bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunobiologic Staging of Patients with Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Katz Arnold E.
Published: February 2017

For decades immunologic deficiencies have been documented in patients with carcinoma, and many investigators have attempted to utilize this information in determining prognosis more accurately. Determining prognosis more accurately would be most helpful with Stage III patients, since at present there are no useful guidelines as to which Stage III patients would benefit from aggressive surgery and/or radiation therapy and which would not.

Assays of cellular immunity — such as skin testing, determining peripheral T‐lymphocyte counts, and assessing lymphocyte reactivity — have achieved extremely limited clinical application. These assays are too expensive and/or too difficult to perform in the routine clinical setting. Total lymphocyte counts, however, are readily available in the clinical setting and can be helpful in determining prognosis.

Other readily available clinical information, such as age and pretreatment serum immunoglobulin levels, can also be of value in determining prognosis.

In this study, logistic regression was utilized to determine the prognostic implications of stage, age, and pretreatment total lymphocyte counts in 132 patients with carcinoma of the head and neck. Although each variable determined prognosis accurately less than 70% of the time, the stage, age, lymphocyte prognostic index (SALPI) accurately predicted outcome at 3 year follow‐up (Pr. <.0001).

Discriminant function analysis was utilized to determine the prognostic implications of pretreatment serum immunoglobulins in 243 patients with head and neck carcinoma. A serum immunoglobulin prognostic index (SIPI) was derived which was based on the observations that elevated levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) indicated a poor prognosis, while elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin D (IgD) indicated a favorable prognosis (Pr. <.009). The SIPI was not as accurate as the SALPI in determining prognosis; however, when the indices were used simultaneously, concurring indices predicted the outcome of Stage III patients correctly 86% of the time.
Floor of Mouth Cancer: Patient Selection and Treatment Results
Authors: Marks J. E. , Lee F. , Smith P. G. , Ogura J. H.
Published: February 2017

Retrospective review of 126 primarily treated floor of mouth (FOM) cancers was done to study patient selection and to search for more optimum treatment strategies. Small surface lesions were treated by local excision (LE); small lesions invading FOM without lymph nodes were treated by radiation alone (RA), while larger lesions and those with palpable nodes were treated by preoperative irradiation and surgery (R+S). Ultimate control of the FOM cancer and nodes was achieved for 100% of the LE, 71% of the RA, and 75% of the R+S patients. The majority of primary tumor and nodal recurrences developed by 15 months and 35% of the failures were salvaged by additional treatment. Change in treatment strategies are suggested for surface lesions because of a poor rate of initial tumor control (43%), for patients treated by RA because of a high rate of complications (41%), and for patients without palpable lymph nodes who can be successfully treated by elective neck irradiation.
Carcinoma of the Pyriform Sinus: Analysis of 102 Cases
Authors: Driscoll W. Graham , Nagorsky Matthew J. , Cantrell Robert W. , Johns Michael E.
Published: February 2017

The treatment of 102 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus seen at the University of Virginia Medical Center from 1958 through 1977 is reviewed. Eightyseven cases form the basis for this report. Surgery alone, radiation alone and combination of the two were the treatment modalities utilized for the patients in this study. The overall 3 year, no evidence of disease determinate survival was (37%). Recent literature has suggested that preoperative radiation obscures tumor margins with a decrease in survivals as compared to postoperative irradiation. Though the number of patients in both the preoperative (27) and postoperative (7) groups are small, our data suggests similar survivals. In addition, when pathology was examined, no tumor margins were transected in the preoperative irradiation group and only 5123 patients had margins classified as close. The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly difference between the combination therapy and surgery only groups. It is concluded that preoperative irradiation does not compromise the resection of adequate tumor margins nor significantly increase postoperative complications.
Serial Section Reconstruction of the Neural Poles of Hair Cells in the Human Organ Of Corti. I. Inner Hair Cells
Authors: Nadol Joseph B.
Published: February 2017

Study of the anatomy of the cochlea, and in particular the morphology of synaptic relationships between hair cells and cochlear neurons, is essential for elucidation of the mechanisms of transduction of mechanical acoustic signals into electrical neural events. Because considerable gaps remain in our understanding of the microscopic anatomy of these synapses, particularly in the human, a reconstruction of the neural pole of inner hair cells of the human organ of Corti was performed. The data are based on 526 serial sections from the basal turn (10 mm region) and 356 serial sections from the middle turn (26 mm region). This provided complete data on 3 and partial data on 5 inner hair cells.

Afferent terminals on inner hair cells were variable in size, ranging 1 to 20 µm in diameter. Branching of large fibers to produce multiple terminals innervating from 1 to 3 inner hair cells was common. Each inner hair cell received approximately 6 to 8 different nerve terminals. In addition, each terminal possessed a variable number of synaptic contacts.

Junctional membrane specialization consisted of synapses, desmosomes, coated vesicles and arrays of microtubules and membrane cisternae. Specialization at synapses consisted of asymmetrical membrane thickening. At inner hair cells the postsynaptic membrane was thicker than the presynaptic membrane. Eighty‐three percent of synapses had presynaptic bodies. Vesiculated efferent terminals synapsed on afferent fibers at the base of inner hair cells, but never directly on the inner hair cell.

These anatomical data demonstrate distinct differences between the human and animal inner ear, which are important in the interpretation of neurophysiological data in animals and the formulation of hypotheses that involve assumptions crossing species.
Identification of Rhinoscleroma by Immunoperoxidase Technique
Authors: Gumprecht Thomas F. , Nichols Peter W. , Meyer Paul R.
Published: February 2017

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. Its onset is insidious and its symptoms are often nonspecific. Yet rhinoscleroma is a progressive disease that can lead to significant disability.

The proper diagnosis is difficult because of the nonspecific presentation and rarity of rhinoscleroma. Biopsy tissue often is not properly cultured. Diagnostic histologic features may not be readily apparent or may be overlooked by the unsuspecting pathologist.

A case of rhinoscleroma is reported in which an immunoperoxidase technique was applied to retrospectively confirm the diagnosis. The usefulness of this new technique in the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma is discussed.
The Use of Absorbable Sutures in Laser‐Assisted Microvascular Anastomoses
Authors: Fried Marvin P. , Caminear David S. , Sloman‐Moll Erik R. , Samonte Bernadette R.
Published: February 2017

The efficacy of the laser in performing microvascular anastomoses has been well established in the laboratory using a number of wavelengths. These studies have concluded that laser‐assisted microvascular anastomoses are at least comparable to, if not superior to, ordinary suture techniques. The advantages have been the diminished foreign body reaction that occurs as a consequence of using only a few stay sutures to hold the vessels in approximation while the laser bonding is performed, as well as the rapidity of the surgery. We have already shown that absorbable sutures (polyglactin 910) are as efficacious as standard nonabsorbable sutures (nylon) in both arterial and venous microanastomoses. The current study was undertaken to see if the foreign body reaction could be diminished even further by the use of absorbable 10.0 sutures and compare these findings to laser‐assisted microvascular anastomoses performed with nonabsorbable sutures. The carbon dioxide milliwatt laser was used to perform laserassisted microvascular anastomoses in rat femoral arteries and veins. Patency rates and histological response were compared at intervals of 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Both arterial and venous patency rates were comparable (overall absorbable, 91.2%–52/57; overall nonabsorbable, 87.7%–50/57), as was the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. We conclude that absorbable sutures can be used for laser‐assisted microvascular anastomoses and have the potential of allowing healing to occur without any foreign material within the surgical site.
Vocal Quality of Decannulated Children Following Laryngeal Reconstruction
Authors: Zalzal George H. , Loomis Susan R. , Derkay Craig S. , Murray Sharon L. , Thomsen James
Published: February 2017

Laryngotracheal reconstruction with expansion surgery is a reliable method for treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis in children. It allows for decannulation of the patient and restoration of vocal communication. Previous information regarding vocal quality in these patients has been scant. Sixteen children who underwent successful laryngotracheal reconstruction were evaluated using a standardized voice assessment during each of the following: phoneme prolongation, counting, storytelling, and spontaneous conversation. Interjudge ratings were obtained to establish reliability. The location and severity of the laryngotracheal stenosis and the method of treatment were reviewed. Twelve children have a functional voice compared to six preoperatively. Overall, vocal parameters suggested a particular pattern consisting of a lower than optimal pitch and a restricted pitch range. Laryngotracheal reconstruction does make oral communication possible for children who would otherwise have persistent tracheotomy. However, vocal quality appears to be disturbed in most of the patients.
Primary Mandibular Reconstruction: Analysis of 64 Cases and Evaluation of Interface Radiation Dosimetry on Bridging Plates
Authors: Gullane Patrick J.
Published: February 2017

The combination of a myocutaneous flap or free cutaneous tissue transfer with a three‐dimensional bendable reconstruction plate either of stainless steel or titanium has provided very satisfactory results in primary restoration of mandibular defects following surgical resections in irradiated patients or in those who require postoperative radiotherapy. Sixty‐four cases have been treated and evaluated prospectively using this technique. Fifty‐three of the patients had the soft‐tissue defect restored with a myocutaneous flap, 8 had a free cutaneous tissue flap, 2 were reconstructed with tongue flaps, and 1 closed primarily. The stainless steel plate of the A.O. type was used in 53 cases and the titanium plate system and hollow screws in the other 11 cases. A success rate of 78.9% was found with a median follow‐up of 384 days. Thirty of the 64 cases had preoperative irradiation and 15 were treated postoperatively. A plate failure rate of 23% was encountered in those treated with preoperative irradiation and in 20% with those having postoperative irradiation. Forty‐nine of the 64 patients or 76.5% experienced no perioperative complications. Five or 7.8% of the complications were minor. Ten patients or 15.6% experienced a major complication with one death due to a myocardial infarct. A radiation dosimetric model was employed using both stainless steel and titanium. The results from this study showed that, when using a parallel pair of beams, an excess dose of irradiation for the lowest energy cobalt‐60 is 13%, for 6 mV it is 15%, and for 18 mV it is 20%. The excess tissue dose, both for stainless steel and titanium plates, extends for about 0.2 mm for cobalt‐60, 1.1 mm at 6 mV, and for 25 mm at 18 mV. Patients with plates, therefore, can be treated safely with postoperative irradiation using either cobalt‐60 or 6‐mV energy.
Tumors and Surgery of the Parapharyngeal Space
Authors: Olsen Kerry D.
Published: February 2017

The parapharyngeal space, an area of complex anatomic relationships, is involved in a wide variety of benign and malignant neoplasms. Because primary parapharyngeal space tumors are rare, it is difficult to obtain surgical experience in this region. This paper reviews the anatomy, presentation, evaluation, surgical approaches, and pathologic features and complications reported in managing patients with parapharyngeal space neoplasms.

Two surgical procedures have been used by the author to treat 44 tumors in the parapharyngeal space. The cervical‐parotid approach was used in 35 patients, and the cervical‐parotid approach with midline mandibulotomy was used in 9 patients. Of the 44 tumors, 32 were benign lesions and 12 were malignant neoplasms. Forty tumors were primary parapharyngeal space tumors, and 4 cases represented isolated metastases to parapharyngeal nodes. Recurrent tumors accounted for 12 of the 44 cases. Discussion of the indications, surgical technique, and select points pertinent to using these two operative procedures is based on the operative experience gained from these 44 patients. The use of these two operations resulted in low morbidity and provided a safe, efficacious approach to the management of all parapharyngeal space neoplasms encountered.
Anesthesia for Microlaryngeal Surgery: The Case for Subglottic Jet Ventilation
Authors: Hunsaker Darrell H.
Published: February 2017

Although the techniques for surgery on the endolarynxusing suspension and the operating microscope have been fully developed,1–4 the safest, and least obtrusive anesthetic technique has yet to be manifested, as evidenced by more than 200 references to anesthesia for microlaryngoscopy in the world literature. This study reviews the physiology, physics, and problems of each anesthetic technique. In light of this review, animal and human studies are reported demonstrating the utility and safety of subglottic ventilation when provided with proper monitoring using an automatic ventilator. A modified Ben‐Jet tube is reported,5 which has a 1‐mm ID channel to monitor Pco2 and tracheal pressure. This self‐centering 3.0‐mm tube, which extends 6 to 8 cm below the glottis, is unobtrusive for the surgeon. The subglottic tube, which is much less likely to be malaligned, is much more acceptable to the anesthesiologist. Anesthesia, by intravenous sedation, utilizes neuromuscular blockade while ventilating through the jet tube powered by an automatic ventilator with an automatic shutdown feature attached to the monitor tube to prevent inadvertent barotrauma.

The third phase of this study compared fluoroplastic, used in a prototype jet ventilation tube, with 6‐mm Silastic®, Red Rubber, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes when struck by maximum power of CO2, Nd‐YAG, and K‐532 lasers. The test was performed in a closed chamber in which concentrations of oxygen and nitrogen were controlled. Although damaged by the CO, laser beam, the fluoroplastic tubes did not continue burning when the laser was turned off in 100% oxygen, even when coated by blood. The other three tubes continued to burn in 23% oxygen. Neither the KTP nor Nd‐YAG laser damaged the Teflon tube, while they ignited a sustained flame in 30% oxygen.

This study supports the use of fluoroplastic for a laser safe jet ventilation tube. It also demonstrates the danger of tube fires, even in low oxygen concentrations, when using Silastic, rubber, and PVC tubes in laser laryngeal surgery. There was no difference in the flammability of Silastic, rubber or PVC when struck by these lasers in this study.

For these reasons, subglottic ventilation using a fluoroplastic, monitored, self‐centering, subglottic, jet ventilation tube driven by an automatic ventilator with a shutdown feature, in the event of excessive pressure buildup, is proposed for anesthetizing healthy patients undergoing suspension microlaryngoscopy, and who have no airway obstructing lesion. A large tube with inflatable cuff is indicated when a supraglottic lesion may obstruct the airway.
Contrasting Effects of Aridity and Grazing Intensity on Multiple Ecosystem Functions and Services in Australian Woodlands
Authors: Vandandorj Sumiya , Eldridge David J. , Travers Samantha K. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel
Published: February 2017

Global change is expected to reduce the provision of multiple ecosystem services in drylands, the largest biome on Earth. Understanding the relative importance of climate change and overgrazing on ecosystems services is critical for predicting the effects of global change on ecosystem well‐being. We generated a system‐level understanding of the effects of climate (aridity intensity) and land use intensification (herbivore grazing intensity) on four regulating ecosystem services (C‐storage, N‐availability and P‐availability, and organic matter decomposition) and one provisioning service (plant production) in wooded drylands from eastern Australia. Climate change and grazing intensity had different effects on multiple ecosystem services. Increasing aridity from 0·19 (dry subhumid) to 0·63 (arid) had consistent suppressive effects on C‐storage, N‐availability, decomposition and plant biomass services, but not on P‐availability. The magnitude of these suppressive effects was greater than any effects due to grazing. All sites showed evidence of kangaroo grazing, but the heaviest grazing was due to cattle (dung: range 0–4545 kg ha−1; mean 142 kg ha−1). Any effects of grazing on ecosystem services were herbivore specific and ranged from positive to neutral or negative. Sheep, and to a lesser extent cattle, were associated with greater N‐availability. Rabbits, however, had a greater effect on P‐availability than aridity. Our study suggests that increases in livestock grazing may fail to sustain ecosystem services because of the generally stronger negative effect of increasing aridity on most ecosystem services in our model dryland. These services are likely therefore to decline with global increases in aridity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Share 35 changes in center‐level liver acceptance practices
Authors: Goldberg David S. , Levine Matthew , Karp Seth , Gilroy Richard , Abt Peter L.
Published: February 2017

Share 35 was implemented to provide improved access to organs for patients with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores ≥ 35. However, little is known about the impact of Share 35 on organ offer acceptance rates. We evaluated all liver offers to adult patients who were ultimately transplanted between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. The analyses focused on patients ranked in the top 5 positions of a given match run and used multilevel mixed‐effects models, clustering on individual wait‐list candidate and transplant center. There was a significant interaction between Share 35 era and MELD category (P < 0.001). Comparing offers to MELD score ≥ 35 patients, offers after Share 35 were 36% less likely to be accepted compared with offers to MELD score ≥ 35 patients before Share 35 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.64). There was no clinically meaningful difference in the donor risk index of livers that were declined for patients with an allocation MELD score ≥35 in the pre– versus post–Share 35 era. Organ offer acceptance rates for patients with an allocation MELD ≥ 35 decreased in every region after Share 35; the magnitude of these changes was bigger in regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11, compared with regions 8 and 9 that had regional sharing in place before Share 35. There were significant changes in organ offer acceptance rates at the center level before versus after Share 35, and these changes varied across centers (P < 0.001). In conclusion, in liver transplantation candidates achieving a MELD score ≥ 35, liver acceptance of offers declined significantly after implementation of Share 35. The alterations in behavior at the center level suggest that practice patterns changed as a direct result of Share 35. Changes in organ acceptance under even broader organ sharing (redistricting) would likely be even greater, posing major logistical and operational challenges, while potentially increasing discard rates, thus decreasing the total number of transplants nationally. Liver Transplantation 23 604–613 2017 AASLD.
A multicenter study to define sarcopenia in patients with end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Carey Elizabeth J. , Lai Jennifer C. , Wang Connie W. , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Lobach Iryna , Montano‐Loza Aldo J. , Dunn Michael A. ,   for the Fitness, Life Enhancement, and Exercise in Liver Transplantation Consortium
Published: February 2017

Sarcopenia is associated with increased wait‐list mortality, but a standard definition is lacking. In this retrospective study, we sought to determine the optimal definition of sarcopenia in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). Included were 396 patients newly listed for LT in 2012 at 5 North American transplant centers. All computed tomography scans were read by 2 individuals with interobserver correlation of 98%. Using image analysis software, the total cross‐sectional area (cm2) of abdominal skeletal muscle at the third lumbar vertebra was measured. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), which normalizes muscle area to patient height, was then calculated. The primary outcome was wait‐list mortality, defined as death on the waiting list or removal from the waiting list for reasons of clinical deterioration. Sex‐specific potential cutoff values to define sarcopenia were determined with a grid search guided by log‐rank test statistics. Optimal search methods identified potential cutoffs to detect survival differences between groups. The overall median SMI was 47.6 cm2/m2: 50.0 in men and 42.0 in women. At a median of 8.8 months follow‐up, mortality was 25% in men and 36% in women. Patients who died had lower SMI than those who survived (45.6 versus 48.5 cm2/m2; P < 0.001), and SMI was associated with wait‐list mortality (hazard ratio, 0.95; P < 0.001). Optimal search method yielded SMI cutoffs of 50 cm2/m2 for men and 39 cm2/m2 for women; these cutoff values best combined statistical significance with a sufficient number of events to detect survival differences between groups. In conclusion, we recommend that an SMI < 50 cm2/m2 for men and < 39 cm2/m2 for women be used to define sarcopenia in patients with ESLD awaiting LT. Liver Transplantation 23 625–633 2017 AASLD.
Reactive Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Sulfur Species (RONSS)‐Responsive Polymersomes for Triggered Drug Release
Authors: Deng Zhengyu , Hu Jinming , Liu Shiyong
Published: February 2017

Reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species (RONSS) are cross‐reacting and involved in a myriad of physiological and pathological processes. Similar to acidic pH, overexpressed enzymes, and other specific stimuli found in pathological microenvironments, RONSS are recognized as a category of emerging triggering events and have been employed to design activatable theranostic nanomaterials. In this regard, a plethora of RONSS‐responsive nanovectors including polymeric micelles and vesicles (also referred to as polymersomes) are constructed. In comparison with micelles, polymersomes comprising aqueous interiors enclosed by hydrophobic membranes show intriguing applications in synergistic delivery of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, nanoreactors, and artificial organelles. This feature article focuses on the recent developments in the fabrication of RONSS‐responsive polymersomes and their potential biomedical applications in terms of triggered drug delivery.

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Neurophysiological recovery 5 years after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes
Authors: Thomsen Niels O.B. , Andersson Gert S. , Björk Jonas , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The long‐term results of neurophysiological recovery after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes have not been studied. Methods: Thirty‐five patients with diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were matched with 31 patients without diabetes who had idiopathic CTS, and 27 and 30 patients, respectively, participated in this follow‐up study. Nerve conduction results at 5 years were compared with previously published results at baseline and 1 year. Results: Significant neurophysiological improvement continued from 1 to 5 years after carpal tunnel release for patients with and without diabetes. However, wrist–palm sensory conduction velocity was still abnormal for 85% and 43% of patients with and without diabetes, respectively. Although diabetes had an impact on 4 of 10 measured neurophysiological parameters, the influence of peripheral neuropathy seemed insignificant. Discussion: After carpal tunnel release, significant long‐term neurophysiological improvement is possible for patients with diabetes, and it is not influenced by the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 56: E59–E64, 2017
A multiscale framework for the simulation of the anisotropic mechanical behavior of shale
Authors: Li Weixin , Rezakhani Roozbeh , Jin Congrui , Zhou Xinwei , Cusatis Gianluca
Published: February 2017

Shale, like many other sedimentary rocks, is typically heterogeneous and anisotropic and is characterized by partial alignment of anisotropic clay minerals and naturally formed bedding planes. In this study, a micromechanical framework based on the lattice discrete particle model is formulated to capture these features. Material anisotropy is introduced through an approximated geometric description of shale internal structure, which includes representation of material property variation with orientation and explicit modeling of parallel lamination. The model is calibrated by carrying out numerical simulations to match various experimental data, including the ones relevant to elastic properties, Brazilian tensile strength, and unconfined compressive strength. Furthermore, parametric study is performed to investigate the relationship between the mesoscale parameters and the macroscopic properties. It is shown that the dependence of the elastic stiffness, strength, and failure mode on loading orientation can be captured successfully. Finally, a homogenization approach based on the asymptotic expansion of field variables is applied to upscale the proposed micromechanical model, and the properties of the homogenized model are analyzed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced skeletal muscle secreted frizzled‐related protein 3 is associated with inflammation and insulin resistance
Authors: Pachori Alok S. , Madan Meenu , Nunez Lopez Yury O. , Yi Fanchao , Meyer Christian , Seyhan Attila A.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the role of secreted frizzled‐related protein 3 (Sfrp3) in insulin sensitivity (ISi) and β‐cell function in humans across a spectrum of glucose homeostasis.

Methods

Subjects included those with normal glucose homeostasis (NGT; n = 18), prediabetes (PD; n = 11), or type 2 diabetes (T2D; n=12). Serum and skeletal muscle (SkM) Sfrp3 levels were measured by ELISA and qPCR, respectively, and insulin signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. IS and β‐cell function were assessed by indices derived from frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test.

Results

SkM Sfrp3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in PD and T2D versus NGT. Similarly, serum Sfrp3 levels tended to be decreased in PD and T2D versus NGT. SkM Sfrp3 mRNA levels correlated negatively with circulating proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IFN‐γ) and positively with IS. In vitro‐differentiated myotubes from lean insulin‐sensitive subjects treated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or recombinant IL‐6 demonstrated a dose‐dependent reduction in Sfrp3 gene expression. Treatment of myotubes with recombinant Sfrp3 restored LPS‐ and IL‐6‐induced attenuation of insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Inflammation‐induced reduction in SkM Sfrp3 expression may contribute to insulin resistance, and this effect may be prevented by addition of exogenous Sfrp3. Thus, Sfrp3 may be a novel target for insulin sensitization.
Light and pH dual‐sensitive biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for controlled release of cargos
Authors: Xia Yingchun , Zeng Yunxiong , Hu Ding , Shen Huihui , Deng Jianru , Lu Yanbing , Xia Xinnian , Xu Weijian
Published: February 2017

In this article, a light and pH dual‐sensitive block copolymer PEG‐b‐poly(MPC‐Azo/DEA) was facilely prepared for the first time by azide‐alkyne click chemistry between amphiphilic block copolymer bearing pendant alkynyl group poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(5‐methyl‐5‐propargylxycarbonyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐2‐one) (PEG‐b‐poly(MPC)) and two azide‐containing compounds azobenzene derivative (Azo‐N3) and 2‐azido‐1‐ethyl‐diethylamine (DEA‐N3). Light response of the polymeric nanoparticles benefits from the azobenzene segments and pH responsiveness is attributed to DEA moieties. The prepared copolymer could self‐assemble into spherical micelle particles. The morphological changes of these particles in response to dual stimuli were investigated by UV/vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nile Red (NR) was utilized as probe, and fluorescence spectroscopy was served as an evidence for the enhanced release of cargos from polymeric nanoparticles under combined stimulation. Anticancer drug, DOX was loaded into the nanoparticles and the loaded‐DOX could be released from these nanoparticles under dual stimuli. MTT assays further demonstrated that PEG‐b‐poly(MPC) and PEG‐b‐poly(MPC‐Azo/DEA) were of biocompatibility and low toxicity against HepG2 cells as well as SMCC‐7721 cells. More importantly, the prepared DOX‐loaded nanoparticles exhibited good anticancer ability for the two cells. The synthesized light and pH dual‐sensitive biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles were expected to be platforms for precisely controlled release of encapsulated molecules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1773–1783
Donor–acceptor conjugated copolymers incorporating tetrafluorobenzene as the π‐electron deficient unit
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Debattista Federico , Abbondanza Luigi , Bianchi Gabriele , Po Riccardo , Pasini Dario
Published: February 2017

We present the synthesis and characterization of a new family of perfectly alternating conjugated polymers, obtained through different methodologies (Stille, Direct Arylation, and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons polymerizations). The polymers comprise either 2,5‐dialkoxybenzene or benzodithiophene electron rich units, and 1,2,4,5‐tetrafluorobenzene as the electron‐deficient unit, eventually separated by a vinylene bridge, if suitable monomers and HWE polymerization procedures are used. As shown by NMR spectroscopy, the introduction of the fluorinated aromatic units brings complications in the polymer stereodefinition in the HWE polymerization, and regiodefinition in the case of the Direct Arylation. The polymers show moderate degrees of polymerization (up to 10 repeating alternating units in the backbone), which are however significant enough to unravel interesting properties such as energy HOMO–LUMO gaps and aggregation behavior in solution at room temperature. In depth calculations fully confirmed the aggregation tendency, highlighting the key role of the benzodithiophene as the donor component when in combination with the tetrafluorobenzene unit. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1601–1610
Quantum mechanical electronic structure calculation reveals orientation dependence of hydrogen bond energy in proteins
Authors: Mondal Abhisek , Datta Saumen
Published: February 2017

Hydrogen bond plays a unique role in governing macromolecular interactions with exquisite specificity. These interactions govern the fundamental biological processes like protein folding, enzymatic catalysis, molecular recognition. Despite extensive research work, till date there is no proper report available about the hydrogen bond's energy surface with respect to its geometric parameters, directly derived from proteins. Herein, we have deciphered the potential energy landscape of hydrogen bond directly from the macromolecular coordinates obtained from Protein Data Bank using quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations. The findings unravel the hydrogen bonding energies of proteins in parametric space. These data can be used to understand the energies of such directional interactions involved in biological molecules. Quantitative characterization has also been performed using Shannon entropic calculations for atoms participating in hydrogen bond. Collectively, our results constitute an improved way of understanding hydrogen bond energies in case of proteins and complement the knowledge‐based potential. Proteins 2017; 85:1046–1055. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Causality, transfer entropy, and allosteric communication landscapes in proteins with harmonic interactions
Authors: Hacisuleyman Aysima , Erman Burak
Published: February 2017

A fast and approximate method of generating allosteric communication landscapes in proteins is presented by using Schreiber's entropy transfer concept in combination with the Gaussian Network Model of proteins. Predictions of the model and the allosteric communication landscapes generated show that information transfer in proteins does not necessarily take place along a single path, but an ensemble of pathways is possible. The model emphasizes that knowledge of entropy only is not sufficient for determining allosteric communication and additional information based on time delayed correlations should be introduced, which leads to the presence of causality in proteins. The model provides a simple tool for mapping entropy sink‐source relations into pairs of residues. By this approach, residues that should be manipulated to control protein activity may be determined. This should be of great importance for allosteric drug design and for understanding the effects of mutations on function. The model is applied to determine allosteric communication in three proteins, Ubiquitin, Pyruvate Kinase, and the PDZ domain. Predictions are in agreement with molecular dynamics simulations and experimental evidence. Proteins 2017; 85:1056–1064. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First‐principles study of surface segregation in bimetallic Ni3M (M = Mo, Co, Fe) alloys with chemisorbed atomic oxygen
Authors: Yu Yanlin , Zhang Jingguo , Xiao Wei , Wang Jianwei , Wang Ligen
Published: February 2017

Segregation at metal alloy surfaces has an important impact on their catalytic and chemical properties. We have performed density‐functional theory calculations to investigate the surface segregation behaviors of Ni3M (M = Mo, Co, Fe) alloys in the presence of chemisorbed atomic oxygen. The calculated results show that the segregation trend at a Ni3M(111) surface can be substantially modified by reactive gaseous environments. At an oxygen coverage of 1/4 ML, both the Ni‐segregated and M‐segregated surfaces are still less stable than the nonsegregated one for Ni3Fe alloy, while an M‐segregated surface is more stable than the nonsegregated one for Ni3M (M = Mo, Co) alloys. Furthermore, the analysis of oxygen adsorption trends and surface electronic structures explains that the surface segregation trend is directly correlated to the surface–adsorbate binding strength. The present study provides valuable insight for exploring practical applications of Ni‐based alloys as hydrogen‐evolution electrodes.
Team VALOR's ESCHER: A Novel Electromechanical Biped for the DARPA Robotics Challenge
Authors: Knabe Coleman , Griffin Robert , Burton James , Cantor‐Cooke Graham , Dantanarayana Lakshitha , Day Graham , Ebeling‐Koning Oliver , Hahn Eric , Hopkins Michael , Neal Jordan , Newton Jackson , Nogales Chris , Orekhov Viktor , Peterson John , Rouleau Michael , Seminatore John , Sung Yoonchang , Webb Jacob , Wittenstein Nikolaus , Ziglar Jason , Leonessa Alexander , Lattimer Brian , Furukawa Tomonari
Published: February 2017

The Electric Series Compliant Humanoid for Emergency Response (ESCHER) platform represents the culmination of four years of development at Virginia Tech to produce a full‐sized force‐controlled humanoid robot capable of operating in unstructured environments. ESCHER's locomotion capability was demonstrated at the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Finals when it successfully navigated the 61 m loose dirt course. Team VALOR, a Track A team, developed ESCHER leveraging and improving upon bipedal humanoid technologies implemented in previous research efforts, specifically for traversing uneven terrain and sustained untethered operation. This paper presents the hardware platform, software, and control systems developed to field ESCHER at the DRC Finals. ESCHER's unique features include custom linear series elastic actuators in both single and dual actuator configurations and a whole‐body control framework supporting compliant locomotion across variable and shifting terrain. A high‐level software system designed using the robot operating system integrated various open‐source packages and interfaced with the existing whole‐body motion controller. The paper discusses a detailed analysis of challenges encountered during the competition, along with lessons learned that are critical for transitioning research contributions to a fielded robot. Empirical data collected before, during, and after the DRC Finals validate ESCHER's performance in fielded environments.
Prediction and characterization of application power use in a high‐performance computing environment
Authors: Bugbee Bruce , Phillips Caleb , Egan Hilary , Elmore Ryan , Gruchalla Kenny , Purkayastha Avi
Published: February 2017

Power use in data centers and high‐performance computing (HPC) facilities has grown in tandem with increases in the size and number of these facilities. Substantial innovation is needed to enable meaningful reduction in energy footprints in leadership‐class HPC systems. In this paper, we focus on characterizing and investigating application‐level power usage. We demonstrate potential methods for predicting power usage based on a priori and in situ characteristics. Finally, we highlight a potential use case of this method through a simulated power‐aware scheduler using historical jobs from a real scientific HPC system.
In situ Growth of Phase‐Controlled Nickel Sulfide Nanostructures on Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets : A Improved Cost‐effective Catalyst for 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Karthikeyan Rajan , Thangaraju Dheivasigamani , Prakash Natarajan , Arivanandhan Mukannan , Hayakawa Yasuhiro
Published: February 2017

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐functionalized nickel sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized using a temperature‐controlled injection method. Syntheses were carried out in single (oleylamine) and mixed (oleylamine, oleic acid, and octadecene) solvents. Phase‐controlled NiS, NiS2, or Ni3S4 nanocrystals were decorated on rGO sheets through the single‐step temperature‐controlled injection processes. Problems with the synthesis of rGO/nickel sulfide yielding mixed phases were overcome by adjusting the solvent mixture and source concentrations. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the crystal structures and phases of nickel sulfide on the rGO sheets. The catalytic performances of rGO/nickel sulfide structures containing different nickel sulfide phases were analyzed by measuring the degradation rate of 4‐nitrophenol. Catalytic activity of as synthesized rGO/NiS, rGO/NiS2 and rGO/Ni3S4 were higher activity than pure NiS, among them rGO/NiS was showed better activity than those of rGO/NiS2 and rGO/Ni3S4.
PdCu Nanoparticles Stabilized on Porous CeO2 for Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes: Structural Characterization and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Saikia Himadri , Duarah Rajib , Sudarsanam Putla , Bhargava Suresh K. , Bharali Pankaj
Published: February 2017

In this work, a series of porous CeO2 stabilized PdCu nanoparticles are synthesized by a modified hydrothermal method and applied for catalytic reductive degradation of azo dyes. For the synthesis of CeO2 support a simple precipitation method is adopted using ammonium oxalate as precipitant. Synthesized support and nanoparticles are characterized by XRD, TGA, BET surface area, SEM/EDX, TEM, Raman, UV‐visible DRS, FTIR and XPS analyses. Catalytic studies show that the synthesized nanoparticles can efficiently reduce model azo dyes, methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR) with good recyclability. Among various PdCu compositions, Pd1Cu9/CeO2 exhibits superior catalytic activity towards reductive degradation of MO and CR at room temperature. Thus, PdCu/CeO2 nanoparticles can be accepted as potential component for the application in wastewater treatment.
The Synergy of Graphene Oxide and Polydopamine Assisted Immobilization of Lysozyme to Improve Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Hao Xiangping , Chen Shougang , Zhu Hongzheng , Wang Longqiang , Zhang Yue , Yin Yansheng
Published: February 2017

Antibacterial coatings are rapidly developing in recent years and applying to medical treatment, water reservoir and other fields. Here we report an easy, feasible and biocompatible method that combines the adhesive property of polydopamine (PDA), loaded platforms effect, antibacterial property of graphene oxide (GO) with the antimicrobial enzyme lysozyme of chicken egg(cLY), endowing substrate like glass slides with antimicrobial actions. The PDA/rGO‐cLY film is determined by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman; the micromorphology of the PDA/rGO film is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The loading quantity of cLY onto PDA/rGO film is confirmed by fluorescence microscope and Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). More significantly, the PDA/rGO‐cLY film indicated extraordinary antibacterial property for Escherichia coli (E.coli), and maintained a high bacteriostatic percentage after a period of time. This platform should be applicable also to other bactericide and the modified surface could be used in many fields.
Interconnected Porous Carbon: Unique Versatile Matrix for the Growth of Nanostructured Polyaniline and Its Enhanced Performance towards Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Arulmani Subramanian , Michelraj Singarayan , Suresh Chinnathambi , Sivakumar Chinnaiah
Published: February 2017

Herein we report the nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) growth on interconnected porous carbon (ICPC) by in‐situ electro‐polymerization route. Structural and morphological investigation confirms the formation of ICPC and growth of PANI over the surface of carbon. Electrochemical performance of PANI/ICPC was assessed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and charge‐discharge cycle profile. The large surface area (750 m2 g−1) with interconnected pore structure of ICPC plays an imperative role for the penetration of aniline and leads to the formation of nanostructured PANI on its matrix. The achieved results revealed that anchoring of PANI on ICPC enhances the specific capacitance (861 Fg−1) than the individuals. Composite conquers a good cycling stability owing to the synergistic effect of PANI and ICPC be a sign of potential candidate for the fabrication of high‐performance electrode materials for energy storage applications.
Tundish Open Eye Formation: A Trivial Event with Dire Consequences
Authors: Chatterjee Saikat , Li Donghui , Chattopadhyay Kinnor
Published: February 2017

Inert gas shrouding is a traditional practice in tundish metallurgy and has several benefits such as, protecting the melt stream from air aspirations, aiding inclusion flotation with argon bubbles, and also possible thermal and chemical homogenization. On the down side, it displaces the protective slag layer on the top of the melt, and exposes the steel to the ambient atmosphere. This region is often referred to as the slag eye or open eye. This exposed area leads to higher radiative heat losses, reoxidation of the liquid steel, nitrogen pickup, and subsequent inclusion formation. Although perceived as a trivial event by many, Tundish Open Eye (TOE) has dire consequences. In the present work, TOE formation and its consequences have been investigated. The mathematical modeling of this turbulent multiphase system is performed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method, and discrete phase method (DPM), coupled with the standard k‐ϵ turbulence model. The mathematical model is compared with the water model results and plant trials. The main objective is to ensure that the steelmaking tundish acts as a refiner and not as a contaminator.
Application of vector form intrinsic finite element on integrated simulation of wind turbine
Authors: Chen Junling , Yang Rongchang , Zhao Yong
Published: February 2017

Large wind turbine system is a periodic time‐varying system with many rigid‐flexible coupling bodies. It is difficult to deal with the singular stiffness matrix produced by the rotation of blades via the traditional finite element method. However, the vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method can effectively solve the geometric deformation of elastic continuum, the nonlinear or discrete constitutive model, the coupling motion continuum, and rigid body. In this study, a solver program of space beam element is developed by VFIFE method, and three typical examples are chosen to verify its accuracy. And then the integrated simulation of wind turbine system is established, and its dynamic response is analyzed. The natural frequencies of the turbine system, which are obtained by modal parameter identification, can agree well with the results obtained by traditional finite element method. The weighted amplitude wave superposition method and the proper orthogonal decomposition method as well as B‐spline surface interpolation are employed to obtain the wind time series of wind turbine under the normal operation condition. The wind‐induced dynamic response of wind turbine system is calculated by VFIFE method. The numerical results can reflect the periodic influence of gravity on the internal forces of blades and the interaction between blades and the tower.
Black Issues in the Therapeutic Process
Authors: McKenzie-Mavinga Isha
Published: February 2017

The impact of slavery and colonialism still reverberates in black and ethnic minority communities, but counsellors are often given little training on how to respond effectively to the profound effects on their clients. Inspired by the author's own research, this book explores creatively how the therapeutic relationship with people of African or Caribbean heritage can better take account of such deep-seated intercultural issues.

Offering real-life stories, examples and poetry extracts, the author reflects on students' and practitioners' understanding of their own connections with black issues and draws on layers of experience to give practical advice. Filled with thoughtful and supportive guidance, the book:

- provides direct techniques to assist empathic therapeutic work with the hurt of racism

- explores questions that have been asked by practising and trainee therapists

- develops readers' understanding of key issues in a global and historical context

- encourages practitioners to broaden their experience of working with black issues.

This unique and engaging book offers invaluable insight for all students, counsellors and health care professionals who are seeking better understanding in their work with people of black African/Caribbean origin.