bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
s‐Triazine‐Based Functional Discotic Liquid Crystals: Synthesis, Mesomorphism and Photoluminescence
Authors: Veerabhadraswamy B. N. , Dambal Hashambi K. , Rao D. S. Shankar , Yelamaggad C. V.
Published: April 2016

A new series of C3‐symmetric, π‐conjugated molecules was designed, synthesized and characterized. The materials were derived from electron‐accepting s‐triazine, appended covalently to electron‐donating styrylbenzene arms, and were readily prepared in excellent yield with high purity by means of three‐fold condensation of triphosphonate with n‐alkoxybenzaldehydes under Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction conditions. Examination of the phase transitional properties by several complementary techniques evidenced self‐assembly into a hexagonal columnar phase, occurring over wide and reasonable thermal ranges. The photophysical properties were studied both in solution and in the fluid/frozen columnar states by UV/Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The emission spectra obtained as a function of the temperature rule out the breaking‐up of larger columns and a non‐radiative, thermally activated process. A study carried out on thin films of the glassy columnar state, which accounts for conserved fluorescence, defect‐free orientation, and freezing ionic species, with the help of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, suggested a homogeneous granular morphology comprising fibrillar structures. Dissimilarities in the surface morphology and birefringence of thin films of the solid and frozen columnar states were clearly shown by Raman spectroscopy. An electrochemical investigation revealed a LUMO energy of −4.0 eV. Thus, the discotic motifs presented herein meet certain criteria of organic materials, which are essential for developing electronic devices.
Resolving Electronic Transitions in Synthetic Fluorescent Protein Chromophores by Magnetic Circular Dichroism
Authors: Štěpánek Petr , Cowie Thomas Y. , Šafařík Martin , Šebestík Jaroslav , Pohl Radek , Bouř Petr
Published: April 2016

The detailed electronic structures of fluorescent chromophores are important for their use in imaging of living cells. A series of green fluorescent protein chromophore derivatives is examined by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, which allows the resolution of more bands than plain absorption and fluorescence. Observed spectral patterns are rationalized with the aid of time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computations and the sum‐over‐state (SOS) formalism, which also reveals a significant dependence of MCD intensities on chromophore conformation. The combination of organic and theoretical chemistry with spectroscopic techniques also appears useful in the rational design of fluorescence labels and understanding of the chromophore's properties. For example, the absorption threshold can be heavily affected by substitution on the phenyl ring but not much on the five‐member ring, and methoxy groups can be used to further tune the electronic levels.
Modulation of Gas Sorption Properties through Cation Exchange within an Anionic Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Huang Yong‐Liang , Jiang Long , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: April 2016

A novel 3D anionic metal–organic framework (MOF) of (Me2NH2)4[Ni8(PTCA)4(μ3‐OH)4(H2O)4](DMF)5(H2O)13 (H4PTCA=pyrene‐1,3,6,8‐tetracarboxylic acid) has been synthesized, in which Me2NH2+ can be exchanged by Li+ ions. The results of gas sorption measurements indicate that the desolvated MOFs both before and after Li+ exchange show highly selective adsorption for CO2 over CH4 and N2 gases, and the Li+‐exchanged MOF exhibits enhanced CO2, CH4, and H2 storage properties.
BAP1 Immunostain and CDKN2A (p16) FISH Analysis
Authors: Walts Ann E. , Hiroshima Kenzo , McGregor Stephanie M. , Wu Di , Husain Aliya N. , Marchevsky Alberto M.
Published: April 2016

Background

Loss of BAP1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CDKN2A(p16) deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have been proposed to distinguish malignant mesothelioma (MM) from atypical reactive mesothelial proliferations (ARMP) in effusions but it is uncertain whether both tests are needed routinely.

Methods

Paraffin embedded blocks from 67 effusions (32 MM, 35 ARMP) were evaluated with BAP1 IHC. 38 of them (17 MM, 21 ARMP) were also analyzed with CDKN2A (p16) FISH. Criteria for MM were absence of BAP1 nuclear staining in >50% of atypical mesothelial cells in the presence of a positive internal control, and/or CDKN2A(p16) homozygous or hemizygous deletion pattern in >15% or >41.5% of atypical mesothelial cells, respectively. Sensitivity (SS), specificity (SP), positive, and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for MM were calculated.

Results

17 of 32 MM were correctly diagnosed by IHC (SS 53.1%, SP 85.7%, PPV 77.3%, NPV 64.3% for MM). In the subset of 38 cases studied by IHC and FISH, the SS, SP, PPV, and NPV of IHC for MM were 41.2, 81.0, 63.6, and 63.0%, respectively. 7 of 17 MM were diagnosed by FISH (SS 41.2%, SP 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 67.7% for MM).

Conclusion

BAP1 IHC and CDKN2A(p16) FISH yield similar sensitivities for MM in paired samples but FISH has a higher specificity. To diagnose effusions with atypical mesothelial cells, use of both tests is optimal. However, BAP1 IHC alone may be sufficient to diagnose MM when clinical, imaging, and cytological findings strongly suggest MM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:599–606. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Syntheses of 2‐Benzylbenzofuran Derivatives and 2‐Aryl‐nitro­chroman Derivatives from Nitro­alkene Precursors
Authors: Huang Chia‐Yu , Kuo Chun‐Wei , Kavala Veerababurao , Yao Ching‐Fa
Published: April 2016

Simple and straightforward methods for the synthesis of 2‐benzylbenzofuran, 3‐substituted 2‐benzylbenzofuran, and 2‐aryl‐nitrochroman derivatives are described. Benzofurans were generated from nitroalkenes by reduction with NaBH4 followed by a Nef reaction and acid‐mediated cyclization, whereas 3‐substituted 2‐benzylbenzofurans were prepared from nitroalkenes by reactions with Grignard reagents followed by a Nef reaction and an acid‐mediated cyclization in a one‐pot process. The synthesis of chromans involved a Knoevenagel condensation and the 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) assisted cyclization of β‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐nitroethanes and benzaldehydes, also in a one‐pot process.
On the Reactivity of Gulose and Guluronic Acid Building Blocks in the Context of Alginate Assembly
Authors: Zhang Qingju , van Rijssel Erwin R. , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: April 2016

A novel set of L‐gulose and L‐guluronic acid building blocks, comprising both monosaccharide and disaccharide synthons, was assembled to investigate how structural changes in these synthons influence the outcome of glycosylation reactions in which they are involved. Our studies corroborate previous reports that identified the gulosyl C4‐OH group as a relatively poor nucleophile. We did not find a major influence of the neighboring C5 functionality on the reactivity of the alcohols, and the gulose acceptors did not provide more productive glycosylation reactions than their guluronic acid counterparts. The conformational behavior of the synthons was found to be of prime importance to the outcome of the reactions.
Site‐Selective Calcium‐Catalyzed/Organocatalyzed Condensation of Propargyl Alcohols Tethered to β‐Keto Esters
Authors: Morcillo Sara P. , Presset Marc , Floquet Sébastien , Coeffard Vincent , Greck Christine , Bour Christophe , Gandon Vincent
Published: April 2016

The intramolecular condensation of β‐keto esters to give propargyl alcohols is described. The substrates have two electrophilic sites and two nucleophilic sites. The site selectivity can be fully controlled. In the presence of a calcium‐based catalyst and under anhydrous conditions, O‐addition products are isolated. On the other hand, traces of water or iPrOH as additive encourage calcium‐catalyzed Meyer–Schuster rearrangements. The resulting enones may be further transformed into endo‐Michael addition products. The regioselectivity of the attack of the enolate can be changed by using 1‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐3‐[2‐(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]thiourea (TUC) as organocatalyst, which promotes the formation of aldol‐condensation products of high synthetic interest. DFT calculations rationalize the preference for the aldol condensation when TUC is used instead of the endo‐Michael addition.
System Architectures in Wearable Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Steinberg Matthew D. , Kassal Petar , Steinberg Ivana Murković
Published: April 2016

This review is an analysis of system architectures in wearable electrochemical sensors. It presents the academic research output from journal articles, conference proceedings and books from 2006 up to early 2016. The review is structured into three sections that investigate architectures for (i) electrochemical sensors as wearable accessories, (ii) electrochemical sensors integrated into clothing and textiles, and (iii) electrochemical sensors that are applied to the body. The results indicate that novel architectures and materials are in research for sampling, measurement and fabrication of wearable sensors but that novel energy sources and readout techniques are under‐utilised. A trend is evident in greater compatibility with mobile products such as Smartphones. The “user‐centric” approach to wearable electrochemical sensor research is producing highly‐integrated system architectures. A selection of exemplary wearables from the literature are presented.
Separation and detection of amino acid metabolites of Escherichia coli in microbial fuel cell with CE
Authors: Wang Wei , Ma Lihong , Lin Ping , Xu Kaixuan
Published: April 2016

In this work, CE‐LIF was employed to investigate the amino acid metabolites produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in microbial fuel cell (MFC). Two peptides, l‐carnosine and l‐alanyl‐glycine, together with six amino acids, cystine, alanine, lysine, methionine, tyrosine, arginine were separated and detected in advance by a CE‐LIF system coupled with a homemade spontaneous injection device. The injection device was devised to alleviate the effect of electrical discrimination for analytes during sample injection. All analytes could be completely separated within 8 min with detection limits of 20–300 nmol/L. Then this method was applied to analyze the substrate solution containing amino acid metabolites produced by E. coli. l‐carnosine, l‐alanyl‐glycine, and cystine were used as the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur source for the E. coli culture in the MFC to investigate the amino acid metabolites during metabolism. Two MFCs were used to compare the activity of metabolism of the bacteria. In the sample collected at the running time 200 h of MFC, the amino acid methionine was discovered as the metabolite with the concentrations 23.3 μg/L.
Severity Prediction of Traffic Accident Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Alkheder Sharaf , Taamneh Madhar , Taamneh Salah
Published: April 2016

In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) was used to predict the injury severity of traffic accidents based on 5973 traffic accident records occurred in Abu Dhabi over a 6‐year period (from 2008 to 2013). For each accident record, 48 different attributes had been collected at the time of the accident. After data preprocessing, the data were reduced to 16 attributes and four injury severity classes. In this study, WEKA (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) data‐mining software was used to build the ANN classifier. The traffic accident data were used to build two classifiers in two different ways. The whole data set were used for training and validating the first classifier (training set), while 90% of the data were used for training the second classifier and the remaining 10% were used for testing it (testing set). The experimental results revealed that the developed ANN classifiers can predict accident severity with reasonable accuracy. The overall model prediction performance for the training and testing data were 81.6% and 74.6%, respectively. To improve the prediction accuracy of the ANN classifier, traffic accident data were split into three clusters using a k‐means algorithm. The results after clustering revealed significant improvement in the prediction accuracy of the ANN classifier, especially for the training dataset. In this work, and in order to validate the performance of the ANN model, an ordered probit model was also used as a comparative benchmark. The dependent variable (i.e. degree of injury) was transformed from ordinal to numerical (1, 2, 3, 4) for (minor, moderate, sever, death). The R tool was used to perform an ordered probit. For each accident, the ordered probit model showed how likely this accident would result in each class (minor, moderate, severe, death). The accuracy of 59.5% obtained from the ordered probit model was clearly less than the ANN accuracy value of 74.6%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between mitochondrial DNA haplogroup and myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Poynter Jenny N. , Richardson Michaela , Langer Erica , Hooten Anthony J. , Roesler Michelle , Hirsch Betsy , Nguyen Phuong L. , Cioc Adina , Warlick Erica , Ross Julie A.
Published: April 2016

Polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are used to group individuals into haplogroups reflecting human global migration and are associated with multiple diseases, including cancer. Here, we evaluate the association between mtDNA haplogroup and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Cases were identified by the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System. Controls were identified through the Minnesota State driver's license/identification card list. Because haplogroup frequencies vary by race and ethnicity, we restricted analyses to non‐Hispanic whites. We genotyped 15 mtSNPs that capture common European mitochondrial haplogroup variation. We used SAS v.9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) overall and stratified by MDS subtype and IPSS‐R risk category. We were able to classify 215 cases with confirmed MDS and 522 controls into one of the 11 common European haplogroups. Due to small sample sizes in some subgroups, we combined mt haplogroups into larger bins based on the haplogroup evolutionary tree, including HV (H + V), JT (J + T), IWX (I + W + X), UK (U + K), and Z for comparisons of cases and controls. Using haplogroup HV as the reference group, we found a statistically significant association between haplogroup JT and MDS (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36, 0.92, P = 0.02). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed in subgroup analyses. In this population‐based study of MDS, we observed an association between mtDNA haplogroup JT and risk of MDS. While previously published studies provide biological plausibility for the observed association, further studies of the relationship between mtDNA variation and MDS are warranted in larger sample sizes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variant‐specific persistence of infections with human papillomavirus Types 31, 33, 45, 56 and 58 and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Xi Long Fu , Schiffman Mark , Koutsky Laura A. , Hughes James P. , Hulbert Ayaka , Shen Zhenping , Galloway Denise A. , Kiviat Nancy B.
Published: April 2016

In our previous study of the etiologic role of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types other than HPV16 and 18, we observed a significantly higher risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Grades 2–3 (CIN2/3) associated with certain lineages of HPV types 31/33/45/56/58 [called high‐risk (HR) variants] compared with non‐HR variants. This study was to examine whether these intra‐type variants differ in persistence of the infection and persistence‐associated risk of CIN2/3. Study subjects were women who had any of HPV types 31/33/45/56/58 newly detected during a 2‐year follow‐up with 6‐month intervals. For each type, the first positive sample was used for variant characterization. The association of reverting‐to‐negativity with group of the variants and CIN2/3 with length of positivity was assessed using discrete Cox regression and logistic regression, respectively. Of the 598 newly detected, type‐specific HPV infections, 312 became undetectable during follow‐up. Infections with HR, compared with non‐HR, variants were marginally more likely to become negative [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9–1.8]. The adjusted odds ratio associating with the development of CIN2/3 was 3.0 (95% CI, 1.2–7.4) for persistent infections with HR variants for 6 months and 10.0 (95% CI, 3.8–38.0) for persistent infections with HR variants for 12–18 months as compared with the first positive detection of HR variants. Among women with non‐HR variants, there were no appreciable differences in risk of CIN2/3 by length of positivity. Findings suggest that the lineage‐associated risk of CIN2/3 was not mediated through a prolonged persistent infection, but oncogenic heterogeneity of the variants.
Culture and sensory response to visual stimuli
Authors: Park Inchan , Hong Yeonkoo
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the influence of culture on people's sensory responses, such as smell, taste, sound and touch to visual stimuli. The sensory feelings of university students from four countries (Japan, South Korea, Britain and France) to six images were evaluated. The images combined real and abstract objects and were presented on a notebook computer. Overall, 280 participants (144 men and 136 women; n = 70/country) were included in the statistical analysis. The chi‐square independence analysis showed differences and similarities in the sensory responses across countries. Most differences were detected in smell and taste, whereas few variations were observed for sound responses. Large variations in the response were observed for the abstract coral and butterfly images, but few differences were detected in response to the real leaf image. These variations in response were mostly found in the British and Japanese participants.
The Establishment of Adult Reference Intervals on Fructosamine in Beijing
Authors: Chen Xun , Wu Jing , Li Ronghai , Wang Qingyong , Tang Yufeng , Shang Xiaohong
Published: April 2016

Background

Fructosamine (FRA) is widely used for diabetes monitor and control as a glycemic marker, especially in patients in whom the measurement of HbA1c may be biased or even unreliable. However, the FRA reference intervals based on Asian population features still keep seldom reported. The objective of this study was to establish the adult FRA reference intervals in Beijing, China.

Methods

A total of 1,497 healthy subjects were separated into three groups by gender and age. Subsequently, FRA levels in the collected serum samples from the reference individuals were tested by automatic chemical analyzer. The obtained data were statistically analyzed with SPSS.

Results

The serum FRA level in female group was slightly higher than that in male group without statistical significance. Meanwhile, further analysis indicated that the FRA level gradually increased along with the growth of the age. Compared with the age 20–45 group (248.83 ± 17.64 μmol/l) or the age 46–65 group (251.95 ± 19.63 μmol/l), the FRA level of the age >65 group (264.63± 23.05 μmol/l) was statistically significantly increased (P < 0.01). To better analyze the difference, the age 20–45 group and the age 46–65 group were combined into an age 20–65 group (249.88 ±18.39 μmol/l). In comparison to the age >65 group, the FRA level of age 20–65 group was significantly decreased (P <0.01).

Conclusion

A novel FRA reference interval of the local healthy population in Beijing was established. The data demonstrated that there was no gender difference in FRA level, however, which was significantly increased in elder persons.
Comparison of Three Different Commercial Kits for the Human Papilloma Virus Genotyping
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Choi Jee‐Hye , Park Serah , Kweon Oh Joo , Park Ae Ja
Published: April 2016

Background

High‐risk type human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most important cause of cervical cancer. Recently, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and reverse blot hybridization assay‐based HPV DNA genotyping kits are developed. So, we compared the performances of different three HPV genotyping kits using different analytical principles and methods.

Methods

Two hundred positive and 100 negative cervical swab specimens were used. DNA was extracted and all samples were tested by the MolecuTech REBA HPV‐ID, Anyplex II HPV28 Detection, and HPVDNAChip. Direct sequencing was performed as a reference method for confirming high‐risk HPV genotypes 16, 18, 45, 52, and 58.

Results

Although high‐level agreement results were observed in negative samples, three kits showed decreased interassay agreement as screening setting in positive samples. Comparing the genotyping results, three assays showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the detection of HPV 16 and 18. Otherwise, various sensitivities showed in the detection of HPV 45, 52, and 58.

Conclusions

The three assays had dissimilar performance of HPV screening capacity and exhibited moderate level of concordance in HPV genotyping. These discrepant results were unavoidable due to difference in type‐specific analytical sensitivity and lack of standardization; therefore, we suggested that the efforts to standardization of HPV genotyping kits and adjusting analytical sensitivity would be important for the best clinical performance.
Tree‐ring‐based precipitation reconstruction in southern Kazakhstan, reveals drought variability since A.D. 1770
Authors: Zhang Ruibo , Shang Huaming , Yu Shulong , He Qing , Yuan Yujiang , Bolatov Kainar , Mambetov Bulkajyr T.
Published: April 2016

In this article, we developed a tree‐ring‐width chronology of Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et Mey) in southern Kazakhstan. Climate‐growth response result showed that the precipitation from the previous June to current May was the principal limited factor of radial growth. We also obtained a 246‐year reconstruction of June–May precipitation in southern Kazakhstan. The reconstruction explains 39.7% of the variance in precipitation records during the 1902–2013 calibration periods. In addition, the precipitation over the past 246 years in southern Kazakhstan has experienced six wetter periods and seven drier ones, and the extreme drought years were 1837, 1879, 1917 and 1945. From 1985 to 2004, precipitation has experienced longer and more rapid wetting, but the trend of precipitation has decreased in the past few years. The reconstructed series of precipitation is consistent with the historic precipitation/Palmer Drought Severity Index of the western Tianshan Mountains. Here, high precipitation variability occurred during 1770–1800 and 1900‐present, while 1800–1900 was relatively calm. Meanwhile, there was large power in the 2‐ to 7‐year short‐period and over the 34‐ to 35‐ and 40‐ to 43‐year long‐periods. We suggest the precipitation variability may be associated with large‐scale oscillations in the climate system. The reconstruction sheds new light on precipitation variability and the changes in a region where the climate history over the past several centuries is poorly understood.
The temporal fractality of precipitation in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands and its relation to other precipitation variability indices
Authors: Meseguer‐Ruiz Oliver , Olcina Cantos Jorge , Sarricolea Pablo , Martín‐Vide Javier
Published: April 2016

Recent years have seen a rise in research into the behaviour of precipitation variability on account of the application of new statistical techniques with a longstanding tradition in other fields. Fractal is a word used to refer to regular objects or processes that cannot be defined by the classical Euclidian mathematics. The fractal dimension of the temporal distribution of precipitation (D) is an indicator of the property of self‐similarity in rainfall distribution at different time intervals. While its spatial meaning has previously been developed extensively and is well defined, the interpretation of the concept of fractality applied to the temporal distribution is abstract. The overarching goal of this article is to give climatic significance to this indicator. To this end, data logged at 10‐min intervals from 44 weather stations in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands for the period from 1997 to 2010 has been employed. TheDvalues obtained ranged between 1.4499 for the observatory in Ibiza and 1.6039 for the observatory in Jaca. The fractal dimension presents a significant and good negative correlation (−0.55) with the concentration index (CI), and a significant and good positive correlation (0.67) with entropy. The correlation ofDwith other traditionally used indices, such as the coefficient of variation or the consecutive disparity index is very limited, as this indicator is more focused on the distribution of precipitation intervals than on the total accumulated rainfall over a given period. In an endeavour to develop multivariate models that explain the behaviour ofD, only two‐variable models can be obtained, which account for most of the variability and that involve the CI or entropy. Self‐similarity is therefore associated with the regular recurrence of precipitation intervals, which is more evident in those observatories with higherDvalues.
Quantitative determination of 15 bioactive triterpenoid saponins in different parts of Acanthopanax henryi by HPLC with charged aerosol detection and confirmation by LC–ESI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐dan , Li Zhi , Liu Guo‐zhu , Wang Xiang , Kwon Ok‐kyoung , Lee Hyeong‐kyu , Whang Wan‐kyunn , Liu Xiang‐qian
Published: April 2016

Triterpenoid saponins are difficult to analyze using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV/vis spectrophotometry due to their lack of chromophores. This study describes the first analytical method for the determination of 15 triterpenoid saponins from the leaves, stems, root bark, and fruits of Acanthopanax henryi, using a high‐performance liquid chromatography with charged aerosol detection coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method. The separation was carried out on a Kinetex XB‐C18 column with an acetonitrile/water gradient as the mobile phase, followed by charged aerosol detection. The operating conditions of charged aerosol detection were set at 24 kPa for nitrogen pressure and 100 pA for the detection range. Liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is described for the identification of compounds in plant samples. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method involved the use of the [M + Na]+ and [M + NH4]+ ions for compounds 1–15 in the positive ion mode with an extracted ion chromatogram. The developed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability, and recovery, then subsequently applied to evaluate the quality of A. henryi.
A randomized side‐by‐side study comparing alexandrite laser at different pulse durations for port wine stains
Authors: Carlsen Berit C. , Wenande Emily , Erlendsson Andres M. , Faurschou Annesofie , Dierickx Christine , Haedersdal Merete
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) represents the gold‐standard treatment for port wine stains (PWS). However, approximately 20% of patients are poor responders and yield unsatisfactory end‐results. The Alexandrite (Alex) laser may be a therapeutic alternative for selected PWS subgroups, but optimal laser parameters are not known. The aim of this study was to assess clinical PWS clearance and safety of Alex laser at a range of pulse durations.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen individuals (14 previously PDL‐treated) with deep red (n = 4), purple macular (n = 5) and purple hypertrophic (n = 7) PWS were included. Four side‐by‐side test areas were marked within each lesion. Three test areas were randomized to Alex laser at pulse durations of 3, 5, or 10 ms (8 mm spot, DCD 60/40), while the fourth was untreated. The lowest effective fluence to create purpura within the entire test spot was titrated and applied to intervention areas. Standardized clinical photographs were taken prior to, immediately after laser exposure and at 6–8 weeks follow up. Clinical PWS clearance and laser‐related side effects were assessed using clinical photos.

Results

Alex laser at 3, 5, and 10 ms pulse durations demonstrated significant clearance compared to untreated controls (P < 0.001). Three milli second pulse duration exhibited improved clearance versus 5 ms (P = 0.016) and 10 ms (P = 0.004), while no difference between five and 10 ms was shown (P = 0.063). Though not significant, good responders (>50% clearance) were more likely to have purple hypertrophic PWS (5/7) compared to purple macular (2/5) and deep red lesions (1/4). Eight laser‐exposed test areas (17%) developed hypopigmented atrophic scarring. Side effects tended to be more frequently observed with 5 ms (n = 4) and 10 ms (n = 3) versus 3 ms pulse duration (n = 1). Correspondingly, 3 ms was associated with a superior (n = 6) or comparable (n = 10) overall cosmetic appearance for all individuals.

Conclusion

Alex laser at 3 ms pulse duration offers superior clinical clearance and safety compared to 5 and 10 ms, and seems best suited for purple hypertrophic PWS. Treatment should be restricted to experienced personnel due to a particularly narrow therapeutic window. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:97–103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A method of applying compressive pre‐stress to AlGaN barrier in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures by depositing an additional thermally mismatched dielectric
Authors: Liu Yanli , Chen Dunjun , Yang Lianhong , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: April 2016

To mitigate strain relaxation of AlGaN barrier in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures, a new method is proposed by inducing an additional biaxial compressive pre‐stress. Here, MgO dielectric with a twice larger thermal‐expansion coefficient than AlGaN was deposited on the surface of Si3N4‐passivated AlGaN/GaN heterostructures at high temperature to demonstrate this idea. The ultraviolet Raman results verify that MgO dielectric introduced a temperature‐dependent biaxial compressive stress to the AlGaN barrier. The calculated variations of two‐dimensional‐electron‐gas concentration before and after depositing the MgO dielectric according to piezoelectric polarization theory are in good agreement with those from Hall effect measurements in the temperature range of 80–600 K, which further confirms the presence of the additional compressive pre‐stress to AlGaN.
On the variational problem for upper tails in sparse random graphs
Authors: Lubetzky Eyal , Zhao Yufei
Published: April 2016

What is the probability that the number of triangles in , the Erdős‐Rényi random graph with edge density p, is at least twice its mean? Writing it as , already the order of the rate function r(n, p) was a longstanding open problem when p = o(1), finally settled in 2012 by Chatterjee and by DeMarco and Kahn, who independently showed that for ; the exact asymptotics of r(n, p) remained unknown. The following variational problem can be related to this large deviation question at : for δ > 0 fixed, what is the minimum asymptotic p‐relative entropy of a weighted graph on n vertices with triangle density at least (1 + δ)p3? A beautiful large deviation framework of Chatterjee and Varadhan (2011) reduces upper tails for triangles to a limiting version of this problem for fixed p. A very recent breakthrough of Chatterjee and Dembo extended its validity to for an explicit α > 0, and plausibly it holds in all of the above sparse regime.

In this note we show that the solution to the variational problem is when vs. when (the transition between these regimes is expressed in the count of triangles minus an edge in the minimizer). From the results of Chatterjee and Dembo, this shows for instance that the probability that for has twice as many triangles as its expectation is where . Our results further extend to k‐cliques for any fixed k, as well as give the order of the upper tail rate function for an arbitrary fixed subgraph when . © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 420–436, 2017
Influence of Flexible Bis(benzimidazole) Derivatives on the Self‐assembly of Three Mixed Ligands Silver(I) Coordination Polymers
Authors: Hao Shao‐Yun , Liu Yong‐Guang , Hao Zeng‐Chuan , Cui Guang‐Hua
Published: April 2016

Three silver(I) coordination polymers namely, [Ag4(L1)2(1, 4‐ndc)2]n (1) {[Ag(L2)]·(1, 4‐Hndc)·H2O}n (2), and {[Ag(L3)(H2O)]·(1, 4‐Hndc)}n (3) [L1 = 1, 3‐bis(benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, 1, 4‐H2ndc = 1, 4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, L2 = 1, 3‐bis(5, 6‐dimethylbenzimidazole‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, L3 = 1, 4‐bis(5, 6‐dimethylbenzimidazole)butane], were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and XRPD analysis. Complex 1 displays a 1D tube‐like chain, which is packed into a 3D supramolecular network by π–π stacking interactions. Complex 2 features an infinite 1D linear chain. Complex 3 contains a 1D wave‐like chain, which is extended into a 3D supramolecular network through O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover, these coordination polymers exhibit catalytic properties for degradation of methyl orange in Fenton‐like processes.
Postoperative Adverse Events Inconsistently Improved by the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist: A Systematic Literature Review of 25 Studies
Authors: de Jager Elzerie , McKenna Chloe , Bartlett Lynne , Gunnarsson Ronny , Ho Yik‐Hong
Published: April 2016

Background

The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has been widely implemented in an effort to decrease surgical adverse events.

Method

This systematic literature review examined the effects of the SSC on postoperative outcomes. The review included 25 studies: two randomised controlled trials, 13 prospective and ten retrospective cohort trials. A meta‐analysis was not conducted as combining observational studies of heterogeneous quality may be highly biased.

Results

The quality of the studies was largely suboptimal; only four studies had a concurrent control group, many studies were underpowered to examine specific postoperative outcomes and teamwork‐training initiatives were often combined with the implementation of the checklist, confounding the results. The effects of the checklist were largely inconsistent. Postoperative complications were examined in 20 studies; complication rates significantly decreased in ten and increased in one. Eighteen studies examined postoperative mortality. Rates significantly decreased in four and increased in one. Postoperative mortality rates were not significantly decreased in any studies in developed nations, whereas they were significantly decreased in 75 % of studies conducted in developing nations.

Conclusions

The checklist may be associated with a decrease in surgical adverse events and this effect seems to be greater in developing nations. With the observed incongruence between specific postoperative outcomes and the overall poor study designs, it is possible that many of the positive changes associated with the use of the checklist were due to temporal changes, confounding factors and publication bias.
A Model for Static Recrystallization with Simultaneous Precipitation and Solute Drag
Authors: Buken Heinrich , Kozeschnik Ernst
Published: April 2016

In the present work, we introduce a state parameter-based microstructure evolution model, which incorporates the effect of solute atoms and precipitates on recrystallization kinetics. The model accounts for local precipitate coarsening at grain boundaries, which promotes an average grain boundary movement even if the Zener pinning force exceeds the driving force for recrystallization. The impact of solute drag on the grain boundary mobility as well as simultaneous precipitation is discussed in detail. The model is validated on experimental data on recrystallization in V-micro-alloyed steel, where excellent agreement is achieved.
Guideline Implementation: Moderate Sedation/Analgesia
Authors: Fencl Jennifer L.
Published: April 2016

Moderate sedation/analgesia is practiced in a variety of settings and delivered by a variety of health care providers, with a goal of reducing the patient's anxiety and discomfort during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The updated AORN “Guideline for care of the patient receiving moderate sedation/analgesia” provides guidance on RN administration of moderate sedation/analgesia within the scope of nursing practice as defined by the state boards of nursing. The guideline addresses patient selection and assessment, staffing for the procedure, patient monitoring, medication administration, and criteria for postoperative discharge. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to promote safe care throughout the perioperative continuum for a patient receiving moderate sedation/analgesia. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
The Effects of Surgical Hand Scrubbing Protocols on Skin Integrity and Surgical Site Infection Rates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Liang Qin , Mehigan Sinead
Published: April 2016

This systematic review aimed to critically appraise and synthesize updated evidence regarding the effect of surgical‐scrub techniques on skin integrity and the incidence of surgical site infections. Databases searched include the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Our review was limited to eight peer‐reviewed, randomized controlled trials and two nonrandomized controlled trials published in English from 1990 to 2015. Comparison models included traditional hand scrubbing with chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone‐iodine against alcohol‐based hand rubbing, scrubbing with a brush versus without a brush, and detergent‐based antiseptics alone versus antiseptics incorporating alcohol solutions. Evidence showed that hand rubbing techniques are as effective as traditional scrubbing and seem to be better tolerated. Hand rubbing appears to cause less skin damage than traditional scrub protocols, and scrub personnel tolerated brushless techniques better than scrubbing using a brush.
Subglacial hydrology at Rink Isbræ, West Greenland inferred from sediment plume appearance
Authors: Schild Kristin M. , Hawley Robert L. , Morriss Blaine F.
Published: April 2016

Marine-terminating outlet glaciers discharge most of the Greenland ice sheet's mass through frontal ablation and meltwater runoff. While calving can be estimated by in situ and remote sensing observations, submarine melting and subglacial meltwater transport are more challenging to quantify. Here we investigate the subglacial hydrology of Rink Isbræ, a fast-flowing West Greenland tidewater glacier, using time-lapse photography, modeled runoff estimates and daily satellite imagery from 2007 to 2011. We find that sediment plumes appear episodically at four distinct locations across the terminus, and last between 2 h and 17 d. This suggests short-term variability in discharge and the existence of persistent pathways. The seasonal onset of sediment plumes occurs before supraglacial lake drainages, shortly after the onset of runoff, and only after the wintertime ice mélange has begun disintegrating. Plumes were also visible after the cessation of runoff (23 ± 5 d), which is indicative of subglacial storage. The lack of either a seasonal velocity change or a correspondence between meltwater availability and plume occurrence suggests that the subglacial system persists in a state of inefficient drainage. Subglacial hydrology at tidewater glaciers is of critical importance in understanding dynamics at the ice front.
Competing Inequalities? On the Intersection of Gender and Ethnicity in Candidate Nominations in Indian Elections
Authors: Jensenius Francesca R.
Published: April 2016

Quotas for women and ethnic minorities are implemented to increase diversity in political institutions, but, as they usually target only one group at a time, they may end up increasing the inclusion of one under-represented group at the cost of another. Recent work has emphasized the institutional underpinnings of the variation in such outcomes. In this article I show how the intersectional effects of quotas may also vary within the same institutional context, as changes in the pressure to include excluded groups interact with the informal opportunity structures within political parties. Looking at the nomination of female candidates across India over time, I show that, as the efforts to include more women in politics intensified, much of the increase in female candidates occurred in constituencies reserved for ethnic minorities. This pattern may in part be the result of parties resisting changes to existing power hierarchies by nominating women at the cost of the least powerful male politicians, but can also be seen as evidence that minority quotas have created a political space that is more accessible to women.
Surgical Site Infections Following Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery: An Epidemiologic Analysis
Authors: Rinke Michael L. , Jan Dominique , Nassim Janelle , Choi Jaeun , Choi Steven J.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

To identify surgical site infection (SSI) rates following pediatric ambulatory surgery, SSI outcomes and risk factors, and sensitivity and specificity of SSI administrative billing codes.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of pediatric ambulatory surgeries with International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for SSI, and a systematic random sampling of 5% of surgeries without SSI ICD-9 codes, all adjudicated for SSI on the basis of an ambulatory-adapted National Healthcare Safety Network definition.

SETTING

Urban pediatric tertiary care center April 1, 2009-March 31, 2014.

METHODS

SSI rates and sensitivity and specificity of ICD-9 codes were estimated using sampling design, and risk factors were analyzed in case–rest of cohort, and case-control, designs.

RESULTS

In 15,448 pediatric ambulatory surgeries, 34 patients had ICD-9 codes for SSI and 25 met the adapted National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. One additional SSI was identified with systematic random sampling. The SSI rate following pediatric ambulatory surgery was 2.9 per 1,000 surgeries (95% CI, 1.2–6.9). Otolaryngology surgeries demonstrated significantly lower SSI rates compared with endocrine (P=.001), integumentary (P=.001), male genital (P<.0001), and respiratory (P=.01) surgeries. Almost half of patients with an SSI were admitted, 88% received antibiotics, and 15% returned to the operating room. No risk factors were associated with SSI. The sensitivity of ICD-9 codes for SSI following ambulatory surgery was 55.31% (95% CI, 12.69%–91.33%) and specificity was 99.94% (99.89%–99.97%).

CONCLUSIONS

SSI following pediatric ambulatory surgery occurs at an appreciable rate and conveys morbidity on children.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:931–938
Compressibility effects on the structural evolution of transitional high-speed planar wakes
Authors: Hickey Jean-Pierre , Hussain Fazle , Wu Xiaohua
Published: April 2016

The compressibility effects on the structural evolution of the transitional high-speed planar wake are studied. The relative Mach number ($Ma_{r}$) of the laminar base flow modifies two fundamental features of planar wake transition: (i) the characteristic length scale defined by the most unstable linear mode; and (ii) the domain of influence of the structures within the staggered two-dimensional vortex array. Linear stability results reveal a reduced growth (approximately 30 % reduction up to$Ma_{r}=2.0$) and a quasilinear increase of the wavelength of the most unstable, two-dimensional instability mode (approximately 20 % longer over the same$Ma_{r}$range) with increasing$Ma$. The primary wavelength defines the length scale imposed on the emerging transitional structures; naturally, a longer wavelength results in rollers with a greater streamwise separation and hence also larger circulation. A reduction of the growth rate and an increase of the principal wavelength results in a greater ellipticity of the emerging rollers. Compressibility effects also modify the domain of influence of the transitional structures through an increased cross-wake and inhibited streamwise communication as characteristic paths between rollers are deflected due to local$Ma$ gradients. The reduced streamwise domain of influence impedes roller pairing and, for a sufficiently large relative$Ma$, pairing is completely suppressed. Thus, we observe an increased two-dimensionality with increasing Mach number: directly contrasting the increasing three-dimensional effects in high-speed mixing layers. Temporally evolving direct numerical simulations conducted at$Ma=0.8$and 2.0, for Reynolds numbers up to 3000, support the physical insight gained from linear stability and vortex dynamics studies.
Mechanisms of flow tripping by discrete roughness elements in a swept-wing boundary layer
Authors: Kurz Holger B. E. , Kloker Markus J.
Published: April 2016

The effects of a spanwise row of finite-size cylindrical roughness elements in a laminar, compressible, three-dimensional boundary layer on a wing profile are investigated by direct numerical simulations (DNS). Large elements are capable of immediately tripping turbulent flow by either a strong, purely convective or an absolute/global instability in the near wake. First we focus on an understanding of the steady near-field past a finite-size roughness element in the swept-wing flow, comparing it to a respective case in unswept flow. Then, the mechanisms leading to immediate turbulence tripping are elaborated by gradually increasing the roughness height and varying the disturbance background level. The quasi-critical roughness Reynolds number above which turbulence sets in rapidly is found to be $Re_{kk,qcrit}\approx 560$ and global instability is found only for values well above 600 using nonlinear DNS; therefore the values do not differ significantly from two-dimensional boundary layers if the full velocity vector at the roughness height is taken to build $Re_{kk}$. A detailed simulation study of elements in the critical range indicates a changeover from a purely convective to a global instability near the critical height. Finally, we perform a three-dimensional global stability analysis of the flow field to gain insight into the early stages of the temporal disturbance growth in the quasi-critical and over-critical cases, starting from a steady state enforced by damping of unsteady disturbances.