bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control and syntagmatization: Vocabulary requirements in information retrieval thesauri and natural language lexicons
Authors: Engerer Volkmar
Published: February 2017

This paper explores the relationships between natural language lexicons in lexical semantics and thesauri in information retrieval research. These different areas of knowledge have different restrictions on use of vocabulary; thesauri are used only in information search and retrieval contexts, whereas lexicons are mental systems and generally applicable in all domains of life. A set of vocabulary requirements that defines the more concrete characteristics of vocabulary items in the 2 contexts can be derived from this framework: lexicon items have to be learnable, complex, transparent, etc., whereas thesaurus terms must be effective, current and relevant, searchable, etc. The differences in vocabulary properties correlate with 2 other factors, the well‐known dimension of Control (deliberate, social activities of building and maintaining vocabularies), and Syntagmatization, which is less known and describes vocabulary items' varying formal preparedness to exit the thesaurus/lexicon, enter into linear syntactic constructions, and, finally, acquire communicative functionality. It is proposed that there is an inverse relationship between Control and Syntagmatization.
An Arabic report about supernova SN 1006 by Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna)
Authors: Neuhäuser R. , Ehrig‐Eggert C. , Kunitzsch P.
Published: February 2017

We present here an Arabic report about supernova 1006 (SN 1006) written by the famous Persian scholar Ibn Sīnā (Lat. Avicenna, AD 980–1037), which has not been discussed in astronomical literature before. The short observational report about a new star is part of Ibn Sīnā's book called al‐Shifā', a work on philosophy including physics, astronomy, and meteorology. We present the Arabic text and our English translation. After a detailed discussion of the dating of the observation, we show that the text specifies that the transient celestial object was stationary and/or tail‐less (a star among the stars), that it remained for close to 3 months getting fainter and fainter until it disappeared, that it threw out sparks, that is, it was scintillating and very bright, and that the colour changed with time. The information content is consistent with the other Arabic and non‐Arabic reports about SN 1006. Hence, it is quite clear that Ibn Sīnā refers to SN 1006 in his report, given as an example for transient celestial objects in a discussion of Aristotle's Meteorology. Given the wording and the description, for example, for the colour evolution, this report is independent of other reports known so far.
Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms: XL
Authors: Adelman S. J. , Gulliver A. F. , Gucella L. J.
Published: February 2017

We continue our series of high‐quality fine analyses of slowly and moderately rotating normal and peculiar Main Sequence Band B, A, and F stars. We use Kurucz's ATLAS9 model atmospheres in Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium and WIDTH9 codes and high signal‐to‐noise (>200) spectrograms currently obtained with a charge‐coupled device detectors on the long camera of the Coudé spectrograph of the 1.22‐m telescope of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. We were surprised that the elemental abundances of the A2 V star HR 196 indicated that it was slightly metal‐poor relative to the Sun. Its projected rotational velocity is 36±2 km s−1. Its abundances are for the most part close to those of α Dra (A0 III), a star with less than solar abundances. We found that the B8 V star HR 6968 ( km s−1) was a peculiar member of the HgMn class with elemental abundances somewhat similar to those of 53 Tau. Most significantly, it has an overabundance of Mn, and Hg II λ3984 is absent. Our analysis of the sharp‐lined ( km s−1) HgMn star HR 7664 is an improvement of the earlier co‐added photographic study of this series, with reduced scatter about the mean abundance for each atomic species. Further, we found abundances for several additional atomic species including Xe II.
Textbook outcome as a composite measure in oesophagogastric cancer surgery
Authors: Busweiler L A D , Schouwenburg M G , van Berge Henegouwen M I , Kolfschoten N E , de Jong P C , Rozema T , Wijnhoven B P L , van Hillegersberg R , Wouters M W J M , van Sandick J W , Bosscha K , Cats A , Dikken J L , van Grieken N C T , Hartgrink H H , Lemmens V E P P , Nieuwenhuijzen G A P , Plukker J T , Rosman C , Siersema P D , Tetteroo G , Veldhuis P M J F , Voncken F E M
Published: February 2017

Background

Quality assurance is acknowledged as a crucial factor in the assessment of oncological surgical care. The aim of this study was to develop a composite measure of multiple outcome parameters defined as ‘textbook outcome’, to assess quality of care for patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients with oesophagogastric cancer, operated on with the intent of curative resection between 2011 and 2014, were identified from a national database (Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit). Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. Hospital variation in textbook outcome was analysed after adjustment for case-mix factors.

Results

In total, 2748 patients with oesophageal cancer and 1772 with gastric cancer were included in this study. A textbook outcome was achieved in 29·7 per cent of patients with oesophageal cancer and 32·1 per cent of those with gastric cancer. Adjusted textbook outcome rates varied from 8·5 to 52·4 per cent between hospitals. The outcome parameter ‘at least 15 lymph nodes examined’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome both for patients with oesophageal cancer and for those with gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Most patients did not achieve a textbook outcome and there was wide variation between hospitals.
Optimization of bodyweight before visceral surgery in obese patients
Authors: Bell S W , Warrier S K
Published: February 2017

It's time to pay attention to this
Temporal trends in peripheral arterial interventions: Observations from the blue cross blue shield of Michigan cardiovascular consortium (BMC2 PVI)
Authors: Thomas Michael P. , Jung Park Yeo , Grey Scott , Schreiber Theodore L. , Gurm Hitinder S. , Leffler Dale , Davis Thomas P. , Henke Peter , Michael Grossman Paul
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim is to examine trends in procedural indication, arterial beds treated, and device usage in peripheral arterial interventions (PVIs).

Background

There is little data on indication, vascular beds treated and devices utilized for peripheral arterial interventions.

Methods

We used data from 43 hospitals participating in the BMC2 VIC registry. PVIs were separated by year and divided by arterial segment. Lower extremity PVIs were subclassified as having been performed for claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI). Yearly device usage was also included. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine trends.

Results

44,650 PVIs were performed from 2006 to 2013. Renal interventions decreased from 18% of interventions in 2006 to 5.6% in 2013 (P < 0.001) and femoral‐popliteal increased from 54.9% in 2006 to 64.5% in 2013 (P < 0.001). No significant trend was seen for aorta‐iliac or below‐the‐knee interventions. 58.6% of PVIs were performed for claudication in 2006 and this decreased to 44.6% in 2013 (P = 0.025). Indications for CLI were 24.1% in 2006 and 47.5% in 2013 (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in the use of balloon angioplasty (P = 0.029) and cutting/scoring balloons (P < 0.001) while cryoballoon usage decreased (P < 0.001). No significant changes were found with stenting, atherectomy, and laser.

Conclusions

There is a significant increase in patients presenting with CLI. Renal artery intervention rates are decreasing while femoral‐popliteal interventions are increasing. Additionally, balloon angioplasty and cutting/scoring balloon usage is increasing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ammonium Nitrate Temperature‐Programmed Decomposition on Fe–Zeolite Catalysts: Effect of Deposition Method
Authors: Pereira Mafalda Valdez Lancinha , Berthout David , Petitto Carolina , Delahay Gérard , Raux Stéphane , Rousseau Séverine
Published: February 2017

The N2O formation during NOx selective catalytic reduction by NH3 is often attributed to NH4NO3 intermediate decomposition. Thermal decomposition of NH4NO3 has been extensively studied owing to the combination of its wide use as fertilizer and its dangerous properties. However, the decomposition of NH4NO3 in the presence of a catalyst has generated less attention. The decomposition of NH4NO3 may yield NxOy‐type products such as NO, NO2, N2O, N2 as well as HNO3 and H2O. This work focuses on the emissions of N2O. The deposition of NH4NO3 onto a Fe–zeolite catalyst was carried out by dry impregnation, by using a dilute solution of NH4NO3, and by a mechanical mixture. In the absence of catalyst, the release of N2O strongly depends on the conditions of the experiment (static or dynamic). The presence of a catalyst and the method of mixing ammonium nitrate into it affects its decomposition. Nitrogen formation is much more significant for the impregnated sample. For the mechanically mixed sample, the ammonium nitrate is mainly decomposed into N2O and NO2. N2O from ammonia oxidation was also detected in the presence of a catalyst.
Selective C−O Hydrogenolysis of Erythritol over Supported Rh‐ReOx Catalysts in the Aqueous Phase
Authors: Said Achraf , Da Silva Perez Denilson , Perret Noémie , Pinel Catherine , Besson Michèle
Published: February 2017

Bimetallic Rh‐ReOx (Re/Rh molar ratio 0.4–0.5) catalysts supported on TiO2 and ZrO2 were prepared by the successive impregnation of dried and calcined unreduced supported Rh catalysts. Their catalytic performances were evaluated in the hydrogenolysis of erythritol to butanetriols (BTO) and butanediols (BDO) in aqueous solution at 150–240 °C under 30–120 bar H2. The activity depended on the nature of the support, and the highest selectivity to BTO and BDO at 80 % conversion was 37 and 29 %, respectively, in the presence of 3.7 wt %Rh‐3.5 wt %ReOx/ZrO2 at 200 °C under 120 bar. The characterization of the catalysts by CO chemisorption, TEM with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis with MS, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests a different distribution and reducibility of Re species over the supported Rh nanoparticles, which depends on the support.
Rational Design of Electrochemical DNA Biosensors for Point‐of‐Care Applications
Authors: Yu Henson L. Lee , Maslova Anastasia , Hsing I‐Ming
Published: February 2017

Electrochemical DNA biosensors show great potential for the sensitive and sequence‐specific detection of disease pathogens. To date, although there are a large number of published articles showing various sensing strategies of an electrochemical biosensor, only a few of those studies actually reach the commercialization phase, because addressing one technical issue would usually be at the expense of another. Moreover, there are various adoptable formats in electrochemical biosensors. Current approaches may or may not use enzymes, immobilize DNA probes, label the sensing substrates with an electroactive reporter molecule, or any combination of these. Although much has been paid to individual advantages and disadvantages, there are a very limited number Review articles studying and analyzing the synergistic aspects of various detection strategies when combined with each other. It is the aim of this Review to highlight the hotspots for innovation when these strategies are used in tandem, in order to create more streamlined improvements in making a versatile biosensor platform that can be administered at point of care.
Copper‐Nitride Nanowires Array: An Efficient Dual‐Functional Catalyst Electrode for Sensitive and Selective Non‐Enzymatic Glucose and Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Wang Zao , Cao Xiaoqin , Liu Danni , Hao Shuai , Kong Rongmei , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2017

It is highly attractive to develop non‐noble‐metal nanoarray architecture as a 3D‐catalyst electrode for molecular detection due to its large specific surface area and easy accessibility to target molecules. Here, we report the development of a copper‐nitride nanowires array on copper foam (Cu3N NA/CF) as a dual‐functional catalyst electrode for efficient glucose oxidation in alkaline solutions and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction in neutral solutions. Electrochemical tests indicate that such Cu3N NA/CF possesses superior non‐enzymatic sensing ability toward rapid glucose and H2O2 detection with high selectivity. At 0.40 V, this sensor offers a high sensitivity of 14 180 μA mm cm−2 for glucose detection, with a wide linear range from 1 μm to 2 mm, a low detection limit of 13 nm (S/N=3), and satisfactory stability and reproducibility. Its application in determining glucose in human blood serum is also demonstrated. Amperometric H2O2 sensing can also been realized with a sensitivity of 7600 μA mm cm−2, a linear range from 0.1 μm to 10 mm, and a detection limit of 8.9 nm (S/N=3). This 3D‐nanoarray architecture holds great promise as an attractive sensing platform toward electrochemical small molecules detection.
The Impact of Heteromultivalency in Lectin Recognition and Glycosidase Inhibition: An Integrated Mechanistic Study
Authors: García‐Moreno M. Isabel , Ortega‐Caballero Fernando , Rísquez‐Cuadro Rocío , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , García Fernández José M.
Published: February 2017

The vision of multivalency as a strategy limited to achieve affinity enhancements between a protein receptor and its putative sugar ligand (glycotope) has proven too simplistic. On the one hand, binding of a glycotope in a dense glycocalix‐like construct to a lectin partner has been shown to be sensitive to the presence of a third sugar entity (heterocluster effect). On the other hand, several carbohydrate processing enzymes (glycosidases and glycosyltransferases) have been found to be also responsive to multivalent presentations of binding partners (multivalent enzyme inhibition), a phenomenon first discovered for iminosugar‐type inhibitory species (inhitopes) and recently demonstrated for multivalent carbohydrate constructs. By assessing a series of homo‐ and heteroclusters combining α‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐related glycotopes and inhitopes, it was shown that multivalency and heteromultivalency govern both kinds of events, allowing for activation, deactivation or enhancement of specific recognition phenomena towards a spectrum of lectin and glycosidase partners in a multimodal manner. This unified scenario originates from the ability of (hetero)multivalent architectures to trigger glycosidase binding modes that are reminiscent of those harnessed by lectins, which should be considered when profiling the biological activity of multivalent architectures.
PHYSICAL MECHANISM OF MAJOR EARTHQUAKES BY EARTHQUAKE CASES ANALYSIS
Authors: Xiao‐Wa WU , Si‐Qing QIN , Lei XUE , Bai‐Cun YANG , Pei LI , Ke ZHANG
Published: February 2017

Understanding the physical mechanism of major earthquakes is very important for earthquake prediction and its disaster reduction. The mainstream hypotheses on earthquake mechanism are reviewed in this paper. It is pointed out that the elastic rebound and stick‐slip hypotheses, both of which are usually used to explain the mechanism of shallow earthquakes, have some serious drawbacks, and that such hypotheses explaining the mechanism of intermediate and deep earthquakes as the dehydration embrittlement, phase transition instability, shear melting and anticrack‐associated faulting, are inconsistent with some observation data. Thus, it is necessary to establish a new hypothesis or theory of earthquake mechanism. The brittle failure theory of multiple locked patches in a seismogenic fault system developed by us since 2010 is introduced in the present study. It is stated by the theory that the progressive failures of locked patch result in the occurrence of earthquakes due to the fault movement. Hereafter, the significant earthquakes occurred at its volume expansion and peak strength points are referred to as characteristic ones. The earthquake cases indicate that the seismogenic processes of shallow, intermediate and deep characteristic earthquakes can be well explained by the theory. We emphasize that both the elastic rebound and stick‐slip hypotheses contain the same implicit assumption that there exist locked patches in the seismogenic faults, and that the source body of deep earthquakes is with appropriate environment conditions leading to brittle failures. Moreover, some controversial issues, such as seismic stress drop much less than that of rock failure in the laboratory test, heat flow paradox and Self‐Organized Criticality (SOC), are discussed and can be reasonably explained by the theory. The present study shows that the physical mechanism of major earthquakes is attributed to the brittle failures of locked patches.
A CONNECTED DOMAIN IDENTIFICATION METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION IN QUANTITATIVE PICKUP OF CAVE INFORMATION USING ELECTRIC IMAGING LOGGING
Authors: Jian‐Ping YAN , Qiang LIANG , Zun‐Zhi LI , Bin GENG , Xiao‐Pan KOU , Yong HU
Published: February 2017

Solution caves are important fluid reservoir space in carbonate reservoir, and researching FMI images' caves connected domain labeling and extracting their information are meaningful. A high resolution color image can be obtained after data processing of FMI. After a series of processes which include image graying, median filtering and threshold segmentation for the color image, a binary image will be obtained which can reflect the characteristic of solution caves on the wall of a well. And on the image, caves are black spots which are labeled by same number. The labeling algorithm for image connected domain based on equivalence pair processing has the advantages of fast and no‐repeat labeling, which can eliminate equivalent pairs while labeling connected domain. The solution caves in the binary image can be marked from small to large number accurately by this arithmetic, in addition, the information of every connected domain including holes' size, grading factor, area of connected domains (areal porosity) and roundness can be extracted and processed. Using the labeled binary image can calculate porosity curve which reflects development degree of caves, and based on this curve the image can be divided into several layers. On this basis, the information distribution of areal porosity, holes' size, roundness and grading factor of every layer can be calculated easily. At last, all of these informations will be used to quantitatively evaluate the carbonate reservoir which has strong heterogeneity and lots of solution caves. And this work is also a helpful exploration for quantitative extracting of cave information from FMI images.
Future of testicular germ cell tumor incidence in the United States: Forecast through 2026
Authors: Ghazarian Armen A. , Kelly Scott P. , Altekruse Sean F. , Rosenberg Philip S. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare tumors in the general population but are the most commonly occurring malignancy among males between ages 15 and 44 years in the United States (US). Although non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs) have the highest incidence in the US, rates among Hispanics have increased the most in recent years. To forecast what these incidence rates may be in the future, an analysis of TGCT incidence in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the National Program of Cancer Registries was conducted.

METHODS

TGCT incidence data among males ages 15 to 59 years for the years 1999 to 2012 were obtained from 39 US cancer registries. Incidence rates through 2026 were forecast using age‐period‐cohort models stratified by race/ethnicity, histology (seminoma, nonseminoma), and age.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2012, TGCT incidence rates, both overall and by histology, were highest among NHWs, followed by Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and non‐Hispanic blacks. Between 2013 and 2026, rates among Hispanics were forecast to increase annually by 3.96% (95% confidence interval, 3.88%‐4.03%), resulting in the highest rate of increase of any racial/ethnic group. By 2026, the highest TGCT rates in the US will be among Hispanics because of increases in both seminomas and nonseminomas. Rates among NHWs will slightly increase, whereas rates among other groups will slightly decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

By 2026, Hispanics will have the highest rate of TGCT of any racial/ethnic group in the US because of the rising incidence among recent birth cohorts. Reasons for the increase in younger Hispanics merit further exploration. Cancer 2017;123:2320–2328. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Enzyme‐Based Logic Gates and Networks with Output Signals Analyzed by Various Methods
Authors: Katz Evgeny
Published: February 2017

The paper overviews various methods that are used for the analysis of output signals generated by enzyme‐based logic systems. The considered methods include optical techniques (optical absorbance, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance), electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, potentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, conductivity measurements, use of field effect transistor devices, pH measurements), and various mechanoelectronic methods (using atomic force microscope, quartz crystal microbalance). Although each of the methods is well known for various bioanalytical applications, their use in combination with the biomolecular logic systems is rather new and sometimes not trivial. Many of the discussed methods have been combined with the use of signal‐responsive materials to transduce and amplify biomolecular signals generated by the logic operations. Interfacing of biocomputing logic systems with electronics and “smart” signal‐responsive materials allows logic operations be extended to actuation functions; for example, stimulating molecular release and switchable features of bioelectronic devices, such as biofuel cells. The purpose of this review article is to emphasize the broad variability of the bioanalytical systems applied for signal transduction in biocomputing processes. All bioanalytical systems discussed in the article are exemplified with specific logic gates and multi‐gate networks realized with enzyme‐based biocatalytic cascades.
Cavitation‐Free Continuous‐Wave Laser Ablation from a Solid Target to Synthesize Low‐Size‐Dispersed Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Kucherik Alexey O. , Ryabchikov Yury V. , Kutrovskaya Stella V. , Al‐Kattan Ahmed , Arakelyan Sergei M. , Itina Tatiana E. , Kabashin Andrei V.
Published: February 2017

Continuous wave (CW) radiation from a Yb‐fiber laser (central wavelength 1064 nm, power 1–200 W) was used to initiate ablation of a gold target in deionized water and to synthesize bare (unprotected) gold nanoparticles. We show that the formed nanoparticles present a single low‐size‐dispersed population with a mean size of the order of 10 nm, which contrasts with previously reported data on dual populations of nanoparticles formed during pulsed laser ablation in liquids. The lack of a second population of nanoparticles is explained by the absence of cavitation‐related mechanism of material ablation, which typically takes place under pulsed laser action on a solid target in liquid ambience, and this supposition is confirmed by plume visualization tests. We also observe a gradual growth of mean nanoparticle size from 8–10 nm to 20–25 nm under the increase of laser power for 532 nm pumping wavelength, whereas for 1064 nm pumping wavelength the mean size 8–10 nm is independent of radiation power. The growth of the nanoparticles observed for 532 nm wavelength is attributed to the enhanced target melting and splashing followed by additional heating due to an efficient excitation of plasmons over gold nanoparticles. Bare, low‐size‐dispersed gold nanoparticles are of importance for a variety of applications, including biomedicine, catalysis, and photovoltaics. The use of CW radiation for nanomaterial production promises to improve the cost efficiency of this technology.
Suppression of Phonon Transport in Molecular Christmas Trees
Authors: Famili Marjan , Grace Iain , Sadeghi Hatef , Lambert Colin J.
Published: February 2017

Minimising the phonon thermal conductance of self‐assembled molecular films, whilst preserving their electrical properties, is highly desirable, both for thermal management at the nanoscale and for the design of high‐efficiency thermoelectric materials. Here we highlight a new strategy for minimising the phonon thermal conductance of Christmas‐tree‐like molecules composed of a long trunk, along which phonons can propagate, attached to pendant molecular branches. We demonstrate that phonon transport along the trunk is suppressed by Fano resonances associated with internal vibrational modes of the branches and that thermal conductance is suppressed most‐effectively in molecules with pendant branches of different lengths. As examples, we use density functional theory to demonstrate the reduction in phonon transport in tree‐like molecules formed from alkane or acene trunks with various pendant branches.
A Very Low Band Gap Diketopyrrolopyrrole–Porphyrin Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Bucher Léo , Tanguy Loïc , Fortin Daniel , Desbois Nicolas , Harvey Pierre D. , Sharma Ganesh D. , Gros Claude P.
Published: February 2017

A porphyrin–diketopyrrolopyrrole‐containing polymer (poly(porphyrin–diketopyrrolopyrrole) (PPDPP)) shows impressive molar absorption coefficients from λ=300 to 1000 nm. The photophysical and structural properties of PPDPP have been studied. With PPDPP as the electron donor and [6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the electron acceptor, the bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell showed overall power conversion efficiencies of 4.18 and 6.44 % for as‐cast and two‐step annealing processed PPDPP:PC71BM (1:2) active layers, respectively. These results are quite impressive for porphyrin‐containing polymers, especially when directly included in the π‐conjugated backbone, and offer interesting perspectives for the design of new materials based on this chromophore.
Quasicontinuum simulation of brittle cracking in single‐crystal material
Authors: Xu Taolong , Fan Jinghong , Stewart Ross , Zeng Xiangguo , Yao Anlin
Published: February 2017

Multiscale modeling has received unprecedented attention in various fields recently, with bottom‐up and top‐down transitions between neighboring subscales considered as important strategies for understanding defect initiation and evolution on the atomistic, nano, and submicron scales. The multiscale approach to the simultaneous modeling of multiple scales has been applied to the strong coupling between variable groups of different scales. In addition, the quasicontinuum (QC) method uses non‐local and local repatom regions for seamless bridging between the atomic and continuum regions. With specific application to the classical plate‐with‐a‐hole problem, a quantitative evaluation of the precision of the QC model was undertaken in this study. The analytical displacement field was solved using the specific regions as the atomic displacement comparison criteria. A certain amount of “ghost” interference was observed at the interface between the atomic and continuum mediums, and the crystal orientation effect of the α‐Fe crack tip atoms was used to analyze the dislocation emission, twinning, void nucleation, and crack propagation in specific grains. The defect evolution under tension loading was also analyzed with the aid of a typical crystal, and the strain‐force response relationship was used to elucidate the processes of crack initiation, brittle cracking, blunting, void nucleation, and complete rupture.
Linking above‐ and belowground traits to soil and climate variables: an integrated database on China's grassland species
Authors: Geng Yan , Ma Wenhong , Wang Liang , Baumann Frank , Kühn Peter , Scholten Thomas , He Jin‐Sheng
Published: February 2017

Knowledge of plant functional traits and trait–environment interactions is important for characterizing species strategies and understanding ecological processes. However, comprehensive field data on both above‐ and belowground traits, together with their environmental variables are scarce. Biome‐scale studies are particularly lacking. Here we present two large‐scale data sets that include functional traits of leaves and fine roots and their corresponding soil and climatic variables in China's grasslands. Leaf, fine root, and soil samples were collected in three biogeographic regions: temperate grassland on the Inner Mongolia Plateau, alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, and mountain grassland in the Xinjiang mountain areas. Field data were collected over two periods. The first data set collected between 2003 and 2004 includes 13 foliar traits (leaf mass per area, LMA; photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, PNUE; water use efficiency, WUE; stomatal conductance for water vapor, Gs; transpiration rate, TR; mass‐ and area‐based photosynthetic capacity, Amass and Aarea; mass‐ and area‐based carbon concentrations, Cmass and Carea; nitrogen concentrations, Nmass and Narea; and phosphorus concentrations, Pmass and Parea) for 170 species at 173 sites. The second data set collected between 2006 and 2007 includes six sets of analogous traits for both leaves and fine roots (C, N, and P concentrations; leaf thickness/root diameter; specific leaf area, SLA; specific root length, SRL; and tissue density) for 139 species at 82 sites, along with soil attributes (soil total and organic carbon, STC and SOC; total and available N, STN and SAN; total and available P, STP and SAP; pH, bulk density, and moisture). Moreover, associated information was also gathered, including geographical location (latitude, longitude, and altitude), climate (mean annual temperature, MAT; mean annual precipitation, MAP; growing season temperature, GST; growing season precipitation, GSP; potential evapotranspiration, PET; and actual evapotranspiration, AET) and site descriptions (vegetation and soil types). The data sets are unique because they integrate plant above‐ and belowground traits, climate, and soil factors over broad regional, elevational, and taxonomic ranges in understudied regions (e.g., the Tibetan Plateau). This is the only database on China's grassland species for unrestricted global access. These data sets will make a valuable contribution to future large‐scale trait‐based ecological studies.
Electronic and Steric Manipulation of the Preagostic Interaction in Isoquinoline Complexes of RhI
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Harrison John A. , Sajjad M. Arif , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: February 2017

Structures and properties were obtained by density functional calculations for the complexes [RhCl(CO)2(L)] (L = isoquinoline ligands) containing close Rh····H separations. Electrostatic repulsion keeps the atoms apart and Rh····C separations are prevented from developing much further by ligand inflexibility. Natural bond orbital analysis shows small components of C–Hσ to Rh (agostic) donation and Rh to C–Hσ* backdonation. Both σ‐ and π‐electron‐withdrawing substituents produce an increase in the Rh····H separation, while ligand inflexibility prevents σ‐ and π‐electron‐donating substituents from decreasing the Rh····C separation. Substitution at C2by Me closes up the Rh····H separation and CHMe2and CMe3groups cause a structural change which minimises the interaction. Substitution at C2by a Ph group gives the shortest Rh····H separation (2.187 Å) and largest Rh to C–Hσ* backdonation. Electron donation at C7or at C7and C9increases the Rh····H separation, as the ligand flexes substantially to accommodate a decrease in the Rh····C separation. On the basis of the minimal C–Hσ to Rh (agostic) donation involved, the complexes are best described as preagostic.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica Monoliths as a Versatile Platform for the Study of Magnetic and Photomagnetic Prussian Blue Analogue Nanoparticles
Authors: Moulin Robinson , Delahaye Emilie , Bordage Amélie , Fonda Emiliano , Baltaze Jean‐Pierre , Beaunier Patricia , Rivière Eric , Fornasieri Giulia , Bleuzen Anne
Published: February 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Anne Bleuzen at Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d'Orsay, Université Paris‐Saclay, France. The cover image shows the versatility of the chemistry that can be developed in the ordered pores of silica monoliths.
Cross‐Metathesis on Immobilized Substrates – Application to the Generation of Synthetically and Biologically Relevant Structures
Authors: Riveira Martín J. , Mata Ernesto G.
Published: February 2017

Olefin metathesis constitutes a seemingly endless area of research that has had an enormous impact on several branches of chemistry, both in industry and in academia. Once the potential of this reaction as a carbon–carbon bond‐forming tool was widely recognized, its adaptation to solid‐phase chemistry naturally followed. This review documents the applications and possibilities that polymer‐bound alkenes have provided in the challenging cross‐version of olefin metathesis, through efforts that are far from exhausted.
Na2S2O8‐Promoted Radical Cyclization for the Synthesis of Azaspiro[4.5]deca‐3,6,9‐triene‐2,8‐dione and Pyrrolo[2,1‐j]quinolone Derivatives
Authors: Reddy C. Ravikumar , Yarlagadda Suresh , Ramesh Boora , Reddy M. Rajashekhar , Sridhar B. , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: February 2017

An efficient radical cyclization of N‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐3‐phenylpropiolamides with 1‐phenylcyclopropan‐1‐ols has been developed using Na2S2O8 to produce azaspiro[4.5]deca‐3,6,9‐triene‐2,8‐diones in good yields with high selectivity. Similarly, the reaction of 1‐[6‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐1(2H)‐yl]‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐ones with 1‐phenylcyclopropan‐1‐ols provides 6,7‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐j]quinoline‐3,9(5H)‐dione derivatives. This is the first report on the use of cyclopropanols for the radical cyclization of N‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐3‐phenylpropiolamides and 1‐[6‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐1(2H)‐yl]‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐ones.
Electro Catalytic Properties of α, β, γ, ϵ ‐ MnO2 and γ ‐ MnOOH Nanoparticles: Role of Polymorphs on Enzyme Free H2O2 Sensing
Authors: Revathi C. , Kumar R.T. Rajendra
Published: February 2017

Polymorphs of Manganese di oxide (MnO2) such as alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), epsilon (ϵ), and MnOOH type materials were prepared via hydrothermal approach under different conditions. The samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, FT‐IR, Raman and BET analysis. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis confirm that α ‐ MnO2 shows better electro‐catalytic ability. Amperometry sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was carried out by varying applied potential value with the polymorphs of MnO2. Compared with the other phases of MnO2, α ‐ MnO2 shows high linear range up to 20μM. The calculated sensitivity value for H2O2 sensing of different phases is in the order of α ‐ MnO2, β ‐ MnO2, ϵ ‐ MnO2, γ ‐ MnO2, MnOOH and found to be 0.094 mA μM−1 cm−2 > 0.072 mA μM−1 cm−2 > 0.07 mA μM−1 cm−2 > 0.03 mA μM−1 cm−2 > 0.01 mA μM−1 cm−2 respectively. All the characterization results reveal that crystalline phase plays a vital role in electrochemical behavior rather than crystalline size, morphology, surface charge, surface area.
Perceptions and Uses of GRE® Scores After the Launch of the GRE® revised General Test in August 2011
Authors: Klieger David M. , Belur Vinetha , Kotloff Lauren J.
Published: February 2017

This survey study investigated how graduate school admissions committees perceive and use the GRE® General Test and GRE® Subject Tests after the launch of the GRE® revised General Test in August 2011. These perceptions and uses impact the validity of the tests. Prior research about the perceptions and uses of the General Test and Subject Tests was last conducted in 2002 and, prior to that, in 2000 (for writing) and 1984. Therefore, even without test revisions, perceptions and uses of the GRE tests may have changed. Overall, by graduate discipline area, by graduate degree level sought, and by future career track preparation (research vs. professional), we examined online survey responses from 163 individuals involved in graduate school admissions. We did not find major changes in the use or perceived utility of the revised General Test or Subject Tests for admissions or funding decisions. General Test scores are valued in relation to other admissions information. Sometimes, valuation of these scores leads to practices proscribed by published GRE Program guidelines, such as the use of cut scores. Scores on the Subject Tests continue to be valued less than other admissions information. Perceptions and uses of the GRE tests often vary when decision makers consider applications from international applicants and underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. That admissions committees can receive and compare scores reported on the former General Test score scales to scores reported on the revised General Test score scales has resulted in various practices, including the common use of percentile ranks to compare scores in ways discouraged by GRE Program guidelines. To the extent that decision makers use concordance information recommended by Educational Testing Service (ETS) to compare scores, they do so with mixed success.
Genetic and environmental influences on mean diffusivity and volume in subcortical brain regions
Authors: Gillespie Nathan A. , Neale Michael C. , Hagler Donald J. , Eyler Lisa T. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Franz Carol E. , Lyons Michael J. , McEvoy Linda K. , Dale Anders M. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Kremen William S.
Published: February 2017

Increased mean diffusivity (MD) is hypothesized to reflect tissue degeneration and may provide subtle indicators of neuropathology as well as age‐related brain changes in the absence of volumetric differences. Our aim was to determine the degree to which genetic and environmental variation in subcortical MD is distinct from variation in subcortical volume. Data were derived from a sample of 387 male twins (83 MZ twin pairs, 55 DZ twin pairs, and 111 incomplete twin pairs) who were MRI scanned as part of the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Quantitative estimates of MD and volume for 7 subcortical regions were obtained: thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens. After adjusting for covariates, bivariate twin models were fitted to estimate the size and significance of phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental correlations between MD and volume at each subcortical region. With the exception of the amygdala, familial aggregation in MD was entirely explained by additive genetic factors across all subcortical regions with estimates ranging from 46 to 84%. Based on bivariate twin modeling, variation in subcortical MD appears to be both genetically and environmentally unrelated to individual differences in subcortical volume. Therefore, subcortical MD may be an alternative biomarker of brain morphology for complex traits worthy of future investigation. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2589–2598, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First description of HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence in HIV‐infected inmates in Mozambique
Authors: Augusto Ângelo , Augusto Orvalho , Taquimo Atija , Nhachigule Carina , Siyawadya Narcisa , Tembe Nelson , Bhatt Nilesh , Mbofana Francisco , Gudo Eduardo Samo
Published: February 2017

No study has yet been conducted to estimate the burden of co‐infection of HIV and HTLV‐1/2 in inmates in sub‐Saharan Africa. To investigate prevalence of co‐infection in inmates in Mozambique, a total of 2140 inmates were screened for HIV, of which 515 were HIV seropositive. All HIV seropositive inmates were further screened for HTLV infection, and eight (1.55%) were co‐infected. Co‐infection was higher in females (3.45% [2/58; CI: 0.42‐11.91]) as compared to males (1.35% [6/445; CI: 0.55‐3.06]). Early screening of HTLV in prisons is urgently needed in Mozambique in order to improve the care provided to incarcerated individuals, including initiation of ART.
Determination of two potential toxicity metabolites derived from the disruption of the pksCT gene in Monascus aurantiacus Li As3.4384
Authors: Huang Zhibing , Su Baowei , Xu Yang , Li Laisheng , Li Yanping
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

We previously demonstrated that disruption of the pksCT gene of Monascus led to a greater than 98% decrease in its citrinin production capacity in Monascus (PHDS26). Two potentially toxic compounds, monascopyridine A (MPA) and monascopyridine B (MPB), were found in the fermentation products of the pksCT gene‐disrupted Monascus. Moreover, a rapid and reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of MPA and MPB. We studied the effects of various extraction parameters and designed an orthogonal experiment to investigate the importance of each factor.

RESULTS

The optimal extraction conditions were: methanol concentration, 90%; extraction temperature, 40 °C; extraction time, 10 min; two extraction cycles; and a solid‐liquid ratio of 1:25. Under the optimal chromatographic conditions, good linearity was reached over the concentration ranges 0.5–200 µg mL−1 and 0.5–300 µg mL−1 for MPA and MPB, respectively, and the corresponding determination coefficients were 0.9999 and 0.9997. The percentage relative standard deviation values of within‐day and between‐day precision for MPA were 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively; the corresponding values for MPB were 4.8% and 4.6%. The average recovery for MPA and MPB was 99.9% and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Maximum MPA and MPB yields (2073.7 and 1961.7 µg g−1, respectively) were observed after 16 days of cultivation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Intralaryngeal Surgery 1977
Authors: Lejeune Francis E.
Published: February 2017

A very brief history of laryngoscopy and intralaryngeal surgery up to the present time is outlined. A simple comparison of some of the conventional laryngeal instruments with CO2 laser capability is made, and the common one‐handed and two‐handed surgical techniques are outlined. Four cases are presented, each of which demonstrates a significant feature of laryngoscopic surgery.
Reconstruction Of Bony Canal with Autogenous Bone Graft
Authors: Pou Jack W.
Published: February 2017

The advantages of preservation of the bony posterior wall of the external auditory canal during surgery for chronic infection have been stressed by many authors. The superior canal wall is often partially destroyed by cholesteatoma, or must necessarily be removed, to insure adequate removal of attic pathology. Numerous techniques and grafting material will be reviewed. Our technique of using autogenous bone, cut with a thin chisel which curls to the shape of the ear canal, will be presented and illustrated.
Ventilating Tubes In Tympanoplasty
Authors: Blatnik Donald S. , Millen Steven J. , Toohill Robert J.
Published: February 2017

The successful surgical treatment of chronic otitis media or its sequela is frequently related to a ventilated tympanic cavity. Tubes at tympanoplasty have been recommended to assure ventilation until eustachian tube and middle ear mucosal functions have been restored and to prevent the complications of graft loss, atelectasis, cholesteatoma and ossicular destruction.

This presentation reviews the literature on the subject and documents our results in 40 patients treated by tympanomastoid surgery with ventilating tubes. The types of tubes used, the surgical technique involved, and the selection of cases suitable for this method are described.

Cholesteatoma was the primary disease in 32 patients, 6 had chronic otitis media, 1 cholesterol granuloma, and 1 eosinophilic granuloma. Complete healing of grafts following extrusion or removal of the tubes occurred in 34 patients, 2 tubes remain in place, 3 patients had persistent tube site perforations, and 1 was lost to follow‐up. None of the patients had graft breakdown as a result of tube placement, and there has been no recurrence of cholesteatoma. In all cases, the follow‐up period is a minimum of 18 months and extends to 92 months.
The Problem Mastoid Cavity: Medical and Surgical Management
Authors: Kinney Sam E.
Published: February 2017

The patient with persistent foul drainage from a previously operated‐on mastoid cavity has a serious problem that requires aggressive attention from the otologic surgeon. The ear must be carefully evaluated in the office. Careful cleaning of the cavity and effective application of medication will dry up many of these cavities.

Revision surgery of the ear requires a systematic approach using all the techniques of modern otologic surgery. This means the use of a postauricular incision and wide bone removal combined with obliteration techniques and grafting of the middle ear.

This approach was used in 29 ears in 27 patients. Rapid healing and a trouble‐free, dry ear was obtained in 26 patients or 90% of the operatedon cases.
Middle Ear Ventilation in Conjunction with Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Leek Joseph H.
Published: February 2017

If the tonsils and adenoids are causing eustachian tube dysfunction with middle ear effusion, the need for a ventilation tube at the time of the T&A and myringotomy is unresolved. Thirty‐one patients with bilateral symmetrical middle ear effusion had T&A and myringotomies. In one ear, a ventilation tube was inserted; the other ear acted as a control.

In addition to the clinical impressions, preoperative and serial postoperative audiograms and tympanograms are compared through a 12month time frame. Discussion is presented regarding middle ventilation at the time of the primary operation.
Effects Of Greater Superficial Petrosal Neurectomy On Nasal Mucosa In Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)
Authors: Walike Joseph W.
Published: February 2017

The effects of greater superficial petrosal neurectomy on normal nasal mucosa was studied in ten rhesus monkeys by light microscopy at four, six, and eight weeks postoperatively. Greater superficial petrosal neurectomy caused no histological alteration in the nasal mucosa of these monkeys. These procedures were accomplished with no complications.
Mandibular Replacement After Resection for Tumor
Authors: Behringer W. Hayman , Schweiger James W.
Published: February 2017

The ideal natural or prosthetic mandibular replacement should be adjustable at the time of surgery, completely stable, free from tissue reaction or rejection, rapidly incorporated into surrounding tissue, and unlimited in lifespan. A brief review of clinically utilized mandibular replacements is discussed in relation to the ideals.

At this time the replacement most adequately satisfying these principles is autogenous cancellous bone and marrow supported by a titanium mesh trough. This article describes the details of external mandibular fixation and the reconstructive procedure including preoperative preparation and common postoperative complications.

Modifications of the prosthesis and surgical technique are suggested in order to decrease the chances of postoperative exposure, a complication in any type of mandibular reconstruction.
Closure Of Nasal Septal Perforation With Composite Flaps
Authors: Seda Hector J.
Published: February 2017

A procedure for closure of symptomatic nasal septal perforations is described. The procedure combines the advantages of the good vascular supply of a rotation flap with the strength of a composite graft.
Sinusitis, Otitis And Adenotonsillitis In Children: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nickman Norman J.
Published: February 2017

A retrospective study of 93 cases in which ventilating tubes were required in the therapy of persistent otitis media. Paranasal sinus radiographs, antral washes and cultures of positive washes were used to demonstrate active sinusitis associated with persistent otitis media. Other factors are also of importance, such as allergic or other immune‐related disease processes. However, active sinusitis was demonstrated in 25–49% of the cases studied, depending on criteria used.