bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating population size of fishers (Pekania pennanti) using camera stations and auxiliary data on home range size
Authors: Furnas B. J. , Landers R. H. , Callas R. L. , Matthews S. M.
Published: March 2017

Estimating density and population size is often more challenging than measuring indices of abundance because of uncertainty about the effective area of surveys. We combined hierarchical modeling of detection/non‐detection data from camera stations with auxiliary information on home range sizes to address this issue. We used this approach to estimate the total population size of fishers (Pekania pennanti) throughout the largest remaining native range (Northern California and Southern Oregon [NCSO], 48,760 km2) of this species in the Pacific States of the United States. After controlling for various habitat, gender, and survey factors affecting detection probability, local abundance, and home range size, we estimated an average density of 6.6 fishers per 100 km2(95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1–8.6) and a total of 3196 fishers (95% CI: 2507–4184). We mapped how fisher density varied throughout the range and demonstrated spatial autocorrelation in density at lag distances up to 40 km. These findings represent the first robust estimate of fisher population size for the range in NCSO. They are important for setting a baseline against which to monitor changes in population status and spatial distribution of fishers which are a species of conservation concern at federal and state levels. However, we note that our estimate of population size is very sensitive to assumptions about the effective area of camera surveys. Our methods could likely be applied to other forest carnivores and highlight the benefits of coordination between researchers to collect and share comparable survey and telemetry data.
The roles of habitat and intraguild predation by coyotes on the spatial dynamics of kit foxes
Authors: Lonsinger Robert C. , Gese Eric M. , Bailey Larissa L. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: March 2017

Intraguild predation (IGP) by a dominant predator can drive the spatial dynamics of a subordinate predator and may explain space‐use patterns that deviate from theoretical predictions that species will use areas that maximize the availability of limited resources (resource availability hypothesis). Intraguild predation may suppress the distribution and abundance of mesopredators, but spatial resource partitioning may facilitate coexistence, with the subordinate carnivore utilizing suboptimal habitats. In arid systems, free‐standing water was historically scarce, limiting the distribution of larger‐bodied predators and offering large areas of refugia for smaller, arid‐adapted species, such as the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). In these systems, the development of artificial water sources may facilitate an increase in the distribution and abundance of larger carnivores (e.g., coyotes [Canis latrans]), perhaps to the detriment of kit foxes. We coupled noninvasive genetic sampling and dynamic occupancy models to evaluate the spatial dynamics of kit foxes and their intraguild predators, coyotes, in western Utah, United States. We evaluated the influence of habitat characteristics on coyote occupancy patterns, and then investigated the role of habitat and coyotes on kit fox space use at multiple scales. Coyote occupancy was unrelated to water availability, but was positively related to the proportion of shrubland and woodland cover, a pattern consistent with predictions of the resource availability hypothesis. Supporting predictions of IGP theory, kit fox occupancy was negatively related to shrubland and woodland cover, minimizing overlap with land‐cover types favoring coyote occupancy. Furthermore, kit fox probability of local extinction was positively related to coyote activity. Interestingly, kit fox detection was positively related to coyote activity (i.e., kit fox detection was higher on spatial surveys with greater coyote sign), suggesting that at finer scales, kit foxes utilized riskier habitats to secure sufficient resources. Our results identified two alternative states predicted by IGP theory (i.e., intraguild predator dominated and coexistence of intraguild predator and intraguild prey) in a single system and elucidated the importance of considering dynamic processes and scale when investigating IGP.
Heart failure awareness survey in Germany: general knowledge on heart failure remains poor
Authors: Zelenak Christine , Radenovic Sara , Musial‐Bright Lindy , Tahirovic Elvis , Sacirovic Mesud , Lee Chong‐Bin , Jahandar‐Lashki Diana , Inkrot Simone , Trippel Tobias Daniel , Busjahn Andreas , Hashemi Djawid , Wachter Rolf , Pankuweit Sabine , Störk Stefan , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank , Düngen Hans‐Dirk
Published: March 2017

Aims

Previous studies demonstrated poor public awareness of heart failure (HF) compared with myocardial infarction and stroke. With respect to several activities to improve HF awareness in recent years, we present data on the development of HF awareness and information sources in Germany over 8 years.

Methods and results

In 2007, 2012, and 2015, respectively, 2531, 359, and 171 respondents answered questions about causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment of HF from a survey developed by the German Competence Network HF. Relationships between respondents' sociodemographic data and their HF knowledge were explored and changes in knowledge and use of information sources analysed. Sixty‐eight per cent of respondents knew HF as ‘weakness of the heart’. Seventy‐nine per cent knew shortness of breath, 74% reduced exercise tolerance, and 52% knew leg edema as symptoms. Only 40% knew all three symptoms. Although up to 34% of the respondents were directly or indirectly affected by HF, they demonstrated poor knowledge about severity and prognosis. Between 2007 and 2015, overall HF awareness has not changed; awareness about treatment has dropped significantly. Younger respondents used all media, especially internet, for information about health; older respondents preferred printed/verbal media and their physician.

Conclusions

We found rather insufficient public knowledge on HF etiology and symptoms but especially about management, severity, and prognosis, which is essential for good self‐care and adherence of patients. Heart failure awareness has not improved even though awareness campaigns were held over the years. It seems that especially older patients should be much more approached by their family physicians.
Multicomponent Mannich‐Like Reactions of Organometallic Species
Authors: Paul Jérôme , Presset Marc , Le Gall Erwan
Published: March 2017

A century after the pioneering works of Carl Mannich in 1917, the aminoalkylation of carbonylated compounds has become a classical reaction of organic chemistry. Thanks to its modular character, the so‐called multicomponent Mannich reaction has found numerous applications throughout the fields of chemistry, especially for synthetic and biomedical purpose. After 100 years of good service, recent developments involving nucleophile diversification through the use of stoichiometric or even catalytic amounts of organometallic species have greatly revitalized this venerable reaction and expanded its scope, thus opening the way to a new world of possibilities. This Microreview on the organometallic Mannich reaction aims to highlight seminal contributions to the field as well as the major progress recently made in this area.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Solar Methane Reforming through the Nonstoichiometric Ceria Redox Cycle
Authors: Warren Kent J. , Reim Julie , Randhir Kelvin , Greek Benjamin , Carrillo Richard , Hahn David W. , Scheffe Jonathan R.
Published: March 2017

The dry reforming of methane through the nonstoichiometric ceria (CeO2–CeO2−δ) redox cycle was examined theoretically and experimentally for converting high‐temperature, solar process heat to syngas. The aforementioned cycle is composed of: (1) endothermic reduction of ceria and simultaneous partial oxidation of methane and (2) exothermic oxidation of the reduced ceria and simultaneous reduction of CO2. In both steps, chemical equilibrium calculations indicate that isothermal operation is thermodynamically favorable under a wide range of conditions. The influence of the total amount of reactive gas, the operating temperature, and the inclusion of gas‐ or solid‐phase heat exchangers on the cycle performance was determined through a holistic process model. A theoretical solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency, defined as the ratio of the difference between the calorific value of syngas (H2 and CO) produced and methane converted to the total solar radiative input energy, of more than 45 % was predicted with no heat recuperation. Experimental validation was subsequently demonstrated in a packed‐bed‐type solar reactor using the high‐flux solar simulator at the University of Florida at three discrete isothermal temperatures, namely, 950, 1035, and 1120 °C. Upon the completion of the reduction at each temperature, the bed‐averaged oxygen nonstoichiometry equaled 0.07, 0.21, and 0.24, which yielded methane conversions of 9, 41, and 51 %, respectively. At 1120 °C, the extrapolated solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency was 9.82 %.
Using passive sampling and zebrafish to identify developmental toxicants in complex mixtures
Authors: Bergmann Alan J. , Tanguay Robert L. , Anderson Kim A.
Published: March 2017

Using effects-directed analysis, we investigated associations previously observed between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and embryotoxicity in field-deployed low-density polyethylene (LDPE). We conducted effects-directed analysis using a zebrafish embryo assay and iterative fractionation of extracts of LDPE that were deployed in the Portland Harbor superfund megasite, Oregon (USA). Whole extracts induced toxicity including mortality, edema, and notochord distortion at 20% effect concentration (EC20) values of approximately 100, 100, and 10 mg LDPE/mL, respectively. Through fractionation, we determined that PAHs at concentrations similar to previous research did not contribute markedly to toxicity. We also eliminated pesticides, phthalates, musks, and other substances identified in toxic fractions by testing surrogate mixtures. We identified free fatty acids as lethal components of LDPE extracts and confirmed their toxicity with authentic standards. We found chromatographic evidence that dithiocarbamates are responsible for notochord and other sublethal effects, although exact matches were not obtained. Fatty acids and dithiocarbamates were previously unrecorded components of LDPE extracts and likely contribute to the toxicity of the whole mixture. The present study demonstrates the success of effects-directed analysis in nontargeted hazard identification using the zebrafish embryo test as a self-contained battery of bioassays that allows identification of multiple chemicals with different modes of action. This is the first effects-directed analysis to combine LDPE and zebrafish, approaches that are widely applicable to identifying developmental hazards in the bioavailable fraction of hydrophobic organic compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2290–2298. © 2017 SETAC
Evaluating the performance of BSBL methodology for EEG source localization on a realistic head model
Authors: Saha Sajib , Rana Rajib , Nesterets Yakov , Tahtali Murat , de Hoog Frank , Gureyev Timur
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we evaluate the performance of block sparse Bayesian learning (BSBL) method for EEG source localization. By exploiting the internal block structure, the BSBL method solves the ill‐posed inverse problem more efficiently than other methods that do not consider block structure. Simulation experiments were conducted on a realistic head model obtained by segmentation of MRI images of the head. Two definitions of blocks were considered: Brodmann areas and automated anatomical labeling (AAL). The experiments were performed both with and without the presence of noise. Six different noise levels were considered having SNR values from 5 dB to 30 dB with 5dB increment. The evaluation reveals several potential findings—first, BSBL is more likely to produce better source localization than sparse Bayesian learning (SBL), however, this is true up until a limited number of simultaneously active areas only. Experimental results show that for 71‐channel electrodes setup BSBL outperforms SBL for up to three simultaneously active blocks. From four simultaneously active blocks SBL turns out to be marginally better and the difference between them is statistically insignificant. Second, different anatomical block structures such as Brodmann areas or AAL does not seem to produce any significant difference in EEG source localization relying on BSBL. Third, even when the block partitions are not known exactly BSBL ensures better localization than SBL as soon as block structure persists in the signal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 46–56, 2017
Automated brain tumour segmentation techniques— A review
Authors: Angulakshmi M. , Lakshmi Priya G.G.
Published: March 2017

Automatic segmentation of brain tumour is the process of separating abnormal tissues from normal tissues, such as white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The process of segmentation is still challenging due to the diversity of shape, location, and size of the tumour segmentation. The metabolic process, psychological process, and detailed information of the images, are obtained using positron emission tomography (PET) image, Computer Tomography (CT) image and Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). Multimodal imaging techniques (such as PET/CT and PET/MRI) that combine the information from many imaging techniques contribute more for accurate brain tumour segmentation. In this article, a comprehensive overview of recent automatic brain tumour segmentation techniques of MRI, PET, CT, and multimodal imaging techniques has been provided. The methods, techniques, their working principle, advantages, their limitations, and their future challenges are discussed in this article. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 66–77, 2017
Reproductive disorders in female rats after prenatal exposure to betamethasone
Authors: Borges Cibele S. , Pacheco Tainá L. , Guerra Marina T. , Barros Aline L. , Silva Patricia V. , Missassi Gabriela , da Silva Katiussia Pinho , Anselmo‐Franci Janete A. , Pupo André S. , Kempinas Wilma De G.
Published: March 2017

Betamethasone is the drug of choice for antenatal treatment, promoting fetal lung maturation and decreasing mortality. Previous studies in rats reported male programming and alteration in sperm parameters and sexual behavior following intrauterine betamethasone exposure. The impact on the female reproductive development is not known. In this study, rat female offspring was assessed for sexual development, morphophysiology of the reproductive tract and fertility after maternal exposure to 0.1 mg kg−1of betamethasone or vehicle on gestational days 12, 13, 18 and 19. The treatment promoted reduction of litter weight on postnatal day 1, morphological masculinization in females, delay in the age of puberty onset, reduction in estrus number, increase in estrous cycle length and increase in luteinizing hormone serum levels and uterus weight. The females from the betamethasone group showed an increase of myometrial uterine area and decrease in endometrial uterine area. These animals also performed less lordosis during the sexual behavior test and showed impaired reproductive performance. The uterus showed higher contraction in the treated group as shown by a pharmacological assay. In conclusion, prenatal betamethasone exposure in rats promoted female masculinization, altered sexual development and reproductive parameters. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of Mg–Ca–Sr alloy degradation products on human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Berglund Ida S. , Dirr Elliott W. , Ramaswamy Vidhya , Allen Josephine B. , Allen Kyle D. , Manuel Michele V.
Published: March 2017

Biodegradable Mg alloys have the potential to replace currently used metallic medical implant devices, likely eliminating toxicity concerns and the need for secondary surgeries, while also providing a potentially stimulating environment for tissue growth. A recently developed Mg–Ca–Sr alloy possesses advantageous characteristics over other Mg alloys, having a good combination of strength and degradation behavior, while also displaying potentially osteogenic properties. To better understand the effect of alloy degradation products on cellular mechanisms, in vitro studies using human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were conducted. Ionic products of alloy dissolution were found to be nontoxic but changed the proliferation profile of stem cells. Furthermore, their presence changed the progress of osteogenic development, while concentrations of Mg in particular appeared to induce stem cell differentiation. The work presented herein provides a foundation for future alloy design where structures can be tailored to obtain specific implant performance. These potentially bioactive implants would reduce the risks for patients by shortening their healing time, minimizing discomfort and toxicity concerns, while reducing hospital costs. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 697–704, 2018.
Influence of steel implant surface microtopography on soft and hard tissue integration
Authors: Hayes J. S. , Klöppel H. , Wieling R. , Sprecher C. M. , Richards R. G.
Published: March 2017

After implantation of an internal fracture fixation device, blood contacts the surface, followed by protein adsorption, resulting in either soft‐tissue adhesion or matrix adhesion and mineralization. Without protein adsorption and cell adhesion under the presence of micro‐motion, fibrous capsule formation can occur, often surrounding a liquid filled void at the implant–tissue interface. Clinically, fibrous capsule formation is more prevalent with electropolished stainless steel (EPSS) plates than with current commercially pure titanium (cpTi) plates. We hypothesize that this is due to lack of micro‐discontinuities on the standard EPSS plates. To test our hypothesis, four EPSS experimental surfaces with varying microtopographies were produced and characterized for morphology using the scanning electron microscope, quantitative roughness analysis using laser profilometry and chemical analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Clinically used EPSS (smooth) and cpTi (microrough) were included as controls. Six plates of each type were randomly implanted, one on both the left and right intact tibia of 18 white New Zealand rabbits for 12 weeks, to allow for a surface interface study. The results demonstrate that the micro‐discontinuities on the upper surface of internal steel fixation plates reduced the presence of liquid filled voids within soft‐tissue capsules. The micro‐discontinuities on the plate under‐surface increased bony integration without the presence of fibrous tissue interface. These results support the hypothesis that the fibrous capsule and the liquid filled void formation occurs mainly due to lack of micro‐discontinuities on the polished smooth steel plates and that bony integration is increased to surfaces with higher amounts of micro‐discontinuities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 705–715, 2018.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Bone Strength From Childhood to Early Adulthood: A Mixed Longitudinal HR-pQCT study
Authors: Gabel Leigh , Macdonald Heather M , Nettlefold Lindsay , McKay Heather A
Published: March 2017

Bone strength is influenced by bone geometry, density, and bone microarchitecture, which adapt to increased mechanical loads during growth. Physical activity (PA) is essential for optimal bone strength accrual; however, less is known about how sedentary time influences bone strength and its determinants. Thus, our aim was to investigate the prospective associations between PA, sedentary time, and bone strength and its determinants during adolescence. We used HR-pQCT at distal tibia (8% site) and radius (7% site) in 173 girls and 136 boys (aged 9 to 20 years at baseline). We conducted a maximum of four annual measurements at the tibia (n = 785 observations) and radius (n = 582 observations). We assessed moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time with accelerometers (ActiGraph GT1M). We aligned participants on maturity (years from age at peak height velocity) and fit a mixed-effects model adjusting for maturity, sex, ethnicity, leg muscle power, lean mass, limb length, dietary calcium, and MVPA in sedentary time models. MVPA was a positive independent predictor of bone strength (failure load [F.Load]) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) at the tibia and radius, total area (Tt.Ar) and cortical porosity (Ct.Po) at the tibia, and negative predictor of load-to-strength ratio at the radius. Sedentary time was a negative independent predictor of Tt.Ar at both sites and Ct.Po at the tibia and a positive predictor of cortical thickness (Ct.Th), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and cortical bone mineral density (Ct.BMD) at the tibia. Bone parameters demonstrated maturity-specific associations with MVPA and sedentary time, whereby associations were strongest during early and mid-puberty. Our findings support the importance of PA for bone strength accrual and its determinants across adolescent growth and provide new evidence of a detrimental association of sedentary time with bone geometry but positive associations with microarchitecture. This study highlights maturity-specific relationships of bone strength and its determinants with loading and unloading. Future studies should evaluate the dose-response relationship and whether associations persist into adulthood. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Role of miR‐497/EIF3A Axis in TGFβ1‐Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Extracellular Matrix in Rat Alveolar Epithelial Cells and Pulmonary Fibroblasts
Authors: Guo Ren , Lv Yu , Ouyang Yang , Liu Siyu , Li Dai
Published: March 2017

Multi‐cause‐induced interstitial lung disease, particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is a serious clinical concern. Fibroblasts have been suggested to have a major role, with it recently being revealed that some of these fibroblasts are derived from alveolar epithelial cells through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EIF3A gene, and has been suggested to play roles in regulating translation of a subset of mRNAs and in regulating cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. In the present study, we chose a well‐known TGFβ1‐induced EMT model in alveolar epithelial cells to investigate the functional role of EIF3A. TGFβ1‐induced EIF3A expression and EMT process in alveolar epithelial cells, after EIF3A knockdown, the EMT process could be partially reversed. Online tools and luciferase assays showed that miR‐497 could inhibit EIF3A expression by directly binding to the 3′UTR of EIF3A. Ectopic miR‐497 expression partially reversed TGFβ1‐induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells. In addition, miR‐497 could suppress TGFβ1‐induced pulmonary fibroblast proliferation and EIF3A, Collagen I and α‐SMA protein levels. Taken together, EIF3A could promote TGFβ1‐induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells; miR‐497 suppressed TGFβ1‐induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells TGFβ1‐induced excessive proliferation and ECM in pulmonary fibroblast through inhibiting EIF3A by targeting. MiR‐497/EIF3A axis shows the potential to be effective in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3401–3408, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Witnesses' failure to detect covert manipulations in their written statements
Authors: Sagana Anna , Sauerland Melanie , Merckelbach Harald
Published: March 2017

Law enforcement agencies and legal professionals often have to rely on witness statements. Undetected errors in witnesses' statements, however, could impede the accurate reconstruction of a crime and lead to the incrimination of innocent suspects. Here, we examined whether witnesses can detect manipulations in their written statements. We expect that writing a statement could provide a good means for discrimination between what is truly recalled and what is an error. This is because writing allows to monitor and control the previously produced information. In 3 experiments, participants watched a mock crime film and subsequently provided a written statement of what they had witnessed. Following a delay of several minutes (Experiment 1), 48 hr (Experiment 2), or 1 month (Experiment 3), participants were exposed to and interviewed about their testimony. Unknown to them, they were confronted with statements, which included 4 secretly manipulated details. Participants' missed a substantial number of manipulations in their written statements. Importantly, the detection rates varied as a function of delay (Experiments 1 and 2: 74–89%; Experiment 3: 36%–52%). Detection rates also varied as a function of the type of details that were manipulated. Our findings indicate that writing a statement comes with limited benefits in witnesses' ability to detect errors in their statements.
Preparation and evaluation of molecularly imprinted polymer for selective recognition and adsorption of gossypol
Authors: Zhi Keke , Wang Lulu , Zhang Yagang , Zhang Xuemin , Zhang Letao , Liu Li , Yao Jun , Xiang Wei
Published: March 2017

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were designed and prepared via bulk thermal polymerization with gossypol as the template molecule and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as the functional monomer. The morphology and microstructures of MIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface areas. Static adsorption tests were performed to evaluate adsorption behavior of gossypol by the MIPs. It was found that adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms data of MIPs for gossypol were fit well with the pseudo‐second‐order model and Freundlich model, respectively. Scatchard analysis showed that heterogeneous binding sites were formed in the MIPs, including lower‐affinity binding sites with the maximum adsorption of 252 mg/g and higher‐affinity binding sites with the maximum adsorption of 632 mg/g. Binding studies also revealed that MIPs had favorable selectivity towards gossypol compared with non‐imprinted polymers. Furthermore, adsorption capacity of MIPs maintained above 90% after 5 regeneration cycles, indicating MIPs were recyclable and could be used multiple times. These results demonstrated that prepared MIPs could be a promising functional material for selective adsorption of gossypol.
Synthesis of hydrophobic nanoparticles for real‐time lysozyme detection using surface plasmon resonance sensor
Authors: Saylan Yeşeren , Yılmaz Fatma , Derazshamshir Ali , Yılmaz Erkut , Denizli Adil
Published: March 2017

Diagnostic biomarkers such as proteins and enzymes are generally hard to detect because of the low abundance in biological fluids. To solve this problem, the advantages of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and nanomaterial technologies have been combined. The SPR sensors are easy to prepare, no requirement of labelling and can be detected in real time. In addition, they have high specificity and sensitivity with low cost. The nanomaterials have also crucial functions such as efficiency improvement, selectivity, and sensitivity of the detection systems. In this report, an SPR‐based sensor is developed to detect lysozyme with hydrophobic poly (N‐methacryloyl‐(L)‐phenylalanine) (PMAPA) nanoparticles. The SPR sensor was first characterized by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscope, and water contact angle measurements and performed with aqueous lysozyme solutions. Various concentrations of lysozyme solution were used to calculate kinetic and affinity coefficients. The equilibrium and adsorption isotherm models of interactions between lysozyme solutions and SPR sensor were determined and the maximum reflection, association, and dissociation constants were calculated by Langmuir model as 4.87, 0.019 nM−1, and 54 nM, respectively. The selectivity studies of SPR sensor were investigated with competitive agents, hemoglobin, and myoglobin. Also, the SPR sensor was used four times in adsorption/desorption/recovery cycles and results showed that, the combination of optical SPR sensor with hydrophobic ionizable PMAPA nanoparticles in one mode enabled the detection of lysozyme molecule with high accuracy, good sensivity, real‐time, label‐free, and a low‐detection limit of 0.66 nM from lysozyme solutions. Lysozyme detection in a real sample was performed by using chicken egg white to evaluate interfering molecules present in the medium.
Effects of short‐term levothyroxine therapy on myocardial injuries in patients with severe overt hypothyroidism: Evidence from a cardiac MRI Study
Authors: Gao Xia , Chen Zhe , Liu Min , Jia Yu‐Mei , Yang Ning , Yao Zhi , Feng Xiao‐Meng , Xu Yuan , Wang Guang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To investigate using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) myocardial injuries and cardiac function in patients with newly diagnosed severe primary overt hypothyroidism (HT) before and after achieving euthyroidism by short‐term levothyroxine treatment. Levothyroxine treatment improves cardiovascular performance and ventricular remodeling in patients with HT, but diffuse myocardial injuries induced by HT are difficult to detect clinically.

Materials and Methods

Myocardial longitudinal relaxation time (T1) mapping using the modified Look–Locker inversion‐recovery (MOLLI) sequences at 3.0T was performed before and after euthyroidism was achieved by levothyroxine treatment in 24 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and compared to 17 healthy controls. Subjects underwent measurements of T1 values and left ventricular stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac index (CI), and peak filling rate (PFR). Cardiac data were expressed as an index, as per body surface area, except for heart rate and EF.

Results

Patients with untreated HT exhibited significantly longer native myocardial T1 values (all P < 0.05) accompanied by reduced SV (30.7 ± 5.6 vs. 34.9 ± 6.8 mL/m2, P < 0.05), CI (2.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 L/min/m2, P < 0.05), and PFR (3.5 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 EDV/s, P < 0.05) compared to healthy controls at baseline. Achieving euthyroidism resulted in a significant decrease in T1 values and improved SV, CI, and PFR values (all P < 0.05) in the patients with HT. Negative correlations of the T1 values with free triiodothyronine (r = –0.55, P < 0.001) and PFR (r = –0.46, P = 0.0016) were observed.

Conclusion

We suggest that the negative effect induced by severe overt HT on the cardiovascular system can be significantly improved by restoring euthyroidism with short‐term levothyroxine therapy.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:897–904
Patient compliance following isolated mandibular fracture repair
Authors: Radabaugh J. Paul , Horn Adam Van , Chan Stephen A. , Shelton Jared M. , Gal Thomas J.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Compliance with postoperative care in the maxillofacial trauma population often is considered poor. This lack of follow‐up does not seem to be a function of decreased access to care but rather its anticipated lack of utilization. The goal of this study is to identify what factors are associated with increased compliance in postoperative management of mandible fractures.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify maxillofacial injuries requiring operative repair, a subset of isolated mandibular fractures was identified. Age, gender, race, insurance type, travel distance, mandible fracture location, surgical approach, and complications were used as variables in univariate regression modeling to examine factors associated with compliance to postoperative care.

Results

Between 2010 and 2013, 344 isolated mandible fractures were identified. A total of 83.1% of patients made their first postoperative follow‐up visit. Demographic data, fracture location, distance to medical center (odds ratio [OR] = 1, P = 0.75), type of repair, use of drains (OR = 1.27, P = 0.61), or nonabsorbable suture (OR = 1.44, P = 0.32) did not appear to be associated with compliance. No association between complications and postoperative compliance was observed (OR = 2.37, P = 0.17). Trends toward improved compliance were observed when evaluating insurance type and use of temporary fixation hardware. The presence of current tobacco use was found to be negatively associated with patient compliance (OR = 0.33, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Postoperative compliance after surgical repair is better than what is currently represented in the literature. It appears that postoperative compliance is dependent on patient‐related factors more so than what can be modified by the surgeon.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2230–2235, 2017
A numerical and experimental study on weld lines formation and strength in extrusion
Authors: Ferrás Luís L. , Sitotaw Yalew , Fernandes Célio , Nóbrega João M. , Carneiro Olga S.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we present a study on numerical and experimental approaches aiming to improve our understanding about the relation between the flow conditions and the strength of weld lines in extruded profiles. For this purpose, a prototype extrusion die that comprises a movable spider leg is used to produce tapes under different flow conditions, by varying the location of the spider leg and the flow rate. The same case studies are numerically studied, considering a viscoelastic Giesekus constitutive model. The numerical results are then investigated to identify potential relationships between the flow conditions, in which the weld lines are formed, with the strength of the weld line experimentally characterized. The results obtained allow identifying a clear correlation between the flow conditions and the weld‐line strength. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:249–260, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multi‐response optimization of CFRP laser milling process based on response surface methodology
Authors: Genna Silvio , Tagliaferri Flaviana , Papa Ilaria , Leone Claudio , Palumbo Biagio
Published: March 2017

In this study, ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA) and Response Surface Methodology were applied to characterize and optimize laser milling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plates. The process was performed by means of a 30W Q‐switched Yb:YAG fiber laser, working at the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. The machined material was a CFRP plate, 4 mm in thickness, obtained by autoclave cure. According to Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology and previous experiences, a Central Composite Design (CCD) was developed and applied. The investigated parameters were the scan speed, the pulse frequency, the number of repetitions of the geometric pattern and the hatch distance. The suitable milling conditions were obtained from the response surface model. The model allows to set the process parameters to obtain the desired depth with an error <3% and a MRR higher than 1.9 × 10−3g/s. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:595–605, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiblock poly(Phenylene ether nitrile)s with pendant sulfoalkoxyl side chain for H2/air fuel cells at low humidity condition
Authors: Dong Tiandu , He Bin , Li Xinze , Wu Congcong , Li Nanwen , Ueda Mitsuru , Zhang Xuan , Wang Lianjun
Published: March 2017

A series of multiblock poly(phenylene ether nitrile)s with pendant sulfoalkoxyl side chains have been developed as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. The membranes were obtained by a solution casting method and exhibited good thermal stability, flexibility, and mechanical strength. The membranes displayed well‐developed microphase separation, which largely contributed to their excellent ion conduction ability. One of the new membranes with a low ion exchange capacity of 1.57 mequiv g−1 showed higher proton conductivity than Nafion 212 over the entire RH range (30–95%). The maximum power output generated in a single cell test reached up to 0.754, 0.640, and 0.414 W cm−2 at 70 °C under 80%, 50%, and 30% RH conditions, respectively. The current density of the membrane obtained at 0.6 V (I0.6) was as high as 640 mA cm−2, which was much higher than that of Nafion 212 (375 mA cm−2 at 30% RH), suggesting its superiority for a more rapid system start‐up. Furthermore, the in situ durability test at 50% RH was performed at a constant current loading, and the membrane did not show any significant voltage reduction over the 400 h testing period. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1940–1948
Double‐stranded ladderphanes with C2‐symmetric planar chiral ferrocene linkers
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Ze , Liu Yi‐Hung , Guo Qingxiang , Wang Guan‐Wu , Lai Guoqiao , Luh Tien‐Yau
Published: March 2017

Eight ladderphanes with C2‐symmetric planar chiral ferrocene linkers are synthesized by ring opening metathesis polymerization of bisnorbornene monomers using Grubbs‐I catalyst. The aminobenzoate in both monomers and polymers shows absorption maximum around 320 nm. Both monomers and polymers are Circular dichroism (CD) active. Little enhancements of CD profiles around 320 nm are observed for ladderphanes having chiral chloro‐ or phenyl‐substituted ferrocene linkers. However, ladderphanes with a phenyl substituent on the cyclopendienyl ring exhibits enhancement of CD curves aound 240–300 nm. The congested phenyl moieties in adjacent linkers in this polymer might be well oriented such that interactions between these aromatic substituents on different monomeric units might provoke the enhancement of the CD curves in this region. When the methyl‐substituted cyclopendienyl ligand is used for chiral ferrocene linkers, the ladderphanes exhibit two‐fold enhancement of CD spectrum around 320 nm. This enhancement is further increased when the cyclopentadienyl ligand contains an additional phenyl substituent, owing to exciton coupling between aminobenzoate moieties in adjacent monomeric units. Moreover, the intensity of the CD curves in the region of 240–300 nm is significantly increased. These results suggest that the later polymer may adopt a posible helical structure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2999–3010
Population Pharmacokinetics of Selumetinib and Its Metabolite N‐desmethyl‐selumetinib in Adult Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors and Children With Low‐Grade Gliomas
Authors: Patel YT , Daryani VM , Patel P , Zhou D , Fangusaro J , Carlile DJ , Martin PD , Aarons L , Stewart CF
Published: March 2017

Selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY‐142886), a mitogen activated protein kinases (MEK1 and 2) inhibitor, has been granted orphan drug designation for differentiated thyroid cancer. The primary aim of this analysis was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of selumetinib and its active metabolite N‐desmethyl‐selumetinib in patients with cancer. Concentration–time data from adult and pediatric clinical trials were pooled to develop a population pharmacokinetic model using a sequential approach where selumetinib and N‐desmethyl‐selumetinib data were modeled separately. A sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption with lag time with a two‐compartment model for selumetinib and a two‐compartment model for N‐desmethyl‐selumetinib best described the concentration–time data. Intrapatient variability in absorption was higher than interpatient variability. The apparent drug clearance (CL/F) from the central compartment was 13.5 L/hr (RSE 4.9%). Significant covariates for CL/F were age, alanine aminotransferase, and body surface area. This study confirms that flat dosing is appropriate in adults, whereas body‐surface area based dosing should be used in pediatric patients.
Structural influence of transition metal (Sc, Y, and Lu) atoms inside gold nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Li Xia , Hijikata Yuh , Irle Stephan
Published: March 2017

We theoretically investigated the influences of dopant transition metal atoms on structures and stability of gold nanoparticles. The optimized structures of Au3M and Au3M in an Au32 cage (M = Au, Sc, Y, and Lu) obtained using relativistic density functional theory, show different configurations. Substitutions of one Au atom in the Au4 cluster by only one M atom cause the Au3M clusters to form equilateral triangles where M atoms prefer the central position, which is different from the original rhombus structure of a pure Au4 cluster. All Au3M nanoparticles, however, assume stable tetrahedral configurations in the Au32 cage. Analysis of electronic structures indicates that the equilateral triangle Au3M nanoparticles have higher chemical stability, in other words, lower reactivity than Au3M@Au32, while interaction energies between M and Au atoms in the Au3M are smaller than those in Au3M@Au32. Different amounts of charge transfer and orbital hybridizations between the Au and M cause the change of the chemical stability and interaction energies. Our results indicate the potential manipulation of gold nanoparticle reactivity by metal substitution.
Benchmark values of Shannon entropy for spherically confined hydrogen atom
Authors: Jiao Li Guang , Zan Li Rong , Zhang Yong Zhi , Ho Yew Kam
Published: March 2017

The information‐theoretic measure of confined hydrogen atom has been investigated extensively in the literature. However, most of them were focused on the ground state and accurate values of information entropies, such as Shannon entropy, for confined hydrogen are still not determined. In this work, we establish the benchmark results of the Shannon entropy for confined hydrogen atom in a spherical impenetrable sphere, in both position and momentum spaces. This is done by examining the bound state energies, the normalization of wave functions, and the scaling property with respect to isoelectronic hydrogenic ions. The angular and radial parts of Shannon entropy in two conjugate spaces are provided in detail for both free and confined hydrogen atom in ground and several excited states. The entropies in position space decrease logarithmically with decreasing the size of confinement, while those in momentum space increase logarithmically. The Shannon entropy sum, however, approaches to finite values when the confinement radius closes to zero. It is also found that the Shannon entropy sum shares same trend for states with similar density distributions. Variations of entropy for nodeless bound states are significantly distinct form those owning nodes when changing the confinement radius.
Photo Chemical Hydrogen Generation from Orthorhombic CaFe2O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Different Methods
Authors: Dom Rekha , Kim Hyun Gyu , Borse Pramod H.
Published: March 2017

CaFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles with the orthorhombic phase were synthesized using solid state reaction (SSR), polymer complex (PC), microwave sintering (μW) and self‐propagating combustion (SPC) methods. Hydrogen (H2) evolution by photocatalytic water splitting (WS), over these nanoparticles have been investigated and compared. Their crystallinity, surface area, and band energetics have been studied. It reveals that the CFO synthesized by SSR, PC, μW methods exhibit high crystallinity than that obtained in SPC. The μW synthesized CFO photocatalysts (PHC) exhibited better optical properties than those obtained using conventional SSR route, though they took <60 times less preparation time than SSR. The optical and electrochemical measurements indicate that the CFO shows suited band energetic for H2 generation by WS. In particular, the CFO PHCs obtained from μW method are most efficient &display an order high quantum yield (1.57 %) than others. Electrodes fabricated from μW sintered PHC exhibited low electrochemical charge transfer resistance (CTR) than others yielding high efficiency.
Synthesis of Annulated Thiophenes Involving Benzo‐DMTHFs/Triflic acid‐Mediated Domino Reactions
Authors: Rafiq Settu Muhammad , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K.
Published: March 2017

A facile protocol for synthesis of naphth‐annulated thiophenes has been developed via benzo‐DMTHFs/triflic acid‐mediated annulation of thiophenes. Furthermore, this methodology was found to be successful with substituted benzo‐DMTHFs as well as higher homologues of benzo‐DMTHF.
Expansion behavior of a biaxially reinforced concrete member affected by alkali‐silica reaction
Authors: Wald David , Martinez Gloriana Arrieta , Bayrak Oguzhan
Published: March 2017

The development and multiaxial distribution of mechanical expansions caused by alkali‐silica reaction were quantified for a large‐scale reinforced concrete beam containing top and bottom mats of bidirectional reinforcement with no reinforcement through its depth. The effects of different conditioning environments and the influence of reinforcing bar size and layout on the expansion behavior of the beam were also considered. Expansions in the unreinforced direction exceeded those in the reinforced directions at all times. Expansions in the reinforced directions stopped prior to steel yielding and before concrete finished expanding in the unreinforced direction. Expansion behavior in biaxially reinforced beam regions was not influenced by triaxial restraint conditions at adjacent beam ends. Varying moisture exposure conditions along the length affected the time development of expansions but not the distribution of given volumetric expansions among primary directions.
Model‐based receding horizon control of wind farms for secondary frequency regulation
Authors: Shapiro Carl R. , Bauweraerts Pieter , Meyers Johan , Meneveau Charles , Gayme Dennice F.
Published: March 2017

In this study, we propose the use of model‐based receding horizon control to enable a wind farm to provide secondary frequency regulation for a power grid. The controller is built by first proposing a time‐varying one‐dimensional wake model, which is validated against large eddy simulations of a wind farm at startup. This wake model is then used as a plant model for a closed‐loop receding horizon controller that uses wind speed measurements at each turbine as feedback. The control method is tested in large eddy simulations with actuator disk wind turbine models representing an 84‐turbine wind farm that aims to track sample frequency regulation reference signals spanning 40 min time intervals. This type of control generally requires wind turbines to reduce their power set points or curtail wind power output (derate the power output) by the same amount as the maximum upward variation in power level required by the reference signal. However, our control approach provides good tracking performance in the test system considered with only a 4% derate for a regulation signal with an 8% maximum upward variation. This performance improvement has the potential to reduce the opportunity cost associated with lost revenue in the bulk power market that is typically associated with providing frequency regulation services. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.