bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immobilization of catalase onto hydrophilic mesoporous poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) monoliths
Authors: Wang Guowei , Xin Yuanrong , Han Wenjuan , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) monoliths have been fabricated by a thermally induced phase separation method. Catalase was immobilized onto the monolith surfaces after activating the hydroxyl groups of the monolith in the presence of carbonyldiimidazole. The immobilized catalase exhibited the same optimum pH and temperature values to those of the free catalase. In addition, the immobilized catalase showed better thermal stability and high reusability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42556.
Facile preparation of asymmetric Ni/PVC film with controlled structure: Application as a high‐performance EMI shielding material
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fang Xiaoxia , Wen Bianying , Zou Wenqi
Published: June 2015

Controlling the spatial configuration of conductive fillers in thin composites by a facile strategy is critical to widely commercial use these materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. In this work, a series of free‐standing thin Ni/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films with the same composition just systematically varied Ni particles dispersion states was prepared by solution casting method. The relationships between the structure and properties were also investigated. Ni particles motion was governed by evaporation and sedimentation during solvent evaporation with the presence of soluble PVC influencing the casting solution viscosity. The experimental results fit the 1D model. In dilute casting system, the effective concentration of Ni particles in the lower part of the film was significantly enhanced and a dense, closed packed conductive network was formed. This special distribution of Ni particles was found to play a key role in the corresponding properties. Compared to the uniform film, the film which was fabricated from the casting solution containing 0.03 g/mL PVC, exhibited much better electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance. Furthermore, the detailed study shows that the obtained thin film exhibited excellent EMI SE values per unit film thickness of 200 dB/mm. Meanwhile, the resultant films possessed thermal conductivity of 0.32∼0.59 W/(m·K) depended on whether a Ni continuous network formation throughout the whole film in the temperature range of 30∼60°C. Our study results pave thus the way for scalable fabrication of substrate‐free systems that have advantages in multifunctional complex devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42560.
Copolymerization and terpolymerization of glycolide with lactones by dimethyl(salicylaldiminato)aluminum compounds
Authors: Fuoco Tiziana , Meduri Angelo , Lamberti Marina , Pellecchia Claudio , Pappalardo Daniela
Published: June 2015

The aliphatic poly(esters) are the most common biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic materials used by far for diverse biomedical applications. Co‐polymers and ter‐polymers of glycolide with ε‐caprolactone and lactide are produced in the presence of dimethyl aluminum compounds, bearing salicylaldiminato bidentate ligands differing for the steric hindrance on the ortho position of the phenolato ring. The formation of random poly[glycolide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] samples is favored with more encumbered catalyst. Transesterification reactions of the second mode also contribute to randomize the structure. Copolymers from semi‐crystalline to amorphous are produced by decreasing the glycolide/ε‐caprolactone feed ratio. The terpolymerization of glycolide with ε‐caprolactone and rac‐lactide with the same catalysts affords amorphous and random poly[(glycolide‐co‐lactide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] samples. The incorporation of the monomers is in this case determined by the bulkiness of the catalysts and by the higher coordination ability of the cyclic diesters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42567.
Orthogonal design preparation of phenolic fiber by melt electrospinning
Authors: Xie Gai , Chen Zhiyuan , Ramakrishna Seeram , Liu Yong
Published: June 2015

Through orthogonal experimental methods, the melt electrospinning of pure phenolic fibers has been achieved. The preparation is based on an orthogonal experimental method, which was designed to investigate the optimal conditions for production through integrated effects of spinning temperature, gap between spinneret and collector, as well as applied voltage. We found that optimal spinning conditions at 160°C, a spinneret‐to‐collector gap of 8 cm, and applied voltage at 40 kV produce an average electrospun fiber diameter reaching 4.44 ± 0.76 μm, with narrow variance distribution. The fibers were cured in a solution with 18.5% formaldehyde and 12% hydrochloric acid, heated from room temperature to 80°C and maintained 1h. In this report, the morphology, structural changes, and heat resistance of the fibers are characterized. Obtained results reveal that curing the fiber reduces crystallization and improves heat resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42574.
Influence of electrochemical copolymerization conditions of 3‐methylthiophene and biphenyl on the morphology and nanomechanical properties of the films
Authors: Triantou Despina , Soulis Spyridon , Perivoliotis Dimitris , Charitidis Costas
Published: June 2015

The aim of this work is to synthesize novel 3‐methylthiophene (3MTh)/biphenyl (Biph) copolymer films by electropolymerization and study their mechanical properties through nanoindentation. The morphology, the chemical structure as well as the electrical conductivity of the copolymer films depended strongly on the electropolymerization conditions. It was found that the polymer deposition follow an instantaneous, two‐dimensional nucleation and growth mechanism leading to homogenous films. The copolymer films had higher Young modulus and nanohardness than poly(3‐methylthiophene) (3PMTh), indicating that the incorporation of Biph units within the P3MTh chain leads to a more densely packed structure and a more brittle polymer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42575.
Synthesis of a PPV‐fluorene derivative: Applications in luminescent devices
Authors: Rodrigues Paula C. , Fontes Bruno D. , Torres Bruno B. M. , Sousa Washington S. , Faria Gregório C. , Balogh Debora T. , Faria Roberto M. , Akcelrud Leni
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of a polyfluorene/poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivative, the Poly [(9,9′‐di‐hexylfluorenediylvinylene‐alt‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)‐co‐((9,9′‐(3‐t‐butylpropanoate) fluorene‐1,4‐phenylene)] (LaPPS 42) was performed following Wittig and Suzuki routes. Polyfluorenes and derivatives have been used in electroluminescent devices, and the synthesis described here has the advantage in pave the way to get distinct structures having different emission spectra. An extensive study of its electrochemical, thermomechanical, optical, and structural properties was carried out, as well as its application in electroluminescent devices. Polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer light‐emitting electrochemical cells (PLECs) were built using LaPPS 42 as active layer, and their electric and optical characterizations confirm they have a potential as active element in electroluminescent devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42579.
pH‐sensitive polyelectrolyte films derived from submicron chitosan/Eudragit® L 100‐55 complexes: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro drug release
Authors: Čalija Bojan , Savić Snežana , Krajišnik Danina , Daniels Rolf , Vučen Sonja , Marković Bojan , Milić Jela
Published: June 2015

The objectives of this study were to prepare films from submicron chitosan/Eudragit® L100‐55 polyelectrolyte complexes (CH/EL PEC) and to assess the influence of CH molecular weight and CH/EL mass ratio on their structure and drug‐release properties. The films were obtained by a simple, environmentally friendly, casting/solvent evaporation method and the verapamil hydrochloride (VH) was used as model drug. Submicron size, narrow size distribution, and acceptable stability of CH/EL PECs were confirmed by DLS and laser Doppler microelectrophoresis. SEM analysis revealed nonporous inner structure and flat surface of the films. Interactions between comprising polymers and formation of CH/EL PEC were established by DSC and FT‐IR spectroscopy. In vitro swelling and drug release studies revealed the pH sensitivity of the films, with burst drug release in acidic conditions (pH 1.2) and sustained release in phosphate buffers pH 5.8, 6.8, and 7.4. The slowest VH release was achieved from the films prepared from equal amounts of EL and CH of higher molecular weight, confirming the significance of the CH/EL ratio and CH molecular weight on their ability to sustain drug release. The obtained results suggested that presented, simple, and eco‐friendly preparation procedure can be used to obtain pH‐sensitive CH/EL PEC films with a promising potential as drug carriers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42583.
Biorenewable polymer composites from tall oil‐based polyamide and lignin‐cellulose fiber
Authors: Liu Kunwei , Madbouly Samy A. , Schrader James A. , Kessler Michael R. , Grewell David , Graves William R.
Published: June 2015

Tall oil‐based polyamide (PA) was blended with lignin‐cellulose fiber (LCF), an inexpensive, highly abundant byproduct of the pulp and paper industries, to produce environmental‐friendly thermoplastic biocomposites. The effects of the concentration of LCF on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the composites were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheological testing, and mechanical testing. The morphologies of the composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of LCF did not change the glass relaxation process of the polyamide significantly. Results from rheological testing showed that the complex viscosity and shear storage modulus were increased by LCF. Both the modulus and strength increased with increasing LCF content; however, LCF substantially reduced the tensile elongation of the composites. The thermal stability of the composites was strongly influenced by the concentration of LCF. The onset of the degradation process shifted to lower temperatures with increasing LCF content. We conclude that LCF has strong potential for use as filler that is compatible with tall oil‐based polyamide. Adding LCF to form PA‐LCF composites can lower material costs, reduce material weight, and increase strength and rigidity compared to neat PA. Composites of PA‐LCF could serve as sustainable replacements for petroleum plastics in many industrial applications and would provide additional opportunities to utilize LCF, a highly abundant biorenewable material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42592.
Clinical Utility of Random Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Drug–Level Testing and Measurement of Antidrug Antibodies on the Long‐Term Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jani Meghna , Chinoy Hector , Warren Richard B. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Plant Darren , Fu Bo , Morgan Ann W. , Wilson Anthony G. , Isaacs John D. , Hyrich KimmeL. , Barton Anne ,   on behalf of the Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate Collaborators
Published: June 2015

Objective

To investigate whether antidrug antibodies and/or drug non‐trough levels predict the long‐term treatment response in a large cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with adalimumab or etanercept and to identify factors influencing antidrug antibody and drug levels to optimize future treatment decisions.

Methods

A total of 331 patients from an observational prospective cohort were selected (160 patients treated with adalimumab and 171 treated with etanercept). Antidrug antibody levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, and drug levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 835 serial serum samples obtained 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of therapy. The association between antidrug antibodies and drug non‐trough levels and the treatment response (change in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints) was evaluated.

Results

Among patients who completed 12 months of followup, antidrug antibodies were detected in 24.8% of those receiving adalimumab (31 of 125) and in none of those receiving etanercept. At 3 months, antidrug antibody formation and low adalimumab levels were significant predictors of no response according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at 12 months (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.57, 0.85]). Antidrug antibody–positive patients received lower median dosages of methotrexate compared with antidrug antibody–negative patients (15 mg/week versus 20 mg/week; P = 0.01) and had a longer disease duration (14.0 versus 7.7 years; P = 0.03). The adalimumab level was the best predictor of change in the DAS28 at 12 months, after adjustment for confounders (regression coefficient 0.060 [95% CI 0.015, 0.10], P = 0.009). Etanercept levels were associated with the EULAR response at 12 months (regression coefficient 0.088 [95% CI 0.019, 0.16], P = 0.012); however, this difference was not significant after adjustment. A body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2 and poor adherence were associated with lower drug levels.

Conclusion

Pharmacologic testing in anti–tumor necrosis factor–treated patients is clinically useful even in the absence of trough levels. At 3 months, antidrug antibodies and low adalimumab levels are significant predictors of no response according to the EULAR criteria at 12 months.
Prediction of Sjögren's Syndrome Years Before Diagnosis and Identification of Patients With Early Onset and Severe Disease Course by Autoantibody Profiling
Authors: Theander Elke , Jonsson Roland , Sjöström Bitte , Brokstad Karl , Olsson Peter , Henriksson Gunnel
Published: June 2015

Objective

Autoantibodies are highly characteristic of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and represent important tools for studying its pathogenesis. Nonetheless, thus far, no systematic investigations have assessed the presence of autoantibodies before diagnosis. This study was undertaken to analyze how early and in what order autoantibodies appear, how predictive they are of primary SS, and whether they identify disease subsets.

Methods

A nested case–control design linking data from the Malmö primary SS registry and 3 Swedish healthcare biobanks was applied. In all, 175 serum samples obtained from 117 individuals before diagnosis of primary SS and 1 serum sample from each of 117 matched controls were analyzed for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antibodies against Ro 60/SSA, Ro 52/SSA, and La/SSB.

Results

Considering all patients with primary SS who were autoantibody positive after diagnosis, at least one autoantibody specificity was detected in 81% up to 20 years (median 4.3–5.1 years) before diagnosis. Those found most often were ANAs, followed by RF, anti–Ro 60/SSA, anti–Ro 52/SSA, and anti‐La/SSB. Anti‐Ro/SSA and anti‐La/SSB antibodies were strongly associated with the risk of developing primary SS, especially early‐onset disease and a severe disease course. When Bayesian prior prevalence estimates for primary SS were included in the calculation, prediagnostic anti–Ro 60/SSA and anti–Ro 52/SSA had the highest positive predictive values (25% and 100%, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that autoantibodies are present for up to 18–20 years before the diagnosis of primary SS, but we cannot exclude even earlier seropositivity, since for most patients, the earliest sample analyzed was positive. In families with multiple cases of autoimmune disease, autoantibody profiling, along with assessment of genetic risk, enables identification of susceptible individuals in a predisease state.
On full text download and citation distributions in scientific‐scholarly journals
Authors: Moed Henk F. , Halevi Gali
Published: June 2015

A statistical analysis of full text downloads of articles in Elsevier's ScienceDirect covering all disciplines reveals large differences in download frequencies, their skewness, and their correlation with Scopus‐based citation counts, between disciplines, journals, and document types. Download counts tend to be 2 orders of magnitude higher and less skewedly distributed than citations. A mathematical model based on the sum of two exponentials does not adequately capture monthly download counts. The degree of correlation at the article level within a journal is similar to that at the journal level in the discipline covered by that journal, suggesting that the differences between journals are, to a large extent, discipline specific. Despite the fact that in all studied journals download and citation counts per article positively correlate, little overlap may exist between the set of articles appearing in the top of the citation distribution and that with the most frequently downloaded ones. Usage and citation leaks, bulk downloading, differences between reader and author populations in a subject field, the type of document or its content, differences in obsolescence patterns between downloads and citations, and different functions of reading and citing in the research process all provide possible explanations of differences between download and citation distributions.
Interfaces for accessing location‐based information on mobile devices: An empirical evaluation
Authors: Goh Dion Hoe‐Lian , Lee Chei Sian , Razikin Khasfariyati
Published: June 2015

Location‐based information can now be easily accessed anytime and anywhere using mobile devices. Common ways of presenting such information include lists, maps, and augmented reality (AR). Each of these interface types has its strengths and weaknesses, but few empirical evaluations have been conducted to compare them in terms of performance and perceptions of usability. In this paper, we investigate these issues using three interface types for searching and browsing location‐based information across two task types: open and closed ended. The experimental study involved 180 participants who were issued an Android mobile phone preloaded with a specific interface and asked to perform a set of open‐ and closed‐ended tasks using both searching and browsing approaches. The results suggest that the list interface performed best across all tasks in terms of completion times, whereas the AR interface ranked second and the map interface performed worst. Participants rated the list as best across most usability constructs but the map was rated better than the AR interface, even though the latter performed better. Implications of the work are discussed.
Sensitive determination of enoxacin in pharmaceutical formulations by its quench effect on the fluorescence of glutathione‐capped CdTe quantum dots
Authors: Yang Qiong , Tan Xuanping , Yang Jidong
Published: June 2015

A sensitive and simple method for the determination of enoxacin (ENX) was developed based on the fluorescence quenching effect of ENX for glutathione (GSH)‐capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs). Under optimum conditions, a good linear relationship was obtained from 4.333 × 10−9 mol⋅L−1 to 1.4 × 10−5 mol⋅L−1 with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9987, and the detection limit (3σ/K) was 1.313 × 10−9 mol⋅L−1. The corresponding mechanism has been proposed on the basis of electron transfer supported by ultraviolet–visible (UV) light absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and the measurement of fluorescence lifetime. The method has been applied to the determination of ENX in pharmaceutical formulations (enoxacin gluconate injections and commercial tablets) with satisfactory results. The proposed method manifested several advantages such as high sensitivity, short analysis time, low cost and ease of operation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between the different therapeutic properties of Chinese medicinal herbs and delayed luminescence
Authors: Pang Jingxiang , Fu Jialei , Yang Meina , Zhao Xiaolei , van Wijk Eduard , Wang Mei , Fan Hua , Han Jinxiang
Published: June 2015

In the practice and principle of Chinese medicine, herbal materials are classified according to their therapeutic properties. ‘Cold’ and ‘heat’ are the most important classes of Chinese medicinal herbs according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this work, delayed luminescence (DL) was measured for different samples of Chinese medicinal herbs using a sensitive photon multiplier detection system. A comparison of DL parameters, including mean intensity and statistic entropy, was undertaken to discriminate between the ‘cold’ and ‘heat’ properties of Chinese medicinal herbs. The results suggest that there are significant differences in mean intensity and statistic entropy and using this method combined with statistical analysis may provide novel parameters for the characterization of Chinese medicinal herbs in relation to their energetic properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of pancreatic fistula after enucleation of pancreatic tumours
Authors: Strobel O , Cherrez A , Hinz U , Mayer P , Kaiser J , Fritz S , Schneider L , Klauss M , Büchler M W , Hackert T
Published: June 2015

Background

Enucleation is used increasingly for small pancreatic tumours. Data on perioperative outcome after pancreatic enucleation, especially regarding the significance and risk factors associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), are limited. This study aimed to assess risk-dependent perioperative outcome after pancreatic enucleation, with a focus on POPF.

Methods

Patients undergoing enucleation for pancreatic lesions between October 2001 and February 2014 were identified from a prospective database. A detailed analysis of morbidity was performed. Risk factors for POPF were assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

Of 166 enucleations, 94 (56·6 per cent) were performed for cystic and 72 (43·4 per cent) for solid lesions. Morbidity was observed in 91 patients (54·8 per cent). Severe complications occurred in 30 patients (18·1 per cent), and one patient (0·6 per cent) died. Reoperation was necessary in nine patients (5·4 per cent). POPF was the main determinant of outcome and occurred in 68 patients (41·0 per cent): grade A POPF, 34 (20·5 per cent); grade B, ten (6·0 per cent); and grade C, 24 (14·5 per cent). Risk factors independently associated with POPF were: cystic tumour, localization in the pancreatic tail, history of pancreatitis and cardiac co-morbidity. Only cystic morphology was independently associated with clinically relevant POPF (grade B or C), occurring after enucleation in 25 (27 per cent) of 94 patients with cystic tumours versus nine (13 per cent) of 72 patients with solid tumours. Tumour size and distance to the main duct were not associated with risk of POPF.

Conclusion

Enucleation is a safe procedure in appropriately selected patients with a low rate of severe complications. POPF is the main determinant of outcome and is more frequent after the enucleation of cystic lesions.
Influence of day of surgery on mortality following elective colorectal resections
Authors: Vohra R S , Pinkney T , Evison F , Begaj I , Ray D , Alderson D , Morton D G
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the increased mortality previously identified for surgery performed on Fridays was apparent following major elective colorectal resections and how this might be affected by case mix.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective colorectal resections in England from 2001 to 2011 were identified using Hospital Episode Statistics. Propensity scores were used to match patients having operations on a Friday in a 1 : 1 ratio with those undergoing surgery on other weekdays. Multivariable analyses were used to investigate overall deaths within 1 year of operation.

Results

A total of 204 669 records were extracted for patients undergoing major elective colorectal resections. Patients who had surgery on Fridays were more deprived (4780 (17·1 per cent) of 27 920 versus 28 317 (16·0 per cent) of 176 749; P < 0·001), a greater proportion had had an emergency admission in the 3 previous months (7870 (28·2 per cent) of 27 920 versus 48 623 (27·5 per cent) of 176 749; P = 0·019), underwent minimal access surgery (4565 (16·4 per cent) of 27 920 versus 23 783 (13·5 per cent) of 176 749; P < 0·001) and had surgery for benign diagnoses (6502 (23·3 per cent) of 27 920 versus 38 725 (21·9 per cent) of 176 749; P < 0·001) than those who had surgery on Mondays to Thursdays. In a matched analysis the odds ratio for 30-day mortality after colorectal resections performed on Fridays compared with other weekdays was 1·25 (95 per cent c.i. 1·13 to 1·37); odds ratios for 90-day and 1-year mortality were 1·16 (1·07 to 1·25) and 1·10 (1·04 to 1·16) respectively.

Conclusion

Patients selected for colorectal resections on Fridays had a higher mortality rate than patients operated on from Monday to Thursday and had different characteristics, suggesting that increased mortality may reflect patient factors rather than hospital variables alone.
Portal vein embolization and its effect on tumour progression for colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Simoneau E , Hassanain M , Shaheen M , Aljiffry M , Molla N , Chaudhury P , Anil S , Khashper A , Valenti D , Metrakos P
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) exhibiting disease progression after portal vein embolization (PVE).

Methods

Patients with CRCLM requiring PVE before hepatectomy between 2003 and 2014 were included. Clinical variables, and liver and tumour volumes determined by three-dimensional CT volumetry were assessed before and after PVE. Overall and disease-free survival data were obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of tumour progression after PVE.

Results

Of 141 patients who underwent PVE, 93 (66·0 per cent) had tumour progression and 17 (12·1 per cent) developed new contralateral lesions. Significantly fewer patients had resectable disease in the group with disease progression than among those with stable disease: 43 (46 per cent) of 93 versus 36 (75 per cent) of 48 respectively (P = 0·001). Median survival was similar in patients with and without tumour growth after PVE: 22·5 versus 26·0 months for patients with unresectable tumours (P = 0·706) and 46·2 versus 52·2 months for those with resectable disease (P = 0·953). However, disease-free survival for patients with tumour progression after PVE was shorter than that for patients with stable disease (6·0 versus 20·2 months; P = 0·045). Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was the only significant factor associated with tumour progression in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Tumour progression after PVE did not affect overall survival, but patients with resected tumours who had tumour growth after embolization experienced earlier recurrence. A borderline response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy seemed to be associated with tumour progression after PVE.
Estimation of psychrometric parameters of vapor water mixtures in air
Authors: Beltrán‐Prieto Juan Carlos , Beltrán‐Prieto Luis Antonio , Nguyen Long Huynh Bach Son
Published: June 2015

In the present paper, a Visual Basic program was developed by describing the set of equations required to determine the value of seven different psychrometric properties (partial pressure of water vapor, absolute humidity, percentage humidity, relative humidity, dew point temperature, humid heat, humid volume or adiabatic saturation temperature) for mixtures of water vapor in air given the dry bulb temperature, the total atmospheric pressure and one additional parameter. Eight different cases are studied according to the corresponding input parameters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. 24:39–43, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21670
Comet assay measures of DNA damage as biomarkers of irinotecan response in colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wood Joanna P. , Smith Andrew J. O. , Bowman Karen J. , Thomas Anne L. , Jones George D. D.
Published: June 2015

The use of irinotecan to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited by unpredictable response and variable toxicity; however, no reliable clinical biomarkers are available. Here, we report a study to ascertain whether irinotecan‐induced DNA damage measures are suitable/superior biomarkers of irinotecan effect. CRC‐cell lines (HCT‐116 and HT‐29) were treated in vitro with irinotecan and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were isolated from patients before and after receiving irinotecan‐based chemotherapy. Levels of in vitro‐, in vivo‐, and ex vivo‐induced DNA damage were measured using the Comet assay; correlations between damage levels with in vitro cell survival and follow‐up clinical data were investigated. Irinotecan‐induced DNA damage was detectable in both CRC cell‐lines in vitro, with higher levels of immediate and residual damage noted for the more sensitive HT‐29 cells. DNA damage was not detected in vivo, but was measurable in PBLs upon mitogenic stimulation prior to ex vivo SN‐38 treatment. Results showed that, following corrections for experimental error, those patients whose PBLs demonstrated higher levels of DNA damage following 10 h of SN‐38 exposure ex vivo had significantly longer times to progression than those with lower damage levels (median 291 vs. 173 days, P = 0.014). To conclude, higher levels of irinotecan‐induced initial and residual damage correlated with greater cell kill in vitro and a better clinical response. Consequently, DNA damage measures may represent superior biomarkers of irinotecan effect compared to the more often‐studied genetic assays for differential drug metabolism.
A new scoring system for predicting survival in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Schild Steven E. , Tan Angelina D. , Wampfler Jason A. , Ross Helen J. , Yang Ping , Sloan Jeff A.
Published: June 2015

This analysis was performed to create a scoring system to estimate the survival of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from 1274NSCLCpatients were analyzed to create and validate a scoring system. Univariate (UV) and multivariate (MV) Cox models were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of each baseline factor. Prognostic factors that were significant on bothUVandMVanalyses were used to develop the score. These included quality of life, age, performance status, primary tumor diameter, nodal status, distant metastases, and smoking cessation. The score for each factor was determined by dividing the 5‐year survival rate (%) by 10 and summing these scores to form a total score.MVmodels and the score were validated using bootstrapping with 1000 iterations from the original samples. The score for each prognostic factor ranged from 1 to 7 points with higher scores reflective of better survival. Total scores (sum of the scores from each independent prognostic factor) of 32–37 correlated with a 5‐year survival of 8.3% (95%CI = 0–17.1%), 38–43 correlated with a 5‐year survival of 20% (95%CI = 13–27%), 44–47 correlated with a 5‐year survival of 48.3% (95%CI = 41.5–55.2%), 48–49 correlated to a 5‐year survival of 72.1% (95%CI = 65.6–78.6%), and 50–52 correlated to a 5‐year survival of 84.7% (95%CI = 79.6–89.8%). The bootstrap method confirmed the reliability of the score. Prognostic factors significantly associated with survival on bothUVandMVanalyses were used to construct a valid scoring system that can be used to predict survival ofNSCLCpatients. Optimally, this score could be used when counseling patients, and designing future trials.
A comparison of resource utilization following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia in children discharged versus children that remain hospitalized during neutropenia
Authors: Getz Kelly D. , Miller Tamara P. , Seif Alix E. , Li Yimei , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Bagatell Rochelle , Fisher Brian T. , Aplenc Richard
Published: June 2015

Comparisons of early discharge and outpatient postchemotherapy supportive care in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are limited. We used data from the Pediatric Health Information System on a cohort of children treated for newly diagnosedAMLto compare course‐specific mortality and resource utilization in patients who were discharged after chemotherapy to outpatient management during neutropenia relative to patients who remained hospitalized. Patients were categorized at each course as early or standard discharge. Discharges within 3 days after chemotherapy completion were considered “early”. Resource utilization was determined based on daily billing data and reported as days of use per 1000 hospital days. Inpatient mortality, occurrence of intensive care unit (ICU)‐level care, and duration of hospitalization were compared using logistic, log‐binomial and linear regression methods, respectively. Poisson regression with inpatient days as offset was used to compare resource use by discharge status. The study population included 996 patients contributing 2358 treatment courses. Fewer patients were discharged early following Induction I (7%) than subsequent courses (22–24%). Across courses, patients discharged early experienced high readmission rates (69–84%), yet 9–12 fewer inpatient days (allP < 0.001). Inpatient mortality was low across courses and did not differ significantly by discharge status. The overall risk forICU‐level care was 116% higher for early compared to standard discharge patients (adjusted risk ratio: 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.50, 3.11). Rates of antibiotic, vasopressor, and supplemental oxygen use were consistently elevated for early discharge patients. Despite similar inpatient mortality to standard discharge patients, early discharge patients may be at greater risk for life‐threatening chemotherapy‐related complications, including infections.
Mutagenesis of an Asn156 Residue in a Surface Region of S‐Selective Hydroxynitrile Lyase from Baliospermum montanum Enhances Catalytic Efficiency and Enantioselectivity
Authors: Kawahara Nobuhiro , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: June 2015

The S‐selective hydroxynitrile lyase from Baliospermum montanum (BmHNL) has broad substrate specificity toward aromatic substrates as well as high temperature stability, although with low enantioselectivity and specific activity. To expand the industrial application of this enzyme, we improved its enantioselectivity and specific activity toward (S)‐mandelonitrile by mutagenesis. The specific activity of the BmHNL H103C/N156G mutant for (S)‐mandelonitrile production was raised to 154 U mg−1 (WT BmHNL: 52 U mg−1). The enantiomeric excess was increased to 93 % (WT BmHNL: 55 %). The kinetic analysis revealed Km for (R)‐mandelonitrile and kcat for (S)‐mandelonitrile increased by the mutation at Asn156, thus contributing to the increase in enantiomeric excess. This is the first report on an improvement in catalytic efficiency and enantiomeric excess of BmHNL for (S)‐mandelonitrile synthesis by random and site‐directed mutagenesis.
Rheolityc thrombectomy in acute myocardial infarction: Effect on microvascular obstruction, infarct size, and left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Carrabba Nazario , Parodi Guido , Maehara Akiko , Pradella Silvia , Migliorini Angela , Valenti Renato , Comito Vincenzo , Marrani Marco , Rega Luigi , Colagrande Stefano , Mintz Gary S. , Antoniucci David
Published: June 2015

Objectives

We sought to analyze whether rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) in comparison with manual thrombus aspiration (MTA) may reduce microvascular obstruction (MVO), infarct size (IS), and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: Conflicting results have been reported as to whether MTA reduces MVO and IS.

Methods and Results

Eighty STEMI reperfused by primary angioplasty and abciximab were randomly allocated (1:1) to RT or MTA. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 37 patients (19 RT) and after 1 year in 19 (9 RT); baseline, 1‐ and 6‐month 2D‐echo was performed in all patients. MVO and IS were measured 8 min after gadolinium injection with late enhancement sequences and were analyzed quantitatively at a core laboratory blinded to randomization. At baseline TIMI thrombus grade were similar (RT: 4.47 ± 0.84 vs. MTA: 4.67 ± 0.76, P = 0.453). After thrombectomy, thrombus grade decreased to 1.11 ± 1.04 in RT vs. 2.17 ± 1.29 in MTA arm (P = 0.009). RT compared with MTA did not reduced significantly myocardial IS [12.2% (6.4–22.1) vs. 19.0% (7–28.5), P = 0.224] as well as the extent of MVO [0.0% (0.0–0.17) vs. 0.6% (0.0–1.4), P = 0.117], but a trend toward a lower incidence of MVO (16% vs. 44%, P = 0.056) and a less LV remodeling rate were found in RT arm (11% vs. 24%, P < 0.140).

Conclusion

RT in comparison with MTA was more effective in thrombus removal, but it did not reduced significantly the IS and the extent of MVO. However, a trend toward a lower incidence of MVO and a better preservation of LV volumes were found in RT arm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Silver‐Copper Alloy as an Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst for an Advanced Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Jin Yachao , Chen Fuyi , Lei Yimin , Wu Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2015

A highly efficient Ag‐Cu electrocatalyst is synthesized by the electrodeposition method and characterized with respect to its catalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and its tolerance to carbonate ions in a zinc‐air battery. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating‐disk electrode analyses suggest that the Ag50Cu50 electrocatalyst is 2.5 times more catalytically active in the ORR than a pure Ag catalyst and catalyzes the ORR through a four‐electron pathway. Field‐emission TEM characterization shows that the surface‐roughened Ag‐Cu electrocatalyst comprises small nanoplatelets with diameters of 40–50 nm. Cu atoms are partially alloyed in Ag lattices in these nanoplatelets. The Ag‐Cu electrocatalysts are assembled into the primary and secondary zinc‐air batteries as carbon‐free and binder‐free catalyst layers. The open circuit voltage and the discharge voltage of the primary zinc‐air battery at 20 mA cm−2 are 1.49 and 1.17 V, respectively. The round‐trip efficiency and increased polarization of the rechargeable zinc‐air battery are 56.4 and 0.2 %, respectively, after 100 cycles at 20 mA cm−2. The Ag‐Cu electrocatalyst shows good catalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction in an alkaline battery and good tolerance of carbonate ions on the cathode side.
Selective Photocatalytic CC Coupling of Bioethanol into 2,3‐Butanediol over Pt‐Decorated Hydroxyl‐Group‐Tunable TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Yang Pengju , Zhao Jianghong , Cao Baoyue , Li Li , Wang Zhijian , Tian Xuxia , Jia Suping , Zhu Zhenping
Published: June 2015

2,3‐Butanediol (2,3‐BD) was synthesized through TiO2‐photocatalytic CC coupling of bioethanol synchronously with the liberation of an energy H2 molecule in an anaerobic atmosphere. It was found that the selectivity of 2,3‐BD is controlled by the amount of .OH. The less the .OH, the higher the 2,3‐BD selectivity. Furthermore, it was revealed that the amount of .OH increases with the increasing of the surface OH groups on TiO2 photocatalyst. The introduction of water is in favor of the CC coupling pathway. This can be attributed to the stronger interaction between water and TiO2, which is beneficial to recovering the OH groups and promoting the desorption of .CH(OH)CH3 intermediates, thus suppressing the thermodynamically favorable overoxidation of .CH(OH)CH3 into acetaldehyde and promoting the CC coupling into 2,3‐BD. Based on the findings, the 2,3‐BD selectivity was greatly enhanced from approximately 2.6 % to approximately 65 % over Degussa P25‐TiO2 photocatalyst through fluorine substitution of surface OH groups.
Nature of the Intermediate Binding Sites in Hydrogen Oxidation/Evolution over Pt in Alkaline and Acidic Media
Authors: Ramaker David E. , Roth Christina
Published: June 2015

The formation of overpotential deposited H (Hopd) on fuel‐cell catalysts [Pt/Vulcan carbon (VC) and PtRu/VC] is explored with X‐ray absorption spectroscopy taken under fuel‐cell operating conditions at the anode. The X‐ray absorption fine structure technique was used to obtain the catalysts structure and Δμ X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure technique to simultaneously obtain adsorbate coverage. These results are compared with Hopd coverages obtained from previously reported impedance and IR spectroscopic studies on single crystal Pt faces and polycrystalline Pt, and also with previously reported theoretical DFT results and gas‐phase temperature programmed desorption results. A rearrangement of Hopd from the ontop sites at the corners/edges of nanoparticles to the delocalized threefold face sites at higher Hopd coverage is found. A strong pH effect on the binding energy of the corner/edge ontop sites is shown, which accounts, in part, for the two orders of magnitude drop in hydrogen‐oxidation activity for Pt nanoparticles in alkaline environments compared with acidic environments.
Optical Visualization and Spectroscopic Techniques for Probing Water Transport in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Authors: Nishida Kosuke
Published: June 2015

To solve the critical issues of water management in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), the comprehensive understanding of water transport in the catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer (GDL), electrolyte membrane and gas channel during cell operation is required. In this Minireview, optical visualization and laser spectroscopic techniques for investigating liquid water behavior and water vapor distribution in operating PEFCs are presented. Direct optical observation of water droplet buildup in the GDL and gas channel is conveniently performed using transparent cells. In addition, a novel visualization method using humidity test paper makes it possible to quantitatively measure the water vapor profile along a gas channel. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is available for noninvasive monitoring of water concentrations in flow channels with a high time resolution. These diagnostic techniques provide information useful for proper water management in PEFCs.
Reconstruction of Pyrolyzed Bacterial Cellulose (PBC)‐Based Three‐Dimensional Conductive Network for Silicon Lithium Battery Anodes
Authors: Chang Yanhong , Zhou Min , Li Xianglong , Zhang Yunbo , Zhi Linjie
Published: June 2015

Silicon nanostructures and their composites are believed to be very promising anode material candidates for advanced lithium‐ion batteries. Yet, anode material systems developed, to date, inevitably require complex and time‐consuming synthetic processes, or complicated and expensive instruments, or hazardous chemicals, or electrode fabrication procedures that are incompatible with current slurry‐based electrode fabrication techniques. This situation notoriously hinders the practical implementation of silicon in lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a simple, facile, eco‐friendly chopping strategy is demonstrated for the construction of silicon nanoparticle impregnated pyrolyzed bacterial cellulose (PBC). The resulting hybrid material exhibits significantly improved lithium storage performance compared with its counterparts; this reflects great potential for the reconstruction of PBC‐based three‐dimensional conductive networks. This study provides the potential for the simple and efficient construction of electrode materials and systems in a much more viable and sustainable manner.
Iron(II) Supramolecular Helicates Condense Plasmid DNA and Inhibit Vital DNA‐Related Enzymatic Activities
Authors: Malina Jaroslav , Hannon Michael J. , Brabec Viktor
Published: June 2015

The dinuclear iron(II) supramolecular helicates [Fe2L3]Cl4 (L=C25H20N4) bind to DNA through noncovalent (i.e., hydrogen‐bonding, electrostatic) interactions and exhibit antimicrobial and anticancer effects. In this study, we show that the helicates condense plasmid DNA with a much higher potency than conventional DNA‐condensing agents. Notably, molecules of DNA in the presence of the M enantiomer of [Fe2L3]Cl4 do not form intermolecular aggregates typically formed by other condensing agents, such as spermidine or spermine. The helicates inhibit the activity of several DNA‐processing enzymes, such as RNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I, deoxyribonuclease I, and site‐specific restriction endonucleases. However, the results also indicate that the DNA condensation induced by the helicates does not play a crucial role in these inhibition reactions. The mechanisms for the inhibitory effects of [Fe2L3]Cl4 helicates on DNA‐related enzymatic activities have been proposed.
Conformational and Chiral Properties of Cyclic‐tri(N‐methyl‐meta‐benzamide) Bearing Amidino Groups
Authors: Nishiyama Shizuka , Urushibara Ko , Masu Hyuma , Azumaya Isao , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Tanatani Aya
Published: June 2015

Cyclic triamides 4 bearing amidino groups at the meta position of the phenyl rings were synthesized, and their conformational properties in the crystal and in solution were examined. Compound 4a exists as a capsule‐type dimer of the enantiomers with a bowl‐shaped syn conformation in the crystal state. Compound 4 exists mainly in the syn form in solution, and chiral induction was observed upon addition of a chiral acid to a solution of 4a. Chirality 27:487–491, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C treatment in liver transplant setting
Authors: Peyton Adam , Bhamidimarri Kalyan Ram
Published: June 2015

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Personalized management of hepatocellular carcinoma based on molecular information: Future prospects
Authors: Goossens Nicolas , Hoshida Yujin
Published: June 2015

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