bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Processible Brilliantly Luminescent EuIII Complexes with Host‐Featured Phosphine Oxide Ligands for Monochromic Red‐Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Jianzhe , Han Chunmiao , Xie Guohua , Wei Ying , Xue Qin , Yan Pengfei , Xu Hui
Published: July 2014

A series of solution‐processible electroluminescent (EL) Eu3+ complexes were constructed with a self‐host strategy, in which neutral ligands were employed as functionalized bidentate phosphine oxide (PO) ligands named DPEPOArn (DPEPO=bis(2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl) ether oxide). The solubility of these complexes was dramatically improved owing to the increased ratios of organic components. This further enhanced the antenna effect of these ligands in both singlet and triplet energy‐transfer processes to support high photoluminescent quantum yields (PLQYs) up to 86 % for their Eu3+ complexes, which is outstanding among conjugated Eu3+ complexes. Density function theory (DFT) simulations and electrochemical analysis further verified the contributions of DPEPOArn to the carrier injecting/transporting ability of the complexes. In this sense, these functionalized PO ligands served as hosts in optoelectronic processes, which rendered the self‐host feature of their Eu3+ complexes. With the enhanced electrical properties, the spin‐coated single‐layer organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) of these complexes achieved improved low driving voltages, such as onset voltages about 6 V, compared to their Eu3+‐contained red‐emitting polymeric analogues. [Eu(DBM)3DPEPODPNA2] (DBM=1,3‐diphenylpropane‐1,3‐dione, DPNA=diphenylnaphthylamine) with the most enhanced electrical properties and suitable frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and triplet state locations endowed its devices with the biggest maximum luminance of >90 cd m−2 and the highest EL efficiencies. This work verified the potential of small molecular EL Eu3+ complexes for solution‐processed OLEDs through rational function integrations.
One‐Pot Decarboxylative Acylation of N‐, O‐, S‐Nucleophiles and Peptides with 2,2‐Disubstituted Malonic Acids
Authors: Lebedyeva Iryna O. , Biswas Suvendu , Goncalves Kevin , Sileno Sean M. , Jackson Ashton R. , Patel Kunal , Steel Peter J. , Katritzky Alan R.
Published: July 2014

Monocarbonyl activation of 2,2‐disubstituted malonic acids with benzotriazole leads to decarboxylation of one of the carboxy groups and formation of a CH bond. Intermediate carbonyl benzotriazoles then readily acylate nucleophilic reagents and peptides resulting in libraries of conjugates and peptidomimetics.
Estimation of Enantiomeric Impurity in Piperidin‐3‐Amine by Chiral HPLC With Precolumn Derivatization
Authors: Raghunadha Babu Chittabathina Venkata , Vuyyuru Nagi Reddy , Padmaja Reddy K. , Suryanarayana M.V. , Mukkanti K.
Published: July 2014

A simple, precise, accurate, robust chiral high‐performance liquid chromatographic (chiral HPLC) method was developed for estimation of (S)‐piperidin‐3‐amine (S‐isomer) in (R)‐piperidin‐3‐amine dihydrochloride (R‐AMP). As AMP is a high‐melting solid and nonchromophoric compound, development of a suitable chiral method is a challenging task. The proposed chiral HPLC‐UV method involves a precolumn derivatization technique with para toluene sulphonyl chloride (PTSC) in the presence of a base to introduce chromophore into analytes. It utilizes chiralpak AD‐H column with a simple mobile phase of 0.1% diethyl amine in ethanol with a 0.5 mL/min flow rate. Analytes were monitored by using a UV detector at 228 nm. The resolution between the two enantiomers was more than 4.0. The developed method was validated as per current International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.Chirality 26:775–779, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of lung cancer screening results on participant health‐related quality of life and state anxiety in the National Lung Screening Trial
Authors: Gareen Ilana F. , Duan Fenghai , Greco Erin M. , Snyder Bradley S. , Boiselle Phillip M. , Park Elyse R. , Fryback Dennis , Gatsonis Constantine
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening has been associated with a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality. A major barrier to the adoption of lung screening is the potential negative psychological impact of a false‐positive (FP) screen, occurring in 20% to 50% of those screened. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of abnormal findings on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and anxiety in the American College of Radiology (ACRIN)/National Lung Screening Trial (NLST).

METHODS

The NLST was a randomized screening trial comparing LDCT with chest X‐ray screening (CXR). This study was part of the original protocol. A total of 2812 participants at 16 of 23 ACRIN sites who had baseline HRQoL assessments were asked to complete the Short Form‐36 and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (form Y‐1) questionnaires to assess short‐term (1 month) and long‐term (6 months) effects of screening. FP were lung cancer–free at 1 year, and true‐positives (TP) were not.

RESULTS

Of the total participants, 1024 (36.4%) participants were FP, 63 (2.2%) were TP, 344 (12.2%) had significant incidental findings (SIFs), and 1381 (49.1%) had negative screens. Participants had been randomized to LDCT (n = 1947) and CXR (n = 865). Short‐term and long‐term HRQoL and state anxiety did not differ across participants with FP, SIF, or negative screens. Short‐term and long‐term HRQoL were lower and anxiety was higher for TP participants compared to participants with FP, SIF, and negative screens.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large multicenter lung screening trial, participants receiving a false‐positive or SIF screen result experienced no significant difference in HRQoL or state anxiety at 1 or at 6 months after screening relative to those receiving a negative result. Cancer 2014;120:3401–3409. © 2014 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
An automated approach for estimating the memory footprint of nonlinear data objects
Authors: Dreßler Sebastian , Steinke Thomas
Published: July 2014

Current programming models for heterogeneous devices with disjoint physical memory spaces require explicit allocation of device memory and explicit data transfers. While it is quite easy to manually implement these operations for linear data objects like arrays, this task becomes more difficult for nonlinear objects, for example, linked lists or multiple inherited classes. The difficulties arise because of memory requirements known only at run‐time and the composition of complex data structures from basic types. In this paper, we present a novel method to build a graph‐based static data‐type description that is used to create code for injectable functions that automatically determine the memory footprint of data objects at run‐time. Our approach is extensible to implement automatically generated optimized data transfers across physical memory spaces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐Time Observation of Liposome Bursting Induced by Acetonitrile
Authors: Yoshida Kazunari , Horii Keitaro , Fujii Yasuhiro , Nishio Izumi
Published: July 2014

We show the bursting process of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) liposomes in response to the addition of acetonitrile, a small toxic molecule widely used in the fields of chemistry and industry. The percentage of destroyed liposomes is reduced upon decreasing the acetonitrile fraction in the aqueous solution and vesicle bursting is not observed at volume ratios of 4:6 and below. This indicates that a high fraction of acetonitrile causes the bursting of liposomes, and it is proposed that this occurs through insertion of the molecules into outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer. The elapsed time between initial addition of acetonitrile and liposome bursting at each vesicle is also measured and demonstrated to be dependent on the volume fraction of acetonitrile and the vesicle size.
Next‐Generation, High‐Energy‐Density Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Huang Qizhao , Wang Qing
Published: July 2014

Redox flow batteries are experiencing rapid growth for stationary energy‐storage applications. To satisfy the demand for wider applications, however, improved energy density of redox flow batteries is desperately required. Past and present efforts to increase the energy density are briefly surveyed herein and several strategies are explored.
Efficient Organic Sensitizers with Pyridine‐N‐oxide as an Anchor Group for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Xichuan , Zhao Jianghua , Zhang Fuguo , Wang Xiuna , Sun Licheng
Published: July 2014

Five organic dyes with pyridine‐N‐oxide as the anchor group and electron acceptor have been synthesized and applied in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Benzothiadiazole was introduced in the conjugation system to increase the electron withdrawing properties, FTIR spectra showed that the coordination was between the pyridine‐N‐oxide and the Brønsted acid site on the TiO2 surface. The relationship between different dye structures and the performance of the DSSCs was investigated systematically. The location of the thiophene unit was studied, and the direct linkage of benzothiadiazole with pyridine‐N‐oxide was beneficial to broaden the absorption. The donor–acceptor–acceptor‐configured dye WL307, which has 2‐ethylhexyloxy chains in the donor part, showed the best efficiency of 6.08 % under 100 mW cm−2 light illumination. The dye series showed a fairly good stability during the one month test period.
Unconventional Pore and Defect Generation in Molybdenum Disulfide: Application in High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Batteries and the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Kan , Kim Hwan‐Jin , Lee Jeong‐Taik , Chang Gee‐Woo , Shi Xinjian , Kim Wanjung , Ma Ming , Kong Ki‐jeong , Choi Jae‐Man , Song Min‐Sang , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: July 2014

A 2H‐MoS2 (H=hexagonal) ultrathin nanomesh with high defect generation and large porosity is demonstrated to improving electrochemical performance, including in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with the aid of a 3D reduced graphene oxide (RGO) scaffold as fast electron and ion channels. The 3D defect‐rich MoS2 nanomesh/RGO foam (Dr‐MoS2 Nm/RGO) can be easily obtained through a one‐pot cobalt acetate/graphene oxide (GO) co‐assisted hydrothermal reaction, in which GO, cobalt and acetate ions are co‐morphology‐controlling agents and defect inducers. As an anode material for LIBs, Dr‐MoS2 Nm/RGO has only a 9 % capacity decay at a 10 C discharge rate versus 0.2 C with stable cyclability at the optimized composition (5 wt % RGO to MoS2 and 2 mol % Co to Mo), and significantly achieves 810 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 9.46 A g−1 over at least 150 cycles. Moreover, Dr‐MoS2 Nm/RGO exhibits superior activity for the HER with an overpotential as low as 80 mV and a Tafel slope of about 36 mV per decade. In contrast to the MoS2 nanosheet/RGO (MoS2 Ns/RGO), which is synthesized in the absence of cobalt ions, Dr‐MoS2 Nm/RGO provides high interconnectivity for efficient lithium‐ion transport, and rich defects as electrochemically active sites. DFT is used to prove the existence of rich defects due to anion replacement to become a CoMoS atomic structure, releasing inert basal planes to active sites.
Atomic Layer Deposition of LaPO4 and Ca:LaPO4**
Authors: Sønsteby Henrik Hovde , Østreng Erik , Fjellvåg Helmer , Nilsen Ola
Published: July 2014

Thin films of lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) are produced by atomic layer deposition (ALD) for the first time, using a precursor combination of (CH3)3PO4, La(thd)3 (Hthd = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylhepta‐3,5‐dione), H2O, and O3. The deposition process is studied via an in‐situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and found to be a two‐step process in which both water and ozone contribute to the growth. The best results are obtained when both water and ozone are pulsed simultaneously. The growth is self‐limiting by nature, and a stoichiometric LaPO4 phase can be obtained for a 1:1 pulsed ratio of the two precursors. The resulting LaPO4 films are amorphous as deposited, and crystallize to the monoclinic structure after annealing in air for 10 h at 1350 °C. The LaPO4 thin films can also be doped by calcium during growth by replacing some of the La(thd)3 pulses by Ca(thd)2. Films where 4.4% of the lanthanum in LaPO4 is replaced by calcium are obtained.
MOCVD of TiO2 Thin Films using a Heteroleptic Titanium Complex: Precursor Evaluation and Investigation of Optical, Photoelectrochemical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Banerjee Manish , Dang Van‐Son , Bledowski Michal , Beranek Radim , Becker Hans‐Werner , Rogalla Detlef , Edengeiser Eugen , Havenith Martina , Wieck Andreas D. , Devi Anjana
Published: July 2014

A new heteroleptic titanium precursor with a mixed oxygen/nitrogen coordination sphere [Ti(dmap)2(NMe2)2] (Hdmap = 1–dimethylamino–2–propanol) is synthesized by a simple elimination reaction on tetrakis–dimethylaminotitanium(IV) [Ti(NMe2)4]. The compound shows encouraging results in terms of chemical and thermal stability compared to the parent alkyl amide [Ti(NMe2)4], and is therefore more suitable for MOCVD applications. TiO2 thin films are grown on Si(100) and ITO‐coated borosilicate glass substrates via MOCVD in the temperature range 500–800°C. The deposition temperature has a significant effect on the phase and microstructure of the TiO2 films obtained, which influences the functional properties. The optical bandgaps of the films are in the range 2.92–3.36 eV. The best photocurrent response (1.5 mA cm−2 under AM 1.5G conditions) in aqueous electrolytes is observed for films grown at 700°C having improved crystallinity and porous columnar structure.
Second messenger signaling for neuronal polarization: Cell mechanics‐dependent pattern formation
Authors: Guo Chin‐Lin , Cheng Pei‐Lin
Published: July 2014

Neuronal polarization is a critical step in the neuronal morphogenesis. Despite the identification of several evolutionarily conserved factors for neural polarization, the exact mechanisms by which cells initiate and maintain polarity remain to be characterized. Here, we review the recent progress on the roles of second messengers, specifically the cyclic nucleotides and membrane‐associated phospholipids, in the initiation, propagation, and integration of polarization signals, and propose an inhibitor‐free model for neural polarization. The characteristic features of neuron polarization include the formation of single axon and multiple dendrites. These features involve chemical and mechanical mechanisms such as reaction‐diffusion and tug‐of‐war, by which second messengers can act in concert to initiate and stabilize the cellular asymmetry. Nevertheless, biochemical factors eliciting the long‐range inhibition remain ambiguous. Thus, we provide a simple, inhibitor‐free model that can incorporate known cytochemical and cytomechanical factors, and produce features of neuronal polarization in environments provided with minimized extracellular regulators. © 2014 The Authors Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 388–401, 2015
Spatial distribution of theobromine – a low MW drug – in tissues via matrix‐free NALDI‐MS imaging
Authors: Tata Alessandra , Montemurro Chiara , Porcari Andreia M. , Silva Kamila C. , Lopes de Faria José B. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: July 2014

The ability of nano‐assisted laser desorption‐ionization mass spectrometry imaging (NALDI‐IMS) to provide selective chemical monitoring with appropriate spatial distribution of a low molecular drug in a biological tissue was investigated. NALDI‐IMS is a matrix‐free laser desorption ionization (LDI) protocol based on imprinting of tissue constituents on a nanostructured surface. Using the accumulation of theobromine in rat kidney as a model, NALDI‐IMS was found to provide well‐resolved images of the special distribution of this low molecular weight (MW) drug in tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ask and you shall receive: Desire and receipt of feedback via Facebook predicts disordered eating concerns
Authors: Hummel Alexandra C. , Smith April R.
Published: July 2014

Objective

The current study examined whether certain types of Facebook content (i.e., status updates, comments) relate to eating concerns and attitudes.

Method

We examined the effects of seeking and receiving negative feedback via Facebook on disordered eating concerns in a sample of 185 undergraduate students followed for approximately 4 weeks.

Results

Results indicated that individuals with a negative feedback seeking style who received a high number of comments on Facebook were more likely to report disordered eating attitudes four weeks later. Additionally, individuals who received extremely negative comments in response to their personally revealing status updates were more likely to report disordered eating concerns four weeks later.

Discussion

Results of the current study provide preliminary evidence that seeking and receiving negative feedback via social networking sites can increase risk for disordered eating attitudes, and suggest that reducing maladaptive social networking usage may be an important target for prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing disordered eating attitudes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:436–442)
Pain referents used to respond to the Pain Catastrophizing Scale
Authors: Kapoor S. , Thorn B.E. , Bandy O. , Clements K.L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Pain catastrophizing has emerged as a highly important construct in pain research. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a widely used self‐report measure used to determine a person's level of pain catastrophizing, assumed to be associated with an ongoing, recalled or anticipated pain experience. In practice, instructions for self‐reporting catastrophizing typically do not provide a specific pain referent, even when assessing patients with chronic pain. Researchers have noted that it is not known what type of pain participants are referring to when responding to a catastrophizing questionnaire.

Method

In the current study, 182 presumably healthy undergraduate students completed the PCS followed by a query regarding the pain referent used to complete the scale. In addition, they were asked if they have ever experienced chronic pain and to list their worst pain experience.

Results

The most commonly used primary referents included pain due to acute injury (26.4%), headache (18.0%) and general physical pain (11.5%). The type of primary referent and the number of referents did not influence the catastrophizing scores. However, the catastrophizing scores were influenced by the context of the primary pain referent, i.e., whether the primary pain referent was non‐chronic worst pain, both chronic and worst pain, chronic pain or unrelated to either chronic or worst pain. Notably, a larger than expected proportion of participants reported having experienced chronic pain (44.5%; n = 81).

Conclusion

The examination of pain referents while responding to a catastrophizing measure would add to our understanding of a person's pain experience and related catastrophic cognitions.
Efficient and Green Synthesis of N‐aryl Pyrroles Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid [H‐NMP][HSO4] in Water at Room Temperature
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Dadaei Mahla
Published: July 2014

A suitable and efficient method for the synthesis of N‐aryl pyrroles by using 2,5‐dimethoxy tetrahydrofuran and several primary aromatic amines in the presence of the catalytic amount of [H‐NMP][HSO4] under room temperature was described. This method has the advantages such as; easy reaction workup, absolutely separated of catalyst from the reaction mixture and smoothly recyclability of catalyst. In this reaction, N‐substituted pyrroles were obtained as desired products in excellent yields and short reaction times via green and one‐pot procedure.
Solvent extraction of Nd using organo‐phosphorus extractants from chloride media
Authors: Padhan Eliza , Sarangi Kadambini
Published: July 2014

INTRODUCTION

A comparative study on solvent extraction of neodymium using both acidic and neutral form of phosphonic, phosphinic and thiophosphinic acid extractants from chloride media has been carried out. The extractants used for the study were PC88A, Cyanex 272 and Cyanex 302.

RESULTS

In this study the effect of different parameters such as equilibrium pH, extractant concentration, A:O phase ratio and temperature on Nd extraction was investigated. With increasing pH and extractant concentration the percentage extraction of Nd increased for all these extractants. The percentage extraction of Nd was maximum with NaCyanex 302. So after optimizing the extraction and stripping conditions, the McCabe–Thiele plots for neodymium extraction and stripping were constructed with 0.025 mol L−1 NaCyanex 302 at pH 4.2 and 0.08 (v/v)% sulphuric acid, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The McCabe–Thiele plots indicated two stages for both extraction and stripping at A:O ratio of 1. The extracted species was determined to be NdA3.5HA. The thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH, ΔS and ΔG were calculated. The loading capacity of NaCyanex 302 for Nd and the synergistic coefficient of NaCyanex302 with NaCyanex272 and NaPC88A were determined. The effect of different salts such as NaCl, NaNO3 and Na2SO4 on extraction of Nd was also studied. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
HPV prevalence and type distribution in women with normal or abnormal Pap smear in Bulgaria
Authors: Grozdanov Peter , Zlatkov Victor , Ganchev Gancho , Karagiosov Ilko , Toncheva Draga , Galabov Angel S.
Published: July 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well‐known pathogen for lower genital tract neoplasias, yet little is known regarding HPV prevalence in Bulgaria. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV DNA and to determine HPV types distribution among women with normal and abnormal cytology. Cervical smears with different cytological diagnoses were collected from 355 Bulgarian patients. The cohort of patients selected is the biggest ever studied in this country. Using the Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test, papillomavirus DNA was found in 217 out of the 355 samples, 164 of which had only one and 53 had more than one HPV type. The distribution of the viruses tested in 355 samples was as follows: (i) the most common type was HPV 16, which was found in 61 samples; (ii) the next most frequent HPV type was HPV 33, found in 14 of the samples. A high prevalence of HPV infection was observed in this study. As HPV infection has a high correlation with cervical cancer, this study emphasizes the need for both primary prevention of cervical cancer with HPV vaccines as well as secondary prevention with screening. Currently, two HPV vaccines are included in the National immunization schedule in Bulgaria. Thus, new clinical studies will benefit from patient stratification by the presence or absence of HPV, and by designing separate clinical trials specifically for HPV associated cancers. J. Med. Virol. 86:1905–1910, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced Kinetic Schemes of Complex Reaction Systems: Fossil and Biomass‐Derived Transportation Fuels
Authors: RANZI ELISEO , FRASSOLDATI ALESSIO , STAGNI ALESSANDRO , PELUCCHI MATTEO , CUOCI ALBERTO , FARAVELLI TIZIANO
Published: July 2014

The kinetic modeling of the pyrolysis and combustion of liquid transportation fuels is a very complex task for two different reasons: the challenging characterization of the complex mixture of several hydrocarbon isomers and the complexity of the oxidation mechanisms of large hydrocarbon and oxygenated molecules. While surrogate mixtures of reference components allow to tackle the first difficulty, the complex behavior of the oxidation mechanisms is mostly overcome by reducing the total number of involved species by adopting a lumping approach. After a first investigation of the different liquid fuels (gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuels), a short discussion on the lumping techniques allows to highlight the advantages of this approach. The lumped POLIMI pyrolysis and oxidation mechanism of hydrocarbon and oxygenated fuels is then used for generating several skeletal mechanisms for typical surrogate mixtures, moving from pure n‐heptane up to heavy diesel fuels. These skeletal models are simply reduced with a reaction flux analysis, and they involve between 100 and 200 species. While these sizes already allow detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations in internal combustion engines, further reduction phases are necessary when the interest is toward more complex CFD computations. To maintain the standard structure of the skeletal mechanisms, successive reduction phases are not considered. Moreover, new regulations pushed toward a greater use of renewable fuels. For these reasons, the skeletal models are also extended to biogasolines including methanol, ethanol, and n‐butanol. Similarly, skeletal models of diesel and biodiesel fuels, including methyl esters, are also provided. Several comparisons with experimental data and complete validations in the operating range of internal combustion engines are also reported. The whole set of comparisons with experimental data obtained in a wide range of conditions not only validate the reduced models of specific transportation fuels but also the complete kinetic scheme POLIMI_1404.
Biliary complications in living donor right hepatectomy are affected by the method of bile duct division
Authors: Sultan Ahmad M. , Salah Tarek , Elshobary Mohammed M. , Fathy Omar M. , Elghawalby Ahmed N. , Yassen Amr M. , Elmorshedy Mohammed A. , Elsadany Mohammed F. , Shiha Usama A. , Wahab Mohamed Abdel
Published: July 2014

The bile duct division is a crucial step in the donor hepatectomy. Multiple small ducts will make the biliary reconstruction more difficult and may influence the outcome of the recipient. Biliary leakage, bilomas and biliary strictures are well recognized donor complications that may be directly linked to bile duct division. Biliary division still needs more standardization. This work aims to analyze our experience with two different methods of bile duct division in relation to the development of intraoperative and postoperative biliary complications. Between April 2004 and March 2013, 216 liver donors underwent right hepatectomy, in Gastro-Enterology Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. According to the method of bile duct division, the study population was divided into 2 groups; 1- extrahepatic dissection group (EDG) and 2- fluoroscopy guided transection group (FGG), each comprised 108 patients. Data were collected from a prospectively registered database, with special emphasis on the occurrence of biliary complications. Complications were classified according to the latest version of Clavien classification. Intraoperative biliary complications did not differ between both groups, p = 0.313. The commonest postoperative complication was biliary leak/biloma accounting for 32.5% of all donor complications, followed by non-biliary fluid collections. 24 (11.1%) donors developed 27 biliary complications. The FGG showed significantly less biliary complications (5.6%, 6 donors), when compared to EDG (15.7%, 18 donors), p = 0.015. Grade 3 complications were significantly higher in EDG, p = 0.024. On multivariate analysis, the only significant factor predicting the occurrence of biliary complications was the use of fluoroscopy guided bile duct division, p = 0.009. In conclusion, we believe that the proposed method of biliary division is safe, simple and reproducible. Liver Transpl 20:1393-1401, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Some regularity results to the generalized Emden–Fowler equation with irregular data
Authors: Kałamajska Agnieszka , Mazowiecka Katarzyna
Published: July 2014

We deal with the generalized Emden–Fowler equation f″(x) + g(x)f−θ(x) = 0, where
belongs to Lp((a,b)). We obtain a priori estimates for the solutions, as well as information about their asymptotic behavior near boundary points. As a tool, we derive new nonlinear variants of first‐order and second‐order Poincaré inequalities, which are based on strongly nonlinear multiplicative inequalities obtained recently by first author and Peszek. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impairment in circadian activity rhythms occurs during dexamethasone therapy in children with leukemia
Authors: Rogers Valerie E. , Zhu Shijun , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: July 2014

Background

Circadian rhythm disturbances in adults with cancer are associated with fatigue, time to relapse, and death. This study of circadian activity rhythms (CAR) of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on continuation chemotherapy aimed to describe CAR before and after starting dexamethasone, and to determine whether fatigue was associated with less robust CAR.

Procedure

This was a secondary analysis of data from a multi‐institutional study in which children with ALL aged 5–18 years wore an actigraph for 10 consecutive 24‐hour periods, five before and five during dexamethasone therapy. CAR parameters measured by actigraphy were calculated for each 5‐day period, including peak activity, MESOR, amplitude, acrophase, and circadian quotient. Fatigue was measured on study days 2, 5, 7, and 10 by parent‐report and self‐report for children ≥7 years.

Results

Eighty‐two children qualified for CAR analysis, and 87 for analysis of daily peak activity patterns and fatigue. Mean age was 8.8 ± 3.3 years. Peak activity, MESOR, and amplitude significantly decreased during dexamethasone therapy. Children on high‐dose dexamethasone (8 or 12 mg/m2/d) had significantly higher (better, or more robust) values of several CAR parameters than those on low‐dose (6 mg/m2/d). There was a significant trend of decreasing daily pattern of peak activity during dexamethasone therapy only. Fatigue increased across the study and was associated with decreasing CAR peak activity, MESOR, and amplitude.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone initiation was associated with a decrease in several CAR parameters, and a significant decrease in the trend of daily peak activity. Fatigue was associated with less robust CAR. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1986–1991. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of dielectric properties of developed CdS‐gum arabic composites in low frequency region
Authors: Barik P. , Bhattacharjee A. , Roy M.
Published: July 2014

Temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric constant of gum arabic biopolymer—CdS nanocomposites mixed at various proportions have been studied. Powder XRD, transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and differential calorimetric (DSC) studies were made to find out structural and morphological dependence, if any. It is observed that the dielectric constant of GA is enhanced significantly with doping of CdS nanoparticles, and this enhancement shows anomalous dependence on the extent of doping of the nanoparticles and with temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 108–114, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Psycho‐oncologic interventions to reduce distress in cancer patients: a meta‐analysis of controlled clinical studies published in People's Republic of China
Authors: Tao Wei‐Wei , Jiang Ping , Liu Ying , Aungsuroch Yupin , Tao Xiao‐Mei
Published: July 2014

Objective

This study aimed to summarize the current result of controlled clinical studies published in China and analyzed the effect of psycho‐oncologic interventions on distress of cancer patients.

Methods

Electronic searches were conducted in four databases. The study inclusion criteria were established on the basis of the PICOS (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design) framework. The main outcome measures were emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Meta‐analytic techniques were applied to analyze published data from the retrieved studies.

Results

A total of 207 controlled studies (involving 19,607 cancer patients) were included, among which 31 studies (3007 patients) were meta‐analyzed. Pooled analysis showed large effects for psycho‐oncologic interventions on anxiety (d = −8.71, p < 0.001) and depression (d = −8.12, p < 0.001). Health education combined with psychological support (d = −8.17, p = 0.04) or with relaxation training (d = −12.95, p < 0.001) significantly lowered the anxiety level in cancer patients. However, health education combined with relaxation training did not lower the depression levels (p > 0.05). Nurses were the primary health professionals (69.08%) responsible for delivering interventions. Meanwhile, none of the reports followed all the items of the consolidated standards of reporting trials checklist. Most studies suffered from some flaws concerning blinding, randomization procedures, participant follow‐up, attrition, and so on.

Conclusion

The findings pointed out that psycho‐oncologic interventions significantly reduced distress in cancer patients of China; however, the quality of the randomized controlled trials was low. In the future, reports on controlled clinical studies should follow the consolidated standards of reporting trials statement and supply more comprehensive information. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanomechanical biomarkers of single circulating tumor cells for detection of castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Osmulski Pawel , Mahalingam Devalingam , Gaczynska Maria E. , Liu Joseph , Huang Susan , Horning Aaron M. , Wang Chiou‐Miin , Thompson Ian M. , Huang Tim H.‐M. , Chen Chun‐Liang
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that nanomechanical phenotypes of circulating tumor cells (CTC) could become potential biomarkers for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

METHODS

To determine the nanomechanical phenotypes of CTCs we applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) employing the PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical (QNM) imaging. We assessed biophysical parameters (elasticity, deformation, and adhesion) of 130 CTCs isolated from blood samples from five castration sensitive (CS) and 12 castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa) patients.

RESULTS

We found that CTCs from CRPCa patients are three times softer, three times more deformable, and seven times more adhesive than counterparts from CSPCa patients. Both nonsupervised hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis show that three combined nanomechanical parameters could constitute a valuable set to distinguish between CSPCa and CRPCa.

CONLUSIONS

Our study indicates that nanomechanical phenotypes of CTCs may serve as novel and effective biomarkers for mCRPC. Prostate 74: 1297–1307, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning optical a‐SiC/a‐Si active filters by UV bias light in the visible and infrared spectral ranges
Authors: Vieira M. , Vieira M. A. , Rodrigues I. , Silva V. , Louro P.
Published: July 2014

Visible range to telecom band spectral translation is accomplished using an amorphous SiC pi'n/pin wavelength selector under appropriate front and back optical light bias. Results show that background intensity works as selectors in the infrared region, shifting the sensor sensitivity. Low intensities select the near‐infrared range while high intensities select the visible part according to its wavelength. Here, the optical gain is very high in the infrared/red range, decreases in the green range, stays close to one in the blue region and strongly decreases in the near‐UV range. The transfer characteristics effects due to changes in steady state light intensity and wavelength backgrounds are presented. The relationship between the optical inputs and the output signal is established. A capacitive optoelectronic model is presented and tested using the experimental results. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman analysis of gold catalyst vapor liquid solid germanium nanowires
Authors: Israel M. , Moreac A. , Rogel R. , Landesman J. P. , Pichon L.
Published: July 2014

Germanium nanowires (GeNWs) were synthesized in a low pressure chemical vapor deposition reactor (LPCVD) using a vapor‐liquid‐solid process (VLS). In this work, the focus is put on the characterization of these GeNWs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with Raman spectroscopy. In particular, NWs with conical shape grown at a moderate temperature (320 °C) were investigated in terms of the intensity measured for the Ge‐related Raman line. The two main observations, discussed in this paper, are the anomalous magnitude of this line, as compared to measurements under the same conditions on a Ge(100) substrate, and the oscillations observed when the Raman line intensity is measured while scanning the laser beam along the axis of the conical shaped NWs, from the tip to the bottom. These effects are discussed involving the fact that optical modes appear in such NWs (both for the incident and Raman scattered light) when conditions on the diameter, the laser excitation wavelength, and substrate (on which the NWs are transferred after growth) are fulfilled. Taking into account these specific optical modes, the effects observed can be explained. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improved multimode pushover procedure for asymmetric in plan buildings under biaxial seismic excitation—application to tall buildings
Authors: Manoukas Grigorios , Avramidis Ioannis
Published: July 2014

An improved version of a recently developed multimode pushover procedure for asymmetric in plan buildings under biaxial seismic excitation is presented and evaluated. The proposed methodology is quite similar to the well‐known modal pushover analysis. However, the establishment of the equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems is based on a new concept, which takes into account multidirectional seismic effects. The proposed methodology does not require independent analysis in the two orthogonal directions, and therefore, the application of simplified directional combination rules is avoided. The improvement presented here consists in definition of correction factors to be applied to the response values at the stiff side of buildings. An extensive evaluation study comprising applications to tall buildings is presented. The response parameters obtained from the proposed methodology in most cases envelope the values resulting from nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA). Furthermore, the mean errors with regard to the NDA results are smaller than those obtained from a multimode pushover procedure comprising independent analysis along two horizontal axes and directional combination of the results. In general, the proposed methodology provides a reasonable estimation of the seismic performance of asymmetric buildings.
Cellular metabolic, stress, and histological response on exposure to acute toxicity of endosulfan in Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Sharma Rupam , Tripathi Gayatri , Kumar Kundan , Dalvi Rishikesh S. , Krishna Gopal
Published: July 2014

Endosulfan is one of the most hazardous organochlorines pesticides responsible for environmental pollution, as it is very persistent and shows bio‐magnification. This study evaluated the impact of acute endosulfan toxicity on metabolic enzymes, lysozyme activities, heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 expression, and histopathology in Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Among the indicators that were induced in dose dependent manner were the enzymes of amino acid metabolism (serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), carbohydrate metabolism (serum lactate dehydrogenase), pentose phosphate pathway (Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase) as well as lysozyme and Hsp70 in liver and gill, while liver and gill Isocitrate dehydrogenase (TCA cycle enzyme) and marker of general energetics (Total adenosine triphosphatase) were inhibited. Histopathological alterations in gill were clubbing of secondary gill lamellae, marked hyperplasia, complete loss of secondary lamellae and atrophy of primary gill filaments. Whereas in liver, swollen hepatocyte, and degeneration with loss of cellular boundaries were distinctly noticed. Overall results clearly demonstrated the unbalanced metabolism and damage of the vital organs like liver and gill in Tilapia due to acute endosulfan exposure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 106–115, 2016.
Application of Taguchi approach in describing the mechanical properties and thermal decomposition behavior of poly(vinyl chloride)/clay nanocomposites: Highlighting the Role of organic modifier
Authors: Esmizadeh Elnaz , Moghri Mehdi , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Mohsen Nia Mohsen , Nobakht Narges , Bende Nakul Prabhakar
Published: July 2014

Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/nanoclay (NC) composites prepared via melt‐blending in a single‐screw extruder were investigated. The effects of NC type, NC content, and K‐value of PVC were evaluated by using L9 orthogonal array of the Taguchi approach. The most influential variables and significance of interactive effects were examined for the highest values of Young's modulus and hardness. Scanning electron micrographs and X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed the formation of exfoliated/intercalated structures. Although the K‐value has a minor individual effect on mechanical characteristics, the interaction of the K‐value with NC type and NC content is significant. The composites were also characterized and tested by using analysis by thermal gravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry methods. The results of the thermal studies indicated that decomposition of the organic modifier of NCs has a catalytic effect on the dehydrochlorination of PVC. This finding justifies the rather low mechanical properties of PVC/organoclay nanocomposites. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra of the samples were indicative of accelerated degradation reactions, which provided support for above observations. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:182–190, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The comparison of properties of (rubber tree seed shell flour)‐filled polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Ismail Hanafi , Shafiq Mohamad Danial
Published: July 2014

The effect of varied rubber tree seed shell flour (RSSF) filler loadings on processing torque, mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and morphological properties of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites has been studied. The addition of RSSF in the composites increased the stabilization torque in both PP‐ and HDPE‐based composites. Tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and impact strength show significant reduction when higher loading of RSSF was incorporated, while tensile modulus and flexural modulus were improved. The phenomenon was noted for both matrices, PP and HDPE, but HDPE‐based composites showed clear effects on the reduction of the mechanical properties compared with RSSF‐filled PP. Scanning electron microscopy of tensile fracture specimens revealed the degree of dispersion of RSSF filler in the matrices. At higher filler loadings, agglomerations and poor dispersion of RSSF particles were spotted, which induce the debonding mechanism of the system. Thermogravimetric analysis thermograms showed that both PP‐ and HDPE‐based composite systems with higher RSSF content have higher thermal stability, initial degradation temperature, degradation temperature, and total weight loss. Water absorption ability of the composites increases as the filler loading increases for both matrices. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:91–99, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, characterization, and application of oligomer‐type‐based phosphites
Authors: Park Dongkyung , Keck‐Antoine Klaus , Kim Jongcheul , Suh Hongsuk
Published: July 2014

Organic alkyl and aryl phosphites are effective antioxidants and photostabilizers with applications in a wide range of polymers. The primary role of phosphites is to decompose hydroperoxide. However, aryl phosphites are also capable of reacting as antioxidants by affecting the kinetics. In particular, oligomer‐type phosphites have a greater effect on polymer degradation because of their high compatibility, reactivity, and solubility with almost all polymers. Generally, phosphites are sensitive to hydrolysis. In order to overcome this hydrolytic sensitivity in phosphites, a novel hydrolytically stable oligomeric phosphite incorporating a sterically hindered aromatic alcohol (2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐methylphenol) that gives hydrolytic stability to the phosphite was synthesized and characterized, and its performance as an antioxidant for polypropylene was investigated. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:146–155, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, characterization, and application of a hydrolytically stable liquid phosphite
Authors: Park Dongkyung , Keck‐Antoine Klaus , Bae Eunhyoung , Suh Hongsuk
Published: July 2014

Organic alkyl and aryl phosphites are effective antioxidants and photostabilizers with applications in a wide range of polymers. The primary role of phosphites is to decompose hydroperoxide. However, aryl phosphites are also capable of reacting as antioxidants by negatively affecting the kinetics. In particular, liquid phosphites have a greater effect on polymer degradation because of their high compatibility, reactivity, and solubility with almost all polymers, but they are sensitive to hydrolysis. In order to overcome this hydrolytic sensitivity in liquid phosphites, a novel hydrolytically stable liquid phosphite incorporating a sterically hindered aromatic alcohol (2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐methylphenol) that gives hydrolytic stability to the phosphite was synthesized and characterized, and its performance as an antioxidant for polypropylene was investigated. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:163–168, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(vinyl chloride)/single wall carbon nanotubes composites: Investigation of mechanical and thermal characteristics
Authors: Zanjanijam Ali Reza , Bahrami Mohammad , Hajian Morteza
Published: July 2014

Composites of polyvinylchloride (PVC) with single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were prepared by plastisol curing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that appropriate dispersion of the nanotubes was achieved. The mechanical properties showed that SWCNT improved the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the PVC. The composites have higher elongation at break and toughness as well. By comparing the mechanical properties of the composites, it is found that there is a critical SWCNT loading (about 1 wt%) below which the tensile properties increase with increasing nanofiller concentration. For the composites containing 0.25–0.75 wt% of SWCNT, this situation was observed, whereas for a sample with 1 wt% SWCNT, the mechanical properties decreased due to the agglomeration of the nanotubes. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the SWCNT increased T5%, T10%, T50%, Tonset, and Tmax and decreased weight loss in the degradation process of the PVC. In addition, by adding SWCNT to the polymer, residual mass at 600°C increased significantly. These results are advantages for the applications of the polymer in which high mechanical properties, including high tensile modulus and toughness, and good thermal properties are needed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:128–133, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers