bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly Coupled Oxasmaragdyrin–BF2 Chelated Dipyrrin Dyads: Syntheses, X‐ray Structure, Ground‐ and Excited‐State Charge‐Transfer Interactions
Authors: Gobeze Habtom B. , Kumar Sunit , D'Souza Francis , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: October 2016

Oxasmaragdyrin (osm), a 22‐π electron aromatic macrocycle containing four pyrroles and a furan ring connected by three methine bridges and two direct bonds is shown to be an excellent electron donor–sensitizer exhibiting adequate spectral and redox properties. Further, this novel heterocyclic macromolecule has been utilized in building donor–acceptor systems involving BF2‐chelated dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs). The osm–BODIPY dyads were fully characterized by optical, electrochemical, computational, and X‐ray diffraction studies. Due to close proximity and electronic structure of the donor and acceptor entities, strong intramolecular charge‐transfer interactions in these dyads was witnessed and was supported by computational studies. Solvent‐polarity‐dependent rapid charge separation and charge recombination in these dyads is witnessed from photochemical studies involving time‐resolved emission and femtosecond transient absorption studies. The present studies bring out the importance of oxasmaragdyrin as an electron donor in light‐energy‐harvesting artificial photosynthesis model systems.
Analysis of flumequine enantiomers in rat plasma by UFLC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Hu Zhao–Hong , Wang Yang–Guang , Jin Huo–Xi , Ouyang Xiao–Kun , Wu Wei–Jian
Published: October 2016

In this study the analysis and confirmation of flumequine enantiomers in rat plasma by ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (using propranolol as an internal standard [IS]) was developed and validated. Plasma samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction using methyl tert‐butyl ether as the extraction solvent. Direct resolution of the R‐ and S‐isomers was performed on a CHIRALCEL OJ‐RH column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) using acetonitrile / 0.1% formic acid / 1 mM ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. Detection was operated by electron spray ionization in the selected ion monitoring and positive ion mode. The target ions at m/z 262.1 and m/z 260.1 were selected for the quantification of the enantiomers and IS, respectively. The linear range was 0.5–500 ng/mL. The precisions (coefficient of variation, CV%) and recoveries were 1.43–8.68 and 94.24–106.76%, respectively. The lowest quantitation limit for both enantiomers is 0.5 ng/mL, which is sensitive enough to be applied to sample analysis in other related studies.
Linear modeling of modern artist paints using a modification of the opaque form of Kubelka‐Munk turbid media theory
Authors: Moghareh Abed Farhad , Berns Roy S.
Published: October 2016

A new model of turbid medium theory is proposed that combines the best parts of the opaque forms of Kubelka‐Munk single and two constant models. This model introduces an impurity index, a spectrally nonselective scattering coefficient for each chromatic component. The new model is shown to have a convex, linear dependence on colorant concentration so that it can be used for colorant identification in high‐resolution images of works of art while offering an extension to the single constant model that can predict the absorption and scattering of paints, both in mixture and pure (masstone) forms. The model was tested and validated using 28 matte acrylic dispersion paints, of the type used in modern painting. These paints had a wide range of absorption and scattering characteristics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 308–315, 2017
Photoexcited Triplet State Kinetics Studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Hintze Christian , Steiner Ulrich E. , Drescher Malte
Published: October 2016

Following the first evidence of the triplet character of the optically excited phosphorescent state of naphthalene by Hutchison and Mangum in 1958, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has become widely used to study and understand the properties and kinetic characteristics of excited triplet states. This minireview gives an overview over EPR techniques based on continuous microwave methods using lock‐in or direct detection as well as pulsed EPR methods with respect to their suitability for kinetic studies of excited triplet states. A short historical overview of the experimental and theoretical developments in this field of research as well as of the triplet systems studied, with a final focus on fullerenes, is given. This may help newcomers to the field as a guide to the relevant literature.
Supramolecular Organogelation of Bacteriochlorophyll‐c Possessing an Isobutyl Substituent at the 8‐Position in Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Mizoguchi Tadashi , Kinoshita Yusuke , Harada Jiro , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: October 2016

The supramolecular organogelation of bacteriochlorophyll(BChl)‐c carrying an isobutyl substituent at the 8‐position was observed in carbon tetrachloride at a concentration of about 10 mm at room temperature. The BChl‐c gel was evaluated by several spectroscopic measurements: the electronic absorption spectrum exhibited a far‐red shift of the Qy‐absorption from 660 to 748 nm and the FTIR spectrum showed a shorter frequency shift of the 13‐C=O stretching from 1683 to 1643 cm−1 compared to the shifts of the corresponding monomer solution in tetrahydrofuran. These observations strongly indicate that the gelating BChl‐c molecules form self‐aggregates that are reminiscent of light‐harvesting chlorosomes of green photosynthetic bacteria. The present supramolecular organogel prepared from natural chlorophylls is promising for the creation of an intelligent soft material involving artificial photosynthesis.
Competitive Adsorption of Substrate and Solvent in Sn‐Beta Zeolite During Sugar Isomerization
Authors: van der Graaff William N. P. , Tempelman Christiaan H. L. , Li Guanna , Mezari Brahim , Kosinov Nikolay , Pidko Evgeny A. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: October 2016

The isomerization of 1,3‐dihydroxyactone and d‐glucose over Sn‐Beta zeolite was investigated by in situ 13C NMR spectroscopy. The conversion rate at room temperature is higher when the zeolite is dehydrated before exposure to the aqueous sugar solution. Mass transfer limitations in the zeolite micropores were excluded by comparing Sn‐Beta samples with different crystal sizes. Periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that sugar and water molecules compete for adsorption on the active framework Sn centers. Careful solvent selection may thus increase the rate of sugar isomerization. Consistent with this prediction, batch catalytic experiments show that the use of a co‐solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, that strongly interacts with the Sn centers suppresses glucose isomerization. On the other hand, the use of ethanol as cosolvent results in significantly higher isomerization activity in comparison with pure water because of decreased competition with glucose adsorption on zeolitic Sn sites.
Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing and Dopant‐Free Heterocyclic Quinoid‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ni Jen‐Shyang , Hsieh Hsiao‐Chi , Chen Chun‐An , Wen Yuh‐Sheng , Wu Wen‐Ti , Shih Yen‐Chen , Lin King‐Fu , Wang Leeyih , Lin Jiann T.
Published: October 2016

New heterocyclic quinoid‐based hole transporting materials (HTMs) with a rigid quinoid core [3,6‐di(2H‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene)cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene] have been synthesized. The new HTMs have good hole mobility (>10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1) and very intense absorption in the near‐infrared region extending to >800 nm. High performance perovskite solar cells can be fabricated using these HTMs without dopant. The best cell efficiency under simulated AM 1.5 G illumination reaches 12.22 %, which is comparable with that (12.58 %) using doped 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) as the HTM.
Molecularly Defined Manganese Pincer Complexes for Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Perez Marc , Elangovan Saravanakumar , Spannenberg Anke , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: October 2016

For the first time an easily accessible and well‐defined manganese N,N,N‐pincer complex catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of a broad range of ketones with good to excellent yields. This cheap earth abundant‐metal based catalyst provides access to useful secondary alcohols without the need of hydrogen gas. Preliminary investigations to explore the mechanism of this transformation are also reported.
Efficient Ionic‐Liquid‐Promoted Chemical Fixation of CO2 into α‐Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Qiu Jikuan , Zhao Yuling , Li Zhiyong , Wang Huiyong , Fan Maohong , Wang Jianji
Published: October 2016

The efficient conversion of CO2 into value‐added chemicals under metal‐free conditions is of significant importance from the viewpoint of sustainable chemistry. In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) with different properties were used to promote the reaction between CO2 and propargylic alcohol for the synthesis of α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates. The protic IL 1,8‐diazabicyclo‐[5.4.0]‐7‐undecenium 2‐methylimidazolide ([DBUH][MIm]) was prepared by simple neutralization of the superbase with a weak proton donor and could efficiently promote the reactions in high yields. After the reactions, the IL was separated from the reaction mixtures by simply adding water, and then reused after drying without an observable decrease in the catalytic activity and selectivity. NMR spectroscopy and detailed density functional theory analysis were used to propose a reaction mechanism. Both the cation and anion of the IL played a key synergistic role in promoting the reaction. These findings may be useful for the rational design of novel metal‐free and recyclable routes for the reaction between CO2 and propargylic alcohols.
How to learn and use your institution's student voting rates
Authors: Bergom Inger
Published: October 2016

College student political engagement levels indicate how well higher education is achieving its civic mission of developing active citizens concerned with public affairs and with addressing social problems. Voting rates are a direct measure of political engagement, and free, confidential reports of student voting rates are available to institutions from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement. NSLVE has developed a database of 2012 and 2014 voting and college student enrollment data from over 8 million students across 900 colleges and universities in the U.S. In addition to being used to research political engagement in higher education, NSLVE is used to inform campuses about their students' voting rates through customized reports showing voting rates by age, class level, field of study, and, when available, gender and race/ethnicity. Soon NSLVE will include data from the 2016 presidential election, and comparisons across presidential elections will provide insights into changes over time in voting patterns.
How to love your job for 40 years
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: October 2016

A career is about 40 years long. I'm in year 37 of my career in higher education. I have loved my career and loved every job that has made up my career. Now, mind you, I did not say I loved every day of every job that made up my career! But I really have loved every job. Here are my Pollyanna secrets of how to love your job for 40 years.
Community college survey finds disconnect between perceived preparedness, reality
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2016

According to a survey of more than 70,000 community college students nationwide, there is a disconnect between the level of their college‐preparedness perceptions and reality. Expectations Meet Reality: The Underprepared Student and Community Colleges, 2016 National Report was released by the Center for Community College Student Engagement. Among key findings, the report found that 86 percent of students enrolling in community college believe they are adequately prepared for the rigor of community college, yet 68 percent of them take at least one developmental course. “They are not as prepared as they think,” said Courtney Adkins of CCCSE.
Effect of liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, on left ventricular function in stable chronic heart failure patients with and without diabetes (LIVE)—a multicentre, double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Jorsal Anders , Kistorp Caroline , Holmager Pernille , Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Nielsen Roni , Hänselmann Anja , Nilsson Brian , Møller Jacob Eifer , Hjort Jakob , Rasmussen Jon , Boesgaard Trine Welløv , Schou Morten , Videbæk Lars , Gustafsson Ida , Flyvbjerg Allan , Wiggers Henrik , Tarnow Lise
Published: October 2016

Aims

To determine the effect of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue liraglutide on left ventricular function in chronic heart failure patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

LIVE was an investigator‐initiated, randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled multicentre trial. Patients (n = 241) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤45%) were recruited (February 2012 to August 2015). Patients were clinically stable and on optimal heart failure treatment. Intervention was liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. The LVEF was similar at baseline in the liraglutide and the placebo group (33.7 ± 7.6% vs. 35.4 ± 9.4%). Change in LVEF did not differ between the liraglutide and the placebo group; mean difference (95% confidence interval) was −0.8% (−2.1, 0.5; P = 0.24). Heart rate increased with liraglutide [mean difference: 7 b.p.m. (5, 9), P < 0.0001]. Serious cardiac events were seen in 12 (10%) patients treated with liraglutide compared with 3 (3%) patients in the placebo group (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Liraglutide did not affect left ventricular systolic function compared with placebo in stable chronic heart failure patients with and without diabetes. Treatment with liraglutide was associated with an increase in heart rate and more serious cardiac adverse events, and this raises some concern with respect to the use of liraglutide in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular function. More data on the safety of liraglutide in different subgroups of heart failure patients are needed.
Solvothermal Temperature Drives Morphological and Compositional Changes through Dehydroxyfluorination in Anatase Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Wei , Body Monique , Legein Christophe , Borkiewicz Olaf J. , Dambournet Damien
Published: October 2016

The reaction system employing titanium alkoxide and hydrofluoric acid under solvothermal conditions has been widely used to prepare anisotropic anatase crystals featuring a large percentage of reactive {001} facets. Nevertheless, such a reaction system leads to the stabilization of both the fluoride and hydroxide‐substituting oxide in the anatase network. The presence of both anions is compensated by the stabilization of titanium vacancies. In this work, we demonstrate that the synthesis temperature not only impacts the morphology of the as prepared nanoparticles but also their chemical composition/structural features. Depending on the reaction temperature, two main crystal growth mechanisms that are anisotropic and/or driven by oriented attachment were observed. The morphological changes are associated with a variation of the composition. Particularly, high temperature allows to eliminate most of the OH groups through oxolation reactions, but fluorine is thermally more stable as demonstrated by 1H and 19F solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. This work confirms that the abovementioned reaction system does not lead to pure titanium dioxide, which is an important aspect in linking composition/morphological features to the physico‐chemical properties.
Optimal control for reinitialization in finite element level set methods
Authors: Basting Christopher , Kuzmin Dmitri , Shadid John N.
Published: October 2016

A new optimal control problem that incorporates the residual of the Eikonal equation into its objective is presented. The formulation of the state equation is based on the level set transport equation but extended by an additional source term, correcting the solution so as to minimize the objective functional. The method enforces the constraint so that the interface cannot be displaced at least in the continuous setting. The system of first‐order optimality conditions is derived, linearized, and solved numerically. The control also prevents numerical instabilities, so that no additional stabilization techniques are required. This approach offers the flexibility to include other desired design criteria into the objective functional. The methodology is evaluated numerically in three different examples and compared with other PDE‐based reinitialization techniques. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tonotopic maps in human auditory cortex using arterial spin labeling
Authors: Gardumi Anna , Ivanov Dimo , Havlicek Martin , Formisano Elia , Uludağ Kâmil
Published: October 2016

A tonotopic organization of the human auditory cortex (AC) has been reliably found by neuroimaging studies. However, a full characterization and parcellation of the AC is still lacking. In this study, we employed pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) to map tonotopy and voice selective regions using, for the first time, cerebral blood flow (CBF). We demonstrated the feasibility of CBF‐based tonotopy and found a good agreement with BOLD signal‐based tonotopy, despite the lower contrast‐to‐noise ratio of CBF. Quantitative perfusion mapping of baseline CBF showed a region of high perfusion centered on Heschl's gyrus and corresponding to the main high‐low‐high frequency gradients, co‐located to the presumed primary auditory core and suggesting baseline CBF as a novel marker for AC parcellation. Furthermore, susceptibility weighted imaging was employed to investigate the tissue specificity of CBF and BOLD signal and the possible venous bias of BOLD‐based tonotopy. For BOLD only active voxels, we found a higher percentage of vein contamination than for CBF only active voxels. Taken together, we demonstrated that both baseline and stimulus‐induced CBF is an alternative fMRI approach to the standard BOLD signal to study auditory processing and delineate the functional organization of the auditory cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1140–1154, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of lymphocytic thyroiditis on incidence of pathological incidental thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Farrell Eric , Heffron Cynthia , Murphy Matthew , O'Leary Gerard , Sheahan Patrick
Published: October 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of lymphocytic thyroiditis on incidence of incidental thyroid cancers.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 713 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomies. Incidental thyroid cancer was defined as an unexpected cancer discovered on pathological examination outside the index nodule undergoing preoperative cytology.

Results

We excluded 65 cases because of preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and 68 because of nonincidental cancer within the index nodule. Among the remaining 580 cases, there were 43 cases (7.4%) of incidental thyroid cancers. Incidental thyroid cancers were significantly associated with moderate/severe lymphocytic thyroiditis (relative risk = 2.5; p = .03). Sixteen of 56 patients with moderate/severe lymphocytic thyroiditis had Graves' disease, none of whom had incidental thyroid cancer. The risk of incidental thyroid cancer associated with moderate/severe lymphocytic thyroiditis was significantly higher in non‐Graves' than patients with Graves' disease (p = .05).

Conclusion

The risk of incidental thyroid cancer is significantly increased in patients with moderate/severe lymphocytic thyroiditis. Moderate/severe lymphocytic thyroiditis associated with Graves' disease seems to have a lower risk of incidental thyroid cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 122–127, 2017
Flex Robotic System in transoral robotic surgery: The first 40 patients
Authors: Mattheis Stefan , Hasskamp Pia , Holtmann Laura , Schäfer Christina , Geisthoff Urban , Dominas Nina , Lang Stephan
Published: October 2016

Background

The Flex Robotic System is a new robotic device specifically developed for transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Methods

We performed a prospective clinical study, assessing the safety and efficacy of the Medrobotics Flex Robotic System. A total of 40 patients required a surgical procedure for benign lesions (n = 30) or T1 and T2 carcinomas (n = 10). Access and visualization of different anatomic subsites were individually graded by the surgeon. Setup times, access and visualization times, surgical results, as well as adverse events were documented intraoperatively.

Results

The lesions could be exposed and visualized properly in 38 patients (95%) who went on to have a surgical procedure performed with the Flex Robotic System, which were intraoperatively evaluated as successful. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Lesions in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or supraglottic larynx could be successfully resected using the Flex Robotic System, thus making the system a safe and effective tool in transoral robotic surgery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 471–475, 2017
Oligomer Formation and Cross‐Seeding: The New Frontier
Authors: Farmer Kathleen , Gerson Julia E. , Kayed Rakez
Published: October 2016

The accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain is a defining feature of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Though diseases vary in the composition of aggregated proteins (amyloid‐β and tau are primarily implicated in Alzheimer's disease, α‐synuclein is the primary protein aggregate in Parkinson's disease, etc.), similarities in the formation of soluble intermediate aggregates, some of which go on to deposit in stable fibrillar structures, suggests that the protein sequence may be far less important than the aggregate conformation to toxicity and onset of disease. Growing evidence suggests that intermediate or independently formed oligomeric aggregates are more highly toxic than fibrils, and are more efficient seeds for the aggregation of endogenous protein. Furthermore, the overlap of different aggregated proteins in disease, as well as the ability of amyloid oligomers to cross‐seed the aggregation of each other, suggests that synergistic interactions between varying aggregant proteins is a critical component in neurodegeneration. The progression of aggregates along defined pathways throughout the brain is crucial to the spread of disease and likely depends upon the transport of aggregates from affected to unaffected brain regions. Thus, the presence of oligomeric seeds that more efficiently seed the aggregation of homologous and diverse proteins may underlie neurodegeneration.
Effect of System of Rice Intensification on Water Productivity and NPS Pollution Discharge
Authors: Park Woonji , Seo Jiyeon , Choi Yonghun , Kim Gunyeob , Yun Dongkoun , Jeong Wongu , Lee Suin
Published: October 2016

Paddy fields comprise the single largest land use in Korea, occupying nearly 60% of arable land, consuming about 56% of the nation's water supply, and discharging a significant amount of agricultural non‐point source (NPS) pollution to public waters. Rural water resources conservation, the improvement of irrigation water productivity (IWP) and the reduction of NPS pollution from paddy fields are important issues in Korea. To quantify the issue, a field‐size rice‐plot study was conducted for 3 years comparing the treatment of a system of rice intensification (SRI) irrigation management and a conventional practice (CT). The SRI reduced the irrigation requirement at field level by 50% compared to the CT. The IWP of the SRI improved by an average of 94% over that of the CT. The average reductions of the NPS pollutants by SRI was 44.4% (BOD), 38.6% (SS), 35.3% (CODMn), 28.3% (CODCr), 23.8% (TN) and 36.3% (TN). The SRI treatment was concluded to have contributed to healthy rice plant growth, improvement of IWP and reduction of agricultural NPS pollution from paddy fields, which could significantly conserve rural water resources and improve water quality in Korea. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and application of a UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 17 steroidal hormones in equine serum
Authors: Genangeli Michele , Caprioli Giovanni , Cortese Manuela , Laus Fulvio , Matteucci Mara , Petrelli Riccardo , Ricciutelli Massimo , Sagratini Gianni , Sartori Stefano , Vittori Sauro
Published: October 2016

A new, fast and simple analytical method that is able to identify and quantify simultaneously 17 steroid hormones and metabolites (pregnenolone, 17‐OH‐pregnenolone, progesterone, 17‐OH‐progesterone, androsterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, 11‐deoxycortisol, 11‐deoxycorticosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone and estradiol) has been developed in equine serum using the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technique. A total of 400 µl of sample was deproteinized with 1000 µl of acetonitrile, evaporated, restored with 50 µl of a solution of 25% methanol and injected in ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry triple quadrupole. The recovery percentage obtained by spiking the matrix at two different concentrations with a standard mixture of steroid hormones was in all cases higher than 85.60% and with the percentage of coefficient of variation lower than 8.37%. The range of the correlation coefficients of the calibration curves of the analyzed compounds was 0.9922–0.9986, and the limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.002–2 and 0.0055–5.5 ng ml−1, respectively. The detected limit of quantification for testosterone (i.e. 50 pg ml−1) is twofold lower with respect to its threshold admitted in geldings plasma (100 pg ml−1 free testosterone). The high sensitivity and the quantitative aspect of the method permitted to detect most of the steroids in equine serum. Once validated, the method was used to quantify 17 steroid hormones in mare, stallion and gelding serum samples. The main steroids detected were corticosterone (range 37.25–51.26 ng ml−1) and cortisol (range 32.57–52.24 ng ml−1), followed by 17‐OH‐pregnenolone, dihydrotestosterone and pregnenolone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α5GABAA Receptors Mediate Tonic Inhibition in the Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn and Contribute to the Resolution Of Hyperalgesia
Authors: Perez‐Sanchez Jimena , Lorenzo Louis‐Etienne , Lecker Irene , Zurek Agnieszka A. , Labrakakis Charalampos , Bridgwater Erica M. , Orser Beverley A. , De Koninck Yves , Bonin Robert P.
Published: October 2016

Neuronal inhibition mediated by GABAA receptors constrains nociceptive processing in the spinal cord, and loss of GABAergic inhibition can produce allodynia and hyperalgesia. Extrasynaptic α5 subunit‐containing GABAA receptors (α5GABAARs) generate a tonic conductance that inhibits neuronal activity and constrains learning and memory; however, it is unclear whether α5GABAARs similarly generate a tonic conductance in the spinal cord dorsal horn to constrain nociception. We assessed the distribution of α5GABAARs in the spinal cord dorsal horn by immunohistochemical analysis, and the activity and function of α5GABAARs in neurons of the superficial dorsal horn using electrophysiological and behavioral approaches in male, null‐mutant mice lacking the GABAAR α5 subunit (Gabra5−/−) and wild‐type mice (WT). The expression of α5GABAARs in the superficial dorsal horn followed a laminar pattern of distribution, with a higher expression in lamina II than lamina I. Similarly, the tonic GABAA current in lamina II neurons had a larger contribution from α5GABAARs than in lamina I, with no significant contribution of these receptors to synaptic GABAA current. In behavioural tests, WT and Gabra5−/− mice exhibited similar acute thermal and mechanical nociception, and similar mechanical sensitization immediately following intraplantar capsaicin or Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). However, Gabra5−/− mice showed prolonged recovery from sensitization in these models, and increased responses in the late phase of the formalin test. Overall, our data suggest that tonically‐active α5GABAARs in the spinal cord dorsal horn accelerate the resolution of hyperalgesia and may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target to promote recovery from pathological pain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality and outcomes of synchronous two‐team Ivor–Lewis oesophagectomy: Revisiting a variant technique
Authors: Hummel Richard , Mees Soeren Torge , Smith Lorelle , Jamieson Glyn G. , Kiroff George , Shenfine Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Background and Objectives

In 1975, a modification of popular two‐stage Ivor–Lewis oesophagectomy was published with synchronous resection in chest and abdomen. As data on this technique are rare and inconsistent, we aimed to investigate safety, feasibility, and outcome of this approach.

Methods

Outcome of 201 patients undergoing synchronous oesophagectomy from 2000 to 2013 was analysed retrospectively. Two groups (early: 2000–2006; late: 2007–2013) were analysed to allow comparison of outcome over time.

Results

Patients in the later period had fewer respiratory comorbidities (P = 0.010), median blood loss decreased significantly over time while lymph node yield increased (P < 0.001). Overall complications occurred in 58.9 (early) versus 51.7% (late) of patients (P = 0.320), anastomotic leaks in 14.3 versus 6.7% (P = 0.112), respiratory complications in 48.2 versus 34.8% (P = 0.063). Thirty‐day/90‐day mortality was 2.7% versus 3.4, respectively, 8.1% versus 6.8% (P ≤ 0.793). Long‐term survival was better in the later cohort (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our data of 201 patients over a period of 14 years suggests that this technique is a quick, feasible, safe, and reasonable alternative to standard two‐stage Ivor–Lewis oesophagectomy. Quality of this approach and ultimate outcomes have improved over time, with similar complication rates/outcomes to literature accepted standards for two‐stage approach, especially in the later time period. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:719–724. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent advances in liquid‐phase separations for clinical metabolomics
Authors: Kohler Isabelle , Giera Martin
Published: October 2016

Over the last decades, several technological improvements have been achieved in liquid‐based separation techniques, notably, with the advent of fully porous sub‐2 μm particles and superficially porous sub‐3 μm particles, the comeback of supercritical fluid chromatography, and the development of alternative chromatographic modes such as hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Combined with mass spectrometry, these techniques have demonstrated their added value, substantially increasing separation efficiency, selectivity, and speed of analysis. These benefits are essential in modern clinical metabolomics typically involving the study of large‐scale sample cohorts and the analysis of thousands of metabolites showing extensive differences in physicochemical properties. This review presents a brief overview of the recent developments in liquid‐phase separation sciences in the context of clinical metabolomics, focusing on increased throughput as well as metabolite coverage. Relevant metabolomics applications highlighting the benefits of ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography, core–shell technology, high‐temperature liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, supercritical fluid chromatography, and hydrophilic interaction chromatography are discussed.
Self‐Assembled Peptide‐Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Proliferation and Multi‐Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Yung‐Li , Lin Shih‐Pei , Nelli Srinivasa Rao , Zhan Fu‐Kai , Cheng Hsun , Lai Tsung‐Sheng , Yeh Mei‐Yu , Lin Hsin‐Chieh , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: October 2016

Fluorenyl‐9‐methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)‐diphenylalanine (Fmoc‐FF) and Fmoc‐arginine‐glycine‐­aspartate (Fmoc‐RGD) peptides self‐assemble to form a 3D network of supramolecular hydrogel (Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGD), which provides a nanofibrous network that uniquely presents bioactive ligands at the fiber surface for cell attachment. In the present study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGD hydrogel increase in proliferation and survival compared to those in Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGE hydrogel. Moreover, MSCs encapsulated in Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGD hydrogel and induced in each defined induction medium undergo in vitro osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. For in vivo differentiation, MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel are induced in each defined medium for one week, followed by injection into gelatin sponges and transplantation into immunodeficient mice for four weeks. MSCs in Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGD hydrogel increase in differentiation into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation, compared to those in Fmoc‐FF/Fmoc‐RGE hydrogel. This study concludes that nanofibers formed by the self‐assembly of Fmoc‐FF and Fmoc‐RGD are suitable for the attachment, proliferation, and multi‐differentiation of MSCs, and can be applied in musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

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Metal‐Free Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with ppm Level of Organic Photocatalyst
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Gu Yu , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: October 2016

It is well known that the recently developed photoinduced metal‐free atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been considered as a promising methodology to completely eliminate transition metal residue in polymers. However, a serious problem needs to be improved, namely, large amount of organic photocatalysts should be used to keep the controllability over molecular weights and molecular weight distributions. In this work, a novel photocatalyst 1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) with strong excited state reduction potential is successfully used to mediate a metal‐free ATRP of methyl methacrylate just with parts per million (ppm) level usage under irradiation of blue light emitting diode at room temperature, using ethyl α‐bromophenyl‐acetate as a typical initiator with high initiator efficiency. The polymerization kinetic study, multiple controlled “on–off” light switching cycle regulation, and chain extension experiment confirm the “living”/controlled features of this promising photoinduced metal‐free ATRP system with good molecular weight control in the presence of ppm level photocatalyst 4CzIPN.

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Boundedness in a quasilinear chemotaxis‐haptotaxis system with logistic source
Authors: Wang Liangchen , Mu Chunlai , Hu Xuegang , Tian Ya
Published: October 2016

This paper studies the chemotaxis‐haptotaxis system with nonlinear diffusion

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4216:mma4216-math-0001
subject to the homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions and suitable initial conditions, where χ, ξ and μ are positive constants, and
(n⩾2) is a bounded and smooth domain. Here, we assume that D(u)⩾cDum − 1 for all u > 0 with some cD > 0 and m⩾1. For the case of non‐degenerate diffusion, if μ > μ∗, where

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4216:mma4216-math-0003
it is proved that the system possesses global classical solutions which are uniformly‐in‐time bounded. In the case of degenerate diffusion, we show that the system admits a global bounded weak solution under the same assumptions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing RF pulse design using an open‐competition format: Report from the 2015 ISMRM challenge
Authors: Grissom William A. , Setsompop Kawin , Hurley Samuel A. , Tsao Jeffrey , Velikina Julia V. , Samsonov Alexey A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To advance the best solutions to two important RF pulse design problems with an open head‐to‐head competition.

Methods

Two sub‐challenges were formulated in which contestants competed to design the shortest simultaneous multislice (SMS) refocusing pulses and slice‐selective parallel transmission (pTx) excitation pulses, subject to realistic hardware and safety constraints. Short refocusing pulses are needed for spin echo SMS imaging at high multiband factors, and short slice‐selective pTx pulses are needed for multislice imaging in ultra‐high field MRI. Each sub‐challenge comprised two phases, in which the first phase posed problems with a low barrier of entry, and the second phase encouraged solutions that performed well in general. The Challenge ran from October 2015 to May 2016.

Results

The pTx Challenge winners developed a spokes pulse design method that combined variable‐rate selective excitation with an efficient method to enforce SAR constraints, which achieved 10.6 times shorter pulse durations than conventional approaches. The SMS Challenge winners developed a time‐optimal control multiband pulse design algorithm that achieved 5.1 times shorter pulse durations than conventional approaches.

Conclusion

The Challenge led to rapid step improvements in solutions to significant problems in RF excitation for SMS imaging and ultra‐high field MRI. Magn Reson Med 78:1352–1361, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio, T2, and for hyperpolarized helium‐3 MRI of the human lung at three magnetic field strengths
Authors: Komlosi Peter , Altes Talissa A. , Qing Kun , Mooney Karen E. , Miller G. Wilson , Mata Jaime F. , de Lange Eduard E. , Tobias William A. , Cates Gordon D. , Mugler John P.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To evaluate T2,
, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for hyperpolarized helium‐3 (3He) MRI of the human lung at three magnetic field strengths ranging from 0.43T to 1.5T.

Methods

Sixteen healthy volunteers were imaged using a commercial whole body scanner at 0.43T, 0.79T, and 1.5T. Whole‐lung T2 values were calculated from a Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill spin‐echo‐train acquisition.
maps and SNR were determined from dual‐echo and single‐echo gradient‐echo images, respectively. Mean whole‐lung SNR values were normalized by ventilated lung volume and administered 3He dose.

Results

As expected, T2 and
values demonstrated a significant inverse relationship to field strength. Hyperpolarized 3He images acquired at all three field strengths had comparable SNR values and thus appeared visually very similar. Nonetheless, the relatively small SNR differences among field strengths were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Hyperpolarized 3He images of the human lung with similar image quality were obtained at three field strengths ranging from 0.43T and 1.5T. The decrease in susceptibility effects at lower fields that are reflected in longer T2 and
values may be advantageous for optimizing pulse sequences inherently sensitive to such effects. The three‐fold increase in
at lower field strength would allow lower receiver bandwidths, providing a concomitant decrease in noise and relative increase in SNR. Magn Reson Med 78:1458–1463, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A randomized controlled trial on the long‐term effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training, on pain‐related outcomes and back muscle activity, in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Areeudomwong Pattanasin , Wongrat Witchayut , Neammesri Nertnapa , Thongsakul Thanaporn
Published: October 2016

Background

The role of exercise therapy in improving pain‐related clinical outcomes and trunk muscle activity in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) has been widely reported. There is little information on the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training in patients with CLBP. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the persistence of the effects of PNF training on pain intensity, functional disability, patient satisfaction, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and lower back muscle activity in patients with CLBP.

Methods

Forty‐two participants with CLBP were randomly assigned either to 4‐week PNF training or to a control group receiving a Low back pain educational booklet. Pain‐related outcomes, including pain intensity, functional disability, patient satisfaction, HRQOL and lumbar erector spinae (LES) muscle activity, were measured before and after the intervention, and at a follow‐up session 12 weeks after the last intervention session.

Results

Compared with the control group, after undergoing a 4‐week PNF training intervention, participants showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability, and improved patient satisfaction and HRQOL (p < 0.01). These effects were still significant at the 12‐week follow‐up assessment (p < 0.01). LES muscle activity in the PNF training group was significantly increased throughout the measurement periods compared with controls (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The study found that 4‐week PNF training has positive long‐term effects on pain‐related outcomes, and increases lower back muscle activity in patients with CLBP.
Lightpath admission control and rerouting in dynamic flex‐grid optical transport networks
Authors: de Sousa Amaro , Monteiro Paulo , Lopes Carlos Borges
Published: October 2016

In dynamic flex‐grid optical transport networks, Lightpath Admission Control (LAC) is the task of finding a Routing and Spectrum Assignment (RSA) solution for a current lightpath request; otherwise, the request is blocked if there are not enough free available resources. When rerouting is supported, one or more currently established lightpaths can be rerouted and/or assigned with a different spectrum in order to accommodate the current lightpath request. We propose LAC methods based on mixed integer linear programming that provide a RSA solution for the current request aiming to maximize the acceptance probability of future lightpath requests. When rerouting is supported, we consider that only one currently established lightpath can be rerouted. We compare the proposed methods with the traditional shortest path‐based approach through simulation. Without lightpath rerouting, the blocking probability is significantly improved. With lightpath rerouting, the number of rerouting operations is significantly decreased while the blocking probability is marginally improved. Moreover, the blocking fairness between lightpaths with different spectrum widths is improved both with and without lightpath rerouting. In all cases, the CPU times of the mixed integer linear programming approaches are a few seconds, on average. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(1), 151–163 2017
Bounds for decoupled design and analysis discretizations in topology optimization
Authors: Gupta D. K. , van der Veen G. J. , Aragón A. M. , Langelaar M. , van Keulen F.
Published: October 2016

Topology optimization formulations using multiple design variables per finite element have been proposed to improve the design resolution. This paper discusses the relation between the number of design variables per element and the order of the elements used for analysis. We derive that beyond a maximum number of design variables, certain sets of material distributions cannot be discriminated based on the corresponding analysis results. This makes the design description inefficient and the solution of the optimization problem non‐unique. To prevent this, we establish bounds for the maximum number of design variables that can be used to describe the material distribution for any given finite element scheme without introducing non‐uniqueness. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A posteriori error estimate for a modified weak Galerkin method solving elliptic problems
Authors: Zhang Tie , Lin Tao
Published: October 2016

A residual‐type a posteriori error estimator is proposed and analyzed for a modified weak Galerkin finite element method solving second‐order elliptic problems. This estimator is proven to be both reliable and efficient because it provides computable upper and lower bounds on the actual error in a discrete H1‐norm. Numerical experiments are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the this error estimator. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 381–398, 2017
Local projection stabilized and characteristic decoupled scheme for the fluid–fluid interaction problems
Authors: Qian Lingzhi , Chen Jinru , Feng Xinlong
Published: October 2016

In this article, we propose and analyse a local projection stabilized and characteristic decoupled scheme for the fluid–fluid interaction problems. We use the method of characteristics type to avert the difficulties caused by the nonlinear term, and use the local projection stabilized method to control spurious oscillations in the velocities due to dominant convection, and use a geometric averaging idea to decouple the monolithic problems. The stability analysis is derived and numerical tests are performed to demonstrate the robustness of this new method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 704–723, 2017
Lewis‐Acid‐assisted Hydrogen Atom Transfer to Manganese(V)‐Oxo Corrole through Valence Tautomerization
Authors: Bougher Curt J. , Abu‐Omar Mahdi M.
Published: October 2016

The kinetics of formation of the valence tautomers (tpfc⋅)MnIV(O−LA)]n+ [where LA=ZnII, CaII, ScIII, YbIII, B(C6F5)3, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA); tpfc=5,10,15‐tris(pentafluorophenyl) corrole] from (tpfc)MnV(O) were followed by UV/Vis spectroscopy, giving second‐order rate constants ranging over five orders of magnitude from 10−2 for Ca to 103 m−1 s−1 for Sc. Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) rates from 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl phenol (2,4‐DTBP) to the various Lewis acid valence tautomers of manganese oxo corrole complexes were evaluated and compared. For LA=TFA, ScIII, or YbIII, the rate constants of HAT were comparable to unactivated (tpfc)MnV(O). However, with LA=B(C6F5)3, ZnII, and CaII, 6‐, 21‐, and 31‐fold rate enhancements were observed, respectively. Remarkably, [(tpfc⋅)MnIV(OCa)]2+ gave the most enhancement despite its rate of formation being the slowest. Comparisons of HAT rate constants among the various Lewis acid tautomers revealed that both size and charge are important. This study underscores how valence may affect the reactivity of high‐valent manganese‐oxo compounds and sheds light on nature's choice of Ca in the activation of Mn‐oxo in the oxygen‐evolving complex.
Novel aromatic polyamides containing 2‐diphenylamino‐(9,9‐dimethylamine) units as multicolored electrochromic and high‐contrast electrofluorescent materials
Authors: Sun Ningwei , Zhou Ziwei , Chao Danming , Chu Xiaojing , Du Yinlong , Zhao Xiaogang , Wang Daming , Chen Chunhai
Published: October 2016

A series of electrochromic and photoluminescence‐active polyamides 4a‐4e were prepared from a novel dicarboxylic acid, N,N‐di(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐2‐amino‐9,9‐dimethylfluorene, and five diamines via a condensation polymerization. These polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in many solvents. The glass transition temperatures were in the range of 281–339 °C and the 10% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen were in excess of 490 °C. The polyamides exhibited strong fluorescence in either solution or solid states. The polyamides 4a‐4d showed reversible electrochemical redox with color changing from colorless to grey‐green. Specially, the polyamide 4e with 2‐diphenylamino‐(9,9‐dimethylamine) group in both diamine and dicarboxylic acid residues exhibited multicolored electrochromic behaviors. Furthermore, the fluorescence of these polyamides could be reversibly electroswitched with a high contrast up to 221.4, enabling their potential applications in dual‐switching electrochromic/electrofluorescent materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 213–222