bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge state distribution studies of pure and oxygen mixed krypton ECR plasma – signature of isotope anomaly and gas mixing effect
Authors: Kumar Pravin , Mal Kedar , Rodrigues G.
Published: August 2016

We report the charge state distributions of the pure, 25% and 50% oxygen mixed krypton plasma to shed more light on the understanding of the gas mixing and the isotope anomaly [A. G. Drentje, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 63 (1992) 2875 and Y Kawai, D Meyer, A Nadzeyka, U Wolters and K Wiesemann, Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 10 (2001) 451] in the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas. The krypton plasma was produced using a 10 GHz all‐permanent‐magnet ECR ion source. The intensities of the highly abundant four isotopes, viz. 82Kr (~11.58%), 83Kr (~11.49%), 84Kr (~57%) and 86Kr (17.3%) up to ~ +14 charge state have been measured by extracting the ions from the plasma and analysing them in the mass and the energy using a large acceptance analyzer‐cum‐switching dipole magnet. The influence of the oxygen gas mixing on the isotopic krypton ion intensities is clearly evidenced beyond +9 charge state. With and without oxygen mixing, the charge state distribution of the krypton ECR plasma shows the isotope anomaly with unusual trends. The anomaly in the intensities of the isotopes having quite closer natural abundance, viz. 82Kr, 86Kr and 83Kr, 86Kr is prominent, whereas the intensity ratio of 86Kr to 84Kr shows a weak signature of it. The isotope anomaly tends to disappear with increasing oxygen mixing in the plasma. The observed trends in the intensities of the krypton isotopes do not follow the prediction of linear Landau wave damping in the plasma. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predominant prevalence of human rotaviruses with the G1P[8] and G8P[8] genotypes with a short RNA profile in 2013 and 2014 in Sukhothai and Phetchaboon provinces, Thailand
Authors: Guntapong Ratigorn , Tacharoenmuang Ratana , Singchai Phakapun , Upachai Sompong , Sutthiwarakom Karun , Komoto Satoshi , Tsuji Takao , Tharmaphornpilas Piyanit , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Sangkitporn Somchai , Taniguchi Koki
Published: August 2016

Of 2,754 stool specimens collected from children with acute gastroenteritis during 2013–2014 in Sukhothai and Phetchaboon provinces, Thailand, 666 (24.2%) were positive for rotavirus A (RVA) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The G and P types of all RVA‐positive specimens were determined by semi‐nested RT‐PCR. G1P[8] (56.5%) was most prevalent, followed by G2P[4] (22.1%). Unusual G8P[8] human RVAs (HuRVAs) were detected at a high frequency (20.0%). Interestingly, 171 of the 376 G1P[8] HuRVAs and all of the 133 G8P[8] HuRVAs showed a short RNA pattern in PAGE. Thus, it was shown that the properties of HuRVAs have been markedly unusual in recent years in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 89:615–620, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of the articular cartilage T1ρ and T2 relaxation times changes after ACL reconstruction in injured and contralateral knees and relationships with bone shape
Authors: Pedoia Valentina , Su Favian , Amano Keiko , Li Qi , McCulloch Charles E. , Souza Richard B. , Link Thomas M. , Ma Benjamin C. , Li Xiaojuan
Published: August 2016

The objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to evaluate the longitudinal change in cartilage T1ρ and T2 6‐ and 12‐months after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in both reconstructed and intact contralateral knees with the aim of validating the role of the contralateral knee as an internal control in longitudinal studies; (2) to explore relationships between bone shape at the time of injury and the progression of T1ρ and T2 over 12‐months after ACLR. T1ρ and T2 cartilage relaxation times and 3D MRI‐based statistical shape modeling (SSM) of tibia and femur were computed for both knees of forty ACL‐injured patients and 15 healthy controls. ACL subjects were scanned 8.4 ± 6.4 weeks after injury (2.4 ± 3.7 weeks prior to ACLR), 6‐ and 12‐months after ACLR. Longitudinal changes in T1ρ and T2 values were assessed using linear mixed model, and partial correlation coefficients were calculated between bone shape and longitudinal changes in T1ρ and T2 values. Significant longitudinal increases in T1ρ and T2 values were observed in reconstructed and contralateral knees 6‐months after ACLR. Tibial bone shape features, associated with the medial plateau height and width, were observed to be correlated with cartilage T1ρ and T2 progression in reconstructed knees. Our results suggest that caution should be used in considering contralateral knee as internal controls in longitudinal ACL studies and 3D MRI‐based‐SSM might serve as an imaging biomarker for the early stratification of patients at risk for developing post‐traumatic accelerated cartilage degeneration and potentially osteoarthritis after ACL tear. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:707–717, 2017.
Non‐destructive prediction of pigment content in lettuce based on visible–NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Steidle Neto Antonio José , Moura Lorena de Oliveira , Lopes Daniela de Carvalho , Carlos Lanamar de Almeida , Martins Luma Moreira , Ferraz Leila de Castro Louback
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most important salad vegetables in the world, with a number of head shapes, leaf types and colors. The lettuce pigments play important physiological functions, such as photosynthetic processes and light stress defense, but they also benefit human health because of their antioxidant action and anticarcinogenic properties. In this study three lettuce cultivars were grown under different farming systems, and partial least squares models were built to predict the leaf chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin content.

RESULTS

The three proposed models resulted in high coefficients of determination and variable importance for the projection values, as well as low estimative errors for calibration and external validation datasets. These results confirmed that it is possible to accurately predict chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin content of green and red lettuces, grown in different farming systems, based on the spectral reflectance from 500 to 1000 nm.

CONCLUSION

The proposed models were adequate for estimating lettuce pigments in a quick and non‐destructive way, representing an alternative to conventional measurement methods. Prediction accuracies were improved by using the detrending, smoothing and first derivative pretreatments to the original spectral signatures prior to estimating lettuce chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin content, respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of ZnO nanoparticle‐coated packaging film on pork meat quality during cold storage
Authors: Suo Biao , Li Huarong , Wang Yuexia , Li Zhen , Pan Zhili , Ai Zhilu
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

There has been limited research on the use of ZnO nanoparticle‐coated film for the quality preservation of pork meat under low temperature. In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles were mixed with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC‐Na) to form a nanocomposite film, to investigate the effect of ZnO nanoparticle‐coated film on pork meat quality and the growth of bacteria during storage under low temperature.

RESULTS

When ZnO nanoparticle‐coated film was used as the packaging material for pork meat for 14 days of cold storage at 4 °C, the results demonstrated a significant effect on restricting the increases in total volatile basic nitrogen and pH levels, limiting the decreases of lightness (increased L* value) and redness (increased a* value), and maintaining the water‐holding capacity compared to the control pork samples (P < 0.05). The present study also discovered that the ZnO nanoparticle‐coated film restrained the increase in total plate count (TPC). When Staphylococcus aureus was used as the representative strain, scanning electron microscopy revealed that ZnO nanoparticles increased the occurrence of cell membrane rupture under cold conditions.

CONCLUSION

ZnO nanoparticle‐coated film helps retain the quality of pork meat during cold storage by increasing the occurrence of microorganism injury. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery for posterior glottic web with stenosis
Authors: Atallah Ihab , Manjunath M. Krishniah , Omari Ahmad Al , Righini Christian Adrien , Castellanos Paul F.
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To demonstrate that reconstructive transoral laser microsurgical (R‐TLM) techniques can be used for the treatment of symptomatic laryngeal posterior glottic web–based stenosis (PGWS) in a large cohort of patients utilizing a postcricoid mucosal advancement flap (PCMAF).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort review.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients with PGWS who underwent R‐TLM using a PCMAF were reviewed for outcomes. After laser excision of the PGWS scar and mobilization of fixed cricoarytenoid joints, a PCMAF was raised using microinstruments and a scanning free‐beam CO2 laser. The flap was advanced and attached over the scar bed using a technique with multiple novel features that make it easy to adopt.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were treated. Of the cases, 42.3% had a tracheostomy at presentation with grade II to IV PGWS, and 46% of cases had grade III to IV PGWS. In all cases, R‐TLM was the only treatment approach. No open reconstructions were performed. No airway stents were used. Patients without tracheostomy, regardless of the grade of stenosis, did not require a tracheostomy to undergo this operation. All tracheostomy patients were successfully decannulated. All patients without a tracheostomy had significant improvement of their respiratory symptoms on the Dyspnea Index (mean Δ = 14.75, P value <.01).

Conclusions

RTLM using the PCMAF is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to open approaches for airway reconstruction for PGWS. This novel transoral technique includes a much simpler endoscopic suturing alternative to knot tying among other new features. It is reproducible and reliable for laryngologists familiar with laryngeal microsurgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:685–690, 2017
The utility of genetic testing in neuromuscular disease: A consensus statement from the AANEM on the clinical utility of genetic testing in diagnosis of neuromuscular disease
Authors: Kassardjian Charles D. , Amato Anthony A. , Boon Andrea J. , Childers Martin K. , Klein Christopher J. ,   AANEM Professional Practice Committee
Published: August 2016

Introduction: The aim of this consensus statement is to provide a recommendation from AANEM experts on the clinical utility of genetic testing. It is not meant to recommend or endorse any specific genetic testing methodology or algorithm. Methods: The AANEM Professional Practice Committee reached a consensus based on expert opinion on the utility of genetic testing in neuromuscular diseases and made recommendations on factors that physicians and patients should consider when deciding whether to proceed with such testing. Results: Despite the costs of genetic testing, these tests can be both valuable and beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases in many situations. Conclusions: The AANEM believes that performing genetic testing to arrive at a specific molecular diagnosis is a critical step in providing high‐quality care to neuromuscular patients. The cost of testing should not be a deterrent, as there are important clinical, safety, psychosocial, and research benefits. Muscle Nerve 54: 1007–1009, 2016
Pediatric malignant germ cell tumors: A comparison of the neuro‐oncology and solid tumor experience
Authors: Plant Ashley S. , Chi Susan N. , Frazier Lindsay
Published: August 2016

Malignant germ cell tumors (GCT) arise from abnormal migration of primordial germ cells and are histologically identical whether they occur inside or outside the central nervous system (CNS). However, the treatment strategy for GCTs varies greatly depending on the location of the tumor. These differences are in part due to the increased morbidity of surgery in the CNS but may also reflect differential sensitivity of the tumors to chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) or not‐yet‐understood biologic differences between these tumors. Historically, specialists caring for extracranial and intracranial GCT in the United States have practiced separately without much cross communication. The focus of this review is a discussion of differences between the management of CNS and extra‐CNS GCTs and opportunities for collaboration and future research.
Asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis is not predicted by hypertriglyceridemia or pancreatic enzyme levels in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Raja Raheel Altaf , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Sørensen Ditte Nørbo , Frandsen Thomas Leth
Published: August 2016

Background

l‐Asparaginase is an important drug for treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but is associated with serious toxicities, including pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis (AAP) is a common reason for stopping asparaginase treatment. The aim of this study was to explore if HTG or early elevations in pancreatic enzymes were associated with the subsequent development of AAP.

Method

Children (1.0–17.9 years) diagnosed with ALL, treated with asparaginase for 30 weeks, according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol at the University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, were eligible. Pancreatic enzymes, triglycerides, and cholesterol were measured regularly.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were included. Seven patients were diagnosed with AAP. HTG was most evident when PEG‐asparaginase and dexamethasone were administered concomitantly. Overall, there was no significant difference in triglyceride levels in patients who experienced AAP and patients who did not. An increase in triglyceride levels during concomitant dexamethasone therapy in delayed intensification was significantly associated with an increase in pancreas‐specific amylase levels two weeks later (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

AAP does not seem to be associated with HTG. Continuous monitoring of pancreas enzymes does not predict AAP.
High‐Temperature Structural Transformations of 1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7)
Authors: Zakharov Viktor V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Dremova Nadezdha N. , Chervonnyi Alexandr D. , Shilov Gennadiy V. , Korsounskii Boris L. , Kazakov Anatoliy I. , Volkova Nina N.
Published: August 2016

Stuctural transformations of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7) were investigated in the temperature range 298–513 K by means of DSC, TG, isothermal calorimetry, PXRD, IR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The data obtained confirm the existence of the high‐temperature δ‐FOX‐7 polymorph stable above 480 K. The heat effect of the γ→δ transformation is − 4.6 J g−1 (−680 J mol−1). Metastable γ‐phase formed in the reverse process δ→γ has a perfect crystal structure and is stable towards thermal decomposition. Possible mechanisms of sharp deceleration of thermal decomposition of FOX‐7 at the 40 % conversion are discussed.
Electrical transport properties of a superconductor–ferrimagnet composite in applied magnetic fields
Authors: Kalanda Nikolai A. , Yarmolich Marta V. , Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: August 2016

Electrical transport properties of the YBa2Cu3O7−δ + Sr2FeMoO6−δ superconductor–ferrimagnet composite as a function of the temperature and applied magnetic field are reported. Four different intervals in the temperature dependence of the resistivity have been found between room temperature and 4.2 K. In the temperature range from 300 K down to a semiconducting behavior is observed, whereas below the first transition into a superconducting state sets in. Upon further cooling down, the semiconducting behavior appears again below and then a second superconducting transition starts at continuing down to 4.2 K. The magnetoresistance is negative above and positive below it, achieving at 5 K and a field of 10 T a huge value of ∼5700%. We discuss the role of the weak links between the YBa2Cu3O7−δ grains represented by the Sr2FeMoO6−δ interlayers on the magnetotransport in the composite.

Temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of the YBCO + 0.05 SFMO composite measured in different applied magnetic fields, where the temperatures refer to zero field, and .
Pancreatitis associated with antipsychotic agents
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: August 2016

Pancreatitis is relatively uncommon but can be associated with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. In addition, acute pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol and some medications, including atypical antipsychotics, valproic acid, and newer anti‐diabetic agents such as GLP‐1 agonists and DDP‐IV inhibitors.1,2
Nontargeted analysis of the urine nonpolar sulfateome: a pathway to the nonpolar xenobiotic exposome
Authors: Yao Yuanyuan , Wang Poguang , Shao Gang , Del Toro Liza V. Anzalota , Codero Jose , Giese Roger W.
Published: August 2016

Rationale

Testing the urine nonpolar sulfateome can enable discovery of xenobiotics that are most likely to be bioactive. This is based on the fact that nonpolar xenobiotics are more likely to enter cells where they tend to undergo metabolism, in part, to sulfates that are then largely excreted into the urine.

Methods

The following sequence of steps, with conditions that achieve high reproducibility, was applied to large human urine samples: (1) competitive nonpolar extraction with a porous extraction paddle; (2) weak anion‐exchange extraction with strong organic washing; and (3) ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/negative ion matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometery (MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS) with recording of ions with signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ≥ 20 that yielded M–1–80 (loss of SO3) or m/z 97 (HSO4−) upon fragmentation.

Results

From a collection of urine samples from six pregnant women, the masses of 1129 putative sulfates were measured. Three lists of candidate compounds (preliminary hits) from these masses were formed by searching METLIN, especially via MATLAB, yielding putative xenobiotic contaminants (35 compounds), steroids (122), and flavonoids (1582).

Conclusions

A new way to reveal some of the nonpolar xenobiotic exposome has been developed that applies to urine samples. The value of the method is to suggest xenobiotics for subsequent targeted analysis in the population of people under study, in order to relate the environment to health and disease. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water Quality Changes Shortly After Low‐Head Dam Removal Examined With Cultural and Microbial Source Tracking Methods
Authors: Bohrerova Z. , Park E. , Halloran K. , Lee J.
Published: August 2016

Short‐term effects of low head dam removal on water quality of urbanized stream were evaluated, focusing on fecal pollution indicators. Composite river samples were analyzed for Escherichia coli concentrations, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity and human‐specific marker (HF183) and antibiotic resistance marker (tetQ) before and after dam removal during dry weather conditions. The sampled Olentangy River water in summer before the dam removal showed poor water quality with mean E. coli concentration of 439 colony forming unit (CFU)/100 mL, mean turbidity of 10 NTU and mean nutrient concentrations of 0.61 and 0.41 mg/L for nitrate and phosphate, respectively. Surprisingly, even one month after the dam removal, E. coli numbers doubled and nitrate concentration tripled compared to pre‐removal concentrations. Although the detected HF183 concentrations were below the quantifiable levels, they did not correlate with E. coli concentrations, suggesting E. coli from other than human fecal origin. The correlation between turbidity and E. coli during dry weather further suggests E. coli accumulation in impoundment sediments and release once dam was removed. These short‐term effects of dam removal on water quality should be further evaluated, especially if recreation and other beneficial uses of water in the area are expected. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal reductive disproportionation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetraphenyldiphenoquinone with drastic color change: Potential prototype of data storage advanced materials
Authors: Hossain Md. Awlad , Akiyama Kazuhiko , Goto Kenta , Sugiura Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2016

The solid‐state thermal reaction of brilliant red 3,3′,5,5′‐tetraphenyldiphenoquinone 1 was examined. Three reductive colorless products, the corresponding hydroquinone and two benzofuran derivatives, were formed at 289.5 °C. Theoretical studies indicated that thermally excited triplet species having radical‐type oxygen atoms participated in the reaction. Single‐crystal diffraction study revealed short atomic contacts between carbonyl oxygen and the ortho‐positions of the phenyl group, and these short atomic contacts would promote the thermal solid‐state reaction. The reductive reactions observed in cumene, a radical propagation solvent and/or a hydrogen radical donating solvent, supported our speculation.
The Study of the Interaction between Doxorubicin and Single‐Stranded DNA
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhou Lu , Wang Jine , Jiang Guimei , Cheng Hui , Pei Renjun
Published: August 2016

The binding properties of doxorubicin with single stranded DNA of various base compositions were determined by fluorescence and circular dischroism assays. The interaction of Dox with ssDNA comprising of single repeating deoxynucleotide was firstly investigated. Dox preferentially bound to the G residues among four bases. Then oligonucleotides covering potential GA, GT, GC or GG binding sites were designed to quantitatively analyze the preferential base composition at the binding site. Dox exhibited better effect on oligonucleotide with GC sites. To testify the binding preference to GC site, GC‐rich oligonucleotides containing two GC fragments with different array modes were employed. Dox was verified to preferentially bind to the GC site of single stranded DNA. The binding of Dox with GC site in single stranded DNA may involve in the cooperation interaction of multiple GC with one Dox molecule. It appears that Dox may prefer stacking interaction with the multiple GC nucleotide bases along the oligonucleotide backbone.
Revisiting the corporate social performance‐financial performance link: A replication of Waddock and Graves
Authors: Zhao Xiaoping , Murrell Audrey J.
Published: August 2016

Research summary: In this study, we revisit the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) by conducting a replication of Waddock and Graves (1997). Using 1990 KLD ratings as the CSP measure, the original study reports a positive bidirectional relationship between CSP and CFP. However, our replication analyses with a larger sample over a longer time period indicate that the findings of the original study may not be generalizable to different samples. We argue that our replication casts doubt on the original study and can serve as a starting point to reconsider the CSP‐CFP relationship. Based on the findings of our replication, we discuss the differences between the replication results and the original findings, and then suggest several approaches to revise and extend the original study.

Managerial summary: Advocates of corporate social performance (CSP) have long argued that “doing good leads to doing well.” However, the evidence to support this argument is not strongly convincing, and managers hence doubt whether better CSP leads to improved corporate financial performance (CFP). In this article, we directly examine the relationship between CSP and CFP. Our article reports that CSP may not have a positive influence on CFP. Instead, our article shows the complexity of the relationship between CSP and CFP. Therefore, we cannot simply argue that doing good will necessarily lead to doing well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Efficient Water Oxidation Photoanode Made of Surface Modified LaTiO2N Particles
Authors: Akiyama Seiji , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Shibata Naoya , Minegishi Tsutomu , Asakura Yusuke , Abdulla‐Al‐Mamun Md. , Hisatomi Takashi , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Katayama Masao , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: August 2016

An improved variation of highly active/durable O2‐evolving LaTiO2N powder‐based photoelectrode has been fabricated by pre‐cleaning the powder with mild polysulfonic acid and by homogeneous deposition of CoOx co‐catalyst aided by microwave annealing. The treatment in aqueous solution of poly(4‐styrene sulfonic acid) results in removal of surface LaTiO2N layers, forming fine pores in the crystallites. The CoOx co‐catalyst by microwave deposition in Co(NH3)6Cl3/ethylene glycol homogeneously covers the particle surface. The LaTiO2N powder is fabricated into particle‐transferred electrodes on Ti thin film supported on solid substrate. The modified LaTiO2N grains on the electrode serve as a highly active O2‐evolving photoanode achieving 8.9 mA cm−2 of the photocurrent density at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 m NaOH (pH 13) under solar‐simulator irradiation Airmass 1.5 Global (AM 1.5G). The activity has been much improved, compared with conventional LaTiO2N treated in mineral acid or with CoOx deposited by impregnation. The new electrode also exhibits better durability in fixed‐potential chronoamperometric tests under AM 1.5G irradiation.
A cloud‐based taxi trace mining framework for smart city
Authors: Liu Jin , Yu Xiao , Xu Zheng , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond , Hong Liang , Cui Xiaohui
Published: August 2016

As a well‐known field of big data applications, smart city takes advantage of massive data analysis to achieve efficient management and sustainable development in the current worldwide urbanization process. An important problem in smart city is how to discover frequent trajectory sequence pattern and cluster trajectory. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a cloud‐based taxi trajectory pattern mining and trajectory clustering framework for smart city. Our work mainly includes (1) preprocessing raw Global Positioning System trace by calling the Baidu API Geocoding; (2) proposing a distributed trajectory pattern mining (DTPM) algorithm based on Spark; and (3) proposing a distributed trajectory clustering (DTC) algorithm based on Spark. The proposed DTPM algorithm and DTC algorithm can overcome the high input/output overhead and communication overhead by adopting in‐memory computation. In addition, the proposed DTPM algorithm can avoid generating redundant local trajectory patterns to significantly improve the overall performance. The proposed DTC algorithm can enhance the performance of trajectory similarity computation by transforming the trajectory similarity calculation into AND and OR operators. Experimental results indicate that DTPM algorithm and DTC algorithm can significantly improve the overall performance and scalability of trajectory pattern mining and trajectory clustering on massive taxi trace data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Quinoline Derivatives Catalyzed by Cationic Transition Metal Complexes of Chiral Diamine Ligands: Scope, Mechanism and Catalyst Recycling
Authors: Luo Yi‐Er , He Yan‐Mei , Fan Qing‐Hua
Published: August 2016

This personal account is focused on the asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines and their analogues recently developed by using phosphorus‐free chiral cationic ruthenium(II)/η6‐arene‐N‐monosulfonylated diamine complexes. In our initial study, the chiral Ru‐diamine complexes were found to be highly effective catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of difficult quinoline substrates in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) with unprecedentedly excellent enantioselectivity. Our further systematic study revealed that a wide range of quinoline derivatives could be efficiently hydrogenated in alcoholic solvents, or under solvent‐free and concentrated conditions with good to excellent stereoselectivity. Complexes of iridium analogues could also efficiently catalyze the asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines in undegassed solvent. Asymmetric tandem reduction of various 2‐(aroylmethyl)quinolines was achieved in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity and good diastereoselectivity. More challenging substrates, alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted 1,5‐ and 1,8‐naphthyridine derivatives were successfully hydrogenated with these chiral ruthenium catalysts to give 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthyridines with good to excellent enantioselectivity. Unlike the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones, quinoline is reduced via a stepwise H+/H‐ transfer process outside the coordination sphere rather than a concerted mechanism. The enantioselectivity originates from the CH/π attraction between the η6‐arene ligand in the Ru‐complex and the fused phenyl ring of dihydroquinoline via a 10‐membered ring transition state with the participation of TfO‐ anion. In addition, the Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines could be carried out in some environmentally benign reaction media, such as undegassed water, RTILs and oligo(ethylene glycol)s (OEGs). In the latter two cases, unique chemoselectivity and/or reactivity were observed. Catalyst recycling could also be realized by using [BMIM]PF6 and OEGs as solvents, as well as via magnetic nanoparticles. Applications of this catalytic protocol were also exemplified by the employments of the reduced products for the syntheses of some important natural alkaloids, pharmaceutical intermediates, as well as chiral diamine ligands.

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Integration by Emerging Economy Multinationals: Perspectives from Chinese Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Muralidharan Etayankara , Wei William , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: August 2016

The integration process of international mergers and acquisitions by emerging economy multinationals is fraught with challenges of liabilities of foreignness and country of origin. We use insights from institutional theory and draw on the experience of Chinese international mergers and acquisitions to explore these challenges faced by emerging economy multinationals during postmerger integration. We find that these challenges, which are primarily caused by informal institutional differences, can be overcome by developing organizational capabilities for integration and employing mechanisms for appropriate control and justice during the integration process. The study contributes to the ongoing discussions about the relevance of sociocultural influences in the successful integration of international mergers and acquisitions. Our framework proposes initiatives that managers from emerging economies can take to overcome postmerger integration challenges. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systems engineering analysis of three‐point and four‐point wind turbine drivetrain configurations
Authors: Guo Y. , Parsons T. , Dykes K. , King R.N.
Published: August 2016

This study compares the impact of drivetrain configuration on the mass and capital cost of a series of wind turbines ranging from 1.5 MW to 5.0 MW power ratings for both land‐based and offshore applications. The analysis is performed with a new physics‐based drivetrain analysis and sizing tool, Drive Systems Engineering (DriveSE), which is part of the Wind‐Plant Integrated System Design & Engineering Model. DriveSE uses physics‐based relationships to size all major drivetrain components according to given rotor loads simulated based on International Electrotechnical Commission design load cases. The model's sensitivity to input loads that contain a high degree of variability was analyzed. Aeroelastic simulations are used to calculate the rotor forces and moments imposed on the drivetrain for each turbine design. DriveSE is then used to size all of the major drivetrain components for each turbine for both three‐point and four‐point configurations. The simulation results quantify the trade‐offs in mass and component costs for the different configurations. On average, a 16.7% decrease in total nacelle mass can be achieved when using a three‐point drivetrain configuration, resulting in a 3.5% reduction in turbine capital cost. This analysis is driven by extreme loads and does not consider fatigue. Thus, the effects of configuration choices on reliability and serviceability are not captured. However, a first order estimate of the sizing, dimensioning and costing of major drivetrain components are made which can be used in larger system studies which consider trade‐offs between subsystems such as the rotor, drivetrain and tower. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering levoglucosan metabolic pathway in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 for lipid production
Authors: Xiong Xiaochao , Lian Jieni , Yu Xiaochen , Garcia-Perez Manuel , Chen Shulin
Published: August 2016

Oleaginous strains of Rhodococcus including R. jostii RHA1 have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAGs), robust growth properties and genetic tractability. In this study, a novel metabolic pathway was introduced into R. jostii by heterogenous expression of the well-characterized gene, lgk encoding levoglucosan kinase from Lipomyces starkeyi YZ-215. This enables the recombinant R. jostii RHA1 to produce TAGs from the anhydrous sugar, levoglucosan, which can be generated efficiently as the major molecule from the pyrolysis of cellulose. The recombinant R. jostii RHA1 could grow on levoglucosan as the sole carbon source, and the consumption rate of levoglucosan was determined. Furthermore, expression of one more copy of lgk increased the enzymatic activity of LGK in the recombinant. However, the growth performance of the recombinant bearing two copies of lgk on levoglucosan was not improved. Although expression of lgk in the recombinants was not repressed by the glucose present in the media, glucose in the sugar mixture still affected consumption of levoglucosan. Under nitrogen limiting conditions, lipid produced from levoglucosan by the recombinant bearing lgk was up to 43.54 % of the cell dry weight, which was comparable to the content of lipid accumulated from glucose. This work demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing lipid from levoglucosan, an anhydrosugar derived from the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials, by the genetically modified rhodococci strains.
Barriers to Green Consumption Behaviours: The Roles of Consumers’ Green Perceptions
Authors: Tan Lay Peng , Johnstone Micael-Lee , Yang Lin
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of consumers’ green perceptions (CGPs) which encompasses consumers’ current perceptions of green products, green consumers, green consumption practices, and green marketing communications. We hypothesise that CGPs may influence their consumption behaviour and how ready they are to be green. Focus groups were used to explore the concept of CGPs. Stage Two involved two surveys in Australia and New Zealand to test and corroborate the themes that were identified in the exploratory study.

We identified five dimensions underpinning CGPs. These include “product perception”, “hard to be green”, “green stigma”, “perceived sense of responsibility” and “readiness to be green”. This paper presents the findings from both studies, provides empirical insights into Australian and New Zealand consumers’ green perceptions and demonstrates the explanatory power of CGPs in predicting green consumption behaviour, in particular their likelihood to purchase green household products.
Reduced endogenous urinary total antioxidant power and its relation of plasma antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yui Kunio , Tanuma Nasoyuki , Yamada Hiroshi , Kawasaki Yohei
Published: August 2016

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have impaired detoxification capacity. Investigating　the neurobiological bases of　impaired antioxidant capacity is thus a research priority in the pathophysiology of ASD.　We measured　the urinary levels of hexanoyl‐lysine (HEL) which is a new oxidative stress　biomarker, total antioxidant power (TAP) and DNA methylation biomarker 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and the plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a major antioxidant enzyme. We examined whether the urinary levels of these enzymes and biomarkers may be related to symptoms of social impairment in 20 individuals with ASD (meanage,11.1 ± 5.2 years) and 12 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (meanage,14.3 ± 6.2 years). Symptoms of social impairment were　assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). The dietary TAP of the fruit juice, chocolate, cookies, biscuits, jam and marmalade were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group, although the intake of nutrients was not significantly different between the groups. The urinary TAP levels were significantly lower in the ASD group than in the control group. There were no significantly differences in urinary HEL and 8‐OHdG levels between the ASD and control groups. The SRS scores were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that urinary TAP levels and plasma SOD levels can differences in the biomarkers and the SRS scores between the ASD group and the control group. The endogenous antioxidant capacity may be deficient without altered urinary HEL and 8‐OHdG levels in individuals with ASD. The plasma SOD levels may be related to reduced endogenous antioxidant capacity.
Female genital mutilation among mothers and daughters in Harar, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Oljira Teshome , Assefa Nega , Dessie Yadeta
Published: August 2016

Objective

To assess the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among mothers and daughters, and to investigate sociodemographic factors influencing the practice of FGM in Harar, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among women aged 15 years or older who had at least one living daughter younger than 12 years via the Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance System 2013. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews. The practice of FGM was compared between mothers and their daughters. Whether the daughter had undergone FGM was included as an outcome variable in bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among 842 mothers, 669 (79.5%) reported that they had undergone FGM themselves, and 160 (19.0%) that their daughter had undergone FGM. Traditional practitioners were said to be the major performers of FGM by 151 (94.4%) mothers. Mothers whose daughter was mutilated mentioned social acceptance (144 [90.0%] women) and better marriage prospects (96 [60.0%]) as the major benefits. Genital mutilation of daughters was significantly associated with maternal age, education to grade 1–4, and FGM experience. Amhara ethnic origin was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of FGM among daughters.

Conclusion

Over one generation, the incidence of FGM has reduced. Increasing advocacy against FGM and enforcement of law should be emphasized.
RETRACTED: Management of postpartum hemorrhage with intrauterine balloon tamponade using a condom catheter in an Egyptian setting
Authors: Kandeel Mohamed , Sanad Zakaria , Ellakwa Hamed , El Halaby Alaa , Rezk Mohamed , Saif Ibrahim
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate uterine balloon tamponade using a condom catheter for the management of early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

In a prospective observational study at Menoufia University Hospital, Shebin Elkom, Egypt, women with early PPH were enrolled between May 2011 and September 2012. Uterine balloon tamponade with a condom catheter was applied in women who were unresponsive to uterotonics and bimanual compression; patients with successful catheter placement were included in analyses. The primary outcome was successful control (reduction or cessation) of bleeding.

Results

A condom catheter was successfully placed for 50 of the 151 women enrolled. The overall success rate of the procedure was 96% (48/50). The condom catheter was successful in all 28 cases of atonic PPH after vaginal or cesarean delivery. It successfully controlled PPH due placental site bleeding in 20 (91%) of 22 patients with placenta previa and a well‐contracted uterus.

Conclusion

Condom balloon catheter was found to effectively control PPH. The procedure is simple, inexpensive, and safe, and can preserve reproductive capacity, as well as saving the life of the mother.

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02672891.
Disaster Medicine in the 21st Century: Future Hazards, Vulnerabilities, and Risk
Authors: Arnold Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2016

The prediction of future disasters drives the priorities, urgencies, and perceived adequacies of disaster management, public policy, and government funding. Disasters always arise from some fundamental dysequilibrium between hazards in the environment and the vulnerabilities of human communities. Understanding the major factors that will tend to produce hazards and vulnerabilities in the future plays a key role in disaster risk assessment.

The factors tending to produce hazards in the 21st Century include population growth, environmental degradation, infectious agents (including biological warfare agents), hazardous materials (industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, nuclear materials, and hazardous waste), economic imbalance (usually within countries), and cultural tribalism. The factors tending to generate vulnerabilities to hazardous events include population growth, aging populations, poverty, maldistribution of populations to disaster-prone areas, urbanization, marginalization of populations to informal settlements within urban areas, and structural vulnerability.

An increasing global interconnectedness also will bring hazards and vulnerabilities together in unique ways to produce familiar disasters in unfamiliar forms and unfamiliar disasters in forms not yet imagined. Despite concerns about novel disasters, many of the disasters common today also will be common tomorrow.

The risk of any given disaster is modifiable through its manageability. Effective disaster management has the potential to counter many of the factors tending to produce future hazards and vulnerabilities. Hazard mitigation and vulnerability reduction based on a clear understanding of the complex causal chains that comprise disasters will be critical in the complex world of the 21st Century.
Psychological Distress Following Urban Earthquakes in California
Authors: Bourque Linda B. , Siegel Judith M. , Shoaf Kimberley I.
Published: August 2016

During and following a disaster caused by a natural event, human populations are thought to be at greater risk of psychological morbidity and mortality directly attributable to increased, disaster-induced stress. Drawing both on the research of others and that conducted at the Center for Public Health and Disaster Relief of the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) following California earthquakes, this paper examines the extent to which research evidence supports these assumptions. Following a brief history of disaster research in the United States, the response of persons at the time of an earthquake was examined with particular attention to psychological morbidity; the number of deaths that can be attributed to cardiovascular events and suicides; and the extent to which and by whom, health services are used following an earthquake. The implications of research findings for practitioners in the field are discussed.
Rapid On-site Defibrillation versus Community Program
Authors: Fedoruk J.C. , Paterson D. , Hlynka M. , Fung K.Y. , Gobet Michael , Currie Wayne
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

For patients who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the time from collapse to initial defibrillation is the single most important factor that affects survival to hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to compare the survival rates of cardiac arrest victims within an institution that has a rapid defibrillation program with those of its own urban community, tiered EMS system.

Methods:

A logistic regression analysis of a retrospective data series (n = 23) and comparative analysis to a second retrospective data series (n = 724) were gathered for the study period September 1994 to September 1999. The first data series included all persons at Casino Windsor who suffered a cardiac arrest. Data collected included: age, gender, death/survival (neurologically intact discharge), presenting rhythm (ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), or other), time of collapse, time to arrival of security personnel, time to initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to defibrillation (when applicable), time to arrival of staff nurse, time to initial defibrillation, and time to return of spontaneous circulation (if any). Significantly, all arrests within this series were witnessed by the surveillance camera system, allowing time of collapse to be accurately determined rather than estimated. These data were compared to those of similar events, times, and intervals for all patients in the greater Windsor area who suffered cardiac arrest. This second series was based upon the Ontario Prehospital Advanced Life Support (OPALS) Study database, as coordinated by the Clinical Epidemiology Unit of the Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa.

Results:

The Casino Windsor had 23 cases of cardiac arrests. Of the cases, 13 (56.5%) were male and 10 (43.5%) were female. All cases (100%) were witnessed. The average of the ages was 61.1 years, of the time to initial defibrillation was 7.7 minutes, and of the time for EMS to reach the patient was 13.3 minutes. The presenting rhythm was VF/VT in 91% of the case. Fifteen patients were discharged alive from hospital for a 65% survival rate. The Greater Windsor Study area included 668 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Of these, 410 (61.4%) were male and 258 (38.6%) were female, 365 (54.6%) were witnessed, and 303 (45.4%) were not witnessed. The initial rhythm was VF/VT was in 34.3%. Thirty-seven (5.5%) were discharged alive from the hospital.

Conclusion:

This study provides further evidence that PAD Programs may enhance cardiac arrest survival rates and should be considered for any venue with large numbers of adults as well as areas with difficult medical access.
Mass Gathering Events: Retrospective Analysis of Patient Presentations over Seven Years
Authors: Zeitz Kathryn M. , Schneider David P.A. , Jarrett Dannielle , Zeitz Christopher J.
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

St John Ambulance Operations Branch Volunteers have been providing first-aid services at the Royal Adelaide Show for 90 years. The project arose from a need to more accurately predict the workload for first-aid providers at mass gathering events. A formal analysis of workload patterns and the determinants of workload had not been performed.

Hypothesis:

Casualty presentation workload would be predicted by factors including day of the week, weather, and crowd size.

Method:

Collated and analyzed casualty reports over a seven-year period representing >7,000 patients who presented for first-aid assistance for that period (63 show days) were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

Casualty presentations correlated significantly with crowd size, maximum daily temperature, humidity, and day of the week. Patient presentation rate had heterogeneous determinants. The most frequent presentation was minor medical problems with Wednesdays attracting higher casualty presentations and more major medical categories.

Conclusion:

Individual event analysis is a useful mechanism to assist in determining resource allocation at mass gathering events providing an evidence base upon which to make decisions about future needs. Subsequent analysis of other events will assist in supporting accurate predictor models.