bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Esterification of Methacrolein to Methyl Methacrylate over Supported Gold Catalysts Prepared by Colloid Deposition
Authors: Li Yuchao , Zheng Yanxia , Wang Lei , Fu Zhongjun
Published: February 2017

Esterification is one of the most pivotal organic transformations. Au catalysts were prepared by using a colloid deposition method with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a protective agent. The catalyst was used for the oxidative esterification of methacrylate (MAL) to methyl methacrylate (MMA). Three pre‐treatments were used to remove the PVA, which is unfavorable for catalytic activity. It is found that the catalyst pre‐treated at 300 °C showed substantially improved activity owing to the lower PVA loading compared with catalysts treated with hot water washing and water reflux. Surprisingly, it is also found that the distribution and loading content of Au particles was closely related to the pH of the colloid solution. We demonstrate that the deposition process is controlled by the different charge of the support surface at different colloid solution pH. Further, the catalysts with similar size Au particles loaded on TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, and ZnO were successfully prepared by controlling the colloid solution pH. The Au/ZnO catalyst presented the best performance, which may be a result of the strong basic surface sites that improved the formation of the intermediate and the strong interaction between Au and ZnO. This interaction caused an anchoring effect and changed the geometries of Au particles, which could enhance the stability of catalysts and promote the mobility of oxygen, respectively.
Catalysis 4.0
Authors: Schlögl Robert
Published: February 2017

Industry 4.0 processes including digitalization of industry are game‐changing developments in economic evolution. In the chemical industry the prevailing concepts of economy of scale and continuous operation inhibit the exploitation of the potential benefits of industry 4.0 in the production of large and intermediate chemicals and create interface problems to other industries. Under aspects of systemic rather than local efficiency, novel forms of decentralized chemical production may be realized. Advanced catalysis science today can help to meet the challenges of possible future structures of chemical industries.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Arenes in Water Over In Situ Generated Ruthenium Nanoparticles Immobilized on Carbon
Authors: Dwivedi Ambikesh Dhar , Rai Rohit Kumar , Gupta Kavita , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2017

We describe a tandem process to generate active Ru nanoparticles (≈7 nm) immobilised in situ on carbon from an organometallic precursor and formic acid to afford the hydrogenation of a wide range of arenes and heteroarenes in yields up to 72 % with high conversions and selectivities for the desired products. The hydrogenation of several substrates analogous to lignin‐derived fragments to the corresponding alicyclic products was also achieved. Our experimental investigations evidenced that the observed enhanced activity for arene hydrogenation was driven by the unique structural advantages of the organometallic precursor to activate formic acid, in which the presence of a nitrogen ligand is crucial to achieve a high catalytic activity. TEM analysis revealed the formation of Ru0 nanoparticles, and Hg0 poisoning experiments support the heterogeneous nature of the active catalyst.
Electrochemical Stability of Diphenylanthracene and Its Effect on Alternating‐Current‐Driven Blue‐Light Electrochemiluminescence Properties
Authors: Tsuneyasu Shota , Ichikawa Takuya , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: February 2017

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a phenomenon in which light is emitted from excited species generated by electrochemical reactions at electrodes. Alternating‐current‐driven ECL (AC‐ECL) devices show good brightness and fast ECL response in comparison to direct‐current‐driven ECL devices. In this report, we focus on the ECL intensity and long‐term stability of blue‐light‐emitting AC‐ECL systems. We used a mixed solvent of propylene carbonate and toluene (volume ratio=1 : 1) to achieve stable blue ECL from 9,10‐diphenylanthracene (DPA) molecules. We analyzed the electrochemical, optical, and AC‐ECL properties of DPA in this mixed solvent to investigate the effect of the stabilities of redox species on AC‐ECL properties. We found that the composition of the electrolyte solution affects the stability of these species. We conclude that stability of generated active species is required to achieve good performance in blue AC‐ECL devices.
Thermodynamic Stability of Heterodimetallic [LnLn′] Complexes: Synthesis and DFT Studies
Authors: Gónzalez‐Fabra Joan , Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Velasco Verónica , Barrios Leoní A. , Aguilà David , Teat Simon J. , Roubeau Olivier , Bo Carles , Aromí Guillem
Published: February 2017

The solid‐state and solution configurations of the heterodimetallic complexes (Hpy)[LaEr(HL)3(NO3)(py)(H2O)] (1), (Hpy)[CeEr(HL)3(NO3)(py)(H2O)] (2), (Hpy)[CeGd(HL)3(NO3)(py)(H2O)] (3), (Hpy)[PrSm(HL)3(NO3)(py)(H2O)] (4), and (Hpy)2[LaYb(HL)3(NO3)(H2O)](NO3) (5), in which H3L is 6‐(3‐oxo‐3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)propionyl)pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid and py is pyridine, were analyzed experimentally and by using DFT calculations. Complexes 3, 4, and 5 are described here for the first time, and were analyzed by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The theoretical study was also extended to the [LaCe] and [LaLu] analogues. The results are consistent with a remarkable selectivity of the metal distribution within the molecule in the solid state, enhanced by the size difference between the different ions. This selectivity was reduced in solution, particularly for ions with the most similar radii. This unique entry into 4f–4f′′ heterometallic chemistry establishes for the first time the difference between the selectivity in solution and that in the solid state, as a result of changes to the coordination that follow the dissociation of terminal ligands upon dissolution of the complexes.
From Coordination Cages to a Stable Crystalline Porous Hydrogen‐Bonded Framework
Authors: Ju Zhanfeng , Liu Guoliang , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Yuan Daqiang , Chen Banglin
Published: February 2017

A stable framework has been constructed through multiple charge‐assisted H‐bonds between cationic coordination cages and chloride ions. The framework maintained its original structure upon desolvation, which has been established by single‐crystal structure analysis. This is the first fully characterized stable porous framework based on coordination cages after desolvation, with a moderately high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1201 m2 g−1. This work will not only give a light to construct stable porous frameworks based on coordination cages and thus broaden their applications, but will also provide a new avenue to the assembly of other porous materials such as porous organic cages and hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) through non covalent bonds.
Shape Controllable Preparation of Submicronic Cadmium Tetrazole‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks via Solvothermal or Microwave‐Assisted Methods and Their Photocatalytic Studies
Authors: Chouhan Arti , Pilet Guillaume , Daniele Stéphane , Pandey Ashutosh
Published: February 2017

The paper describes the experiments conducted to create shape controllable preparations of submicronic cadmium tetrazole‐based MOFs. In order to prepare the submicron sized blocks and tubes of bis[5‐(2‐pyridyltetrazolato)]diaquacadmium(II) [(2‐PTZ)2Cd(H2O)2] MOFs both solvothermal and microwave augmented reaction procedures have been followed. Cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate, cyanopyridine and sodium azide were used as reactants in both the conditions without any surfactants or modulators. Subsequently, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic studies were performed on the prepared MOFs. Examinations using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction of the products made by the microwave method showed formation of bundles of regular submicrotubes, as opposed to the submicron‐sized irregular blocks of the Cd‐MOF obtained through the solvothermal method. The fluorescence peak of the sub‐microtube MOF was found at 460 nm while the irregular‐blocks emitted at 442 nm indicating a red shift for the former. In addition, the relative intensity of the peak at 460 nm was higher in the former, indicating a decrease in the crystallite size. Band gaps of the MOFs calculated by using the Tauc plots were 2.87 and 2.73 eV, respectively. Their photocatalytic performances using methylene blue under UV‐vis irradiation have been investigated.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Effect of Ethyl 4‐[4‐(4‐Substituted Piperidin‐1‐yl)]benzylpyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalinecarboxylate Derivatives on Human Leukemia Cells
Authors: Desplat Vanessa , Vincenzi Marian , Lucas Romain , Moreau Stéphane , Savrimoutou Solène , Rubio Sandra , Pinaud Noël , Bigat David , Enriquez Elodie , Marchivie Mathieu , Routier Sylvain , Sonnet Pascal , Rossi Filomena , Ronga Luisa , Guillon Jean
Published: February 2017

Acute leukemia is a hematological malignancy with high incidence and recurrence rates and is characterized by an accumulation of blasts in bone marrow due to proliferation of immature lymphoid or myeloid cells associated with a blockade of differentiation. The heterogeneity of leukemia led us to look for new specific molecules for leukemia subtypes or for therapy‐resistant cases. Among heterocyclic derivatives that attracted attention due to their wide range of biological activities, we focused our interest on the pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline heterocyclic framework that has been previously identified as an interesting scaffold for antiproliferative activities against various human cancer cell lines. In this work, new ethyl 4‐[4‐(4‐substituted piperidin‐1‐yl)]benzylpyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalinecarboxylate derivatives (1 a–o) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against five different leukemia cell lines, including Jurkat and U266 (lymphoid cell lines) and K562, U937, and HL60 (myeloid cell lines), as well as on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This new pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline series showed interesting cytotoxic potential against all tested leukemia cell lines. In particular, pyrroloquinoxalines 1 a and 1 m,n seem to be interesting due to their high activity against leukemia and their low activity against normal hematopoietic cells, leading to a high index of selectivity.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐specific adoptive immunotherapy for recurrent, metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Julian , Fogg Mark , Wirth Lori J. , Daley Heather , Ritz Jerome , Posner Marshall R. , Wang Fred C. , Lorch Jochen H.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Early‐stage and intermediate‐stage nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) generally carry a good prognosis, but for patients with recurrent, metastatic disease, options are limited. In the current study, the authors present a phase 1/2 study to evaluate the efficacy of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐stimulated cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (EBV‐CTL) immunotherapy in this patient population.

METHODS

Screening for patients with active, recurrent, metastatic EBV‐associated NPC began in February 2007, and the study was closed to accrual in January 2012. After informed consent was obtained, patients had their blood drawn to initiate manufacturing of the EBV‐CTL product. During product manufacturing, patients were placed on interim standard‐of‐care chemotherapy, and only after disease progression on the interim chemotherapy did patients receive investigational immunotherapy. Patients were restaged every 2 months until disease progression and then followed for survival.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled, and 21 patients were treated. There was 1 complete response achieved, and at the time of last follow‐up, the patient had been in remission for >8 years since treatment. The median progression‐free survival was 2.2 months, and the median overall survival was 16.7 months. Two other patients, after failing EBV‐CTL immunotherapy, unexpectedly demonstrated strong responses to the chemotherapy regimens they had previously failed. Patient EBV viral load and EBV‐CTL specificity for tumor‐associated viral antigens did not appear to correlate with clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

A durable response was observed with EBV‐CTL immunotherapy, but the overall response rate for patients with recurrent, metastatic NPC was low. Further research is necessary to increase the efficacy of EBV‐specific immunotherapy in patients with incurable NPC, and to characterize mechanisms for refacilitation to chemotherapy. Cancer 2017;123:2642‐50. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Meaningful endpoints for therapies approved for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Smith B. Douglas , DeZern Amy E. , Bastian Alex W. , Durie Brian G. M.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Overall survival (OS) is considered the gold standard for determining treatment efficacy in oncology trials, but the relation between treatment and OS can be challenging to assess because of long study durations and the impact of subsequent therapies on outcome. Using OS can be particularly difficult for new therapies in hematologic malignancies (HMs).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis was conducted to characterize the primary endpoints used to support US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for new drug or novel HM indications between January 2002 and July 2015. Data on approvals were retrieved from the FDA and CenterWatch websites, and from the FDA prescribing information on respective products at the time of approval.

RESULTS

Sixty‐three FDA approvals involving 35 drugs and 16 HMs were identified. Of the 63 approvals, 45 (71.4%) included response rate (RR), and 17 (27%) included progression‐free survival (PFS; n = 14) or time to progression (n = 3), and 1 approval included OS. Twenty‐three approvals (36.5%) included trials with an active comparator arm. The median relative magnitude of benefit versus comparator was 71% improvement (range, 26%‐127%), with a median hazard ratio of 0.55 (range, 0.16‐0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

FDA approvals for new drug or novel HM indications are often based on endpoints other than OS, such as RR and PFS. Tools for determining the magnitude of clinical benefit and treatment value in HMs should take into account the importance of RR, PFS, and other non‐OS endpoints. Cancer 2017;123:1689–1694. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Precursor‐Directed Nucleation and Self‐Assembly Growth: From Hollow Microprisms to Nanoplatelets
Authors: Li Zhaojin , Hu Tao , Peng Zhenzhen , Hu Minmin , Zhu Kongjun , Wang Xiaohui
Published: February 2017

Directly controlling the morphology and orientation of nanocrystals is a key step for their tailored applications. Achieving such controlled synthesis requires insight into the formation mechanism. Using Li3PO4 microprisms as a solid precursor sealed in capillary tube, we unravel the structural and morphological evolution from the precursor to the resultant LiFePO4 nanoplatelets by means of in situ temperature monitoring, ex situ Raman spectroscopy and TEM/STEM. Under water‐deficient conditions, the precursor dissolves in a sluggish manner, facilitating simultaneous heterogeneous nucleation of LiFePO4 on undissolved Li3PO4 and homogeneous nucleation in solution. Vertically aligned nanoribbons consisting of primary LiFePO4 particles on the Li3PO4 surface undergo self‐assembly growth though oriented attachment. The [100]‐orientation is explained by the fact that H3O+ preferably adsorbed on the LiFePO4 (100) facet and suppressed the crystal growth more along the [100] direction than the others.
Time‐Resolved X‐Ray Powder Diffraction Study of Photoinduced Phase Transitions in Ti3O5 Nanoparticles
Authors: Tasca Kelin R. , Esposito Vincent , Lantz Gabriel , Beaud Paul , Kubli Martin , Savoini Matteo , Giles Carlos , Johnson Steven L.
Published: February 2017

Nanoparticles of Ti3O5 have been reported to show a permanent photoinduced phase transition at room temperature. This suggests that light‐induced phase transformations of Ti3O5 nanoparticles may be promising for technological applications. Here, we report a photoinduced semiconductor‐to‐metal phase transition from β‐Ti3O5 to λ‐Ti3O5 nanoparticles at room temperature observed directly by time‐resolved X‐ray powder diffraction in a pump‐probe setup. The results show a partial structural change, limited by differences between pumped and probed volumes, which persists a few microseconds after excitation. The first step in the relaxation back to the ground state can be described by a single exponential decay with time constant within microsecond timescales. Analysis of the change in lattice constants enables us to estimate an average temperature increase across the phase transition, consistent with a thermally driven process.
Fast‐transient DC‐DC converter using a high‐performance error amplifier with a rapid output‐voltage control technique
Authors: Javed Khurram , Yeo Jaejin , Lee Jaeseong , Roh Jeongjin
Published: February 2017

This letter presents a method for improving the transient response of DC‐DC converters. The proposed technique replaces the conventional error amplifier with a combination of two different amplifiers to achieve a high loop gain and high slew rate. In addition, a rapid output‐voltage control circuit is employed to further reduce the recovery time. The proposed technique was applied to a four‐phase buck converter, and the chip was implemented using a 0.18‐μm CMOS process. The switching frequency of each phase was set at 2 MHz. Using a supply voltage of 2.7–5.5 V and an output voltage of 0.6–1.5 V, the regulator provided up to 2‐A load current with maximum measured recovery time of only 6.2 and 6.5 μs for increasing and decreasing load current, respectively. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting spatial ontogenetic niche shifts in complex dendritic ecological networks
Authors: Fields William R. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Lowe Winsor H.
Published: February 2017

Ontogenetic niche shifts (ONS) are important drivers of population and community dynamics, but they can be difficult to identify for species with prolonged larval or juvenile stages, or for species that inhabit continuous habitats. Most studies of ONS focus on single transitions among discrete habitat patches at local scales. However, for species with long larval or juvenile periods, affinity for particular locations within connected habitat networks may differ among cohorts. The resulting spatial patterns of distribution can result from a combination of landscape‐scale habitat structure, position of a habitat patch within a network, and local habitat characteristics—all of which may interact and change as individuals grow. We estimated such spatialONSfor spring salamanders (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), which have a larval period that can last 4 years or more. Using mixture models to identify larval cohorts from size frequency data, we fit occupancy models for each age class using two measures of the branching structure of stream networks and three measures of stream network position. Larval salamander cohorts showed different preferences for the position of a site within the stream network, and the strength of these responses depended on the basin‐wide spatial structure of the stream network. The isolation of a site had a stronger effect on occupancy in watersheds with more isolated headwater streams, while the catchment area, which is associated with gradients in stream habitat, had a stronger effect on occupancy in watersheds with more paired headwater streams. Our results show that considering the spatial structure of habitat networks can provide new insights on ONS in long‐lived species.
Climate and density dependence cause changes in adult sex ratio in a large Arctic herbivore
Authors: Peeters Bart , Veiberg Vebjørn , Pedersen Åshild Ønvik , Stien Audun , Irvine Robert Justin , Aanes Ronny , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Strand Olav , Hansen Brage Bremset
Published: February 2017

Variation in adult sex ratio (ASR) affects population demography and dynamics of large mammals. The mechanisms behind this variation are largely unclear, but may be partly related to climatic drivers and density dependence operating differently on the adult male and female segments of the population. Here, we examine such drivers of annual changes in ASR in the predator‐free wild Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus), a high Arctic subspecies whose population dynamics are shaped by climate. Using up to 35 year long time‐series of population count data from two populations, we disentangle drivers of fluctuations in ASR by first analyzing how climate and density dependence affect sex‐specific adult population growth rates through effects on mortality. There were a positive population size trend and an overall female bias in ASR throughout the study period. Increased winter precipitation, a proxy for the harshness of winter feeding conditions, was found to significantly reduce adult population growth rates through reduced survival in males, but not in females. However, increased population size tended to cause a stronger immediate decline in female than in male adult population growth rates. As a consequence, the female bias in ASR increased with harsher winter conditions and declined with higher population size. As expected from the increased frequency of rainy and icy winters due to climate warming, a recent trend toward increased female bias in ASR was evident. This demonstrates that climatic drivers of both short‐term fluctuations and long‐term trends in demography need to be accounted for in the management and population dynamic predictions of Arctic ungulates.
Using Social Network Analysis to Monitor and Assess the Effectiveness of Knowledge Brokers at Connecting Scientists and Decision‐Makers: An Australian case study
Authors: Cvitanovic C. , Cunningham R. , Dowd A‐M. , Howden S.M. , van Putten E.I.
Published: February 2017

Despite growing rhetoric regarding the potential benefits of using knowledge brokers in relation to environmental challenges and decision‐making processes, the evidence in support of such claims is mostly anecdotal. This is, in part, due to the lack of established methods to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of knowledge brokers. To address this gap we assess the utility of social network analysis (SNA) to evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge brokers in connecting scientists and decision‐makers. Specifically, using a case‐study approach, we undertake longitudinal SNA over a 12‐month period to evaluate the extent to which the knowledge broker developed networks between producers and users of knowledge across different organizations. We also undertook a qualitative survey of scientists (n = 29) who worked in the same organization as the knowledge broker to understand the extent to which the knowledge broker increased the impact of scientific research for decision‐making purposes. Results show that the knowledge broker developed an extensive stakeholder network of 192 individuals spanning over 30 organizations. The results of the SNA found that over time this network increased in density and became more cohesive, both key elements underpinning successful knowledge exchange. Furthermore, the qualitative survey found that the knowledge broker also had a positive impact in other ways, including helping researchers understand the operating environments within decision‐making agencies and the best approaches for engaging with specific decision‐makers. Thus, this study demonstrates the value of SNA for evaluating knowledge brokers and provides empirical support for the use of knowledge brokers in the environmental sector. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A Facile and Effective Method for Constructing Rambutan‐Like NiCo2O4 Hierarchical Architectures for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Shang Yuanyuan , Gai Yansong , Wang Longqiang , Hao Long , Lv HuiJuan , Dong Fengying , Gong Liangyu
Published: February 2017

Rambutan‐like NiCo2O4 hierarchical architectures have been fabricated effectively by facile chemical bath deposition and subsequent thermal annealing free of any template and surfactant. The corresponding formation mechanism has also been investigated by continuously controlling the reaction conditions. Supercapacitors assembled with the as‐synthesized rambutan‐like NiCo2O4 displayed a specific capacitance of 798 F g–1 at 0.5 A g–1, with 520 F g–1 still remaining even at a high current density of 20 A g–1, and good cycling stability with 91.7 % retention of the maximum capacitance (632 F g–1) after 1500 cycles at 2 A g–1. The outstanding electrochemical properties of the rambutan‐like NiCo2O4 hierarchical architectures show great potential for application as high‐performance supercapacitors.
Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil: Biorefinery and bioeconomy aspects
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Delisi Riccardo , Albanese Lorenzo , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario
Published: February 2017

In this study, we offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the cactus peer seed oil market and utilizations. Besides antioxidant and skin and hair hydrating action which make it suitable as a valued cosmetic ingredient, the oil contained in the seeds of Opuntia ficus‐indica and Opuntia dillenii, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, also shows anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products.

Practical applications: The outcomes of the study will be useful in progressing the expansion of the emerging bioeconomy, especially in Opuntia producing countries.

The oil contained in the seeds of prickly pear cactus is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and shows significant anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products. We offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the utilization of this valued bio‐derived oil.
Validated capillary electrophoretic method for the enantiomeric quality control of R‐praziquantel
Authors: Szabó Zoltán‐István , Gál Réka , Szőcs Levente , Ludmerczki Róbert , Muntean Daniela‐Lucia , Noszál Béla , Tóth Gergő
Published: February 2017

The enantiomers of praziquantel, the drug of choice in schistosomiasis, were separated by electrokinetic chromatography with cyclodextrins. Nine anionic cyclodextrins were screened for their ability to discriminate between the uncharged enantiomers. Seven investigated selectors presented chiral interactions with the enantiomers, these cases being interpreted in terms of stability constants and complex mobilities. The best results were delivered by sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrin, where quasi‐equal stability constants were accompanied by extreme selectivity values and was explained on the basis of highly different mobilities of the transient diastereomeric complexes. Since the enantiomer migration order was unfavorable, a simple polarity switch was employed (detection end at anode), which apart from migration order reversal, also resulted in extreme resolution values (Rs > 35) and increased migration times. After optimization (50 mM phosphate buffer pH 2.0, supplied with 15 mM sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrin, 15 kV, capillary temperature 25°C, short‐end injection with 50 mbar × 2 s), analysis time under 10 min were obtained, while still maintaining high resolution (Rs > 10). The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines and application of the method was tested on in‐house synthetized R‐praziquantel batches and on commercial, combination tablets containing racemic mixture of the drug.
Understanding the burden of focal epilepsy as a function of seizure frequency in the United States, Europe, and Brazil
Authors: Gupta Shaloo , Ryvlin Philippe , Faught Edward , Tsong Wan , Kwan Patrick
Published: February 2017

Objective

To understand the current burden of focal epilepsy (FE) as a function of seizure frequency.

Methods

Patients were identified from the United States (2011, 2012, and 2013), five European countries (EU; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) (2011 and 2013), and Brazil (2011 and 2012) National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), a nationally representative, Internet‐based survey of adults (18+ years). The NHWS collected data on respondents’ quality of life (QoL), health utilities, productivity loss, and healthcare resource utilization. Indirect and direct costs were calculated from the literature. Altogether, 345 of 176,093 (U.S.A.), 73 of 30,000 (United Kingdom), 53 of 30,001 (Germany), 53 of 30,000 (France), 41 of 12,011 (Spain), 37 of 17,500 (Italy), and 71 of 24,000 (Brazil) respondents self‐reported a diagnosis of FE.

Results

Many respondents (U.S.A.: 56.2%; 5EU: 41.6%; Brazil + 5EU: 40.5%) reported persistent seizures (≥1 per year). Over 60% to just over 71% of respondents with FE were treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In the United States, seizure frequency was associated with hospitalizations, indirect costs (ages 18–60), and total direct costs. For the 5EU and Brazil + 5EU, seizure frequency was associated with physical QoL, health utilities, activity impairment, and emergency room (ER) visits. Additional associations were observed for the 5EU on hospitalizations, indirect costs (ages 18–60), ER visit costs, and total direct costs and for Brazil + 5EU on absenteeism, overall work impairment, and provider visits. Costing was not performed for Brazil + 5EU.

Significance

Around half of the patients had persistent seizures despite most taking an AED in this 2011–2013 dataset. The results support the hypothesis that reducing seizures can improve productivity and reduce resource utilization and associated costs. Regional differences may reflect differences in healthcare systems and selected patient populations. Overall, the results suggest that additional treatment options are needed to improve seizure control and reduce related costs.
Assessing uncertainty in estimation of seismic response for PBEE
Authors: Iervolino Iunio
Published: February 2017

State‐of‐the‐art approaches to probabilistic assessment of seismic structural reliability are based on simulation of structural behavior via nonlinear dynamic analysis of computer models. Simulations are carried out considering samples of ground motions supposedly drawn from specific populations of signals virtually recorded at the site of interest. This serves to produce samples of structural response to evaluate the failure rate, which in turn allows to compute the failure risk (probability) in a time interval of interest. This procedure alone implies that uncertainty of estimation affects the probabilistic results. The latter is seldom quantified in risk analyses, although it may be relevant. This short paper discusses some basic issues and some simple statistical tools, which can aid the analyst towards the assessment of the impact of sample variability on fragility functions and the resulting seismic structural risk. On the statistical inference side, the addressed strategies are based on consolidated results such as the well‐known delta method and on some resampling plans belonging to the bootstrap family. On the structural side, they rely on assumptions and methods typical in performance‐based earthquake engineering applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new volume‐preserving and continuous interface reconstruction method for 2D multi‐material flow
Authors: Dumas L. , Ghidaglia J. M. , Jaisson P. , Motte R.
Published: February 2017

A new two‐dimensional interface reconstruction method that ensures continuity of the interface and preserves volume fractions is presented here. It is made of two steps, first, the minimization of a cost functional based on volume fractions least square errors by using dynamic programming, a fast and efficient scheme well known in image processing, and then a local correction phase. In each cell, the interface is made of two line segments joining two edges. This new interface reconstruction method, called Dynamic Programming Interface Reconstruction has been coupled with various advection schemes, among them the Lagrange + remap scheme. With a reasonable computational cost, it has been observed in various test cases that Dynamic Programming Interface Reconstruction is more accurate and less diffusive compared with other existing classical reconstruction methods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective purification and characterization of Müller glia in the mouse retina regeneration assay
Authors: Schäfer Patrick , Karl Mike O.
Published: February 2017

Reactive gliosis is an umbrella term for various glia functions in neurodegenerative diseases and upon injury. Specifically, Müller glia (MG) in some species readily regenerate retinal neurons to restore vision loss after insult, whereas mammalian MG respond by reactive gliosis—a heterogeneous response which frequently includes cell hypertrophy and proliferation. Limited regeneration has been stimulated in mammals, with a higher propensity in young MG, and in vitro compared to in vivo, but the underlying processes are unknown. To facilitate studies on the mechanisms regulating and limiting glia functions, we developed a strategy to purify glia and their progeny by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Dual‐transgenic nuclear reporter mice, which label neurons and glia with red and green fluorescent proteins, respectively, have enabled MG enrichment up to 93% purity. We applied this approach to MG in a mouse retina regeneration ex vivo assay. Combined cell size and cell cycle analysis indicates that most MG hypertrophy and a subpopulation proliferates which, over time, become even larger in cell size than the ones that do not proliferate. MG undergo timed differential genomic changes in genes controlling stemness and neurogenic competence; and glial markers are downregulated. Genes that are potentially required for, or associated with, regeneration and reactive gliosis are differentially regulated by retina explant culture time, epidermal growth factor stimulation, and animal age. Thus, MG enrichment facilitates cellular and molecular studies which, in combination with the mouse retina regeneration assay, provide an experimental approach for deciphering mechanisms that possibly regulate reactive gliosis and limit regeneration in mammals.
Effects of mind–body interventions on depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bo Ai , Mao Weiyu , Lindsey Michael A.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine the efficacy of mind–body interventions in depressive symptoms treatment among older Chinese adults (>60 years of age).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chongqing VIP for eligible studies until September 2016. We reviewed randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of mind–body interventions for depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. Two authors independently conducted screening, and risk of bias assessment. Data were extracted by one author and crosschecked by the research team. Cohen's d standardized mean differences were calculated to represent intervention effects.

Results

A comprehensive search yielded 926 records; 14 articles met inclusion criteria. Relative to the control groups, mind–body interventions had large short‐term effects in reducing depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults (standardized mean differences = −1.41; 95% CI [−1.82, −0.99]). Most studies did not report the long‐term effects of mind–body interventions. Subgroup analyses by type of mind–body interventions, participants' age group, and control condition yielded different effect sizes; however, these differences did not all reach a statistically significant level. The interpretation of the subgroup analysis should be considered with caution given its observational nature and a small number of included studies.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that mind–body interventions had short‐term effects in alleviating depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults. Further research (randomized controlled trials with active controls and follow‐up tests) are needed to assess the effects of mind–body interventions on depressive symptoms among this population. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of BRAF V600E mutation‐specific immunohistochemistry in pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Ballester Leomar Y. , Cantu Miguel D. , Lim Karen P.H. , Sarabia Stephen F. , Ferguson Lizmery Suarez , Renee Webb C. , Allen Carl E. , McClain Kenneth L. , Mohila Carrie A. , Punia Jyotinder N. , Roy Angshumoy , López‐Terrada Dolores H. , John Hicks M. , Fisher Kevin E.
Published: February 2017

BRAF p.V600E mutations are detected in greater than 50% of pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) lesions. However, the use of mutation‐specific BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate for molecular testing in pediatric LCH is unknown. We tested the mutation‐specific BRAF V600E monoclonal antibody (clone VE1) in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded LCH samples from 26 pediatric patients (14 males and 12 females, ages 7 mo–17 y) using allele‐specific real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a limit of detection of 0.5% as the comparative gold standard. BRAF VE1 staining was scored for both intensity (0‐3+) and percentage of immunoreactive tumor cells (0%‐100%). BRAF VE1 immunoreactivity was determined using both lenient (≥1+, ≥1%) and stringent (≥2+, ≥10%) scoring criteria. Using lenient‐scoring criteria, we found that the sensitivity and specificity of IHC compared with allele‐specific real‐time PCR were 100.0% and 18.2%, respectively. The poor specificity of lenient IHC analysis was attributable to weak, 1+ staining in both BRAF‐mutated and wild‐type LCH. Using stringent‐scoring criteria, we found that specificity improved to 100.0% at the expense of sensitivity that decreased to 80.0%. Stringent scoring generated 3 false‐negative results, but in all cases, neoplastic tissue comprised less than 5% of the stained section and/or the specimen was decalcified. In conclusion, highly sensitive molecular assays remain the gold standard for BRAF mutation analysis in LCH paraffin‐embedded lesions. To avoid false‐positive results, unequivocal VE1 staining of 2+ intensity in greater than or equal to 10% neoplastic histiocytes is required. However, negative VE1 results require additional studies to exclude false‐negatives, and stringent‐scoring criteria may not be optimal for scant or decalcified specimens.
Quantitative distinction of the morphological characteristic of erythrocyte precursor cells with texture analysis using gray level co‐occurrence matrix
Authors: Kono Keigo , Hayata Ruka , Murakami Satoru , Yamamoto Mai , Kuroki Maiko , Nanato Kana , Takahashi Kazuto , Miwa Keiko , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Okada Kazunori , Kaga Sanae , Mikami Taisei , Masauzi Nobuo
Published: February 2017

Background

Morphological characteristics of blood cells are still qualitatively defined. So a texture analysis (Tx) method using gray level co‐occurrence matrices (GLCMs; CM‐Tx method) was applied to images of erythrocyte precursor cells (EPCs) for quantitatively distinguishing four types of EPC stages: proerythroblast, basophilic erythroblast, polychromatic erythroblast, and orthochromatic erythroblast.

Methods

Fifty‐five images of four types of EPCs were downloaded from an atlas uploaded by the Blood Cell Morphology Standardization Subcommittee (BCMSS) of the Japanese Society of Laboratory Hematology (JSLH). Using in‐house programs, two types of GLCMs—(R: d=1, θ=0°) and (U: d=1, θ=270°)—and nine types of texture distinction index (TDI) were calculated with images removed outer part of cell.

Results

Three binary decision trees were sequentially divided among four types of EPC with the sum average of GLCM (U), the contrast of GLCM (R), and the sum average of GLCM (U). The average concordance rate (sensitivity) of CM‐Tx method with the judgments of eleven experts in the BCMSS of the JSLH was 95.8% (87.5‐100.0), and the average specificity was 97.6% (92.5‐100.0).

Conclusions

The CM‐Tx method is an effective tool for quantitative distinction of EPC with their morphological features.
Applying the Unified Protocol Transdiagnostic Treatment to Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Co‐Occurring Emotional Disorders: A Case Illustration
Authors: Bentley Kate H.
Published: February 2017

This article presents the use of a transdiagnostic, emotion‐focused treatment with a young woman with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The patient also presented with subclinical depressive, posttraumatic stress, and eating disorder symptoms. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Barlow et al., 2011), a cognitive‐behavioral intervention designed to be applicable across anxiety, depressive, and related disorders with strong emotional components, was used to address the range of Laura's presenting concerns. After 16 individual treatment sessions, Laura experienced significant reductions in NSSI (and urges to engage in NSSI) as well as observable improvements in her self‐reported ability to respond more adaptively to intense emotion. She also reported moderate reductions in her anxiety disorder symptoms. This case illustration demonstrates how a short‐term, transdiagnostic treatment approach can be flexibly applied to a variety of problems maintained by aversive and avoidant reactions to intense emotion.
Offsetting the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on problem drinking
Authors: Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Au Vanessa , Frendo Marylou , Mericle Amy A.
Published: February 2017

Residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods can amplify individual risk for adverse health conditions, including substance use disorders. Using data from a probability sample of problem drinkers in Northern California (N = 616) interviewed at baseline and reinterviewed 1 year later, this study examines whether social support can buffer negative effects of neighborhood disadvantage on problem drinking. Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood increased the likelihood of problem drinking at follow‐up (odds ratio = 2.33, p = 0.015). Although baseline support for reducing drinking was unrelated to problem drinking at follow‐up, there was a significant interaction between neighborhood disadvantage and support. Among those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, baseline support significantly decreased the likelihood of problem drinking at follow‐up (OR = 0.19, p = 0.048). Bolstering indigenous community resources where residents can interact with others in recovery or that foster sober activities may offset individual risk. Research is needed to determine whether this may also produce second‐order neighborhood change.
Kinetics and modelling of furfural oxidation with hydrogen peroxide over a fibrous heterogeneous catalyst: effect of reaction parameters on yields of succinic acid
Authors: Saleem Farhan , Müller Pia , Eränen Kari , Warnå Johan , Yu Murzin Dmitry , Salmi Tapio
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Succinic acid is an important intermediate compound with high commercial significance in the chemical industry. It can be obtained from renewable resources such as furfural. This article describes the kinetic study of furfural oxidation with hydrogen peroxide over a fibrous polymer‐supported sulphonic acid catalyst (Smopex‐101). The influence of reaction temperature, initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide and furfural has been investigated in detail. Reaction kinetics has been studied both in batch and semi‐batch modes. Self‐decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and loss of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide has been thoroughly examined. Parameter estimation has been performed and comparison was made between catalytic and non‐catalytic reactions. The catalyst stabilities have been discussed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the reaction orders in hydrogen peroxide decomposition are different in catalytic and non‐catalytic reactions. Furfural presence in the reaction mixture, its interactions with the catalyst and involvement in other reactions significantly suppressed the side reactions, improving hydrogen peroxide utilization. The desired product (succinic acid) has been obtained in good yields (80%) when furfural was added in a semi‐batch mode.

CONCLUSIONS

The kinetic models predicted the consumption behavior of hydrogen peroxide and furfural in both catalytic and non‐catalytic reactions and the kinetic parameters were statistically well identified. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Type 3 takayasu arteritis diagnosed by parvus‐tardus renal Doppler signal modulation
Authors: Koc Ural
Published: February 2017

Takayasu's arteritis is known to cover the youngest age group in the etiology of secondary hypertension. The type 3 pattern is rare and involves the thoraco‐abdominal aorta and its main abdominal branches. Here, we present the imaging results of a patient who had been followed up for systemic arterial hypertension and was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis type 3 by CT and MR angiography following bilateral detection of a parvus‐tardus Doppler signal modulation in the renal arteries. We discuss the differential diagnoses that should be considered when observing a tardus‐parvus Doppler signal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:612–615, 2017
Discovery of MYH14 as an important and unique deafness gene causing prelingually severe autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Kim Bong Jik , Kim Ah Reum , Han Jin Hee , Lee Chung , Oh Doo Yi , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: February 2017

Background

Pathogenic variants of MYH14 are known to be associated (in either a syndromic or nonsyndromic manner) with hearing loss. Interestingly, all reported cases to date of MYH14‐related nonsyndromic hearing loss with detailed phenotypes have demonstrated mild‐to‐moderate progressive hearing loss with postlingual onset.

Methods

In the present study, targeted resequencing (TRS) of known deafness genes was performed to identify the causative variant in two multiplex families segregating autosomal dominant (AD) inherited hearing loss.

Results

TRS uncovered two novel variants of MYH14 (c.A572G: p.Asp191Gly in the myosin head domain and c.C73T:p.Gln25* in exon 2) from two multiplex deafness Korean families. Notably, both probands showed phenotypes of congenital or prelingual severe hearing loss. It is remarkably uncommon to encounter such a severe‐to‐profound, prelingual, AD hearing loss. Given that the first variant, p. Asp191Gly, was the first documented missense allele discovered in the myosin head domain of this gene related to either congenital or prelingual severe nonsyndromic hearing loss, and also that the second variant, p. Gln25*, lead to a null allele, more severe phenotypes from our probands may have been the result of either genotype–phenotype correlation or genetic backgrounds, or both.

Conclusions

In the present study, we report that MYH14 can manifest as nonsyndromic prelingual severe sensorineural hearing loss in an AD fashion in Koreans. The results of the present study suggest that further genetic studies of similar patients should consider MYH14 as a causative gene, and cochlear implantation during infant or early childhood should be indicated for those patients with certain MYH14 pathogenic variants.