bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forces between different latex particles in aqueous electrolyte solutions measured with the colloidal probe technique
Authors: Ruiz‐Cabello F. Javier Montes , Moazzami‐Gudarzi Mohsen , Elzbieciak‐Wodka Magdalena , Maroni Plinio
Published: March 2016

In this article, a compilation of results on direct force measurements between colloidal particles in monovalent salts carried out with the colloidal probe technique based on Atomic Force Microscopy was presented. The interaction forces between similar and dissimilar particles was studied and it was concluded that, in general, these force profiles may be satisfactorily quantified by the DLVO theory down to distances of few nanometers. However, in the specific case where the charge of one of the involved particle is close to neutral, it was found that the surface potential of this particle may change its sign depending on the sign of charge of the opposite particle. In this respect, the assumption that the surface potential of a particle is a property only related to the particle surface features and the bulk properties is called into question. Microsc. Res. Tech. 80:144–152, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tips for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Asbun Horacio J. , Harada Eijiro , Stauffer John A.
Published: March 2016

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is one of the most complex procedures performed in laparoscopic abdominal surgery, and its practice is still limited to only a few selected centers. Surgeons need to be proficient in advanced laparoscopic techniques and have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages inherent to the laparoscopic approach. LPD can be divided into the following steps: division of the omentum and colon mobilization; division of the proximal bowel and gastroduodenal artery, and transection of the common bile duct; making a retropancreatic window; dissection of ligament of Treitz and division of the distal bowel; dissection of the uncinate process and superior mesenteric vessels; and reconstruction. In this article, we describe our conventional technique for LPD.
Neurotrophins and their Trk‐receptors in the cerebellum of zebrafish
Authors: Gatta Claudia , Altamura Gennaro , Avallone Luigi , Castaldo Luciana , Corteggio Annunziata , D'Angelo Livia , de Girolamo Paolo , Lucini Carla
Published: March 2016

Neurotrophins (NTs) and their specific Trk‐receptors are key molecules involved in the regulation of survival, proliferation, and differentiation of central nervous system during development and adulthood in vertebrates. In the present survey, we studied the expression and localization of neurotrophins and their Trk‐receptors in the cerebellum of teleost fish Danio rerio (zebrafish). Teleostean cerebellum is composed of a valvula, body and vestibulolateral lobe. Valvula and body show the same three‐layer structure as cerebellar cortex in mammals. The expression of NTs and Trk‐receptors in the whole brain of zebrafish has been studied by Western blotting analysis. By immunohistochemistry, the localization of NTs has been observed mainly in Purkinje cells; TrkA and TrkB‐receptors in cells and fibers of granular and molecular layers. TrkC was faintly detected. The occurrence of NTs and Trk‐receptors suggests that they could have a synergistic action in the cerebellum of zebrafish. J. Morphol. 277:725–736, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibacterial activity of a new broad‐spectrum antibiotic covalently bound to titanium surfaces
Authors: Gerits Evelien , Kucharíková Soňa , Van Dijck Patrick , Erdtmann Martin , Krona Annika , Lövenklev Maria , Fröhlich Mirjam , Dovgan Barbara , Impellizzeri Frédéric , Braem Annabel , Vleugels Jef , Robijns Stijn C. A. , Steenackers Hans P. , Vanderleyden Jozef , De Brucker Katrijn , Thevissen Karin , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Fauvart Maarten , Verstraeten Natalie , Michiels Jan
Published: March 2016

Biofilm‐associated infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, are a major cause of implant failure. Covalent coupling of broad‐spectrum antimicrobials to implants is a promising approach to reduce the risk of infections. In this study, we developed titanium substrates on which the recently discovered antibacterial agent SPI031, a N‐alkylated 3, 6‐dihalogenocarbazol 1‐(sec‐butylamino)‐3‐(3,6‐dichloro‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)propan‐2‐ol, was covalently linked (SPI031‐Ti). We found that SPI031‐Ti substrates prevent biofilm formation of S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro, as quantified by plate counting and fluorescence microscopy. To test the effectiveness of SPI031‐Ti substrates in vivo, we used an adapted in vivo biomaterial‐associated infection model in mice in which SPI031‐Ti substrates were implanted subcutaneously and subsequently inoculated with S. aureus. Using this model, we found a significant reduction in biofilm formation (up to 98%) on SPI031‐Ti substrates compared to control substrates. Finally, we demonstrated that the functionalization of the titanium surfaces with SPI031 did not influence the adhesion and proliferation of human cells important for osseointegration and bone repair. In conclusion, these data demonstrate the clinical potential of SPI031 to be used as an antibacterial coating for implants, thereby reducing the incidence of implant‐associated infections. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2191–2198, 2016.
International Variations in the Impact of Perceived Entrepreneurial Ability and Actual Ability on Entrepreneurial Activities
Authors: Bayon Manoj Chandra , Vaillant Yancy
Published: March 2016

Perceived entrepreneurial ability and high actual ability impact entrepreneurial activities, irrespective of the stage of development of the economy, but the joint impact of perceived entrepreneurial ability and high actual ability is not systematic across economies.
The Relevance of Business Exit for Future Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Albiol‐Sánchez Judit
Published: March 2016

Territories can capitalize on knowledge resulting from business exit by designing policies that distinguish first‐time entrepreneurs who need specific support and information from individuals with an entrepreneurial background whose experience might help enhance the quality of future entrepreneurial activity.
Unemployment and Growth Aspirations: The Moderating Role of Education
Authors: Capelleras Joan‐Lluís , Contín‐Pilart Ignacio , Larraza‐Kintana Martin , Martin‐Sanchez Victor
Published: March 2016

Policies targeting human capital formation and entrepreneurial training contribute not only to enhance opportunity‐seeking entrepreneurship, but also to territorial economic performance by enhancing the growth aspirations of entrepreneurs.
The Territorial Economic Impact of Entrepreneurial Youthfulness
Authors: Lafuente Esteban , Gómez‐Araujo Eduardo
Published: March 2016

Entrepreneurship and the youth population interact to enhance economic performance, and actions oriented to bring down social barriers linked to the fear of entrepreneurial failure are as important as policies focused on access to finance or human capital formation.
Effects of Land Use on Microbial Indices in Tantalite Mine Soils, Western Rwanda
Authors: Neina Dora , Buerkert Andreas , Joergensen Rainer Georg
Published: March 2016

Rare metal mining in western Rwanda created massive degraded mine wastelands. Some of them were restored by afforestation with pine and eucalyptus forests while others have been cultivated alongside arable lands, owing to limited land availability. We assessed the effects of these land uses on microbial biomass and activity (basal C and net N mineralization) in a laboratory experiment with fresh soils (0–20 cm) of an unmined native forest, two tantalite mine soils (Technosols) afforested with pine and eucalyptus forests, an arable soil, and two cultivated Technosols. Afforestation increased soil organic C (SOC) and total N in pine and eucalyptus Technosols, reaching 34–40% and 28–30%, respectively, of that in the native forest. The tree species differed significantly in microbial activity and biomass, exhibiting a trajectory towards recovery depicted in lower metabolic quotient. Basal respiration of pine Technosol and native forest soil were similar, while that of eucalyptus Technosol was 11 and 14% less compared to its forest counterparts. Conversely, net N mineralization in pine and eucalyptus Technosols were 40 and 65% of that in native forest soil, respectively. Soil microbial biomass C in pine and eucalyptus Technosols were 33 and 48% of that in native forest soil. Furthermore, a decreased SOC availability to soil microorganisms at low soil pH promoted fungal ergosterol as an indicator for saprotrophic fungi. The arable soil and cultivated Technosols did not differ significantly in SOC, N, microbial biomass, and activity. The soil biological quality was constrained by soil acidity, dithionite‐extractable Al, and low P availability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The carbon turnover response to thermal stress of a dominant coralline alga on the fast warming Levant coast
Authors: Guy‐Haim Tamar , Silverman Jacob , Raddatz Stefanie , Wahl Martin , Israel Alvaro , Rilov Gil
Published: March 2016

Marine organisms in the Mediterranean Sea experience the highest temperatures, salinities and oligotrophic conditions in its easternmost part along the eastern shores of the Levantine basin. Over the past three decades this region has warmed by ca. 1.5–3.0°C with current winter and summer extremums of 17°C and 31°C, respectively. In this study, we tested the response of the native abundant articulated coralline red alga Ellisolandia elongata to this warming. Coralline algae play a key role in coastal ecosystems by structuring marine habitats, providing shelter for a myriad of species, and substantially influencing the coastal carbon budget. Despite being ubiquitous along the Levantine coasts, coralline's ecology, physiology, and biogeochemical role are nearly unknown as well as their performance under different temperatures. Measurements of primary production, respiration and calcification in the temperatures range 15–35°C, which represent past, present and predicted local annual conditions, indicated two physiological tipping points: 1) metabolic breakdown above 31°C; 2) metabolic shift at 23°C, possibly promoting seasonal algal heterotrichy (perennation of the alga without its fronds). Annual production rates were evaluated under the current and predicted temperature regimes indicating a loss of ca. one third of the organic carbon and carbonate production by corallines contributed to the shallow Levantine coast in the upcoming decades. We predict that with continued warming, Eastern Mediterranean corallines will experience a westward range contraction, initiating with phenological shifts, followed by performance declines and population decreases, ending with local extinctions.
Automated, in situ measurements of dissolved CO2, CH4, and δ13C values using cavity enhanced laser absorption spectrometry: Comparing response times of air‐water equilibrators
Authors: Webb Jackie R. , Maher Damien T. , Santos Isaac R.
Published: March 2016

Combining air‐water equilibrators with a field deployable cavity enhanced laser absorption spectrometer (CELAS) can generate precise, high resolution, measurements of dissolved CO2 and CH4 concentrations and δ13C values in aquatic systems. However, equilibration response times for combined measurements of CO2 and CH4 isotopologues have not been assessed. We performed laboratory step experiments on six different equilibrators to constrain CO2 and CH4 equilibration time constants (τ; high‐to‐low exponential decay constant). Three equilibrator types were then used in field‐based step experiments to determine τ for the individual isotopologues 12CO2, 13CO2, 12CH4, and 13CH4. In the laboratory experiments, τ ranged from 34–124 s for CO2 and 117–2041 s for CH4 among the six equilibrators. The ratio between response times of CO2 and CH4 was substantially lower in the membrane type equilibrators (τ‐CH4 ∼5 times > τ‐CO2) than in the showerhead and marble types (τ‐CH4 ∼15 times > τ‐CO2). Individual isotopologue time constants under a water flow rate of ∼5.5 L min−1 ranged from 33.7–43.1 s for 12CO2 and 13CO2, and 177–347 s for 12CH4, and 13CH4. The τ of CO2 isotopologues were within 1 s while τ of CH4 isotopologues were the same. Further investigations into water flow rate revealed an exponential decrease in equilibration time from 1.5 L min−1 to 9 L min−1 in a marble‐type equilibrator. The response time was always longer from high‐to‐low than low‐to‐high concentrations. By taking into consideration the equilibration response time, measurements of CO2, CH4, δ13C‐CO2, and δ13C‐CH4 can be resolved in near real‐time using appropriate water‐air equilibration devices.
Circularly polarized strips integrated microstrip antenna for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Vignesh S. B. , Nasimuddin  , Alphones A.
Published: March 2016

A circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna with four strips is proposed for wide beamwidth and RF energy harvesting applications. Four strips along the diagonal directions are integrated symmetrically onto a square patch radiator for CP radiation with wide beamwidth. To improve the impedance matching of the antenna, a stub is integrated along the orthogonal direction of the patch radiator. The antenna is designed on FR4 substrate and an antenna prototype shows a measured 10‐dB return loss bandwidth of 120 MHz (2.53–2.65 GHz) with a maximum gain of 4.6 dBic. The measured 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is 65 MHz (2.540–2.605 GHz) with a 3‐dB AR beamwidth of around 180° across the band. Overall antenna volume is 0.475λo× 0.475λo × 0.013λo at 2.5 GHz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1044–1049, 2016
Dual‐band and dual‐circularly polarized microstrip antenna with low elevation gain improvement for CNSS applications
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Yuan Jiade
Published: March 2016

A dual band and dual circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna with low elevation gain improvement for China's Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS) is proposed in this letter. The nested structure patches fed by capacitive‐coupled discs to achieve the dual band performance. The dual CP performance is obtained by adopting a 3dB hybrid coupler. The key design is four copper sheets which are set up to improve the low elevation gain. Details of the proposed antenna design and results are presented and discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1016–1022, 2016
Alumina ceramic slot antenna for UHF RFID tag embedded in vehicles
Authors: Deng Li , Hong Weijun , Feng Botao , Li Shufang , Zhu Jianfeng , Biao Peng
Published: March 2016

To address the metallic interference problem in vehicular RFID (radio‐frequency identification) applications, this letter proposes a novel alumina ceramic slot tag antenna (ACSTA). The proposed antenna consists of a grounded thin alumina ceramic substrate and a slotted top layer rectangular patch, and the all four sides of the substrate are shorting walls. The slot can be equivalent to a horizontal magnetic current flow, so an excellent radiation performance is achieved according to the electromagnetic image theory. Meanwhile, due to the existence of the ground plane, the influences of metallic objects behind the ground to the tag antenna impedance can be maximally reduced. Combined with a commercial chip, this ACSTA is fabricated and measured, and the thickness of the novel tag is only 1mm. The tag antenna offers a half power coefficient bandwidth of 6.9% (0.87–0.93 GHz) with a stable gain about 3.6 dBi, and a similar half power coefficient bandwidth of 6.9% (0.89–0.95 GHz) with a gain about 4.8 dBi when it is attached to an 100 × 100 mm2 metallic plate, respectively. Moreover, the experimental results show that the maximum read range is about 27 or 30 m without or with a same attached 100 × 100 mm2 metallic plate, respectively. Simulation and measurement results show that the operating frequency band of the ACSTA covers US legal UHF RFID (902—928 MHz) band, and so it is a quite suitable candidate for vehicular RFID applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1150–1154, 2016
Low‐profile dipole antenna with parasitic elements for WBAN applications
Authors: Kang Do‐Gu , Tak Jinpil , Choi Jaehoon
Published: March 2016

In this letter, a low‐profile dipole antenna with parasitic elements for WBAN applications is proposed. The antenna consists of a dipole radiator, two parasitic elements, and a ground with a slot. The resonance created by the two parasitic elements along with the basic resonance of the dipole radiator, provides dual resonances covering the 5.8 GHz ISM band. By adding the slot in the ground plane, the impedance matching is improved and the resonance frequency is lowered. The antenna has enhanced radiation along the near phantom surface in the 5.8 GHz ISM band due to the parasitic elements. The proposed antenna is placed on a human equivalent flat phantom in order to analyze the performance of the antenna on a human body. Regardless of the existence of the phantom, the antenna stably operates in the 5.8 GHz ISM band. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1093–1097, 2016
Quasi quarter SIW‐mode resonator and its application to sierpinski fractal filter design
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Fu Xue‐Dong , Wang Ting , Liu Fa‐Lin , Wang Hai‐Ting , Liu Hai
Published: March 2016

In this letter, a new kind of quasi quarter SIW resonator (QQSIWR) using Sierpinski fractal defected structure is presented first. Comparing with SIW resonator, this novel resonator has lower resonant frequency (f0) and acceptable unloaded quality (Qu) value, while maintaining almost unchanged electromagnetic fields distributions. The frequency characteristics and Qu of this resonator is investigated under different fractal sizes. To validate the properties of QQSIWR, a miniature cross‐coupled bandpass filter (BPF) with a size reduction over 88% is proposed and optimized using Sierpinski fractal structure and cross coupling technology. It can produce asymmetrical frequency response by generating a transmission zero (TZ) on the high side of passband. A prototype of the filter is fabricated and measured, and the measured results are in good agreement well with the simulated ones. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1176–1179, 2016
Hexa band mimo antenna with neutralization line for LTE mobile device application
Authors: Huey Shin Wong , Kibria Salehin , Tariqul Islam Mohammad
Published: March 2016

A hexa band MIMO antenna configured by two identical folded monopole antennas is proposed. The folded monopole antennas are connected by neutralization line. This antenna covers LTE 700, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, LTE 2300, LTE 2500 and 2.4 GHz WLAN applications. Good isolation characteristics and low envelope correlation coefficient is obtained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1198–1204, 2016
Dual‐polarized double‐sided printed dipole and annular ring for WLAN application
Authors: Khosronejad Misagh , Kaboli Mohsen , Gentili Gian G.
Published: March 2016

This article presents the design of a dual‐layer dual polarized wideband microstrip dipole—annular ring antenna. The antenna uses on one layer the strip dipole for vertical polarization and the annular ring for horizontal polarization and vice versa on the other layer. Each arm of both the dipole and the annular ring is printed on opposite sides of two separate dielectric substrates. To improve the bandwidth and gain characteristics of the strip dipole in the lower layer, a parasitic patch is used in the upper layer of the structure. The numerical and experimental results of the proposed antenna show that the measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth is 25% (4.6–5.9 GHz) and 39% (4.4–6.5 GHz) at port 1 and port 2, respectively, with application in 5.2/5.8GHz WLAN. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1260–1263, 2016
Autosomal dominant spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance: A recognizable phenotype of BICD2 mutations
Authors: Rudnik‐Schöneborn Sabine , Deden Florian , Eggermann Katja , Eggermann Thomas , Wieczorek Dagmar , Sellhaus Bernd , Yamoah Alfred , Goswami Anand , Claeys Kristl G. , Weis Joachim , Zerres Klaus
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Heterozygous BICD2 gene mutations cause a form of autosomal dominant spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance (SMALED).

Methods

We analyzed the BICD2 gene in a selected group of 25 index patients with neurogenic muscle atrophy.

Results

We identified 2 new BICD2 missense mutations, c.2515G>A, p.Gly839Arg, in a family with autosomal dominant inheritance, and c.2202G>T, p.Lys734Asn, as a de novo mutation in an isolated patient with similar phenotype. The patients had congenital foot contractures, muscle atrophy of the legs, and slowly progressive weakness of the shoulder girdle. There was no apparent sensory or brain dysfunction. One patient died of unrelated reasons at age 52 years. Autopsy revealed no upper motor neuron and only moderate lower motor neuron loss, but there was distal corticospinal tract degeneration and marked neurogenic muscular atrophy.

Conclusion

These findings give further insight into the clinical and pathoanatomical consequences of BICD2 mutations. Muscle Nerve 54: 496–500, 2016
Evaluation of autonomic nervous system function in children with overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Demir Aysegul Dogan , Gursoy Azize Esra , Goknar Nilufer , Uzuner Selcuk , Ozkaya Emin , Erenberk Ufuk , Vehapoglu Aysel , Dundaroz Mehmet Rusen , Oktem Faruk
Published: March 2016

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the autonomic nervous system activity in children with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.

Methods

Included in the study were 40 children with overactive bladder and 28 healthy controls. Autonomic tests were performed on all participants, including heart rate interval variation (RRIV), heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, and sympathetic skin response (SSR).

Results

Mean valsalva rates in the overactive bladder and control groups were 1.53 ± 0.29 and 1.30 ± 0.18, respectively, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Also significantly different were deep breathing RRIV values of the study and control groups: 56.65 ± 14.66 and 47.92 ± 10.15, respectively (P = 0.008). No statistical differences were found in SSR when OAB patients were compared with controls (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a parasympathetic hyperactivity in children with OAB, results suggesting a dysfunction in their autonomic nervous systems. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:673–676, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model‐based estimation of microscopic anisotropy using diffusion MRI: a simulation study
Authors: Ianuş Andrada , Drobnjak Ivana , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: March 2016

Non‐invasive estimation of cell size and shape is a key challenge in diffusion MRI. This article presents a model‐based approach that provides independent estimates of pore size and eccentricity from diffusion MRI data. The technique uses a geometric model of finite cylinders with gamma‐distributed radii to represent pores of various sizes and elongations. We consider both macroscopically isotropic substrates and substrates of semi‐coherently oriented anisotropic pores and we use Monte Carlo simulations to generate synthetic data. We compare the sensitivity of single and double diffusion encoding (SDE and DDE) sequences to the size distribution and eccentricity, and further analyse different protocols of DDE sequences with parallel and/or perpendicular pairs of gradients. We show that explicitly accounting for size distribution is necessary for accurate microstructural parameter estimates, and a model that assumes a single size yields biased eccentricity values. We also find that SDE sequences support estimates, although DDE sequences with mixed parallel and perpendicular gradients enhance accuracy. In the case of macroscopically anisotropic substrates, this model‐based approach can be extended to a rotationally invariant framework to provide features of pore shape (specifically eccentricity) in the presence of size distribution and orientation dispersion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Solution of Minimal Riesz Energy Problems
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut , Wendland Wolfgang L. , Zorii Natalia
Published: March 2016

In,, we compute the solution to both the unconstrained and constrained Gauss variational problem, considered for the Riesz kernelof orderand a pair of compact, disjoint, boundaryless‐dimensional‐manifolds,, where, eachbeing charged with Borel measures with the signprescribed. Such variational problems over a cone of Borel measures can be formulated as minimization problems over the corresponding cone of surface distributions belonging to the Sobolev–Slobodetski space, whereand(see Harbrecht et al., Math. Nachr. 287 (2014), 48–69). We thus approximate the sought density by piecewise constant boundary elements and apply the primal‐dual active set strategy to impose the desired inequality constraints. The boundary integral operator which is defined by the Riesz kernel under consideration is efficiently approximated by means of an‐matrix approximation. This particularly enables the application of a preconditioner for the iterative solution of the first‐order optimality system. Numerical results inare given to demonstrate our approach. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 1535–1552, 2016
Primary Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma: Experience of the CWS Study Group
Authors: Scheer Monika , Dantonello Tobias , Hallmen Erika , Vokuhl Christian , Leuschner Ivo , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Kazanowska Bernarda , Niggli Felix , Ladenstein Ruth , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa
Published: March 2016

Background

Prognostic factors for localized synovial sarcoma are well defined. However, few data exist regarding patients with metastases at diagnosis. Poor outcome is described but the optimal therapeutic regimen remains unclear. Our aim was to assess the outcome, identify prognostic factors, and analyze treatment strategies.

Methods

Patients <21 years with synovial sarcoma and primary distant metastases treated in the consecutive prospective European Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe trials 1980–2010 were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 296 patients had primary metastases. Twenty‐seven could be included. Median age was 16.7 years. Primaries were mainly located in the limbs (78%) and 74% were ≥10 cm. Metastases involved the lungs in all patients. Two patients presented with synchronous bone metastases. Sixty‐three percent of patients achieved a first remission, whereas only 26% maintained it. Relapses were metastatic with pulmonary metastases in nearly all patients. Five‐year event‐free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 26% and 30%, respectively. Prognosis was best for patients with oligometastatic lung metastases (5‐year OS probability 85%). Prognosis was worse for patients with multiple bilateral lung metastases (5‐year OS 13%) and even poorer for those with concurrent bone metastases. Treatment elements associated with superior survival were adequate local therapy of the primary tumor and, if feasible, for metastases, chemotherapy with an ifosfamide/doxorubicin‐based regimen. The use of whole lung irradiation was not correlated with better outcomes.

Conclusions

The overall prognosis of primary metastatic synovial sarcoma is poor. However, individuals with oligometastatic lung metastases had very good chance for long‐term survival when treated with adequate multimodal therapy.
Diabetes in the shadow of daily life: factors that make diabetes a marginal problem
Authors: Ågård Anders , Ranjbar Vania , Strang Susann
Published: March 2016

The primary aim of this qualitative study, which was based on interviews with 24 patients with diabetes mellitus, was to identify factors that influence patients’ willingness and ability to adhere to prescribed medicines, to recommend lifestyle choices and to acquire a deeper understanding of the way these factors influence adherence. The starting point for the study was our belief that it may be of pivotal importance for health professionals to address patients’ life experiences, present life situations and cultural background, as well as their conceptions and attitudes, in order to understand why some patients have or may encounter difficulty in following treatment recommendations and realising treatment goals.

Four main themes related to the primary research questions were identified. Patients with diabetes may regard diabetes as a lifelong follower but not a real problem: a trifle in relation to the daily struggle with difficulties; something out of one's control; something not worth giving up the good things in life for. In our opinion, the main result of this study is that patients may view diabetes as a marginal problem in relation to other burdens and troubles in life, such as other somatic diseases and symptoms, mental illnesses due to previous traumatic experiences, concerns for loved ones and economy.

We argue that the desired goals in terms of adherence and outcomes for patients with diabetes in general need to be adapted to what is desirable and realistic for the individual patient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
Probabilistic evaluation of solar photovoltaic systems using Bayesian networks: a discounted cash flow assessment
Authors: Leicester Philip A. , Goodier Chris I. , Rowley Paul
Published: March 2016

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is now a key contributor worldwide in the transition towards low‐carbon electricity systems. To date, PV commonly receives subsidies in order to accelerate adoption rates by increasing investor returns. However, many aleatory and epistemic uncertainties exist with regard to these potential returns. In order to manage these uncertainties, an innovative probabilistic approach using Bayesian networks has been applied to the techno‐economic analysis of domestic solar PV. Empirical datasets from over 600 domestic PV systems, together with national domestic electricity usage datasets, have been used to generate and calibrate prior probability distributions for PV yield and domestic electricity consumption, respectively, for typical urban housing stock. Subsequently, conditional dependencies of PV self‐consumption with regard to PV generation and household electricity consumption have been simulated via stochastic modelling using high temporal resolution demand and PV generation data. A Bayesian network model is subsequently applied to deliver posterior probability distributions of key parameters as part of a discounted cash flow analysis. The results illustrate the sensitivity of PV investment returns to parameters such as PV self‐consumption, PV degradation rates and geographical location and quantify inherent uncertainties when evaluating the impact of sector‐specific PV adoption upon economic indicators. The outcomes are discussed in terms of the value and impact of this new Bayesian approach in terms of supporting robust and rigorous policy and investment decision‐making, especially in post‐subsidy contexts globally. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Chip‐Free Microscale‐Incubator‐Based Synthesis of Chitosan‐Based Gene Silencing Nanoparticles
Authors: Gaglianone Noemi , Hvam Michael Lykke , Aslan Hüsnü , Dong Mingdong , Howard Kenneth A. , Ho Yi‐Ping
Published: March 2016

The development of polymer‐based nanoparticles to ferry siRNA continues to evolve. It is becoming increasingly apparent that gene silencing nanoparticles produced by conventional bulk manufacturing techniques often exhibit physicochemical heterogeneity within and between batches that can affect the biological performance. Here a new facile and robust “chip‐free” method is presented, termed chip‐free agitation‐generated droplets (CAD) preparation, using chitosan‐based gene silencing nanoparticles as an example. The CAD‐prepared silencing particles, in comparison to the particles prepared by the conventional bulk protocol, exhibit lower surface charge (9 mV vs 21 mV at N/P = 5), higher stability (≈40% higher binding affinity and up to 30% less morphological deformation), and are less prone to aggregation measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis over a period of one month. Furthermore, these physical attributes contribute up to 19% higher in cell viability at N/P = 5, while the gene silencing of enhanced green fluorescent protein remains constant in a human cell line. Control of particle properties is necessary to advance siRNA‐based delivery; the CAD preparation represents a physical complement to chemical design modifications, which can be readily transferred among research labs and utilized for alternative polymer systems.
A highly localized high‐precipitation event over Corsica
Authors: Scheffknecht P. , Richard E. , Lambert D.
Published: March 2016

In the framework of the Hydrological Cycle of the Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX), the high precipitation event (HPE) of 23 October 2012 is investigated. In the morning, a highly localized convective system developed over the southeast of Corsica, close to Porto‐Vecchio. Its precipitation maximum is estimated at over 100 mm within 6 h. The Meso‐NH model is used with a horizontal grid spacing of 2.5 km to simulate the HPE. Different input datasets and starting times are used to assess the predictability of the event and the large spread of this initial condition ensemble indicates low predictability. Among the nine ensemble members only one captures the timing and location of the event.

When the horizontal grid spacing is reduced to 500 m, precipitation is more widespread, maximum values are lower, and individual convective cells are smaller. Random perturbations to model physics are used to obtain a second ensemble, which shows less spread than the initial condition ensemble. The HPE over Porto‐Vecchio is present in all members of the physics ensemble with varying intensity while precipitation away from orography is more sensitive. Flattening the Corsican orography removes the HPE while blocking the cold northerly inflow into the Mediterranean basin increases its duration and intensity.

From the analyses and simulations it is shown that the HPE of 23 October 2012 was located over a convergence line resulting from flow splitting and lee‐side convergence of the northerly boundary‐layer flow impinging the Corsican mountains. Moist air located east of the island was fed into this convergence line by northerly low‐level winds and southeasterly winds aloft advected the cells inland along the stationary convergence line, allowing large precipitation accumulations over a relatively small area.
Extension of the Q Orbitrap intrascan dynamic range by using a dedicated customized scan
Authors: Kaufmann A. , Walker S.
Published: March 2016

Rationale

The intrascan dynamic range of modern Orbitrap instrumentation is specified to reach 1:5000, while the interscan dynamic range is significantly larger due to the utilization of the automatic gain control feature. There are some applications (e.g. residue analysis in complex matrices, metabolomics or structural elucidation) where a wider intrascan dynamic range is desirable.

Methods

The Application Programming Interface (API) of the Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer has been used to program a customized scan in order to cover a larger intrascan dynamic range. Different approaches were used, which were all based on the variation of the isolation time of low‐abundance versus high‐abundance mass range segments. The differently attenuated mass range segments isolated by the quadrupole were sequentially forwarded to the C‐trap. Finally, the accumulated mass segments were measured within the Orbitrap analyzer.

Results

The spectra obtained by the customized scans show an enlarged dynamic range. This has been demonstrated by monitoring the higher isotope mass peaks (first and second isotope) of a low intensity analyte. Furthermore, a practical application (veterinary drugs in bovine kidney) has been investigated with the proposed customized scan. Analytes eluting within the retention time region of very intense matrix peaks (e.g. peptides) showed improved detectability when utilizing the customized scan.

Conclusions

The extension of the intrascan dynamic range by a customized scan is helpful when analyzing residues which happen to elute together with a dominating matrix peak or within a high ion abundance region (e.g. dead volume). Furthermore, this feature helps in the process of determining the elemental composition of compounds by permitting the investigation of low‐abundance ions (e.g. belonging to the isotopic fine structure of the investigated compound). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Multi‐scale, Hierarchical Model to Map Riparian Zones
Authors: Salo J. A. , Theobald D. M.
Published: March 2016

Riparian zones are important for their contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in the western USA where riparian zones occupy a small proportion of the landscape but support a majority of the biodiversity. However, few accurate datasets of riparian zone locations are available over broad spatial extents, and cost efficient methods to map riparian zones at fine spatial resolutions do not currently exist. We created a multi‐scale, hierarchical, and process‐guided method to map the location of riparian zones using readily available, national datasets. We demonstrate the applicably of this straightforward method in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion, where we mapped both current riparian zones (the riparian zone that is not strongly modified by human land uses and is assumed to support natural riparian vegetation) and potential riparian zones (the area that would likely support natural riparian vegetation in the absence of human activity). The overall accuracy of our method for potential and current riparian zones was 92%. The Southern Rockies Ecoregion is composed of 3.1% (±0.3%) potential and 2.5 (±0.2%) current riparian zones, indicating that roughly 21.0% (±0.5%) of riparian zones have been removed by human activities. This modelling approach can be used to create detailed maps of riparian zones to inform regional conservation and management decision‐making, and the methods can be applied to different regions at multiple scales from small watersheds to a national analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Informing Watershed Connectivity Barrier Prioritization Decisions: A Synthesis
Authors: McKay S. K. , Cooper A. R. , Diebel M. W. , Elkins D. , Oldford G. , Roghair C. , Wieferich D.
Published: March 2016

Water resources and transportation infrastructure such as dams and culverts provide countless socio‐economic benefits; however, this infrastructure can also disconnect the movement of organisms, sediment, and water through river ecosystems. Trade‐offs associated with these competing costs and benefits occur globally, with applications in barrier addition (e.g. dam and road construction), reengineering (e.g. culvert repair), and removal (e.g. dam removal and aging infrastructure). Barrier prioritization provides a unique opportunity to: (i) restore and reconnect potentially large habitat patches quickly and effectively and (ii) avoid impacts prior to occurrence in line with the mitigation hierarchy (i.e. avoid then minimize then mitigate). This paper synthesizes 46 watershed‐scale barrier planning studies and presents a procedure to guide barrier prioritization associated with connectivity for aquatic organisms. We focus on practical issues informing prioritization studies such as available data sets, methods, techniques, and tools. We conclude with a discussion of emerging trends and issues in barrier prioritization and key opportunities for enhancing the body of knowledge. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bridging Behavioral Models and Theoretical Concepts: Effectuation and Bricolage in the Opportunity Creation Framework
Authors: Welter Chris , Mauer René , Wuebker Robert J.
Published: March 2016

Research summary

Opportunity creation, effectuation, and bricolage are three concepts that describe value creation and the central role of entrepreneurial action in that process. Although research often conceptualizes these concepts as interrelated, precisely how they relate to and complement one another and where they diverge remains unclear. This article examines the roots of each of these concepts and their underlying assumptions, organizing them within a unifying conceptual frame. Our analysis reveals a set of entailing implications that can guide future conceptual and empirical work in entrepreneurship, and it advances our understanding of value creation and capture in strategy, organization theory, management, and related fields.

Managerial summary

What are entrepreneurs doing? At the highest level of abstraction, entrepreneurs are identifying and exploiting opportunities. Recently, several lines of research have examined how certain types of entrepreneurial action can result in forming, rather than merely encountering, opportunities. Scholars engaged in this work have used both deductive and observational approaches, which have been rarely examined jointly or integrated into a comprehensive framework. This article focuses on the literature on opportunity creation, effectuation, and bricolage, examining each of the approaches and their underlying assumptions, and it organizes them within a unifying conceptual frame. Doing so reveals avenues for future work, in particular the development of new theories of opportunity formation, and implications for research in related fields such as strategic management, organization theory, and economics. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Optimal flexible sample size design with robust power
Authors: Zhang Lanju , Cui Lu , Yang Bo
Published: March 2016

It is well recognized that sample size determination is challenging because of the uncertainty on the treatment effect size. Several remedies are available in the literature. Group sequential designs start with a sample size based on a conservative (smaller) effect size and allow early stop at interim looks. Sample size re‐estimation designs start with a sample size based on an optimistic (larger) effect size and allow sample size increase if the observed effect size is smaller than planned. Different opinions favoring one type over the other exist. We propose an optimal approach using an appropriate optimality criterion to select the best design among all the candidate designs. Our results show that (1) for the same type of designs, for example, group sequential designs, there is room for significant improvement through our optimization approach; (2) optimal promising zone designs appear to have no advantages over optimal group sequential designs; and (3) optimal designs with sample size re‐estimation deliver the best adaptive performance. We conclude that to deal with the challenge of sample size determination due to effect size uncertainty, an optimal approach can help to select the best design that provides most robust power across the effect size range of interest. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Industrial Feasibility of Natural Products Extraction with Microwave Technology
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Carnaroglio Diego , Delisi Riccardo , Arvati Stefano , Tamburino Alfredo , Pagliaro Mario
Published: March 2016

The industrial extraction of natural products based on microwave irradiation of plant material and volumetric heating is now an industrial reality. Besides significant reduction in waste generation, manufacturing biomass extracts via microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) leads to such technical, economic, and environmental benefits whose entity, we argue, will end the distillation era of solid‐liquid extraction using hydrocarbon solvents.
In‐Situ Spectro–electrochemical Insight Revealing Distinctive Silicon Anode Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation in a Lithium–ion Battery
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Solomatin Nickolay , Kraytsberg Alexander , Ein‐Eli Yair
Published: March 2016

The formation and evolution of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on a silicon electrode in 1 m LiPF6 in EC/DMC electrolyte is investigated by in‐situ FTIR spectroscopy. The results point that lithium alkyl carbonates formation is initiated during a lithiation process via a one‐electron reduction of EC/DMC, followed by a free radical reaction. Interesting enough, the studies indicate that most of the SEI material is actually formed in the delithiation process. Carbon dioxide (CO2) generated at low potentials during the shallow lithiation process is consumed during a deeper lithiation process and also during subsequent delithiation processes, resulting in the formation of lithium carbonate.
Tandem gem–dichlorination and nitrile oxide generation from chlorochromene aldoximes: synthesis of a new class of room temperature fluxional 4‐chromanone derivatives
Authors: Dash Ashutosh K. , Jaladanki Chaitanya K. , Maiti Dilip K. , Singh Deepika , Tripathi Anil K. , Gupta Vivek K. , Bharatam Prasad V. , Mukherjee Debaraj
Published: March 2016

A tandem one pot reaction involving gem‐dichlorination, hydrolysis and nitrile oxide generation from 7‐alkoxy‐4‐chloro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene‐6‐carbaldehyde oxime followed by olefin/alkyne cycloaddition has been carried out in good yield at ambient temperature using open flask chemistry. The synthesized 4‐chromanone derivatives show conformational isomerism as determined by VT 1H‐NMR, confirmed by X‐ray crystallography and explained by DFT calculations. This can be a general method for C‐3 electrophilic chlorination of benzopyran derivatives.
Degradation of amylose by ionizing radiation processing
Authors: Nemţanu Monica R. , Braşoveanu Mirela
Published: March 2016

The current study brings to light new aspects of degradation of polysaccharides by physical methods, namely degradation of amylose exposed in the solid state to the accelerated electron beam, in the presence of oxygen, in the range of 10–50 kGy. Effects of irradiation on amylose were investigated by gel‐permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In order to evaluate quantitatively, the radiation degradation of amylose, radiochemical yield of degradation, degradation rate constant, and half value dose of molecular weights were determined. The results indicated the main‐chain scission of amylose, which led to the reduction of its molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Changes of amylose spectral features related to the frequency and intensity of some bands indicated an alteration of the structural integrity induced by the electron beam. The scanning electron micrographs revealed the appearance of smaller fragments by amylose structure disruption as a result of irradiation. Consequently, degradation of amylose in the solid state can effectively be controlled by electron beam irradiation. This novel study may be a useful starting point for preparation or processing of amylose‐based matrices by using electron beam treatment.