bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Clinical Certainty Ratings Helpful in the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Gupta Harsh V. , Mehta Shyamal H. , Zhang Nan , Hentz Joseph G. , Shill Holly A. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Belden Christine M. , Dugger Brittany N. , Beach Thomas G. , Serrano Geidy E. , Sue Lucia I. , Davis Kathryn , Adler Charles H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Clinical diagnostic criteria for PD rely on rest tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. These features are non‐specific and neuropathological confirmation remains the gold standard for diagnosis. This study presents data on clinical certainty ratings in autopsy‐proven PD.

Methods

Subjects were assessed annually by a movement disorders specialist and assigned to a clinical certainty group for PD based on multiple clinical features before autopsy. The three groups considered for analysis are as follows: Group I 0–49% certainty, Group II 50‐89% certainty, and Group III 90–100% certainty. All subjects were autopsied and had a standardized neuropathological assessment.

Results

275 subjects were assigned a PD certainty at their last visit before death. Group I had 80 subjects, Group II 56 subjects, and Group III 139 subjects. The clinical features recorded in Group I, II, and III, were as follows: rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, asymmetric onset, persistent asymmetry, current response to dopaminergic treatment, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesia. Rigidity, postural instability, asymmetric onset, current response to dopaminergic treatment, motor fluctuation, and dyskinesia were more likely to be present in the group which was rated with higher certainty. The final diagnosis of PD was confirmed by neuropathological assessment in 85% of the patients in Group III as compared to 30% in Group II and 5% in Group I.

Conclusions

High certainty (90–100%) had strong positive predictive value (85%) for autopsy‐proven PD as compared to either lower certainty groups (0–49% and 50–89%) which had lower predictive value (5% and 30% respectively).
Nigrosome Imaging and Neuromelanin Sensitive MRI in Diagnostic Evaluation of Parkinsonism
Authors: Pavese Nicola , Tai Yen F.
Published: January 2018

Background

Recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have offered new research opportunities to visualize in vivo substantia nigra pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD). This paper summarizes the main findings of nigrosome imaging and neuromelanin sensitive MRI studies in patients with PD and other parkinsonisms.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched from 2005 to 2017 using the following keywords: Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism, in combination with MRI, nigrosome, neuromelanin, and iron. Only publications in English were included.

Results

Nigrosome or dorsal nigral hyperintensity abnormalities are studied using T2* and susceptibility weighted imaging MRI sequences in most studies, whereas Neuromelanin imaging is usually performed using T1‐weighted fast spin echo sequence. Nigrosome abnormalities have been consistently demonstrated in PD patients, and nigrosome imaging has high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing PD from healthy controls, though it is unable to reliably separate PD from atypical parkinsonisms. Reduced neuromelanin‐related signals and/or volume loss in neuromelanin containing structures have been found in PD patients, and neuromelanin sensitive MRI imaging can also discriminate PD patients from healthy controls with high accuracy, though there is a degree of heterogeneity in the imaging findings. Preliminary findings suggested that longitudinal change of neuromelanin signal could be detected in PD, raising the possibility of using it as a marker of disease progression.

Conclusion

Nigrosome imaging and neuromelanin sensitive MRI are promising tools to study nigral pathology and to improve the diagnosis of PD. However, further studies are required to standardize analysis approaches, confirm longitudinal changes, and assess their generalizability.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides as Promising Antivirals
Authors: Morozov Vasily , Hansman Grant , Hanisch Franz‐Georg , Schroten Horst , Kunz Clemens
Published: January 2018

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are diverse unconjugated carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human breast milk. These glycans are investigated in the context of exhibiting multiple functions in infant growth and development. They seem to provide protection against infectious diseases, including a number of poorly manageable viral infections. Although the potential mechanism of the HMO antiviral protection is rather broad, much of the current experimental work has focused on studying of HMO antiadhesive properties. HMOs may mimic structures of viral receptors and block adherence to target cells, thus preventing infection. Still, the potential of HMOs as a source for new antiviral drugs is relatively unexploited. This can be partly attributed to the extreme complexity of the virus‐carbohydrate interactions and technical difficulties in HMO isolation, characterization, and manufacturing procedures. Fortunately, we are currently entering a period of major technological advances that have enabled deeper insights into carbohydrate mediated viral entry, rational selection of HMOs as anti‐entry inhibitors, and even evaluation of individual synthetic HMO structures. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date review on glycan binding studies for rotaviruses, noroviruses, influenza viruses, and human immunodeficiency viruses. We also discuss the preventive and therapeutic potential of HMOs as anti‐entry inhibitors and address challenges on the route from fundamental studies to clinical trials.
Pathways to sector selection: A conceptual framework for social enterprises
Authors: Addae Angela E.
Published: January 2018

As hybrid organizations with financial and social objectives, social enterprises must balance competing logics for governance, stakeholders, and outcomes when considering organizational design and structure. The existing legal landscape for organizations exacerbates this dilemma by forcing social enterprises to incorporate as either a nonprofit or for‐profit organization. This research examines the entity formation process for social enterprises by presenting sector choice as an interaction among four factors: equity financing, organizational lineage, human capital, and funding environment. Using a qualitative comparative case analysis, this research demonstrates that contingent factors drive sector choice when legal incentives and institutional pressures are unclear. For those choosing nonprofit forms, the status of the parent organization—the organizational lineage—is determinative. For those operating in the for‐profit context, human capital is predictive. The resulting conceptual framework contributes to existing organizational theory on hybrid organizations by presenting the sector selection process as independent of the motives or legal incentives typically associated with sector choice. This research concludes with a discussion on the advantages of delaying the formal sector declaration process.
Metabolomics Study of Cultivated Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae at Different Growth Stages using UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS Coupled with Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Geng Zhao , Liu YiFei , Gou Yan , Zhou QinMei , He ChengJun , Guo Li , Zhou Juan , Xiong Liang
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae (known as Chuān bèi mǔ in China, BFC) contain fritillaria steroidal alkaloids as the bioactive ingredients and are widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cough and phlegm. Due to limited wild resources, the cultivated species are becoming predominantly used in Chinese traditional medicine markets.

Objective

To assess the impact of different growth stages on the alkaloids of cultivated BFC and establish a reference for quality control and guidance for appropriate harvesting practices.

Methods

The ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS) metabolomic strategy was applied to determine potential chemical markers for the discrimination and quality control of cultivated BFC in different growth stages. The molecular feature extraction and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to alkaloid extraction and full metabolomic profiling of cultivated BFC for classification and marker compound characterisation.

Result

This approach allowed the establishment of a fast and efficient comparative multivariate analysis of the metabolite composition of 42 samples covering growth of cultivated BFC ranging in age from one to seven years old. Four alkaloid compounds were identified in cultivated BFC based on accurate mass, retention time, and MS/MS fragments. These compounds may be used as potential chemical markers for the classification and discrimination of cultivated BFC samples indifferent growth stages.

Conclusions

The proposed analytical method in combination with multivariate statistical analysis comprised a useful and powerful strategy to explore the chemical ingredients and transforming mechanisms of cultivated BFC and for quality evaluation and control. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐linking of Hydroxyl‐terminated Polyols with Triethyleneglycol Diglycidyl Ether: An Alternative to Toxic Isocyanates
Authors: Dossi Eleftheria , Akhavan Jacqueline , Gaulter Sally E. , Williams Richard G. , Doe William J.
Published: January 2018

Isocyanates are highly reactive and toxic substances with severe health effects. Certain diisocyanates are restricted under REACH – The European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Triethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether (TEGDGE) was used as an alternative to toxic isocyanates for the cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated pre‐polymers at 70 °C. The effect of three curing accelerators was determined while following the reaction kinetics by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Polybutadiene (Poly BD R45HT‐LO) and acrylic ester (HyTemp 4454) successfully cross‐linked in 7–10 days to produce thermally stable networks with low glass transition temperatures, as observed by DSC. Pre‐aging the polybutadiene resin promoted cross‐linking with TEGDGE. Four energetic compositions were then prepared using cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and pentaerythritoltetranitrate (PETN) as fillers, and polybutadiene (Poly BD R45HT‐LO) and acrylic ester (HyTemp 4454) as binders. Both binders successfully cross‐linked with TEGDGE in the presence of RDX and PETN, but only PETN was found to be chemically compatible with the cross‐linked polymers. These results show that TEGDGE is suitable as a replacement for toxic isocyanates for the cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated polyols.
Wavelength‐Stabilized High‐Pulse‐Power Laser Diodes for Automotive LiDAR
Authors: Knigge Andrea , Klehr Andreas , Wenzel Hans , Zeghuzi Anissa , Fricke Jörg , Maaßdorf Andre , Liero Armin , Tränkle Günther
Published: January 2018

For automotive light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems diode lasers emitting short optical pulses with a good beam quality and a low wavelength shift over a wide operating temperature range is needed. In this paper, theoretical and experimental results of broad area laser diodes specially designed for this application are presented. Optical pulse powers of tens of watts and pulse lengths in the 10 ns‐range for wavelengths near 905 nm and environmental temperatures between 15 and 85 °C are achieved. Due to the integrated Bragg grating the wavelength shift with temperature is as low as 65 pm K−1. The contact mesa with a width of 50 μm leads to a lateral M2 value of about 9. Streak camera measurements of the temporal evolution of the lateral near field intensity reveal that the highest intensity is emitted near the mesa edges. Simulation results of power current characteristics indicate that the power saturation experimentally observed can be attributed to nonlinear effects such as two‐photon‐absorption and gain compression.
Effects of Ga Supply on the Growth of (11‐22) AlN on m‐Plane (10‐10) Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Jo Masafumi , Hirayama Hideki
Published: January 2018

Flat and high‐quality semipolar AlN layers are crucial to realizing polarization‐reduced deep‐UV optical devices. We investigate the effects of Ga supply during the growth of semipolar AlN on m‐plane sapphire with the aim to produce better surface morphology. Incorporation of Ga into AlN is negligibly small at high‐temperature growth. The surface roughness significantly decreased with increasing the TMGa flow at a constant V/III ratio.
Heteroepitaxy of Highly Oriented GaN Films on Non‐Single Crystal Substrates Using a Si(111) Template Layer Formed by Aluminum‐Induced Crystallization
Authors: Hainey Mel F. , Al Balushi Zakaria Y. , Wang Ke , Martin Nathan C. , Bansal Anushka , Chubarov Mikhail , Redwing Joan M.
Published: January 2018

Growth of epitaxial III‐nitride (AlGaInN) films has long been confined to single crystal substrates which are crystallographically compatible with the hexagonal GaN (0001) surface. However, for lighting, display, and power electronics applications, growth on amorphous substrates such as fused quartz glass or on polycrystalline diamond is desirable. Several approaches to produce c‐plane oriented, textured GaN films on glass have been previously demonstrated, but are process‐intensive and limited in scalability. In this report, we demonstrate the heteroepitaxial growth of textured GaN films on fused quartz and other substrates using thin silicon film templates fabricated by aluminum‐induced crystallization (AIC). The AIC‐Si films have a uniform (>95%) Si (111) oriented surface, enabling well‐developed GaN‐on‐Si epitaxial growth processes to be adapted to new substrates. GaN films grown on fused quartz using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) have uniformly c‐axis oriented grains, ≈40–50 μm in size, with random in‐plane orientations similar to those of the underlying AIC‐Si template layer. Threading dislocation densities of 8.5 ± 1.8 × 109 cm−2 within regions bounded by grain boundaries are comparable to GaN films grown on single crystal Si (111) substrates. Finally, highly oriented GaN growth on AIC‐Si is also achieved on both oxidized Si (001) substrates and polycrystalline diamond, demonstrating the general applicability of this approach.
A desirability function method for optimizing mean and variability of multiple responses using a posterior preference articulation approach
Authors: Lee Dong‐Hee , Jeong In‐Jun , Kim Kwang‐Jae
Published: January 2018

A desirability function approach has been widely used in multi‐response optimization due to its simplicity. Most of the existing desirability function‐based methods assume that the variability of the response variables is stable; thus, they focus mainly on the optimization of the mean of multiple responses. However, this stable variability assumption often does not apply in practical situations; thus, the quality of the product or process can be severely degraded due to the high variability of multiple responses. In this regard, we propose a new desirability function method to simultaneously optimize both the mean and variability of multiple responses. In particular, the proposed method uses a posterior preference articulation approach, which has an advantage in investigating tradeoffs between the mean and variability of multiple responses. It is expected that process engineers can use this method to better understand the tradeoffs, thereby obtaining a satisfactory compromise solution.
Inter‐ and intra‐operator reliability in patient‐specific template positioning for total hip arthroplasty. A cadaver study
Authors: Krämer Manuel , Kahrs Lüder A. , Friese Karl‐Ingo , von Falck Christian , Hurschler Christof
Published: January 2018

Background

The implantation of the acetabular cup essentially determines the clinical outcome of total hip arthroplasty. To address this issue, the aim of this study was to build patient‐specific instruments (PSIs) with various reference surfaces, followed by in vitro investigations to examine the inter‐ and intra‐operator reliability as well as the overall precision of these patient‐specific templates.

Methods

Seven human hemi‐pelvis specimens were used for this study. After a CT scan, PSIs with different imprint heights were created. The overall precision of the templates and the inter‐ and intra‐operator reliabilities were calculated.

Results

Strong differences in precision between the PSI designs could be observed. The desired orientation of the acetabular cup could be adjusted with a precision of up to 1.55°.

Conclusion

Based on our results, we believe that the application of the PSI‐based acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty procedures can potentially increase the precision of cup placement.
Ultrasound‐guided laparotomic oocyte retrieval during surgery for fertility preservation in a case of tumor recurrence after a unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Katagiri Yukiko , Fukuda Yusuke , Kugimiya Tsuyoki , Nagao Koichi , Morita Mineto
Published: January 2018

Case

A 28 year old unmarried woman underwent a unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and was suspected of having a malignant tumor in the remaining ovary. After consultation with the patient and her family, it was decided to cryopreserve the unfertilized oocytes. In order to reduce the risk of puncturing or rupturing the tumor when performing the oocyte retrieval from the ovary that was affected by the malignant tumor, it was chosen to use direct laparotomic oocyte retrieval during surgery, instead of conventional transvaginal retrieval. In order to further reduce the risk of tumor rupture, an ultrasound was used in the laparotomy field to precisely puncture only the follicle and thus avoid the tumor. A total of 11 oocytes was retrieved and 10 of them were cryopreserved in the MII phase.

Outcome

By using an ultrasound at the same time as the oocyte retrieval, it was possible to avoid the ovarian tumor site. Furthermore, by checking and puncturing the follicles, it became possible to retrieve oocytes from the healthy parts of the ovary with greater precision. The combined use of an ultrasound with oocyte retrieval can be considered to be an effective method because it can be performed relatively easily.

Conclusion

The authors believe that not only macroscopic, but also ultrasonic, methods are useful to reduce the risk of tumor rupture.
Heteroatom Engineering and Co–Doping of N and P to Porous Carbon Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reactions in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Srinu Akula , Peera Shaik Gouse , Parthiban Velayutham , Bhuvaneshwari Balasubramaniam , Sahu Akhila Kumar
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the synthesis of low cost electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) through heteroatom engineering and simultaneous co‐doping of N and P. The co‐doping of N and P to coffee carbon (N−P/CC) brings maximum defect sites in the catalyst which are favourable for ORR in relation to the individual heteroatom doped catalyst. Microscopic analysis confirms that N−P co‐doped coffee carbon (N−P/CC) undergoes slight structural changes by altering its porosity as well as surface area. Electrochemical studies confirm that, N−P/CC has superior catalytic activity with no effect to CO which makes it highly desirable as a metal‐free electrocatalyst for ORR. The developed catalyst is subjected to 10,000 repeated potential cycles in alkaline media and is found only ∼30 mV loss in its E1/2 potential, while the drop in E1/2 is about ∼180 mV from its original value even after 1000 potential cycles for the commercial Pt/C catalyst. XPS analysis for N−P/CC shows the presence of active pyridinic‐N, graphitic‐N species and active P−C and P−O bonds. Co‐existence of all these species induces maximum polarization of C−C bonds in the carbon matrix and synergistically enhances the ORR behaviour in alkaline medium.
Structure and Electronic Properties of the Double‐Wall Nanotubes Constructed from SiO2 Nanotubes Encapsulatedinside Armchair Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Qiao Weiye , Bai Hongcun , Li Min , Yang Liqin , Wang Caijun
Published: January 2018

In this paper, structures, stabilities, elastic and electronic properties of the double‐wall nanotubes made of SiO2 nanotube filled inside armchair carbon nanotube are studied theoretically using self‐consistent field crystal orbital method based on density functional theory. It is found that the composite systems are thermodynamically stable when inter‐wall distance falls within the area of the van der Waals effect at least in some directions. All of the double‐wall nanotubes have the same conductive property as the pristine single‐walled carbon nanotubes, as can be seen from graphs of band energy and density of states. Using the deformation potential theory and effective mass approximation, the mobilities of charge carriers of these combined systems are calculated to be in the range of 7.370×102−2.453×103 cm2 V−1 s−1, larger than those of the corresponding armchair carbon nanotubes. Also Young's moduli for the combined systems are calculated.
Base‐Promoted Heterogeneous Reusable Copper Fluorapatite (CuFAP) Catalyzed Facile Synthesis of 1,2‐Diarylethanols via C(sp3)‐H Functionalization of Nitrotoluene
Authors: Shaikh Taufeekaslam M. Y. , Mulla Shafeek A. R.
Published: January 2018

A novel, an efficient protocol has been developed for the facile synthesis of various 1,2‐diarylethanol in good to excellent yields via C(sp3)‐H functionalization of various nitrotoluenes with substituted aromatic, heterocyclic aldehydes/isatin. This is the first example in which base promoted heterogeneous, reusable copper fluorapatite (CuFAP) catalyzed C(sp3)‐H functionalization of various nitrotoluenes was achieved under ligand‐, additive‐ free reaction condition. The developed protocol is an environmentally benign approach, which replaces cumbersome protocols, avoids the use of costly precious metal catalysts, prefunctionalized substrates, and toxic reagents. The heterogeneous CuFAP catalyst was recovered by simple filtration and reused several times without the loss of its catalytic activity. The selective functional group transformation of 1,2‐diaryethanol was accomplished.
Carbon Dot based Fluorescence sensor for Retinoic acid
Authors: Majumdar Sristi , Bhattacharjee Tuhin , Thakur Debajit , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: January 2018

In this work chitosan carbon dot (chiCD) based fluorescence sensor was developed which can selectively detect Retinoic acid (RA). The CDs were prepared from chitosan hydrogel and further conjugated with NaF to develop a chiCD‐NaF system for the detection of Retinoic acid based on its PL properties. It was found that addition of NaF resulted in the enhancement of fluorescent spectra of ChiCD. Addition of RA to the chiCD‐NaF system resulted in quenching of the PL spectra. The detection of RA was selective as there is no change in PL properties using other vitamins viz. ascorbic acid, choelcalciferol, Folic acid, Riboflavin, Tocopherol etc. The chiCD‐NaF systems were also checked with two commercially available capsule containing mixtures of vitamins and here too PL change was insignificant demonstrating selectivity of RA. A probable mechanistic behaviour of the system towards different vitamins is also explained in this paper.
Effective and Transition‐Metal‐Free Construction of Disubstituted, Trisubstituted 1,2,3‐NH‐Triazoles and Triazolo Pyridazine via Intermolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Swarup Hassan. A. , Kemparajegowda  , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Rangappa Kanchugarkoppal. S.
Published: January 2018

An interesting approach for synthesis of disubstituted‐1,2,3‐(NH) triazoles from easily available raw materials and reagents like substituted acetophenones, iodine, DMSO and NaN3 via intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Trisubstituted triazoles and its corresponding triazolo pyridazine could be made easily using this method. These are key intermediates for poly benzodithiophene triazole (PBnDT‐TAZ) for solar cells and 1‐benzyl‐1H‐4,5‐dibenzoyl‐1,2,3‐triazole (BDBT) for corrosion inhibition.
Pyrimidine‐Triazolopyrimidine and Pyrimidine‐Pyridine Hybrids as Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Gill Asim , Shaikh Marziya , Singh Anju , Shandilya Ashutosh , Jameel Ehtesham , Sharma Nitin , Mrinal Nirotpal , Hoda Nasimul , Jayaram B.
Published: January 2018

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a critical enzyme, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and hence has been subjected to intense drug discovery programme. Here, we report synthesis and testing of pyrimidine derivatives in conjugation with triazolopyrimidine based hybrid scaffold of AChE inhibitors for development of new molecules towards the treatment of AD. We used a multipronged approach employing computational, chemical and biological approaches to find the best inhibitor of AChE. Three molecules (10 e, 11 c and 12 b) derived from this scaffold inhibited AChE in nanomolar to micromolar range. Highest activity was shown by 2‐(4‐(6‐(quinolin‐8‐yloxy)pyrimidin‐4‐yl) piperazin‐1‐yl)nicotinonitrile (12 b) which has IC50 value of 36 nM. Inhibitory effect of 12 b was stronger for human AChE in neuronal cell extract compared to eelAChE. This activity is comparable to donepezil (IC50=38nM) which is considered as good standard among AChE inhibitors. The inhibitory activity of 12 b was also in agreement with molecular simulation studies which showed stable interaction of the 12 b with the catalytic active site as well as peripheral anionic site. Molecular simulation studies also indicated stronger interaction of 12 b with rhAChE than TcAChE. This was later confirmed in studies with neuronal cell extract where compound 12 b showed enzyme inhibition at 25 nM. Further this molecule was not found to be toxic or carcinogenic.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Substituted Pyrroles by using Chitosan as an Organocatalyst
Authors: Hassani Maryam , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad R. , Panahi Leila
Published: January 2018

The solvent‐free synthesis of substituted pyrroles in high yields using chitosan as a green, recyclable, and reusable catalyst has been described. This multicomponent protocol includes the reaction of aldehydes, amines, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, and nitromethane. The use of a green, biodegradable, environmentally benign, and available catalyst along with its high activity in a four‐component reaction (4CR) makes this method an efficient alternative route to substituted pyrroles. The catalyst can be recycled and reused for several times, without a considerable loss in its activity.
Spectral Studies of Lead‐Free Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Solid‐State Perovskites CH3NH3Bi2/3I3 and CH3NH3Pb1/2Bi1/3I3: Potential Photo Absorbers
Authors: Dey Pritam , Khorwal Vijaykant , Sen Pratik , Biswas Krishanu , Maiti Tanmoy
Published: January 2018

The spectral analysis of bismuth based halide perovskite materials has been carried out using FTIR, UV‐Vis, photoluminescence and fluorescence time resolved spectroscopy. Methylammonium bismuth iodide (CH3NH3Bi2/3I3) has shown promising results to become a potential candidate for the replacement of lead based organic‐inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells, having superior moisture stability and environmentally benign nature. The lead and bismuth both have been used to synthesize methylammonium lead bismuth iodide (CH3NH3Pb1/2Bi1/3I3) to develop an intermediate photo absorber to counter the moisture degradation properties as well as the low absorbance of bismuth based perovskites. Spectral studies have revealed information about electron transitions, phase separation and exciton recombination time.
Structural Diversity and Selective CO2 Adsorption of Metal– Organic Frameworks Built with a Flexible Dipyridyl Ligand and Different Carboxylates
Authors: Khatua Sajal , Santra Atanu , Padmakumar Silpa , Tomar Kapil , Konar Sanjit
Published: January 2018

A flexible dipyridyl ligand 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridylmethylamino)ethane (L) was synthesized and its diverse coordination mode with Zn(II) and Cd(II) in presence of different dicarboxylate renders five novel Metal–Organic Frameworks, namely, {[Zn(L)(BDC)]⋅6.5H2O}n (1), {[Zn(L)(NH2‐BDC)]⋅6.5H2O}n (2), {[Cd(L)(NH2‐BDC)]⋅7H2O}n (3), {[Cd(L)(OH‐BDC)]⋅H2O}n (4), and {[Cd(L)(diOH‐BDC)]⋅2H2O}n (5) (where, L= 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridylmethylamino)ethane and BDC=benzene‐1,4‐dicatboxylic acid). Crystal structural analysis reveals that compound 1 and 2 are 3D porous networks with open channels while compounds 3–5 are 2D MOFs. Complex 3 contains hydrogen bonded water molecules in between the 2D layers while 4 and 5 are highly dense compounds. The ligand L adopts different conformations which directed the final topology in these complexes. Complex 1–2 have a rare topology, gra, while 3–5 have four connected uninodal net with sql topology. The solvent accessible void volume for 1–3 comes out to be 51.2%, 52.3%, and 27% respectively. The gas adsorption studies reveal that 1–3 exhibit permanent porosity having type I isotherm and selectively adsorb CO2 gas over nitrogen and methane at low temperature with final uptake of 24.18 cc, 22.35 cc and 14.64 cc g−1 at STP, respectively. Vapour sorption study reveals that all the complexes selectively adsorb water vapour than methanol or ethanol vapours with final amount reached to 182.44 cc, 219.29 cc, 189.21 cc, 81.79 cc and 66.48 cc g−1 at room temperature. Solid‐state photoluminescence studies have been performed for all the complexes at room temperature (RT) and emission maximum for each complex are red shifted.
Efficient Synthesis of Succinimide from Succinic Anhydride in Water over Unsupported Nanoporous Nickel Material
Authors: Liu Yunjie , Fu Jun , Ren Dezhang , Song Zhiyuan , Jin Fangming , Huo Zhibao
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of succinimide from succinic anhydride (SA) in water over unsupported nanoporous nickel material (NiNPore) is investigated for the first time. As a result, NiNPore exhibited efficient catalytic performance for the conversion of SA into succinimide and gave 93% isolated yield. Recycling study indicated that NiNPore could be reused at least three times and still kept good catalytic activity for the transformation. Moreover, the conversion of glutaric anhydride (GA) could also proceed well into glutarimide at optimal conditions, and provided 71% isolated yield. The result indicated that SA was the main reactant rather than succinic acid in water. This work provides a promising strategy for the conversion of SA into succinimide in water.
Carbon Dioxide Promotes Dehydrogenation in the Equimolar C2H2‐CO2 Reaction to Synthesize Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Shi Wenbo , Peng Yue , Steiner Stephen A. , Li Junhua , Plata Desiree L.
Published: January 2018

The equimolar C2H2‐CO2 reaction has shown promise for carbon nanotube (CNT) production at low temperatures and on diverse functional substrate materials; however, the electron‐pushing mechanism of this reaction is not well demonstrated. Here, the role of CO2 is explored experimentally and theoretically. In particular, 13C labeling of CO2 demonstrates that CO2 is not an important C source in CNT growth by thermal catalytic chemical vapor deposition. Consistent with this experimental finding, the adsorption behaviors of C2H2 and CO2 on a graphene‐like lattice via density functional theory calculations reveal that the binding energies of C2H2 are markedly higher than that of CO2, suggesting the former is more likely to incorporate into CNT structure. Further, H‐abstraction by CO2 from the active CNT growth edge would be favored, ultimately forming CO and H2O. These results support that the commonly observed, promoting role of CO2 in CNT growth is due to a CO2‐assisted dehydrogenation mechanism.
Assessment of repeat‐visit surveys as a viable method for estimating brood abundance at the 10.4‐km2 scale
Authors: Carrlson Kaylan M. , Gue Charles Tanner , Loesch Charles R. , Walker Johann A.
Published: January 2018

Regional estimates of duck brood abundance could help conservation managers assess landscape productivity and thereby improve spatially explicit allocation of limited conservation funds in the Prairie Pothole Region. We assessed the utility of repeat‐visit brood counts from 2012 to 2013 surveys in the Prairie Pothole Region (ND, SD, and MT, USA) and hierarchical N‐mixture models for providing estimates of abundance at a 10.4‐km2 scale. Models provided reliable estimates of brood abundance and underscored the importance of small wetlands and landscape characteristics to some dabbling duck broods in the Prairie Pothole Region. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Indocyanine Green Retention Rates at 15 min Predicted Hepatic Decompensation in a Western Population
Authors: Le Roy Bertrand , Grégoire Emilie , Cossé Cyril , Serji Badr , Golse Nicolas , Adam René , Cherqui Daniel , Mabrut Jean‐Yves , Le Treut Yves‐Patrice , Vibert Eric
Published: January 2018

Background

ICGR15 is widely used in Asia to evaluate the liver reserve before hepatectomy, but not in Western countries where patients are selected using the MELD score and/or platelet count. Postoperative liver failure is rare nowadays, but hepatic decompensation (HD), defined by 3‐month postoperative ascites, impairs quality of life and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) before liver resection in Western countries, in order to predict HD.

Methods

This prospectively designed study included consecutive adult patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in three French HPB centres.

Results

Between 2012 and 2014, 147 patients were included (80% of HCC and 20% of ICC). The Child–Pugh status was grade A for all patients. In the overall population and in F3/F4 patients (n = 83), ICGR15 (P = 0.02) and platelet counts (P = 0.02) were predictive of HD under multivariate analysis. Among F3/F4 patients undergoing minor hepatectomy with preoperative ICGR15 > 15%, the rate of HD was 36%. In the overall population, ICGR15 was predictive of HD (P = 0.02) and postoperative ascites (P = 0.03). The ROC curve identified a cut‐off point of 15% as being associated with increased HD, with good accuracy for ICGR15 in the study population (AUROC 0.73), mainly before minor hepatectomy (AUROC 0.79).

Conclusions

In patients with HCC and ICC selected using the MELD score and platelet rate, an ICGR15 > 15% is a relevant, non‐invasive and clearly accurate method to predict HD specially before minor hepatectomy.
Prognostic Prediction Models for Resection of Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Korean Multicenter Study
Authors: Hwang Shin , Joh Jae‐Won , Wang Hee Jung , Kim Dong Goo , Kim Kyung Sik , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Kim Seong Hoon , Yu Hee Chul , Cho Chol Kyoon , Lee Young‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Kim Jong Man , Kim Bong‐Wan , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: January 2018

Background

We developed a prognostic prediction model (PPM) using 4 factors for hepatic resection (HR) of large hepatic cellular carcinoma (HCC). Multiplication of α‐fetoprotein (AFP), des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin, and tumor volume (TV) (ADV score) is a surrogate marker for post‐resection prognosis. This study intended to validate the predictive power of 4‐factor PPM and to develop new ADV score‐based PPM.

Methods

A total of 526 patients who underwent HR for solitary HCC ≥ 8 cm were selected from 9 Korean institutions between 2008 and 2014.

Results

Median tumor diameter and TV were 11.0 cm and 398 mL, respectively. Tumor recurrence and patient survival rates were 53.0 and 78.4% at 1 year and 70.2 and 49.3% at 5 years, respectively. Independent risk factors for both tumor recurrence and patient survival included AFP ≥ 100 ng/mL, hypermetabolic FDG‐positron emission tomography (PET), microvascular invasion and satellite nodules, which comprised 4 factors of the PPM. Five subgroups based on the number of involved risk factors exhibited significant differences in tumor recurrence and patient survival. ADV score cutoff was set at 7log (ADV7log) after cluster prognostic analysis. Patient grouping according to combination of ADV7log and FDG‐PET findings (ADV7log‐PET) exhibited significant differences in tumor recurrence and patient survival, comparable to those of the 4‐factor PPM.

Conclusions

Two PPMs using 4 risk factors and ADV7log‐PET could reliably predict the risk of early HCC recurrence and long‐term survival outcomes in patients who underwent HR for large HCC. We believe that these PPMs can guide surgical treatment for large HCCs from preoperative HR planning to post‐resection follow‐up.
Text‐based phenotypic profiles incorporating biochemical phenotypes of inborn errors of metabolism improve phenomics‐based diagnosis
Authors: Lee Jessica J. Y. , Gottlieb Michael M. , Lever Jake , Jones Steven J. M. , Blau Nenad , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Wasserman Wyeth W.
Published: January 2018

Phenomics is the comprehensive study of phenotypes at every level of biology: from metabolites to organisms. With high throughput technologies increasing the scope of biological discoveries, the field of phenomics has been developing rapid and precise methods to collect, catalog, and analyze phenotypes. Such methods have allowed phenotypic data to be widely used in medical applications, from assisting clinical diagnoses to prioritizing genomic diagnoses. To channel the benefits of phenomics into the field of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), we have recently launched IEMbase, an expert‐curated knowledgebase of IEM and their disease‐characterizing phenotypes. While our efforts with IEMbase have realized benefits, taking full advantage of phenomics requires a comprehensive curation of IEM phenotypes in core phenomics projects, which is dependent upon contributions from the IEM clinical and research community. Here, we assess the inclusion of IEM biochemical phenotypes in a core phenomics project, the Human Phenotype Ontology. We then demonstrate the utility of biochemical phenotypes using a text‐based phenomics method to predict gene‐disease relationships, showing that the prediction of IEM genes is significantly better using biochemical rather than clinical profiles. The findings herein provide a motivating goal for the IEM community to expand the computationally accessible descriptions of biochemical phenotypes associated with IEM in phenomics resources.
Turbulent air flow field in slot-die melt blowing for manufacturing microfibrous nonwoven materials
Authors: Xie Sheng , Han Wanli , Jiang Guojun , Chen Chao
Published: January 2018

Melt blowing is an industrial approach for producing microfibrous nonwoven materials utilizing high-speed air to attenuate polymer melt. The melt-blowing air flow field which is widely believed to be turbulence determines the process of fiber formation. In this study, the turbulent air flow field in slot-die melt blowing was experimental measured by hot-wire anemometer. The fluctuations of air velocity and temperature, the mean velocity and mean temperature were measured and analyzed; moreover, the relationship between turbulent air flow field and fiber formation in melt blowing was discussed and predicted. In the last part of this paper, the coupling effect of air temperature and velocity was studied tentatively, results showed that air temperature not only had an enhanced effect on velocity, but contributed to the fluctuation of velocity. This work shows that the fluctuating characteristics of air velocity and temperature have dominant effect on fiber motion and the evenness of fiber diameter.
Die Dritte und die Vierte Gewalt in Raumplanungsprozessen
Authors: Diller Christian
Published: January 2018

Although institutionalized media and jurisdiction could be counted to the actors of spatial planning, only few is known in international and national spatial planning research about their role in spatial planning processes in relation to actors in politics, administration, civil society and economy. If and to which extend do they have an influence on planning processes? In other policy areas (e.g. foreign and finance policy) – especially the influence of the media on political processe – is quite better explored and for the role of jurisdiction there are at least some findings. Based on this knowledge in this exclusive literature-based article first hypothesises for the policy area spatial planning are formulated. Thus, the roles of media und jurisdiction are varying between the specific phases of the policy cycle in a complementing manner: While the media play an important role in the phases of problem formulation and agenda setting and loose importance in the following political process, the jurisdiction has a selective but probabely leading influence in the later phases. Together, both groups of actors in media and jurisdiction can form planning processes significantly, therefore their common analysis in empirical studies makes sense.
Desartrodese de anca – relato de três casos
Authors: Moura Diogo , Figueiredo António
Published: January 2018

A desartrodese de anca, isto é, a conversão da artrodese ou fusão óssea cirúrgica em uma artroplastia de substituição articular da anca, é uma intervenção difícil e desafiante, na medida em que é preciso reconstruir uma articulação perante uma consolidação óssea e uma imobilização muitas vezes de longa duração entre fêmur e acetábulo, já com importantes alterações anatômicas e retrações dos tecidos moles adjacentes, com encurtamento do membro associado. Visto que a artrodese de anca é uma cirurgia cada vez mais raramente aplicada, consequentemente a desartrodese é cada vez menos frequente. Nesse artigo, os autores apresentam três casos raros de pacientes com artrodeses da anca de longa duração submetidos a conversão para artroplastia total e descrevem a técnica de desartrodese usada e seus resultados clínico-funcionais.
ECG biometrics: the heart of data-driven disruption?
Authors: Condon Adrian , Willatt Grace
Published: January 2018

The more we become accustomed to the usefulness of connected platforms and how they are changing the way we work, play, pay for and access services, the more we demand secure authentication to keep our connected world safe. Clearly, the use of biometric data is gaining global popularity as a powerful answer to this authentication challenge.
Biometrics becoming must-have for fraud prevention
Authors: Hill Charlotte
Published: January 2018

Over half of organisations are expected to significantly increase their investment in biometric technologies to prevent fraud and combat organised cyber-crime groups, according to a recent Callcredit Fraud and Risk Report 1
Edge state modulation by mean viscosity gradients
Authors: Rinaldi Enrico , Schlatter Philipp , Bagheri Shervin
Published: January 2018

Motivated by the relevance of edge state solutions as mediators of transition, we use direct numerical simulations to study the effect of spatially non-uniform viscosity on their energy and stability in minimal channel flows. What we seek is a theoretical support rooted in a fully nonlinear framework that explains the modified threshold for transition to turbulence in flows with temperature-dependent viscosity. Consistently over a range of subcritical Reynolds numbers, we find that decreasing viscosity away from the walls weakens the streamwise streaks and the vortical structures responsible for their regeneration. The entire self-sustained cycle of the edge state is maintained on a lower kinetic energy level with a smaller driving force, compared to a flow with constant viscosity. Increasing viscosity away from the walls has the opposite effect. In both cases, the effect is proportional to the strength of the viscosity gradient. The results presented highlight a local shift in the state space of the position of the edge state relative to the laminar attractor with the consequent modulation of its basin of attraction in the proximity of the edge state and of the surrounding manifold. The implication is that the threshold for transition is reduced for perturbations evolving in the neighbourhood of the edge state in the case that viscosity decreases away from the walls, and vice versa.
Remembering One Another's Inhumanity: On Viet Thanh Nguyen's Vietnam War
Authors: WU JUDY TZU-CHUN
Published: January 2018

“All wars are fought twice, the first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory” (Nothing Ever Dies, 4). Viet Thanh Nguyen, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, begins his 2016 treatise on war and memory with these words. In the deftly named Nothing Ever Dies, Nguyen identifies the excesses of war in general and most notably the excess of the war named the Vietnam War in the US and the American War in Vietnam. There was excessive violence on the battlefields, which ranged throughout Southeast Asia, exceeding the national borders identified by the naming of the war. The experience of war and the meaning of war also exceeded the official dates of the war, chronologized differently by different historical actors but nevertheless used to conveniently bound war in time. Disregarding these official dates, the perpetrators, survivors, and witnesses of war (Nguyen points out that one can belong to more than one of these categories simultaneously) carry with them the memories and violence of war. They relive and reinterpret the war, fighting it again a second time through memory and memorialization.
The Liquidity Effects of Official Bond Market Intervention
Authors: De Pooter Michiel , Martin Robert F. , Pruitt Seth
Published: January 2018

To “ensure depth and liquidity,” the European Central Bank intervened in sovereign debt markets through its Securities Markets Programme (SMP), providing a unique opportunity to estimate the effects of large-scale asset purchases on sovereign bond liquidity premia. From reduced-form estimates, we find robust, economically significant impact and lasting reductions in sovereign bonds’ liquidity premia in response to official purchases. We develop a search-based asset-pricing model to understand our empirical results. The theory implies that bond liquidity premia fall in response to both official purchases and rising sovereign default probabilities, as seen in the data.
Flow-Induced Trading Pressure and Corporate Investment
Authors: Lou Xiaoxia , Wang Albert Y.
Published: January 2018

The impact of liquidity-motivated institutional trading on firms’ real decisions is not confined to periods of financial crisis. Firms subject to mutual fund flow-driven selling pressure reduce share issuance and investment, whereas firms experiencing buying pressure do not increase investment, although they issue more equity. Firms under extreme selling pressure cut quarterly investment by 0.075 percentage points of total assets, which is 4.3% of the average quarterly investment in our sample. We also find evidence that the effect is not attributed to managerial learning or catering incentives. Rather, flow-driven trading affects investment mainly through its impact on the financing cost.
Training and assessment in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Chan M , Carrie S
Published: January 2018

Background:

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure performed within otolaryngology, but it carries potential for significant life-changing complications. It is therefore essential that trainees undergo adequate training. The European Working Time Directive has led to reduced operating time for the trainee surgeon. With variable access and the cost implications associated with cadaveric specimens, simulation can be an invaluable educational resource in surgical training. The current literature regarding the various simulation methodologies that have been used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery training is discussed.

Method:

A literature search was conducted using the key words ‘nasal’, ‘nasal polyps’, ‘endoscope’, ‘education and simulation’, ‘endoscopic sinus surgery’ and ‘training’.

Results:

Twelve articles were identified; of these, eight trialled the use of simulators, two utilised ovine models and two used task trainers.

Conclusion:

Simulation has shown benefit in functional endoscopic sinus surgery training; however, a robust platform accessible to ENT trainees is lacking.