bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widely Tuning Surface Plasmon Polaritons with Laser‐Induced Bubbles
Authors: Gan Fengyuan , Wang Yujia , Sun Chengwei , Zhang Guorui , Li Hongyun , Chen Jianjun , Gong Qihuang
Published: November 2016

The wide‐range tunable all‐optical plasmonic devices are of importance for the multifunctional photonic circuits of high densities. Here, the laser‐induced bubbles are utilized to widely tune the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in the metallic hole array. Because of the bubbles generation under a pump beam, the equivalent refractive index of the dielectric medium adjacent to the metal surface decreases. This decrease blue‐shifts the transmission spectrum of the hole array. Experimentally, a modulation depth of 18 dB below the critical pump intensity and an index variation of Δn = −0.333 corresponding to a wavelength shift of about Δλ = −200 nm above the critical pump intensity are achieved. Moreover, the transmission intensity at λ = 870 nm can be tuned to cover the whole range from the peak intensity to the valley intensity of the hole array by controlling the size of the bubble. Such a large index variation (Δn = −0.333) and wavelength change (Δλ ≈ −200 nm) can greatly decrease the designing difficulty of the tunable plasmonic devices. Thus, the laser‐induced bubbles under low pump intensities may find important applications, such as efficient modulating as well as tunable color filter, focusing, and imaging with broadband responses.
Safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib in splanchnic vein thrombosis associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Pieri Lisa , Paoli Chiara , Arena Umberto , Marra Fabio , Mori Fabio , Zucchini Mery , Colagrande Stefano , Castellani Alessandro , Masciulli Arianna , Rosti Vittorio , De Stefano Valerio , Betti Silvia , Finazzi Guido , Ferrari Maria Luisa , Rumi Elisa , Ruggeri Marco , Nichele Ilaria , Guglielmelli Paola , Fjerza Rajmonda , Mannarelli Carmela , Fanelli Tiziana , Merli Lucia , Corbizi Fattori Giuditta , Massa Margherita , Cimino Giuseppe , Rambaldi Alessandro , Barosi Giovanni , Cazzola Mario , Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: November 2016

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is one of the vascular complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). We designed a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib in reducing splenomegaly and improving disease‐related symptoms in patients with MPN‐associated SVT. Patients diagnosed with myelofibrosis (12 cases), polycythemia vera (5 cases) and essential thrombocythemia (4 cases) received ruxolitinib for 24 weeks in the core study period. Spleen volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and splanchnic vein circulation by echo‐Doppler analysis. Nineteen patients carried JAK2V617F, one had MPLW515L, and one CALRL367fs*46 mutation. Eighteen patients had spleno‐portal‐mesenteric thrombosis, two had Budd–Chiari syndrome, and one had both sites involved; 16 patients had esophageal varices. Ruxolitinib was well tolerated with hematological toxicities consistent with those of patients without SVT and no hemorrhagic adverse events were recorded. After 24 weeks of treatment, spleen volume reduction ≥35% by MRI was achieved by 6/21 (29%) patients, and a ≥50% spleen length reduction by palpation at any time up to week 24 was obtained by 13/21 (62%) patients. At week 72, 8 of the 13 (62%) patients maintained the spleen response by palpation. No significant effect of treatment on esophageal varices or in splanchnic circulation was observed. MPN‐related symptoms, evaluated by MPN‐symptom assessment form (SAF) TSS questionnaire, improved significantly during the first 4 weeks and remained stable up to week 24. In conclusion, this trial shows that ruxolitinib is safe in patients with MPN‐associated SVT, and effective in reducing spleen size and disease‐related symptoms.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with primary treatment failure: Ultra‐high risk features and benchmarking for experimental therapies
Authors: Costa Luciano J. , Maddocks Kami , Epperla Narendranath , Reddy Nishitha M. , Karmali Reem , Umyarova Elvira , Bachanova Veronika , Costa Cristiana , Glenn Martha J. , Chavez Julio C. , Calzada Oscar , Lansigan Frederick , Nasheed Hossain , Barta Stefan K. , Zhou Zheng , Jaglal Michael , Chhabra Saurabh , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri Francisco , Xavier Ana C. , Mehta Amitkumar , Peker Deniz , Forero‐Torres Andreas , Al‐Mansour Zeina , Evens Andrew M. , Cohen Jonathon B. , Flowers Christopher R. , Fenske Timothy S. , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: November 2016

The outcomes of patients with DLBCL and primary treatment failure (PTF) in the rituximab era are unclear. We analyzed 331 patients with PTF, defined as primary progression while on upfront chemoimmunotherapy (PP), residual disease at the end of upfront therapy (RD) or relapse < 6 months from end of therapy (early relapse; ER). Median age was 58 years and response to salvage was 41.7%. Two‐year OS was 18.5% in PP, 30.6% in RD and 45.5% in ER. The presence of PP, intermediate‐high/high NCCN‐IPI at time of PTF or MYC translocation predicted 2‐year OS of 13.6% constituting ultra‐high risk (UHR) features. Among the 132 patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, 2‐year OS was 74.3%, 59.6% and 10.7% for patients with 0,1 and 2–3 UHR features respectively. Patients with PTF and UHR features should be prioritized for clinical trials with newer agents and innovative cellular therapy.
Evidence of microbiota dysbiosis in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hoggard Michael , Biswas Kristi , Zoing Melissa , Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Taylor Michael W. , Douglas Richard G.
Published: November 2016

Background

Despite considerable research, the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains poorly understood. Potential microbial roles in the etiology or progression of CRS have long been hypothesized, yet few specific associations have been identified. In this study we investigate associations between patterns in resident bacterial communities and clinical variants of CRS.

Methods

Bacterial communities were assessed in 94 patients with extensive bilateral CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and 29 controls undergoing ESS for indications other than CRS. Patients were grouped on the basis of phenotypic variants (with or without polyposis) and clinical parameters, including asthma and cystic fibrosis. Bacterial communities were characterized via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Controls and idiopathic CRS subjects tended to be dominated by members of the genera Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus, together with lower abundances of several other genera, including Streptococcus, Moraxella, and Haemophilus. Aberrant (dysbiotic) bacterial assemblages (with changes in community membership and structure, reduced diversity, and increased bacterial load) and increased inter‐ and intrasubject variability were more common in subjects with comorbidities such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Dysbiotic communities were variably dominated by members of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, Moraxella, or Fusobacterium.

Conclusion

Bacterial community dysbiosis was more apparent than specific associations with examined phenotypes or endotypes, and may play a role in the pathogenesis or influence the severity of CRS. Reductions in several common core bacterial taxa, increased inter‐ and intrasubject variability, reduced bacterial diversity, and increased bacterial load characterized aberrant bacterial communities in CRS.
Sinus surgery can improve quality of life, lung infections, and lung function in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Alanin Mikkel Christian , Aanaes Kasper , Høiby Niels , Pressler Tania , Skov Marianne , Nielsen Kim Gjerum , Johansen Helle Krogh , von Buchwald Christian
Published: November 2016

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and bacterial sinusitis are ubiquitous in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). From the sinuses, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect the lungs.

Methods

We studied the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on symptoms of CRS and lower airway infections in PCD patients in a prospective single‐arm intervention study of ESS with adjuvant therapy using nasal irrigation with saline, topical nasal steroids, and 2 weeks of systemic antibiotics. Additional treatment with local colistin for 6 months was instigated when P. aeruginosa was cultured at ESS.

Results

Twenty‐four PCD patients underwent ESS to search for an infectious focus (n = 10), due to severe symptoms of CRS (n = 8), or both (n = 6). Bacteria were cultured from sinus samples in 21 patients (88%), and simultaneous sinus and lung colonization with identical pathogens were observed in 13 patients (62%). Four patients with preoperative P. aeruginosa lung colonization (25%) had no regrowth during follow‐up; 2 of these had P. aeruginosa sinusitis. Sinonasal symptoms were improved 12 months after ESS and we observed a trend toward better lung function after ESS.

Conclusion

We demonstrated an improvement in CRS‐related symptoms after ESS and adjuvant therapy. In selected PCD patients, the suggested regimen may postpone chronic lung infection with P. aeruginosa and stabilize lung function.
Click and Release: A Chemical Strategy toward Developing Gasotransmitter Prodrugs by Using an Intramolecular Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Ji Xingyue , Zhou Cheng , Ji Kaili , Aghoghovbia Robert E. , Pan Zhixiang , Chittavong Vayou , Ke Bowen , Wang Binghe
Published: November 2016

Prodrug strategies have been proven to be a very effective way of addressing delivery problems. Much of the chemistry in prodrug development relies on the ability to mask an appropriate functional group, which can be removed under appropriate conditions. However, developing organic prodrugs of gasotransmitters represent unique challenges. This is especially true with carbon monoxide, which does not have an easy “handle” for bioreversible derivatization. By taking advantage of an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, we have developed a prodrug strategy for preparations of organic CO prodrugs that are stable during synthesis and storage, and yet readily release CO with tunable release rates under near physiological conditions. The effectiveness of the CO prodrug system in delivering a sufficient quantity of CO for possible therapeutic applications has been studied using a cell culture anti‐inflammatory assay and a colitis animal model. These studies fully demonstrate the proof of concept, and lay a strong foundation for further medicinal chemistry work in developing organic CO prodrugs.
The effect of a p‐phenylen‐bis‐maleamic acid grafted atactic polypropylene interface agent on the impact properties of iPP/mica composites
Authors: García‐Martínez Jesús María , Taranco Jesús , Collar Emilia P.
Published: November 2016

The present article is twofold. One of the purposes of this work lies in the study of the impact behavior of the polypropylene/mica system incorporating an interface modifier obtained from an industrial polymerization byproduct. The interface agent used was a p‐phenylen‐bis‐maleamic grafted atactic polypropylene (aPP‐pPBMA) obtained in our labs. The other objective is to obtain a mathematical model capable of forecasting the composite properties accurately. Consequently, this work has been undertaken by using a statistical Box‐Wilson experimental design in order to model the behavior of the composite system in terms of Charpy impact parameters. Two independent variables have been considered, the amount of mica particles and of interface agent. Impact strength, maximum force, and deformation were the dependent variables in the models. The existence of critical values in mica and interface agent optimizing the impact behavior is established. Additionally, an excellent correlation between the impact strength and the strength results coming from flexural and tensile tests is found. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44619.
Degradable epoxy resins based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and silyl ether amine curing agents
Authors: Bassampour Zahra S. , Budy Stephen M. , Son David Y.
Published: November 2016

A series of silyl ether amine curing agents were synthesized by selective substitution reactions of chloroalkylsilanes or the transetherification of alkoxysilanes. Crosslinked networks were prepared by mixing a stoichiometric ratio of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (D.E.R 331) with the amine curing agents. The networks were characterized by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, and DMA. The onset of thermal degradation, glass transition temperatures, and storage moduli for the networks were 350 °C, 70–108 °C, and 5–25 MPa, respectively. The degradation behavior of the cured samples was monitored for 30 days in PBS, NaOH 5% (w/v), and HCl 5% (v/v) solutions and the degradation products were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The thermal, mechanical, and degradation studies indicated that crosslink density, Tg, storage modulus, and the rate of degradation were affected by the functionality of the amine curing agents and the number of hydrolyzable silyl ether bonds present per mole of curing agent. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44620.
Effects of zinc oxide on pretreated multiwalled‐carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced biobased polyesters
Authors: Islam M. R. , Yahaya A. N. , Isa N.
Published: November 2016

In this study, the effects of the incorporation of microsized zinc oxide (ZnO) on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐reinforced palm‐oil‐based polyester (POPE) were investigated in terms of the UV absorbability, mechanical strength, thermal stability, surface resistivity, and morphology. POPE was prepared by alcoholysis and an esterification process with glycerol, palm oil, and phthalic anhydride. The MWCNTs were dispersed into POPE under in situ conditions during the esterification reaction, whereas ZnO was distributed into the MWCNT‐filled POPE resin with an ultrasound technique. The surface morphology was examined to understand the dispersion of the fillers inside the polymer matrix with field emission scanning electron microscopy. In addition, UV absorbability was observed with a UV–visible spectrophotometer. From the results analysis, the surface resistivity was found to be unchanged by the presence of the ZnO particles. In addition, incorporation of ZnO improved the UV absorbability. Moreover, the tensile strength of the ZnO‐based POPE was found to be slightly lower compared with that of the MWCNT‐filled POPE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44627.
Optimal design of longitudinal data analysis using generalized estimating equation models
Authors: Liu Jingxia , Colditz Graham A.
Published: November 2016

Longitudinal studies are often applied in biomedical research and clinical trials to evaluate the treatment effect. The association pattern within the subject must be considered in both sample size calculation and the analysis. One of the most important approaches to analyze such a study is the generalized estimating equation (GEE) proposed by Liang and Zeger, in which “working correlation structure” is introduced and the association pattern within the subject depends on a vector of association parameters denoted by ρ. The explicit sample size formulas for two‐group comparison in linear and logistic regression models are obtained based on the GEE method by Liu and Liang. For cluster randomized trials (CRTs), researchers proposed the optimal sample sizes at both the cluster and individual level as a function of sampling costs and the intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC). In these approaches, the optimal sample sizes depend strongly on the ICC. However, the ICC is usually unknown for CRTs and multicenter trials. To overcome this shortcoming, Van Breukelen et al. consider a range of possible ICC values identified from literature reviews and present Maximin designs (MMDs) based on relative efficiency (RE) and efficiency under budget and cost constraints. In this paper, the optimal sample size and number of repeated measurements using GEE models with an exchangeable working correlation matrix is proposed under the considerations of fixed budget, where “optimal” refers to maximum power for a given sampling budget. The equations of sample size and number of repeated measurements for a known parameter value ρ are derived and a straightforward algorithm for unknown ρ is developed. Applications in practice are discussed. We also discuss the existence of the optimal design when an AR(1) working correlation matrix is assumed. Our proposed method can be extended under the scenarios when the true and working correlation matrix are different.
Increased thalamic centrality and putamen–thalamic connectivity in patients with parkinsonian resting tremor
Authors: Gu Quanquan , Cao Hengyi , Xuan Min , Luo Wei , Guan Xiaojun , Xu Jingjing , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Minming , Xu Xiaojun
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Evidence has indicated a strong association between hyperactivity in the cerebello‐thalamo‐motor cortical loop and resting tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD). Within this loop, the thalamus serves as a central hub based on its structural centrality in the generation of resting tremor. To study whether this thalamic abnormality leads to an alteration at the whole‐brain level, our study investigated the role of the thalamus in patients with parkinsonian resting tremor in a large‐scale brain network context.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with PD (22 with resting tremor, TP and 19 without resting tremor, NTP) and 45 healthy controls (HC) were included in this resting‐state functional MRI study. Graph theory‐based network analysis was performed to examine the centrality measures of bilateral thalami across the three groups. To further provide evidence to the central role of the thalamus in parkinsonian resting tremor, the seed‐based functional connectivity analysis was then used to quantify the functional interactions between the basal ganglia and the thalamus.

Results

Compared with the HC group, patients with the TP group exhibited increased degree centrality (p < .04), betweenness centrality (p < .01), and participation coefficient (p < .01) in the bilateral thalami. Two of these alterations (degree centrality and participation coefficient) were significantly correlated with tremor severity, especially in the left hemisphere (p < .02). The modular analysis showed that the TP group had more intermodular connections between the thalamus and the regions within the cerebello‐thalamo‐motor cortical loop. Furthermore, the data revealed significantly enhanced functional connectivity between the putamen and the thalamus in the TP group (p = .027 corrected for family‐wise error).

Conclusions

These findings suggest increased thalamic centrality as a potential tremor‐specific imaging measure for PD, and provide evidence for the altered putamen–thalamic interaction in patients with resting tremor.
The influence of social identity on value perceptions and intention
Authors: McGowan Miriam , Shiu Edward , Hassan Louise M.
Published: November 2016

Despite much research on consumers' brand identification, researchers remain divided regarding the conceptualization of the dimensions underlying social identity and how these dimensions impact marketing outcome variables. Further, previous studies have failed to examine the underlying psychological process driving this effect. The current research is the first to assess the importance of affective social identity as the mediator through which cognitive social identity impacts consumers' purchase intentions by ways of emotional and social value. Results show that affective social identity mediates the relationship between cognitive social identity and emotional value, where affect is the main driver in the formation of purchase intention. This study highlights the need to model cognitive and affective social identity separately and provides insight into how consumers' social identification influences their perceptions of identity‐linked products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maintenance buprenorphine for adults, but tapers for teens: Why?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2016

In an age of opioid use disorders and more than 70 overdose deaths a day from opioids in the United States, adolescents are usually not given the treatment that is recommended for adults: maintenance with an agonist medication (buprenorphine or methadone). Since methadone is only dispensed in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and most states require patients to have been dependent on opioids for at least a year, buprenorphine, which is approved for ages 16 or older, is an obvious choice. For a variety of reasons, buprenorphine maintenance for adolescents can be viewed as more of an innovation than a practice. In particular, maintenance with the medications is apparently not even under consideration, with various taper lengths being done instead, despite research showing that tapers end with more than nine out of ten patients relapsing.
On‐Demand Release of Hydrosoluble Drugs from a Paramagnetic Porous Collagen‐Based Scaffold
Authors: Bettini Simona , Bonfrate Valentina , Madaghiele Marta , Salvatore Luca , Syrgiannis Zois , Giancane Gabriele , Valli Ludovico
Published: November 2016

The design of a collagen scaffold containing iron oxide nanostructures capped by a TiO2 (anatase) layer is reported. The TiO2 shell is proposed to perform a dual role: 1) as an innovative and biocompatible cross‐linker agent, providing binding sites to the protein moiety, through the well‐known TiO2 chemical affinity towards carboxyl groups, and 2) as a protective surface layer for the paramagnetic core against oxidation. Simultaneously, the presence of the nanostructures confers to the collagen gel sensitivity to an external stimulus; that is, the application of a magnetic field. The hybrid biomaterial was demonstrated to be nontoxic and is proposed as a smart scaffold for the release of bioactive compounds on demand. The tuneable release of a model protein (myoglobin) upon application of a magnetic field was investigated. Myoglobin was loaded in the microporous material and discharge was induced by consecutive magnet applications, leading to release of the protein with high spatio–temporal and dosage control.
Reactions Catalysed by a Binuclear Copper Complex: Aerobic Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of N‐Aryl Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Wang Chao , Xue Dong , Xiao Miao , Li Chaoqun , Xiao Jianliang
Published: November 2016

Binuclear copper complex [{Cu(Sal)2(NCMe)}2] (Sal=salicylate) was found to be an active catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of N‐aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines to the corresponding iminium ions, which could be trapped by a wide range of nucleophiles to form coupled products. The reactions took place under 1 bar of O2 at room temperature with 1 mol % of the copper catalyst being sufficient in most cases, and are considerably accelerated by catalytic chloride anions. Mechanistic studies show that the CuII dimer oxidizes the amine to the iminium ion, and this two‐electron process requires O2, whereby the resulting CuI is concomitantly reoxidised back to CuII. Various lines of evidence suggest that the oxidative coupling reaction is turnover‐limited by the step of iminium formation, and it is this step that is promoted by the chloride anion. Since it is more efficient than and mechanistically distinct from the well‐studied simple copper salts such as CuBr and CuCl2, the binuclear copper catalyst provides a new tool for oxidative coupling reactions.
The multivariate leptokurtic‐normal distribution and its application in model‐based clustering
Authors: Bagnato Luca , Punzo Antonio , Zoia Maria G.
Published: November 2016

This article proposes the elliptical multivariate leptokurtic‐normal (MLN) distribution to fit data with excess kurtosis. The MLN distribution is a multivariate Gram–Charlier expansion of the multivariate normal (MN) distribution and has a closed‐form representation characterized by one additional parameter denoting the excess kurtosis. It is obtained from the elliptical representation of the MN distribution, by reshaping its generating variate with the associated orthogonal polynomials. The strength of this approach for obtaining the MLN distribution lies in its general applicability as it can be applied to any multivariate elliptical law to get a suitable distribution to fit data. Maximum likelihood is discussed as a parameter estimation technique for the MLN distribution. Mixtures of MLN distributions are also proposed for robust model‐based clustering. An EM algorithm is presented to obtain estimates of the mixture parameters. Benchmark real data are used to show the usefulness of mixtures of MLN distributions.The Canadian Journal of Statistics45: 95–119; 2017 © 2016 Statistical Society of Canada
Squash cytology of tanycytic ependymoma: A report of two cases
Authors: Chaudhuri Priyanka Maity , Chaudhuri Shubhamitra , Chakrabarty Debashis , Chatterjee Sandip , Datta Chhanda , Chaudhuri Manoj Kumar , Chatterjee Uttara
Published: November 2016

Tanycytic ependymoma is a rare variant of ependymoma which has a predilection for the spinal cord. It is a WHO grade II tumour with favourable outcome. Although squash cytology of ependymoma is well described, there is sparse literature available on squash cytomorphology of tanycytic variant. Here we present two cases of squash cytology of tanycytic ependymoma. In the first case the diagnosis of tanycytic ependymoma was considered. However, in the second case a diagnosis of usual ependymoma was offered. Subsequently histopathology confirmed tanycytic nature in both the cases. In this article we discuss the squash cytological features of tanycytic ependymoma along with its differential diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:270–273. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitrogen:phosphorous supply ratio and allometry in five alpine plant species
Authors: Luo Xi , Mazer Susan J. , Guo Hui , Zhang Nan , Weiner Jacob , Hu Shuijin
Published: November 2016

In terrestrial ecosystems, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has greatly increased N availability relative to other elements, particularly phosphorus (P). Alterations in the availability of N relative to P can affect plant growth rate and functional traits, as well as resource allocation to above‐ versus belowground biomass (MAandMB). Biomass allocation among individual plants is broadly size‐dependent, and this can often be described as an allometric relationship betweenMAandMB, as represented by the equation, or logMA = logα + βlogMB. Here, we investigated whether the scaling exponent or regression slope may be affected by the N:P supply ratio. We hypothesized that the regression slope betweenMAandMBshould be steeper under a high N:P supply ratio due to P limitation, and shallower under a low N:P supply ratio due to N limitation. To test these hypotheses, we experimentally altered the levels of N, P, and the N:P supply ratio (from 1.7:1 to 135:1) provided to five alpine species representing two functional groups (grasses and composite forbs) under greenhouse conditions; we then measured the effects of these treatments on plant morphology and tissue content (SLA, leaf area, and leaf and root N/P concentrations) and on the scaling relationship betweenMAandMB. Unbalanced N:P supply ratios generally negatively affected plant biomass, leaf area, and tissue nutrient concentration in both grasses and composite forbs. High N:P ratios increased tissue N:P ratios in both functional groups, but more in the two composite forbs than in the grasses. The positive regression slopes between logMAand logMBexhibited by plants raised under a N:P supply ratio of 135:1 were significantly steeper than those observed under the N:P ratio of 1.7:1 and 15:1. Synthesis: Plant biomass allocation is highly plastic in response to variation in the N:P supply ratio. Studies of resource allocation of individual plants should focus on the effects of nutrient ratios as well as the availability of individual elements. The two forb species were more sensitive than grasses to unbalanced N:P supplies. To evaluate the adaptive significance of this plasticity, the effects of unbalanced N:P supply ratio on individual lifetime fitness must be measured.
Microfluidic Electrolyzers for Production and Separation of Hydrogen from Sea Water using Naturally Abundant Solar Energy
Authors: Rarotra Saptak , Mandal Tapas K. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: November 2016

We report the design and development of a microfluidic electrolyzer for the continuous production and in situ separation of hydrogen fuel. A series of photovoltaic cells was integrated with a microchannel to produce a high‐intensity electric field under direct solar illumination, which electrolyzed the sea water in the microchannel. The rate of hydrogen production could be varied by tuning the electric field intensity or the flow rate of the sea water. The addition of an outlet near the cathode led to the in situ separation of hydrogen in the straight‐channel electrolyzer. Hydrogen was also separated from oxygen by using a Y‐shaped electrolyzer in which the electrodes were placed on the Y‐arms. The power required for the proposed process was much lower than that of macroscopic analogues because the smaller gap between the electrodes ensured a lower electrical resistance and high‐intensity field inside the microchannel. The large‐scale integration of an array of such electrolyzers could lead to an economic, portable, continuous, and clean pathway to produce hydrogen under ambient conditions.
Harvesting Renewable Energy for Carbon Dioxide Catalysis
Authors: Navarrete Alexander , Centi Gabriele , Bogaerts Annemie , Martín Ángel , York Andrew , Stefanidis Georgios D.
Published: November 2016

The use of renewable energy (RE) to transform carbon dioxide into commodities (i.e., CO2 valorization) will pave the way towards a more sustainable economy in the coming years. But how can we efficiently use this energy (mostly available as electricity or solar light) to drive the necessary (catalytic) transformations? This paper presents a review of the technological advances in the transformation of carbon dioxide by means of RE. The socioeconomic implications and chemical basis of the transformation of carbon dioxide with RE are discussed. Then a general view of the use of RE to activate the (catalytic) transformations of carbon dioxide with microwaves, plasmas, and light is presented. The fundamental phenomena involved are introduced from a catalytic and reaction device perspective to present the advantages of this energy form as well as the inherent limitations of the present state‐of‐the‐art. It is shown that efficient use of RE requires the redesign of current catalytic concepts. In this context, a new kind of reaction system, an energy‐harvesting device, is proposed as a new conceptual approach for this endeavor. Finally, the challenges that lie ahead for the efficient and economical use of RE for carbon dioxide conversion are exposed.
Comparison of antioxidant activities among four kinds of Japanese traditional fermented tea
Authors: Horie Masanori , Nara Kazuhiro , Sugino Sakiko , Umeno Aya , Yoshida Yasukazu
Published: November 2016

Antioxidant activities of four kinds of Japanese traditional fermented tea, Gishi‐cha, Ishizuchi‐kurocha, Awa‐bancha, and Batabatacha, were compared. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by three parameters: copper ion reduction ability, radical trapping ability, and oxygen consumption rate. Processes of fermentation of these fermented teas are different. Goichi‐cha and Ishizuchi‐kurocha are produced by a two‐stage fermentation process, aerobic fermentation and subsequent anaerobic fermentation. Awa‐bancha is produced by anaerobic fermentation. And batabata‐cha is produced by aerobic fermentation. Additionally, unfermented green tea was also employed as control. These tea leaves were extracted by boiling water and measured antioxidant activities. And concentrations of caffeine and catechins were measured in green tea and in the four kinds of fermented tea: Ishizuchi‐kurocha, Goishi‐cha, Awa‐Bancha, and Batabata‐cha. Concentrations of caffeine and catechins were lower in the fermented teas than in green tea. Among the fermented teas, epigallocatechin content was the highest in Ishizuchi‐kurocha, whereas Batabata‐cha hardly contained any epigallocatechin. Goichi‐cha, Ishizuchi‐kurocha, and Awa‐bancha showed antioxidative activity regardless of measurement method. Batabatacha had hardly any antioxidative activity. Among the fermented teas, Ishizuchi‐kurocha had the strongest antioxidant activity. The antioxidative activities of green tea and the four kinds of fermented tea were significantly different among each other (p < .01). Implication of this study is as follows: although contents of catechins were lower than that of green tea, three kinds of fermented tea showed antioxidative activity comparable to green tea. The results suggest that anaerobic fermentation process is beneficial at least for antioxidative activity.
(En)visioning place‐based adaptation to sea‐level rise
Authors: O'Neill Saffron J. , Graham Sonia
Published: November 2016

Sustainable climate change adaptation requires an understanding of people's place attachments, so that potential impacts and trade‐offs are illuminated when making adaptation decisions. Methods are needed that elucidate these important, but often intangible, place attachments at risk. A study was undertaken to explore place attachment, and how these person–place bonds might be impacted by flooding and sea‐level rise. It engaged with a small town in coastal Australia that is already highly vulnerable to flooding, and which has been subject to numerous policy directives intended to reduce climate change‐induced flood risk. The town therefore acts as an analogue for climate change adaptation in other semi‐rural coastal communities. Photo‐elicitation was found to be highly effective at elucidating multifarious dimensions of residents' place attachment. The attachments that were likely to be affected by flooding (and adapting to flood risk) were encapsulated in: the personal and communal identities associated with the tourism and fishing industries, the sense of belonging from living and re‐living family connections to local places, and the sense of community and enjoyment derived from diverse recreational activities. The photo‐elicitation process provided different outcomes to conventional interviews, focus groups and questionnaires. Participants sought to both vision (by elucidating their current experiences) and re‐envision (in advocating for different futures) their everyday experiences of adapting to flooding through their photographs and accompanying narratives. A video introduction to this paper is available at: https://vimeo.com/83484905.
fMRI single trial discovery of spatio‐temporal brain activity patterns
Authors: Allegra Michele , Seyed‐Allaei Shima , Pizzagalli Fabrizio , Baftizadeh Fahimeh , Maieron Marta , Reverberi Carlo , Laio Alessandro , Amati Daniele
Published: November 2016

There is growing interest in the description of short‐lived patterns in the spatiotemporal cortical activity monitored via neuroimaging. Most traditional analysis methods, designed to estimate relatively long‐term brain dynamics, are not always appropriate to capture these patterns. Here we introduce a novel data‐driven approach for detecting short‐lived fMRI brain activity patterns. Exploiting Density Peak Clustering (Rodriguez and Laio [2014]), our approach reveals well localized clusters by identifying and grouping together voxels whose time‐series are similar, irrespective of their brain location, even when very short time windows (∼10 volumes) are used. The method, which we call Coherence Density Peak Clustering (CDPC), is first tested on simulated data and compared with a standard unsupervised approach for fMRI analysis, independent component analysis (ICA). CDPC identifies activated voxels with essentially no false‐positives and proves more reliable than ICA, which is troubled by a number of false positives comparable to that of true positives. The reliability of the method is demonstrated on real fMRI data from a simple motor task, containing brief iterations of the same movement. The clusters identified are found in regions expected to be involved in the task, and repeat synchronously with the paradigm. The methodology proposed is especially suitable for the study of short‐time brain dynamics and single trial experiments, where the event or task of interest cannot be repeated for the same subject, as happens, for instance, in problem‐solving, learning and decision‐making. A GUI implementation of our method is available for download at https://github.com/micheleallegra/CDPC. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1421–1437, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Head and neck surgical subspecialty training in Africa: Sustainable models to improve cancer care in developing countries
Authors: Fagan Johannes J. , Zafereo Mark , Aswani Joyce , Netterville James L. , Koch Wayne
Published: November 2016

Background

Cancer poses a health crisis in the developing world where surgery is the mainstay of treatment for head and neck cancers. However, a shortage of surgeons with appropriate skills exists. How do we train head and neck surgeons in developing countries and avoid a brain drain? The ideal model provides appropriate affordable training leading to establishment of head and neck cancer centers that teach and train others.

Methods

Different head and neck surgery training models are presented based on the personal experiences of the authors. Surgical exposure of head and neck fellows in Cape Town and (potentially) in Nairobi is benchmarked against programs in the United States.

Results

Surgical exposure in Cape Town is equivalent to that in the United States, but more appropriate to a developing world setting.

Conclusion

Training can be achieved in a number of ways, which may be complimentary. Fellowship training is possible in developing countries. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 605–611, 2017
A novel glucagon‐like peptide 1/glucagon receptor dual agonist improves steatohepatitis and liver regeneration in mice
Authors: Valdecantos M. Pilar , Pardo Virginia , Ruiz Laura , Castro‐Sánchez Luis , Lanzón Borja , Fernández‐Millán Elisa , García‐Monzón Carmelo , Arroba Ana I. , González‐Rodríguez Águeda , Escrivá Fernando , Álvarez Carmen , Rupérez Francisco J. , Barbas Coral , Konkar Anish , Naylor Jacqui , Hornigold David , Santos Ana Dos , Bednarek Maria , Grimsby Joseph , Rondinone Cristina M. , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: November 2016

Because nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with impaired liver regeneration, we investigated the effects of G49, a dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor agonist, on NASH and hepatic regeneration. C57Bl/6 mice fed chow or a methionine and choline–deficient (MCD) diet for 1 week were divided into 4 groups: control (chow diet), MCD diet, chow diet plus G49, and M+G49 (MCD diet plus G49). Mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks were divided into groups: HFD and H+G49 (HFD plus G49). Following 2 (MCD groups) or 3 (HFD groups) weeks of treatment with G49, partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed, and all mice were maintained on the same treatment schedule for 2 additional weeks. Analysis of liver function, hepatic regeneration, and comprehensive genomic and metabolic profiling were conducted. NASH was ameliorated in the M+G49 group, manifested by reduced inflammation, steatosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. G49 treatment was also associated with replenishment of intrahepatic glucose due to enhanced gluconeogenesis and reduced glucose use through the pentose phosphate cycle and oxidative metabolism. Following PH, G49 treatment increased survival, restored the cytokine‐mediated priming phase, and enhanced the proliferative capacity and hepatic regeneration ratio in mice on the MCD diet. NASH markers remained decreased in M+G49 mice after PH, and glucose use was shifted to the pentose phosphate cycle and oxidative metabolism. G49 administered immediately after PH was also effective at alleviating the pathological changes induced by the MCD diet. Benefits in terms of liver regeneration were also found in mice fed HFD and treated with G49. Conclusion: Dual‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor agonists such as G49 represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with NASH and particularly those requiring PH. (Hepatology 2017;65:950‐968).
ICT as a Strategic Enhancer in Small Firms: A Study of New Zealand and Scotland
Authors: Galloway Laura , Sanders John , Bensemann Jo
Published: November 2016

ICT use in small firms in New Zealand and Scotland is strategic but not necessarily associated with growth via external markets.
Business Patterns and Strategic Change
Authors: Beynon‐Davies Paul , Jones Paul , White Gareth R.T.
Published: November 2016

Using pattern comics, an approach to visualization offers an innovative way of making sense of the issue of strategic change, particularly as it concerns the domains of electronic business and electronic commerce.
The Adoption and Impact of ICT in South African SMEs
Authors: Gono Sinfree , Harindranath G. , Berna Özcan Gül
Published: November 2016

Using the technology–organization–environment model, this study investigates the adoption and impact of information and communications technology by small and medium‐sized enterprises in South Africa.
Adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of gastric cancer at risk for peritoneal carcinomatosis: A systematic review
Authors: Feingold Paul L. , Kwong Mei Li M. , Davis Jeremy L. , Rudloff Udo
Published: November 2016

The peritoneal surface is a frequent site of recurrence following surgery for gastric cancer. A systematic review and random effect analysis was undertaken to analyze current literature regarding the role of adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gastric cancer. While pooled analysis supports the use of adjuvant IP chemotherapy in resectable gastric cancer, maximal benefit occured with intra‐operative delivery, and possibly the use of MMC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:192–201. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combining field‐amplified sample stacking with moving reaction boundary electrophoresis on a paper chip for the preconcentration and separation of metal ions
Authors: Ouyang Liangfei , Liu Qian , Liang Heng
Published: November 2016

A common drawback of paper‐based separation devices is their poor detection limit. In this study, we combined field‐amplified sample stacking with moving reaction boundary electrophoresis on a paper chip with six array channels for the parallel separation and concentration of multiple samples. With a new hyphenated technique, the brown I2 from the Fe3+/I− oxidation–reduction reaction emerged near the boundary between the dilute ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and potassium iodide and highly concentrated KCl solutions. For the separation and concentration of three components, Cr3+, Cu2+, and Fe3+, the Fe3+ detection limit was improved at least 266‐fold by comparing the hyphenated technique with moving reaction boundary electrophoresis. The detection limit of Fe3+ was found to be as low as 0.34 ng (20 μM) on the paper chip. We also demonstrated the analysis of a real sample of four metal ions, with detection limits as follows: 0.16 μg Cr3+, 1.5 μg Ni2+, 0.64 μg Cu2+, and 1.5 μg Co2+. The synergy of field‐amplified sample stacking and moving reaction boundary electrophoresis in the micron paper‐based array channels dramatically improved the detection limit and throughput of paper‐based electrophoresis.
The Orange Side of Disperse Red 1: Humidity‐Driven Color Switching in Supramolecular Azo‐Polymer Materials Based on Reversible Dye Aggregation
Authors: Schoelch Simon , Vapaavuori Jaana , Rollet Frédéric‐Guillaume , Barrett Christopher J.
Published: November 2016

Humidity detection, and the quest for low‐cost facile humidity‐sensitive indicator materials is of great interest for many fields, including semi‐conductor processing, food transport and storage, and pharmaceuticals. Ideal humidity‐detection materials for a these applications might be based on simple clear optical readout with no power supply, i.e.: a clear color change observed by the naked eye of any untrained observer, since it doesn't require any extra instrumentation or interpretation. Here, the introduction of a synthesis‐free one‐step procedure, based on physical mixing of easily available commercial materials, for producing a humidity memory material which can be easily painted onto a wide variety of surfaces and undergoes a remarkable color change (approximately 100 nm blue‐shift of λMAX) upon exposure to various thresholds of levels of ambient humidity is reported. This strong color change, easily visible to as a red‐to‐orange color switch, is locked in until inspection, but can then be restored reversibly if desired, after moderate heating. By taking advantage of spontaneously‐forming reversible ‘soft’ supramolecular bonds between a red‐colored azo dye and a host polymer matrix, a reversible dye ‘migration’ aggregation appearing orange, and dis‐aggregation back to red can be achieved, to function as the sensor.

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Chiral Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective α‐Amidoalkylation Reactions: A Joint Experimental and Predictive Study
Authors: Aranzamendi Eider , Arrasate Sonia , Sotomayor Nuria , González‐Díaz Humberto , Lete Esther
Published: November 2016

Enamides with a free NH group have been evaluated as nucleophiles in chiral Brønsted acid‐catalyzed enantioselective α‐amidoalkylation reactions of bicyclic hydroxylactams for the generation of quaternary stereocenters. A quantitative structure–reactivity relationship (QSRR) method has been developed to find a useful tool to rationalize the enantioselectivity in this and related processes and to orient the catalyst choice. This correlative perturbation theory (PT)‐QSRR approach has been used to predict the effect of the structure of the substrate, nucleophile, and catalyst, as well as the experimental conditions, on the enantioselectivity. In this way, trends to improve the experimental results could be found without engaging in a long‐term empirical investigation.
Toxicity of Insensitive Munition (IMX) Formulations and Components
Authors: Johnson Mark S. , Eck William S. , Lent Emily M.
Published: November 2016

New insensitive munitions are being developed to minimize the acute hazards associated with non‐intentional detonation of warheads. Two components often used in munition formulations have limited toxicity data, i.e., 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO) and 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN). Oral acute, subacute, and subchronic studies have recently been completed. The primary adverse effect from subchronic oral NTO exposure was hypospermia, which followed a dose‐dependent trend. Effects from DNAN exposure include reduced body weight, anemia, and neurotoxicity. Occupational exposure levels (OEL) have recently been developed for NTO and DNAN. However, other concerns regarding environmental issues have been raised. Herein we present the latest toxicity data and interpretations for NTO and DNAN as well as the third component of IMX‐101, nitroguanidine (NQ), and describe a process to assist with holistic environmental, safety, and occupational health assessment for sustained production and use.