bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin G Levels as a Prognostic Factor for Autoimmune Hepatitis Combined With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lim Doo‐Ho , Kim Yong‐Gil , Lee Danbi , Min Ahn Soo , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang‐Keun , Yoo Bin
Published: November 2015

Objective

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive liver disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies and hyperglobulinemia. This study was conducted to identify the features of AIH accompanied by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE‐AIH) that differ from those of primary AIH (P‐AIH), and to evaluate factors that affect the outcome for SLE‐AIH patients.

Methods

From May 1995 to April 2014, clinical data (including liver pathology) from 164 patients with P‐AIH and 23 patients with SLE‐AIH were collected from an electronic database at a tertiary referral center. AIH was diagnosed according to the diagnostic scoring system for AIH (revised in 1999). SLE patients fulfilled at least 4 of the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology criteria. Progression was defined as occurrence of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or death from hepatic failure.

Results

The age at the time of AIH diagnosis was lower and initial levels of serum IgG were higher in SLE‐AIH than in P‐AIH patients. Progression was more common in P‐AIH, and hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or death occurred only in P‐AIH patients. Among 23 patients with SLE‐AIH, 8 with cirrhosis had higher levels of serum IgG than 15 patients without cirrhosis (mean ± SD 4,077.4 ± 1,641.0 mg/dl and 2,560.7 ± 932.2 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.017). Moreover, a serum IgG level more than 2‐fold the upper normal limit was associated with a high risk of cirrhosis in SLE‐AIH (odds ratio 11.00 [95% confidence interval 1.420–85.201]; P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Initially high levels of serum IgG are a poor prognostic factor for SLE‐AIH. Additionally, the long‐term outcome for SLE‐AIH might be better than for P‐AIH.
Using Marital Status and Continuous Marital Satisfaction Ratings to Predict Depressive Symptoms in Married and Unmarried Women With Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Study
Authors: Levis Brooke , Rice Danielle B. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Steele Russell J. , Hagedoorn Mariët , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Thombs Brett D. ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: November 2015

Objective

Married persons have, on average, better mental health than nonmarried persons. Among married persons, marital satisfaction is associated with better mental health. Studies on mental health in married and nonmarried persons that consider marital satisfaction have categorized patients as satisfied versus unsatisfied, which reduces statistical power and does not generate clinically useful information on mental health across the satisfaction spectrum. Our objective was to demonstrate a novel regression approach to evaluate mental health in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc), comparing married and unmarried women, accounting for continuously measured marital satisfaction.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and marital satisfaction with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale‐7. A single multiple linear regression model was used to predict CES‐D scores from marital status and, among married women, continuously measured marital satisfaction, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Of 725 women, 494 (68%) were married or living as married. On average, married women had mean CES‐D scores that were 2.0 points (0.19 SDs) lower than unmarried women (P = 0.013). Among married women, a 1.0 SD increase in marital satisfaction was associated with a 2.2 point (0.21 SDs) decrease in CES‐D scores (P < 0.001). Married women whose marital satisfaction scores were below the 19th percentile had greater predicted depressive symptoms than unmarried women. Married women's predicted CES‐D scores ranged from 6.7 points lower to 6.9 points higher than those of unmarried women, depending on marital satisfaction.

Conclusion

Comparisons of mental health in married and unmarried patients with rheumatic diseases should include continuously measured marital satisfaction.
The Effect of UV Radiation on the Properties of Rigid PUR‐PIR Foam
Authors: Joanna Liszkowska , Bogusław Czupryński , Joanna Paciorek‐Sadowska , Moraczewski Krzysztof
Published: November 2015

Rigid polyurethane‐polyisocyanurate (PUR‐PIR) foams modified with tris(5‐hydroxypentyl)‐2‐hydroxypropane‐1,2,3‐tricarboxylate (THHT) were synthesized. Selected foams were subjected to degradation in an aging oven for 168, 346, and 504 h, respectively. These foams have been exposed to UV radiation. FTIR analysis, TGA, and DSC of the foams were conducted (after radiation and before). Properties of foams radiated with UV rays were compared with the original not radiated foams. The results showed that the degradation time has an effect on the intensity of ranges of bonds related to isocyanurate and hydroxyl bonds. In SEM pictures, the differences in structures between degraded and not degraded foams are clearly visible. The examination with the SEM method showed the disappearance of the heat effect connected to the isocyanurate bond. The degradation time does not affect the anisotropy coefficient of the foams. Foam thermal stability is mostly dependent on the degradation time and in lesser degree on the amount of THHT used.
Occupational exposure to carcinogens in Australian road transport workers
Authors: Si Si , Carey Renee , Reid Alison , Peters Susan , Glass Deborah D. , Driscoll Timothy , Darcey Ellie , Fritschi Lin
Published: November 2015

Background

Road transport workers (RTWs) are at high risk of exposure to several occupational carcinogens. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the extent and the circumstances of exposure. As a sub‐study of the Australian Work Exposures Study, this study investigated the prevalence of occupational exposure in Australian RTWs.

Methods

A random sample of Australian working population was invited to a telephone interview regarding their current jobs. An automated expert‐assessment procedure was applied to self‐reported job‐related tasks using a web‐based application. 162 RTWs were included in this study.

Results

RTWs were exposed to diesel exhaust (97%), solar ultraviolet radiation (78%), environmental tobacco smoke (55%), benzene (29%), silica (15%), and asbestos (10%) at work. Besides driving on roads, vehicle maintenance‐related tasks were the major source of carcinogen exposures among RTWs.

Discussion

Most RTWs are exposed to at least one carcinogen at work. We have identified tasks where the use of control measures could potentially reduce exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:31–41, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of preparing for OSHA local emphasis program inspections of New York dairy farms: Case studies and financial cost analysis
Authors: Gadomski Anne M. , Vargha Marybeth , Tallman Nancy , Scribani Melissa B. , Kelsey Timothy W.
Published: November 2015

Background

OSHA inspection of dairy farms began in July 1, 2014 in New York State. As of September 2014, a total of eight farms were randomly selected for inspection. This case study addresses how dairy farm managers prepared for these inspections, and identifies farm level costs preparing for inspection and/or being inspected.

Methods

Four farms that were OSHA inspected and 12 farms that were not inspected were included in this mixed method evaluation using a multimodal (telephone, email, or mail) survey. Descriptive analysis was carried out using frequencies, proportions, means, and medians.

Results

Overall, the impact of OSHA inspections was positive, leading to improved safety management and physical changes on the farm and worker trainings, although the farmers’ perspectives about OSHA inspection were mixed.

Conclusions

The cost of compliance was low relative to estimated overall production costs. Clarifications and engineering solutions for specific dairy farm hazard exposures are needed to facilitate compliance with OSHA regulations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:245–255, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar neuronal loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases with ATXN2 intermediate repeat expansions
Authors: Tan Rachel H , Kril Jillian J , McGinley Ciara , Hassani Mohammad , Masuda‐Suzukake Masami , Hasegawa Masato , Mito Remika , Kiernan Matthew C , Halliday Glenda M
Published: November 2015

Objective

Despite evidence suggesting that the cerebellum may be targeted in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly in cases with repeat expansions in the ATXN2 and C9ORF72 genes, the integrity of cerebellar neurons has yet to be examined. The present study undertakes a histopathological analysis to assess the impact of these repeat expansions on cerebellar neurons and determine whether similar cerebellar pathology occurs in sporadic disease.

Methods

Purkinje and granule cells were quantified in the vermis and lateral cerebellar hemispheres of ALS cases with repeat expansions in the ATXN2 and C9ORF72 genes, sporadic disease, and sporadic progressive muscular atrophy with only lower motor neuron degeneration.

Results

ALS cases with intermediate repeat expansions in the ATXN2 gene demonstrate a significant loss in Purkinje cells in the cerebellar vermis only. Despite ALS cases with expansions in the C9ORF72 gene having the highest burden of inclusion pathology, no neuronal loss was observed in this group. Neuronal numbers were also unchanged in sporadic ALS and sporadic PMA cases.

Interpretation

The present study has established a selective loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar vermis of ALS cases with intermediate repeat expansions in the ATXN2 gene, suggesting a divergent pathogenic mechanism independent of upper and lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS. We discuss these findings in the context of large repeat expansions in ATXN2 and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, providing evidence that intermediate repeats in ATXN2 cause significant, albeit less substantial, spinocerebellar damage compared with longer repeats in ATXN2. Ann Neurol 2016;79:295–305
Spatio‐temporal adaptive soft sensor for nonlinear time‐varying and variable drifting processes based on moving window LWPLS and time difference model
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Ge Zhiqiang , Song Zhihuan
Published: November 2015

Industrial plants often undergo different kinds of changes like variable drifts and time‐variant problems, which may cause the degradation of soft sensors. In this paper, a spatio‐temporal adaptive soft sensor modeling framework, which is based on the moving window and just‐in‐time learning (JITL) techniques, is proposed for nonlinear time‐varying processes. The JITL (locally weighted partial least squares) can adapt the model by spatial weighting technique, and the moving window technique can adapt the soft sensor model to the new process state. Furthermore, time difference (TD) model is utilized to handle the process change of variable drifts. Case studies are carried out on a numerical example and two industrial processes. The results show the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed soft sensor framework. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐dispersing of montmorillonite nanofiller: Impact on morphology and performance of melt compounded ethyl vinyl acetate nanocomposites
Authors: Osman Azlin Fazlina , Kalo Hussein , Hassan Mohd Saifullah , Hong Tew Wei , Azmi Farehah
Published: November 2015

Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are potential materials for biomedical applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility. As new medical device designs continue to reduce in size, new materials are required that exhibit improved strength and toughness. In this research, EVA nanocomposites containing synthetic montmorillonite (MMT) are being investigated as new biomedical materials with similar flexibility, biocompatibility, and biostability to neat EVA, but with far superior tensile strength and toughness. We show that the pre‐dispersing of the organo‐MMT prior to melt compounding with the EVA matrix can facilitate nanofiller exfoliation and dispersion in the EVA, thereby enabling significant improvement of EVA nanocomposite performance when high organo‐MMT loading (5 wt %) was added. It was observed that the polarity of pre‐dispersing medium influenced the nanofiller's surfactant organization and distribution, organo‐MMT exfoliation, and dispersion in the EVA, and also interphases of the host copolymer. Consequently, changes in morphology have brought noticeable effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of the EVA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43204.
Rheumatoid Factor and Disease Activity Are Independent Predictors of Lymphoma in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Nocturne G. , Virone A. , Ng Wan‐Fai , Le Guern V. , Hachulla E. , Cornec D. , Daien C. , Vittecoq O. , Bienvenu B. , Marcelli C. , Wendling D. , Amoura Z. , Dhote R. , Lavigne C. , Fior R. , Gottenberg J. E. , Seror R. , Mariette X.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To define parameters predictive of lymphoma development in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

A multicenter case–control survey was performed to identify predictors of lymphoma. Cases were patients who developed lymphoma after diagnosis of primary SS and were mainly recruited through the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation network. For each case, 2 controls (matched for disease duration and age) were randomly selected among patients with primary SS and without lymphoma. Cases and controls were compared using univariate analysis and then using multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of lymphoma.

Results

One hundred one patients with primary SS and lymphoma were included. Eighty‐seven patients were women (86.1%), and the mean ± SD age at lymphoma diagnosis was 57.4 ± 12.6 years. The most frequent histologic type was B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in 99 of 101 patients, with marginal‐zone lymphoma in 76 of the 99 patients (76.8%) including 58 (58.6%) with lymphoma of the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue type. Lymphomas were most frequently located in the salivary glands (43 patients). A specific treatment was initiated at diagnosis in 87 patients with B cell NHL, and 61 patients (61.6%) achieved complete sustained remission after the first line of treatment. In the multivariate analysis, salivary gland enlargement, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), low C4, cryoglobulinemia, lymphopenia, and disease activity according to the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (excluding the lymphoma domain) were found to be predictors of lymphoma. No previous treatment for primary SS was associated with any effect on lymphoma occurrence.

Conclusion

In addition to previously known factors predictive of lymphoma occurrence, the independent roles of RF and disease activity were demonstrated in this case–control study of primary SS–associated lymphoma. Our findings highlight the roles of chronic antigenic stimulation and disease activity in the development of this severe complication.
Heteropoly Acid/Nitrogen Functionalized Onion‐like Carbon Hybrid Catalyst for Ester Hydrolysis Reactions
Authors: Liu Wei , Qi Wei , Guo Xiaoling , Su Dangsheng
Published: November 2015

A novel heteropoly acid (HPA)/nitrogen functionalized onion‐like carbon (NOLC) hybrid catalyst was synthesized through supramolecular (electrostatic and hydrogen bond) interactions between the two components. The chemical structure and acid strength of the HPA/NOLC hybrid have been fully characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption and acid–base titration measurements. The proposed method for the fabrication of the HPA/NOLC hybrid catalyst is a universal strategy for different types of HPAs to meet various requirements of acidic or redox catalysis. The hydrophobic environment of NOLC effectively prevents the deactivation of HPA in an aqueous system, and the combination of uniformly dispersed HPA clusters and the synergistic effect between NOLC and HPA significantly promotes its activity in ester hydrolysis reactions, which is higher than that of bare PWA as homogeneous catalyst. The kinetics of the hydrolysis reactions indicate that the aggregation status of the catalyst particles has great influence on the apparent activity.
Clinical and morphometric parameters of frailty for prediction of mortality following hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery in the elderly
Authors: Wagner D , Büttner S , Kim Y , Gani F , Xu L , Margonis G A , Amini N , Kamel I R , Pawlik T M
Published: November 2015

Background

Although frailty is a known determinant of poor postoperative outcomes, it can be difficult to identify in patients before surgery. The authors sought to develop a preoperative frailty risk model to predict mortality among patients aged 65 years or more.

Methods

Clinical and morphometric data including total psoas area (TPA), total psoas volume (TPV) and psoas density (Hounsfield unit average calculation, HUAC) were collected for patients undergoing hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery between 2012 and 2014. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify preoperative risk factors associated with 1-year mortality.

Results

The median age of the 518 patients included in the study was 72 (i.q.r. 68–76) years; 55·6 per cent of patients were men, and half of the cohort had multiple co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) of 4 or more, 55·6 per cent). TPA cut-offs to define sarcopenia were 552·7 mm2/m2 in women and 702·9 mm2/m2 in men; cut-offs for TPV were 18·2 cm3/m2 in women and 26·2 cm3/m2 in men, whereas HUAC cut-offs were 31·1 HU in women and 33·3 HU in men. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 14·1 per cent. In multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with 1-year mortality included CCI of 4 or above (hazard ratio (HR) 2·91, 95 per cent c.i. 1·47 to 5·77; P = 0·002), malignant disease (HR 3·94, 1·17 to 13·30; P = 0·027) and sarcopenia by HUAC (HR 1·85, 1·10 to 3·10; P = 0·021). A weighted 25-point composite score was developed to stratify patients at risk of 1-year postoperative mortality. The 1-year mortality rate was noted to be 2·5 per cent among patients scoring 0–10 (low risk), 17·3 per cent among patients scoring 11–20 (intermediate risk) and 29·2 per cent among those scoring between 21 and 25 (high risk) (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Clinical and morphometric measures of frailty accurately predict the risk of 1-year mortality following HPB surgery in elderly patients, and can be used to risk-stratify patients appropriately.
Exposing Differences in Monomer Exchange Rates of Multicomponent Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Authors: Baker Matthew B. , Gosens Ronald P. J. , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Matsumoto Nicholas M. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W.
Published: November 2015

The formation of multicomponent and bioactive supramolecular polymers is a promising strategy for the formation of biomaterials that match the dynamic and responsive nature of biological systems. In order to fully realize the potential of this strategy, knowledge of the location and behavior of bioactive components within the system is crucial. By employing synthetic strategies to create multifunctional monomers, coupled with FRET and STORM techniques, we have investigated the formation and behavior of a bioactive and multicomponent supramolecular polymer. By creating a peptide‐dye‐monomer conjugate, we were able to measure high degrees of monomer incorporation and to visualize the equal distribution of monomers within the supramolecular polymer. Furthermore, by tracking the movement of monomers, we uncovered small differences in the dynamics of the bioactive monomers.
Electrospun N‐Substituted Polyurethane Membranes with Self‐Healing Ability for Self‐Cleaning and Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Fang Wenyuan , Liu Libin , Li Ting , Dang Zhao , Qiao Congde , Xu Jinku , Wang Yanyan
Published: November 2015

Membranes with special functionalities, such as self‐cleaning, especially those for oil/water separation, have attracted much attention due to their wide applications. However, they are difficult to recycle and reuse after being damaged. Herein, we put forward a new N‐substituted polyurethane membrane concept with self‐healing ability to address this challenge. The membrane obtained by electrospinning has a self‐cleaning surface with an excellent self‐healing ability. Importantly, by tuning the membrane composition, the membrane exhibits different wettability for effective separation of oil/water mixtures and water‐in‐oil emulsions, whilst still displaying a self‐healing ability and durability against damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate a self‐healing membrane for oil/water separation, which provides the fundamental research for the development of advanced oil/water separation materials.
A Dual Colorimetric/Fluorescence System for Determining pH Based on the Nucleophilic Addition Reaction of an o‐Hydroxymerocyanine Dye
Authors: Yue Yongkang , Huo Fangjun , Lee Songyi , Yin Caixia , Yoon Juyoung , Chao Jianbin , Zhang Yongbin , Cheng Fangqin
Published: November 2015

Owing to their ability to monitor pH in a precise and rapid manner, optical probes have widely been developed for biological and nonbiological applications. The strategies thus far employed to determine pH rely on two types of processes including reversible protonation of amine nitrogen atoms and deprotonation of phenols. We have developed a novel dual, colorimetric/fluorescence system for determining the pH of a solution. This system utilizes an o‐hydroxymerocyanine dye that undergoes a nucleophilic addition reaction that subsequently causes reversible structural changes interconverting a merocyanine to a spirocyanine and a spirocyanine to a spiropyran. It was demonstrated that the dye can be employed to measure the pH of solutions in the 2.5–5.75 and 9.6–11.8 ranges with color changes from yellow to dark blue and then to lavender. Moreover, the fluorescence response associated with the spirocyanine–spiropyran transformation of the dye occurring in alkaline solutions provides a precise method.
Potential risks associated with traditional herbal medicine use in cancer care: A study of Middle Eastern oncology health care professionals
Authors: Ben‐Arye Eran , Samuels Noah , Goldstein Lee Hilary , Mutafoglu Kamer , Omran Suha , Schiff Elad , Charalambous Haris , Dweikat Tahani , Ghrayeb Ibtisam , Bar‐Sela Gil , Turker Ibrahim , Hassan Azza , Hassan Esmat , Saad Bashar , Nimri Omar , Kebudi Rejin , Silbermann Michael
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

The authors assessed the use of herbal medicine by Middle Eastern patients with cancer, as reported by their oncology health care professionals (HCPs). Herbal products identified by the study HCPs were evaluated for potential negative effects.

METHODS

Oncology HCPs from 16 Middle Eastern countries received a 17‐item questionnaire asking them to list 5 herbal products in use by their patients with cancer. A literature search (PubMed, Micromedex, AltMedDex, and the Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database) was conducted to identify safety‐related concerns associated with the products listed.

RESULTS

A total of 339 HCPs completed the study questionnaire (response rate of 80.3%), identifying 44 herbal and 3 nonherbal nutritional supplements. Safety‐related concerns were associated with 29 products, including herb‐drug interactions with altered pharmacodynamics (15 herbs), direct toxic effects (18 herbs), and increased in vitro response of cancer cells to chemotherapy (7 herbs).

CONCLUSIONS

Herbal medicine use, which is prevalent in Middle Eastern countries, has several potentially negative effects that include direct toxic effects, negative interactions with anticancer drugs, and increased chemosensitivity of cancer cells, requiring a reduction in dosedensity. Oncology HCPs working in countries in which herbal medicine use is prevalent need to better understand the implications of this practice. The presence of integrative physicians with training in complementary and traditional medicine can help patients and their HCPs reach an informed decision regarding the safety and effective use of these products. Cancer 2016;122:598–610. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
2D Transition Metal Oxides/Hydroxides for Energy‐Storage Applications
Authors: Tan Hui Teng , Sun Wenping , Wang Libo , Yan Qingyu
Published: November 2015

The development of 2‐dimensional materials has expanded beyond the realm of graphene, and now includes inorganic 2‐dimensional transition metal oxides/hydroxides, which show promise for a wide range of applications. As an emerging class of nanoscale materials, they show unprecedented properties that are unattainable in their bulk lamellar systems, which can be attributed to their confined thickness compared to several tens of micrometer lateral dimensions. Such qualities make them viable candidates for battery and supercapacitor applications. There are a few challenges ahead for 2‐dimensional transition metal oxides/hydroxides, including the limited types of 2‐dimensional parent materials in bulk form, the controlled synthesis of 2‐dimensional nanostructures with nonlayered structures, and the ability to control the properties of layers by tuning the chemistry and nanoscopic features. This Focus Review will cover the research landscape of 2‐dimensional transition metal oxides/hydroxides, ranging from synthetic approaches, to understanding the properties that emerge at the single‐layer scale, to exploiting these properties in both new and existing technologies.
Ultrasonic Mastering of Filter Flow and Antifouling of Renewable Resources
Authors: Radziuk Darya , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: November 2015

Inadequate access to pure water and sanitation requires new cost‐effective, ergonomic methods with less consumption of energy and chemicals, leaving the environment cleaner and sustainable. Among such methods, ultrasound is a unique means to control the physics and chemistry of complex fluids (wastewater) with excellent performance regarding mass transfer, cleaning, and disinfection. In membrane filtration processes, it overcomes diffusion limits and can accelerate the fluid flow towards the filter preventing antifouling. Here, we outline the current state of knowledge and technological design, with a focus on physicochemical strategies of ultrasound for water cleaning. We highlight important parameters of ultrasound for the delivery of a fluid flow from a technical perspective employing principles of physics and chemistry. By introducing various ultrasonic methods, involving bubbles or cavitation in combination with external fields, we show advancements in flow acceleration and mass transportation to the filter. In most cases we emphasize the main role of streaming and the impact of cavitation with a perspective to prevent and remove fouling deposits during the flow. We also elaborate on the deficiencies of present technologies and on problems to be solved to achieve a wide‐spread application.
Processed Lignin as a Byproduct of the Generation of 5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural from Biomass: A Promising New Mesoporous Material
Authors: Budarin Vitaliy L. , Clark James H. , Henschen Jonatan , Farmer Thomas J. , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Mascal Mark , Nagaraja Gundibasappa K. , Petchey Tabitha H. M.
Published: November 2015

The lignin by‐product of the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to 5‐(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) has been characterised by thermogravimetric analysis, N2 physisorption porosimetry, attenuated internal reflectance IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The lignin (LCMF) has a moderate level of mesoporosity before thermal treatment and a surface area of 63 m2 g−1, which increases dramatically on pyrolysis at temperatures above 400 °C. An assessment of the functionality and textural properties of the material was achieved by analysing LCMF treated thermally over a range of pyrolysis temperatures. Samples were sulfonated to test their potential as heterogeneous acid catalysts in the esterification of levulinic acid. It was shown that unpyrolysed catalysts gave the highest ester yields of up to 93 %. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of mesoporous lignin with an appreciable surface area that is produced directly from a bio‐refinery process and with further textural modification of the material demonstrated.
The vicious circle of religious prejudice: Islamophobia makes the acculturation attitudes of majority and minority members clash
Authors: Kunst Jonas R. , Sadeghi Talieh , Tahir Hajra , Sam David , Thomsen Lotte
Published: November 2015

Public discourse often portrays Islam as the main obstacle for Muslim minorities' integration, paying little attention to the contextual factors hindering this process. Here, we focus on islamophobia as one destructive factor that hinders the mutual integration between Muslim minority and Western majority members, affecting both groups. In Study 1, the more islamophobic majority members were, the more they expected Muslims to give up their heritage culture and the less they wanted them to integrate. In Study 2, only when Muslims experienced substantial religious discrimination did religious identity negatively relate to national engagement and particularly positively relate to ethnic engagement. Together, the studies suggest that religious prejudice in the form of islamophobia is a major obstacle to Muslims' integration because it increases the incongruity between majority and minority members' acculturation attitudes.
A framework for screening sites at risk from contaminants of emerging concern
Authors: Diamond Jerry , Munkittrick Kelly , Kapo Katherine E. , Flippin Jennifer
Published: November 2015

Trace levels of a variety of currently unregulated organic chemicals have been detected in treated wastewater effluents and surface waters that receive treated effluents. Many of these chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) originate from pharmaceuticals and personal care products that are used widely and that frequently are transported “down the drain” to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Actual effects of CECs on aquatic life have been difficult to document, although biological effects consistent with effects of some CECs have been noted. There is a critical need to find appropriate ways to screen wastewater sites that have the greatest potential of CEC risk to biota. Building on the work of several researchers, the authors present a screening framework, as well as examples based on the framework, designed to identify high-risk versus lower-risk sites that are influenced by WWTP effluent. It is hoped that this framework can help researchers, utilities, and the larger water resource community focus efforts toward improving CEC risk determinations and management of these risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2671–2681. © 2015 SETAC
Disparity between state fish consumption advisory systems for methylmercury and US Environmental Protection Agency recommendations: A case study of the south central United States
Authors: Adams Kimberly J. , Drenner Ray W. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Donato David I.
Published: November 2015

Fish consumption advisories are used to inform citizens in the United States about noncommercial game fish with hazardous levels of methylmercury (MeHg). The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) suggests issuing a fish consumption advisory when concentrations of MeHg in fish exceed a human health screening value of 300 ng/g. However, states have authority to develop their own systems for issuing fish consumption advisories for MeHg. Five states in the south central United States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas) issue advisories for the general human population when concentrations of MeHg exceed 700 ng/g to 1000 ng/g. The objective of the present study was to estimate the increase in fish consumption advisories that would occur if these states followed USEPA recommendations. The authors used the National Descriptive Model of Mercury in Fish to estimate the mercury concentrations in 5 size categories of largemouth bass–equivalent fish at 766 lentic and lotic sites within the 5 states. The authors found that states in this region have not issued site-specific fish consumption advisories for most of the water bodies that would have such advisories if USEPA recommendations were followed. One outcome of the present study may be to stimulate discussion between scientists and policy makers at the federal and state levels about appropriate screening values to protect the public from the health hazards of consuming MeHg-contaminated game fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:247–251. © 2015 SETAC
Impact of xerostomia on dysphagia after chemotherapy–intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer: Prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Vainshtein Jeffrey M. , Samuels Stuart , Tao Yebin , Lyden Teresa , Haxer Marc , Spector Matthew , Schipper Matthew , Eisbruch Avraham
Published: November 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess how xerostomia affects dysphagia.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal studies of 93 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with definitive chemotherapy–intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Observer‐rated dysphagia (ORD), patient‐reported dysphagia (PRD), and patient‐reported xerostomia (PRX) assessment of the swallowing mechanics by videofluoroscopy (videofluoroscopy score), and salivary flow rates, were prospectively assessed from pretherapy through 2 years.

Results

ORD grades ≥2 were rare and therefore not modeled. Of patients with no/mild videofluoroscopy abnormalities, a substantial proportion had PRD that peaked 3 months posttherapy and subsequently improved. Through 2 years, highly significant correlations were observed between PRX and PRD scores for all patients, including those with no/mild videofluoroscopy abnormalities. Both PRX and videofluoroscopy scores were highly significantly associated with PRD. On multivariate analysis, PRX score was a stronger predictor of PRD than the videofluoroscopy score.

Conclusion

Xerostomia contributes significantly to PRD. Efforts to further decrease xerostomia, in addition to sparing parotid glands, may translate into improvements in PRD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1605–E1612, 2016
Running per se stimulates the dendritic arbor of newborn dentate granule cells in mouse hippocampus in a duration‐dependent manner
Authors: Dostes Sandrine , Dubreucq Sarah , Ladevèze Elodie , Marsicano Giovanni , Abrous Djoher N. , Chaouloff Francis , Koehl Muriel
Published: November 2015

Laboratory rodents provided chronic unlimited access to running wheels display increased neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. In addition, recent studies indicate that such an access to wheels stimulates dendritic arborization in newly formed neurons. However, (i) the presence of the running wheel in the housing environment might also bear intrinsic influences on the number and shape of new neurons and (ii) the dendritic arborization of new neurons might be insensitive to moderate daily running activity (i.e., several hours). In keeping with these uncertainties, we have examined neurogenesis and dendritic arborization in newly formed granular cells in adult C57Bl/6N male mice housed for 3 weeks under standard conditions, with a locked wheel, with a running wheel set free 3 h/day, or with a running wheel set permanently free. The results indicate that the presence of a blocked wheel in the home cage increased cell proliferation, but not the number of new neurons while running increased in a duration‐dependent manner the number of newborn neurons, as assessed by DCX labeling. Morphological analyses of the dendritic tree of newborn neurons, as identified by BrdU‐DCX co‐staining, revealed that although the presence of the wheel stimulated their dendritic architecture, the amplitude of this effect was lower than that elicited by running activity, and was found to be running duration‐dependent. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the Role of Leadership in Enabling Contextual Ambidexterity
Authors: Havermans Liselore A. , Den Hartog Deanne N. , Keegan Anne , Uhl‐Bien Mary
Published: November 2015

Sustainable success calls for contextually ambidextrous organizing. According to theory, this entails enabling simultaneous high levels of exploration and exploitation within a subsystem. The practices involved in enabling contextual ambidexterity form a major and relatively unexplored leadership challenge. Our main aim is to draw on a combination of ambidexterity and complexity theory insights to understand how contextual ambidexterity emerges in dynamic contexts. We contribute to the literature on the role of leadership in enabling contextual ambidexterity by exploring the daily practices leaders enact to stimulate exploration and exploitation as well as to shift dynamically between them to (re)gain contextual ambidexterity. We present the results of two qualitative studies exploring leadership in project‐based organizations where the pressure for contextual ambidexterity is relevant. We show that in responding adaptively to environmental stimuli, leaders shift between practices to emphasize exploitation or exploration to (re)gain the needed high levels of both, and their enactments are bounded by the conditions of keeping exploration and exploitation simultaneously high. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding contextual ambidexterity as a dynamic accomplishment that emerges in everyday interactions, the role of leaders in enabling contextual ambidexterity, and the need for HR managers to support leaders in enacting this dynamic form of leadership. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig Cross‐coupling Reactions to the Preparation of Substituted 1,2,4‐Benzotriazine 1‐Oxides Related to the Antitumor Agent Tirapazamine
Authors: Sarkar Ujjal , Hillebrand Roman , Johnson Kevin M. , Cummings Andrea H. , Phung Ngoc Linh , Rajapakse Anuruddha , Zhou Haiying , Willis Jordan R. , Barnes Charles L. , Gates Kent S.
Published: November 2015

Many 1,2,4‐benzotriazine 1,4‐dioxides display the ability to selectively kill the oxygen‐poor cells found in solid tumors. As a result, there is a desire for synthetic routes that afford access to substituted 1,2,4‐benzotriazine 1‐oxides that can be used as direct precursors in the synthesis of 1,2,4‐benzotriazine 1,4‐dioxides. Here we describe the use of Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig cross‐coupling reactions for the construction of various 1,2,4‐benzotriazine 1‐oxide analogs bearing substituents at the 3‐position, 6‐position, and 7‐position.
Empowering GaN HEMT models: The gateway for power amplifier design
Authors: Crupi Giovanni , Vadalà Valeria , Colantonio Paolo , Cipriani Elisa , Caddemi Alina , Vannini Giorgio , Schreurs Dominique M. M.‐P.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this invited paper is to give readers a comprehensive and critical overview on how to extract equivalent‐circuit models for GaN HEMTs, which are the preferred devices for high‐power high‐frequency applications. This overview is meant to provide a practical modeling know‐how for this advanced type of transistor, in order to support its development for improving device technology and circuit design. With the aim to broaden knowledge to empower models, experimental results are presented as illustrative examples of the most crucial challenges faced by the microwave engineers in modeling high‐power GaN HEMTs. All the relevant aspects are covered, going from linear (also noise) to nonlinear models. The analysis is mainly focused on the modeling of distinctive peculiarities of GaN HEMTs. Particular attention is paid to study the importance of accurately modeling the kink effect in the output reflection coefficient, because of the relatively high transconductance, the peak in the magnitude of the short circuit current‐gain, because of the relatively large intrinsic capacitances, and the low‐frequency dispersion, because of trapping and thermal effects. Furthermore, to emphasize the key role of accurate device models for a successful circuit design, a practical example of power amplifier is discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The two‐variable fragment with counting and equivalence
Authors: Pratt‐Hartmann Ian
Published: November 2015

We consider the two‐variable fragment of first‐order logic with counting, subject to the stipulation that a single distinguished binary predicate be interpreted as an equivalence. We show that the satisfiability and finite satisfiability problems for this logic are both NExpTime‐complete. We further show that the corresponding problems for two‐variable first‐order logic with counting and two equivalences are both undecidable.
Electro‐Optic and Dielectric Studies on Quantum Dot Doped Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Gupta R. K. , Kumar Sandeep , Manjuladevi V.
Published: November 2015

Liquid crystals are shape anisotropic organic materials which find many applications in a wide variety of fields such as display technology, bioscience and surface science. On doping the liquid crystals with nanomaterials such as nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes the switching properties can be altered. In this report, the electro‐optic and dielectric properties of cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) doped nematic liquid crystal (NLC) is presented. The nematic liquid crystal was doped with different concentrations of the semiconducting QDs. The nematic to isotropic (N‐I) transition temperature for doped sample is comparable to that of pure NLC. The doped sample is found to have a lower threshold voltage than that of pure NLC. The value of threshold voltage decreases with increasing concentration of the QDs. The dielectric permittivity is estimated as a function of temperature in both planar and homeotropic geometry. Doping QDs led to increase in dielectric anisotropy in comparison with that of pure liquid crystal. The result showed that the incorporation of QDs into NLC provides a way to improve the performance of LC based devices.
Large Scale Preparation of Polyethylene Based Ion Exchange Membranes and Their Application for Water Desalination
Authors: Kulshrestha Vaibhav , Chatterjee Uma , Sharma Saroj , Makwana B. S. , Maru P. D.
Published: November 2015

Here in we are reporting the large scale preparation and characterization of polyethylene (PE) based interpolymer ion exchange membranes (IEMs) and their performance evaluation during water desalination by electrodialysis. The cation exchange membrane (CEM) has been prepared from cross‐linked PE/polystyrene interpolymer film and the anion exchange membrane (AEM) has been prepared from cross‐linked PE/polypmethylstyrene based interpolymer film by suitable functionalization reaction. Both the prepared CEM and AEM exhibited 1.5–1.30 meq g−1 ion‐exchange capacity, 2.85–1.15 m Scm−1 ionic conductivity and 0.92–0.93 transport number respectively. The prepared AEM and CEM were used for brackish water desalination containing total solid content (2000–3000 mg/L) by electrodialysis in a unit of size 200 cm2 using 30 pieces of each kind of membrane under single pass mode with final flow of purified water 7.2–8.4 L/h. The power consumption (W) and current efficiency (CE %) of the desalination processes were 0.789–0.796 kWh/kg and 87–86% respectively. On the contrary the W and CE% values were 1.125–1.07 kWh/kg and 61–64% for commercial IONSEP membranes during water desalination under similar experimental condition. These values indicate the better performance of developed membranes and established the validation of the process in large scale.
Optical and Structural Study of Polyaniline/Polystyrene Composite Films
Authors: Kumar Anil , Jangir Lokesh Kumar , Kumari Yogita , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Vinod , Awasthi Kamlendra
Published: November 2015

Polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized by oxidative polymerization method using potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) as an oxidising agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) results confirm the emerlandine salt formation of PANI. Polystyrene and PANI based composites were prepared by solution cast method. Ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry (UV‐Vis) results of polymer composite film in the range of 200–400 nm indicate the interaction between neighbouring phenyl groups. Structural properties of the composite films were determined by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Morphological changes of PS‐PANI film were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical micrographs.
The basics of calibration procedure and estimation of uncertainty budget for meteorological temperature sensors
Authors: Grykałowska Agnieszka , Kowal Aleksandra , Szmyrka‐Grzebyk Anna
Published: November 2015

The primary aim of this study was to develop the basic principles for calibration of meteorological temperature sensors. The sensors commonly used in the meteorological community were calibrated using a comparison method in the temperature range from −40 to +50 °C. Measurements were carried out using a typical liquid thermostatic bath and a climatic chamber. The experiments allowed the identification of characteristics for each calibration system and the definition of metrological parameters for sensors used in weather stations. Components of uncertainty budget were identified and estimated, and the total uncertainty was calculated. The calibration procedure allowed to reach the uncertainty of calibration in a liquid–air equipment U < 0.10 °C and in a climatic chamber: 0.27 °C ≤ U ≤ 0.99 °C. Presented outcomes were obtained as a result of the project MeteoMet – Metrology for Meteorology.
Median and ulnar nerve anastomoses in the upper limb: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Roy Joyeeta , Henry Brandon M. , PĘkala PrzemysŁaw A. , Vikse Jens , Saganiak Karolina , Walocha Jerzy A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The most frequently described anomalous neural connections between the median and ulnar nerves in the upper limb are: Martin‐Gruber anastomosis (MGA), Marinacci anastomosis (MA), Riche‐Cannieu anastomosis (RCA), and Berrettini anastomosis (BA). The reported prevalence rates and characteristics of these anastomoses vary significantly between studies.

Methods

A search of electronic databases was performed to identify all eligible articles. Anatomical data regarding the anastomoses were pooled into a meta‐analysis using MetaXL 2.0.

Results

A total of 58 (n = 10,562 upper limbs) articles were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalences were: MGA, 19.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2%–23.1%); MA, 0.7% (95% CI, 0.1%–1.7%); RCA, 55.5% (95% CI, 30.6%–79.1%); and BA, 60.9% (95% CI, 36.9%–82.6%). The results also showed that MGA was more commonly found unilaterally (66.8%), on the right side (15.7%), following an oblique course (84.8%), and originating from the anterior interosseous nerve with a prevalence of 57.6%.

Conclusions

As anastomoses between the median and ulnar nerves occur commonly, detailed anatomical knowledge is essential for accurate interpretation of electrophysiological findings and reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures. Muscle Nerve 54: 36–47, 2016