bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of residual dyes in textile wastewater by ozone: Comparison between mixed and bubble column reactors
Authors: Actis Grande Giuseppe , Rovero Giorgio , Sicardi Silvio , Giansetti Mirco
Published: September 2016

A noticeable amount of dyes may remain in the wastewater downstream of dyeing facilities giving anaesthetic colourations as well as environmental concerns. Conventional biological treatment alone cannot guarantee a sufficient decolouration and tertiary treatments have to be necessarily considered. Two oxidation schemes by ozone were considered in this work. A bubble column reactor (as a benchmark, in agreement with industrial applications) and a recycle well‐mixed reactor were compared to reach the highest decolouration of standard dyes. In addition, hydrodynamic and ultrasonic cavitation were considered in the recycled well‐mixed reactor to intensify its performance. The decolouration analysis was carried out for two dye classes (reactive and disperse), characterized by very different physical and chemical features. It appeared that some benefit was brought by ultrasound cavitation in the case of disperse dye only, while the degradation of the reactive dye was not intensified by the above hydraulic phenomenon. Ozone treatment was protracted to obtain different decolouration degrees of wastewater generated by wool dyeing. The resulting water was tested as a recycled process fluid to prepare fresh dyeing liquors, where devising the minimum decolouration degree became one of the quality specifications for recycling water back to dyeing.
State estimation for complex networks with randomly varying nonlinearities and sensor failures
Authors: Lu Renquan , Chen Sheng‐Ge , Xu Yong , Peng Hui , Xie Kan
Published: September 2016

The current study is focused on the
state estimator design for the discrete‐time complex networks with sensor failures and randomly varying nonlinearities. Bernoulli process is adopted to describe the randomly varying nonlinearities, and the norm‐bounded uncertain model is used to deal with the sensor failures. Then, a set of sufficient conditions are provided to guarantee that the estimation error system is stochastically stable with the prescribed
property. Then, using the linear matrix inequality method, the estimator gains are obtained. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed new design method is illustrated through a numerical example. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 507–517, 2016
Dissipative analysis for discrete‐time systems via fault‐tolerant control against actuator failures
Authors: Saravanakumar Thangavel , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Selvaraj Palanisamy , Anthoni Selvaraj Marshal
Published: September 2016

This article investigates the problem of robust dissipative fault‐tolerant control for discrete‐time systems with actuator failures. Based on the Lyapunov technique and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, a set of delay‐dependent sufficient conditions is developed for achieving the required result. A design scheme for the state‐feedback reliable dissipative
controller is established in terms LMIs which can guarantee the asymptotic stability and dissipativity of the resulting closed‐loop system with actuator failures. In addition, the proposed controller not only stabilize the fault‐free system but also to guarantee an acceptable performance of the faulty system. Also as special cases, robust H∞ control, passivity control, and mixed H∞ and passivity control with the prescribed performances under given constraints can be obtained for the considered systems. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant control technique. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 579–592, 2016
American trees shift their niches when invading Western Europe: evaluating invasion risks in a changing climate
Authors: Camenen Etienne , Porté Annabel J. , Benito Garzón Marta
Published: September 2016

Four North American trees are becoming invasive species in Western Europe:Acer negundo,Prunus serotina,Quercus rubra, andRobinia pseudoacacia. However, their present and future potential risks of invasion have not been yet evaluated. Here, we assess niche shifts between the native and invasive ranges and the potential invasion risk of these four trees in Western Europe. We estimated niche conservatism in a multidimensional climate space using niche overlap Schoener'sD, niche equivalence, and niche similarity tests. Niche unfilling and expansion were also estimated in analogous and nonanalogous climates. The capacity for predicting the opposite range between the native and invasive areas (transferability) was estimated by calibrating species distribution models (SDMs) on each range separately. Invasion risk was estimated usingSDMs calibrated on both ranges and projected for 2050 climatic conditions. Our results showed that native and invasive niches were not equivalent with low niche overlap for all species. However, significant similarity was found between the invasive and native ranges ofQ. rubraandR. pseudoacacia. Niche expansion was lower than 15% for all species, whereas unfilling ranged from 7 to 56% when it was measured using the entire climatic space and between 5 and 38% when it was measured using analogous climate only. Transferability was low for all species.SDMs calibrated over both ranges projected high habitat suitability in Western Europe under current and future climates. Thus, the North American and Western European ranges are not interchangeable irrespective of the studied species, suggesting that other environmental and/or biological characteristics are shaping their invasive niches. The current climatic risk of invasion is especially high forR. pseudoacaciaandA. negundo. In the future, the highest risks of invasion for all species are located in Central and Northern Europe, whereas the risk is likely to decrease in the Mediterranean basin.
Genetic diversity and phylogeography of Siberian roe deer, Caproulus pygargus, in central and peripheral populations
Authors: Lee Yun Sun , Markov Nickolay , Argunov Alexander , Voloshina Inna , Bayarlkhagva Damdingiin , Kim Baek‐Jun , Min Mi‐Sook , Lee Hang , Kim Kyung Seok
Published: September 2016

Current understanding of phylogeographical structure and genetic diversity of Siberian roe deer remains limited mainly due to small sample size and/or low geographical coverage in previous studies. Published data suggest at least two phylogroups: western (Ural Mountains and Western Siberia) and eastern (east from lake Baikal, including the Korean peninsula), but their phylogenetic relationship remains unclear. Combined sequences of cytochrome b (1140 bp) and the mtDNA control region (963 bp) were analyzed from 219 Siberian roe deer from 12 locations in Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea, which cover a large part of its range, to assess genetic diversity and phylogeographical status. Special emphasis was placed on the demographic history and genetic features of central, peripheral, and isolated populations. Results of median‐joining network and phylogenetic tree analyses indicate that Siberian roe deer from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean are genetically diverse and that geographical distribution and composition of haplogroups coincide with previously described ranges of the subspecies Capreolus pygargus pygargus and Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus. We found that peripheral populations in the northwestern parts of the species range (Urals), as well as the isolated population from Jeju Island, are genetically distinct from those in the core part of the range, both in terms of genetic diversity and quantitative composition of haplogroups. We also found that northwestern (Urals) and northern (Yakutia) peripheral populations share the same haplogroup and fall into the same phylogenetic clade with the isolated population from Jeju Island. This finding sheds light on the taxonomic status of the Jeju Island population and leads to hypotheses about the discordance of morphological and genetic evolution in isolated populations and specific genetic features of peripheral populations.
Dealing with paralogy in RADseq data: in silico detection and single nucleotide polymorphism validation in Robinia pseudoacacia L.
Authors: Verdu Cindy F. , Guichoux Erwan , Quevauvillers Samuel , De Thier Olivier , Laizet Yec'han , Delcamp Adline , Gévaudant Frédéric , Monty Arnaud , Porté Annabel J. , Lejeune Philippe , Lassois Ludivine , Mariette Stéphanie
Published: September 2016

The RADseq technology allows researchers to efficiently develop thousands of polymorphic loci across multiple individuals with little or no prior information on the genome. However, many questions remain about the biases inherent to this technology. Notably, sequence misalignments arising from paralogy may affect the development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and the estimation of genetic diversity. We evaluated the impact of putative paralog loci on genetic diversity estimation during the development of SNPs from a RADseq dataset for the nonmodel tree species Robinia pseudoacacia L. We sequenced nine genotypes and analyzed the frequency of putative paralogous RAD loci as a function of both the depth of coverage and the mismatch threshold allowed between loci. Putative paralogy was detected in a very variable number of loci, from 1% to more than 20%, with the depth of coverage having a major influence on the result. Putative paralogy artificially increased the observed degree of polymorphism and resulting estimates of diversity. The choice of the depth of coverage also affected diversity estimation and SNP validation: A low threshold decreased the chances of detecting minor alleles while a high threshold increased allelic dropout. SNP validation was better for the low threshold (4×) than for the high threshold (18×) we tested. Using the strategy developed here, we were able to validate more than 80% of the SNPs tested by means of individual genotyping, resulting in a readily usable set of 330 SNPs, suitable for use in population genetics applications.
What does body size mean, from the “plant's eye view”?
Authors: Tracey Amanda J. , Stephens Kimberly A. , Schamp Brandon S. , Aarssen Lonnie W.
Published: September 2016

Alternative metrics exist for representing variation in plant body size, but the vast majority of previous research for herbaceous plants has focused on dry mass. Dry mass provides a reasonably accurate and easily measured estimate for comparing relative capacity to convert solar energy into stored carbon. However, from a “plant's eye view”, its experience of its local biotic environment of immediate neighbors (especially when crowded) may be more accurately represented by measures of “space occupancy” (S–O) recorded in situ—rather than dry mass measured after storage in a drying oven. This study investigated relationships between dry mass and alternative metrics of S–O body size for resident plants sampled from natural populations of herbaceous species found in Eastern Ontario. Plant height, maximum lateral canopy extent, and estimated canopy area and volume were recorded in situ (in the field)—and both fresh and dry mass were recorded in the laboratory—for 138 species ranging widely in body size and for 20 plants ranging widely in body size within each of 10 focal species. Dry mass and fresh mass were highly correlated (r2 > .95) and isometric, suggesting that for some studies, between‐species (or between‐plant) variation in water content may be unimportant and fresh mass can therefore substitute for dry mass. However, several relationships between dry mass and other S–O body size metrics showed allometry—that is, plants with smaller S–O body size had disproportionately less dry mass. In other words, they have higher “body mass density” (BMD) — more dry mass per unit S–O body size. These results have practical importance for experimental design and methodology as well as implications for the interpretation of “reproductive economy”—the capacity to produce offspring at small body sizes—because fecundity and dry mass (produced in the same growing season) typically have a positive, isometric relationship. Accordingly, the allometry between dry mass and S–O body size reported here suggests that plants with smaller S–O body size—because of higher BMD—may produce fewer offspring, but less than proportionately so; in other words, they may produce more offspring per unit of body size space occupancy.
Age‐dependent male mating tactics in a spider mite—A life‐history perspective
Authors: Sato Yukie , Rühr Peter T. , Schmitz Helmut , Egas Martijn , Blanke Alexander
Published: September 2016

Males often fight with rival males for access to females. However, some males display nonfighting tactics such as sneaking, satellite behavior, or female mimicking. When these mating tactics comprise a conditional strategy, they are often thought to be explained by resource holding potential (RHP), that is, nonfighting tactics are displayed by less competitive males who are more likely to lose a fight. The alternative mating tactics, however, can also be explained by life‐history theory, which predicts that young males avoid fighting, regardless of their RHP, if it pays off to wait for future reproduction. Here, we test whether the sneaking tactic displayed by young males of the two‐spotted spider mite can be explained by life‐history theory. We tested whether young sneaker males survive longer than young fighter males after a bout of mild or strong competition with old fighter males. We also investigated whether old males have a more protective outer skin—a possible proxy for RHP—by measuring cuticle hardness and elasticity using nanoindentation. We found that young sneaker males survived longer than young fighter males after mild male competition. This difference was not found after strong male competition, which suggests that induction of sneaking tactic is affected by male density. Hardness and elasticity of the skin did not vary with male age. Given that earlier work could also not detect morphometric differences between fighter and sneaker males, we conclude that there is no apparent increase in RHP with age in the mite and age‐dependent male mating tactics in the mite can be explained only by life‐history theory. Because it is likely that fighting incurs a survival cost, age‐dependent alternative mating tactics may be explained by life‐history theory in many species when reproduction of old males is a significant factor in fitness.
Binary Polyazides of Zinc
Authors: Bresien Jonas , Ott Holger , Rosenstengel Kati , Schulz Axel , Thiele Philipp , Villinger Alexander
Published: September 2016

Herein, we report on the synthesis, isolation, and comprehensive characterization (m.p., ATR‐IR/Raman, elemental analysis, 14N NMR) of tetraazidozincate anions [Zn(N3)4]2– in a series of [Ph4P]+ and [PNP]+ [PNP = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium] salts. The phase polymorphism in [Ph4P]2[Zn(N3)4] was investigated by temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy and by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments, which indicate the occurrence of five room‐temperature‐stable, and one common high‐temperature phase, besides two polymorphs of the acetonitrile solvate [Ph4P]2[Zn(N3)4]·MeCN. Moreover, the synthesis of zinc azide solvates Zn(N3)2·n solvent (solvent = DMSO, n = 1, 3/2, 3; MeCN, n = 2/3) is presented for the first time. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of all new compounds were determined. For a better understanding of structure and bonding in E(N3)2, [E(N3)3]– and [E(N3)4]2– (E = Zn, Cd, Hg), theoretical calculations at the M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level were carried out.
Facile Access to Multiaryl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(3H)‐ones by Copper/TEMPO‐Mediated Cascade Annulation of Diarylethanones with Primary Amines and Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Chen‐Yang , Tu Hai‐Yang , Zhang Ai‐Dong
Published: September 2016

A straightforward approach to an array of multiaryl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(3H)‐ones featuring an α‐diarylated all‐carbon quaternary center was developed by using diarylethanones and primary amines as the raw materials. A complete mechanism involving a CuO/TEMPO‐mediated multistep cascade process with an inherent delicate balance of substituent electronic effect is proposed. Moreover, this class of multiaryl β,γ‐unsaturated γ‐lactams demonstrates an intriguing aggregation‐induced emission effect valuable for potential application in developing luminescent materials.
Aging perceptions and self‐efficacy mediate the association between personality traits and depressive symptoms in older adults
Authors: O'Shea D. M. , Dotson V. M. , Fieo R. A.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Personality traits have been shown to be predictors of depressive symptoms in late life. Thus, we examined whether other more modifiable sources of individual differences such as self‐efficacy and self‐perceptions of aging would mediate the association between personality traits and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Method

Data were obtained from 3,507 older adult participants who took part in the 2012 Health and Retirement Study. The “Big Five” personality traits, self‐efficacy, aging perceptions, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Mediation analyses tested the hypothesis that self‐efficacy and aging perceptions would mediate the relationship between personality traits and depressive symptoms.

Results

All five personality traits were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Neuroticism was positively associated with depressive symptoms and had the greatest effect compared with the other personality traits. There was a significant indirect effect of neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness on depressive symptoms (including both mediators). The mediating effect of aging perceptions on the relationship between neuroticism and depressive symptoms was the strongest compared with self‐efficacy, accounting for approximately 80% of the total indirect effect.

Conclusion

Our results provide support for interventions aimed at improving self‐perceptions related to efficacy and aging in order to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive management of recurrent thyroid cancer: An American Head and Neck Society consensus statement
Authors: Scharpf Joseph , Tuttle Michael , Wong Richard , Ridge Drew , Smith Russell , Hartl Dana , Levine Robert , Randolph Gregory
Published: September 2016

This American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) consensus statement focuses on the detection and management of recurrent thyroid cancer. This document describes the radiologic approach to defining structural recurrent disease and the operative and nonoperative rationale in addressing identified structural disease to create equipoise in the personalized treatment strategy for the patient. The recommendations of this AHNS multidisciplinary consensus panel of the American Head and Neck Society are intended to help guide all multidisciplinary clinicians who diagnose or manage adult patients with thyroid cancer.

The consensus panel is comprised of members of the American Head and Neck Society and its Endocrine Surgical Committee, and there is representation from medical endocrinology and both national and international surgical representation drawn from general/endocrine surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. Authors provided expertise for their respective sections, and consensus recommendations were made regarding the evaluation and treatment of recurrent thyroid cancer. Evidence‐based literature support is drawn from thyroid cancer studies, recurrent thyroid cancer studies, and American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. The manuscript was then distributed to members of the American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Committee and governing counsel for further feedback. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1862–1869, 2016
What do we expect from a beauty? Facial attractiveness of the opposite sex gives rise to discrepancies in males' anticipation and demand
Authors: Pei Guanxiong , Meng Liang
Published: September 2016

Facial attractiveness plays a significant role in social interactions and the effect of beauty premium is frequently observed. Previous studies showed that observing attractive counterparts would alleviate one's sense of unfairness. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remained to be clarified. In this study, male participants were engaged in a modified Dictator game as recipients and their electroencephalograms were recorded. They were convinced that anonymous females who vary in facial attractiveness played as dictators. An outcome anticipation stage was implemented before proposed offers were presented and we focused on the cognitive process of subjective anticipation. A less negative Stimulus‐preceding negativity was observed in the attractive face condition, suggesting that subjects paid less anticipatory attention toward proposed offers, and subjective expectation toward fair ones was weakened when beauties played as dictators. Thus, this study provides additional neural evidences for the beauty premium effect and suggests a reasonable explanation for this commonly reported phenomenon.
Ossicular replacement prostheses from banked bone with ergonomic and functional geometry
Authors: Milazzo Mario , Danti Serena , Inglese Francesco , Jansen van Vuuren Godfried , Gramigna Vera , Bonsignori Gabriella , De Vito Andrea , Bruschini Luca , Stefanini Cesare , Berrettini Stefano
Published: September 2016

This study shows the fabrication of innovative ossicular replacement prostheses (ORPs) based on banked cortical bone using computer numerically controlled ultraprecision micromilling, as a substantial improvement of “second generation” ORPs. Our aim is to combine optimal middle ear compatibility and surgical manageability in a single device, by releasing off‐the‐shelf homograft ORPs provided with the appealing features of synthetic ORPs, such as lightness, safety, measurement accuracy, surface decoration, and geometric plasticity. The new total ORP prototype was 13.1 ± 0.1 mg, leading to 81% weight reduction with respect to the previous model. Surface motifs of the head plate were applied to prevent slipping and migration after surgery, as shown by finite element modeling analysis. In addition, bone ORPs were provided with holed head plates to facilitate their surgical positioning while reducing their mass. A comparative measurement of acoustic responses of bone against synthetic partial ORPs in the 250–8000 Hz frequency range demonstrated their superior behavior. This study showed that banked compact bone can be optimally manufactured, eventually enabling the fabrication of light, standardized, and highly performant ORPs. The new bone ORPs may represent the ideal combination of biocompatibility and technology which can ultimately accomplish unmet otosurgical needs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2495–2506, 2017.
pH and metal concentration of synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints and joints with metal replacements
Authors: Milošev Ingrid , Levašič Vesna , Vidmar Janja , Kovač Simon , Trebše Rihard
Published: September 2016

Background: Due to degradation and metal dissolution during articulation of metal joint replacements the chemical periprosthetic environment may change. The aim was to establish whether metal replacements cause the local changes in pH and elevated metal concentrations. Methods: pH was measured on samples from 167 patients: native hip and knee osteoarthritic joints, joints with hip and knee replacements revised for aseptic or septic reasons. pH of synovial fluid and periprosthetic tissue was measured perioperatively using a microelectrode and pH indicator papers for removed metal components. Metal concentrations were measured in 21 samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The mean pH value of synovial fluid at native osteoarthritic joints (n = 101) was 7.78 ± 0.38. The mean pH value of synovial fluid at revision aseptic operation (n = 58) was 7.60 ± 0.31, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.002) compared to native osteoarthritic joints. The mean pH value of synovial fluid at revision septic operation (n = 8) was 7.55 ± 0.25, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.038) compared to native osteoarthritic joints. Measurements in tissue and at stems were not reliable. In the majority of samples taken at revision increased levels of cobalt and chromium were measured. Conclusion: A small but statistically significant difference was observed in the pH of synovial fluid between natural joints with degenerative diseases and joints treated with metal replacements. Based on the increased metal levels we expected the value of pH to be lower, but the influence of metal ions is counteracted by the buffering capacity of human body. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2507–2515, 2017.
Comparison of diagnostic accuracies of two‐ and three‐dimensional MR elastography of the liver
Authors: Morisaka Hiroyuki , Motosugi Utaroh , Glaser Kevin J. , Ichikawa Shintaro , Ehman Richard L. , Sano Katsuhiro , Ichikawa Tomoaki , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of imaging sequence (spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging [EPI] and gradient‐echo [GRE]) and postprocessing method (two‐dimensional [2D] and 3D inversion algorithms) on liver MR elastography (MRE) and to validate the diagnostic performance of EPI‐MRE3D versus conventional GRE‐MRE2D for liver fibrosis staging.

Materials and Methods

Three MRE methods (EPI‐MRE3D, EPI‐MRE2D, and GRE‐MRE2D) were performed on soft and mildly stiff phantoms and 58 patients with chronic liver disease using a 3 Tesla clinical MRI scanner, and stiffness values were compared among the three methods. A validation study comprised 73 patients with histological liver fibrosis (F0–4, METAVIR system). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and accuracies for diagnosing significant fibrosis (F3–4) and cirrhosis (F4) were compared between EPI‐MRE3D and GRE‐MRE2D.

Results

Stiffness values of the soft and mildly stiff phantoms were 2.4 kPa and 4.0 kPa by EPI‐MRE3D; 2.6 kPa and 4.2 kPa by EPI‐MRE2D; and 2.7 kPa and 4.2 kPa by GRE‐MRE2D. In patients, EPI‐MRE3D provided significantly lower stiffness values than other methods (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between GRE‐MRE2D and EPI‐MRE2D (P = 0.12). The AUCs and accuracies of EPI‐MRE3D and GRE‐MRE2D were statistically equivalent in the diagnoses of significant fibrosis (F3–4) and cirrhosis (F4) (all P < 0.005).

Conclusion

EPI‐MRE3D showed modestly lower liver stiffness values than conventional GRE‐MRE2D. The diagnostic performances of EPI‐MRE3D and GRE‐MRE2D were equivalent for liver fibrosis staging.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1163–1170
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection of low polar compounds by adding NaAuCl4
Authors: Moriwaki Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) has been widely used for various analyses. However, it is difficult to use LC/ESI/MS for the analysis of low polar compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is well known that AuCl4− ion decomposes to AuCl3 by heating, and AuCl3 is a strong π‐electrophilic Lewis acid. Low polar compounds (pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, perylene, benzo[ghi]perylene, dibenzothiophene and p‐dimethoxybenzene) were detected by ESI/MS in the positive ion mode by adding NaAuCl4. The low polar compound interacts with AuCl3 formed at the ESI interface, and undergoes electron transfer to AuCl3. The radical cation of the low polar compound was then detected by MS. In addition, the LC/ESI/MS determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the post‐column addition of NaAuCl4 was studied. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Mass Spectrometry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Evaluation of the spectral accuracy of mass spectrometers using compounds containing Cl or Br atoms
Authors: Somoano‐Blanco Lourdes , Borda Melanie , González Gago Adriana , Rodríguez‐González Pablo , Garcia Alonso J. Ignacio
Published: September 2016

Current procedures for the evaluation of spectral accuracy of mass spectrometers are limited by the lack of certified isotopic reference materials and the high uncertainty in the isotopic composition of natural abundance molecules. The calculated uncertainties in the ratio M + 1/M for natural abundance molecules containing any number of C, H, N and/or O atoms are close to 5% relative because of the natural variability of the isotopic composition of carbon. So, we have developed two alternative measurement procedures with much lower theoretical uncertainties for a better evaluation of spectral accuracy in both single and triple quadrupole analysers. The first method is based on the measurement of the M + 2/M, M + 4/M + 2, etc. ratios for halogenated organic compounds containing either Cl or Br. The theoretical uncertainties for these ratios because of natural variability are in the order of 0.3 to 1.0% making them suitable for the evaluation of spectral accuracy with the additional advantage that there is no need to take into account other limitations such as cluster purity or poor mass resolution. This procedure was applied to the evaluation of a single quadrupole GC‐MS instruments using natural abundance PCB and PBDE standards with satisfactory results. The second method can be applied to tandem instruments and takes advantage of the loss of two halogen atoms when PCB and PBDE standards are fragmented by Collision Induced Dissociation. Theoretical SRM transition ratios can be calculated as a pure combinatorial probability with theoretical uncertainties lower than 0.1%. By combining PCBs and PBDEs with different number of halogen atoms, a mass range from 100 to 700 u and abundance ratios from 0.1 to 10 can be evaluated. The use of penta‐chlorinated PCBs and/or penta‐brominated PBDEs is finally recommended for the evaluation of spectral accuracy of mass spectrometers with the EI source. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte‐produced leukemia inhibitory factor expands the neural stem/progenitor pool following perinatal hypoxia–ischemia
Authors: Felling Ryan J. , Covey Matthew V. , Wolujewicz Paul , Batish Mona , Levison Steven W.
Published: September 2016

Brain injuries, such as cerebral hypoxia–ischemia (H‐I), induce a regenerative response from the neural stem/progenitors (NSPs) of the subventricular zone (SVZ); however, the mechanisms that regulate this expansion have not yet been fully elucidated. The Notch‐ Delta‐Serrate‐Lag2 (DSL) signaling pathway is considered essential for the maintenance of neural stem cells, but it is not known if it is necessary for the expansion of the NSPs subsequent to perinatal H‐I injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether this pathway contributes to NSP expansion in the SVZ after H‐I and, if so, to establish whether this pathway is directly induced by H‐I or regulated by paracrine factors. Here we report that Notch1 receptor induction and one of its ligands, Delta‐like 1, precedes NSP expansion after perinatal H‐I in P6 rat pups and that this increase occurs specifically in the most medial cell layers of the SVZ where the stem cells reside. Pharmacologically inhibiting Notch signaling in vivo diminished NSP expansion. With an in vitro model of H‐I, Notch1 was not induced directly by hypoxia, but was stimulated by soluble factors, specifically leukemia inhibitory factor, produced by astrocytes within the SVZ. These data confirm the importance both of the Notch‐DSL signaling pathway in the expansion of NSPs after H‐I and in the role of the support cells in their niche. They further support the body of evidence that indicates that leukemia inhibitory factor is a key injury‐induced cytokine that is stimulating the regenerative response of the NSPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Readiness Framework for Business Process Re‐engineering
Authors: Mohapatra Sanjay , Choudhury Anupam
Published: September 2016

Business process re‐engineering must be understood in the context of the dynamics (internal and external) and the signals emanating from both the organization and the operating environment.
Bioassay‐guided isolation of an active compound with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity from Sargassum fusiforme by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Wang Miao , Gu Dongyu , Guo Xinfeng , Li Haoquan , Wang Yi , Guo Hong , Yang Yi , Tian Jing
Published: September 2016

A rapid and efficient method using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was established for the bioassay‐guided separation of an active compound with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity from Sargassum fusiforme. Under the bioassay guidance, the ethyl acetate extract with the best IC50 value of 0.37 ± 0.07 μg/mL exhibited a potential protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity, which was further separated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. The separation was performed with a two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane/methanol/water (5:4:1, v/v). As a result, dibutyl phthalate (19.7 mg) with the purity of 95.3% was obtained from 200 mg of the ethyl acetate extract. Its IC50 was 14.05 ± 0.06 μM, which was further explained by molecular docking. The result of molecular docking showed that dibutyl phthalate enfolded in the catalytic site of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. The main force between dibutyl phthalate and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B was the hydrogen bond interaction with Gln266. In addition, hydrogen bond, van der Waals force and hydrophobic interaction with the amino acids (Ala217, Ile219, and Gly220) were also responsible for the stable protein‐ligand complex.
Readmission following primary surgery for larynx and oropharynx cancer in the elderly
Authors: Chaudhary Hamad , Stewart C. Matthew , Webster Kimberly , Herbert Robert J. , Frick Kevin D. , Eisele David W. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To examine 30‐day readmission rates and associations with risk factors, survival, length of hospitalization, and costs in elderly patients with laryngeal and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data.

Methods

We evaluated 1,518 patients diagnosed with laryngeal or oropharyngeal SCC from 2004 to 2007 who underwent primary surgery using cross‐tabulations, multivariate regression modeling, and survival analysis.

Results

Thirty‐day readmission occurred in 14.1% of hospitalizations. Readmission was more likely in patients with postoperative complications during initial hospitalization (24.8% vs. 4.5%, P < 0.001), and was associated with an increased 30‐day mortality incidence rate (5.1% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, 30‐day readmission was significantly associated with advanced stage (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81 [1.13–2.90]), comorbidity (OR = 2.69 [1.65–4.39]), divorced/separated marital status (OR = 2.00 [1.19–3.38]), preoperative tracheostomy (OR = 3.39 [1.55–7.44]), major surgical procedures (OR = 2.58 [1.68–3.97]), greater length of initial hospitalization (OR = 1.72 [1.09–2.71]), pneumonia (OR = 2.86 [1.28–6.40]), postoperative dysphagia (OR = 5.97 [2.48–15.83]), and cardiovascular events (OR = 5.84 [1.89–17.96]). Thirty‐day readmission was significantly associated with 30‐day mortality (OR = 5.89 [2.21–15.70) and higher 1‐year mortality (68.0% vs. 89.2%, P < 0.001). The mean incremental costs of surgical care were significantly greater for patients with unplanned readmission ($15,123 [$10,514–$19,732]), after controlling for all other variables.

Conclusion

Unplanned readmissions are associated with increased short‐ and long‐term mortality and costs. Elderly patients with advanced disease, advanced comorbidity, lack of spousal support, pretreatment organ dysfunction, more extensive surgery, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative dysphagia, and prolonged hospitalization are at increased risk of 30‐day readmission. These findings suggest a need for targeted interventions before, during, and after hospitalization to reduce morbidity, mortality, and excess costs in this high‐risk population.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 127:631–641, 2017
Exterior Navier–Stokes flows for bounded data
Authors: Abe Ken
Published: September 2016

We prove unique existence of mild solutions on for the Navier–Stokes equations in an exterior domain in , subject to the non‐slip boundary condition.
Substrate integrated waveguide circularly polarized horn‐dipole antenna with improved gain
Authors: Luo Yu , Bornemann Jens
Published: September 2016

A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) horn antenna is combined with a dipole to achieve circular polarization (CP). First, it is established that CP can be achieved by combining a horn and a dipole. To excite the dipole, double‐sided tapered and balanced transmission lines are employed at the central part of the horn aperture. Secondly, after the position and the size of the dipole are determined, a directional circularly polarized beam in the plane of the substrate is achieved. Finally, the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. Experimental results are in good agreement with simulations. Measured results show that an effective bandwidth of 5% for axial ratio (AR) less than 3 dB and return loss (RL) better than 10 dB from 11.8 to 12.4 GHz is achieved. In particular, the maximum gain of the proposed antenna is as high as 7.5 dBi due to the design of the horn structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2973–2977, 2016
Towards longitudinal mapping of extracellular pH in gliomas
Authors: Huang Yuegao , Coman Daniel , Herman Peter , Rao Jyotsna U. , Maritim Samuel , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: September 2016

Biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts (BIRDS), an ultrafast chemical shift imaging technique, requires infusion of paramagnetic probes such as 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetrakis methylene phosphonate (DOTP8−) complexed with thulium (Tm3+) ion (i.e. TmDOTP5−), where the pH‐sensitive resonances of hyperfine‐shifted non‐exchangeable protons contained within the paramagnetic probe are detected. While imaging extracellular pH (pHe) with BIRDS meets an important cancer research need by mapping the intratumoral–peritumoral pHe gradient, the surgical intervention used to raise the probe's plasma concentration limits longitudinal scans on the same subject. Here we describe using probenecid (i.e. an organic anion transporter inhibitor) to temporarily restrict renal clearance of TmDOTP5−, thereby facilitating molecular imaging by BIRDS without surgical intervention. Co‐infusion of probenecid with TmDOTP5− increased the probe's distribution into various organs, including the brain, compared with infusing TmDOTP5− alone. In vivo BIRDS data using the probenecid–TmDOTP5− co‐infusion method in rats bearing RG2, 9 L, and U87 brain tumors showed intratumoral–peritumoral pHe gradients that were unaffected by the probe dose. This co‐infusion method can be used for pHe mapping with BIRDS in preclinical models for tumor characterization and therapeutic monitoring, given the possibility of repeated scans with BIRDS (e.g. over days and even weeks) in the same subject. The longitudinal pHe readout by the probenecid–TmDOTP5− co‐infusion method for BIRDS adds translational value in tumor assessment and treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of spoiled gradient echo and steady‐state free‐precession imaging for native myocardial T1 mapping using the slice‐interleaved T1 mapping (STONE) sequence
Authors: Jang Jihye , Bellm Steven , Roujol Sébastien , Basha Tamer A. , Nezafat Maryam , Kato Shingo , Weingärtner Sebastian , Nezafat Reza
Published: September 2016

Cardiac T1 mapping allows non‐invasive imaging of interstitial diffuse fibrosis. Myocardial T1 is commonly calculated by voxel‐wise fitting of the images acquired using balanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) after an inversion pulse. However, SSFP imaging is sensitive to B1 and B0 imperfection, which may result in additional artifacts. A gradient echo (GRE) imaging sequence has been used for myocardial T1 mapping; however, its use has been limited to higher magnetic field to compensate for the lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of GRE versus SSFP imaging. A slice‐interleaved T1 mapping (STONE) sequence with SSFP readout (STONE–SSFP) has been recently proposed for native myocardial T1 mapping, which allows longer recovery of magnetization (>8 R–R) after each inversion pulse. In this study, we hypothesize that a longer recovery allows higher SNR and enables native myocardial T1 mapping using STONE with GRE imaging readout (STONE–GRE) at 1.5T. Numerical simulations and phantom and in vivo imaging were performed to compare the performance of STONE–GRE and STONE–SSFP for native myocardial T1 mapping at 1.5T. In numerical simulations, STONE–SSFP shows sensitivity to both T2 and off resonance. Despite the insensitivity of GRE imaging to T2, STONE–GRE remains sensitive to T2 due to the dependence of the inversion pulse performance on T2. In the phantom study, STONE–GRE had inferior accuracy and precision and similar repeatability as compared with STONE–SSFP. In in vivo studies, STONE–GRE and STONE–SSFP had similar myocardial native T1 times, precisions, repeatabilities and subjective T1 map qualities. Despite the lower SNR of the GRE imaging readout compared with SSFP, STONE–GRE provides similar native myocardial T1 measurements, precision, repeatability, and subjective image quality when compared with STONE–SSFP at 1.5T.
A new enhanced assumed strain quadrilateral membrane element with drilling degree of freedom and modified shape functions
Authors: Boutagouga Djamel.
Published: September 2016

A new four‐node quadrilateral membrane finite element with drilling rotational degree of freedom based on the enhanced assumed strain formulation is presented. A simple formulation is achieved by five incompatible modes that are added to the Allman‐type interpolation. Furthermore, modified shape functions are used to improve the behaviour of distorted elements. Numerical results show that the proposed new element exhibits good numerical accuracy and improved performance, and in many cases, superior to existing elements. In particular, Poisson's locking in nearly incompressible elasticity fades and the element performs well when it becomes considerably distorted even when it takes almost triangular shape. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyaluronic acid derivatives and its polyelectrolyte complexes with gentamicin as a delivery system for antibiotics
Authors: ter Boo Gert‐Jan A. , Richards Robert G. , Moriarty Thomas F. , Grijpma Dirk W. , Eglin David
Published: September 2016

Repeated administration of gentamicin (Gen) is often necessary to have efficacious pharmacokinetics in both infection prophylaxis and treatment. In order to increase the half‐time of Gen sulfate and minimize the dosage, the antibiotic can be grafted to polymers as a prodrug or encapsulated within polymers. Gen is positively charged and can interact with negatively charged macromolecules to form polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). The complexation of Gen with hyaluronic acid (HA) was investigated here. Subsequently, several HA conjugates were prepared and screened for their thermo‐responsive behavior and their ability to form PECs with Gen. PEC formation with HA poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) yields an injectable formulation, which precipitates out of solution to form microscopic or macroscopic gels, depending on its concentration, at temperatures higher than the lower critical solution temperature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutual macromolecular crowding as the basis for polymer solution non‐ideality
Authors: Cowman Mary K.
Published: September 2016

Semidilute polymer solutions differ greatly from dilute solutions in properties such as viscosity, relaxation time, elastic modulus, colloid osmotic pressure, and light scattering. Previously, Matsuoka and Cowman proposed a single semiempirical expression for the nonideality contribution due to the concentration and intrinsic viscosity dependence, which has no other adjustable parameters, but quantitatively fits data for flexible, semiflexible, and rigid polymers in good solvents. In this report, the excluded volume theory as proposed by Ogston and Laurent is generalized to include mutual crowding between identical polymers based on hydrodynamic volumes, and applied to derive the expression for the nonideality contribution to specific viscosity, colloid osmotic pressure, and light scattering. Additionally, consideration of the contribution of mutual macromolecular crowding to the effective solvent viscosity allows prediction of polymer relaxation time and elastic modulus in semidilute solutions. This theoretical approach now allows the prediction of semidilute polymer solution properties based only on concentration and intrinsic viscosity, and conversely allows intrinsic viscosity (and thus average molecular weight) to be calculated from measurements made on semidilute solutions of known concentration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remote Sensing of Landscape Change in Permafrost Regions
Authors: Jorgenson Mark Torre , Grosse Guido
Published: September 2016

Amplification of global warming in Arctic and boreal regions is causing significant changes to permafrost‐affected landscapes. The nature and extent of the change is complicated by ecological responses that take place across strong gradients in environmental conditions and disturbance regimes. Emerging remote sensing techniques based on a growing array of satellite and airborne platforms that cover a wide range of spatial and temporal scales increasingly allow robust detection of changes in permafrost landscapes. In this review, we summarise recent developments (2010 − 15) in remote sensing applications to detect and monitor landscape changes involving surface temperatures, snow cover, topography, surface water, vegetation cover and structure, and disturbances from fire and human activities. We then focus on indicators of degrading permafrost, including thermokarst lakes and drained lake basins, thermokarst bogs and fens, thaw slumps and active‐layer detachment slides, thermal erosion gullies, thermokarst pits and troughs, and coastal erosion and flooding. Our review highlights the expanding sensor capabilities, new image processing and multivariate analysis techniques, enhanced public access to data and increasingly long image archives that are facilitating novel insights into the multi‐decadal dynamics of permafrost landscapes. Remote sensing methods that appear especially promising for change detection include: repeat light detection and ranging, interferometric synthetic aperture radar and airborne geophysics for detecting topographic and subsurface changes; temporally dense analyses at high spatial resolution; and multi‐sensor data fusion. Remotely sensed data are also becoming used more frequently as driving parameters in permafrost model and mapping schemes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct synthesis of electrically integrated silicon nanowires forming 3D electrodes
Authors: Hibst Nicolas , Strehle Steffen
Published: September 2016

Arrays composed of vertically aligned nanoscale electrodes are under discussion for various biological and analytical applications including extra‐ and intracellular measurements, intracellular drug delivery, and cellular interfacing. Based on their nanoscale morphology, conductive nanowires are a preferred electrode material but device fabrication remains a key challenge. In this article, we present a straightforward assembly strategy for directly connected and quasi‐vertically aligned silicon nanowires (SiNWs) that could lead to well‐defined electrode arrays in future. Our strategy exploits certain features of platinum‐catalyzed SiNW growth and simultaneously interlinks the SiNW synthesis and the formation of the electrical contacts using a single metallization film. Our assembly strategy relies fully on conventional photolithography and can cope with various electrode designs and configurations considering single‐nanowire electrode readouts.