bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of MALT Lymphoma Underlying Ileocecal Intussusception
Authors: Adams Kathryn M. , Roe Nicole M.
Published: July 2016

Intussusception is an extremely rare diagnosis in adults, with an etiologic process identified in the majority of cases. The authors describe an unusual case of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma as the underlying cause of ileocecal intussusception in an elderly woman. The patient presented with complaints of abdominal pain of variable intensity that had increased in severity over the past several months. A contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan revealed evidence of ileocecal intussusception, and a subsequent exploratory laparotomy revealed high-grade bowel obstruction. Early recognition of intussusception is critical to appropriate management and resolution.
Bonding of lithium niobate to silicon in ambient air using laser irradiation
Authors: Kawano Hiroki , Takigawa Ryo , Ikenoue Hiroshi , Asano Tanemasa
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we introduce a bonding method in ambient air using laser irradiation to the face-to-face interface of dissimilar materials. This method is performed while keeping whole wafers of the materials at room temperature. We demonstrate the bonding of LiNbO3 to Si using pulsed nanosecond green laser irradiation. Laser use can minimize thermal stress owing to a large thermal expansion mismatch. The bonding characteristic obtained by an irradiation laser up to 2.5 J/cm2 in fluence is investigated. It is found that a LiNbO3 chip is strongly bonded to a Si chip by setting the laser fluence at the optimum range. A bond strength of over 2 MPa, which may be enough for the device applications, can be obtained.
Speckle reduction in laser picoprojector by combining optical phase matrix with twin green lasers and oscillating MEMS mirror for coherence suppression
Authors: Lee Jae-Yong , Kim Tae-Ha , Yim BooBin , Bu Jong-Uk , Kim Young-Joo
Published: July 2016

The combined speckle reduction method is proposed and designed for laser picoprojectors taking small size, high optical power, and good image preservation into account. An optical phase matrix, twin green lasers, and an oscillating MEMS scanning mirror are used to suppress the speckle by reducing spatial and temporal coherences. The optical phase matrix is designed using a 5 µm pixel pitch based on Matlab simulation results and fabricated by imprinting. The twin green lasers with a modulation configuration and an oscillating MEMS scanning mirror are also applied taking the resolution of the display image and the scanning frequency of the MEMS scanning mirror into account. From the experimental results, it is confirmed that the speckle contrast is reduced by 47.47% by the optical phase matrix, 27.93% by the twin green lasers, and 18.89% by the oscillating MEMS scanning mirror. Finally, the combined speckle contrast results in a speckle reduction efficiency of 53.80% with a relatively small optical power loss of 18.21%.
Information theoretic alignment free variant calling
Authors: Bedo Justin , Goudey Benjamin , Wazny Jeremy , Zhou Zeyu
Published: July 2016

While traditional methods for calling variants across whole genome sequence data rely on alignment to an appropriate reference sequence, alternative techniques are needed when a suitable reference does not exist. We present a novel alignment and assembly free variant calling method based on information theoretic principles designed to detect variants have strong statistical evidence for their ability to segregate samples in a given dataset. Our method uses the context surrounding a particular nucleotide to define variants. Given a set of reads, we model the probability of observing a given nucleotide conditioned on the surrounding prefix and suffixes of lengthkas a multinomial distribution. We then estimate which of these contexts are stable intra-sample and varying inter-sample using a statistic based on the Kullback–Leibler divergence.

The utility of the variant calling method was evaluated through analysis of a pair of bacterial datasets and a mouse dataset. We found that our variants are highly informative for supervised learning tasks with performance similar to standard reference based calls and another reference free method (DiscoSNP++). Comparisons against reference based calls showed our method was able to capture very similar population structure on the bacterial dataset. The algorithm’s focus on discriminatory variants makes it suitable for many common analysis tasks for organisms that are too diverse to be mapped back to a single reference sequence.
Nitrate uptake across biomes and the influence of elemental stoichiometry: A new look at LINX II
Authors: Wymore Adam S. , Coble Ashley A. , Rodríguez‐Cardona Bianca , McDowell William H.
Published: July 2016

Considering recent increases in anthropogenic N loading, it is essential to identify the controls on N removal and retention in aquatic ecosystems because the fate of N has consequences for water quality in streams and downstream ecosystems. Biological uptake of nitrate (NO3−) is a major pathway by which N is removed from these ecosystems. Here we used data from the second Lotic Intersite Nitrogen eXperiment (LINX II) in a multivariate analysis to identify the primary drivers of variation in NO3− uptake velocity among biomes. Across 69 study watersheds in North America, dissolved organic carbon:NO3− ratios and photosynthetically active radiation were identified as the two most important predictor variables in explaining NO3− uptake velocity. However, within a specific biome the predictor variables of NO3− uptake velocity varied and included various physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Our analysis demonstrates the broad control of elemental stoichiometry on NO3− uptake velocity as well as the importance of biome‐specific predictors. Understanding this spatial variation has important implications for biome‐specific watershed management and the downstream export of NO3−, as well as for development of spatially explicit global models that describe N dynamics in streams and rivers.
Contributions of growth and deformation to monthly variability in sea ice thickness north of the coasts of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Kwok R. , Cunningham G. F.
Published: July 2016

Regional variability in monthly CryoSat‐2 sea ice thickness is partitioned into contributions from dynamics and thermodynamics using ice deformation calculated from large‐scale ice drift. For five winters (December to April, 2011–2015), over a region of persistent convergence north of the coasts of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, deformation explains ~34% of the overall variance (up to 69% in 2014/2015) in monthly thickness changes. Approximately 42–56% (or ~ 0.6 m) of the seasonal changes in mean regional ice thickness can be attributed to divergence and shear. The estimated area‐averaged growth of 0.12 ± 0.03 m/month compares favorably with measurements from ice mass balance buoys. Examination of the time‐variable thickness distributions shows areas covered by ice < 3 m are reduced, while areas of thicker ice (>3 m) increased. Albeit at fairly coarse resolution, this coupled analysis of thickness changes and deformation offered a first look at the character of the regional thickness redistribution process.
Mapping probabilities of extreme continental water storage changes from space gravimetry
Authors: Kusche J. , Eicker A. , Forootan E. , Springer A. , Longuevergne L.
Published: July 2016

Using data from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, we derive statistically robust “hot spot” regions of high probability of peak anomalous—i.e., with respect to the seasonal cycle—water storage (of up to 0.7 m one‐in‐five‐year return level) and flux (up to 0.14 m/month). Analysis of, and comparison with, up to 32 years of ERA‐Interim reanalysis fields reveals generally good agreement of these hot spot regions to GRACE results and that most exceptions are located in the tropics. However, a simulation experiment reveals that differences observed by GRACE are statistically significant, and further error analysis suggests that by around the year 2020, it will be possible to detect temporal changes in the frequency of extreme total fluxes (i.e., combined effects of mainly precipitation and floods) for at least 10–20% of the continental area, assuming that we have a continuation of GRACE by its follow‐up GRACE Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) mission.
The 2 March 2016 Wharton Basin Mw 7.8 earthquake: High stress drop north‐south strike‐slip rupture in the diffuse oceanic deformation zone between the Indian and Australian Plates
Authors: Lay Thorne , Ye Lingling , Ammon Charles J. , Dunham Audrey , Koper Keith D.
Published: July 2016

The diffuse deformation zone between the Indian and Australian plates has hosted numerous major and great earthquakes during the seismological record, including the 11 April 2012 Mw 8.6 event, the largest recorded intraplate earthquake. On 2 March 2016, an Mw 7.8 strike‐slip faulting earthquake occurred in the northwestern Wharton Basin, in a region bracketed by north‐south trending fracture zones with no previously recorded large event nearby. Despite the large magnitude, only minor source finiteness is evident in aftershock locations or resolvable from seismic wave processing including high‐frequency P wave backprojections and Love wave directivity analysis. Our analyses indicate that the event ruptured bilaterally on a north‐south trending fault over a length of up to 70 km, with rupture speed of ≤ 2 km/s, and a total duration of ~35 s. The estimated stress drop, ~20 MPa, is high, comparable to estimates for other large events in this broad intraplate oceanic deformation zone.
Peculiar features of the low‐latitude and midlatitude ionospheric response to the St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm of 17 March 2015
Authors: Nayak Chinmaya , Tsai L.‐C. , Su S.‐Y. , Galkin I. A. , Tan Adrian Teck Keng , Nofri Ed , Jamjareegulgarn Punyawi
Published: July 2016

The current study aims at investigating and identifying the ionospheric effects of the geomagnetic storm that occurred during 17–19 March 2015. Incidentally, with SYM‐H hitting a minimum of −232 nT, this was the strongest storm of the current solar cycle 24. The study investigates how the storm has affected the equatorial, low‐latitude, and midlatitude ionosphere in the American and the European sectors using available ground‐based ionosonde and GPS TEC (total electron content) data. The possible effects of prompt electric field penetration is observed in both sectors during the main phase of the storm. In the American sector, the coexistence of both positive and negative ionospheric storm phases are observed at low latitudes and midlatitudes to high latitudes, respectively. The positive storm phase is mainly due to the prompt penetration electric fields. The negative storm phase in the midlatitude region is a combined effect of disturbance dynamo electric fields, the equatorward shift of the midlatitude density trough, and the equatorward compression of the plasmapause in combination with chemical compositional changes. Strong negative ionospheric storm phase is observed in both ionosonde and TEC observations during the recovery phase which also shows a strong hemispherical asymmetry. Additionally, the variation of equatorial ionization anomaly as seen through the SWARM constellation plasma measurements across different longitudes has been discussed. We, also, take a look at the performance of the IRI Real‐Time Assimilative Mapping during this storm as an ionospheric space weather tool.
Appraisal of recent theories to understand cyclogenesis pathways of tropical cyclone Madi (2013)
Authors: Rajasree V. P. M. , Kesarkar Amit P. , Bhate Jyoti N. , Umakanth U. , Singh Vikas , Harish Varma T.
Published: July 2016

The present study aims to examine the new understanding of cyclogenesis by analyzing the genesis sequence of formation of a very severe cyclonic storm Madi (6–13 December 2013) that occurred over the Bay of Bengal. We have generated a high‐resolution (18 km, 6 km, and 2 km) analysis using three‐dimensional variational data assimilation technique and Weather Research and Forecasting model. The genesis sequence of Madi cyclone is analyzed using the concepts in the marsupial theory and other theories of tropical cyclone formation. Major results are as follows: the developed analysis is found useful for tracking the movement of westward moving parent disturbance from 15 days prior to the genesis; identifying developed pouch region in the Lagrangian frame of reference; understanding the evolution of the pouch and convection within the pouch region and for the study of intensification inside the pouch region. Also, large‐scale priming of environment concurs with the hypotheses of the marsupial theory of tropical cyclogenesis. The analysis of dynamical and thermodynamical processes within the pouch region showed gradual moistening, uplifting of moisture, diabatic heating causing buoyant convection in the vorticity‐rich environment followed by vortex tube stretching, development of convection, heavy precipitation, strengthening of lower level convergence, and hence spin‐up during a day or two preceding the genesis of Madi cyclone. In general, it is concluded that intensification within pouch region during the cyclogenesis phase followed the marsupial paradigm and bottom‐up mechanism.
Solvent mixtures, preliminary remarks [Air Monitoring Methods, 2014]
Authors: Tschickardt M. , Krämer W. , Breuer D. , Eisenhardt A. , Karmann J. , Moritz A. , Nitz G. , Schmitt R. , Schneider W. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The preliminary remarks describe the updated versions of the six solvent mixture methods published in 1998 in this collection. The revised methods describe the determination of solvents in the workplace air by means of adsorption onto solid adsorbents followed by gas chromatographic analysis, whereby active sampling is performed. Chloroorganic solvents as well as benzene are no longer taken into consideration. Sampling is performed by drawing air through an adsorbent tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. In addition to the choice of adsorbent, the individual methods that cover the different components of the solvent spectrum differ in the manner of sample preparation and the analytical measuring principle. The preliminary remarks contain a table with numerous widely used solvents (including its characteristics and physical parameters) that can be determined with the revised methods. Furthermore, the concentration range of an individual solvent component is designed in such a way that its Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) can be monitored at workplaces. The performances of comparative tests are described and the measurement results of the analysis are presented.
Solvent mixtures [Air Monitoring Methods, 2014a]
Authors: Krämer W. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of many solvents in solvent mixtures for monitoring their Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) at workplaces. Sampling is performed by drawing air through a charcoal tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. For sample preparation the loaded charcoal is desorbed with carbon disulphide. The sample solution is analysed by means of gas chromatography fitted with flame ionisation detectors (FID) using two capillary columns of different polarity connected in parallel with the injector. The quantitative evaluation is based on calibration functions obtained by means of 6‐point calibrations with equidistant values in the lower working range. For internal standard,
n
‐tetradecane is used. The limits of quantification (LOQs) are between 0.02 and 1.3 mg/m
3
for the individual solvent component with an expanded uncertainty between 15 and 17%.
Solvent mixtures [Air Monitoring Methods, 2014b]
Authors: Schneider W. , Breuer D. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of many solvents in solvent mixtures for monitoring their Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) at workplaces. Sampling is performed by drawing air through a charcoal tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. For sample preparation the loaded charcoal is desorbed with a ternary mixture consisting of dichloromethane, carbon disulphide and methanol. The sample solution is analysed by means of gas chromatography fitted with flame ionisation detectors (FID) using two capillary columns of different polarity connected in parallel with the injector. The quantitative evaluation is based on calibration functions obtained by means of 10‐point calibrations with equidistant values in the lower working range by one decimal power. For internal standards, 2‐methylheptane and
n
‐undecane are used. The limits of quantification (LOQs) are between 1 and 5 mg/m
3
for the individual solvent component with an expanded uncertainty between 10 and 22%.
Determination of ketones and C
4
– C
5
alcohols in solvent mixtures [Air Monitoring Methods, 2014]
Authors: Krämer W. , Schneider W. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of ketones and C
4
‐C
5
‐alcohols in solvent mixtures for monitoring their Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) at workplaces. Sampling is performed by drawing air through a silica gel tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. For sample preparation the loaded silica gel is desorbed with a ternary mixture consisting of dichloromethane, methanol and water. The sample solution is analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative evaluation is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations using toluene D
8
as internal standard. The limits of quantification (LOQs) are between 0.060 and 0.75 mg/m
3
for the individual ketone or C
4
‐C
5
‐alcohol component with an expanded uncertainty between 16 and 18%.
Addendum zu 2‐Butoxyethanol [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Göen T. , Rettenmeier A.W. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK‐Kommission
Published: July 2016

2‐Butoxyethanol (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether): Addendum BAT value documentation (2016)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for 2‐butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), considering butoxyacetic acid in urine to characterize the internal exposure. The main systemic adverse effects of 2‐butoxyethanol are on the haematopoietic system (haemolytic effects), followed by possible teratogenic and testicular effects. 2‐Butoxyethanol was classified in category 4 for carcinogenic substances, which enables the evaluation of a health based exposure limit. It can easily pass through the skin, so biological monitoring is necessary for a valid individual risk assessment.

A considerable part of the absorbed 2‐butoxyethanol is excreted in form of the glutamine conjugate of butoxyacetic acid, i. e. N‐butoxyacetyl glutamine. The relative amount of this conjugate in the total excretion of butoxyacetic acid varied considerably intra‐ and inter‐individually depending on the exposure levels and possibly on enzyme polymorphisms. On average half of the total butoxyacetic acid is excreted in the form of the glutamine conjugate (factor 2). Various studies indicate that at high exposure levels the capacity of the conjugate reaction is exceeded and lower conjugated amounts appear. Due to the high variability of conjugated amounts of the butoxyacetic acid and the limitation of conjugated amounts at high exposure levels the previous BAT value for free 2‐butoxyacetic acid is converted with a factor of  1.5 to the total amounts of 2‐butoxyacetic acid. Additionally, the impact of diuresis is considered by the relation to the creatinine concentration.

Therefore, a BAT value for the total butoxyacetic acid excretion of 150 mg butoxyacetic acid (after hydrolysis)/g creatinine was established. Sampling should be performed at the end of exposure and shift, respectively, after several previous shifts. This BAT value applies also for combined exposure to 2‐butoxyethanol and 2‐butoxyethylacetate.
Addendum to 2‐Butoxyethyl acetate (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate) [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

2‐Butoxyethylacetate (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate): Addendum BAT value documentation (2008)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for 2‐butoxyethylacetate (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate), considering butoxyacetic acid in urine to characterize the internal exposure.

The previous BAT value for free butoxyacetic acid of 100 mg butoxyacetic acid/l urine*, intended to protect against systemic effects (especially haemolytic effects), is retained. The sampling time is at the end of exposure/shift after several previous shifts.

For the total excretion of butoxyacetic acid a further BAT value of 200 mg butoxyacetic acid (after hydrolysis)/l urine* is established.

As the effects of the two glycol ethers 2‐butoxyethyl acetate and 2‐butoxyethanol, are largely the same in the human organism, the BAT values apply to both and the two substances are also discussed together in the addendum of 2‐butoxyethanol.

* no longer valid
Addendum zu Anilin [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Bolt H. M. , Leng G. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK‐Kommission
Published: July 2016

Aniline

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for aniline, considering aniline in urine to characterize the internal exposure and the methemoglobin formation as critical effect. Available publications as well as unpublished study reports are described in detail.

In a new chamber study, 19 individuals were exposed to the present MAK‐value of 2 ml aniline/m
3
for 6 hours with defined physical activity. The background level of methemoglobin was 0.7 ± 0.2%. At the end of exposure, an increase of up to 1.2 ± 0.3% (range 0.8–2.1%) was observed. The mean excretion of aniline in urine after hydrolysis at the end of exposure was 168 ± 52 µg/l (range 79.5–418 µg/l).

The BAT‐value relates to an air concentration of 2 ml/m
3
and a methemoglobin level of 5%. Considering this study, a BAT‐value of 500 µg/l urine (after hydrolysis) was evaluated. This value is a maximum concentration because of acute toxic effects of methemoglobin. Sampling time is at the end of exposure or the end of the working shift.

For the hemoglobin adduct of aniline, a “Biologischer Leitwert” (BLW) of 100 µg aniline (released from aniline‐haemoglobin conjugate)/l blood was evaluated based on occupational‐medical experiences in field studies.
Addendum zu 1‐Butanol [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Weistenhöfer W. , Leng G. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK‐Kommission
Published: July 2016

1‐Butanol (n‐Butyl alcohol): Addendum BAT value documentation (2016)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for 1‐butanol.

A capillary gas chromatographic head space technique developed by the Working Group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the German Research Foundation (DFG) was used for determining 1‐butanol in urine. For this method hydrolysis is recommended neither for blood nor for urine investigation.

The BAT values of 10 mg 1‐butanol/g creatinine (sampling time at the end of exposure or end of shift) and 2 mg 1‐butanol/g creatinine (sampling time 16 hours after the end of shift (at the beginning of the next shift)) related to the MAK value of 100 ml/m
3
were confirmed.
Iron oxides (inhalable fraction) [MAK Value Documentation, 2011]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated iron oxides, considering all toxicity endpoints. Publications and available unpublished studies are the basis for the evaluation.

Following exposure to iron oxide dusts (poorly soluble particles) effects on the lungs are considered to be the critical effects. However, although iron oxides are poorly soluble, it cannot be excluded that small amounts of soluble Fe(II) or Fe(III) ions are also present in the lungs after inhalation. Toxic effects of iron oxides are only expected when the homeostasis of iron in the body is deregulated or exceeded. Under these conditions iron ions may cause an increased formation of reactive oxygen species via the Fenton reaction. These ions can trigger genotoxic and carcinogenic changes.

Although an increased risk for lung cancer has been observed in employees at workplaces with exposures to dust containing iron oxides this is probably due to simultaneous exposure to other toxic compounds, and no final statement can be made on the carcinogenicity of iron oxides in humans. After intratracheal application of iron oxides in high doses an increased tumour incidence in the lungs of rats was observed. Therefore, and on the indication for a genotoxic effect of iron ions inin vitrostudies, iron oxides are classified in Carcinogen Category 3B. Skin contact is not expected to contribute to systemic toxicity. Practically no risk of sensitization is to be expected, although the data to support this statement are scarce.
3‐Iod‐2‐propinylbutylcarbamat (IPBC) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

3‐Iodo‐2‐propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration of 3‐iodo‐2‐propynyl butylcarbamate at the workplace (MAK value), considering the endpoints respiratory tract irritation and developmental toxicity. No new studies have been published since the supplement from 2011. 3‐Iodo‐2‐propynyl butylcarbamate is irritating to the skin, eyes and airways and has skin‐sensitizing effects.

In a 5‐day aerosol inhalation study, hyperplasia, squamous cell metaplasia and necrosis occurred in the larynx of rats at 1 mg/m
3
with a NOAEC of 0.3 mg/m
3
. These effects were more pronounced in the 13‐week study with a NOAEC of 0.23 mg/m
3
. The systemic effect dose in long‐term feeding studies in rats and mice extrapolated to a concentration in air at the workplace is around 100 times higher.

Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. Based on this approach, a MAK value of 0.005 ml/m
3
(0.058 mg/m
3
) can be calculated from the 13‐week study. Since the critical effect is irritation, Peak Limitation Category I is retained. As this effect is immediate and not a form of sensory irritation , but a change to the tissue, and because the margin between the MAK value and the histological NOAEC of 0.3 mg/m
3
is sufficiently large, the excursion factor of 2 has been retained.

There are no new data on prenatal toxicity available. Pregnancy Risk Group C has therefore been retained.
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light [MAK Value Documentation, 2012]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated hydrotreated light distillates (petroleum), considering all toxicity endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. The distillates are a complex hydrocarbon mixture. As there are no studies on materials with the same boiling range are available, studies on other hydrocarbon mixtures consisting mainly of aliphatic and alicyclic alkanes with a similar boiling range were used for the evaluation. In a 13‐week gavage study in rats the critical effects of an aromatics‐free hydrocarbon product are higher relative liver weight and changes in clinico‐chemical parameters observed at 500 mg/kg body weight per day. Based on the NOAEL of 100 mg/kg body weight per day that corresponds to 40 ml/m
3
and taking the preferred value approach a MAK value of 20 ml/m
3
is determined. As systemic effects are critical, the mixture is assigned to Peak Limitation Category II. The default excursion factor of 2 is set as no half‐life in blood is known. Pregnancy Risk Group C is assigned, as the NOAEC in a developmental toxicity study in rats is 364 ml/m
3
and thus damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed. Hydrotreated light distillates are not genotoxic. After chronic epicutaneous application of hydrodesulfurized kerosene, malignant skin tumours arose in mice. Since the relevance of these tumours for humans in this model cannot be excluded, Carcinogen Category 3 B was assigned. Skin contact does not contribute to systemic toxicity and sensitization is not expected.
Dichloromethane [MAK Value Documentation, 2015]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated dichloromethane to derive a maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value), considering all toxicity endpoints. Available unpublished study reports and publications are described in detail.

Dichloromethane is a central nervous system depressant. A MAK value of 50 ml/m
3
is derived based on acute behavioural effects indicative for CNS depression assessed by visual‐manual tasks in humans. Peak Limitation Category II is assigned due to the critical systemic effects and at an excursion factor of 2 the resulting concentration in blood is below the NOAEC.

Dichloromethane is genotoxic in
in vitro
test systems in which the GSH‐dependent metabolic pathway is active. Genotoxicity studies in vivo indicated positive results only in somatic cells of mice in high concentrations. However, compared with humans, in mice the GSTT1 isoenzyme is of higher activity as well as the RNA‐adduct formation and the mRNA expression of GSTT1 in prostate, ovaries and placenta is higher. Due to lower sensitivity of humans compared with mice, dichloromethane is not expected to be mutagenic in germ cells of humans.

Available epidemiological studies show no association between dichloromethane and cancer in humans. In mice adenomas and carcinomas are seen in the liver and the lung which can be explained by the rapid metabolism of dichloromethane via the GSH‐dependent pathways in this species and these organs. Using physiologically based pharmacokinetic models in mice and humans, unit risks for humans have been published. Linear extrapolation of the median unit risk by the Commission yields a median risk for liver and lung tumours of 2.5 x 10
‐5
(0‐6.67 x 10
‐5
) for work place exposure to 50 ml dichloromethane/m
3
.

Dichloromethane is classified in Carcinogen Category 5 because the genotoxicity is of prime importance for carcinogenicity of dichloromethane, the genotoxic mode of action is well‐understood and data to calculate the carcinogenic potency in man are available, showing a very slight contribution to human cancer risk, if the MAK value of 50 ml/m
3
is observed.

According to available information of CO‐Hb formation in blood, damage to the embryo or foetus cannot be excluded even if the MAK value is observed and dichloromethane is assigned to Pregnancy Group B.

Dichloromethane is designated with an “H” notation since percutaneous absorption can contribute significantly to the systemic toxicity. Dichloromethane is not expected to be a sensitizer.
Terminal complement activation is increased and associated with disease severity in CIDP
Authors: Quast Isaak , Keller Christian W. , Hiepe Falk , Tackenberg Björn , Lünemann Jan D.
Published: July 2016

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is the most common chronic autoimmune neuropathy. While both cell‐mediated and humoral mechanisms contribute to its pathogenesis, the rapid clinical response to plasmapheresis implicates a circulating factor responsible for peripheral nerve injury. We report that treatment‐naïve patients with CIDP show increased serum and CSF levels of the anaphylatoxin C5a and the soluble terminal complement complex (sTCC). Systemic terminal complement activation correlates with clinical disease severity as determined by the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability scale. These data indicate that complement activation contributes to peripheral nerve injury and suggest that complement inhibition should be explored for its potential therapeutic merit in CIDP.
Progression of Friedreich ataxia: quantitative characterization over 5 years
Authors: Patel Maya , Isaacs Charles J. , Seyer Lauren , Brigatti Karlla , Gelbard Sarah , Strawser Cassandra , Foerster Debbie , Shinnick Julianna , Schadt Kimberly , Yiu Eppie M. , Delatycki Martin B. , Perlman Susan , Wilmot George R. , Zesiewicz Theresa , Mathews Katherine , Gomez Christopher M. , Yoon Grace , Subramony Sub H. , Brocht Alicia , Farmer Jennifer , Lynch David R.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of adults and children. This study analyzed neurological outcomes and changes to identify predictors of progression and generate power calculations for clinical trials.

Methods

Eight hundred and twelve subjects in a natural history study were evaluated annually across 12 sites using the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS), 9‐Hole Peg Test, Timed 25‐Foot Walk, visual acuity tests, self‐reported surveys and disability scales. Cross‐sectional outcomes were assessed from recent visits, and longitudinal changes were gaged over 5 years from baseline.

Results

Cross‐sectional outcomes correlated with measures of disease severity. Age, genetic severity (guanine‐adenine‐adenine [GAA] repeat length), and testing site predicted performance. Serial progression was relatively linear using FARS and composite measures of performance, while individual performance outcomes were nonlinear over time. Age strongly predicted change from baseline until removing the effects of baseline FARS scores, when GAA becomes a more important factor. Progression is fastest in younger subjects and subjects with longer GAA repeats. Improved coefficients of variation show that progression results are more reproducible over longer assessment durations.

Interpretation

While age predicted progression speed in simple analyses and may provide an effective way to stratify cohorts, separating the effects of age and genetic severity is difficult. Controlling for baseline severity, GAA is the major determinant of progression rate in FRDA. Clinical trials will benefit from enrollment of younger subjects, and sample size requirements will shrink with longer assessment periods. These findings should prove useful in devising gene therapy trials in the near future.
Prenatal Earthquake Exposure and Midlife Uric Acid Levels Among Chinese Adults
Authors: Ji Chunpeng , Li Yanping , Cui Liufu , Cai Jianfang , Shi Jihong , Cheng Feon W. , Li Yuqing , Curhan Gary C. , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2016

Objective

To test whether prenatal exposure to earthquake (as a surrogate for acute prenatal stress) could have unfavorable effects on uric acid levels later in life.

Methods

We included 536 individuals who had been prenatally exposed to the Tangshan earthquake in 1976, and 536 sex‐ and age‐matched individuals without that exposure. Serum uric acid concentrations were measured based on fasting blood samples, which were repeatedly collected in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Mean uric acid concentrations in 2010 and the increasing rate from 2006 to 2010 were compared between the 2 groups, after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, serum concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and other potential confounders. We also used multiple logistic regression to estimate the risk of hyperuricemia (>416 μmole/liter in men or >357 μmole/liter in women) in 2010 by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after adjustment for the previously mentioned covariates.

Results

Participants with prenatal exposure to the earthquake had higher concentrations of serum uric acid (adjusted means 315 μmole/liter versus 296 μmole/liter; P = 0.001) and a higher likelihood of having hyperuricemia (multivariate adjusted OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.09–2.66]) in 2010 relative to those without the exposure. Prenatal exposure to the earthquake was consistently significantly associated with a faster increase in uric acid concentration from 2006 to 2010 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prenatal exposure to the earthquake was associated with higher serum uric acid and higher odds of hyperuricemia in early adulthood.
A modified super‐twisting sliding mode control with inner feedback and adaptive gain schedule
Authors: Yang Yi , Qin Shiyin , Jiang Ping
Published: July 2016

In order to deal with the overestimation of matched uncertainty and improve the convergence of sliding variable in sliding mode control, a modified structure of super‐twisting algorithm (STA) with inner feedback and adaptive gain schedule is presented in this paper. The foremost characteristic of the modified STA is that an inner feedback mechanism is built in the standard STA so as to regulate the dynamic behavior of sliding variable effectively. The damping effect produced by the inner feedback can restrain the overshoot and enhance the performance of faster convergence of the sliding variable. Furthermore, the adaptive gain schedule can effectively decrease the chattering amplitude without knowing the upper bound of uncertainty. The numerical simulations and experiments on DC servo system with low speed are carried out to validate the effectiveness and performance advantages of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide Layers with Tunable Pore Architectures as Versatile Transparent Current Collectors for Biophotovoltaics
Authors: Peters Kristina , Lokupitiya Hasala N. , Sarauli David , Labs Mathias , Pribil Mathias , Rathouský Jiří , Kuhn Alexander , Leister Dario , Stefik Morgan , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina
Published: July 2016

Nanostructured transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layers gain increasing importance as high surface area electrodes enabling incorporation of functional redox species with high loading. The fabrication of porous TCO films, namely, antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO), is reported using the self‐assembly of preformed ATO nanocrystals with poly(ethylene oxide‐b‐hexyl acrylate) (PEO‐b‐PHA) block copolymer. The high molar mass of the polymer and tunable solution processing conditions enable the fabrication of TCO electrodes with pore sizes ranging from mesopores to macropores. Particularly notable is access to uniform macroporous films with a nominal pore size of around 80 nm, which is difficult to obtain by other techniques. The combination of tunable porosity with a large conducting interface makes the obtained layers versatile current collectors with adjustable performance. While all the obtained electrodes incorporate a large amount of small redox molecules such as molybdenum polyoxometalate, only the electrodes with sufficiently large macropores are able to accommodate high amounts of bulky photoactive photosystem I (PSI) protein complexes. The 11‐fold enhancement of the current response of PSI modified macroporous ATO electrodes compared to PSI on planar indium tin oxide (ITO), makes this type of electrodes promising candidates for the development of biohybrid devices.
High Performance Na–CuCl2 Rechargeable Battery toward Room Temperature ZEBRA‐Type Battery
Authors: Kim Bo‐Ram , Jeong Goojin , Kim Ayoung , Kim Youngkwon , Kim Min Gyu , Kim Hansu , Kim Young‐Jun
Published: July 2016

Despite a recent increase in the attention given to sodium rechargeable battery systems, they should be further advanced in terms of their energy density and reliability to successfully penetrate the rechargeable battery market. Here, a new room temperature ZEBRA‐type Na–CuCl2 rechargeable battery is demonstrated that employs CuCl2 cathode material and nonflammable inorganic liquid electrolyte. The cathode delivers a high energy density of ≈580 Wh kg−1 with superior capacity retention over 1000 cycles as well as a high round‐trip efficiency of ≈97%, which has never been obtained in an organic electrolyte system and high‐temperature ZEBRA‐type battery. These excellent electrochemical performances are mainly attributed to the use of the SO2‐based inorganic electrolyte, which guarantees a reversible conversion reaction between CuCl2 and CuCl with NaCl. It is also demonstrated that the proposed battery chemistry can be extended to other copper halide materials including CuBr2 and CuF2, which also show highly promising battery performances as cathode materials for the Na–Cu halide battery system.
Biosourced Ligands from Isosorbide for the Ethylation of Aldehydes or Alkynylation of Imines
Authors: Huynh Khanh‐Duy , Ibrahim Houssein , Bouchardy Lucie , Bournaud Chloée , Kolodziej Emilie , Toffano Martial , Vo‐Thanh Giang
Published: July 2016

β‐Amino alcohol and diamine ligands were prepared from isosorbide as a chiral renewable resource. The efficiencies of these ligands were evaluated for the metal‐catalyzed enantioselective ethylation of aldehydes and the alkynylation of aldimines.
Pseudo‐obstruction, stroke, and mitochondrial dysfunction: A lethal combination
Authors: Ng Yi Shiau , Feeney Catherine , Schaefer Andrew M. , Holmes Carol Ellen , Hynd Paula , Alston Charlotte L. , Grady John P. , Roberts Mark , Maguire Mellisa , Bright Alexandra , Taylor Robert W. , Yiannakou Yan , McFarland Robert , Turnbull Doug M. , Gorman Gráinne S.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The m.3243A>G MTTL1 mutation is the most common cause of mitochondrial disease; yet there is limited awareness of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (IPO) in this disorder. We aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, and clinical outcome of patients with m.3243A>G‐related mitochondrial disease manifesting with IPO.

Methods

In this large, observational cohort study, we assessed the clinical, molecular, and radiological characteristics of patients with genetically determined m.3243A>G‐related mitochondrial disease, who presented with severe symptoms suggestive of bowel obstruction in the absence of an occluding lesion.

Results

Between January 2009 and June 2015, 226 patients harbouring the m.3243A>G mutation were recruited to the Medical Research Council Centre Mitochondrial Disease Patient Cohort, Newcastle. Thirty patients (13%) presented acutely with IPO. Thirteen of these patients had a preceding history of stroke‐like episodes, whereas 1 presented 27 years previously with their first stroke‐like episode. Eight patients developed IPO concomitantly during an acute stroke‐like episode. Regression analysis suggested stroke was the strongest predictor for development of IPO, in addition to cardiomyopathy, low body mass index and high urinary mutation load. Poor clinical outcome was observed in 6 patients who underwent surgical procedures.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest, in this common mitochondrial disease, that IPO is an under‐recognized, often misdiagnosed clinical entity. Poor clinical outcome associated with stroke and acute surgical intervention highlights the importance of the neurologist having a high index of suspicion, particularly in the acute setting, to instigate timely coordination of appropriate care and management with other specialists. Ann Neurol 2016;80:686–692
Preparation and characterization of novel organic chelating resin and its application in recovery of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zheng Qunxiong , Li Zhuoli , Miao Xixi , Li Jionghui , Huang Yifeng , Xia Haina , Xiong Chunhua
Published: July 2016

An organic polymeric resin was synthesized by anchoring p‐aminobenzoic acid onto macroporous chloromethylated polystyrene beads, and was used for Zn(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The resin exhibited an initially rapid adsorption property for Zn(II) with equilibrium time of 10 h and the maximum adsorption capability approached 184.5 mg g−1. Optimum pH was 4.5. The mechanism of adsorption was investigated using kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic models. The adsorption kinetic data were described well by a pseudo second‐order model with R2 of 0.997. There was a negative ΔG (−17.98 kJ mol−1) and positive ΔH (13.58 kJ mol−1). HCl solution (1.0 mol l−1) could achieve an elution rate of 100%. The experimental data were well fitted by the Thomas model with R2 of 0.9826. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization behavior of hyperbranched polyethylenes with different degree of branching
Authors: Luo Xiang , Huang Wei , Yan Deyue
Published: July 2016

Hyperbranched polyethylenes (HBPEs) with different degree of branching (DB) and similar Mn are used to investigate the effect of branch structure on their crystallization behaviors. The crystal structure, isothermal, and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of HBPEs are studied by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The isothermal crystallization process is analyzed by the Avrami equation while the non‐isothermal crystallization process is analyzed through the Ozawa and Mo methods. The XRD results indicate that the crystallization ability of HBPEs is weakened with the introduction of branch structure, i.e., the crystallinity of HBPEs decreases with the increase of DB, and even tends to zero. The kinetics results of isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization verify the peculiar effects of DB on the crystallization process of HBPEs. In detail, a little of branch structure can accelerate the crystallization process of HBPEs, however a large number of branch can inhibit it. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44127.
Light‐Induced Direct Arylation in the Solid Crystalline State as a Strategy Towards π‐Expanded Imidazoles
Authors: Skonieczny Kamil , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: July 2016

π‐Expanded imidazoles bearing the 2‐iodophenyl substituent at position 2 undergo direct photoinduced intramolecular arylation in the solid, crystalline state leading to large non‐planar heterocycles. An analogous reaction employing 2‐bromophenyl and 2‐chlorophenyl substituents is considerably slower. Such processes have never before been demonstrated to occur in crystals and have allowed the efficient synthesizes of structurally unique compounds containing either the phenanthro[9′,10′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐f]phenanthridine moiety or structurally related skeletons. The reaction occurs in the thin crystalline layers irradiated with UV photons in an almost quantitative manner over 48–72 h. Several previously unknown architectures have been prepared using this methodology. Furthermore, the optical properties of these π‐expanded imidazoles can be altered with the addition of heteroatoms and/or electron‐donating groups.