bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Amino Group Immobilized on Polyvinyl Alcohol as a Reusable Catalyst for Highly Accelerated N‐Formylation of Amines Using Formic Acid under Solvent‐Free Condition.
Authors: Rezazadeh Soodabeh , Akhlaghinia Batool
Published: May 2016

The catalyst can be reused up to four times without significant loss of activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Cobalt(I)‐Catalyzed CH‐Alkylation of Terminal Olefins, and Beyond.
Authors: Giedyk Maciej , Goliszewska Katarzyna , o Proinsias Keith , Gryko Dorota
Published: May 2016

In the attempted cyclopropanation of terminal olefins with diazo esters using cobalester as catalyst, an unusual sp2 C—H alkylation is observed.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd(II) Trifluoroacetate Complexes Containing Chelating Phosphine Ligands: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalysis.
Authors: Kim Kun‐Woo , Kim Yong‐Joo , Lim Hye Jin , Lee Soon W.
Published: May 2016

Biaryls are prepared by Suzuki—Miyaura coupling of aryl bromides and aryl boronic acids using the title palladium complex as highly active catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Regio‐ and Chemoselective Kumada—Tamao—Corriu Reaction of Aryl Alkyl Ethers Catalyzed by Chromium under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Cong Xuefeng , Tang Huarong , Zeng Xiaoming
Published: May 2016

A broad range of aromatic ethers containing an ortho‐directing imine auxiliary are cross‐coupled in a scalable manner with various aryl and alkyl Grignard reagents.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave Assisted Facile Synthesis of 1‐Amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols Catalyzed by Stannous Oxide Nanoparticles.
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Bala Renu , Kumar Sahil
Published: May 2016

The stannous oxide nanoparticles are an efficient, inexpensive, recyclable and reusable, eco‐friendly heterogenous catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Multiply Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Iridium‐Catalyzed Annulation of Ring‐Fused Benzocyclobutenol with Alkyne Through C—C Bond Cleavage.
Authors: Yu Jiajia , Yan Hong , Zhu Chen
Published: May 2016

A unique and expeditious method for the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (26 examples) is developed using an unprecedented Ir‐catalyzed intermolecular cyclization of alkynes with ring‐fused benzocyclobutenols (I).
ChemInform Abstract: Access to 3‐Acyl‐(2H)‐indazoles via Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C—H Addition and Cyclization of Azobenzenes with α‐Keto Aldehydes.
Authors: Jeong Taejoo , Han Sang Hoon , Han Sangil , Sharma Satyasheel , Park Jihye , Lee Jong Suk , Kwak Jong Hwan , Jung Young Hoon , Kim In Su
Published: May 2016

Symmetrically substituted azobenzenes react with ethyl glyoxalate, and depending on the electronic properties of the aryl substitutents either a single or a mixture of two indazole products is formed.
ChemInform Abstract: Three‐Component Reaction Between Substituted 2‐(2‐Nitrovinyl)‐phenols, Acetylenedicarboxylate and Amines: Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Novel Pyrrolo[3,4‐c]coumarins.
Authors: Xue Shuwen , Yao Juan , Liu Jiaming , Wang Lizhong , Liu Xinyu , Wang Cunde
Published: May 2016

This reaction involves the sequential iron trichloride‐mediated nucleophilic addition followed by intramolecular transesterification and intramolecular nucleophilic addition reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct, Regioselective N‐Alkylation of 1,3‐Azoles.
Authors: Chen Shuai , Graceffa Russell F. , Boezio Alessandro A.
Published: May 2016

1,3‐Azoles and various derivatives thereof, including substituted 1,3‐benzodiazoles, purines, and imidazopyridines, are efficiently alkylated following a protecting group‐free strategy.
ChemInform Abstract: Synergistic Promoting Effect of Ball Milling and KF—Alumina Support for the Green Synthesis of Benzothiazinones.
Authors: Sharifi Ali , Ansari Mohammad , Darabi Hossein Reza , Abaee M. Saeed
Published: May 2016

A solvent‐free reaction of 2‐aminothiophenols with 2‐bromoalkanoates provides benzothiazinones in good to excellent yields using alumina‐supported KF in combination with ball milling.
ChemInform Abstract: Green and Reusable Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of 1,5‐Benzodiazepines and Its Derivatives under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Satyanarayana Kandregula Veera Venkata , Chandra Matangi Ravi , Ramaiah Parimi Atchuta , Murthy Yellajyosula Lakshmi Narasimha , Gil Yoon Soon , Pammi Sri Venkata Narayana
Published: May 2016

CdS nanoparticles show superior catalytic activity for the synthesis of benzodiazepines by condensation of o‐phenylenediamine with ketones under solvent‐free conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Late Stage C—H Activation of a Privileged Scaffold; Synthesis of a Library of Benzodiazepines.
Authors: Khan Raysa , Felix Robert , Kemmitt Paul D. , Coles Simon J. , Day Iain J. , Tizzard Graham J. , Spencer John
Published: May 2016

Regioselective direct ortho‐arylation of the phenyl group is achieved using diaryliodonium tetrafluoroborates as the reactant and Pd(II) acetate as the catalyst under microwave irradiation.
ChemInform Abstract: High Reactivity of Strained Seven‐Membered‐Ring trans‐Alkenes.
Authors: Sanzone Jillian R. , Woerpel K. A.
Published: May 2016

Trans‐oxasilacycloheptenes are found to be highly reactive alkenes.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Embelin from the Mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum
Authors: Thota Satya Prakasa Rao , Sarma Nittala S. , Murthy Y. L. N.
Published: May 2016

isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity
ChemInform Abstract: Picrajavanicins H—M, New Quassinoids from Picrasma javanica Collected in Myanmar and Their Antiproliferative Activities.
Authors: Win Nwet Nwet , et al.
Published: May 2016

All compounds shows significant activity against human pancreatic PANC‐1 epithelioid carcinoma.
ChemInform Abstract: A Study of Luminescence from Eu3+, Ce3+, Tb3+ and Ce3+/Tb3+ in New Potassium Gadolinium Phosphate K3Gd5(PO4)6.
Authors: Meng Fangui , Zhang Hongzhi , Chen Cuili , Kim Sun Il , Seo Hyo Jin , Zhang Xinmin
Published: May 2016

The new phosphors K3Gd5(PO4)6 doped with Eu3+, Ce3+, or Tb3+ and co‐doped with Ce3+ and Tb3+ are prepared by solid state reactions of K2CO3, Gd2O3, NH4H2PO4, Eu2O3, CeO2, and Tb4O7 (600 °C for 2 h and 850 °C for 5 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Dehydrogenation Adjacent to Carbonyls Using Palladium—Allyl Intermediates
Authors: Turlik Aneta , Chen Yifeng , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: May 2016

Review: [34 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Progress in the Metal‐Free or Nonnoble‐Metal‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkynes by Using Pyridine N‐Oxides as External Oxidants
Authors: Zhou Bo , Li Long , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: May 2016

Review: [11 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective Oxidation of Alcohols by Supported Gold Nanoparticles: Recent Advances
Authors: Sharma Anuj S. , Kaur Harjinder , Shah Dipen
Published: May 2016

Review: 292 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Isomerization of Biomass‐Derived Aldoses: A Review
Authors: Delidovich Irina , Palkovits Regina
Published: May 2016

Review: [115 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanistic Investigations into the Application of Sulfoxides in Carbohydrate Synthesis
Authors: Fascione Martin A. , Brabham Robin , Turnbull W. Bruce
Published: May 2016

Review: [55 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxetanes as Versatile Building Blocks in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products: An Overview
Authors: Mahal Ahmed
Published: May 2016

Review: 109 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Palladium Catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Water
Authors: Chatterjee Anamitra , Ward Thomas R.
Published: May 2016

Review: 112 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Approaches, Structure Activity Relationship and Biological Applications for Pharmacologically Attractive Pyrazole/Pyrazoline—Thiazolidine‐Based Hybrids
Authors: Havrylyuk Dmytro , Roman Olexandra , Lesyk Roman
Published: May 2016

Review: 105 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chlorophenols in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration: A Review
Authors: Peng Yaqi , Chen Jinghao , Lu Shengyong , Huang Jianxin , Zhang Mengmei , Buekens Alfons , Li Xiaodong , Yan Jianhua
Published: May 2016

Review: 146 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Environmental NMR: Solid‐State Methods
Authors: Preston Caroline M.
Published: May 2016

Review: 132 refs.
Water Purification Using Cost Effective Material Prepared from Agricultural Waste: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Naushad Mu. , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , ALOthman Zeid Abdullah , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Awual Md. Rabiul , Alqadami Ayoub Abdullah
Published: May 2016

The usage of agricultural waste‐based bio‐adsorbents for the removal of environmental pollutants from water is gaining extensive attention. In this paper, carrot residue (CR) (Daucus carota L.) was used for the production of activated carbon (AC) via chemical activation with HNO3. CR derived activated carbon (CAC) was characterized by various analytical techniques. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area was found to be 17.76 m2 g−1. The efficacy of this AC in adsorbing BrO3− from water samples was studied at time, pH, temperature, and initial BrO3− concentrations by batch studies. The concentration of BrO3− was assessed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass tandem spectrometry. A maximum adsorption capacity of 16.66 mg g−1 at 298 K was obtained from the Langmuir isotherms fit. The kinetic data followed closely the pseudo‐first‐order rate kinetic model. The thermodynamic study of BrO3− adsorption data showed that the adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. The practical efficacy of CAC was performed for BrO3− removal from tap water as well as bottled water samples.
Prognostic impact of a 3‐MicroRNA signature in cytological samples of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mancuso Giuseppe , Bovio Enrica , Rena Ottavio , Rrapaj Eltjona , Mercalli Francesca , Veggiani Claudia , Paganotti Alessia , Andorno Silvano , Boldorini Renzo
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm that accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of lung cancers. In most cases, the diagnosis relies on cytology and needs to be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Although several genetic and molecular abnormalities have been recorded, molecular markers able to predict the prognosis are still lacking. MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures have been recently proposed as useful biomarkers in lung cancer because of their high stability during standard sample processing.

METHODS

Cytological samples for 50 patients with SCLC were collected from primary tumors (n = 25) and metastases (n = 25) by means of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) or bronchial washing (BW); they were fixed in ethanol (FNA) or Duboscq‐Brazil fluid (BW). The 3‐miRNA panel expression (miR‐192, miR‐200c, and miR‐205) was quantified with a TaqMan polymerase chain reaction miRNA assay and was compared with overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

All samples had sufficient RNA for the miRNA expression analysis to be performed, regardless of the sample source or the fixative medium. Patients with a low expression level of the 3‐miRNA panel were associated with better OS in univariate (P = .032) and multivariate analyses (P = .022). Moreover, in the group of patients older than the mean age of our cohort (65.8 years), a significant OS advantage (P = .013) was seen for patients with a low expression level of the 3‐miRNA panel.

CONCLUSIONS

A specific 3‐miRNA signature is potentially useful for predicting survival for patients with SCLC, and it may be feasible with cytological samples taken during standard diagnostic procedures. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:621–9. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Balancing push and pull in Confuga, an active storage cluster file system for scientific workflows
Authors: Donnelly Patrick , Thain Douglas
Published: May 2016

Most big‐data analysis systems require users to adopt restricted abstractions to achieve scaling and system stability. While highly effective at establishing data locality and eliminating interdependencies, this approach is not easily incorporated into scientific workflows that are often complex and irregular graphs of sequential programs with multiple dependencies. To address this, we have developed an active storage cluster file system named Confuga which harnesses the file information already available in the workflow to enable efficient and controlled distribution of dependencies across active storage nodes. Confuga is built upon the idea of leveraging a job's namespace to eliminate unknown transfers and to plan the replication of all job dependencies. Replication is carried out through two opposing transfer methodologies: centrally managed push transfers and distributed pulls. We evaluate the effectiveness of the two transfer mechanisms using workflows that stress the ability of the cluster to replicate dependencies. Ultimately, we show that a balance of the two approaches achieves optimal file distribution. This is shown in two bioinformatics workflows where a careful balance of the two mechanisms leads to 48% and 77% improvements over only push or pull. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH‐Dependent Self‐Assembly of Ladder‐Like Lanthanide Chains with Copper(I) Halide Clusters
Authors: Liu Jin‐Ying , Fang Wei‐Hui , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: May 2016

Through adjustment of the pH value of the reaction system, two series of 3 D lanthanide(III)‐copper(I) coordination polymers, namely [Ln2(na)7Cu6Br5(H2O)2] [Ln=La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), Sm (5), Eu (6), Gd (7), Tb (8)] and [La2(na)7Cu3Br2(H2O)2]⋅H2O (9) (na−=nicotinate), are synthesized hydrothermally and characterized fully. It is worth nothing that these two series of heterometallic compounds are constructed from similar ladder‐like Ln–organic chains, but different copper(I) halide clusters. The luminescence properties of the compounds with Nd (4), Eu (6), and Tb (8) are also investigated.
Synthesis of single‐phase ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles via a wet chemical approach and evaluation of crystal structure characteristics
Authors: Ishii Satoshi , Nakane Takayuki , Furusawa Takaya , Naka Takashi
Published: May 2016

Single‐phase ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized utilizing improvements to the preparation of the precursor materials. This synthesis differs from more general syntheses of ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles in that it minimizes the presence of ZnO impurities. The higher purity of our ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles allowed for more comprehensive X‐ray diffraction analysis as well as more sensitive spectroscopic evaluation. Moreover, pH control of the precursor solution dramatically improved the reproducibility of the synthesis. The lattice constant of the ZnAl2O4 samples synthesized by our technique is different from what is observed in particles fabricated using more common solid state reactions. This difference in lattice constants indicates the occurrence of a site exchange phenomenon between Zn2+ and Al3+ and/or oxygen deficiency. This suggests the possibility of tailoring novel functional spinel oxides for a wide array of future applications.
An enduring role for quiescent stem cells
Authors: Richmond Camilla A. , Shah Manasvi S. , Carlone Diana L. , Breault David T.
Published: May 2016

The intestine's ability to recover from catastrophic injury requires quiescent intestinal stem cells (q‐ISCs). While rapidly cycling (Lgr5+) crypt base columnar (CBC) ISCs normally maintain the intestine, they are highly sensitive to pathological injuries (irradiation, inflammation) and must be restored by q‐ISCs to sustain intestinal homeostasis. Despite clear relevance to human health, virtually nothing is known regarding the factors that regulate q‐ISCs. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms would likely lead to targeted new therapies with profound therapeutic implications for patients with gastrointestinal conditions. We briefly review the current state of the literature, highlighting homeostatic mechanisms important for q‐ISC regulation, listing key questions in the field, and offer strategies to address them. Developmental Dynamics 245:718–726, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attribution of the vegetation trends in a typical desertified watershed of northeast China over the past three decades
Authors: Wang Siru , Lei Huimin , Duan Limin , Liu Tingxi , Yang Dawen
Published: May 2016

Desertification is a serious environmental problem in north China that should be urgently addressed and prevented. Identifying the causes of vegetation trends that are closely related to desertification is prerequisite for a better control of desertification processes. In this study, the Xiliao River basin, a typical desertified watershed in northeast China, was selected as a case study. To partition the vegetation trends into climate‐induced and human‐induced trends, a linear regression model, piecewise regression model and a binary nonlinear regression analysis were employed, based on the long‐term remote measures of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climate data. The results showed that the spatial pattern of the vegetation trends in the basin was highly heterogonous, although the climatic factors varied similarly. In the north, where natural vegetation dominates, the vegetation exhibited significant browning (−0.0015 year−1), and a significant changing point was observed in 2000. In the south, where cropland dominates, the vegetation exhibited significant greening (0.002 year−1). Approximately 82.7% of the area with a decreasing NDVI was attributed to climate variability. The main reason for the vegetation degradation was because of a multiyear reduction in precipitation from 1999 to 2011 rather than from an increase in the grazing size. Approximately 67.0% of the area with an increasing NDVI could be attributed to irrigation, which overexploited a large amount of water resources, even though significantly increasing air temperatures can promote vegetation greenness. Our findings have important management implications for grazing and agriculture in the context of controlling desertification and sustaining environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciphering new mechanisms on T‐cell costimulation by human mast cells
Authors: Frossi Barbara , Mion Francesca , Pucillo Carlo
Published: May 2016

It is well established that full activation of T cells to recognize a specific antigen requires additional signals. These secondary signals are generated by the interaction of costimulatory molecules expressed on APCs. Classical APCs include DCs, macrophages, Langerhans cells, and B cells. However, in recent years, several haematopoietic and nonhaematopoietic cells have been described to express MHC class II antigens and, in appropriate conditions, costimulatory molecules. In this issue, Suurmond et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2016. 46: 1132–1141] show, for the first time, that human mast cells not only express costimulatory molecules of the TNF‐receptor and CD28 families, but can also costimulate T cells through a yet‐to‐be‐defined CD28‐independent interaction.
Repeated exposure to others’ pain reduces vicarious pain intensity estimation
Authors: Grégoire M. , Coll M.P. , Tremblay M.P.B.‐ , Prkachin K.M. , Jackson P.L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Pain perception in others can be influenced by different contextual factors. In clinical settings, the repeated exposure to others’ pain has been proposed as a factor that could explain underestimation of patients’ pain by health care providers. Previous research supported this idea by showing that repeated exposure to persons in pain biases the subsequent willingness to impute pain in others. However, it remains unclear if the effect of repeated exposure on the detection of pain extends to deliberate pain estimation of stimuli presented for a longer period.

Method

Therefore, in a first experiment, healthy participants were either exposed to clips of facial expressions of intense pain or neutral expressions before estimating the intensity of other individuals’ pain expressions. To test the specificity of this effect with regard to the pain content, a second study was conducted with healthy adults, which compared the effect of exposure to fear, pain and neutral videos on subsequent pain assessment in others.

Results

Results from the first experiment indicated that repeated exposure to others’ pain diminished the subsequent estimation of the intensity of pain in others. Results from the second experiment suggested that exposure to fear could bias pain estimation in a similar manner. However, the absence of difference in ratings between the exposure to fear and neutral groups warrants caution in the interpretation of these findings.

Conclusion

By demonstrating that repeated exposure to others’ pain diminished subsequent pain estimation in others, this study adds relevant information on the factors that could contribute to pain underestimation in health care professionals.

What does this study add?

Repeated exposure to facial expressions of intense pain not only biases pain detection, but also pain estimation in others.

Prior exposure to facial expressions of pain compared to exposure to neutral ones leads to a reduced estimation of others’ pain. This effect is not specific to pain as exposure to another negative emotion (fear) also biases subsequent pain estimation.

These results support the interpretation that the underestimation of patients’ pain by health care professionals could be related to repeated exposure to other's pain.
An active mass damper designed using ARX models of a building structure
Authors: Ikeda Yoshiki
Published: May 2016

This study proposes a new design method for an active mass damper (AMD) that is based on auto‐regressive exogenous models of a building structure. The proposed method uses the results of system identification in the field of active structural control. The uncontrolled structure is identified as auto‐regressive exogenous models via measurements under earthquake excitation and forced vibration. These models are linked with an equation of motion for the AMD to introduce a state equation and output equation for the AMD–structure interaction system in the discrete‐time space; the equations apply modern control theories to the AMD design. In the numerical applications of a 10‐degree‐of‐freedom building structure, linear quadratic regulator control is used to understand the fundamental characteristics of the proposed design procedure. The feedback control law requires the AMD's acceleration, velocity and stroke; the structure's acceleration; and the ground acceleration as vibration measurements. The numerical examples confirm the high applicability and control effectiveness of the proposed method. One remarkable advantage of the proposed method is that an equation of motion for the structure becomes unnecessary for designing controllers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a chronic Pb bioavailability model for the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus
Authors: Nys Charlotte , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: May 2016

The univariate effects of Ca, pH, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on chronic (48-h) Pb toxicity to the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were investigated. High pH (8.2) and higher concentrations of DOC were protective against filtered Pb toxicity, whereas Ca was not. However, expressed as the free Pb2+ ion, Pb2+ toxicity increased with increasing DOC concentration, indicating that Pb–fulvic acid (FA) complexes may be bioavailable and may contribute to toxicity. Two different bioavailability models were developed. The pH effect was modeled as a single-site competition effect by H+ (log KHBL = 7.14). In the first model, only this H+ effect was considered; in a second model, a log-linear fulvic acid bioavailability effect (SFA = 0.602) was also incorporated. Both models predicted chronic Pb toxicity for most waters used for model development within a 2-fold error. To validate the predictive capacities of the models, chronic Pb toxicity to B. calyciflorus was tested in 5 natural waters and a reference water. Both models consistently underestimated Pb toxicity in the natural waters, as a result of a shift in rotifer sensitivity to Pb between the development and the validation test series. However, optimizing the intrinsic sensitivity in the models specific for the validation test series resulted in reasonable predictions of Pb toxicity in the natural waters. The second, more complex model predicted chronic Pb toxicity most accurately. The protective effects of water chemistry on Pb toxicity to Brachionus are comparable to those observed for Ceriodaphnia. However, the developed Brachionus models were not able to accurately predict chronic Pb toxicity to the rotifer Philodina rapida. It remains unclear why the influence of water chemistry on chronic Pb toxicity appears to be different between 2 rotifer species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2977–2986. © 2016 SETAC
Quarantine Controversy: Kaci Hickox v. Governor Chris Christie
Authors: Gatter Robert
Published: May 2016

Nurse Kaci Hickox is among the “Ebola Fighters” honored by Time magazine as its 2014 Person of the Year, having treated Ebola patients in Sierra Leone while volunteering with Médecins Sans Frontieres. When she returned to the United States in October 2014, she was quarantined in New Jersey for three days before returning home to Maine under the terms of a negotiated release. A year later, in October 2015, Hickox filed suit in federal court against Governor Chris Christie and New Jersey health officials, claiming that the quarantine violated her civil rights. Her complaint asserts that New Jersey officials lacked the authority to quarantine her because she did not pose a significant risk of transmission. The lawsuit raises important questions about disease‐transmission risk, the inability of science to rule out certain theoretical risks, and the state's power to quarantine. It also demonstrates that population health depends on respecting individual liberty and using the best available epidemiological data to set public health policy.
A Surgeon's Dilemma
Authors: Shuman Andrew G. , Fins Joseph J.
Published: May 2016

A thirty‐year‐old single mother with recurrent, metastatic, treatment‐refractory cancer presents to the emergency room with severe difficulty breathing due to an obstructive tumor in her neck, compounded by progressive disease in her lungs and a new pulmonary embolism. She cannot be safely intubated and would require an emergent awake tracheotomy. Even if the airway can be successfully secured surgically, the likelihood that she will be able to be weaned from mechanical ventilation is very low. The surgeon, a young mother too, appreciates the patient's desire for more time with her toddler. But the surgeon knows the significant risk of surgery, the massive responsibility she would accept in trying to get the patient through it, and the emotional toll of an intraoperative death on surgical staff. And she can imagine the second‐guessing that will come during the inevitable morbidity and mortality conference if the patient should die in the perioperative window. Yet the surgeon does not want to take the “easy” way out; after all, critically ill patients undergo aggressive resuscitation all the time. What should she do?
Truth Telling, Companionship, and Witness: An Agenda for Narrative Ethics
Authors: Frank Arthur W.
Published: May 2016

Narrative ethics holds that if you ask someone what goodness is, as a basis of action, most people will first appeal to various abstractions, each of which can be defined only by other abstractions that in turn require further definition. If you persist in asking what each of these abstractions actually means, eventually that person will have to tell you a story and expect you to recognize goodness in the story. Goodness and badness need stories to make them thinkable and to translate them into individual and collective actions. Yet after more than two decades of considering the issue, I do not believe that a collection of stories can by itself guide actions in ways that are sufficient to respond to ethical troubles in institutional settings. The question will always remain open for me, but my present belief is that narrative bioethics is always hyphenated, in the sense that guidance from stories needs to be allied with other ethical guidance. Each side of the hyphen qualifies the other side. The hyphenation I will argue for in this essay is “narrative‐deontology.”
Myopic and Forward Looking Behavior in Branded Oral Anti‐Diabetic Medication Consumption: An Example from Medicare Part D
Authors: Sacks Naomi C. , Burgess James F. , Cabral Howard J. , Pizer Steven D.
Published: May 2016

We evaluate consumption responses to the non‐linear Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. We compare propensity‐matched older patients with diabetes and Part D Standard or low‐income‐subsidy (LIS) coverage. We evaluate monthly adherence to branded oral anti‐diabetics, with high end‐of‐year donut hole prices (>$200) for Standard patients and consistent, low (≤$6) prices for LIS. As an additional control, we examine adherence to generic anti‐diabetics, with relatively low, consistent prices for Standard patients. If Standard patients are forward looking, they will reduce branded adherence in January, and LIS‐Standard differences will be constant through the year. Contrary to this expectation, branded adherence is lower for Standard patients in January and diverges from LIS as the coverage year progresses. Standard‐LIS generic adherence differences are minimal. Our findings suggest that seniors with chronic conditions respond myopically to the nonlinear Part D benefit, reducing consumption in response to high deductible, initial coverage and gap prices. Thus, when the gap is fully phased out in 2020, cost‐related nonadherence will likely remain in the face of higher spot prices for more costly branded medications. These results contribute to studies of Part D plan choice and medication adherence that suggest that seniors may not make optimal healthcare decisions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydraulic Performance Assessment of Lesa at low Pressure
Authors: Zhu Xingye , Peters Troy , Neibling Howard
Published: May 2016

To assist with the selection of appropriate low elevation spray application (LESA) technology, hydraulic performance tests at low pressure were conducted. The main structural parameters in this study were the aboveground height (A), spacing between the sprinklers (B), travel speed (C), and sprinkler nozzle diameter (D). An orthogonal array with four factors and three levels was selected, and the direct analysis technique was used to analyze the test data. Results show that the influencing factors in decreasing order of importance were as follows: CDBA for application depth; BACD for irrigation uniformity (CU); ACBD for application efficiency; CDBA for surface runoff; and CDBA for soil water content. The highest application efficiency obtained during the experiments was 95.1%, and the highest uniformity coefficient obtained was 96.4%. The application efficiency was high when the sprinkler height was low. CU was high when the spacing between the sprinklers was small. The surface runoff amount was low when the travel speed was high. The application depth and surface runoff were higher when the sprinkler nozzle diameter was larger. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decreasing bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers
Authors: Green Nicholas , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Wilder David A.
Published: May 2016

Many workers in industrialized nations spend their day seated at a desk. Research suggests that accumulated sitting time increases risk for certain diseases (van der Ploeg, Chey, Korda, Banks, & Bauman, 2012). To reduce risk, health researchers recommend frequent standing or walking breaks during the workday. In the current study, we evaluated 3 behavioral interventions to decrease bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers. Information alone was not as effective as a treatment package that consisted of a tactile prompt, feedback, and goal setting.
Phosphate conversion coating reduces the degradation rate and suppresses side effects of metallic magnesium implants in an animal model
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Imran , Tavares Ana , Evertz Florian , Kieke Marc , Seitz Jan‐Marten , Eifler Rainer , Weizbauer Andreas , Willbold Elmar , Jürgen Maier Hans , Glasmacher Birgit , Behrens Peter , Hauser Hansjörg , Mueller Peter P.
Published: May 2016

Magnesium alloys have promising mechanical and biological properties for the development of degradable implants. However, rapid implant corrosion and gas accumulations in tissue impede clinical applications. With time, the implant degradation rate is reduced by a highly biocompatible, phosphate‐containing corrosion layer. To circumvent initial side effects after implantation it was attempted to develop a simple in vitro procedure to generate a similarly protective phosphate corrosion layer. To this end magnesium samples were pre‐incubated in phosphate solutions. The resulting coating was well adherent during routine handling procedures. It completely suppressed the initial burst of corrosion and it reduced the average in vitro magnesium degradation rate over 56 days almost two‐fold. In a small animal model phosphate coatings on magnesium implants were highly biocompatible and abrogated the appearance of gas cavities in the tissue. After implantation, the phosphate coating was replaced by a layer with an elemental composition that was highly similar to the corrosion layer that had formed on plain magnesium implants. The data demonstrate that a simple pre‐treatment could improve clinically relevant properties of magnesium‐based implants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1622–1635, 2017.
First‐principles Study of Stability of Cu in the Nd‐rich and Nd Oxide Phases of Nd‐Fe‐B Permanent Magnet
Authors: Saengdeejing Arkapol , Chen Ying , Matsuura Masashi , Sugimoto Satoshi
Published: May 2016

In the Nd‐Fe‐B permanent magnet materials, existing of small amount of copper can increases the coercivity which is very important property of the magnet. In order to understand the microscopic mechanism of the effect of copper on the properties of the Nd‐Fe‐B magnet, first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory coupled with cluster expansion method are performed to investigate the phase stability in Cu‐doped Nd and Nd‐O system. Calculations revealed that Cu is stable in both NdO‐ZnS and N2O3‐cI80 structures in a wide oxygen concentration range and the possible existing state of Cu in Nd‐rich phase might be a solid solution of (Nd,Cu)O‐ZnS.
Quantifying the changing properties of climate extremes in Guangdong Province using individual and integrated climate indices
Authors: He Yanhu , Lin Kairong , Tang Guoping , Chen Xiaohong , Guo Shenglian , Gui Faliang
Published: May 2016

The temporal and spatial trends of four climate extreme indices for Guangdong Province of China were calculated based on observed daily precipitation, daily maximum, and daily minimum temperatures at 24 weather stations as well as the frequency of typhoon events during the period of 1957–2013. An integrated extreme climatic index (IECI) was derived from four individual climate extreme indices (high temperature days (Htd), low temperature days (Ltd), intensive precipitation days (Ipd) and number of typhoon events (TT)), considering their weights using an information theory model. A simple linear regression model was utilized to analyze the spatiotemporal trends of the climate extremes. The correlation analysis between the above extreme climatic indices and the socioeconomic losses [affected area of crops (AAC), direct losses of the economy (DLE), and affected population (AP)] was calculated. The results indicate that Htd increased while Ltd decreased significantly at the 5% significance level. By contrast, there were no significant long‐term changes in Ipd and TT. The rate of change of IECI was 0.006 per decade and no long‐term trend was detected in IECI. Spatially, a positive trend was observed in the Yuexi River Basin (YXRB) for Ipd, while a negative trend was found in the East River Basin (ERB). Ltd followed an opposite spatial pattern to that of Htd. Extreme temperature days occurred more frequently in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) than in other parts of Guangdong Province. Regions with positive IECI rates of change were mostly in the YXRB, the coastal area of the Yuedong River Basin (YDRB) and the northern and southern part of the ERB. The correlation coefficients between IECI and AAC, DLE, and AP are 0.375, 0.424 and 0.603, respectively. In general, IECI correlated more strongly with the loss indices caused by extreme climatic events than did the four individual extreme climatic indices.
Medicaid enrollment after liver transplantation: Effects of medicaid expansion
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Hayes Don , Washburn W. Kenneth , Tobias Joseph D. , Black Sylvester M.
Published: May 2016

Liver transplantation (LT) recipients in the United States have low rates of paid employment, making some eligible for Medicaid public health insurance after transplant. We test whether recent expansions of Medicaid eligibility increased Medicaid enrollment and insurance coverage in this population. Patients of ages 18‐59 years receiving first‐time LTs in 2009‐2013 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry and stratified according to insurance at transplantation (private versus Medicaid/Medicare). Posttransplant insurance status was assessed through June 2015. Difference‐in‐difference multivariate competing‐risks models stratified on state of residence estimated effects of Medicaid expansion on Medicaid enrollment or use of uninsured care after LT. Of 12,837 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 6554 (51%) lived in a state that expanded Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid participation after LT was more common in Medicaid‐expansion states (25%) compared to nonexpansion states (19%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of 7279 patients with private insurance at transplantation demonstrated that after the effective date of Medicaid expansion (January 1, 2014), the hazard of posttransplant Medicaid enrollment increased in states participating in Medicaid expansion (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1‐2.0; P = 0.01), but not in states opting out of Medicaid expansion (HR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.5‐1.3; P = 0.37), controlling for individual characteristics and time‐invariant state‐level factors. No effects of Medicaid expansion on the use of posttransplant uninsured care were found, regardless of private or government insurance status at transplantation. Medicaid expansion increased posttransplant Medicaid enrollment among patients who had private insurance at transplantation, but it did not improve overall access to health insurance among LT recipients. Liver Transplantation 22 1075–1084 2016 AASLD
Structural Analysis of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Prepared via Direct Heteroarylation Polymerization
Authors: Pouliot Jean‐Rémi , Wakioka Masayuki , Ozawa Fumiyuki , Li Yuning , Leclerc Mario
Published: May 2016

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) from a direct heteroarylation polymerization of two isomeric monomers, 2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene (monomer 1) and 2‐bromo‐4‐hexylthiophene (monomer 2). Using the Herrmann–Beller catalyst along with P(o‐NMe2Ph)3, the resulting polymers are obtained in excellent yields and exhibit a good number‐average molecular weight (Mn of 33 and 16 kDa, respectively). Detailed 1H NMR analyses reveal less than 1% of homocouplings and no evidence of β‐branching. Dehalogenation is identified as the main chain termination step and preferentially occurs on monomer 2. The melting temperature (237 °C) and hole mobility (up to 0.19 cm2 V−1.s−1) of the nearly defect‐free P3HT obtained from this simple polymerization of monomer 1 are comparable, if not superior, to those obtained with commercially available GRIM and Rieke samples.

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Molecular Polymer Brushes in Nanomedicine
Authors: Müllner Markus
Published: May 2016

Nanomedicine is one of the fastest growing areas of nanotechnology. The control over nanoparticle design and the ability to tailor nanoparticle performance to fit exacting requirements is anticipated to enhance the safety and efficacy of patient treatment. Within this space, molecular polymer brushes – single macromolecules of the size of colloids – offer a modular platform to precisely engineer nanoparticles with uniform size, shape and composition. In addition, this technology permits the compartmentalisation of chemical environments to produce multifunctional nanoparticles for tailored biomedical applications. This article highlights the recent developments in polymer brush nanoparticles for use in delivery and imaging applications.

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Nanofiber‐Based Hydrocolloid from Colloid Electrospinning Toward Next Generation Wound Dressing
Authors: Kim Sohee , Park Sung‐Gurl , Kang Sun‐Woong , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: May 2016

Nanofiber‐based hydrocolloid scaffold is prepared by colloid electrospinning of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (S.CMC) in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/dimethylformamide (DMF). The most suitable process of electrospinning for successful formation of fibers is investigated by controlling the concentration of polymeric solution and co‐solvent ratio. In order to accomplish high wettability, the amount of colloid (S.CMC) and the co‐solvent ratio (THF/DMF), which affects the morphology of fibers, are adjusted. Finally, the open wound healing effect is confirmed using nanofiber‐hydrocolloid from in vivo animal studies. A detailed study of the wound healing process is also demonstrated for the first time.

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Phase‐Changeable Fatty Acid Available for Temperature‐Regulated Drug Release
Authors: Park Ju Hyang , Ahn Hyungju , Kim Jongbok , Hyun Dong Choon
Published: May 2016

This paper describes a mixture of fatty acids that is available for temperature‐controlled release of drugs. The mixture consists of two fatty acids with different melting points. At a specific composition, the mixture represents a single melting point of 38–40 °C which is slightly above the normal human body temperature. To demonstrate its use in the temperature‐regulated release, this study fabricates fatty acid‐incorporated polymer fibers containing dye‐loaded polymer particles in their core. Below the melting point of the mixture, it will be in a solid state to restrict the passing of dye loaded in the core whereas the dye can be released instantly through the generated pores at a temperature slightly higher than the melting point. The release profiles of the dye can be further manipulated by varying the amount of the mixture contained in the fibers and the composition of the mixture.

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Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in twin pregnancies with treatment of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in a single center
Authors: Tan Yueqiu , Gao Ya , Lin Ge , Fu Meili , Li Xihong , Yin Xuyang , Du Juan , Li Jing , Li Wen , Peng Huanhuan , Yuan Yuying , Chen Fang , Jiang Fuman , Zhang Hongyun , Lu Guangxiu , Gong Fei , Wang Wei
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective of the study is to report the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in twin pregnancies after the treatment of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Method

In two years period, 565 pregnant women with ART twin pregnancies were prospectively tested by NIPT for screening for trisomy 21 (T21), 18 (T18), and 13 (T13) by sequencing cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma. Positive NIPT results were confirmed by karyotyping, while negative results were interviewed after delivery. Pregnant decision based on NIPT and confirmation results was discussed during post‐test counseling.

Results

In total of 565 cases, NIPT had a failure rate of 0.9% (5/565). Four cases of T21 were identified by NIPT and confirmed by karyotyping, resulting in 100% (95%CI 39.8%–100%) positive predictive value. Among 556 cases with NIPT negative results, 506 cases (91.0%) were confirmed by follow‐up of postnatal phenotypes, while 33 cases (5.9%) had adverse pregnant outcomes with unconfirmed reasons because of the lack of cytogenetic samples. The remaining 17 cases (3.1%) refused follow‐up. No false negative result was reported.

Conclusion

With apparently high positive predictive value and low false positive rate, NIPT has the potential to be used as a good alternative approach of conventional prenatal screening at the first trimester in ART twin pregnancy. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Hypercalcemia in a Patient Receiving Peginterferon alfa‐2a Therapy for Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Karne Sheetal , Mainor Candace B. , Baer Maria R.
Published: May 2016

Peginterferon alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a) is commonly used to treat hepatitis C virus infection and is also being used increasingly to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms including polycythemia vera. Sarcoidosis associated with IFN therapy for treatment of hepatitis C is well described, with hypercalcemia occurring as a rare manifestation. We describe a 25‐year‐old man with polycythemia vera who became resistant to hydroxyurea after 6 years of treatment, requiring therapeutic phlebotomy procedures with increasing frequency for elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a was then initiated at 90 μg subcutaneously once/week and was progressively increased to 180 μg/week over the next 11 months, with normalization of his hemoglobin and hematocrit. The patient then developed hypercalcemia with low parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone–related protein, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, and high 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D and angiotensin‐converting enzyme levels, without other evidence of sarcoidosis. PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a was discontinued, treatment with intravenous fluids and zoledronic acid was initiated, and the hypercalcemia resolved 10 weeks later. Use of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 7) between the patient's development of hypercalcemia and PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a therapy; the relationship could not be considered as definite because the patient was not rechallenged with the drug. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of IFN‐induced hypercalcemia without other manifestations of sarcoidosis. Practitioners should be aware of hypercalcemia as a potential complication of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a therapy, as well as its protracted time course, in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Tracing the Progress of Drinking Water Security in Rural India Through Policy Initiatives
Authors: Ray Bhaswati
Published: May 2016

Provision of potable drinking water on a sustainable basis is a basic necessity, more so in the rural areas of India. Continued pressure on the limited water resources from different sectors, leads to both quantitative and qualitative deterioration of this fragile natural system. A review of the government's efforts in implementing various programmes and policies has shown inadequate progress in providing sufficient quantity of potable water to rural households. With excessive dependence on ground water, the population is exposed to arsenic and fluoride contamination with hazardous effects on human health. India's water sector has, however, witnessed major policy and institutional changes, particularly since 1999. These reforms entail the provision of safe and adequate drinking water, participatory water management, greater responsibilities to local government, establishment of regulatory bodies, involvement of the private sector, and insistence on the economic value of water. These policy reforms are often portrayed as progressive attempts of change leading to more democratization, decentralization of governance, wider choice and the empowerment of rural communities. With major targets for 2017 and 2022, it has become necessary to review the success of these policy initiatives in providing drinking water security in rural India.