated whether this process could be controlled by goal intentions and implementation intentions. Participants' decisions were investigated in a probability‐updating task in which the normative rule to maximize expected payoff (Bayes' rule) conflicted with the reinforcement heuristic as a simple decision rule. Some participants were asked to set goal intentions designated to foster the optimization of rational decision making, while other participants were asked to furnish these goal intentions with implementation intentions. Results showed that controlling automatic processes of reinforcement learning is possible by means of goal intentions or implementation intentions that focus decision makers on the analysis of decision feedback. Importantly, such beneficial effects were not achieved by simply instructing participants to analyze the feedback, without defining a goal as the desired end state from a first‐person perspective. Regarding intentions supposed to shut down reinforcement processes by controlling negative affect, effects were more complex and depended on the specified goal‐directed behavior. The goal intention to suppress the disappointment elicited by negative feedback was not effective in controlling reinforcement processes. Furnishing this goal with an implementation intention even backfired and strengthened unwanted reinforcement processes. In contrast, asking participants to keep cool in response to negative decision outcomes through the use of goal intentions or implementation intentions increased decisions in line with Bayes' rule. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancer: data from three academic medical centers
Authors: O'Kane Grainne M. , Ryan Éanna , McVeigh Terri P. , Creavin Ben , Hyland John MP. , O'Donoghue Diarmuid P. , Keegan Denise , Geraghty Robert , Flannery Delia , Nolan Carmel , Donovan Emily , Mehigan Brian J. , McCormick Paul , Muldoon Cian , Farrell Michael , Shields Conor , Mulligan Niall , Kennedy Michael John , Green Andrew J. , Winter Desmond C. , MacMathuna Padraic , Sheahan Kieran , Gallagher David J.
Published: May 2017

Reflex immunohistochemistry (rIHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression can be used as a screening tool to detect Lynch Syndrome (LS). Increasingly the mismatch repair‐deficient (dMMR) phenotype has therapeutic implications. We investigated the pattern and consequence of testing for dMMR in three Irish Cancer Centres (CCs). CRC databases were analyzed from January 2005–December 2013. CC1 performs IHC upon physician request, CC2 implemented rIHC in November 2008, and CC3 has been performing rIHC since 2004. The number of eligible patients referred to clinical genetic services (CGS), and the number of LS patients per center was determined. 3906 patients were included over a 9‐year period. dMMR CRCs were found in 32/153 (21%) of patients at CC1 and 55/536 (10%) at CC2, accounting for 3% and 5% of the CRC population, respectively. At CC3, 182/1737 patients (10%) had dMMR CRCs (P < 0.001). Additional testing for the BRAF V600E mutation, was performed in 49 patients at CC3 prior to CGS referral, of which 29 were positive and considered sporadic CRC. Referrals to CGS were made in 66%, 33%, and 30% of eligible patients at CC1, CC2, and CC3, respectively. LS accounted for CRC in eight patients (0.8%) at CC1, eight patients (0.7%) at CC2, and 20 patients (1.2%) at CC3. Cascade testing of patients with dMMR CRC was not completed in 56%. Universal screening increases the detection of dMMR tumors and LS kindreds. Successful implementation of this approach requires adequate resources for appropriate downstream management of these patients.
A first in human evaluation of a novel contrast media saving device
Authors: Sapontis James , Barron Garry , Seneviratne Sujith , Fuernau Georg , Eitel Ingo , Ledwoch Jakob , Thiele Holger , Saad Mohammed , de Waha Suzanne , Poess Janine , Desch Steffen
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study evaluated the usability and contrast volume savings of the novel DyeVert™ System.

Background

During coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures, a substantial portion of injected contrast does not contribute to vessel imaging due to reflux into the ascending aorta. Contrast volume is the primary physician modifiable risk factor for prevention of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury CI‐AKI which is a frequent complication in patients undergoing coronary angiographic procedures and is related to increases in morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Methods

In this pilot trial, 44 patients undergoing coronary diagnostic and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures were enrolled in two centers. All procedures were conducted using a manual manifold injection setup and the DyeVert System, which facilitates the diversion of excess contrast volume prior to injection into the patient. Direct measurements of both the amount of contrast that was attempted to be injected and the actual volume injected into the patient were taken.

Results

The difference between the two amounts indicated the volume saved. Procedure types included 34 diagnostic studies and 10 PCI. The mean percent volume saved by the DyeVert System was 47%, with a corresponding P value of <0.0001 achieving the pre‐specified level of greater than 15% of contrast media being saved. Mean volume savings were similar for both diagnostic (47 ± 9%) and PCI (50 ± 9%) procedures. Image quality was good in 43/44 (98%) patients.

Conclusions

The DyeVert System substantially decreases contrast delivered to patients during diagnostic or interventional coronary procedures while maintaining adequate image quality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute invasive hemodynamic effects of percutaneous mitral paravalvular leak closure
Authors: Lloyd James W. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Reeder Guy S. , Nishimura Rick A. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the physiologic effects of percutaneous mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) closure through pre‐ and post‐closure left and right heart catheterization.

Background

Mitral PVL represents a significant source of morbidity and mortality following mitral valve repair and replacement. Although percutaneous PVL closure is an effective treatment with improvements in symptoms and mortality, data regarding the acute hemodynamic effects of such closure are lacking.

Methods

Consecutive patients with clinically significant heart failure and/or hemolysis attributed to mitral PVL underwent percutaneous mitral PVL closure with pre‐ and post‐procedural right and left heart catheterization. Hemodynamic measurements of cardiovascular function obtained in this manner were compared and stratified according to pre‐ and post‐procedural echocardiographic severity of PVL.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (age 68 ± 9.4 years, 75% male) underwent percutaneous mitral PVL closure. Significant improvements were found in left atrial pressure (LAP) (mean LAP lowered from 21 ± 4 to 19 ± 3 mm Hg, P = 0.005), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (mean PAP lowered from 36 ± 11 to 33 ± 9, P = 0.04), and cardiac index (increased from 2.8 ± 0.8 to 3.0 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, P = 0.01). Left atrial v‐wave reduction of 20% was associated with ≤ mild residual PVL by transesophageal echocardiography (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Percutaneous mitral PVL closure is associated with significant reductions in LAP and PAP and an increase in cardiac index. These hemodynamic effects underlie the clinical benefits of PVL closure and may be a useful tool for intraprocedural guidance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid coronary revascularization versus coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sardar Partha , Kundu Amartya , Bischoff Michelle , Chatterjee Saurav , Owan Theophilus , Nairooz Ramez , Giri Jay , Halkos Michael E. , Liberman Henry , Douglas John S. , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This meta‐analysis evaluated the effectiveness of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) compared to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD).

Background

HCR involves a combination of surgical and percutaneous techniques, which in selected patients may present an alternative to conventional CABG.

Methods

Databases were searched through June 30, 2016, and studies comparing HCR with CABG for treatment of MVCAD were selected. We calculated summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs with the random‐effects model. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of all cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

Results

The analysis included 2,245 patients from 8 studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 7 observational studies). The risk of MACCE with HCR and CABG were 3.6% and 5.4%, respectively (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.24–1.16). Compared to CABG group, patients in HCR group had similar risk of all cause mortality (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.38–1.88), myocardial infarction (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.31–1.64), stroke (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.23–1.20), and repeat revascularization (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.58–2.83). The need for postoperative blood transfusions (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.59) and hospital stay (weighted mean difference −1.20 days; 95% CI −1.52 to −0.88 days) was significantly lower in the HCR group.

Conclusion

HCR appears to be safe, and has similar outcomes when compared with conventional CABG. HCR can be a suitable alternative to conventional CABG in select patients with MVCAD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel ultrahigh molecular weight amorphous PLLA bioresorbable coronary scaffold upsized up to 0.8 mm beyond nominal diameter: An OCT and histopathology study in porcine coronary artery model
Authors: Gasior Pawel , Cheng Yanping , Estrada Edward A. , Jenn McGregor  , Ramzipoor Kamal , Lee Chang , Conditt Gerard B. , Rousselle Serge D. , Granada Juan F. , Kaluza Grzegorz L.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties and healing pattern of novel sirolimus‐eluting, ultrahigh molecular weight amorphous poly‐L‐lactic acid bioresorbable scaffolds (S‐BRS) that have been postdilated by 0.55 and 0.8 mm beyond the nominal diameters within the pressure‐diameter compliance chart range.

Background

Due to the inherent limitations of bioabsorbable polymeric materials, overexpansion/upsizing may be very limited for some BRS such as the benchmark Absorb BVS. The unique biomechanical properties of the novel S‐BRS may allow it to be safely upsized.

Methods and Results

12 coronary arteries of 4 healthy Yucatan mini‐swine underwent implantation of a novel S‐BRS. Upsizing by postdilation was performed up to 0.55mm (PLUS 0.55, n = 6) or 0.8 mm (PLUS 0.8, n = 6) in a manner maintaining consistent 1:1.1 stent‐to‐artery, thus ensuring not only the overexpansion of the scaffold but consistent level of arterial injury. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow‐up was performed at 28 and 90‐days follow‐up. There was no statistical difference between the tested groups in terms of acute recoil. OCT analysis after 28 days showed numerically lower levels of neointimal formation in PLUS 0.8 compared to PLUS 0.55 group. These results were sustained at 90‐days follow‐up. There was no difference in late recoil between studied groups. No scaffold discontinuation, deformation or overlapping of the struts were observed.

Conclusions

Overexpansion up to 0.8 mm of novel, high strength S‐BRS is not associated with worse angiographic outcomes, neointimal formation or biomechanical issues such as scaffold discontinuation, deformation or overlapping of the struts, neither acutely nor chronically. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catheter‐Directed Thrombolysis of Acute Entire Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis From below the Knee Access
Authors: Liu Guang , Liu Xaiobing , Wang Ruihua , Ye Kaichuang , Yin Minyi , Huang Xintian , Lu Min , Li Weimin , Lu Xinwu , Jiang Mier
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of below the knee (BTK) approach in the treatment of entire limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive CDT treatment of acute entire limb DVT using a BTK approach (September 2010–February 2016) was performed. The patients included 51 men and 28 women with a mean age of 54 years.

Results

CDT was performed by accessing the ipsilateral the small saphenous vein (SSV) and posterior tibial vein (PTV; 24 via incision and 64 via puncture). Thirty‐four patients underwent CDT within 3 days of symptom onset and lysis was successful in all cases (i.e., grade III).In contrast, only 22 (68.6%, 22/32) of those treated within 4–10 days and 0 (0%) of those treated after 10 days achieved grade III lysis. A total of 16 bleeding complications occurred, none of which were classified as major, and 11 of which were related to numbness at the site of incision. Poor wound healing was observed in one patient. Three patients treated using an SSV approach exhibited partial occlusion. One patient treated using a PTV approach experienced occlusion. During the 24‐month follow‐up period, the patency and PTS rates were 80.4% (37/46) and 30.4% (14/46), respectively. The overall patency rate was 87.1% (54/62) during a mean follow‐up duration of 3.5 years.

Conclusions

The use of a BTK approach in entire‐limb DVT via SSV and PTV puncture is feasible and safe and may be considered an alternative to traditional CDT approach. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel lesion crossing technique: Balloon deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique
Authors: Nakabayashi Keisuke , Ando Hiroshi , Kaneko Nobuhito , Shiozaki Manabu , Sunaga Daisuke , Matsui Akihiro , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Shimizu Minoru
Published: May 2017

Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel endovascular technique for crossing arterial lesions: The BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique.

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease has been widely adopted, and developments in device technology and techniques have resulted in acceptable success rates. However, it may be difficult to deliver devices even after wire externalization, especially in the presence of an extremely long chronic total occlusion or severely calcified lesion. The BADFORM technique might be useful in these cases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed ten consecutive EVT cases using the BADFORM technique performed at our institution between April 2015 and September 2016. In all cases, wire externalization was established with the rendezvous technique. The BADFORM technique was performed when antegrade passage of any device was impossible after wire externalization. Physicians positioned a low‐profile balloon or microcatheter just proximal to the calcified lesion and attached the device to the externalized wire using a torque device at the proximal catheter exit port. The externalized wire was then pulled retrogradely.

Results

All patients were receiving hemodialysis and had critical limb ischemia. All lesions were severely calcified, and 90% were chronic total occlusions. The technical success and procedure success rates were 90% and 70%, respectively. Delivered devices included five balloon catheters and four microcatheters. One procedure‐related vessel injury occurred at the distal puncture site (digital artery), however, this was controlled by external manual compression.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of the BADFORM technique might be acceptable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rationally Designed Solvatochromic Fluorescent Indoline Derivatives for Probing Mitochondrial Environment
Authors: Pal Kaushik , Koner Apurba Lal
Published: May 2017

A new class of solvatochromic, robust, and multifunctional fluorescent probes derived from indoline is presented. Specificity of mitochondria targeting was achieved and utilized for probing polarity under normal and apoptotic conditions. A large Stokes shift, high quantum yield, thermal, photochemical, and pH stability, tolerance to buffer compositions, and a bioconjugation tool‐kit make it a promising candidate for live‐cell fluorescence imaging.
Stepwise Construction of Self‐Assembled Heterometallic Cages Showing High Proton Conductivity
Authors: Saha Rupak , Samanta Dipak , Bhattacharyya Aninda Jiban , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: May 2017

Two neutral tripodal metalloligands (CoL and FeL where L=C18H21N10) containing a clathrochelate core were synthesized and characterized in one‐step. Reactions of these ligands with three different metal acceptors cis‐(tmen)Pd(NO3)2 (tmen = tetramethylethylenediamine), Zn(NO3)2 and Mn(ClO4)2 separately yielded a series of heterometallic coordination cages (1 a–3 a and 1 b‐3 b) in high yields. Depending on the nature of coordination geometry of the acceptors, the resulting assemblies have trigonal‐ bipyramidal (1 a/1 b), open‐cubic (2 a/2 b), and closed‐cubic structures (3 a/3 b). The structures of the complexes 1 a, 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Analysis of crystal packing of the complexes 3 a and 3 b revealed the presence of several coordinated and lattice water molecules in the intermolecular channels. Both these complexes (3 a and 3 b) showed very high water adsorption under humid conditions. In addition, 3 a and 3 b exhibited promising proton conductivity of 3.31×10−3 and 1.05×10−4 S cm−1 at 70 °C under 98 % relative humidity (RH) respectively, with activation energy of 1.00–0.78 eV.
Assessment of subtle cardiac dysfunction in patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes by real‐time three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Ling Yunlong , Wan Quan , Chen Qingxing , Zhu Wenqing
Published: May 2017

Background

To evaluate subtle and early premature ventricular complex (PVC)–induced ventricular impairment in patients with frequent PVCs and without structural heart disease by real‐time 3‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (RT3D‐STE).

Hypothesis

Patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes with normal left ventricular ejection fraction have subtle left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods

Forty patients (22 male) with a single source of frequent PVCs and 40 healthy controls (24 male) underwent assessment by conventional 2‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography and RT3D‐STE. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and global longitudinal, circumferential, radial, and area strain (GLS, GCS, GRS, and GAS, respectively) and individual segment strain were calculated using off‐line analysis software and compared between the 2 groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline clinical or 2D echocardiographic variables including LVEF between groups. However, all RT3D‐STE assessed variables, including GLS, GCS, GRS, GAS, and individual segment strain, were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the PVC group than the control group, and showed strong correlations, most prominently GCS (r = −0.84, P = 0.020), with LV function as assessed by LVEF. 3D‐STE measurements showed good intraobserver, interobserver, and test–retest agreement.

Conclusions

In patients with frequent PVCs and normal LVEF, 3D ‐STE revealed lower global and regional strain values than in healthy controls. RT3D‐STE is a novel, feasible and reproducible method to assess cardiac function and appears suitable to detect subtle left ventricular dysfunction.
Evidence for a self‐organized compliant mechanism for the spontaneous steady beating of cilia
Authors: Foster Kenneth W. , Vidyadharan Jyothish , Sangani Ashok S.
Published: May 2017

Cilia or eukaryotic flagella are slender 200‐nm‐diameter organelles that move the immersing fluid relative to a cell and sense the environment. Their core structure is nine doublet microtubules (DMTs) arranged around a central‐pair. When motile, thousands of tiny motors slide the DMTs relative to each other to facilitate traveling waves of bending along the cilium's length. These motors provide the energy to change the shape of the cilium and overcome the viscous forces of moving in the surrounding fluid. In planar beating, motors walk toward where the cilium is attached to the cell body. Traveling waves are initiated by motors bending the elastic cilium back and forth, a self‐organized mechanical oscillator. We found remarkably that the energy in a wave is nearly constant over a wide range of (ATP) and medium viscosities and inter‐doublet springs operate only in the central and not in the basal region. Since the energy in a wave does not depend on its rate of formation, the control mechanism is likely purely mechanical. Further the torque per length generated by the motors acting on the doublets is proportional to and nearly in phase with the microtubule sliding velocity with magnitude dependent on the medium. We determined the frequency‐dependent elastic moduli and strain energies of beating cilia. Incorporation of these in an energy‐based model explains the beating frequency, wavelength, limiting of the wave amplitude and the overall energy of the traveling wave. Our model describes the intricacies of the basal‐wave initiation as well as the traveling wave.
c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 expression in auditory and visual cortices after hearing loss: Evidence of sensory crossmodal reorganization in adult rats
Authors: Pernia M. , Estevez S. , Poveda C. , Plaza I. , Carro J. , Juiz J.M. , Merchan M. A.
Published: May 2017

Cross‐modal reorganization in the auditory and visual cortices has been reported after hearing and visual deficits mostly during the developmental period, possibly underlying sensory compensation mechanisms. However, there are very few data on the existence or nature and timeline of such reorganization events during sensory deficits in adulthood. In this study, we assessed long‐term changes in activity‐dependent immediate early genes c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 in auditory and neighboring visual cortical areas after bilateral deafness in young adult rats. Specifically, we analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactivity at 15 and 90 days after cochlea removal. We report extensive, global loss of c‐Fos and Arc/Arg3.1 immunoreactive neurons in the auditory cortex 15 days after permanent auditory deprivation in adult rats, which is partly reversed 90 days after deafness. Simultaneously, the number and labeling intensity of c‐Fos‐ and Arc/Arg3.1‐immunoreactive neurons progressively increase in neighboring visual cortical areas from 2 weeks after deafness and these changes stabilize three months after inducing the cochlear lesion. These findings support plastic, compensatory, long‐term changes in activity in the auditory and visual cortices after auditory deprivation in the adult rats. Further studies may clarify whether those changes result in perceptual potentiation of visual drives on auditory regions of the adult cortex.
Sexually selected size differences and conserved sexual monomorphism of genital cortex
Authors: Lauer Simon M. , Lenschow Constanze , Brecht Michael
Published: May 2017

The mammalian somatosensory cortex shows marked species‐specific differences. How evolution in general and sexual selection in particular shape the somatosensory cortical body representation has not been delineated, however. Here we address this issue by a comparative analysis of genital cortex. Genitals are unique body parts in that they show sexual dimorphism, major changes in puberty and typically more pronounced species differences than other body parts (Hosken & Stockley, 2004). To study the evolution of genital cortex we flattened cortical hemispheres and assembled 104 complete body maps, revealed by cytochrome‐oxidase activity in layer 4 of 8 rodent and 1 lagomorph species. In two species, we also performed antibody stainings against vesicular glutamate transporter‐2, which suggested that cytochrome‐oxidase maps closely mirror thalamic innervation. We consistently observed a protrusion between hindlimb and forelimb representation, which in rats (Lenschow et al., 2016) corresponds to the penis representation in males and the clitoris representation in females. Consistent with the idea that this protrusion corresponds to genital cortex, we observed a size increase of this protrusion during puberty. Species differed in external genital sexual dimorphism, but we observed a sexual monomorphism of the putative genital protrusion in all species, similar to previous observations in rats. The relative size of the putative genital protrusion varied more than 3‐fold between species ranging from 0.5% of somatosensory cortex area in chipmunks to 1.7% in rats. This relative size of the genital protrusion co‐varied with relative testicle size, an indicator of sperm competition and sexual selection.
Electrochemically Driven Fermentation of Organic Substrates with Undefined Mixed Microbial Cultures
Authors: Villano Marianna , Paiano Paola , Palma Enza , Miccheli Alfredo , Majone Mauro
Published: May 2017

Growing scientific interest in mixed microbial culture‐based anaerobic biotechnologies for the production of value‐added chemicals and fuels from organic waste residues requires a parallel focus on the development and implementation of strategies to control the distribution of products. This study examined the feasibility of an electrofermentation approach, based on the introduction of a polarized (−700 mV vs. the standard hydrogen electrode) graphite electrode in the fermentation medium, to steer the product distribution during the conversion of organic substrates (glucose, ethanol, and acetate supplied as single compounds or in mixtures) by undefined mixed microbial cultures. In batch experiments, the polarized electrode triggered a nearly 20‐fold increase (relative to open circuit controls) in the yield of isobutyrate production (0.43±0.01 vs. 0.02±0.02 mol mol−1 glucose) during the anaerobic fermentation of the ternary mixture of substrates, without adversely affecting the rate of substrate bioconversion. The observed change in the fermentative metabolism was most likely triggered by the (potentiostatic) regulation of the oxidation–reduction potential of the reaction medium rather than by the electrode serving as an electron donor.
An optimized image analysis algorithm for detecting nuclear signals in digital whole slides for histopathology
Authors: Paulik Róbert , Micsik Tamás , Kiszler Gábor , Kaszál Péter , Székely János , Paulik Norbert , Várhalmi Eszter , Prémusz Viktória , Krenács Tibor , Molnár Béla
Published: May 2017

Nuclear estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki‐67 protein positive tumor cell fractions are semiquantitatively assessed in breast cancer for prognostic and predictive purposes. These biomarkers are usually revealed using immunoperoxidase methods resulting in diverse signal intensity and frequent inhomogeneity in tumor cell nuclei, which are routinely scored and interpreted by a pathologist during conventional light‐microscopic examination. In the last decade digital pathology‐based whole slide scanning and image analysis algorithms have shown tremendous development to support pathologists in this diagnostic process, which can directly influence patient selection for targeted‐ and chemotherapy. We have developed an image analysis algorithm optimized for whole slide quantification of nuclear immunostaining signals of ER, PR, and Ki‐67 proteins in breast cancers. In this study, we tested the consistency and reliability of this system both in a series of brightfield and DAPI stained fluorescent samples. Our method allows the separation of overlapping cells and signals, reliable detection of vesicular nuclei and background compensation, especially in FISH stained slides. Detection accuracy and the processing speeds were validated in routinely immunostained breast cancer samples of varying reaction intensities and image qualities. Our technique supported automated nuclear signal detection with excellent efficacy: Precision Rate/Positive Predictive Value was 90.23 ± 4.29%, while Recall Rate/Sensitivity was 88.23 ± 4.84%. These factors and average counting speed of our algorithm were compared with two other open source applications (QuPath and CellProfiler) and resulted in 6–7% higher Recall Rate, while 4‐ to 30‐fold higher processing speed. In conclusion, our image analysis algorithm can reliably detect and count nuclear signals in digital whole slides or any selected large areas i.e. hot spots, thus can support pathologists in assessing clinically important nuclear biomarkers with less intra‐ and interlaboratory bias inherent of empirical scoring. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Alongshore variation in barnacle populations is determined by surf zone hydrodynamics
Authors: Shanks Alan L. , Morgan Steven G. , MacMahan Jamie , Reniers Ad J. H. M.
Published: May 2017

Larvae in the coastal ocean are transported toward shore by a variety of mechanisms. Crossing the surf zone is the last step in a shoreward migration and surf zones may act as semipermeable barriers altering delivery of larvae to the shore. We related variation in the structure of intertidal barnacle populations to surf zone width (surf zone hydrodynamics proxy), wave height, alongshore wind stress (upwelling proxy), solar radiation, and latitude at 40 rocky intertidal sites from San Diego, California to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. We measured daily settlement and weekly recruitment of barnacles at selected sites and related these measures to surf zone width. Chthamalus density varied inversely with that of Balanus, and the density of Balanus and new recruits was negatively related to solar radiation. Across the region, long‐term mean wave height and an indicator of upwelling intensity and frequency did not explain variation in Balanus or new recruit densities. Balanus and new recruit densities, daily settlement, and weekly recruitment were up to three orders of magnitude higher at sites with wide (>50 m), more dissipative surf zones with bathymetric rip currents than at sites with narrow (<50 m) more reflective surf zones. Surf zone width explained 30–50% of the variability in Balanus and new recruit densities. We sampled a subset of sites <5 km apart where coastal hydrodynamics such as upwelling should be very similar. At paired sites with similar surf zone widths, Balanus densities were not different. If surf zone widths at paired sites were dissimilar, Balanus densities, daily settlement, and weekly recruitment were significantly higher at sites with the wider, more dissipative surf zone. The primary drivers of surf zone hydrodynamics are the wave climate and the slope of the shore and these persist over time; therefore site‐specific stability in surf zone hydrodynamics should result in stable barnacle population characteristics. Variations in surf zone hydrodynamics appear to play a fundamental role in regulating barnacle populations along the open coast, which, in turn, may have consequences for the entire intertidal community.
Choosing the appropriate configuration and cannulation strategies for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: the potential dynamic process of organ support and importance of hybrid modes
Authors: Sorokin Vitaly , MacLaren Graeme , Vidanapathirana Puwalani C. , Delnoij Thijs , Lorusso Roberto
Published: May 2017

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming a common procedure to support patients with severe cardio‐circulatory or respiratory failure as well as in case of combined compromise of the two systems. Deciding whichECMOconfiguration and proceeding with an uneventful implantation, however, may present minor or major shortcomings. Cannulation techniques should be tailored to specific patient conditions to provide sufficient regional and systemic perfusion, both of which must be comprehensively monitored. Changes in the patient's status or suboptimalECMO‐related support, however, may occur and should trigger re‐appraisal of the cannulation strategy and circuit configuration. This dynamic management, based around the adequacy of end organ perfusion and patient requirements, may dictateECMOconfiguration and cannulation changes. In these circumstances, adjunct of a cannula in the venous or arterial vasculature may represent a mandatory procedure to solve unfavorable hemodynamic status or enhanceECMOefficiency. These type ofECMOconfigurations, different from basic one, and called hybrid configurations, may represent, therefore, a critical aspect of optimalECMOmanagement towards optimized and successful temporary support.

The aim of this review is to critically appraise and summarize the existing literature on adultECMOconfiguration including cannulation strategies and circuit arrangement, and highlighting more complex pattern required in some specific clinical settings.
A rationale for early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with postinfarction ventricular septal rupture complicated by cardiogenic shock
Authors: Rob Daniel , Špunda Rudolf , Lindner Jaroslav , Rohn Vilém , Kunstýř Jan , Balík Martin , Rulíšek Jan , Kopecký Petr , Lipš Michal , Šmíd Ondřej , Kovárník Tomáš , Mlejnský František , Linhart Aleš , Bělohlávek Jan
Published: May 2017

Aims

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) became a rare mechanical complication of myocardial infarction in the era of percutaneous coronary interventions but is associated with extreme mortality in patients who present with cardiogenic shock (CS). Promising outcomes have been reported with the use of circulatory support allowing haemodynamic stabilization, followed by delayed repair. Therefore, we analysed our experience with an early use of Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V‐A ECMO) for postinfarction VSR.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective search of institutional database for patients presenting with postinfarction VSR from January 2007 to June 2016. Data from 31 consecutive patients (mean age 69.5 ± 9.1 years) who were admitted to hospital were analysed. Seven out of 31 patients with VSR who were in refractory CS received V‐A ECMO support preoperatively. ECMO improved end‐organ perfusion with decreased lactate levels 24 hours after implantation (7.9 mmol/L vs. 1.6 mmol/L, p = 0.01), normalized arterial pH (7.25 vs. 7.40, p < 0.04), improved mean arterial pressure (64 mmHg vs. 83 mmHg, p < 0.01) and lowered heart rate (115/min vs. 68/min, p < 0.01). Mean duration of ECMO support was 12 days, 5 out of 7 patients underwent surgical repair, 4 were weaned from ECMO, 3 survived 30 days and 2 survived more than 1 year. The most frequent complication (5 patients) and the cause of death (3 patients) was bleeding.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that early V‐A ECMO in patients with VSR and refractory CS might prevent irreversible multiorgan failure by improved end‐organ perfusion. Bleeding complications remain an important limitation of this approach.