bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of histopathological features of needle biopsy in recurrent prostate cancer following salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Billia Michele , Siddiqui Khurram M. , Chan Susanne , Li Fan , Al-Zahrani Ali , Gomez Jose A. , Chin Joseph L.
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) following radiotherapy may be treated with curative intent using salvage highintensity focused ultrasound (s-HIFU). The interpretation of needle core biopsy specimens following s-HIFU is a daunting task, even for experienced pathologists. We describe various histopathological features encountered in biopsy specimens following whole-gland s-HIFU in one of the largest descriptive studies to date.Methods: Fifty-five patients with biopsy-proven localized radiorecurrent PCa underwent s-HIFU and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)- guided prostatic needle biopsies at 180 days post-treatment. All biopsies were reviewed by two genitourinary pathologists.Results: PCa was detected in 11 (24%) biopsies. Radiation therapyassociated changes were identified in all cases. Additional findings included extensive coagulative stromal necrosis (100%), smudgy chromatin of cancer nuclei (82%), and markedly enlarged bizarre nuclei in the residual cancer (55%). Gleason grade assignment was possible in 10 (91%) of these biopsies and concordance of Gleason grading between pre- and post-therapy specimens was observed in six (60%) cases.Conclusions: The histological interpretation of needle biopsies following salvage HIFU is challenging and requires an understanding of the histopathological changes associated with this procedure in both tumoural and non-tumoural prostatic tissue. Accurate interpretation of the morphological changes following s-HIFU is instrumental for optimization of clinical decision-making and treatment planning in recurrent PCa.
Bladder cancer, ESMO 2016
Authors: So Alan
Published: January 2017

N/A
Prostate cancer, ESMO 2016
Authors: Shayegan Bobby
Published: January 2017

N/A
Practical first-line management of renal cell carcinoma in a community practice
Authors: Conter Henry
Published: January 2017

Sunitinib is an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets signalling by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). The standard sunitinib dosing schedule for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is 50 mg for four weeks (28 days) of treatment, followed by a two-week (14-day) break from treatment (four/two schedule). However, this schedule is associated with toxicities that can limit the patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and impede treatment compliance. Given the generally incurable nature of mRCC and the toxicity associated with therapy, treatment strategies should focus on achieving long-term response, preserving HRQOL, and minimizing treatment-related toxicity. The William Osler Cancer Clinic in Brampton, ON, has instituted an alternative schedule of sunitinib treatment as our standard dosing strategy, involving two weeks of treatment, followed by a oneweek break (two/one schedule), to minimize toxicity and improve HRQOL among their patients with mRCC.
First-line treatment options in metastatic renal cell cancer
Authors: Kapoor Anil
Published: January 2017

The introduction of targeted therapy a decade ago revolutionized the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The current standard of care focuses on the inhibition of angiogenesis through the targeting of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Currently recommended first-line treatments in Canada include sunitinib, pazopanib, and temsirolimus. With the heterogeneity of mRCC disease, the choice of treatment is driven largely by prognostic factors.
Sunitinib side effects as surrogate biomarkers of efficacy
Authors: Kollmannsberger Christian
Published: January 2017

With the proliferation of treatment options for the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) over the past decade, predictive markers of response to therapy are becoming increasingly important. Sunitinib is commonly used in the first-line treatment of mRCC. Common mechanism-based adverse events, including hypertension, hypothyroidism, hand-foot syndrome, and neutropenia, have been explored as potential biomarkers of the clinical efficacy of sunitinib in mRCC and are reviewed in this article.
Challenges of Paperless Trade: Redesign of the Foreign Trade Processes and Bundling Functions of Traditional Documents
Authors: Civelek Mustafa Emre , Çemberci Murat , Uca Nagehan , Çelebi Ümit , Özalp Abdurrahman
Published: January 2017

Technological innovations in recent years have resulted in paper based documentation will be completely abandoned in all business processes, however the paper-based processes still prevail in foreign trade transactions due to complicated business processes. Institution and companies in different countries involved in foreign trade transactions. Therefore integrative solutions are needed. This paper seeks to put forward a methodology to pave the way to the future international trade. Therefore we developed a taxonomical approach to this clutter in order to partially surmount the integration problem because a road map should be determined before the holistic solution. Taxonomical approach has been suggested for grouping the foreign trade documents in terms of their functions. All the parties participating in a foreign trade transaction should be able to connect to each other in a single online platform. There is a need for a single online platform of which all parties are members to complete a foreign trade transaction using a single integrated electronic document. Finally, opinions of the professional have been received for seeing the real procedures. Literature and practices have been synthesized and partial solution grouping the foreign trade documents in terms of their functions has been suggested. To constitute a base for the initial step of the road to integrated foreign trade document a taxonomical table has been prepared. Aim of this table to guide the firms that search for solutions to develop electronic equivalent of paper based documents.
Integrity and Corruption in the Health Sector in Jordan: The Perceptions of Leaders of Non-government Health Organizations (NGHOs)
Authors: Ajlouni Musa T.
Published: January 2017

Corruption is a complex social and economic phenomenon which does not only threaten equity, but also health outcomes. This study aims at identifying corruption practices in the health sector in Jordan, factors that promote these practices and policy directions to control them as perceived by leaders of non–government health care organizations (NGHOs). The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches. 24 NGHOs leaders participated in a one -day workshop and were divided into three sub-groups to address areas of corruption in the health sector in Jordan based on a conceptual model which addresses corruption according to the main actors, namely: regulators, providers, payers, patients and suppliers. The findings of the three sub-groups were put together by the researcher and were sent to the participants by email for validation and ranking.The results showed that organizers’ corruption was mainly manifested in favoritism, seeking personal interest, failure to base decisions on evidence and accepting bribes from suppliers. Corruption among providers was perceived mainly in nepotism and favoritism among doctors, especially in malpractice cases, evasion of taxes and fees and overcharging patients. Corruption caused by suppliers was manifested in tax evasion, bribing and fraud. Corruption caused by patients was perceived in trying to get free care by under reporting their income, deceiving insurers to obtain benefits and stealing and vandalism. Corruption related to health insurers was manifested in tax evasion, incapacitating patients and delaying approvals of claims and unjustified deductions on patients’ bills. Causes of corruption and interventions to improve integrity in the health sector were also addressed by the participants.
Defining ‘Better’
Authors: Pedersen Morten Jarlbæk
Published: January 2017

Defining ‘Better’: Investigating a New Framework to Understand Quality of Regulation

Better regulation is a political and scholarly theme, which has gained in both relevance and salience throughout the last two decades or so. Regulatory quality is the epicentre of these discussions. Despite this, quality is seldom conceptualized in its own right. Thus, beyond loose principles, we are rarely aware of what we mean by ‘better’ regulation, and academic discussions hereof usually centre themselves on other topics such as meta-regulation and processes. This leaves the notion of quality hard to asses especially from a comparative perspective. In this article, a core concept of quality is suggested. This concept is founded on an acknowledgement of the importance of the legal texts when it comes to achieving regulatory aims and objectives. The concept and methodology proposed has components from both law and political science and is sought to be of relevance to scholars and practitioners alike.
The Quality of Regulation in the Service of Preventing Corruption
Authors: Di Donato Luca
Published: January 2017

The Quality of Regulation in the Service of Preventing Corruption: Corruption Impact Assessment (CIA)

This article describes the Corruption Impact Assessment (CIA), which is a better regulation tool suggested by the OECD, with the fundamental purpose to enhance the regulatory quality.

The first part explains some risk-corruption factors of the legal framework. The first factor is represented by the number and complexity of rules, which can be a negative incentive to corruption as well as to produce negative consequences for the proper functioning of the market. The second factor is intrinsically linked to the ambiguity in legal drafting, which does not encourage the right interpretation of norms; therefore, there is the question of the rule of law. The third factor refers to the lack of regulation concerning pressure group participation in the regulatory process and, as a result, the lack of transparency in identifying both benefits from norms and the relevant beneficiaries.

The second part focuses on CIA, which is considered a sub-category of traditional Regulatory Impact Assessment. It detects the factors in regulations that cause corruption, and its main potential is to prevent future corruption facilitated by bad regulation. Then, this part illustrates the implementation of CIA by Korean governments: the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) carries out the CIA, realizes its guidelines – which are based on three fundamental criteria, i.e., compliance, discretionality and transparency – and supports the application of the tool in the regulatory cycle.

Finally, the third part discusses the results given by CIA. This new anti-corruption strategy needs that regulators take into account the results, providing for their publication to inform stakeholders; otherwise there is the possibility of the CIA use being formal, rather than substantial.
Analysis of Closely Related Antioxidant Nutraceuticals Using the Green Analytical Methodology of ANN and Smart Spectrophotometric Methods
Authors: Korany Mohamed A , Gazy Azza A , Khamis Essam F , Ragab Marwa A A , Kamal Miranda F
Published: January 2017

Two new, simple, and specific green analytical methods are proposed: zero-crossing first-derivative and chemometric-based spectrophotometric artificial neural network (ANN). The proposed methods were used for the simultaneous estimation of two closely related antioxidant nutraceuticals, coenzyme Q10 (Q10) and vitamin E, in their mixtures and pharmaceutical preparations. The first method is based on the handling of spectrophotometric data with the first-derivative technique, in which both nutraceuticals were determined in ethanol, each at the zero crossing of the other. The amplitudes of the first-derivative spectra for Q10 and vitamin E were recorded at 285 and 235 nm respectively, and correlated with their concentrations. The linearity ranges of Q10 and vitamin E were 10–60 and 5.6–70 μg⋅mL−1, respectively. The second method, ANN, is a multivariate calibration method and it was developed and applied for the simultaneous determination of both analytes. A training set of 90 different synthetic mixtures containing Q10 and vitamin E in the ranges of 0–100 and 0–556 μg⋅mL−1, respectively, was prepared in ethanol. The absorption spectra of the training set were recorded in the spectral region of 230–300 nm. By relating the concentration sets (x-block) with their corresponding absorption data (y-block), gradient-descent back-propagation ANN calibration could be computed. To validate the proposed network, a set of 45 synthetic mixtures of the two drugs was used. Both proposed methods were successfully applied for the assay of Q10 and vitamin E in their laboratory-prepared mixtures and in their pharmaceutical tablets with excellent recovery. These methods offer advantages over other methods because of low-cost equipment, time-saving measures, and environmentally friendly materials. In addition, no chemical separation prior to analysis was needed. The ANN method was superior to the derivative technique because ANN can determine both drugs under nonlinear experimental conditions. Consequently, ANN would be the method of choice in the routine analysis of Q10 and vitamin E tablets. No interference from common pharmaceutical additives was observed. Student's t-test and the F-test were used to compare the two methods. No significant difference was recorded.
to the Thematic Section: Towards Lexicographic Authority
Authors: Leroyer Patrick , Tarp Sven
Published: January 2017

No abstract.
The Evolution of Dictionaries of Economics: from a Glossary to a
Authors: Kwary Deny A.
Published: January 2017

Dictionaries of economics have evolved over time. In the past, most dictionaries were similar to glossaries and were in printed form. In this Internet era, some printed dictionaries have evolved into online dictionaries with various number of technological features. However, the evolution of these dictionaries has not taken into account the evolving needs and situations of the users. Consequently, as we can see from the review of the current online dictionaries of economics, these dictionaries have failed to satisfy the needs of the users, particularly the spoken text reception needs. This paper presents some principles in creating a future dictionary of economics that can satisfy the needs related to the situation when a non-native English speaker is listening to business news in the English language. The future dictionary or the proposed dictionary in this paper takes the concept of a lexicographical information system (LIS) that integrates several components into the dictionary. The four components discussed are a voice recognition function, a tooltip, an auto-summarize function, and a definition-finder. This paper shows why these four components are needed and how they can solve the users’ lexicographical problems correctly, promptly, and conveniently.
A Brief Review of Interpretation Research in Japan
Authors: Mizuno Akira
Published: January 2017

This paper reviews current empirical and theoretical research on interpreting in Japan. Though interpreting research in Japan is in its infancy, it is hoped that it will be activated by the effort of the Interpreting Research Association of Japan. One of the important themes of interpreting research in Japan is to find ways in which to overcome the difficulties that arise in the interpretation between Japanese, which is an SOV-type language, and SVO-type languages such as English.
Horrifically Local? European Horror and Regional Funding Initiatives
Authors: Hunter Russ
Published: January 2017

European horror films have often been characterised by a tendency towards co-production arrangements. Recent developments within regional European funding bodies and initiatives have led to a proliferation of films that combine traditional co-production agreements with the use of both regional and intra-regional funding sources. This article examines the extent to which the financial structuring of Creep(Christopher Smith, 2004), Salvage (Lawrence Gough), and Trollhunter (André Øvredal, 2010) informed the trajectory of their production dynamics, impacting upon their final form. Sometimes, such European horror films are part of complex co-production deals with multiple partners or are derived from one-off funding project. But they can also utilise funding schemes that are distinctly local.
Feedforward motor information enhances somatosensory responses and sharpens angular tuning of rat S1 barrel cortex neurons
Authors: Khateb Mohamed , Schiller Jackie , Schiller Yitzhak
Published: January 2017

The primary vibrissae motor cortex (vM1) is responsible for generating whisking movements. In parallel, vM1 also sends information directly to the sensory barrel cortex (vS1). In this study, we investigated the effects of vM1 activation on processing of vibrissae sensory information in vS1 of the rat. To dissociate the vibrissae sensory-motor loop, we optogenetically activated vM1 and independently passively stimulated principal vibrissae. Optogenetic activation of vM1 supra-linearly amplified the response of vS1 neurons to passive vibrissa stimulation in all cortical layers measured. Maximal amplification occurred when onset of vM1 optogenetic activation preceded vibrissa stimulation by 20 ms. In addition to amplification, vM1 activation also sharpened angular tuning of vS1 neurons in all cortical layers measured. Our findings indicated that in addition to output motor signals, vM1 also sends preparatory signals to vS1 that serve to amplify and sharpen the response of neurons in the barrel cortex to incoming sensory input signals.
Thermal expansion of SiC at high pressure‐temperature and implications for thermal convection in the deep interiors of carbide exoplanets
Authors: Nisr C. , Meng Y. , MacDowell A. A. , Yan J. , Prakapenka V. , Shim S.‐H.
Published: January 2017

Recent astrophysical observations have shown that some stars have sufficiently high carbon‐to‐oxygen ratios and may host planets composed mainly of carbides instead of silicates and oxides. From the low thermal expansion of SiC at 1 bar, it can be inferred that the buoyancy force of thermal anomalies is much lower in the carbide planets than in the silicate planets. However, numerous studies have shown that high pressure in planetary interiors can fundamentally change the physical properties of materials. We have measured the pressure‐volume‐temperature relations of two SiC polymorphs (3C and 6H) at pressures and temperatures up to 80 GPa and 1900 K and 65 GPa and 1920 K, respectively, in the laser‐heated diamond anvil cell combined with synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. We found no evidence of dissociations of these phases up to our maximum pressure condition, supporting the stability of SiC to 1900 km depth in Earth‐size Si‐rich carbide planets. Following the Mie‐Grüneisen approach, we fit our data to the Birch‐Murnaghan or the Vinet equations of state combined with the Debye approach. We found that the pressure‐induced change in the thermal expansion parameter of SiC is much smaller than that of Mg silicate perovskite (bridgmanite). Our new measurements suggest that the thermal buoyancy force may be stronger in the deep interiors of Si‐rich carbide exoplanets than in the “Earth‐like” silicate planets.
Epitaxial Stitching and Stacking Growth of Atomically Thin Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) Heterojunctions
Authors: Chen Kun , Wan Xi , Xu Jianbin
Published: January 2017

In recent years, ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, etc.) have become the flagship materials after graphene. 2D‐MX2 have attracted significant attention due to their novel properties arising from their strict dimensional confinement as well as strong spin–orbit coupling effects, which provides an ideal platform for exploring new fundamental research and realizing technological innovation. The 2D nature and the small lattice mismatch between MX2 make them ideal templates for construction of vertical and lateral heterojunctions at atomic scale by means of CVD epitaxial growth. This feature article aims to introduce current advances in the preparation of vertical or lateral epitaxial heterostructures based on 2D MX2 nanosheets as well as their potential applications in electronics, and optoelectronics. Firstly, various epitaxial CVD strategies for synthesis of vertical or lateral 2D MX2 heterostructures are comprehensively reviewed. Meanwhile, the advantages of these epitaxial methods as well as several applications of 2D MX2 heterostructures, such as photodiodes and photovoltaic devices are highlighted. Then the remaining challenges facing the controllable syntheses and the future perspectives of this promising area are discussed.
Enzymatic Biodegradability of Pristine and Functionalized Transition Metal Dichalcogenide MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Kurapati Rajendra , Muzi Laura , de Garibay Aritz Perez Ruiz , Russier Julie , Voiry Damien , Vacchi Isabella A. , Chhowalla Manish , Bianco Alberto
Published: January 2017

2D transition metal dichalcogenide MoS2 nanosheets are increasingly attracting interests due to their promising applications in materials science and biomedicine. However, their biocompatibility and their biodegradability have not been thoroughly studied yet. Here, the biodegradability of exfoliated pristine and covalently functionalized MoS2 (f‐MoS2) is investigated. First, biodegradability of these nanomaterials is evaluated using plant horseradish peroxidase and human myeloperoxidase. The results reveal that the enzymatic degradability rate of MoS2 and f‐MoS2 is slower than in the case of the simple treatment with H2O2 alone. In parallel, high biocompatibility of both pristine and f‐MoS2 nanosheets is found up to 100 µg mL−1 in both cell lines (HeLa and Raw264.7) and primary immune cells. In addition, no immune cell activation and minimal pro‐inflammatory cytokine release are observed in RAW264.7 and human monocyte‐derived macrophages, suggesting a negligible cellular impact of such materials. Furthermore, the effects of degraded MoS2 and partially degraded f‐MoS2 products on cell viability and activation are studied in cancer and immune cells. A certain cytotoxicity is measured at the highest concentrations. Finally, to prove that the cellular impact is due to cell uptake, the internalization of both pristine and functionalized MoS2 in cancer and primary immune cells is assessed.
Eu3+‐Doped Phosphor‐in‐Glass: A Route toward Tunable Multicolor Materials for Near‐UV High‐Power Warm‐White LEDs
Authors: Deng Jiankun , Li Wei , Zhang Haoran , Liu Yingliang , Lei Bingfu , Zhang Haiming , Liu Lingshan , Bai Xue , Luo Haoyang , Liu Hongzhong , Liu Wei‐Ren , Wang Jing
Published: January 2017

A novel route toward tunable multicolor materials through phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) technology is proposed in this work. Before that, an ultrastable Eu3+‐doped precursor luminescent glass frit without thermal quenching in the temperature range of 80–480 K is developed to serve as an encapsulant that not only protects the embedded phosphor but also provides the red‐emitting component for the PiG. By adjusting the mass ratio of Sr4Al14O25:Eu2+ phosphor to glass frit, a series of tunable multicolor Eu3+‐doped PiG is obtained and exhibits a good resistance to the harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the luminescent color of Eu3+‐doped PiG can be modified by changing the excitation wavelength or ambient temperature. Finally, corresponding Eu3+‐doped PiG encapsulated high‐power light‐emitting diodes are further fabricated, especially the warm white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs), showing good color stability under different drive currents and with different periods of operating time. All these results indicate that Eu3+‐doped PiG is a potential color converter applied in the high‐power warm‐WLEDs and the route above opens up a facile and potential approach to obtain multicolor materials.
C−O Activation by a Rhodium Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Catalyst: Aryl Carbamates as Arylating Reagents in Directed C−H Arylation
Authors: Tobisu Mamoru , Yasui Kosuke , Aihara Yoshinori , Chatani Naoto
Published: January 2017

Despite recent progress in the catalytic transformation of inert phenol derivatives as alternatives to aryl halides and triflates, attempts at the cross‐coupling of inert phenol derivatives with the C−H bonds of arenes have met with limited success. Herein, we report the rhodium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl carbamates with arenes bearing a convertible directing group. The key to success is the use of an in situ generated rhodium bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) species as the catalyst, which can promote activation of the inert C(sp2)−O bond in aryl carbamates.
Selective Cascade Reaction of Bisallenes via Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Carbocyclization–Borylation and Aldehyde Trapping
Authors: Naidu Veluru Ramesh , Posevins Daniels , Volla Chandra M. R. , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: January 2017

A cascade reaction, consisting of a palladium‐catalyzed regioselective aerobic oxidative carbocyclization–borylation of bisallenes and a final aldehyde trapping, afforded triene alcohols with high diastereoselectivity. The cascade reaction occurs under mild reaction conditions and proceeds via an allylboron intermediate that is trapped by the aldehyde in a stereoselective manner.
Multidimensional characterization of piezoresistive carbon black silicone rubber composites
Authors: D'Asaro Matthew E. , Otten Michael S. , Chen Stephanie , Lang Jeffrey H.
Published: January 2017

Flexible and stretchable electronic skins capable of replicating the human sense of touch are a subject of active research. One of the most popular materials for force sensors in skins is carbon black (CB)/polydimethylsiloxane composite. To aid in skin design, a characterization of this composite is presented here. The sensitivity of composite resistance to uniaxial tension, compression, and shear for each CB concentration is measured and found to be similar for tension and compression, but smaller for shear, with resistance monotonically increasing with strain. In addition, under tension and compression the resistance of the material is measured both in line with and perpendicular to the axis of applied strain, and the response is found to be approximately equal in both cases. The electrical and mechanical relaxation time of the material is also measured and modeled for tension, compression, and shear. The mechanical relaxation time is found to be shorter than the electrical, with both increasing with CB concentration. However, the shortest mechanical relaxation time, 200 s, precludes a sensor with human‐like response times without an active modeling and compensation system. Finally, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are measured and reported for each CB concentration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44773.
Membership Function Dependent Observer‐Based Controller Design for A T‐S Fuzzy System
Authors: Xie Wen‐Bo , Wang Yu‐Long , Zhang Jian , Huang Ling
Published: January 2017

The problems of observer‐based feedback control and stability analysis for a T‐S fuzzy system are investigated in this paper. Based on system output variable, a membership function dependent observer and a controller subject to observer errors are constructed to estimate the unknown system state and establish the closed‐loop feedback control system. The derived stability criteria, which is not numerically solvable, is converted to a solvable optimization problem. An improved membership function dependent approach is proposed to reduce the conservativeness. The approximated values of membership functions and their derivatives are calculated based on the proposed piecewise‐function method. Then, a piecewise decaying rate setting technique is presented to adjust the error convergent speed. A three‐rule fuzzy system stability analysis example is given to show the conservativeness reduction effects, while an inverted pendulum cart control process is used to show the effectiveness of the proposed observer‐based control scheme.
Acetylene Contamination Mechanisms in the Cathode of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhai Yunfeng , St‐Pierre Jean
Published: January 2017

The catalytic reactions of acetylene in contact with air, the electrochemical reactions of acetylene under different potentials, and the contamination reactions of acetylene in an operated proton exchange membrane fuel cell were investigated by using gas chromatography (GC), chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The GC results indicate that carbon dioxide is the catalytic reaction product of acetylene in the cathode and an electro‐oxidation product at high potentials, and it can desorb easily. Ethylene, ethane, and methane are the electrochemical reduction products of acetylene at low cathode potentials, and they can desorb easily. The CV analysis suggests the electroreduction intermediates are vinylidene and ethylidyne at low potentials and electro‐oxidation intermediates CO (or COH‐type species) at high potentials. In an operating fuel cell, acetylene reactions in the cathode include not only catalytic reactions, but also electrochemical redox reactions. According to these catalytic and electrochemical reactions, acetylene contamination mechanisms and possible effective contamination mitigation strategies are proposed.
Low and High Molecular Mass Dithienopyrrole–Naphthalene Bisimide Donor–Acceptor Compounds: Synthesis, Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Behaviour
Authors: Rybakiewicz Renata , Glowacki Eric D. , Skorka Lukasz , Pluczyk Sandra , Zassowski Pawel , Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Lapkowski Mieczyslaw , Zagorska Malgorzata , Pron Adam
Published: January 2017

Two low molecular weight electroactive donor–acceptor–donor (DAD)‐type molecules are reported, namely naphthalene bisimide (NBI) symmetrically core‐functionalized with dithienopyrrole (NBI‐(DTP)2) and an asymmetric core‐functionalized naphthalene bisimide with dithienopyrrole (DTP) substituent on one side and 2‐ethylhexylamine on the other side (NBI‐DTP‐NHEtHex). Both compounds are characterized by low optical bandgaps (1.52 and 1.65 eV, respectively). NBI‐(DTP)2 undergoes oxidative electropolymerization giving the electroactive polymer of ambipolar character. Its two‐step reversible reduction and oxidation is corroborated by complementary EPR and UV/Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemical investigations. The polymer turned out to be electrochemically active not only in aprotic solvents but also in aqueous electrolytes, showing a distinct photocathodic current attributed to proton reduction. Additionally, poly(NBI‐(DTP)2) was successfully tested as a photodiode material.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Anisotropic Cadmium Selenide and Zinc Selenide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Fustér Héctor A. , Oh Nuri , Zhai You , Deshpande Kishori , Shim Moonsub , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: January 2017

Anisotropic semiconductor nanoparticles find use in various applications ranging from electronics to photocatalysis and biolabeling. Batch synthesis methods typically used for their synthesis are often hampered by slow mixing, slow heating/cooling, and lack of batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, especially when scaling up. The modular continuous flow reactor reported here overcomes some of these challenges. It enables air‐sensitive syntheses at temperatures as high as 750 °C, supports rapid heating and cooling times (≈1 s or less), and enables syntheses that involve reagents that are viscous or even solid at room temperature. For validation we pursued two systems: the synthesis of (i) CdSe nanorods and bipods, and of (ii) ZnSe nanorods. Nanoparticles with low variance in quantum confined dimension (width) −16 % for CdSe and 11 % for ZnSe were obtained. For comparison, the same products were also synthesized using two batch approaches, hot‐injection and heat‐up, under similar conditions. The batch products were less uniform: 30 % variance in quantum confined dimension. Furthermore, the lack of precise temperature control in the batch processes resulted in CdSe nanorods with irregular‐shaped, jagged branches whereas the continuous process produced CdSe nanorods with uniform, straight branches. The modular continuous flow reactor design is suited for scale up, allowing working flow rates as high as ≈10 mL min−1, which translates into a production rate of ≈158 g day−1 for CdSe.
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Lesinurad, a New Selective Urate Reabsorption Inhibitor, and CYP Enzyme Substrates Sildenafil, Amlodipine, Tolbutamide, and Repaglinide
Authors: Gillen Michael , Yang Chun , Wilson David , Valdez Shakti , Lee Caroline , Kerr Bradley , Shen Zancong
Published: January 2017

Lesinurad is a selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitor approved for the treatment of hyperuricemia associated with gout in combination with xanthine oxidase inhibitors. In vitro assays indicate that lesinurad is an inducer of CYPs in the order CYP3A > CYP2C8 > CYP2C9 > CYP2C19 > CYP2B6 and an inhibitor of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9. To investigate the drug interaction potential of lesinurad, clinical drug interaction studies were conducted. Open‐label studies in volunteers investigated the effects of single‐/multiple‐dose lesinurad on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil and amlodipine (CYP3A4 induction), tolbutamide (CYP2C9 inhibition/induction), and repaglinide (CYP2C8 inhibition/induction). There was no apparent induction of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 following repeated lesinurad administration, although no inhibition of CYP2C9 and modest inhibition of CYP2C8 were observed following single‐dose lesinurad. Consistent with in vitro observations, lesinurad (200 mg once daily) was an inducer of CYP3A based on the effects on sildenafil exposure. Sildenafil exposure decreased by approximately 34% for Cmax and AUC when administered with multiple‐dose lesinurad 200 mg and allopurinol 300 mg, relative to sildenafil alone. During lesinurad therapy, the possibility of reduced efficacy of concomitant drugs that are CYP3A substrates should be considered and their efficacy monitored because of induction of CYP3A by lesinurad.
A fully electronically controllable Schmitt trigger and duty cycle‐modulated waveform generator
Authors: Kumar Atul , Chaturvedi Bhartendu , Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: January 2017

The paper introduces a new Schmitt trigger consisting of only one multiple‐output current inverting differential input transconductance amplifier with no passive element. The proposed circuit is simple and usable up to 100 MHz with the advantage of electronically controlled threshold levels and amplitude of the output. The circuit is also little sensitive to temperature and benefits from low power dissipation (0.5 mW). The amplitude of the output current is tunable electronically from 5 nA to 500 μA, which is a wide tunable range. The effects of transistors mismatch on proposed Schmitt trigger have also been explored. The utility of the proposed circuit is further justified through its application as a triangular/square wave generator, with a maximum frequency of 75 MHz. Duty cycle modulation through electronic means is also shown for the generator circuit, where duty cycle results for 80, 20, and 95% have been included, by varying external control current. The cadence VIRTUOSO simulation results by using generic process design kit 90‐nm technology are shown to confirm the proposed theory. The proposed circuits are also verified through experimental results by using commercial integrated circuits: AD844 and LM13700. All the simulated and experimental results promise potential applications of the proposed circuits in instrumentation and communication systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thread‐based microfluidic chips as a platform to assess acetylcholinesterase activity
Authors: Gonzalez Ariana , Gaines Michelle , Gomez Frank A.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a microfluidic thread‐based analytical device (μTAD) to assess the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via colorimetric analylsis is described. Fabrication of the device consists of two platforms, both with a nylon thread trifurcated into three channels terminating at open analysis sites at the end of the thread. 5,5’‐Dithiobis‐(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) was spotted and dried on the analysis sites. Acetylthiocholine iodide (ATC) (or cysteine, Cys) is transported through an inlet channel of the nylon thread by capillary action due to the hydrophilic nature of nylon. AChE is transported through the other inlet channel and mixes with the ATC (or Cys) as they travel up to the analysis sites. As the solution reaches the analysis sites, an intense yellow color change occurs indicating the reaction of the thiol with DTNB to produce the yellow anion TNB2−. The sites are then dried, scanned, yielding a linear range of inverse yellow mean intensity versus substrate concentration. An IC50 value (1.74 nM) with a known inhibitor, neostigmine bromide (NB), is obtained on the device. The multiplex design enables triplicate data collection in a device that is easy to use. μTADs have great potential to be employed in a myriad of tests including point‐of‐care diagnostic devices for resource‐challenged settings.
Biochemical characterization, cloning and molecular modeling of a digestive lipase from red seabream (Pagrus major): Structural explanation of the interaction deficiency with colipase and lipidic interface
Authors: Smichi Nabil , Fendri Ahmed , Triki Soumaya , Arondel Vincent , Rebai Ahmed , Gargouri Youssef , Miled Nabil
Published: January 2017

Red seabream digestive lipase (RsDL) was purified from fresh pyloric caeca. Pure RsDL has an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa. The RsDL is more active on short‐chain triacylglycerols (TC4), and enzymatic activity decreases when medium (TC8) or long‐chain (olive oil) triacylglycerols were used as substrates. The specific activities of RsDL are very weak as compared to those obtained with classical pancreatic lipases. No colipase was detected in the red seabream pyloric caeca. Furthermore, the RsDL was not activated by a mammal colipase. Similar results were reported for annular seabream lipase. In order to explain structurally the discrepancies between sparidae and mammal lipases, genes encoding mature RsDL and five other lipases from sparidae fish species were cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic studies indicated the closest homology of sparidae lipases to bird pancreatic ones. Structural models were built for annular seabream and RsDL under their closed and open forms using mammal pancreatic lipases as templates. Several differences were noticed when analyzing the amino acids corresponding to those involved in HPL binding to colipase. This is likely to prevent interaction between the fish lipase and the mammalian colipase and may explain the fact that mammalian colipase is not effective in activating sparidae lipases. In addition, several hydrophobic residues, playing a key role in anchoring pancreatic lipase onto the lipid interface, are replaced by polar residues in fish lipases. This might explain the reason why the latter enzymes display weak activity levels when compared to mammalian pancreatic lipases.
Exergoeconomic analysis of a geothermal organic Rankine cycle power plant using the SPECO method
Authors: Ergun Alper , Ozkaymak Mehmet , Aksoy Koc Gonca , Ozkan Salih , Kaya Durmuş
Published: January 2017

In this study, exergy and exergoeconomic analyses were performed for a geothermal, Rankine cycle (Binary) power plant that generates 7.5 MW of power. The exergy analysis showed that the highest destruction of exergy, that is, about 3200 kW, occurred in the vaporizer. The losses were about 2670, 1700, 1035, 880, 421, 349, 306, and 33 kW in the turbine, recuperator, condenser, separator, organic fluid pump, production pump, preheater, and injection pump, respectively. The exergy efficiency of the system was calculated as 32.3% at the reference temperature of 25°C. The unit cost of the electricity produced in this plant is 7.96 $/Gj according to the exergoeconomic analysis that was made using the specific exergy cost (SPECO) method. It was determined that using low temperature sources is meaning significant. Thus, thermodynamic and thermoeconomic (exergoeconomic) analyses should be conducted in current plants to identify the inefficient equipment that is increasing costs. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 936–942, 2017
Single innervated segmented vastus lateralis for midfacial reanimation during radical parotidectomy
Authors: Chong Lauren S. H. , Eviston Timothy J. , Ashford Bruce , Ebrahami Ardalan , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Innervated free muscle transfer using the gracilis muscle or temporalis myoplasty has been successfully utilized for facial reanimation in chronic facial palsy. These techniques are less suited to immediate facial reconstruction in the setting of radical parotidectomy, in which the complexity of the defect, patient age, postoperative radiotherapy, and limited life expectancy pose particular challenges.

Methods

We present a novel description of the use of a chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and innervated vastus lateralis to achieve midface static suspension and dynamic reanimation in the setting of radical parotidectomy.

Results

The technique is described in detail along with a video demonstrating the early and medium‐term results in an example case.

Conclusion

Although outcomes using the vastus lateralis free flap for midface reanimation need to be objectively determined, the flap adds the potential of dynamic midface movement in patients undergoing radical parotidectomy who would otherwise not be afforded this opportunity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 602–604, 2017
Uterine Rupture Complicating Mid‐Trimester Abortion in a Young Woman of Low Parity
Authors: Hayashi Robert H. , Rothwell Richard O. , Weinberg Paul C.
Published: January 2017

Hayashi, R. H., Rothwell, R. O. & Weinberg, P. C. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78284, USA). Uterine rupture complicating mid‐trimester abortion in a young woman of low parity.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 229–232, 1975.

This is a case report of uterine fundal rupture in a young woman of low parity undergoing attemped hyperosmolar urea termination of pregnancy with high concentration oxytocin augmentation. The possible causes and cautions relating to this event are discussed.
Twins, Immuno‐Incompatibility and Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Starkie C. M. , Crawford J. Selwyn
Published: January 2017

Starkie, C. M. and Crawford, J. Selwyn (Birmingham Maternity Hospital, Birmingham). Twins, immuno‐incompatibility and pre‐eclampsia.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 559–560, 1976.

A survey of 417 twin pregnancies is reported. Examination of the data revealed no difference in the incidence of pre‐eclampsia referable to the zygosity of the twins. The findings thus lends no support to the hypothesis that immuno‐incompatibility contributes to the aetiology of pre‐eclampsia.
Progesterone Metabolism in Cultured Amniotic Fluid Cells
Authors: Beling Carl G. , Cederqvist Lars L.
Published: January 2017

Amniotic fluid cells obtained by amniocentesis at 16–20 weeks' gestation were grown in culture until a confluent monolayer of cell had been formed. Radiolabeled pregnenolone, progesterone and 20α‐dihydroprogesterone were added to the cell cultures; steroid metabolites which formed after 24 and 48 hours of incubation were identified. Incubation of the cell cultures with pregnenolone‐3H resulted in the formation of progesterone, 17α‐progesterone and 20α‐dihydroprogesterone. A significant amount of progesterone was identified after incubating the cell cultures with 20α‐dihydroprogesterone. The results indicate that 3β‐ol‐dehydrogenase, 17α‐hydroxylase and 20α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes are present in cultured amniotic fluid cells obtained at 16–20 weeks' gestation.
Experience with Minilaparotomy in the Philippines
Authors: Apelo Ruben , Ramos Rebecca , Pachauri Saroj , McCann Margaret F.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the socio‐demographic characteristics, medical histories, and clinical data on 651 women sterilized by interval minilaparotomy procedures in Manila, Philippines. About two thirds of the procedures were performed with local anesthesia; the Pomeroy technique was used for tubal ligation. In 2.8% of the patients, salpingectomy or fimbriectomy was performed on one side because of surgical difficulties and complications. Surgical difficulties were encountered in 19.8% of the procedures; adhesions (4.3%) and bowel interference (4.0%) were the most frequent causes of surgical difficulty. Complications occurred during surgery in 1.7% of the procedures. Early postoperative complications were noted in 9.1% of the cases. None of the patients required readmission to the hospital. While 612 women were followed up at 6 months, 299 were followed up at 12 months. One woman (0.2%) became pregnant after sterilization; at repeat minilaparotomy, ligation of the left round ligament rather than the tube was observed. Pelvic surgery, other than pregnancy‐related surgery, during the year following sterilization was reported for one patient who underwent exploratory laparotomy with appendectomy and oophorocystectomy. Menstrual pattern changes were minimal. The results of this study suggest that tubal ligation via minilaparotomy is practical, safe, and effective.
Some Demographic Aspects of Pregnancy Histories of Sterilized Women in the Mission Hospitals of Karnataka
Authors: Ramesh A. S.
Published: January 2017

This study deals with the pregnancy histories of 534 women who were sterilized in the Mission Hospitals in Karnataka State (India) during 1974 and 1975. Fertility differentials prevailing in various sociocultural groups are indicated. The study highlights the prevalence of adolescent sterility and also emphasizes the need for spacing pregnancies to avoid fetal wastage. The differentials in the sex ratio at each birth order are described. The need for further investigation in this field of demography is emphasized.
The Present and Future of Immunologic Approaches to Contraception
Authors: Talwar G. P.
Published: January 2017

A vaccine capable of causing active immunity against one or more key elements of conception would have several advantages over currently available methods of fertility regulation. It would be amenable to mass use, would require only periodic follow‐up, and would not require continuous user motivation. Although natural infertility attributable to immunologic factors has been amply documented, the natural mechanism has been only partially delineated. Consequently, researchers trying to develop a workable vaccine are taking various approaches. This report includes a discussion of autoimmune aspermatogenesis, anti‐zona pellucida, anti‐nonhormonal placenta‐specific protein vaccines, and immunization against female and/or early embryonic antigens, including current approaches to the development of an anti‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) vaccine. The potential advantages and disadvantages of the various immunologic methods are discussed, and the author concludes that although the problems associated with present methods of immunologic contraception are substantial they can be resolved.
Plasma Estradiol as a Predictor of Preterm Labor
Authors: TambyRaja R. L. , Lun K. C.
Published: January 2017

Studies have shown a rapid rise of plasma estradiol‐17β in the maternal circulation before the occurrence of preterm labor. We have attempted to perform a linear regression analysis of the data from normal pregnancies and to set up a 95% upper prediction limit for the normal range of the estradiol level for each week of gestation. The prediction limits were reasonably good, with only five (13%) false negatives. False negatives tend to occur only in late pregnancy.