bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reply to Comment by Roques et al. on “Base Flow Recession from Unsaturated‐Saturated Porous Media considering Lateral Unsaturated Discharge and Aquifer Compressibility”
Authors: Liang Xiuyu , Zhan Hongbin , Zhang You‐Kuan , Schilling Keith
Published: March 2018

Roques et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR022085) claims that they have proposed an exponential time step (ETS) method to improve the computing method of Liang et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR020938) which used a constant time step (CTS) method on the derivative for dQ/dt in field data, where Q is the base flow discharge and t is the time since the start of base flow recession. This reply emphasizes that the main objective of Liang et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR020938) was to develop an analytical model to investigate the effects of the unsaturated flow on base flow recession, not on the data interpretation methods. The analytical model indicates that the base flow recession hydrograph behaves as dQ/dt ∼aQb with the exponent b close to 1 at late times, which is consistent with previous theoretical models. The model of Liang et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR020938) was applied to field data where the derivative of dQ/dt was computed using the CTS method, a method that has been widely adopted in previous studies. The ETS method proposed by Roques et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2017.07.013) appears to be a good alternative but its accuracy needs further validation. Using slopes to fit field data as proposed by Roques et al. (, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR022085) appears to match data satisfactorily at early times whereas it performs less satisfactorily at late times and leads to the exponent b being obviously larger than 1.
Coupled Land‐Atmosphere Regional Model Reduces Dry Bias in Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Simulated by CFSv2
Authors: Devanand Anjana , Roxy Mathew Koll , Ghosh Subimal
Published: March 2018

Global climate models including the Climate Forecast System version 2, the operational model used for prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall by the India Meteorological Department, has dry precipitation bias, mostly over densely populated Ganga basin. This restricts the use of model output in hydrological simulations/forecasts. We use regional atmospheric Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with land surface models, driven by the boundary conditions from Climate Forecast System version 2. We find significant reduction in the dry bias of Indian summer monsoon rainfall with regional land‐atmosphere model and this attributes to (a) improved moisture transport from Western and Upper Indian Ocean to Ganga Basin and (b) improved precipitation recycling over the Ganga basin. We find that the smoothened topography in the global model allows advection of cold dry subtropical air into the Indian monsoon region, contributing to the cold temperature and dry precipitation bias. These results have important implications for monsoon simulations in developing operational hydroclimatic prediction system in India.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al25 − xCr25 + 0.5xFe25Ni25 + 0.5x (x = 19, 17, 15 at%) Multi‐Component Alloys
Authors: Liu Man , Zuo Lei , Li Xuan , Li Ran , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2018

A series of Al25 − xCr25 + 0.5xFe25Ni25 + 0.5x (x = 19, 17, 15 at%) multi‐component alloys are prepared by arc‐melting and rapid solidification of copper molds. The technique of thermal‐mechanical processing is further applied to the master alloys to improve their mechanical properties. These alloys consist of face‐centered cubic (FCC) and body‐centered cubic (BCC) structure. The volume fraction of the BCC phase increases as Al content increase and Cr and Ni contents decrease, accompanied with a microstructural evolution from dendritic structure to lamella‐like structure. Due to the increase of volume fraction of BCC phase, the master alloys exhibit an increased strength and a declined ductility as Al content increases. The rapid solidified alloys have more BCC phase compared with the master alloys, which enhances the strength and decreases the ductility. After homogenization, hot‐rolling, and annealing at 1000 °C, the Al8Cr33.5Fe25Ni33.5 alloy displays excellent combination of strength (yield strength is ∼635 MPa and fracture strength is ∼1155 MPa) and ductility (tension strain is ∼11%).
Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Access to Pyrazoles and Disulfide‐Tethered Pyrazoles via Deamidative Heteroannulation of β‐Ketodithioesters with Semicarbazide Hydrochloride in Water
Authors: Koley Suvajit , Panja Sumit Kumar , Soni Sonam , Singh Maya Shankar
Published: March 2018

An operationally simple, mild, and catalyst‐free one‐pot protocol to access privileged pyrazoles and disulfide‐tethered pyrazoles has been devised by [3+2] heteroannulation of β‐ketodithioesters with semicarbazide hydrochloride in water under open air. The pH of the medium played a key role toward the selectivity switch, as refluxing in water led to the formation of pyrazoles, whereas addition of sodium acetate in water enabled the formation of disulfide‐tethered pyrazoles. Notably, this protocol involves a tandem sequence of amination/cyclization/dehydration/hydrodesufurization/hydrolysis/deamidative reactions. A mechanistic rationale for this regio‐/chemoselective domino reaction is outlined, which is well supported and validated by density functional theory calculations.

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Two Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieves Built from Pairs of Enantiomeric Structural Building Units
Authors: Seo Seungwan , Yang Taimin , Shin Jiho , Jo Donghui , Zou Xiaodong , Hong Suk Bong
Published: March 2018

Herein we report the synthesis and structures of two new small‐pore aluminophosphate molecular sieves PST‐13 and PST‐14 with mutually connected 8‐ring channels. The structure of PST‐13, synthesized using diethylamine as an organic structure‐directing agent, contains penta‐coordinated framework Al atoms bridged by hydroxy groups and thus edge‐sharing 3‐ and 5‐rings. Upon calcination, PST‐13 undergoes a transformation to PST‐14 with loss of bridging hydroxy groups and occluded organic species. The structures of both materials consist “nonjointly” of pairs of previously undiscovered 1,5‐ and 1,6‐open double 4‐rings (d4rs) which are mirror images of each other. We also present a series of novel chemically feasible hypothetical structures built from 1‐open d4r (sti) or 1,3‐open d4r (nsc) units, as well as from these two enantiomeric structural building units.
Cu‐Catalyzed Hydroxymethylation of Unactivated Alkyl Iodides with CO To Provide One‐Carbon‐Extended Alcohols
Authors: Zhao Siling , Mankad Neal P.
Published: March 2018

We have developed a reductive carbonylation method by which unactivated alkyl iodides can be hydroxymethylated to provide one‐carbon‐extended alcohol products under Cu‐catalyzed conditions. The method is tolerant of alkyl β‐hydrogen atoms, is robust towards a wide variety of functional groups, and was applied to primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl iodide substrates. Mechanistic experiments indicate that the transformation proceeds by atom‐transfer carbonylation (ATC) of the alkyl iodide followed in tandem by two CuH‐mediated reductions in rapid succession. This radical mechanism renders the Cu‐catalyzed system complementary to precious‐metal‐catalyzed reductive carbonylation reactions.
Calorimetric and rheokinetic analyses merged to capture crystallization kinetics in polyamide/clay nanocomposites: Revisiting predictability of models
Authors: Kermaniyan Tayebeh Sadat , Garmabi Hamid , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2018

Crystallization kinetics of polymer/clay systems was the subject of numerous investigations, but still there are some ambiguities in understanding thermal behavior of such systems under isothermal and nonisothermal circumstances. In this work, isothermal rheokinetic and nonisothermal calorimetric analyses are combined to demonstrate crystallization kinetics of polyamide6/nanoclay (PA6/NC) nanocomposites. As the main outcome of this work, we detected different regimes of crystallization and compared them by both isothermal dynamic rheometry and nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which has not been simultaneously addressed yet. A novel analysis, somehow different from the common ones, is used to convert the storage modulus data to crystallinity values leading to more reasonable Avrami parameters in isothermal crystallization. It was found based on isothermal rheokinetic studies that increase of NC content and shear rate are responsible for erratic behavior of Avrami exponent and crystallization rates. Optimistically, however, isothermal crystallization by rheometer was confirmed by DSC. Nonisothermal calorimetric evaluations suggested an accelerated crystallization of PA6 upon increasing NC content and cooling rate. The crystallization behavior was quantified applying Ozawa (r2 between 0.070 and 0.975), and combinatorial Avrami–Ozawa (r2 between 0.984 and 0.998) models, where the latter appeared more appropriate for demonstration of nonisothermal crystallization of PA6/NC nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46364.
Co‐Crystal of Paracetamol and Trimethylglycine Prepared by a Supercritical CO2 Anti‐Solvent Process
Authors: Zhao Ziyi , Liu Guijin , Lin Qing , Jiang Yanbin
Published: March 2018

Paracetamol (PCA) and trimethylglycine (TMG) were co‐crystallized and micronized by means of the supercritical anti‐solvent (SAS) process to improve the tabletability of PCA. The effects of operating conditions on particle properties were investigated in detail. Characterizations were performed to confirm the co‐crystal state of PCA‐TMG. The results indicated that the same crystal form with different crystal habits was prepared. The optimal PCA‐TMG co‐crystals presented a much larger tensile strength, higher drug content of PCA, and smaller particle size than those obtained using the ball milling (BM) process. The SAS‐processed PCA‐TMG co‐crystals showed an enhanced solubility, dissolution rate, and tableting performance compared to that of BM.
Clinical and economic burden associated with stage III to IV triple‐negative breast cancer: A SEER‐Medicare historical cohort study in elderly women in the United States
Authors: Schwartz Kendra L. , Simon Michael S. , Bylsma Lauren C. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Schultz Neil M. , Flanders Scott C. , Barlev Arie , Fryzek Jon P. , Quek Ruben G.W.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to describe patient characteristics, treatment patterns, survival, health care resource use (HRU), and costs among older women in the United States with advanced (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III/IV) triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database.

METHODS

Women who were aged ≥66 years at the time of diagnosis and diagnosed with advanced TNBC between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2011, in the SEER‐Medicare database and who were followed for survival through December 31, 2013, were eligible. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of diagnosis, subsequent treatment patterns, and survival outcomes were analyzed. HRU and costs for the first 3 months after diagnosis, the last 3 months of life, and the time in between are summarized. All analyses were stratified by American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of disease.

RESULTS

There were 1244 patients newly diagnosed with advanced TNBC; the majority were aged ≥75 years (61% with stage III disease and 57.4% with stage IV disease) and white (>70% of patients in both disease stage groups). The most common treatment approaches were surgery combined with chemotherapy for patients for stage III disease (50.6%) and chemotherapy alone or with radiotherapy for patients with stage IV disease (31.3%). Diverse chemotherapy regimens were administered for each line of therapy; nevertheless, the medications used were consistent with national guidelines. Patients with stage III and stage IV disease were found to have a similar mean number of hospitalizations and outpatient visits, but mean monthly costs were greater for patients with stage IV disease at all 3 time points. The mean cost per patient‐month (in 2013 US dollars) was $4810 for patients with stage III disease and $9159 for patients with stage IV disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older women with advanced TNBC, significant treatment variations and considerable HRU and costs exist. Further research is needed to find effective treatments with which to reduce the clinical and economic burden of this disease. Cancer 2018;124:2104‐14. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
A novel efficiency‐enhancement topology: GaN high‐electron mobility transistors with waveform‐modulation structure composed of Schottky diodes
Authors: Han Kefeng
Published: March 2018

To improve the power‐added efficiency (PAE) of the gallium nitride (GaN) high‐electron mobility transistor (HEMT) in radio frequency applications, this paper studies the relationship between the nonlinearity of the gate capacitance and the PAE of the GaN HEMTs. The theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the nonlinearity of the gate capacitance modulates the signal phase at the GaN HEMT input and increases the average drain current, leading to increased power consumption and reduced PAE. Then, an efficiency‐enhancement topology for GaN HEMTs that employs the waveform‐modulation effect of Schottky diodes to reduce power consumption and improve efficiency is presented. The efficiency‐enhancement topology for a 4 × 100‐μm GaN HEMT with waveform‐modulation diodes is then fabricated. Results of load‐pull test demonstrate that the novel topology can increase the PAE of the 4 × 100‐μm GaN HEMT by more than 5% at 8 GHz. The novel efficiency‐enhancement topology for GaN HEMTs proposed in this paper will be suitable for applications that demand high‐efficiency GaN HEMTs or circuits.
Synthesis of Fe(OH)3 Microtubes at the Gas–Solution Interface and Their Use for the Fabrication of Fe2O3 and Fe Microtubes
Authors: Gulina Larisa , Tolstoy Valeri , Kuklo Leonid , Mikhailovskii Vladimir , Panchuk Vitaly , Semenov Valentin
Published: March 2018

A straightforward and effective method is reported for obtaining microtubes of iron‐based compounds by interfacial interaction between a solution and gaseous reagents. A thin amorphous film of Fe(OH)3 was synthesized on the surface of a mixed FeCl2/FeCl3/ascorbic acid aqueous solution as a result of the interaction with gaseous ammonium. When dried in air, the film was oxidized and transformed into microtubes. These Fe(OH)3 microtubes were converted into α‐Fe2O3 ones by annealing in air. As a result of thermal hydrogen reduction, α‐Fe microtubes were formed. Both the annealing in air and reduction in a hydrogen flow at a temperature of 1,000 °C preserve the tubular morphology of the product. The microtubes synthesized were characterized by optical and scanning microscopy, structural and compositional analyses, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. A hypothesis is proposed about the model of microtube formation resulting from the chemical reaction at the gas–solution interface.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Gemini Surfactant‐Assisted Fabrication of Shape‐Controlled Fluorescent Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Yan Saisai , Gao Zhinong , Xia Yan , Liao Xueming , Han Jia , Pan Chenchen , Zhang Yingfang , Zhai Wenzhong
Published: March 2018

The development of particles that possess different properties has been a long‐thought goal for producing multifunctional materials owing to their combination of performance. Herein, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) gemini surfactant‐assisted preparation of shape‐controlled fluorescent hollow silica nanoparticles (AIE‐SNs) is performed directly in water through a one‐pot method. The incorporated AIE gemini surfactant (C16‐TPE‐C16) not only provides a fluorophore for the AIE‐SNs but also participates in the structure‐directing process with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to regulate their construction. By properly tuning the molar ratio of CTAB and C16‐TPE‐C16, AIE‐SNs with different morphologies and fluorescence properties can be produced. Their mesoporous silica nanoparticle (AIE‐MSN) derivatives can also be fabricated by subsequent extraction owing to the inherent structural differences between CTAB and C16‐TPE‐C16. Importantly, fluorescent hollow mesoporous silica nanorods and nanospheres with ordered channels, thin shell thicknesses (~ 13 and ~ 7 nm), high accessible surface areas (599.2 and 573.9 m2 g–1), and uniform pore sizes ~ 2.8 nm) can be facilely prepared at CTAB/C16‐TPE‐C16 molar ratios of 30:1 and 15:1, respectively. This facile and straightforward method for creating tunable hollow AIE‐MSNs may open viable opportunities and inspire the preparation of particles with multiple properties.
Electrophilic Amide Allylation of 3‐Heterosubstituted Oxindoles: A Route to Spirocyclic 2‐Oxindoles Containing the α‐Methylene‐γ‐butyrolactam Structure
Authors: Sengoku Tetsuya , Hayashi Daichi , Takahashi Masaki , Yoda Hidemi
Published: March 2018

This article reports a new route to access spirocyclic 2‐oxindoles containing the α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactam structure via “electrophilic amide allylation”. The key reaction was accomplished by using acetoxy methacrylamides and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium as catalyst, affording a variety of the amide allylated products in excellent yields. The successful cyclization of these products has demonstrated the potential utility of this approach to offer a practical synthesis of spirocyclic oxindoles.
Reduced corticostriatal functional connectivity in temporomandibular disorders
Authors: He Shushu , Li Fei , Gu Tian , Ma Huayu , Li Xinyi , Zou Shujuan , Huang Xiaoqi , Lui Su , Gong Qiyong , Chen Song
Published: March 2018

Although temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been associated with abnormal gray matter volumes in cortical areas and in the striatum, the corticostriatal functional connectivity (FC) of patients with TMD has not been studied. Here, we studied 30 patients with TMD and 20 healthy controls that underwent clinical evaluations, including Helkimo indices, pain assessments, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The FCs of the striatal regions with the other brain areas were examined with a seed‐based approach. As seeds, we used the dorsal caudate, ventral caudate/nucleus accumbens, dorsal caudal putamen, and ventral rostral putamen regions. Voxel‐wise comparisons with controls revealed that the patients with TMD exhibited reduced FCs in the ventral corticostriatal circuitry, between the ventral striatum and ventral frontal cortices, including the anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula; in the dorsal corticostriatal circuitry, between the dorsal striatum and the dorsal cortices, including the precentral gyrus and supramarginal gyrus; and also within the striatum. Additionally, we explored correlations between the reduced corticostriatal FCs and clinical measurements. These results directly supported the hypothesis that TMD is associated with reduced FCs in brain corticostriatal networks and that these reduced FCs may underlie the deficits in motor control, pain processing, and cognition in TMD. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of the etiologies and pathologies of TMD.
Quantification of Lagrangian travel time statistics under nonstationary random groundwater flow conditions
Authors: Chang Ching‐Min , Yeh Hund‐Der
Published: March 2018

This study presents a Lagrangian description of advection dominated field‐scale transport of inert solutes, namely, the statistics of advective solute travel time and trajectory, in nonstationary random groundwater flow fields. The vertical flow field is generated by the effects of changes in total stress applied in fluid‐saturated heterogeneous deformable porous media. The Lagrangian statistics are developed directly from the velocity statistics based on the application of stochastic methodology such as the representation theorem and Fourier–Stieltjes integral representation. The focus of our numerical evaluation is placed on the influence of the soil compressibility on the Lagrangian statistics. The prediction on the statistics of solute travel time and trajectory may serve as the basic input to the environmental risk assessment.
Automated reaction path searches for spin‐forbidden reactions
Authors: Takayanagi Toshiyuki , Nakatomi Taiki
Published: March 2018

Many catalytic and biomolecular reactions containing transition metals involve changes in the electronic spin state. These processes are referred to as “spin‐forbidden” reactions within nonrelativistic quantum mechanics framework. To understand detailed reaction mechanisms of spin‐forbidden reactions, one must characterize reaction pathways on potential energy surfaces with different spin states and then identify crossing points. Here we propose a practical computational scheme, where only the lowest mixed‐spin eigenstate obtained from the diagonalization of the spin‐coupled Hamiltonian matrix is used in reaction path search calculations. We applied this method to the 6,4FeO+ + H2 → 6,4Fe+ + H2O, 6,4FeO+ + CH4 → 6,4Fe+ + CH3OH, and 7Mn+ + OCS → 5MnS+ + CO reactions, for which crossings between the different spin states are known to play essential roles in the overall reaction kinetics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved detection sensitivity of elements in solids via laser postionization in laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Yin Zhibin , Hang Le , Liu Rong , Hang Wei , Huang Benli
Published: March 2018

A newly constructed laser desorption (532 nm, 5 ns) and laser postionization (266 nm, 5 ns) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (LD‐LPI‐TOFMS) has been applied for improving the detection sensitivity of elements in solid samples. This method affords to acquire the information of the elemental impurities in solid standards as well as limit of detection (LOD) down to 10−8 g/g for some elements. Neutral atoms of solids are generated by low‐irradiance laser desorption (< 108 W/cm2), followed by high‐irradiance laser postionization (~ 109 W/cm2) of the desorbed atoms, facilitating to decouple the desorption and ionization processes in spatial and temporal domain. This non‐interacting feature overcomes the discrimination between deteriorating spectral resolution at high irradiance (109–1011 W/cm2) and limited detectable elemental species and high LOD at low or medium irradiance (below 109 W/cm2). The utilization of originally “wasted” neutral atoms by laser postionization will help improve atom utilization and instrumental sensitivity. In this work, getting the utmost out of the consumed neutral atoms instead of an increment in sampling amounts is given attention with high priority for achieving high sensitivity and low LOD, which is especially useful on the occasions where very low sample consumption is desired.
WxcX is involved in bacterial attachment and virulence in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Liu Yu‐Fan , Liao Chao‐Tsai , Chiang Ying‐Chuan , Li Chih‐En , Hsiao Yi‐Min
Published: March 2018

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the causative agent of black rot in crucifers. Here, one EZ‐Tn5 transposon mutant of Xcc, altered in bacterial attachment, was isolated. Further analysis revealed that the transposon was inserted in the wxcX gene (encodes a hypothetical protein) of the transposon mutant. Sequence analysis revealed that WxcX is highly conserved in Xanthomonas, but none has been characterized. In this study, it was indicated that mutation of wxcX resulted in enhanced bacterial attachment, reduced virulence on the host cabbage, and increased sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate. The affected phenotypes of the wxcX mutant could be complemented to wild‐type levels by the intact wxcX gene. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that E408 and E411 are critical amino acid residues for WxcX function in bacterial attachment. Taken together, our results demonstrate the roles of wxcX in attachment, virulence, and tolerance to sodium dodecyl sulfate in Xanthomonas for the first time.
Methods for evidence synthesis in the case of very few studies
Authors: Bender Ralf , Friede Tim , Koch Armin , Kuss Oliver , Schlattmann Peter , Schwarzer Guido , Skipka Guido
Published: March 2018

In systematic reviews, meta‐analyses are routinely applied to summarize the results of the relevant studies for a specific research question. If one can assume that in all studies the same true effect is estimated, the application of a meta‐analysis with common effect (commonly referred to as fixed‐effect meta‐analysis) is adequate. If between‐study heterogeneity is expected to be present, the method of choice is a meta‐analysis with random effects. The widely used DerSimonian and Laird method for meta‐analyses with random effects has been criticized due to its unfavorable statistical properties, especially in the case of very few studies. A working group of the Cochrane Collaboration recommended the use of the Knapp‐Hartung method for meta‐analyses with random effects. However, as heterogeneity cannot be reliably estimated if only very few studies are available, the Knapp‐Hartung method, while correctly accounting for the corresponding uncertainty, has very low power. Our aim is to summarize possible methods to perform meaningful evidence syntheses in the situation with only very few (ie, 2‐4) studies. Some general recommendations are provided on which method should be used when. Our recommendations are based on the existing literature on methods for meta‐analysis with very few studies and consensus of the authors. The recommendations are illustrated by 2 examples coming from dossier assessments of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.
Upregulation of nitric oxide in tumor cells as a negative adaptation to photodynamic therapy
Authors: Girotti Albert W.
Published: March 2018

One of the advantages of PDT is that it can often circumvent tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and doxorubicin. However, pre‐existing and acquired resistance to PDT has also been demonstrated. One type of resistance, which involves nitric oxide (NO) generated by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS2) in tumor cells, was discovered in the author's laboratory. When subjected to a 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic challenge, several cancer lines, including breast, prostate, and glioma, underwent intrinsic apoptosis that could be substantially enhanced by iNOS enzymatic inhibitors or a NO scavenger, implying iNOS/NO‐mediated resistance. In most cases, iNOS was significantly upregulated by the challenge and this appeared to be more important in the hyper‐resistance than pre‐existing enzyme. Of added importance was our observation that cells surviving ALA/light treatment typically exhibited a more aggressive phenotype, proliferating and migrating/invading more rapidly than controls in iNOS/NO‐dependent fashion. Most of these in vitro PDT findings have recently been confirmed at the in vivo level, using a human breast tumor xenograft model. We have also shown that upregulated iNOS in PDT‐targeted cells can elicit a pro‐growth/migration response in non‐targeted bystander cells, NO again playing a key role. Post‐PDT resistance and potentially dangerous hyper‐aggressiveness can be attenuated by inhibitors of iNOS enzymatic activity, some of which have seen pharmacologic use in non‐cancer or PDT settings. These various aspects of PDT antagonism by tumor iNOS/NO and how they might be overcome will be discussed in this review. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:590–598, 2018.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability in acceptance of organ offers by pediatric transplant centers and its impact on wait‐list mortality
Authors: Mitchell Ellen , Loomes Kathleen M. , Squires Robert H. , Goldberg David
Published: March 2018

Recent data have suggested that pediatric patients wait‐listed for a liver transplantation frequently have liver offers declined. However, factors associated with liver offer decisions and center‐level variability in practice patterns have not been explored. We evaluated United Network for Organ Sharing data on all match runs from May 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015 in which the liver was offered to ≥1 pediatric patient; the transplant recipient was ranked in the first 40 positions for the organ offer; and the donor was brain‐dead and <50 years of age. We used multilevel mixed effects models to evaluate factors associated with organ offer acceptance, among‐center variability, and the association between center‐level acceptance and wait‐list mortality. There were 4088 unique pediatric patients during the study period, comprising 27,094 match runs. Initial Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease or Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease score, history of exception points, recipient region, rank on match run, and geographic share type were all associated with probability of offer acceptance. There was significant among‐center variation (P < 0.001) in adjusted liver offer acceptance rates, accounting for donor, recipient, and match‐related factors (adjusted acceptance rates: median, 8.9%; range, 5.1%‐14.6%). Center‐level acceptance rates were associated with wait‐list mortality, with a >10% increase in the risk of wait‐list mortality for every 1% decrease in a center's adjusted liver offer acceptance rate (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.01‐1.19). In conclusion, there is significant among‐center variability in liver offer acceptance rates for pediatric patients that is not explained by donor and recipient factors. A center's liver acceptance behavior significantly impacts whether a pediatric patient will be transplanted or die on the waiting list. Liver Transplantation 24 803–809 2018 AASLD.
Solubility and Diffusivity of Propylene, Ethylene, and Propylene–Ethylene Mixtures in Polypropylene
Authors: Cancelas Aarón J. , Plata Miguel A. , Bashir Muhammad Ahsan , Bartke Michael , Monteil Vincent , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: March 2018

The solubility of propylene, ethylene, and propylene–ethylene mixtures in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is measured with a high‐pressure sorption balance at different temperatures and pressures. The obtained sorption isotherms of both binary systems (propylene–iPP and ethylene–iPP) are fitted with the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state. It is found that both binary interaction parameters for ethylene and propylene in iPP decrease with temperature. At temperatures above 70 °C, the overall solubility of ethylene plus propylene mixtures can be modeled using purely binary systems. However, at temperatures under 70 °C it is necessary to use a ternary solubility model that accounts for interactions between the penetrants and the polymer. Furthermore, at lower temperatures, the total solubility of the gas mixture is higher than the sum of gas solubilities of individual components because the anti‐solvent effect of ethylene (on propylene) is weaker than the co‐solvent effect of propylene on ethylene. Moreover, the molar ratio of ethylene to propylene dissolved in iPP increases with temperature and pressure. Desorption studies show that the effective diffusion coefficient increases with pressure and temperature and that the effective diffusivity of gaseous ethylene–propylene mixtures is lower than that of either of the individual gases.
Alternative Thieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene Isoindigo Polymers for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Neophytou Marios , Bryant Daniel , Lopatin Sergei , Chen Hu , Hallani Rawad K. , Cater Lewis , McCulloch Iain , Yue Wan
Published: March 2018

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, photophysical, and photovoltaic properties of five new thieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene isoindigo (TBTI)‐containing low bandgap donor–acceptor conjugated polymers with a series of comonomers and different side chains. When TBTI is combined with different electron‐rich moieties, even small structural variations can have significant impact on thin film morphology of the polymer:phenyl C70 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends. More importantly, high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy is used to investigate the phase‐separated bulk heterojunction domains, which can be accurately and precisely resolved, enabling an enhanced correlation between polymer chemical structure, photovoltaic device performance, and morphology.
Affective symptoms and quality of life in patients with voiding or storage dysfunction: Results before and after sacral neuromodulation: A prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Jairam Ranjana , Drossaerts Jamie , Vrijens Desiree , Leue Carsten , van Kerrebroeck Philip , van Koeveringe Gommert
Published: March 2018

Aims

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment for patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or non‐obstructive urinary retention (NOR). These lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are the result of a functional urological cause but often coincide with psychological and/or psychiatric factors. It has been stated that there is an association between LUTS, depression and anxiety disorders.

With this study we will investigate whether affective symptoms and quality of life (QoL) improve after successful SNM.

Methods

All patients eligible for SNM between March 2013 and March 2016, filled out the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), SF‐36 (Short Form‐36) and either the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) on Male/Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (M/F‐LUTS), or the OAB‐q questionnaire, before and after the test procedure. Symptom improvement of ≥50% was considered as success. Results were analyzed by paired T‐tests and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

In total 95 patients were included. Mean age was 52.1 (SD 13.9). Fifty‐six patients (59%) were implanted. Successful OAB patients reported a significant improvement in all domains of OAB‐q, health change and affective symptoms. Successful NOR patients showed a significant improvement in voiding symptoms (P = 0.04) and health change (P = 0.03). However, they did not report significant improvement in affective symptoms.

Conclusion

QoL and affective symptoms can significantly improve in LUTS patients who are successfully treated with SNM. When divided per indication, a significant improvement in affective symptoms together with QoL was only reported in successful OAB patients and not in successfully treated NOR patients.
Effect of surface modification of jute fiber on the mechanical properties and durability of jute fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Dilfi K.F. Anna , Balan Aiswarya , Bin Hong , Xian Guijun , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2018

In this article, the effect of various surface modifications on the properties and durability of jute fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (JFRECs) was studied. Jute fiber was surface modified to improve its compatibility with the hydrophobic epoxy matrix. The surface modifications investigated include alkali treatment, silane treatment, and the combined effect of alkali and silane treatments. JFRECs were prepared by vacuum‐assisted resin infusion (VARI) process. The surface topography of the untreated and modified fibers was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties, such as flexural properties and interfacial shear strength (IFSS), and thermomechanical properties, such as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the composites of untreated and modified fibers were determined. The durability studies such as water uptake as well as the effect of moisture on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the untreated and combined chemically treated fiber composites were examined. It was found that the combined modification provided better mechanical and thermal properties of composites in comparison with untreated composite due to strong fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. The rate of water absorption for chemically treated fiber composite was found to be lesser than the untreated fiber composite. There was a significant drop in the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the composites after exposure to moisture. This could be due to the fiber degradation and de‐bonding at the interface during the immersion of the composite samples in water. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2519–E2528, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phase I monitoring of social networks based on Poisson regression profiles
Authors: Fotuhi Hatef , Amiri Amirhossein , Maleki Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, due to the increasing role of social networks in our daily life, monitoring and forecasting social trends have attracted the attention of many researchers. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the literature includes few studies of monitoring social networks. Existing researches have focused on analyzing only the existence of communications between people and have neglected to monitor the number of such communications. In this paper, first counts of communications between people are modeled using Poisson regression profiles. Then, 3 Phase I monitoring methods, extended T2, F, and a standardized likelihood ratio test method is suggested to detect step changes, drift, and outliers in the parameters of Poisson regression profiles. The proposed methods are evaluated via simulation studies in terms of signal probability criterion. The results show that in most out‐of‐control situations the standardized likelihood ratio test method outperforms the T2 and F methods. Then, a numerical example and a case study based on Enron email data are presented to illustrate the application of the extended methods.
Direct Formation of Amides from Carboxylic Acids and Amines Catalyzed by Niobium(V) Oxalate Hydrate
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Bao Xinyu , Xu Mengying , Deng Zihao , Han Yongshun , Wang Ningfeng
Published: March 2018

A wide range of metal salts and oxides were screened to test the catalytic effect in the formation of amides. A water‐compatible catalyst, Niobium(V) oxalate hydrate, proved the ability to catalyze the direct formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines with a low catalyst loading of 1% in a 1:1 ratio of acids and amines, with the water removal through azeotropic distillation of toluene/water mixtures, which showed a good atomic economic efficiency. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids worked well with primary aliphatic amines in the reaction, however, aniline, as an example of primary aromatic amines, needed more than one equivalent amount to complete the amide formation.
Pullulanase Debranching of Various Starches Upgrades the Crystalline Structure and Thermostability of Starch‐Lauric Acid Complexes
Authors: Wongprayoon Suchitra , Tran Thierry , Gibert Olivier , Dubreucq Eric , Piyachomkwan Kuakoon , Sriroth Klanarong
Published: March 2018

Cassava, rice, and chickpea starches with different amylose contents and amylopectin structure are used to prepare helical inclusion complexes with lauric acid (LA) and to investigate the effect of pullulanase debranching on complex formation, crystalline structure, thermostability, and morphology compared to their non‐debranched counterparts. The quantity of inclusion complexes in debranched starches increased 2–9 times compared to non‐debranched starches, due to the release of debranched, linear amylopectin chains. The amount of complexes after debranching increased with amylopectin content, and with the proportion of amylopectin short chains. Retrogradation occurred under the same conditions as and in competition with complexation; however, carefully adjusting the conditions enabled minimization of retrogradation and maximization of complex formation.
Anoplasty for Post‐hemorrhoidectomy Low Anal Stenosis: A New Technique
Authors: Asfar Sami
Published: March 2018

Background

Post‐hemorrhoidectomy anal stenosis though rare is very disturbing and devastating complication. Many surgical procedures have been described, but despite good results, many complications can ensue like flap necrosis, mucosal ectropion, and restenosis.

Objective

We report a new simple technique for repair of severe/moderate anal stenosis which requires no extensive flap mobilization or many sutures.

Patients and interventions

This is a personal series of 65 patients treated over a period of 20 years. The data were prospectively recorded by the author. The essence of this simple procedure is mobilizing the anal mucosa to the dentate line via a vertical incision and mobilizing the adjacent perianal skin and subcutaneous fat to allow a completely tension‐free approximation of the perianal skin and the anal mucosa which are sutured together transversely. A tension‐releasing incision is made in the perianal region which is left to heal by secondary intention.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (90.8%) continued the 5‐year follow‐up, and 6 patients left the country after 2 years of follow‐up. There was only one case of recurrence after 2 years, which was treated by a second anoplasty. Four patients (59–66 years old) developed transient urine retention after surgery. One patient developed partial dehiscence of the suture line which was treated conservatively. No mucosal ectropion or perianal skin necrosis was observed. Complete healing of the perianal tension‐releasing wound was within 2–3 months. By the third week after surgery, all the patients discontinued use of stool softeners or laxatives and were able to defecate comfortably.

Conclusions

This procedure is simple and requires little dissection and only a few sutures with minimal complications. It is suitable for low severe and moderate anal stenosis.
Models for estimating empirical Gompertz mortality: With an application to evolution of the Gompertzian slope
Authors: Tai Tzu Han , Noymer Andrew
Published: March 2018

Using data from the human mortality database (HMD), and five different modeling approaches, we estimate Gompertz mortality parameters for 7,704 life tables. To gauge model fit, we predict life expectancy at age 40 from these parameters, and compare predicted to empirical values. Across a diversity of human populations, and both sexes, the overall best way to estimate Gompertz parameters is weighted least squares, although Poisson regression performs better in 996 cases for males and 1,027 cases for females, out of 3,852 populations per sex. We recommend against using unweighted least squares unless death counts (to use as weights or to allow Poisson estimation) are unavailable. We also recommend fitting to logged death rates. Over time in human populations, the Gompertz slope parameter has increased, indicating a more severe increase in mortality rates as age goes up. However, it is well‐known that the two parameters of the Gompertz model are very tightly (and negatively) correlated. When the slope goes up, the level goes down, and, overall, mortality rates are decreasing over time. An analysis of Gompertz parameters for all of the HMD countries shows a distinct pattern for males in the formerly socialist economies of Europe.
Movement of Genetic Counselors from Clinical to Non‐clinical Positions: Identifying Driving Forces
Authors: Cohen Stephanie A. , Tucker Megan E.
Published: March 2018

A previous study of genetic counselors (GCs) in the state of Indiana identified movement out of clinical positions within the past 2 years. The aims of this study were to determine if this trend is nationwide and identify reasons why GCs are leaving their positions and factors that might help employers attract and retain GCs. An email was sent to members of the American Board of Genetic Counseling with a link to an online confidential survey. There were 939 responses (23.5% response rate). Overall, 52% of GCs report being highly satisfied in their current position, although almost two thirds think about leaving and one third had changed jobs within the past 2 years. Of those who had changed jobs (n = 295), 74.9% had been working in a hospital/clinic setting but only 46.3% currently do, demonstrating a major shift out of the clinic (p < 0.001). The top three reasons cited for leaving a position were work environment/institutional climate, salary/benefits, and a lack of feeling valued/recognized as a professional. These results confirm that GCs are moving out of clinical positions and document elements of job satisfaction. We suggest points for employers to consider when trying to recruit or retain GCs.
Risk factors in securing successful surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Yamada Shin‐ichi , Nishizawa Rishiho , Shimane Tetsu , Kamata Takahiro , Koike Takeshi , Uehara Shinobu , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the factors that had a significant effect on securing a successful surgical resection (surgical margin) in oral cancer surgery. One hundred forty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent planned radical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were analyzed. Successful resection was judged if pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a clear surgical margin (no SCC within 5 mm, n = 116), while an unsuccessful resection was judged if there was a close and involved surgical margin (SCC within 5 mm, n = 21; and SCC at margin, n = 11). Univariate analyses showed that gender, age, and T‐classification had significant influence on successful surgical resection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.042, 95% CI = 1.001‐1.084), T‐classification (OR = 1.656, 95% CI = 1.060‐2.587), and the presence of preoperative treatment (OR = 2.868, 95% CI = 1.047‐7.85) had significant effects on successful surgical resection. The results of this study suggested that successful resection of oral SCC was difficult in patients with either older age or advanced (T4) tumor. It is also suggested that preoperative therapy had a positive effect on securing a pathologically clear surgical margin.
Directly writing binary multi-sector phase plates on fused silica using femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhou Li , Jiang Youen , Zhang Peng , Fan Wei , Li Xuechun
Published: March 2018

Light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has a spatial distribution of intensity and phase, which attracts considerable interest regarding several potential applications in optical and quantum scenarios recently. Spiral phase plates are commonly used elements for generating and analyzing OAM states. In this study, we put forward a method of directly writing binary multi-sector phase plates using the femtosecond laser. These phase plates are engraved on fused silica, which could be applied in high-intensity regimes. Different binary multi-sector phase plates were generated with high quality, which were proved by the observation of their structures, accompanied by detecting the beam patterns with the Gaussian beams. The proposed method provides a crucial basis for the rapid manufacturing of phase plates using convenient equipment, which can generate the superposition OAM states and may lead to the capability of measuring the high-dimensional entanglement.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2354 & Comprehensive International Framework to Counter Terrorist Narratives
Authors: Kravik Andreas Motzfeldt
Published: March 2018

On May 24, 2017, the Security Council (Council) adopted Resolution 2354 on countering terrorist narratives, endorsing a proposal developed by its Counter-Terrorism Committee for a “Comprehensive international framework to counter terrorist narratives” (Comprehensive Framework). With this resolution, adopted unanimously by the Council and co-sponsored by close to sixty governments, the Council urged member states to implement the Framework in order to promote positive and credible alternatives to audiences receptive to extremist ideology.