bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline‐Stabilized Intertwined Network‐like Ferrocene/Graphene Nanoarchitecture for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Adhikari Amrita De , Oraon Ramesh , Tiwari Santosh Kumar , Jena Naresh K. , Lee Joong Hee , Kim Nam Hoon , Nayak Ganesh Chandra
Published: February 2017

The present work highlights the effective H–π interaction between metallocenes (ferrocene; Fc) and graphene and their stabilization in the presence of polyaniline (PANI) through π–π interactions. The PANI‐stabilized Fc@graphene nanocomposite (FcGA) resembled an intertwined network‐like morphology with high surface area and porosity, which could make it a potential candidate for energy‐storage applications. The relative interactions between the components were assessed through theoretical (DFT) calculations. The specific capacitance calculated from galvanostatic charging/discharging indicated that the PANI‐stabilized ternary nanocomposite exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 960 F g− at an energy density of 85 Wh Kg−1 and a current density of 1 A g−. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis confirmed the low internal resistance of the as‐prepared nanocomposites, which showed improved charge‐transfer properties of graphene after incorporation of Fc and stabilization with PANI. Additionally, all electrodes were found to be stable up to 5000 cycles with a specific capacitance retention of 86 %, thus demonstrating the good reversibility and durability of the electrode material.
Synthesis of N,N‐Dialkylamino‐nor‐Dihydroxanthene‐Hemicyanine Fused Near‐Infrared Fluorophores and Their First Water‐Soluble and/or Bioconjugatable Analogues
Authors: Ong Michelle Jui Hsien , Debieu Sylvain , Moreau Mathieu , Romieu Anthony , Richard Jean‐Alexandre
Published: February 2017

The effective synthesis of extended conjugated N,N‐dialkylamino‐nor‐dihydroxanthene‐based fluorophores is described from diversely functionalized salicylic aldehydes. The access to these original fluorescent derivatives proceeded in two steps through a one‐pot construction of the unusual nor‐dihydroxanthene (nor‐DHX) scaffold followed by a diversification step providing a wide variety of nor‐DHX‐hemicyanine fused dyes emitting in the range of 730–790 nm. The versatility of our approach has enabled a further extension to the late‐stage introduction of negatively/positively charged polar groups onto their terminal nitrogen heterocyclic subunit, thereby giving access to the first water‐soluble and/or bioconjugatable members of this emerging class of NIR fluorophores. Our water‐solubilizing method is easily implementable, and the nor‐DHX‐hemicyanine skeleton maintains satisfying fluorescence quantum yields (5–20 %) under physiological conditions. Finally, the bioconjugation ability of fluorescent derivatives bearing a free carboxylic acid was demonstrated through the covalent labeling of a model protein, namely, bovine serum albumin.
Sustainability in The Banking Industry: A Strategic Multi‐Criterion Analysis
Authors: Raut Rakesh , Cheikhrouhou Naoufel , Kharat Manoj
Published: February 2017

The current paper aims to develop an effective and integrated MCDM model for the evaluation of the sustainability practices in the banking services, employing a multi‐stage, fuzzy MCDM model that integrates the Balanced Scorecard, fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS. The approach aims to evaluate sustainability from the following four perspectives: financial stability, customer relationship management, internal business process and environment‐friendly management system. A real implementation dealing with the six largest commercial banks in India is discussed. The results highlights the critical aspects of the evaluation criteria and the issues in improving sustainable banking performances. Regarding the sustainability issues, it is shown that the environment‐friendly management system takes a back seat compared with the other criteria. Furthermore, the results show that there is a misunderstanding of the role that corporate social responsibility plays with respect to environmental issues. The developed evaluation model offers a valuable management tool for banks' administrators by assisting them in strategic choices in order to achieve their objective of sustainability and sustainable banking. Moreover, it offers a measuring tool with unique features that complements the emerging trend of integrated reporting considering uncertainty. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
MiR‐144 affects fatty acid composition by regulating ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes
Authors: He Jun , Tian Yong , Zhao Yan , Liu Yali , Tao Zhengrong , Li Guoqin , Niu Dong , Lu Lizhi , Lu Yingru
Published: February 2017

Lipid metabolism in duck is very important for both raisers and people's health. In our previous studies, we have detected that miR‐144 is related to duck lipid metabolism and validated one of its target genes, elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 6 (ELOVL6). In the present study, we isolated, cultured, and identified duck hepatocytes, and transfected with miR‐144 mimics/inhibitor to mediate the miR‐144 level. The qRT‐PCR results showed that the ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes was down/upregulated, respectively. The fat contents and each fatty‐acid percent content of the hepatocytes and medium were also determined. When ELOVL6 expression suppressed (miR‐144 mimics transfected), the palmitic acid (C16:0) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the oleic acid (C18:1, n‐9), eicosenoic acid (C20:1, n‐9), and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The myristic acid (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the oleic acid (C18:1, n‐9) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when ELOVL6 expression upregulated (miR‐144 inhibitor transfected). It indicated that miR‐144 could regulate some saturated fatty acids elongated to longer unsaturated fatty acids through controlling ELOVL6 expression. Whereas, miR‐144/ELOVL6 appeared not associated with fat deposition in duck hepatocytes (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that miR‐144 might regulate the percentages of fatty acids in duck hepatocytes through affecting ELOVL6 expression.
Self‐assembly‐ and Preshaping‐assisted Synthesis of Molybdenum Carbide Supported on Ultrathin Nitrogen‐doped Graphitic Carbon Lamellas for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Peng Lishan , Nie Yao , Zhang Ling , Xiang Rui , Wang Jun , Chen Hongmei , Chen Ke , Wei Zidong
Published: February 2017

Herein, we report a self‐assembly and preshaping strategy for the controllable synthesis of highly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles supported on porous graphitic carbon lamellas. This simple but effective method prevents the serious overlapping of carbon and excessive growth of Mo2C and endows Mo2C/C with a 2 D lamellar structure even after high‐temperature carburization. The constructed Mo2C/C‐lamellas exhibits higher activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction than traditional bulk Mo2C/C and shows long‐term stability. This self‐assembly and preshaping assisted carburization method represents a rational strategy for the preparation of robust carbon composite materials with hierarchically ordered structures, especially high melting points, and a high tendency to undergo aggregation.
Bis‐picolinamide Ruthenium(III) Dihalide Complexes: Dichloride‐to‐Diiodide Exchange Generates Single trans Isomers with High Potency and Cancer Cell Selectivity
Authors: Basri Aida M. , Lord Rianne M. , Allison Simon J. , Rodríguez‐Bárzano Andrea , Lucas Stephanie J. , Janeway Felix D. , Shepherd Helena J. , Pask Christopher M. , Phillips Roger M. , McGowan Patrick C.
Published: February 2017

A library of new bis‐picolinamide ruthenium(III) dihalide complexes of the type [RuX2L2] (X=Cl or I, L=picolinamide) have been synthesised and characterised. The complexes exhibit different picolinamide ligand binding modes, whereby one ligand is bound (N,N) and the other bound (N,O). Structural studies revealed a mixture of cis and trans isomers for the [RuCl2L2] complexes but upon a halide exchange reaction to yield [RuI2L2], only single trans isomers were detected. High cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines was observed, with the potencies of some complexes similar to or better than cisplatin. The conversion to [RuI2L2] substantially increased the activity towards cancer cell lines by more than twelvefold. The [RuI2L2] complexes displayed potent activity against the A2780cis (cisplatin‐resistant human ovarian cancer) cell line, with a more than fourfold higher potency than cisplatin. Equitoxic activity was observed against normoxic and hypoxic cancer cells, which indicates the potential to eradicate both the hypoxic and aerobic fractions of solid tumours with similar efficiency. The activity of selected complexes against non‐cancer ARPE‐19 cells was also tested. The [RuI2L2] complexes were found to be more potent than the [RuCl2L2] analogues and also more selective towards cancer cells with a selectivity factor in excess of sevenfold.
Frozen Chirality of Tertiary Aromatic Amides: Access to Enantioenriched Tertiary α‐Amino Acid or Amino Alcohol without Chiral Reagent
Authors: Mai Thi Thoa , Viswambharan Baby , Gori Didier , Guillot Régis , Naubron Jean‐Valère , Kouklovsky Cyrille , Alezra Valérie
Published: February 2017

One of the fundamental and intriguing aspects of life is the homochirality of the essential molecules. In this field, the absolute asymmetric synthesis of α‐amino acids is a major challenge. Herein, we report access, by chemical means, to tertiary α‐amino acid derivatives in up to 96 % ee without using any chiral reagent. In our strategy, the dynamic axial chirality of tertiary aromatic amides is frozen in a crystal and is responsible for the stereoselectivity of the subsequent steps. Furthermore, we could control the configuration of the final product by manually sorting and selecting the initial crystals. Based on vibrational circular dichroism studies, we could rationalize the observed stereoselectivity.
Simulation of bubbling fluidized beds with cohesive particles by incorporating a novel structure‐Based drag model into the two‐fluid model
Authors: Luo Chuanbao , Zheng Wei , Xu Liping , Pan Mingxi , Zhou Tao
Published: February 2017

A novel structure‐based drag model was proposed to study the hydrodynamics of bubbling fluidized beds (BFBs) operated with ultrafine cohesive particles by considering local heterogeneous flow structures. Firstly, a local structure parameters model capturing the internal flow structures of the studied system was built by balance equations and empirical formulas and the solutions (i.e. local structure parameters) of this model solved by global search algorithm were evaluated in terms of hydrodynamics, energy consumption, and voidage. Then the local structure parameters were employed to derive the structure‐based drag model. Lastly, three drag models (i.e. the structure‐based drag model, Gidaspow model, and Syamlal‐O'Brien model) were investigated and incorporated separately into the two‐fluid model, where the simulation results were also separately compared with available experimental data. The comparison shows that Gidaspow and Syamlal‐O'Brien drag models failed to predict the solid volume fraction profiles. However, the error analysis results of the structure‐based drag model indicate the average absolute relative error of solid volume fraction in the radial direction is 7.04 % and 5.64 % at the height of 0.1 m and 0.2 m respectively, which exhibits promising predictions. Thus, it is feasible to simulate the BFBs with cohesive particles through the combination of the structure‐based drag model with the two‐fluid model.
Prediction of spout diameter in gas‐solid spouted beds using factorial design of experiments approach with the aid of advanced optical fibre probe
Authors: Al‐Dahhan Muthanna , Aradhya Shreekanta , Taofeeq Haidar
Published: February 2017

In this study, the effects of five operating and design variables (solid density, static bed height, particle diameter, superficial gas velocity, and inlet diameter) on the average spout diameter of a 0.152 m inside diameter gas‐solid spouted bed have been assessed experimentally using advanced gas‐solid optical fibre probe technique. Statistical analysis of the experimental data including the factorial design of the experiments using MINITAB17 statistical software has been performed to determine the extent of the effects of these variables on the spout diameter as a case study. It was found that all five operating and design variables, except the solid density together with the 2‐ways interactions between particles size and inlet diameter, in addition to gas velocity and inlet diameter, have a significant effect on the average spout diameter. Regression analysis was performed to correlate these variables with the average spout diameter for the gas‐solid spouted beds. The obtained preliminary regression correlation was able to closely predict the average spout diameter of this work with the mean relative deviation value of 0.7 %.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Chloromethylated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Fillers in Hybrid Anion Exchange Membranes
Authors: He Xueyi , Gang Mingyue , He Guangwei , Yin Yongheng , Cao Li , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: February 2017

Chloromethylated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (CM MSN) were synthesized through co‐condensation of tetraethoxysilane and (chloro) phenyltrimethoxysilane precursors using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as template. With the addition of the particles into chloromethylated poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK), the hybrid membranes were prepared by a solution‐casting method after complete quaternization of the casting solution. The successful synthesis of the particles was verified by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy while the effect of CM MSN incorporation on membrane performance including thermal stability, mechanical strength and hydroxide conductivity was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, electronic stretching machine, alternating‐current impedance and so on. Owing to the large pore volume and high surface area of the particles, the hybrid membranes exhibited enhanced hydroxide conductivity (88.7% increase at 60 °C, 100% RH with 5.0 wt% filling content) due to an increase in ion concentration and optimization of the channel morphology. Besides, higher mechanical strength, thermal and dimensional stability of hybrid membranes were obtained compared with those of the imidazolium PEEK membrane.
Iron‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of 1,6‐Enones with Aldehydes: Synthesis of Functionalized 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐pyrans
Authors: Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: February 2017

An iron‐catalyzed cyclization of 1,6‐enones with aldehydes was developed. With this method, a variety of poly‐functionalized 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrans were prepared efficiently and selectively. The 6‐endo‐trig radical cyclization onto the keto oxygen is the key step of this transformation.
Patient‐specific computational modeling of cortical spreading depression via diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Kroos Julia M. , Marinelli Isabella , Diez Ibai , Cortes Jesus M. , Stramaglia Sebastiano , Gerardo‐Giorda Luca
Published: February 2017

Cortical spreading depression, a depolarization wave originating in the visual cortex and traveling towards the frontal lobe, is commonly accepted as a correlate of migraine visual aura. As of today, little is known about the mechanisms that can trigger or stop such phenomenon. However, the complex and highly individual characteristics of the brain cortex suggest that the geometry might have a significant impact in supporting or contrasting the propagation of cortical spreading depression. Accurate patient‐specific computational models are fundamental to cope with the high variability in cortical geometries among individuals, but also with the conduction anisotropy induced in a given cortex by the complex neuronal organisation in the grey matter. In this paper, we integrate a distributed model for extracellular potassium concentration with patient‐specific diffusivity tensors derived locally from diffusion tensor imaging data.
Ruthenium‐Functionalized Hierarchical Carbon Nanocages as Efficient Catalysts for Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Liangjun , Lyu Zhiyang , Gong Lili , Zhang Jian , Wu Qiang , Wang Xizhang , Huo Fengwei , Huang Wei , Hu Zheng , Chen Wei
Published: February 2017

Developing an efficient cathode is essential to obtain high rate capability and rechargeable lithium oxygen (Li‐O2) batteries. Herein, ruthenium (Ru)‐functionalized hierarchical carbon nanocages (hCNCs) are synthesized and employed as a cathode catalyst for Li‐O2 batteries. The as‐prepared cathode exhibits high discharge capacity, low charge potential (8135 mA h g−1 with 3.85 V charge potential at a current density of 0.08 mA cm−2), outstanding rate capability (3416 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.48 mA cm−2) and good stability up to 78 cycles at a limited capacity of 500 mA h g−1. Such excellent battery performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the interconnected hierarchically porous structure of hCNCs, which can facilitate effective electrolyte immersion and efficient Li+/O2 mass transport, and the high catalytic activity of Ru nanoparticles.
Does CSR Enhance Employer Attractiveness? The Role of Millennial Job Seekers' Attitudes
Authors: Klimkiewicz Katarzyna , Oltra Victor
Published: February 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly important in labor market communication. To express organizational identity, reinforcing commitment to sustainable development and stakeholder engagement, organizations report their CSR activities. The impact of a company's employer branding (EB) strategy depends on how information recipients interpret corporate messages. Therefore, we assume that job seekers may show diverse attitudes toward CSR. The extant literature has hardly explored the interplay between CSR, EB, and job seekers' attitudes, so we identify a relevant research gap to be tackled. The aim of this paper is to examine how millennial job seekers' attitudes toward CSR influence perceived CSR‐based employer attractiveness (EA). We conducted an empirical study in Poland, collecting data from a sample of Millennials – highly sensitive toward CSR issues. Our results generally confirm that individual attitudes toward CSR play a key role in understanding how job seekers perceive CSR signals and eventually impact CSR‐based EA. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The microbiome of the ant‐built home: the microbial communities of a tropical arboreal ant and its nest
Authors: Lucas Jane , Bill Brian , Stevenson Bradley , Kaspari Michael
Published: February 2017

Microbial life is ubiquitous, yet we are just beginning to understand how microbial communities are assembled. We test whether relationships between ant microbiomes and their environments resemble patterns identified in the human home microbiome. We examine the microbial communities and chemical composition of ants, their waste, their nest, and the surrounding soil. We predicted that the microbiome of the canopy ant, Azteca trigona, like that of humans, represents a distinct, relatively invariant, community compared to the soil community. Because Azteca build aboveground nests constructed from ant exudates mixed with chewed plant fibers, we predicted that nest‐associated microorganisms should reflect their ants, not the surrounding environment. The ant microbiome was distinct from the soil, but contrary to initial predictions, ant microbiomes varied dramatically across colonies. This variation was largely driven by the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, a genus frequently associated with hymenopteran diets. Despite the origin of nests and their means of construction, nest‐associated microorganisms were most similar to the surrounding soil. The microbiota of Azteca ants is thus distinct, but dimorphic across colonies, for reasons likely due to inter‐colony differences in diet; microbiotas of the nests however mirror the surrounding soil community, similar to patterns of human home microbiota.
Enhancing the soil and water assessment tool model for simulating N
2
O emissions of three agricultural systems
Authors: Yang Qichun , Zhang Xuesong , Abraha Michael , Del grosso Stephen , Robertson G. P. , Chen Jiquan
Published: February 2017

Nitrous oxide (N
2
O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) contributing to global warming, with the agriculture sector as the major source of anthropogenic N
2
O emissions due to excessive fertilizer use. There is an urgent need to enhance regional‐/watershed‐scale models, such as Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), to credibly simulate N
2
O emissions to improve assessment of environmental impacts of cropping practices. Here, we integrated the DayCent model's N
2
O emission algorithms with the existing widely tested crop growth, hydrology, and nitrogen cycling algorithms in SWAT and evaluated this new tool for simulating N
2
O emissions in three agricultural systems (i.e., a continuous corn site, a switchgrass site, and a smooth brome grass site which was used as a reference site) located at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) scale‐up fields in southwestern Michigan. These three systems represent different levels of management intensity, with corn, switchgrass, and smooth brome grass (reference site) receiving high, medium, and zero fertilizer application, respectively. Results indicate that the enhanced SWAT model with default parameterization reproduced well the relative magnitudes of N
2
O emissions across the three sites, indicating the usefulness of the new tool (SWAT‐N
2
O) to estimate long‐term N
2
O emissions of diverse cropping systems. Notably, parameter calibration can significantly improve model simulations of seasonality of N
2
O fluxes, and explained up to 22.5%–49.7% of the variability in field observations. Further sensitivity analysis indicates that climate change (e.g., changes in precipitation and temperature) influences N
2
O emissions, highlighting the importance of optimizing crop management under a changing climate in order to achieve agricultural sustainability goals.
Silica Gel Mediated Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of 3‐Indolylmethanols with Indoles: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Bis(3‐indolyl)methanes
Authors: Zou Yongzhen , Chen Cuili , Chen Xianxiao , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Rao Weidong
Published: February 2017

An efficient and expedient approach for the synthesis of unsymmetrical bis(3‐indolyl)methanes by employing a silica gel mediated Friedel–Crafts alkylation of 3‐indolylmethanols with various indoles is described. The synthetic utility of this transformation was demonstrated by reusing the silica gel up to 10 times without any apparent loss of reactivity.
Three‐dimensional Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Catalysts for Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Fu Shaofang , Zhu Chengzhou , Song Junhua , Engelhard Mark H. , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: February 2017

The development of vanadium redox flow battery is limited by the sluggish kinetics of the reaction, especially the cathodic VO2+/VO2+ redox couples. Therefore, it is vital to develop new electrocatalysts with enhanced activity to improve the battery performance. Herein, we synthesized the hydrogel precursor by a facile hydrothermal method. After the following carbonization, nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube composite was obtained. By virtue of the large surface area and good conductivity, which are ensured by the unique hybrid structure, as well as the proper nitrogen doping, the as‐prepared composite presents enhanced catalytic performance toward the VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction. We also demonstrated the composite with carbon nanotube loading of 2 mg/mL exhibits the highest activity and remarkable stability in aqueous solution due to the strong synergy between reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, indicating that this composite might show promising applications in vanadium redox flow battery.
Refinement and cross-validation of nickel bioavailability in PNEC-Pro, a regulatory tool for site-specific risk assessment of metals in surface water
Authors: Verschoor Anja J. , Vijver Martina G. , Vink Jos P.M.
Published: February 2017

The European Water Framework Directive prescribes that the environmental quality standards for nickel in surface waters should be based on bioavailable concentrations. Biotic ligand models (BLMs) are powerful tools to account for site-specific bioavailability within risk assessments. Several BLMs and simplified tools are available. For nickel, most of them are based on the same toxicity dataset and chemical speciation methodology as laid down in the 2008 European Union Environmental Risk Assessment Report (RAR). Since then, further insights into the toxic effects of nickel on aquatic species have been gained, and new data and methodologies have been generated and implemented using the predicted-no-effect-concentration (PNEC)-pro tool. The aim of the present study is to provide maximum transparency on data revisions and how this affects the derived environmental quality standards. A case study with 7 different ecoregions was used to determine differences in species sensitivity distributions and in hazardous concentrations for 5% of the species (HC5) values between the original Ni-RAR BLMs and the PNEC-pro BLMs. The BLM parameters used were pH dependent, which extended the applicability domain of PNEC-pro up to a pH of 8.7 for surface waters. After inclusion of additional species and adjustment for cross-species extrapolation, the HC5s were well within the prediction range of the RAR. Based on the latest data and scientific insights, transfer functions in the user-friendly PNEC-pro tool have been updated accordingly without compromising the original considerations of the Ni-RAR. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2367–2376. © 2017 SETAC
RNA sequencing analysis of transcriptional change in the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata after environmentally relevant sodium chloride exposure
Authors: Robertson Laura S. , Galbraith Heather S. , Iwanowicz Deborah , Blakeslee Carrie J. , Cornman R. Scott
Published: February 2017

To identify potential biomarkers of salt stress in a freshwater sentinel species, we examined transcriptional responses of the common mussel Elliptio complanata to controlled sodium chloride (NaCl) exposures. Ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) of mantle tissue identified 481 transcripts differentially expressed in adult mussels exposed to 2 ppt NaCl (1.2 ppt chloride) for 7 d, of which 290 had nonoverlapping intervals. Differentially expressed gene categories included ion and transmembrane transport, oxidoreductase activity, maintenance of protein folding, and amino acid metabolism. The rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of taurine, an amino acid frequently linked to osmotic stress in aquatic species, was upregulated, as was the transmembrane ion pump sodium/potassium adenosine 5′-triphosphatase. These patterns confirm a primary transcriptional response to the experimental dose, albeit likely overlapping with nonspecific secondary stress responses. Substantial involvement of the heat shock protein 70 chaperone family and the water-transporting aquaporin family was not detected, however, in contrast to some studies in other bivalves. A subset of the most significantly regulated genes was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in an independent sample. Cluster analysis showed separation of mussels exposed to 2 ppt NaCl from control mussels in multivariate space, but mussels exposed to 1 ppt NaCl were largely indistinguishable from controls. Transcriptome-scale analysis of salt exposure under laboratory conditions efficiently identified candidate biomarkers for further functional analysis and field validation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2352–2366. © Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Electrochemical Study of a SOFC with Various H2‐CO‐CH4‐CO2‐N2 Gaseous Mixtures
Authors: Le Gal La Salle A. , Ricoul F. , Joubert O. , Kerihuel A. , Subrenat A.
Published: February 2017

This work focuses on the operation of a Ni‐YSZ‐based SOFC fueled with a synthetic mixture of gas with composition similar to that obtained from biomass gasification, i.e., mainly composed of H2, CO and CO2 diluted in N2. Polarization, power versus intensity and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, both at open circuit voltage (OCV) and under polarization, are performed and compared. Results show that, contrary to what is observed at OCV, under current densities corresponding to standard operating conditions, the electrolyte is responsible for the main part of the resistance of the cell.
Post‐test Analysis on a Solid Oxide Cell Stack Operated for 10,700 Hours in Steam Electrolysis Mode
Authors: Rinaldi G. , Diethelm S. , Oveisi E. , Burdet P. , Van herle J. , Montinaro D. , Fu Q. , Brisse A.
Published: February 2017

A solid oxide short stack composed of 6 Ni‐YSZ supported cells, YSZ electrolyte and GDC‐LSC oxygen electrode has been tested for 10,700 hours in steam electrolysis. Initial degradation was followed by a global stabilization of the performance after lowering the current density, with a degradation rate below 0.5% kh−1.

Post‐test analysis has been conducted on two repeating units (RUs) to highlight the most significant microstructure alterations. Nickel depletion was observed in the hydrogen electrode close to the interface with the electrolyte. Formation of small pores in the electrolyte was detected along the grain boundaries. A consequent detachment related to this phenomenon was observed in proximity of the GDC compatibility layer. At the oxygen electrode side, the formation of a ∼1 µm dense mixed layer of GDC and YSZ was observed. Strontium from the LSC electrode migrated through GDC pores and reacted with YSZ, forming evident SrZrO3 inclusions. Distinct accumulation of silicon at the Ni/YSZ interface and chromium on the GDC barrier layer have been observed in both RUs. Despite this range of alterations observed, the stack degradation remained limited, testified from the fact that performance decay between 4,000 and 10,000 hours of operation was virtually nil.
Cutaneous adnexal adenocarcinoma with exquisite sensitivity to trastuzumab
Authors: Brown Timothy J. , Sher David J. , Nedzi Lucien A. , Hughes Randall S. , Beg Muhammad S. , Mull Jason , Sarode Venetia R. , Khan Saad A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Cutaneous adnexal adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer that is occasionally human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER‐2)‐positive, and demonstrates variable response to HER‐2 inhibitors.

Methods

We report a case of adnexal adenocarcinoma of the scalp in a 56‐year‐old man. He underwent wide local excision with cervical node dissection followed by radiation, but had extensive local recurrence.

Results

Pathology demonstrated a poorly differentiated adnexal adenocarcinoma with HER‐2 overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and high HER‐2 gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The patient was treated with trastuzumab‐based therapy with dramatic response and clinical resolution of the tumor. Upon pausing trastuzumab, he developed local relapse, but had an excellent response to restarting trastuzumab monotherapy. He lacks visible disease 43 months after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion

We believe the exquisite sensitivity of the primary carcinoma and subsequent recurrence to trastuzumab therapy was due to strong HER‐2 expression both at the protein and gene level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E69–E71, 2017
Effect of Sonication Duration and Power on Ablation Depth During MR‐Guided Focused Ultrasound of Bone
Authors: Bucknor Matthew D. , Ozhinsky Eugene , Shah Rutwik , Krug Roland , Rieke Viola
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of differences in sonication duration and power on the size of postcontrast ablation zone following magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) of bone in a swine femoral bone model.

Materials and Methods

Experimental procedures received approval from the Institutional Committee on Animal Research. MRgFUS was used to create two thermal lesions in the left femur of six pigs. Each target was subjected to six sonications. 400J of energy was used for each sonication. However, the distal target received the standard sonication duration of 20 seconds (20W), while the proximal target received a longer sonication duration of 40 seconds (10W). MRgFUS lesions were imaged with fat‐saturated spoiled gradient echo sequence at 3.0T MRI 10 minutes following the administration of contrast. Maximum three‐plane dimensions of the hypoenhanced ablation area were measured.

Results

Postcontrast MR images demonstrated ovoid regions of hypoenhancement at each target. The average depth of ablation was significantly greater for the shorter high‐power sonications (7.3 mm), compared to the longer lower‐power sonications (4.5 mm), P = 0.026. The craniocaudal dimension was also greater for the shorter ablations 26.7 mm compared to the longer sonications 21.0 mm, P = 0.006.

Conclusion

Contrary to anecdotal clinical experience, this preclinical model suggests that during MRgFUS of bone, standard duration, higher‐power sonications resulted in deeper ablation volumes compared to long duration, lower‐power sonications. These results suggest that to achieve deeper ablations, if longer sonications are used, then the power should be relatively maintained, for a net energy increase.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1418–1422.
Modelling and multiobjective optimization analysis of a permanent magnet synchronous motor design
Authors: Karnavas Y. L. , Chasiotis I. D. , Korkas C. D. , Amoutzidis S. K.
Published: February 2017

An alternative to traditional low‐speed/high‐torque drive systems, which are currently used in industry, could be the use of a permanent magnet synchronous motor directly coupled to the load and running at low speed, instead of the induction motor along with its mechanical transmission parts. The paper—in this context—deals with the analytical design procedure, optimization, and evaluation of such a motor (5 kW/50 rpm) and focuses on 2 topologies, ie, with inner and outer rotor. Finite element method designs of the permanent magnet machines are implemented as solutions of a complex optimization problem and several goals (multiobjectives) are considered (ie, machine weight minimization or efficiency maximization) with respect to relevant constraints. Three optimization methods are adopted and applied and a weighted cost function is proposed. The effectiveness of our problem design formulation approach and the use of these methods, in finding alternative and competitive permanent magnet synchronous motor designs, are also evaluated. The results reveal satisfactory design solutions and present acceptable performance. Moreover, by means of simulations, the application of several commercially available ferromagnetic materials for the motors' stator and rotor cores is performed. Last but not least, the effect of pole‐arc per pole‐pitch ratio along with the magnets length variation is also investigated.
Effects of an alternative oxidase gene on conidia viability under external stresses in Monascus ruber M7
Authors: Shao Yanchun , Li Qi , Zhou Youxiang , Chen Fusheng
Published: February 2017

Monascus species can produce natural edible pigments and many other bioactive metabolites. In this study, mraox gene (Monascus ruber alternative oxidase) was isolated, sequenced, and replaced in order to investigate the function in resistance of conidia to stressful conditions. The derived protein of the mraox gene consisted of 350 amino acids with a conserved ferritin‐like diiron‐binding domain at the C‐terminus, sharing a high homolog with alternative oxidase proteins in other filamentous fungi. Deletion of mraox gene repressed the conidia germination rate (CGR) when conidia were exposed to H2O2, high temperature (40 and 50 °C) and alkerline buffer (pH8.0), but CGR of mraox‐deleted strain was not decreased when the conidia were treated with NaCl, acid buffer (citric acid‐dibasic sodium phosphate buffer, pH3) compared to that of the wild‐type strain, suggesting that mraox gene is partially responsible for the resistance of conidia to stressful conditions in M. ruber.
The effects of venous ensheathment on facial nerve repair in the rat
Authors: Chen Pei , Knox Christopher J. , Yao Linli , Li Chunli , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the protective effect of autologous venous ensheathment on sutured rat facial nerve and to test whether the ensheathment could improve the functional recovery of repaired nerve and accuracy of axonal growth.

Study Design

In vivo study.

Methods

Forty‐six rats were examined, with six rats serving as normal controls and 40 receiving facial nerve transection and suture repair (SR) or transection and suture repair with an additional venous ensheathment (VE). The rats were then subjected to functional testing, histological assessment of nerve specimens, or retrograde tracing, respectively.

Results

At the postoperative day (POD) 60, the venous ensheathment showed no adhesion at the surrounding tissues. No significant difference in neuroma formation was found between the two surgical manipulations (SR and VE groups) (P < 0.05). Retrogradely labeled motoneurons in facial nuclei were extremely disorganized after the facial nerve undertook surgical manipulation. In all manipulated groups, double retrogradely labeled neurons, indicative of aberrant axonal branching during regeneration, could be observed after peripheral manipulation across all time points. With the two facial surgical manipulations, the average count of double‐labeled neurons at POD 60 was significantly less than at POD 21 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Autologous venous ensheathment could not help with the functional recovery of facial nerve or improve the accuracy of axonal regeneration. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of venous ensheathment in other motor and sensory nerve models.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1558–1564, 2017
Quality of life of patients who underwent aesthetic rhinoplasty: 100 cases assessed with the Glascow Benefit Inventory
Authors: Kotzampasakis Dimitrios , Piniara Anastasia , Themelis Sotirios , Kotzampasakis Stylianos , Gabriel Eustratios , Maroudias Nikos , Nikolopoulos Thomas
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of the present study is to assess the long‐term effect of classic rhinoplasty on patients' quality of life.

Study Design

Outcomes research.

Methods

The study included 100 operated patients; there were 34 males and 66 females. The ages ranged between 23 and 57 years old, with a mean of 36.4 years. A minimum of 3 years between the operation and the study was selected to assess the long‐term effect of the operation on the patients' quality of life and exclude any short‐term impressions. The time elapsed between surgery and the time of the study ranged from 3 to 13 years, with a mean of 6.8 years. Patients were assessed using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, which has been proven valid and reliable in ear, nose, and throat interventions.

Results

From the 100 patients included in the study, 92 reported improvement in their quality of life due to the operation and only eight worsening. In the social support subscale, 97 patients reported better quality of life, and only three patients reported worse quality of life. The patients' overall life markedly improved, reaching a mean of 80% in the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

Conclusions

The present long‐term study using a validated and reliable instrument concludes that rhinoplasty improves the quality of life of patients in all sectors.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 127:2017–2025, 2017
The repeatability of tests of eustachian tube function in healthy ears
Authors: Smith Matthew E. , Zou Charlie C. , Baker Charlotte , Blythe Andrew J. C. , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Tysome James R.
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Many objective tests of eustachian tube (ET) function have been devised for clinical and research use but they have not been directly compared or characterized. As a first step to identifying tests to incorporate into an outcome set for ET dysfunction, we assessed repeatability of a panel of eight of these tests in healthy ears.

Study Design

Comparison of eight tests of ET function.

Methods

The following tests were investigated in combination with Valsalva, Toynbee, swallow, or sniff maneuvers: 1) patient‐reported ET opening, 2) observed tympanic membrane movement, 3) continuous impedance, 4) canal manometry, 5) sonotubometry, 6) nine‐step test, 7) tubomanometry, and 8) tympanometry at rest. Forty‐two healthy volunteers were recruited. Each test was performed in 20 different ears and repeated immediately three times in each cycle, with four cycles performed at 20‐minute intervals. Repeatability of detected ET opening was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Mean ET opening rate with each test ranged from 30% to 95%. Variation in detection of ET opening was less when tests were repeated immediately (ICC = 0.61) when compared to between cycles (ICC = 0.49), suggesting there may be significant changes in ET function in the short term. Tubomanometry was the only test to combine a detected ET opening rate of >85% and substantial agreement of results (ICC >0.61) between test cycles.

Conclusions

Tubomanometry was the most reliable test at detecting ET opening. When tests of ET function are used in clinical practice, they should be performed more than once to gain a more reliable result.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2619–2626, 2017
Clinical effect of intratympanic dexamethasone injection in acute unilateral tinnitus: A prospective, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jin , Kim Min‐Beom , Yoo Shin‐Young , Park Shi Nae , Nam Eui‐Cheol , Moon In Seok , Lee Ho‐Ki
Published: February 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) in acute tinnitus of presumed cochlear origin.

Study Design

A prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, multicenter study.

Methods

Between August 2013 and December 2015, 54 patients with unilateral tinnitus were enrolled at four different centers. Patients were assigned either to an ITDI (n = 27) or an intratympanic normal saline injection (ITNI; n = 27) group through block randomization. Intratympanic injections were administered four times over 2 weeks. At 4 weeks after initial injection, we analyzed the improvement rates of tinnitus using the tinnitus handicap Inventory (THI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for loudness, awareness, and annoyance. We defined improvement as the reduction of more than 7 points or of more than 20% in the final THI score compared to the initial THI score.

Results

The initial mean hearing thresholds and VAS and THI scores of the two groups did not differ significantly. At 4 weeks after initial injection, the mean VAS and THI scores of both groups had significantly reduced. However, the improvement rate did not differ significantly between the groups (ITDI, 51.9%; ITNI, 59.3%).

Conclusion

The results indicate that ITDI might not be more effective than ITNI for the treatment of acute unilateral tinnitus. Therefore, ITDI should not be considered as the main treatment for patients presenting with acute tinnitus as the primary symptom.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 128:184–188, 2018
A New Dryland Development Paradigm Grounded in Empirical Analysis of Dryland Systems Science
Authors: Stringer Lindsay C. , Reed Mark S. , Fleskens Luuk , Thomas Richard J. , Le Quang Bao , Lala‐Pritchard Tana
Published: February 2017

Global drylands face a host of urgent human and environmental challenges with far‐reaching impacts. Improving smallholder agriculture remains a key development pathway to tackle these challenges. The dryland development paradigm (DDP), introduced in 2007, presented a highly influential framework for dryland development based on systems research. This paper empirically derives a new, updated DDP. It assesses recent, cutting‐edge dryland science, combining literature review with qualitative and quantitative analysis of research published by the world's largest dryland science and development research initiative. The new DDP comprises eight characteristics that are distilled into three integrative principles: Unpack, Traverse and Share. The new DDP is applied and tested to identify key dryland knowledge and development gaps. A future research agenda is then elucidated, grounded in a research in development approach, in which research anchored in the three integrative principles is embedded within the context it seeks to improve. Supported by greater trans‐disciplinarity and knowledge co‐production, operationalization of the new DDP can deliver both novel scientific insights and development impact in line with the aspirations of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. © 2017 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Adhesion and Cellular Compatibility of Silicone‐Based Skin Adhesives
Authors: Fischer Sarah C. L. , Kruttwig Klaus , Bandmann Vera , Hensel René , Arzt Eduard
Published: February 2017

Pressure‐sensitive adhesives based on silicone materials have emerging potential as adhesives in healthcare products, in particular for gentle skin adhesives. To this end, adhesion to rough skin and biocompatibility are crucial factors for a successful implementation. In this study, the mechanical, adhesive, and biological properties of the two‐component poly(dimethylsiloxane) Soft Skin Adhesive MG 7‐9800 (SSA, Dow Corning) have been investigated and compared to Sylgard 184. Different mixing ratios of SSA's components allow for tuning of the shear modulus, thereby modifying the adhesive properties of the polymer. To give a comprehensive insight, the authors have analyzed the interplay between pull‐off stress, adhesion energy, and stretch of the adhesive films on smooth and rough surfaces. The focus is placed on the effects of substrate roughness and on low pressure oxygen plasma treatment of the adhesive films. SSA shows superior biocompatibility in in vitro cell culture experiments. High pull‐off stresses in the range of 3 N cm−2 on a rough surface are achieved, promising broad application spectra for SSA‐based healthcare products.

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Subperceptional Burst Versus Perceptional Tonic Spinal Cord Stimulation Waveforms for Drug‐resistant Orthostatic Tremor: Comparative Data of 2 Cases
Authors: Pintea Bogdan , de Boni Laura , Kinfe Thomas M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep‐brain stimulation reportedly improve refractory orthostatic tremor (OT). No comparative data exist assessing subperceptional versus perceptional SCS with sham stimulation in patients with OT.

Methods

Two patients who had refractory OT were assessed at baseline and 3 months after SCS implantation using 3 different SCS modes: paraesthesia‐free burst SCS (40 Hz), sham SCS, and paraesthesia‐evoking tonic SCS (100–130 Hz). Surface electromyography, standing time, stimulation parameters, and any adverse events were prospectively recorded.

Results

Improved standing time was observed under burst and tonic mode versus stimulation off and compared with baseline in both patients (patient 1: baseline = 22‐second; burst SCS [subperceptional]/ standing time = 2.8 minutes; stimulation off/ standing time = 28 seconds; and tonic SCS [perceptional]/ standing time = 1.2 minutes; patient 2: baseline = 47‐second; burst SCS [subperceptional]/ standing time = 3.1 minutes; stimulation off/ standing time = 48 seconds; and tonic SCS [perceptional]/ standing time = 1.1 minute). The electromyography frequency demonstrated a decline in tremor frequency.

Conclusion

Burst as a novel SCS paradigm may be co‐considered in patients with refractory OT before more invasive deep‐brain stimulation.