bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle Image Velocimetry of a Swirling Fluidized Bed at Different Blade Angles
Authors: Sulaiman Shaharin A. , Miin Chin S. , Naz Muhammad Y. , Raghavan Vijay R.
Published: February 2016

The particle motion within a stable swirling operation regime of a fluidized bed is investigated. Particle image velocimetry was used to elaborate the hydrodynamics of multi‐sized particles fluidized at different air distributor blade angles. The experimental results revealed that the superficial velocity is the most prominent aspect affecting the hydrodynamics of a swirling fluidized bed (SFB) followed by the bed weight, particle shape, and blade inclination angle. Particles of different sizes and shapes fluidized well in the SFB which emphasizes its superiority over contemporary techniques. The slug‐wavy regime in the SFB is promising and has considerable potential, especially for diffusion‐controlled reactions and processes in the industry. The particle velocity increased with air flow rate at shallow bed height but decreased with bed weight.
NiS Nanorods as Cathode Materials for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries with Excellent Rate Capability and Cycling Stability
Authors: Long Peng , Xu Qiang , Peng Gang , Yao Xiayin , Xu Xiaoxiong
Published: February 2016

Rate capability and cycling stability are the great challenges of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries, owing to the low lithium ion transfer kinetics in solid materials and poor interfacial compatibility between electrodes and electrolytes. In this work, one‐dimensional nanostructured NiS and lithium metal are firstly employed in Li/70 % Li2S–29 % P2O5–1 % P2O5/Li10GeP2S12/NiS all‐solid‐state lithium batteries, exhibiting excellent rate capability and cycling stability. NiS nanorods, with a diameter of 20–50 nm and length of 2–3 μm, are prepared in a controllable manner by using a solvothermal method. Electrochemical performance measurements show that the reversible discharge capacities of NiS nanorod electrodes can be as high as 670, 401, and 299 mAh g−1 at the current densities of 100, 250, and 500 mA g−1, respectively. Also, it displays excellent cycling stability, showing reversible discharge capacities up to 338 and 243 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 250 and 500 mA g−1, respectively. The electrochemical reaction mechanism of the NiS nanorods in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries is revealed by combining cyclic voltammetry and ex situ XRD measurements in detail, showing a reversible conversion reaction that is almost identical with that in the traditional lithium‐ion batteries that utilize liquid electrolytes.
Nitrogen‐Doped Nanoporous Carbons through Direct Carbonization of a Metal‐Biomolecule Framework for Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Jianhui , Zhang Daliang , Dai Guanghui , Fang Qianrong , Qiu Shilun
Published: February 2016

Nitrogen‐doped nanoporous carbons have been successfully synthesized by direct carbonization of a nitrogen‐ rich metal‐biomolecule framework, zinc glutamate (Zn(H2O)(C5H7NO4)·H2O), as a template without any additional carbon or nitrogen sources. The surface area and pore size distribution of the resultant carbon materials were studied based on the carbonization temperature. These carbons exhibited high specific surface area (as high as 1619.2 m2·g−1 for ZGC‐1000). Furthermore, ZGC‐1000 also provided a large specific capacitance of 140.8 F·g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A·g−1 when measured in a three‐electrode system. It is believed that the presence of the nitrogen‐doped nanoporous carbons prepared from the metal‐organic frameworks will further facilitate the exploration of such materials as supercapacitors.
Nanogels as Contrast Agents for Molecular Imaging
Authors: Zhu Jianzhi , Sun Wenjie , Shi Xiangyang
Published: February 2016

Nanogels (NGs) as soft nanosized materials have gained a variety of interests in biomedical fields. The versatile NG scaffolds with 3‐dimensional spherical shape, high loading efficiency, tunable surface functionalization, and excellent biocompatibility afford their uses as carrier to load mono‐ or multi‐mode molecular imaging contrast agents (CAs). This review summarizes the synthesis routes and applications of NGs as CAs for molecular imaging applications including magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), radionuclide, optical, and dual/multi‐modality imaging.
A Red‐Emissive Sextuple Hydrogen‐Bonding Self‐Assembly Molecular Duplex Bearing Perylene Diimide Fluorophores for Warm‐White Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Application
Authors: Zeng Hui , Huang Qingyu , Liu Jingjing , Huang Yan , Zhou Jie , Zhao Suling , Lu Zhiyun
Published: February 2016

A novel sextuple hydrogen‐bonding (HB) self‐assembly molecular duplex bearing red‐emitting perylene diimide (PDI) fluorophores, namely PDIHB, was synthesized, and its molecular structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, TOF‐MS and 2D NMR. Compared with the small molecular reference compound PDI, PDIHB shows one time enhanced fluorescence efficiency in solid state (4.1% vs. 2.1%). More importantly, the presence of bulky HB oligoamide strands in PDIHB could trigger effective spatial separation between guest and host fluorophores in thin solid film state, hence inefficient energy transfer occurs between the blue‐emitting host 2TPhNIHB and red guest PDIHB in the 2 wt% guest/host blending film. As a result, a solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) with quite simple device structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/PVK (40 nm)/PDIHB (2 wt%): 2TPhNIHB (50 nm)/LiF (0.8 nm)/Al (100 nm) could emit bias‐independent warm‐white electroluminescence with stable Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.42, 0.33), and the maximum brightness and current efficiency of this device are 260 cd·m−2 and 0.49 cd·A−1, respectively. All these results indicated that HB self‐assembly supramolecular fluorophores could act as prospective materials for white OLED application.
One‐Pot Aqueous Synthesis of Highly Biocompatible Near Infrared CuInS2 Quantum Dots for Target Cell Imaging
Authors: Arshad Anila , Chen Hongli , Bai Xilin , Xu Suying , Wang Leyu
Published: February 2016

In this study, we report a novel and facile autoclave strategy for synthesis of near‐infrared (NIR) CuInS2 QDs by employing glutathione (GSH) as capping ligand and stabilizer in aqueous media under 100°C. Various experimental parameters including the ratio of precursors, reaction time, reaction temperature, pH effect and stability have been systematically studied. The QDs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The as‐synthesized NIR QDs exhibited low cytotoxicity and maintained excellent cell viability even up to 100 µg/mL. After bioconjugation with Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptide, the obtained CuInS2‐RGD QDs have demonstrated high targeting ability with good fluorescence cell imaging performance.
A Bulky Pyridinyl?uorene/Triphenylamine Hybrid Used as Host Material for Heavily‐Doped Blue Electrophosphorescent Devices
Authors: Zhao Xianghua , Wu Yukun , Zhou Li , Wu Nana , Tang Lin , Zhao Yi , Li Xiaosheng , Ding Dongxue , Xu Hui
Published: February 2016

In this work, a novel molecule pyridinyl?uorene/triphenylamine hybrid (TPyFTPA) with bulky steric hindrance effects has been synthesized successfully by substituting 9‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)‐fluoren‐9‐yl with triphenylamine (TPA) via Friedel‐Crafts reaction, which possesses good thermal stability and triplet energy (ET) of 420°C with 5% weight loss and 2.86 eV, respectively. Moreover, the bulky steric hindrance material shows high stable morphology by heating to 200°C without finding melting phenomena and crystallization that is demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve. The bulky pyridinyl?uorene end‐capped TPA has been used as host material for blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) with maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 2.7%, 3.7%, and 3.5%, at the doping ratios of 10%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The performances of TPyFTPA‐based blue PhOLEDs own wide concentration ranging from 10% to 40%, which indicates the bulky TPyFTPA might be a potential candidate for inexpensive products with simplifying process for the applications in full‐color display and solid state lighting.
A‐π‐D‐π‐A type Small Molecules Using Ethynylene Linkages for Organic Solar Cells with High Open‐circuit Voltages
Authors: Gao Ke , Xiao Liangang , Kan Yuanyuan , Li Lisheng , Yan Yajing , Huang Huadong , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong , Peng Xiaobin
Published: February 2016

Introducing ethynylene linkages in a conjugated molecule can deepen the HOMO level, decrease the steric constraints and better delocalize the π electrons and so on, which are beneficial for organic solar cells. Furthermore, the typical method of introducing acetylene linkages by Sonogashira reactions can avoid the usage of toxic stannyl intermediates and potentially dangerous lithiation reactions. In this study, two simple small molecules BEDPP and NEDPP are designed and synthesized, in which two diketopyrrolopyrrole units are symmetrically connected to benzene and naphthalene cores, respectively, via acetylene linkages. And the BHJ (Bulk Heterojunction) solar cells based on BEDPP and NEDPP without using solvent additive and without any post‐treatment for the active layers provide us power conversion efficiencies of 1.48% and 2.31% with remarkably high open circuit voltages up to 0.90 and 0.98 V, respectively.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil – Practical Options for Remediation
Authors: de Boer Jacob , Wagelmans Marlea
Published: February 2016

High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil are regularly reported worldwide, particularly in industrialized areas. Through traffic and industrial production PAH generation will further increase. Although better insights in bioavailability of PAHs have led to more balanced decisions on intervention, at many locations PAH concentrations will exceed intervention values and remediation of soil will be necessary, e.g. for allowing a sustainable agriculture. This review summarizes recent practical options for remediation of PAH‐contaminated soil, with their advantages and disadvantages. If time is available, phytoremediation, in combination with supporting techniques emerges as an environment‐friendly and cost‐effective technique that can be efficient at the same time, dependent of the degree and type of PAH pollution.
Spectroscopy of Single Dibenzoterrylene Molecules in para‐Dichlorobenzene
Authors: Verhart Nico R. , Müller Mathias , Orrit Michel
Published: February 2016

We study single dibenzoterrylene (DBT) molecules embedded in 1,4‐dichlorobenzene (para‐dichlorobenzene, pDCB) at 1.2 K. Due to the relatively low melting point of pDCB (53 °C), this host‐guest system can be easily prepared from the molten phase. Narrow linewidths, stable molecular lines and high saturation count rates of single DBT molecules were observed. For this reason, we consider this host‐guest system a promising candidate for the study of interactions of single molecules with other small objects such as waveguides or nanoparticles.
An examination of the role of autonomous versus controlled motivation in predicting inpatient treatment outcome for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Thaler Lea , Israel Mimi , Antunes Juliana Mazanek , Sarin Sabina , Zuroff David C. , Steiger Howard
Published: February 2016

Objective

We explored the effect of autonomous and controlled motivation on outcomes for patients undergoing inpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

Method

Data on 80 patients with AN were available for the start of treatment, and for 49 at end of treatment. Patients completed measures of autonomous and controlled motivation, eating disorder symptoms and attitudes, and comorbid psychopathology at the start and end of treatment.

Results

Patients showed significant improvements on eating symptoms and comorbid psychopathology over the course of treatment. Autonomous motivation was a significant predictor of change in severity of eating symptoms and attitudes such that patients with higher pre‐treatment levels of autonomous motivation showed larger post‐treatment reductions on these indices. No such effects were associated with controlled motivation.

Discussion

This study highlights a relationship between autonomous motivation and outcome in an inpatient setting. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:626–629)
Evolutionary evidence on suitability of SecD as a target for development of antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yan Shaomin , Wu Guang
Published: February 2016

Staphylococcus aureus causes many infections and its drug resistance is a worrying challenge for medical care. The SecD subunit of Sec secretion system in methicillin‐resistant S. aureus is an attractive target because SecD dysfunction leads to the death of bacteria and SecD as a target is more efficient than SecA and SecF. Evolution could have made SecD to become insensitive to antibacterial agents although the drugs directly against SecD have yet to develop. So far, no detailed information on SecD evolution has been available, thus 2686 SecD sequences with full taxonomic information from kingdom to species were analyzed. First, the variance of pairwise p‐distance was evaluated for each taxonomic group. Second, the variance was further partitioned into intergroup and intragroup variances for quantification of horizontal and vertical gene transfer. Third, phylogenetic tree was built to trace the evolutionary pathway. The results showed that overall evolution of SecDs appears to have undergone horizontal and vertical gene transfer. Only 0.5% horizontal transfers were found between any two SecDs in S. aureus, 6.8% and 8.8% horizontal transfers were found between any two Staphylococcus SecDs from different and the same species, and only one SecD from S. aureus was located far away from its sister cluster. Thus, statistic and evolutionary analyses demonstrate that the SecDs from staphylococcus species have a small chance of mutating, and provide taxonomic evidence to use the SecD as a potential target for new generation of antibacterial agents against S. aureus.
Chromosome numbers in three species groups of freshwater flatworms increase with increasing latitude
Authors: Lorch Sven , Zeuss Dirk , Brandl Roland , Brändle Martin
Published: February 2016

Polyploidy in combination with parthenogenesis offers advantages for plasticity and the evolution of a broad ecological tolerance of species. Therefore, a positive correlation between the level of ploidy and increasing latitude as a surrogate for environmental harshness has been suggested. Such a positive correlation is well documented for plants, but examples for animals are still rare. Species of flatworms (Platyhelminthes) are widely distributed, show a remarkably wide range of chromosome numbers, and offer therefore good model systems to study the geographical distribution of chromosome numbers. We analyzed published data on counts of chromosome numbers and geographical information of three flatworm “species” (Phagocata vitta,Polycelis felinaandCrenobia alpina) sampled across Europe (220 populations). We used the mean chromosome number across individuals of a population as a proxy for the level of ploidy within populations, and we tested for relationships of this variable with latitude, mode of reproduction (sexual, asexual or both) and environmental variables (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal temperature range, mean precipitation and net primary production). The mean chromosome numbers of all three species increased with latitude and decreased with mean annual temperature. For two species, chromosome number also decreased with mean precipitation and net primary production. Furthermore, high chromosome numbers within species were accompanied with a loss of sexual reproduction. The variation of chromosome numbers within individuals of two of the three species increased with latitude. Our results support the hypothesis that polyploid lineages are able to cope with harsh climatic conditions at high latitudes. Furthermore, we propose that asexual reproduction in populations with high levels of polyploidization stabilizes hybridization events. Chromosomal irregularities within individuals tend to become more frequent at the extreme environments of high latitudes, presumably because of mitotic errors and downsizing of the genome.
Genetic differentiation and connectivity of morphological types of the broadcast‐spawning coral Galaxea fascicularis in the Nansei Islands, Japan
Authors: Nakajima Yuichi , Zayasu Yuna , Shinzato Chuya , Satoh Noriyuki , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: February 2016

Population connectivity resulting from larval dispersal is essential for the maintenance or recovery of populations in marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Studies of species diversity and genetic connectivity within species are essential for the conservation of corals and coral reef ecosystems. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequence types and microsatellite genotypes of the broadcast‐spawning coral, Galaxea fascicularis, from four regions in the subtropical Nansei Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Two types (soft and hard types) of nematocyst morphology are known in G. fascicularis and are significantly correlated with the length of a mitochondrial DNA noncoding sequence (soft type: mt‐L; hard type: mt‐S type). Using microsatellites, significant genetic differentiation was detected between the mitochondrial DNA sequence types in all regions. We also found a third genetic cluster (mt‐L+), and this unexpected type may be a cryptic species of Galaxea. High clonal diversity was detected in both mt‐L and mt‐S types. Significant genetic differentiation, which was found among regions within a given type (FST = 0.009–0.024, all Ps ≤ 0.005 in mt‐L; 0.009–0.032, all Ps ≤ 0.01 in mt‐S), may result from the shorter larval development than in other broadcast‐spawning corals, such as the genus Acropora. Nevertheless, intraspecific genetic diversity and connectivity have been maintained, and with both sexual and asexual reproduction, this species appears to have a potential for the recovery of populations after disturbance.
Novel T‐cell epitopes on Schistosoma japonicum SjP40 protein and their preventive effect on allergic asthma in mice
Authors: Ren Jiling , Hu Lizhi , Yang Jing , Yang Liang , Gao Fei , Lu Ping , Fan Mengyu , Zhu Yunjuan , Liu Junyan , Chen Lingling , Gupta Shimpy , Yang Xi , Liu Peimei
Published: February 2016

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by Th2 cell immune responses. Currently, immunotherapies based on immune deviation are attractive, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for asthma. Many studies have shown that intracellular bacterial infections such as mycobacteria and their components can suppress asthmatic reactions by enhancing Th1 responses, while helminth infections and their proteins can inhibit allergic asthma via immune regulation. However, some helminth proteins such as SmP40, the major egg antigen of Schistosoma mansoni, are found as Th1 type antigens. Using a panel of overlapping peptides, we identified T‐cell epitopes on SjP40 protein of Schistosoma japonicum, which can induce Th1 cytokine and inhibit the production of Th2 cytokines and airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma. These results reveal a novel form of immune protective mechanism, which may play an important role in the modulating effect of helminth infection on allergic asthmatic reactions.
Microflora from leaf debris is suitable for treatment of starch industry wastewater
Authors: Neogi Shubhaneel , Dey Apurba , Chaterjee Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2016

Biological treatment of industrial waste is a widely practiced technique that generates comparatively less environmentally hazardous waste than other chemical treatment processes. Wet milling of maize generates huge amount of wastewater (5 m3/ton) of low pH with organic matter and nutrients. Anaerobic methanogenic and aerobic bacteria are mostly highly sensitive to low pH. The treatment of wastewater causes huge cost of chemical neutralization or hydraulic recirculation for maintaining neutral pH. In the present study, different microbial consortia isolated from cow dung, active sludge from an anaerobic reactor for treatment of industrial wastewater, and leaf debris from benthic soil were screened for tolerance against low pH and for potential of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in order to find out an alternative microbial population for industrial water treatment at low pH. The most effective consortia found from leaf debris were further investigated for optimal operation. The microscopic analysis of leaf debris sludge showed abundance of Gram‐negative methanococci, which was found tolerant to low pH in plate culture method. On further investigation for COD removal from starch industry effluent, they were found to be most effective at pH 5 with highest COD removal rate of 70% and lowest biomass generation of 81%. Hence, it was concluded that the low pH‐tolerant methanogen bacteria, enriched from leaf debris sludge, is highly beneficial for anaerobic treatment of wastewater from several industries including corn starch industry by reducing cost of operation for neutralization to neutral pH and through reducing excess waste sludge production by the treatment system.
Peptide bond‐forming reagents HOAt and HATU are not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation test
Authors: Nicolette John , Neft Robin E. , Vanosdol Jessica , Murray Joel
Published: February 2016

The peptide bond‐forming reagents 1‐hydroxy‐7‐azabenzotriazole (HOAt, CAS 39968‐33‐7) and O‐(7‐Azabenzotriazol‐1‐yl)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU, CAS 148893‐10‐1) either have structural alerts, unclassified features or are considered out of domain when evaluated for potential mutagenicity with in silico programs DEREK and CaseUltra. Since they are commonly used reagents in pharmaceutical drug syntheses, they may become drug substance or drug product impurities and would need to be either controlled to appropriately safe levels or tested for mutagenicity. Both reagents were tested in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test at Covance, under GLP conditions, following the OECD test guideline and ICH S2(R1) recommendations and found to be negative. Our data show that HOAt and HATU—common pharmaceutical synthesis reagents—are not mutagenic, and can be treated as ordinary drug impurities. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:236–240, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex Differences and Correlates of Pain in Patients with Comorbid Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Masheb Robin M. , White Marney A. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: February 2016

Sex differences and correlates of pain were examined in a sample of patients with comorbid binge eating disorder (BED) and obesity. One hundred fifty‐two treatment‐seeking patients with BED completed the Brief Pain Inventory. Analysis of covariance was utilized to compare women and men on pain, and correlational analysis, overall and by sex, was performed to examine relationships among pain, eating behaviour and metabolic risk factors. Women reported significantly greater pain severity and pain interference than men. Among women, eating behaviour and metabolic markers were not associated with pain. Among men, however, binge frequency was significantly associated with pain, as was high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting glucose. In sum, while women in this sample had more pain than men, the presence of pain in men was associated with increased behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Findings have clinical implications for the assessment of comorbid pain and obesity‐related health risks among individuals with BED. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Retrospective Correlates for Bulimia Nervosa: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia , Machado Barbara C. , Martins Carla , Hoek Hans W. , Machado Paulo P. P.
Published: February 2016

Objective

There have been few studies investigating the risk factors for bulimia nervosa (BN), and most have been in Anglo‐Saxon countries. This study aimed to (i) replicate the uncontested retrospective correlates for BN and clarify the role of factors with inconsistent findings and (ii) evaluate the strength of these factors in a different culture.

Method

A case–control design was used to compare 60 women who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for BN to 60 healthy controls and 60 participants with other psychiatric disorders. Retrospective correlates were assessed by interviewing each person with the Oxford Risk Factor Interview.

Results

The primary retrospective correlates identified from the comparison of BN participants to healthy controls were general high maternal expectations, negative attitudes about parental weight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Compared with participants with other psychiatric disorders, those with BN also reported higher rates of childhood obesity, deliberate self‐harm, family conflicts, general high maternal expectations and feeling fat in childhood.

Conclusions

The common findings across cultures suggest that, at least, individuals subjectively experience a number of similar factors that increase risk for developing BN. In addition, the difference regarding self‐harm is notable. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
High‐grade malignant transformation of a radiation‐naïve nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Allensworth Jordan J. , Troob Scott H. , Lanciault Christian , Andersen Peter E.
Published: February 2016

Background

Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are typically considered benign vascular neoplasms, with descriptions of high‐grade sarcomatous change found only in lesions with prior radiotherapy.

Methods and Results

We describe the first reported case of high‐grade malignant change in a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma naive to radiation. A 45‐year‐old man presented with left‐sided nasal congestion and fullness and was found to have a left‐sided nasopharyngeal mass with intracranial extension on CT scan. A biopsy of the mass revealed nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The patient opted for MRI surveillance, which revealed interval growth 3 years later. Decompression surgery revealed only angiofibroma, but resection 9 months later demonstrated high‐grade sarcoma and concomitant angiofibroma. The patient had residual disease which progressed through chemoradiation, and is now pursuing clinical trial enrollment.

Conclusion

Malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is extremely rare. As highlighted by this report, high‐grade undifferentiated lesions may arise in tumors without previous radiation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2425–E2427, 2016
Assessment of a hydrologic model's reliability in simulating flow regime alterations in a changing climate
Authors: Shrestha Rajesh R. , Schnorbus Markus A. , Peters Daniel L.
Published: February 2016

It is a common practice to employ hydrologic models for assessing present and future states of watersheds and assess the degree of alterations for a range of hydrologic indicators. Previous studies indicate that the hydrologic model may not be able to replicate some of the indicators of interest, which raises questions on the reliability of model simulated changes. Hence, we initiated a study to evaluate the replicability of the streamflow changes by employing the widely used variable infiltration capacity hydrologic model for sub‐basins and mainstem of the Fraser River Basin, Canada. Given that the hydrologic regime of the region is known to be influenced by teleconnections to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), we used hydrologic responses to the PDO and ENSO states as analogues for evaluating the model's ability to simulate climate‐induced changes. The results revealed that the qualitative patterns of response, such as lower flows for the warm PDO state compared to the cool state, and progressively higher flows for the warm, neutral and cool ENSO states, were generally well reproduced for most hydrologic indicators. Additionally, while the directions of change between the different PDO and ENSO states were mostly well replicated, the magnitude of change for some of the indicators showed considerable differences. Hence, replicability of both magnitude and direction of change need to be carefully examined before using the simulated indicators for assessing future hydrologic changes, and a reliable replication increases the confidence of projected changes. Copyright © 2016 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Hydrological Processes. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socioeconomic disparities in childhood cancer survival in Switzerland
Authors: Adam Martin , Rueegg Corina S. , Schmidlin Kurt , Spoerri Adrian , Niggli Felix , Grotzer Michael , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Egger Matthias , Probst‐Hensch Nicole , Zwahlen Marcel , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   and the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG) and the Swiss National Cohort Study (SNC)
Published: February 2016

In this study, we investigated whether childhood cancer survival in Switzerland is influenced by socioeconomic status (SES), and if disparities vary by type of cancer and definition of SES (parental education, living condition, area‐based SES). Using Cox proportional hazards models, we analyzed 5‐year cumulative mortality in all patients registered in the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry diagnosed 1991–2006 below 16 years. Information on SES was extracted from the Swiss census by probabilistic record linkage. The study included 1602 children (33% with leukemia, 20% with lymphoma, 22% with central nervous system (CNS) tumors); with an overall 5‐year survival of 77% (95%CI 75–79%). Higher SES, particularly parents' education, was associated with a lower 5‐year cumulative mortality. Results varied by type of cancer with no association for leukemia and particularly strong effects for CNS tumor patients, where mortality hazard ratios for the different SES indicators, comparing the highest with the lowest group, ranged from 0.48 (95%CI: 0.28–0.81) to 0.71 (95%CI: 0.44–1.15). We conclude that even in Switzerland with a high quality health care system and mandatory health insurance, socioeconomic differences in childhood cancer survival persist. Factors causing these survival differences have to be further explored, to facilitate universal access to optimal treatment and finally eliminate social inequalities in childhood cancer survival.
Nucleoside Analogues: Synthesis from Strained Rings
Authors: Racine Sophie , Vuilleumier Jérémy , Waser Jérôme
Published: February 2016

Nucleoside analogues are widely employed as bioactive compounds against cancer and viral infections. Consequently, it is important to develop efficient synthetic methods to access them with high efficiency and structural diversity. Herein, we present a full account of our work on the synthesis of nucleoside analogues via annulations of donor acceptor aminocyclopropanes and aminocyclobutanes. Thymine‐ and uracil‐derived diester cyclopropanes were accessed from the corresponding nucleobases via vinylation and rhodium‐catalyzed cyclopropanation, and were then used in (3+2) annulations with aldehydes, ketones and enol ethers. The obtained analogues could be transformed into important hydroxymethyl derivatives. Thymine and fluoro‐uracil‐derived diester cyclobutanes obtained from the nucleobases via vinylation and (2+2) cycloaddition could also be used in a (4+2) annulation with aldehydes. Finally, purine‐derived diester cyclopropanes could be accessed using the condensation of nucleobases with chloromethyl ethylidene malonates, but annulation reactions with this class of substrates were not successful.
Additive CHARMM force field for naturally occurring modified ribonucleotides
Authors: Xu You , Vanommeslaeghe Kenno , Aleksandrov Alexey , MacKerell Alexander D. , Nilsson Lennart
Published: February 2016

More than 100 naturally occurring modified nucleotides have been found in RNA molecules, in particular in tRNAs. We have determined molecular mechanics force field parameters compatible with the CHARMM36 all‐atom additive force field for all these modifications using the CHARMM force field parametrization strategy. Emphasis was placed on fine tuning of the partial atomic charges and torsion angle parameters. Quantum mechanics calculations on model compounds provided the initial set of target data, and extensive molecular dynamics simulations of nucleotides and oligonucleotides in aqueous solutions were used for further refinement against experimental data. The presented parameters will allow for computational studies of a wide range of RNAs containing modified nucleotides, including the ribosome and transfer RNAs. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of protocadherin gamma in skeletal muscle tissue is associated with age and muscle weakness
Authors: Hangelbroek Roland W. J. , Fazelzadeh Parastoo , Tieland Michael , Boekschoten Mark V. , Hooiveld Guido J. E. J. , van Duynhoven John P. M. , Timmons James A. , Verdijk Lex B. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Müller Michael
Published: February 2016

Background

The skeletal muscle system plays an important role in the independence of older adults. In this study we examine differences in the skeletal muscle transcriptome between healthy young and older subjects and (pre‐)frail older adults. Additionally, we examine the effect of resistance‐type exercise training on the muscle transcriptome in healthy older subjects and (pre‐)frail older adults.

Methods

Baseline transcriptome profiles were measured in muscle biopsies collected from 53 young, 73 healthy older subjects, and 61 frail older subjects. Follow‐up samples from these frail older subjects (31 samples) and healthy older subjects (41 samples) were collected after 6 months of progressive resistance‐type exercise training. Frail older subjects trained twice per week and the healthy older subjects trained three times per week.

Results

At baseline genes related to mitochondrial function and energy metabolism were differentially expressed between older and young subjects, as well as between healthy and frail older subjects. Three hundred seven genes were differentially expressed after training in both groups. Training affected expression levels of genes related to extracellular matrix, glucose metabolism ,and vascularization. Expression of genes that were modulated by exercise training was indicative of muscle strength at baseline. Genes that strongly correlated with strength belonged to the protocadherin gamma gene cluster (r = −0.73).

Conclusions

Our data suggest significant remaining plasticity of ageing skeletal muscle to adapt to resistance‐type exercise training. Some age‐related changes in skeletal muscle gene expression appear to be partially reversed by prolonged resistance‐type exercise training. The protocadherin gamma gene cluster may be related to muscle denervation and re‐innervation in ageing muscle.
Direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of specific biomarkers of human sweat in melted snow
Authors: Dallo Federico , Battistel Dario , Piazza Rossano , Gabrieli Jacopo , Filippi Jean‐Jacques , Baldovini Nicolas , Barbante Carlo
Published: February 2016

To provide a reliable tool for investigating diffusion processes of the specific components of the human odor 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol through the snowpack, we developed and optimized an analytical method based on direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction was performed using polyacrylate fibers placed in aqueous solutions containing 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol. After optimization, absorption times of 120 min provided a good balance to shorten the analysis time and to obtain suitable amounts of extractable analytes. The extraction efficiency was improved by increasing the ionic strength of the solution. Although the absolute extraction efficiency ranged between 10 and 12% for 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 2–3% for 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol, this method was suitable for analyzing 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol concentrations of at least 0.04 and 0.20 ng/mL, respectively. The precision of the direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction method ranged between 8 and 16%. The variability within a batch of six fibers was 10–18%. The accuracy of the method provided values of 88–95 and 86–101% for 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol, respectively. The limit of detection (and quantification) was 0.01 ng/mL (0.04 ng/mL) for 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid and 0.06 ng/mL (0.20 ng/mL) for 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol. The signal versus concentration was linear for both compounds (r2 = 0.973–0.979). The stability of these two compounds showed that 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylhexanoic acid was more stable in water than 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol. We applied the method to environmental samples in correspondence with an olfactory target buried previously.
Preparation of a novel sorptive stir bar based on vinylpyrrolidone‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monolithic polymer for the simultaneous extraction of diazepam and nordazepam from human plasma
Authors: Torabizadeh Mahsa , Talebpour Zahra , Adib Nuoshin , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: February 2016

A new monolithic coating based on vinylpyrrolidone‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate polymer was introduced for stir bar sorptive extraction. The polymerization step was performed using different contents of monomer, cross‐linker and porogenic solvent, and the best formulation was selected. The quality of the prepared vinylpyrrolidone‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate stir bars was satisfactory, demonstrating good repeatability within batch (relative standard deviation < 3.5%) and acceptable reproducibility between batches (relative standard deviation < 6.0%). The prepared stir bar was utilized in combination with ultrasound‐assisted liquid desorption, followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection for the simultaneous determination of diazepam and nordazepam in human plasma samples. To optimize the extraction step, a three‐level, four‐factor, three‐block Box–Behnken design was applied. Under the optimum conditions, the analytical performance of the proposed method displayed excellent linear dynamic ranges for diazepam (36–1200 ng/mL) and nordazepam (25–1200 ng/mL), with correlation coefficients of 0.9986 and 0.9968 and detection limits of 12 and 10 ng/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and interday recovery ranged from 93 to 106%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 6%. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of diazepam and nordazepam at their therapeutic levels in human plasma. The novelty of this study is the improved polarity of the stir bar coating and its application for the simultaneous extraction of diazepam and its active metabolite, nordazepam in human plasma sample. The method was more rapid than previously reported stir bar sorptive extraction techniques based on monolithic coatings, and exhibited lower detection limits in comparison with similar methods for the determination of diazepam and nordazepam in biological fluids.
Standardized letters of recommendation and successful match into otolaryngology
Authors: Kimple Adam J. , McClurg Stanley W. , Del Signore Anthony G. , Tomoum Mohamed O. , Lin Feng‐Chang , Senior Brent A.
Published: February 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Historically, narrative letters of recommendation have been utilized in the selection of applicants for otolaryngology residency programs. In the last two application cycles, our specialty adopted a standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR). The intent was to decrease time burden for letter writers and to provide readers with an objective evaluation of applicants. The objective of this study was to determine attributes in the SLOR that correlate with matching into a residency program.

Study Design

We performed a retrospective study using SLOR, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 scores, and matched outcomes of applicants who applied to our institution for the 2013 and 2014 match cycle.

Methods

We included the following variables from the SLOR in the statistical analysis to determine which ones were associated with matching: patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, procedural skills, research, initiative and drive, commitment to otolaryngology, commitment to academic medicine, match potential, and USMLE1 scores.

Results

We identified 532 applicants and 963 SLOR. In successful applicants, scores for patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, initiative and drive, and match potential were statistically higher (P < 0.05). Scores for professionalism, procedural skills, research, commitment to otolaryngology, commitment to academic medicine, and USMLE step 1 scores were not higher among successfully matched applicants.

Conclusion

Although SLOR can save time for letter writers and provide an objective description of applicants, the utility of individual domains within the SLOR is questionable. Additionally, it is concerning that applicants' professionalism and procedural skills are not correlated with matching in our specialty.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1071–1076, 2016
A classification of isometry groups of homogeneous 3‐manifolds
Authors: Konstantis Panagiotis , Loose Frank
Published: February 2016

We classify pairs where M is a 3‐dimensional simply connected smooth manifold and G a Lie group acting on M transitively, effectively with compact isotropy group.
Quantitative assessment of the effects of water proton concentration and water T1 changes on amide proton transfer (APT) and nuclear overhauser enhancement (NOE) MRI: The origin of the APT imaging signal in brain tumor
Authors: Lee Dong‐Hoon , Heo Hye‐Young , Zhang Kai , Zhang Yi , Jiang Shanshan , Zhao Xuna , Zhou Jinyuan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To quantify pure chemical exchange–dependent saturation transfer (CEST) related amide proton transfer (APT) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) signals in a rat glioma model and to investigate the mixed effects of water content and water T1 on APT and NOE imaging signals.

Methods

Eleven U87 tumor‐bearing rats were scanned at 4.7 T. A relatively accurate mathematical approach, based on extrapolated semisolid magnetization‐transfer reference signals, was used to remove the concurrent effects of direct water saturation and semisolid magnetization‐transfer. Pure APT and NOE signals, in addition to the commonly used magnetization‐transfer‐ratio asymmetry at 3.5 ppm, MTRasym(3.5ppm), were assessed.

Results

The measured APT signal intensity of the tumor (11.06%, much larger than the value reported in the literature) was the major contributor (approximately 80.6%) to the MTRasym(3.5ppm) contrast between the tumor and the contralateral brain region. Both the water content ([water proton]) and water T1 (T1w) were increased in the tumor, but there were no significant correlations among APT, NOE, or MTRasym(3.5ppm) signals and T1w/[water proton].

Conclusion

The effect of increasing T1w on the CEST signal in the tumor was mostly eliminated by the effect of increasing water content, and the observed APT‐weighted hyperintensity in the tumor should be dominated by the increased amide proton concentration. Magn Reson Med 77:855–863, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Quantifying disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using peripheral nerve sonography
Authors: Schreiber Stefanie , Dannhardt‐Stieger Verena , Henkel Dorothea , Debska‐Vielhaber Grazyna , Machts Judith , Abdulla Susanne , Kropf Siegfried , Kollewe Katja , Petri Susanne , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Dengler Reinhard , Nestor Peter J. , Vielhaber Stefan
Published: February 2016

Introduction: In this study we investigated whether peripheral nerve sonography could be used as a biomarker to monitor disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: In 37 patients, ulnar and median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) was determined in at least 2 ultrasound sessions; mean follow‐up was 14.5 months. Linear mixed‐effects models were conducted to analyze time effects on CSA. Results: Ulnar nerve CSA declined significantly at a monthly rate of –0.04 mm2 (forearm) and –0.05 mm2 (wrist); the decrease was more pronounced when baseline CSA was greater. To detect a 50% treatment effect on ulnar nerve CSA, 332 patients would need to be entered in a hypothetical randomized, controlled clinical trial. Time had no significant impact on median nerve CSA. Conclusions: Distal ulnar nerve ultrasound may be a useful biomarker to monitor disease progression in ALS, especially as hypothetical treatment effects on CSA seem to be detectable in manageable cohort sizes. Muscle Nerve 54: 391–397, 2016
Effect of gamma irradiation on the properties of natural rubber latex and styrene‐butadiene rubber latex nanocomposites
Authors: Youssef Hussein A. , Abdel‐Monem Yasser K. , Diab Walaa W.
Published: February 2016

Natural rubber (NR)/clay and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by mixing with aqueous sodium montmorillonite (Na+‐MMT) clay dispersion by different concentrations of Na+‐MMT ranging from 2 to 10 phr. These nanocomposites were irradiated with gamma radiation at doses from 10 to 100 kGy. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated well dispersion of rubber latex into clay stacked layers and the platelets have a preferential orientation forming exfoliated NR/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites while SBR/Na+‐MMT form intercalated nanocomposites. Irradiation overall irradiation dose range together with clay loading improve the mechanical properties of rubber/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites. However, SBR nanocomposite attains its higher value at 50 kGy, then decrease. Also, the thermal stability at 50 kGy is higher than 100 kGy. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E189–E198, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prenatal reflex DNA screening for Down syndrome: enhancing the screening performance of the initial first trimester test
Authors: Wald Nicholas J. , Bestwick Jonathan P.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To estimate the effect of adding three biochemical markers (alphafetoprotein, inhibin‐A, and placental growth factor) and two ultrasound markers (ductus venosus pulsatility index and nasal bone examination) to enhance the initial Combined test in prenatal reflex DNA screening for Down syndrome.

Methods

Published data were used to estimate screening performance [detection rates (DRs) and false‐positive rates (FPRs)] of reflex DNA screening according to the additional markers used, the proportion of women with the highest initial test risks reflexed to DNA testing and the gestational age at the time of blood collection.

Results

If 10% of women are reflexed, the addition of the three biochemical markers to the Combined test increases the DR from 90.8% to 92.3% (FPR 0.025% to 0.027%) with markers measured at 11 completed weeks' gestation. With markers measured at 13 completed weeks' gestation the DR increases from 87.7% to 95.2% (FPRs both 0.027%). The further addition of the two ultrasound markers increases the DR to 96.8% and 97.5% at 11 and 13 weeks' respectively (FPR to 0.024% and 0.022% respectively).

Conclusion

Adding the specified markers to the Combined test can maintain or improve screening performance with a lower proportion of women reflexed. Our results can be used to determine the most cost‐effective reflex DNA screening policy. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.