bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bubble behaviors in a lab‐scale cyclonic‐static micro‐bubble flotation column
Authors: Yan Xiaokang , Shi Rui , Xu Yajun , Wang Ai , Liu Yu , Wang Lijun , Cao Yijun
Published: August 2016

Bubble behaviors in the gas–liquid and lab‐scale cyclonic‐static micro‐bubble flotation column (FCSMC) were investigated and optimized. By particle image velocimetry and charge‐coupled device camera, bubble velocity and migration under low and high gas holdup conditions were measured. The particle image velocimetry measurement under low gas holdup shows that the swirling was significantly stronger than the rising in the near‐axis area, and it declined as height increased. The central region contained high gas holdup and velocity. The bubble distribution under high gas holdup revealed that, in the column flotation unit, when water circulation rate (qw) increased, gas concentration moves toward the bottom. An excessively high qw drove gas downward and even caused the gas to be pulled into the pump. When aeration rate (qg) increased, the radial distribution improved but was not significant. If qg was excessive, the gas amount increased toward the top due to reflux when the rising bubbles met the free surface. Specifically, the greater bubble concentration in central region was observed under most test conditions. Additionally, an elongated ‘air column’ existed along the central axis and became more obvious with a high qw. The cyclonic inverted cone structure resulted in the gas gathering toward the center and the air column phenomena that deteriorate bubble mineralization. A non‐uniform filling method was proposed to optimize the flow field. Filling with non‐uniform sieve plates was proved to be more effective on bubble distribution equalization, air column inhabitation and non‐axial velocity decreasing. These results provide the basis for structure optimization and process regulation of cyclonic‐static micro‐bubble flotation column. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalized polyacrylonitrile‐nanofiber based immunosensor for Vibrio cholerae detection
Authors: Gupta Pramod K. , Gupta A. , Dhakate S. R. , Khan Zishan H. , Solanki Pratima R.
Published: August 2016

Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PANnf's) were electrospun directly onto an indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass substrate. The PANnf/ITO electrode was partially hydrolyzed with an NaOH aqueous solution at ambient temperature to convert the nitrile groups of the PANnf's into carboxyl groups was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide–N‐hydroxy succinimide chemistry was used to activate the COOH groups of PANnf's for the covalent co‐immobilization of monoclonal antibodies against Vibrio cholerae and bovine serum albumin for V. cholerae toxin detection. Structural, functional, and electrochemical studies of the PANnf/ITO electrode and BSA/Ab/PANnf/ITO immunoelectrode were performed, and found a uniform distribution of nanofibers with diameter of 325 ± 7.7% nm. The electrochemical response studies showed an improved sensing performance of the immunoelectrode with a detection of 6.25–500 ng/mL, a low limit of detection of 0.22 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 90 nA ng−1 mL cm−2, an association constant of 45.2 ng/mL, and a dissociation constant of 8 ng/mL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44170.
Ageing effects on the creep‐recovery behavior of blown extruded low density polyethylene film
Authors: Benmiloud N. H. , Sebaa M. , Chabira S. F. , Poncot M. , Royaud I.
Published: August 2016

Low density polyethylene films used for greenhouse covering were naturally weathered for 6 months in sub‐Saharan region (Algeria). The microstructural and morphological changes have been checked by infrared spectroscopy. The changes of the mechanical properties have been followed by tensile and creep‐recovery tests. The measurements were carried out in the two main directions of the film plane. Besides oxidation, chain scission and crosslinking are competing during all the ageing protocol, affecting thereby, the mechanical properties as well as the viscoelastic behavior revealed by creep‐recovery curves. The anisotropic character of the film is preserved during ageing. The improvement of the creep resistance via crosslinking in both directions, affects the different deformations. The short chain segments coming from chain scissions increase the crystallinity ratio (via a chemo‐crystallization process) lowering by consequence each of the minimum strain rate (
), the instantaneous (
), and delayed recoveries (
) as well. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44209.
Zum Tragverhalten von Stützen semi‐integraler Brücken
Authors: Stümpel Marina , von der Haar Christoph , Marx Steffen
Published: August 2016

Die Berechnung integraler Brücken ist aufgrund ihres komplexen und interaktiven Tragverhaltens aufwendiger als bei Brücken, deren Unterbauten vom Überbau entkoppelt sind. Scheinbar auf der „sicheren Seite” liegende Bewehrungsmengen führen zu einer erhöhten Steifigkeit der Pfeiler und somit zu erhöhten Zwangsschnittgrößen. Ein höherer Bewehrungsgrad ist deshalb nicht zwingend mit einer verbesserten Tragsicherheit der Stütze verbunden. Um das Tragverhalten integraler Brücken besser zu verstehen, ist eine Berechnung unter Berücksichtigung der physikalischen Nichtlinearitäten notwendig. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags wird das nichtlineare Tragverhalten integraler Brückenpfeiler unter Variation der Querschnitts abmessungen und des Bewehrungsgrads untersucht. Die erzielten Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich der Pfeilerduktilität und der Zwangsschnittgrößen ausgewertet, sodass konzeptionelle Vorschläge bereitgestellt werden, die im Rahmen der Bemessung integraler Brücken herangezogen werden können.
Kontinuierliche faseroptische Dehnungsmessung im Stahlbetonbau
Authors: Schmidt‐Thrö Gerald , Scheufler Wolfgang , Fischer Oliver
Published: August 2016

Das Verfahren der kontinuierlichen faseroptischen Messung bietet eine Reihe von neuen Möglichkeiten bei der messtechnischen Begleitung von Versuchen und erlaubt eine detailliertere Auswertung und Interpretation. Auf der anderen Seite stellt die Technik auch erhöhte Anforderungen an die Expertise und Erfahrung der Beteiligten. Das Messverfahren wird im vorliegenden Beitrag kurz vorgestellt und es werden das Potenzial sowie die Herausforderungen und Grenzen aus Sicht der Autoren anhand von zwei einfachen Versuchen aufgezeigt und erläutert.
Emerging technologies for protease engineering: New tools to clear out disease
Authors: Guerrero Jennifer L. , Daugherty Patrick S. , O'Malley Michelle A.
Published: August 2016

Proteases regulate many biological processes through their ability to activate or inactive their target substrates. Because proteases catalytically turnover proteins and peptides, they present unique opportunities for use in biotechnological and therapeutic applications. However, many proteases are capable of cleaving multiple physiological substrates. Therefore their activity, expression, and localization are tightly controlled to prevent unwanted proteolysis. Currently, the use of protease therapeutics has been limited to a handful of proteases with narrow substrate specificities, which naturally limits their toxicity. Wider application of proteases is contingent upon the development of methods for engineering protease selectivity, activity, and stability. Recent advances in the development of high‐throughput, bacterial and yeast‐based methods for protease redesign have yielded protease variants with novel specificities, reduced toxicity, and increased resistance to inhibitors. Here, we highlight new tools for protease engineering, including methods suitable for the redesign of human secreted proteases, and future opportunities to exploit the catalytic activity of proteases for therapeutic benefit. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 33–38. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated molecular and bioprocess engineering for bacterially produced immunogenic modular virus‐like particle vaccine displaying 18 kDa rotavirus antigen
Authors: Tekewe Alemu , Fan Yuanyuan , Tan Emilyn , Middelberg Anton P.J. , Lua Linda H.L.
Published: August 2016

A high global burden of rotavirus disease and the unresolved challenges with the marketed rotavirus vaccines, particularly in the developing world, have ignited efforts to develop virus‐like particle (VLP) vaccines for rotavirus. While rotavirus‐like particles comprising multiple viral proteins can be difficult to process, modular VLPs presenting rotavirus antigenic modules are promising alternatives in reducing process complexity and cost. In this study, integrated molecular and bioprocess engineering approaches were used to simplify the production of modular murine polyomavirus capsomeres and VLPs presenting a rotavirus 18 kDa VP8* antigen. A single construct was generated for dual expression of non‐tagged murine polyomavirus capsid protein VP1 and modular VP1 inserted with VP8*, for co‐expression in Escherichia coli. Co‐expressed proteins assembled into pentameric capsomeres in E. coli. A selective salting‐out precipitation and a polishing size exclusion chromatography step allowed the recovery of stable modular capsomeres from cell lysates at high purity, and modular capsomeres were successfully translated into modular VLPs when assembled in vitro. Immunogenicity study in mice showed that modular capsomeres and VLPs induced high levels of VP8*‐specific antibodies. Our results demonstrate that a multipronged synthetic biology approach combining molecular and bioprocess engineering enabled simple and low‐cost production of highly immunogenic modular capsomeres and VLPs presenting conformational VP8* antigenic modules. This strategy potentially provides a cost‐effective production route for modular capsomere and VLP vaccines against rotavirus, highly suitable to manufacturing economics for the developing world. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 397–406. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Process performance and product quality in an integrated continuous antibody production process
Authors: Karst Daniel J. , Steinebach Fabian , Soos Miroslav , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: August 2016

Continuous manufacturing is currently being seriously considered in the biopharmaceutical industry as the possible new paradigm for producing therapeutic proteins, due to production cost and product quality related benefits. In this study, a monoclonal antibody producing CHO cell line was cultured in perfusion mode and connected to a continuous affinity capture step. The reliable and stable integration of the two systems was enabled by suitable control loops, regulating the continuous volumetric flow and adapting the operating conditions of the capture process. For the latter, an at‐line HPLC measurement of the harvest concentration subsequent to the bioreactor was combined with a mechanistic model of the capture chromatographic unit. Thereby, optimal buffer consumption and productivity throughout the process was realized while always maintaining a yield above the target value of 99%. Stable operation was achieved at three consecutive viable cell density set points (20, 60, and 40 × 106 cells/mL), together with consistent product quality in terms of aggregates, fragments, charge isoforms, and N‐linked glycosylation. In addition, different values for these product quality attributes such as N‐linked glycosylation, charge variants, and aggregate content were measured at the different steady states. As expected, the amount of released DNA and HCP was significantly reduced by the capture step for all considered upstream operating conditions. This study is exemplary for the potential of enhancing product quality control and modulation by integrated continuous manufacturing. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 298–307. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modification of the AMX membrane surface by polyethyleneimine: Effect of ionic strength on the membrane ion exchange selectivity
Authors: Louati Islem , Guesmi Fatma , Hannachi Chiraz , Hamrouni Béchir
Published: August 2016

In order to improve the selectivity of the AMX membrane, a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer was adsorbed on its surface by the immersion of the considered membrane in a solution of PEI. The adsorption process of PEI was studied and the results were well correlated with the Langmuir model and with Lagergren's pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model.

Equilibrium ion exchange isotherms of , , and systems, using modified AMX membrane, were established at various ionic strengths from 0.1 to 0.5 mol/L and at constant temperature of 298 K.

The results obtained with the modified membrane, in this range of ionic strengths, showed that the affinity order was: at I = 0.1 mol/L and I = 0.2 mol/L and it was for I = 0.3 mol/L and I = 0.5 mol/L. The ion exchange selectivity coefficients , thermodynamic ion exchange equilibrium constants , and the standard free enthalpies of the ion exchange reactions were determined for the three binary systems. These results were compared with those obtained with the unmodified membrane. It was observed that for the modified membrane the ion exchange selectivity towards sulphate ions decreased and increased towards monovalent anions.
Production of carbon negative precipitated calcium carbonate from waste concrete
Authors: Van der Zee Sterling , Zeman Frank
Published: August 2016

Mineral carbonation can contribute to climate change mitigation through the production of synthetic limestone (CaCO3) from calcium silicate minerals and gaseous CO2. Some carbonates, such as Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), have industrial applications and may provide sufficient economic incentive for sequestering CO2 should the product be a marketable commodity. Cement is a suitable source of calcium and can be recovered from waste concrete. The production of cement accounts for 9.5 % of global CO2 emissions, however up to 50 % of the manufacturing emissions can be mitigated at the end of the materials service life through mineral carbonation.

The objective here is to sequester CO2 through the production of PCC via the recovery and carbonation of calcium from waste cement. The calcium is suitable for mineral carbonation and can be effectively leached using an acid (e.g. HCl). When calcium is completely leached, the solution will be slightly acidic and contain impurities such as iron and silica. The impurities can be removed by adding alkalinity prior to CaCO3 precipitation, via reaction with Na2CO3 in a separate reactor. The Na2CO3 is produced by the absorption of CO2 using NaOH, while the resulting NaCl solution is recycled via bipolar membrane electrodialysis. Overall transportation emissions and costs are reduced and the process could enhance current waste concrete recycling practices. Furthermore, the low carbon intensity of electricity generation in Eastern Canada allows for capture of 444 kg CO2 per tonne of PCC.
Effects of infrared laser moxibustion on cancer‐related fatigue: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Mao Huijuan , Mao Jun J. , Guo Menghu , Cheng Ke , Wei Jianzi , Shen Xubo , Shen Xueyong
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is the most common symptom negatively affecting the quality of life of patients with cancer. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of 10.6‐μm infrared laser moxibustion for cancer‐related fatigue (CRF).

METHODS

The authors conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial among 78 patients with cancer who were diagnosed with CRF. The group treated with infrared laser moxibustion received 10.6 μm of infrared laser moxibustion on the ST36 (bilateral), CV4, and CV6 acupoints. Each participant received a 20‐minute treatment session 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The sham group received the same treatment duration on the same acupoints, but without infrared laser output. The outcome was change in fatigue as measured by the Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory between groups at week 4 with additional evaluation at week 8 for durability of treatment effects. A mixed effects model was used to evaluate the difference in treatment effect over time.

RESULTS

Among those randomized, 61 patients (78%) completed the entire study. At the end of the intervention, the individuals in the group treated with the laser were found to have significantly less fatigue than those in the sham group (3.01 vs 4.40; P = .002). The improvement in fatigue persisted to week 8, favoring the group treated with laser moxibustion (3.03 vs 4.26; P = .006). Laser moxibustion was safe, with 3 cases of mild local erythema that resolved without medical intervention reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Infrared laser moxibustion appeared to be safe and efficacious for improving CRF in a Chinese patient population. Larger studies in more racial/ethnically diverse populations are needed to confirm the benefit of this technique for fatigue in patients with cancer. Cancer 2016;122:3667‐72. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Doping control container for urine stabilization: a pilot study
Authors: Tsivou Maria , Giannadaki Evangelia , Hooghe Fiona , Roels Kris , Van Gansbeke Wim , Garribba Flaminia , Lyris Emmanouil , Deventer Koen , Mazzarino Monica , Donati Francesco , Georgakopoulos Dimitrios G. , Van Eenoo Peter , Georgakopoulos Costas G. , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: August 2016

Urine collection containers used in the doping control collection procedure do not provide a protective environment for urine, against degradation by microorganisms and proteolytic enzymes. An in‐house chemical stabilization mixture was developed to tackle urine degradation problems encountered in human sport samples, in cases of microbial contamination or proteolytic activity. The mixture consists of antimicrobial substances and protease inhibitors for the simultaneous inactivation of a wide range of proteolytic enzymes. It has already been tested in lab‐scale, as part of World Anti‐Doping Agency's (WADA) funded research project, in terms of efficiency against microbial and proteolytic activity. The present work, funded also by WADA, is a follow‐up study on the improvement of chemical stabilization mixture composition, application mode and limitation of interferences, using pilot urine collection containers, spray‐coated in their internal surface with the chemical stabilization mixture. Urine in plastic stabilized collection containers have been gone through various incubation cycles to test for stabilization efficiency and analytical matrix interferences by three WADA accredited Laboratories (Athens, Ghent, and Rome). The spray‐coated chemical stabilization mixture was tested against microorganism elimination and steroid glucuronide degradation, as well as enzymatic breakdown of proteins, such as intact hCG, recombinant erythropoietin and small peptides (GHRPs, ipamorelin), induced by proteolytic enzymes. Potential analytical interferences, observed in the presence of spray‐coated chemical stabilization mixture, were recorded using routine screening procedures. The results of the current study support the application of the spray‐coated plastic urine container, in the doping control collection procedure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trophic positioning of meiofauna revealed by stable isotopes and food web analyses
Authors: Schmid‐Araya Jenny M. , Schmid Peter E. , Tod Steven P. , Esteban Genoveva F.
Published: August 2016

Despite important advances in the ecology of river food webs, the strength and nature of the connection between the meio‐ and macrofaunal components of the web are still debated. Some unresolved issues are the effects of the inclusion of meiofaunal links and their temporal variations on the overall river food web properties, and the significance of autochthonous and allochthonous material for these components. In the present study, we conducted analyses of gut content of macro‐ and meiofauna and stable isotope analyses of meiofauna to examine seasonal food webs of a chalk stream. The results of the gut content analyses, confirmed by the δ13C signatures, revealed a seasonal shift from a dependence on autochthonous (biofilm) to allochthonous food sources. Here, we demonstrate that aggregating basal or meiofaunal species into single categories affects key web properties such as web size, links, linkage density, and predator–prey ratios. More importantly, seasonal variation in attributes characterized the entire web and these changes persist regardless of taxonomic resolution. Furthermore, our analyses evidenced discrete variations in δ15N across the meiofauna community with a trophic structure that confirms gut content analyses, placing the meiofauna high in the food web. We, therefore, conclude that small‐body‐sized taxa can occur high in dynamic river food webs, questioning assumptions that trophic position increases with body size and that webs are static.
Experimental reduction in interaction intensity strongly affects biotic selection
Authors: Sletvold Nina , Ågren Jon
Published: August 2016

The link between biotic interaction intensity and strength of selection is of fundamental interest for understanding biotically driven diversification and predicting the consequences of environmental change. The strength of selection resulting from biotic interactions is determined by the strength of the interaction and by the covariance between fitness and the trait under selection. When the relationship between trait and absolute fitness is constant, selection strength should be a direct function of mean population interaction intensity. To test this prediction, we excluded pollinators for intervals of different length to induce five levels of pollination intensity within a single plant population. Pollen limitation (PL) increased from 0 to 0.77 across treatments, accompanied by a fivefold increase in the opportunity for selection. Trait–fitness covariance declined with PL for number of flowers, but varied little for other traits. Pollinator‐mediated selection on plant height, corolla size, and spur length increased by 91%, 34%, and 330%, respectively, in the most severely pollen‐limited treatment compared to open‐pollinated plants. The results indicate that realized biotic selection can be predicted from mean population interaction intensity when variation in trait–fitness covariance is limited, and that declines in pollination intensity will strongly increase selection on traits involved in the interaction.
Differential foraging preferences on seed size by rodents result in higher dispersal success of medium‐sized seeds
Authors: Cao Lin , Wang Zhenyu , Yan Chuan , Chen Jin , Guo Cong , Zhang Zhibin
Published: August 2016

Rodent preference for scatter‐hoarding large seeds has been widely considered to favor the evolution of large seeds. Previous studies supporting this conclusion were primarily based on observations at earlier stages of seed dispersal, or on a limited sample of successfully established seedlings. Because seed dispersal comprises multiple dispersal stages, we hypothesized that differential foraging preference on seed size by animal dispersers at different dispersal stages would ultimately result in medium‐sized seeds having the highest dispersal success rates. In this study, by tracking a large number of seeds for 5 yr, we investigated the effects of seed size on seed fates from seed removal to seedling establishment of a dominant plant Pittosporopsis kerrii (Icacinaceae) dispersed by scatter‐hoarding rodents in tropical forest in southwest China. We found that small seeds had a lower survival rate at the early dispersal stage where more small seeds were predated at seed stations and after removal; large seeds had a lower survival rate at the late dispersal stage, more large seeds were recovered, predated after being cached, or larder‐hoarded. Medium‐sized seeds experienced the highest dispersal success. Our study suggests that differential foraging preferences by scatter‐hoarding rodents at different stages of seed dispersal could result in conflicting selective pressures on seed size and higher dispersal success of medium‐sized seeds.
Ligands with Two Different Binding Sites and O2 Reactivity of their Copper(I) Complexes
Authors: Li Sin Ting , Braun‐Cula Beatrice , Hoof Santina , Dürr Maximilian , Ivanović‐Burmazović Ivana , Limberg Christian
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of two new unsymmetric dinucleating ligand systems, L1, combining a bidentate binding site with a tridentate binding site linked through a dibenzofuran spacer, and L2, with two tridentate binding sites bridged by an ethylene spacer, is reported. The ligands L1 and L2 were used for the preparation of the dicopper(I) complexes [Cu2(L1)(NCCH3)3](X)2, {[Cu2(L1)Cl2]}n and [Cu2(L2)(NCCH3)2](Y)2 (X = PF6, BF4, OTf; Y = ClO4, PF6, BF4), in which the two respective copper ions possess two different coordination environments. All complexes reacted with O2, but in the case of the L1 series, no primary O2 adduct could be identified by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Reaction of the [Cu2(L2)(NCCH3)2](Y)2 complexes with pure oxygen led to the formation of an O2 adduct that proved rather unstable.
Diphosphorus Ligands Containing a P‐Stereogenic Phosphane and a Chiral Phosphite or Phosphorodiamidite – Evaluation in Pd‐Catalysed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Clavero Pau , Grabulosa Arnald , Rocamora Mercè , Muller Guillermo , Font‐Bardia Mercè
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of 14 new optically pure C1‐symmetric phosphane–phosphinite (1–4), phosphane–phosphite (5–9) and phosphane–phosphorodiamidite (10–14) ligands is reported. The ligands were prepared through the condensation of (2‐hydroxyphenyl)phenylphosphanes PPh(2‐PhOH)R (R = Me, tBu and Ph) with chlorodiisopropylphosphane (1 and 2), chlorodiphenylphosphane (3 and 4), the chlorodioxaphosphepine derived from both enantiomers of 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (5–9) and the chlorodiazaphosphepine derived from both enantiomers of N,N′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine (10–14) in the presence of a base. With these ligands, cationic Pd complexes of the type [Pd(η3‐C4H7)(PP′)]PF6 (Pd1–Pd14) were obtained and characterised; the crystal structures of Pd1, Pd2 and Pd13 were obtained. In solution, the complexes are present as mixtures of two diastereomers because of the lack of symmetry of the ligand and the presence of the methallyl group. The Pd complexes catalyse the allylic alkylation with dimethyl malonate and the amination with benzylamine of the model substrate rac‐3‐acetoxy‐1,3‐diphenyl‐1‐propene (I). For the alkylation, full conversions and good enantioselectivities (up to 96 % ee with Pd14) were observed.
Formation of a Radical Tricationic Tetraborane(4) by Hydride Abstraction from sp3–sp3‐Hybridized Diboranes
Authors: Litters Sebastian , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: August 2016

The formation, electronic structure, and reactivity of the recently‐reported radical tricationic tetraborane [B4(hpp)4]·3+ (hpp = 1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐2H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]pyrimidinate), which features a planar rhomboid B4 unit and bridging bicyclic guanidinate (hpp) substituents, is reported. New experiments show that the tetraborane could be synthesized by hydride abstraction either in a very fast reaction from the electron‐rich sp3–sp3‐hybridized diborane [HB(hpp)]2, or in a very slow reaction from the cationic, less electron‐rich sp3–sp3‐hybridized diborane [HB(hpp)2BPCy3]+. The results argue for an electron‐transfer in the rate‐determining step of a complex reaction sequence. Quantum chemical calculations highlight the role of the hpp substituents for the stabilization of the radical tricationic tetraborane [B4(hpp)4]·3+. Further analysis shows that [B4(hpp)4]·3+ is highly reactive, and especially a very strong electrophile. This reactivity makes the compound very interesting because boron atoms in such a low oxidation state (<2) are expected to be strong nucleophiles.
Variation of Desolvation Behavior in Two Isostructural Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on a Flexible, Racemic Bifunctional Organic Linker
Authors: Bezrukov Andrey A. , Törnroos Karl W. , Dietzel Pascal D. C.
Published: August 2016

A racemic mixture of the chiral ligand 4,4′‐(1,2‐dihydroxyethane‐1,2‐diyl)dibenzoic acid was used to prepare two isostructural metal–organic frameworks, CPO‐49‐Zn and CPO‐49‐Mn, which contain coordinated solvent molecules at the metal site. The compounds showed different behavior upon desolvation. The dissociation of the solvent molecule from the metal site leads to a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation. In CPO‐49‐Zn, a change of coordination geometry from trigonal bipyramidal to tetrahedral occurs at the zinc atom. In CPO‐49‐Mn, a rearrangement of coordination mode of a carboxylate group occurs instead, leading to a 4+1 coordination of the manganese cation in the form of a capped distorted tetrahedron. N2 gas adsorption confirms that both desolvated structures are permanently porous. The behavior of the compounds upon heating has also been studied using variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction. The presence of a coordinated solvent molecule in the as‐synthesized structures indicates the possibility to access the metal cation with reactive substrates. Both materials were evaluated in the catalytic oxidation of styrene. CPO‐49‐Mn showed significantly higher conversion than the CPO‐49‐Zn material.
R/C frame–infill interaction model and its application to Indonesian buildings
Authors: Maidiawati  , Sanada Yasushi
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a new analytical model for masonry‐infilled R/C frames to evaluate the seismic performance considering R/C frame–infill interactions. The proposed analytical model replaces masonry infill with a diagonal compression strut, which represents distributed compression transferred between frame and infill interfaces. The equivalent strut width is presented as a function of the frame–infill contact length, which can be evaluated by static equilibriums related to compression balance and lateral displacement compatibility at the frame–infill interfaces. The proposed analytical model was verified through comparisons with experimental results obtained for several brick masonry‐infilled R/C frames representing a typical R/C building with nonstructural masonry infill in Indonesia. As a result, good agreements were observed between the experimental and analytical values of the lateral strength and ductility of the infilled frames. The seismic performances of two earthquake‐damaged R/C buildings with different damage conditions were evaluated considering infill effects by applying the proposed analytical model. Consequently, the nonstructural brick masonry infill significantly affected the seismic resistances of the buildings, which seemed to lead to differing levels of damage for each building. These results indicate that the proposed analytical model can be an effective tool for more precisely screening earthquake‐vulnerable existing R/C buildings in Indonesia. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Volatility Smile and One‐Month Foreign Currency Volatility Forecasts
Authors: Wong Alfred Huah‐Syn , Heaney Richard A.
Published: August 2016

We find knowledge of the volatility smile implied from foreign exchange options improves foreign exchange volatility forecast accuracy. The literature shows curvature of the smile can be captured by risk‐neutral skewness and risk‐neutral kurtosis and we find inclusion of these variables in forecast models improves volatility forecast accuracy. Further, delta‐neutral hedged portfolio performance highlights the economic significance of incorporating knowledge of the smile in forecast models. Analysis is conducted using options with one month to maturity written on four exchange rate series, GBP/USD, EUR/USD, AUD/USD, and the USD/JPY from 2001 to 2006. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:286–312, 2017
TiO2 microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles for intra‐arterial hyperthermia
Authors: Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Liu Gengci , Li Zhixia , Miyazaki Toshiki , Furuya Maiko , Kudo Tada‐aki , Kawashita Masakazu
Published: August 2016

Magnetic microspheres measuring 15–35 µm in diameter are believed to be useful for intra‐arterial hyperthermia. In this study, we attempted to prepare titanium dioxide (TiO2) microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNP‐containing TiO2 microspheres with diameters of approximately 30 µm were successfully obtained by sol–gel reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide in a water‐in‐oil emulsion with added cosurfactant of 1‐butanol and subsequent heat treatment at 200°C. The microspheres showed ferrimagnetism owing to high content of MNPs in approximately 60 wt % and had a low‐crystalline TiO2 matrix. Furthermore, the agar phantom was heated to above 43°C after approximately 1 min under an alternating magnetic field of 100 kHz and 300 Oe and showed in vitro biocompatibility similar to that of MNP‐free TiO2 microspheres. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2308–2314, 2017.
Extracorporeal photopheresis as an immunomodulatory agent: Haematocrit‐dependent effects on natural killer cells
Authors: Becherucci V. , Allegro E. , Brugnolo F. , Piccini L. , Gori V. , Bisin S. , Bindi B. , Ceccantini R. , Pavan P. , Cunial V. , Gentile F. , Ermini S. , Bambi F.
Published: August 2016

The GvHD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to immunosuppressive therapy. Although ECP is used since 1990s, the mechanism of action has not yet been completely clarified. We analyzed cells collected from 20 ECP procedures of 4 patients affected by chronic GvHD and, for comparison, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of 10 healthy donors undergoing from same type of photochemiotherapy, evaluating by flow cytometry, the effects before and after photoactivation with 8‐MOP. The analysis showed a significant increase in cell death after ECP in particular in CD4 T lymphocytes as described in literature correlated with haematocrit value. Most interesting data emerge from the analysis of cytotoxic activity of NK cells, using flow cytometry analysis of surface expression of CD107a in the presence of target cells (K562). In all analyzed samples it was possible to document a statistically significant reduction of the cytotoxic activity of NK cells after photoactivation. The decrease of the cytotoxic activity was related to hematocrit value of leukoapheresis: in fact, lower HCT values were associated with a more marked reduction of cytotoxic activity. The study confirms literature data about the increase of cellular mortality induce by ECP. Furthermore, for the first time it is demonstrated that the ECP exerts a marked and significant inhibitory effect on the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Our study suggests that lower values of hematocrit are associated with better treatment outcome.
A Facile Synthesis of New 4,6‐Dichloropyridine Derivatives, Their Biological Evaluation for Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity, and Docking Studies
Authors: Singaram Kulathooran , Marimuthu Dhamodaran , Baskaran Selvakumar , Chinaga Sureshkumar
Published: August 2016

A facile synthesis of new 4,6‐dichloropyridine derivatives 5(a–f), 6(a–c), and 7(a–c) were synthesized using both conventional heating and solvent‐free microwave irradiation techniques. The results revealed that the latter method is superior to the conventional heating method. The easy work‐up of the products, rapid reaction, and mild conditions are noticeable features of this protocol. Structural elucidation of the synthesized compounds was made on the basis of various spectroscopic methods. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC) against various microbial strains using the agar well‐diffusion method. Among the compounds, 5c showed best antimicrobial activity against most of the employed strains, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus arrhizus, and Candida albicans. Compounds 5a, 6a, 6c, 7a, and 7c showed significant antioxidant activity when compared to the other compounds. In addition to this, theoretical docking studies were performed for the highly potent compounds 5a, 6a, 6c, 7a, and 7c against three different drug targets belonging to the oxidoreductase family, and the results were found to be highly satisfactory.
Surface temperature trends from homogenized time series in South Africa: 1931–2015
Authors: Kruger Andries C. , Nxumalo M.
Published: August 2016

Previous assessments of historical trends of measured surface temperature in South Africa have all shown a general upward trend, in both mean and extreme values, over recent decades. In addition, some regional differences in trends have been identified. Most of these studies focused on the period from about 1961 up to the last year that could be included before publication, and only climate stations situated in the same position for the entire analysis period were analysed. A data homogenization procedure enabled the combination of time series of stations from which trend analysis could be applied, extending the common analysis period for this study back to around 1931. The trend results, based on the World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices, continue to show the general warming trend shown in previous analyses, with a general increase in extreme warm events and a general decrease in extreme cold events across South Africa. The analysis of seasonal trends show that, while there are noteworthy differences on a regional basis, austral summer shows on average the strongest warming, followed by autumn, winter and spring. The central interior, which exhibited significant cooling in previous analyses, now shows non‐significant or similar trends when compared to the other parts of South Africa. There is no countrywide acceleration in the warming trends, but some regional consistencies in the temporal changes in trends could be determined, i.e. increases in trends in the central interior and decreases in trends along most of the coastal region.
A study of consumer retention of key information provided by clinical pharmacists during anticoagulant counselling
Authors: Masnoon Nashwa , Sorich Wassana , Alderman Christopher P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Patient education delivered through pharmacist counselling is important in promoting the safe and effective use of anticoagulants.

Aim

To evaluate the extent to which patients retain information after counselling from a clinical pharmacist about the anticoagulant warfarin; to perform a brief analysis of the cost‐analysis of warfarin counselling; and to investigate relationships between case‐specific characteristics and patient outcomes.

Method

A total of 22 patients was recruited. Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years, new initiation of warfarin in hospital, intact cognition and an expectation of self‐administration of warfarin after discharge. Key elements of knowledge were assessed immediately after counselling and 6 weeks after counselling. The duration of each counselling session was recorded as a surrogate for costs involved, and case‐specific characteristics were documented.

Results

Participants demonstrated an ability to recall an average (mean ± standard deviation) of 79.9 ± 14.6% of key information elements immediately after counselling, significantly higher than was observed 6 weeks after counselling (71.0 ± 11.7%; p = 0.02). The percentage of participants achieving an ‘acceptable’ score for knowledge was 68.2%, both immediately after counselling and 6 weeks later. No significant relationships between specific case characteristics and patient outcomes, duration of counselling or overall warfarin knowledge retention scores 6 weeks after counselling were demonstrable.

Conclusion

These findings imply that more emphasis should be placed on educating patients on the critical information elements for warfarin counselling. Further research is required to explore potential relationships between case‐specific characteristics and patient outcomes, as well as the costs associated with the counselling process.
Human visual perception‐based localized backlight scaling method for high dynamic range LCDs
Authors: Park Jae Sung , Hwang Insung , Cho Nam Ik
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a backlight control algorithm for liquid crystal display devices, which considers the human visual properties that we are usually attracted to the saliencies in a scene. The saliency means regions or objects that have different contrast or color from the surrounding, and thus attract our attention, which can be measured in various ways from each pixel value and its relation with the surrounding ones. Hence, by keeping or boosting the backlight of salient regions while suppressing in others, the quality of salient regions and overall contrast are enhanced. In addition, power can be saved by backlight dimming in non‐salient regions, without loss of overall quality in terms of human visual perception. In this backlight control process, the amount of energy consumption is regulated so that the proposed method consumes less than or equal energy as before, by developing a power management algorithm based on the bit rate control strategies of MPEG2 video encoders. Precisely, the energy consumption in each backlight unit is controlled by a parameter, so that the sum of energies of overall backlight units is kept within a limit.
Validation of the laryngopharyngeal reflux color and texture recognition compared to pH‐probe monitoring
Authors: Du Chen , AL‐Ramahi Jehad , Liu Qingsong , Yan Yan , Jiang Jack
Published: August 2016

Objective/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine the validity of our laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnostic system from our previous study (Witt et al.) against the results of a standard pH probe monitoring. We hypothesized that subjects with abnormal pH probe results demonstrate color and texture abnormalities that would be classified as LPR according to artificial neural network (ANN) analysis.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

Eighty‐two subjects, including 18 pH‐positive, 11 pH‐negative, and 53 control subjects were tested for LPR through multichannel intraluminal impedance 24‐hour pH (MII‐24pH) monitoring. Laryngoscopic images of all subjects were obtained. The hue and texture values of seven areas of interest, including true vocal folds, false vocal folds, arytenoids, and interarytenoid, were quantified using a hue calculation and two‐dimensional Gabor filtering. These served as inputs for the ANN. This was used to classify images through pattern recognition, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of the diagnosis.

Results

Classification accuracy for the combined hue and texture was 87.40%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.910.

Conclusion

Although a previous study conducted classification based on RFS, this study suggests that color and texture analysis may be used to classify images based on the results of pH probing, a more objective approach for diagnosis. Additional studies should include more subjects to produce an even more accurate reading, and will use the color/texture analysis tool to test and confirm this application in a clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

3B. Laryngoscope, 127:665–670, 2017
Risk of sensorineural hearing loss with macrolide antibiotics: A nested case‐control study
Authors: Etminan Mahyar , Westerberg Brian D. , Kozak Frederick K. , Guo Michael Y. , Carleton Bruce C.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To determine the association between a diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and the prescription of a macrolide antibiotic.

Study Design

Retrospective nested case‐control study.

Methods

From the LifeLink (IMS, Danbury, CT) health claims database, we randomly selected a cohort of subjects 15 to 60 years old from 2006 to 2014. Cases were identified as patients diagnosed with SNHL, each matched by age and calendar time to 10 controls selected from the same cohort. All macrolide prescriptions (erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin) were identified, and statistical comparison of usage was compared between cases and controls.

Amoxicillin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics were used as positive controls to further investigate confounding by infection. Albuterol was used as a negative control because this is a drug class not expected to be associated with SNHL or with a confounding condition potentially causing SNHL.

Results

From a cohort of 6,110,723 subjects, we identified 5,989 cases of SNHL and 59,890 corresponding controls. The rate ratio for one prescription of a macrolide was 1.36 (95% confidence inteval [CI]: 1.24–1.49) and for multiple prescriptions was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.42–1.94). Similar rate ratios were observed with multiple prescriptions of amoxicillin and fluoroquinolones.

Conclusion

A significant association between SNHL and macrolide use was likely due to confounding by indication for antibiotic treatment because the risk was also observed with fluoroquinolones and amoxicillin, antibiotics with no known ototoxic potential. Therefore, there does not appear to be an increased risk of SNHL in patients treated with macrolide antibiotics.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:229–232, 2017
Laryngeal ultrasound and pediatric vocal fold nodules
Authors: Ongkasuwan Julina , Devore Danielle , Hollas Sarah , Jones Jeremy , Tran Brandon
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The term vocal fold nodules refers to bilateral thickening of the membranous folds with minimal impairment of the vibratory properties of the mucosa. Nodules are thought to be related to repetitive mechanical stress, associated with voice use patterns. Diagnosis is typically made in the office via either rigid or flexible laryngeal stroboscopy. Depending on the individual child, obtaining an optimal view of the larynx can be difficult if not impossible. Recent advances in high‐frequency ultrasonography allows for transcervical examination of laryngeal structures. The goal of this project was to determine if laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) can be used to identify vocal fold nodules in dysphonic children.

Study Design

Prospective case‐control study in which the patient acted as his or her own control.

Methods

Forty‐six pediatric patients were recruited for participation in this study; the mean age was 4.8 years. Twenty‐three did not have any vocal fold lesions and 23 had a diagnosis of vocal fold nodules on laryngeal stroboscopy. Recorded LUSs were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists who were blinded to the nodule status.

Results

There was substantial inter‐rater agreement (κ = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50‐0.89) between the two radiologists regarding the presence of nodules. There was also substantial agreement (κ = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.72‐1) between LUS and laryngeal stroboscopy. Sensitivity of LUS was 100% (95% CI: 85%‐100%) and specificity was 87% (95% CI: 66%‐97%).

Conclusions

LUS can be used to identify vocal fold nodules in children with substantial agreement with laryngeal stroboscopy.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 127:676–678, 2017