bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanosheets/Graphene Interlayer for Fast and Long‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fan Ye , Yang Zhi , Hua Wuxing , Liu Dan , Tao Tao , Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Lei Weiwei , Huang Shaoming , Chen Ying
Published: January 2017

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have a much higher energy density than Li ion batteries and thus are considered as next generation batteries for electric vehicle applications. However, the problem of rapid capacity fading due to the shuttling of soluble polysulfides between electrodes remains the main obstacle for practical applications. Here, a thin and selective interlayer structure has been designed and produced to decrease the charge transfer resistance and mitigate the shuttling problem, simply by coating the surface of cathode with a thin film of functionalized boron nitride nanosheets/graphene. Due to this thin and ultralight interlayer, the specific capacity and cycling stability of the Li–S batteries with a cathode of sulfur‐containing porous carbon nanotubes (≈60 wt% sulfur content) have been improved significantly with a life of over 1000 cycles, an initial specific capacity of 1100 mA h g−1 at 3 C, and a cycle decay as low as 0.0037% per cycle. This new interlayer provides a promising approach to significantly enhance the performance of Li–S batteries.
Characterizations of surfactant synthesized from Jatropha oil and its application in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Kumar Amit , Mandal Ajay
Published: January 2017

Surfactants are frequently used in chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) as it reduces the interfacial tension (IFT) to an ultra‐low value and also alter the wettability of oil‐wet rock, which are important mechanisms for EOR. However, most of the commercial surfactants used in chemical EOR are very expensive. In view of that an attempt has been made to synthesis an anionic surfactant from non‐edible Jatropha oil for its application in EOR. Synthesized surfactant was characterized by FTIR, NMR, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimeter analyser, FESEM, and EDX analysis. Thermal degradability study of the surfactant shows no significant loss till the conventional reservoir temperature. The ability of the surfactant for its use in chemical EOR has been tested by measuring its physicochemical properties, viz., reduction of surface tension, IFT and wettability alteration. The surfactant solution shows a surface tension value of 31.6 mN/m at its critical micelle concentration (CMC). An ultra‐low IFT of 0.0917 mN/m is obtained at CMC of surfactant solution, which is further reduced to 0.00108 mN/m at optimum salinity. The synthesized surfactant alters the oil‐wet quartz surface to water‐wet which favors enhanced recovery of oil. Flooding experiments were conducted with surfactant slugs with different concentrations. Encouraging results with additional recovery more than 25% of original oil in place above the conventional water flooding have been observed. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2731–2741, 2017
Using the protein leverage hypothesis to understand socioeconomic variation in obesity
Authors: Bekelman Traci A. , Santamaría‐Ulloa Carolina , Dufour Darna L. , Marín‐Arias Lilliam , Dengo Ana Laura
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The protein leverage hypothesis (PLH) predicts that protein appetite will stimulate excess energy intake, and consequently obesity, when the proportion of protein in the diet is low. Experimental studies support the PLH, but whether protein leverage can be used to understand socioeconomic (SES) variation in obesity is unknown. The objective of this study was to test two hypotheses from the PLH under non‐experimental conditions. Consistent with the PLH, we expect that (1) absolute protein intake will be similar across populations, here defined as SES groups and, (2) the proportion of protein in the diet will be inversely associated with energy intake.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in a random sample of 135 low‐, middle‐, and high‐SES women in Costa Rica. Anthropometry was used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Twenty‐four‐hour dietary recalls were used to measure dietary intake.

Results

The prevalence of obesity varied between low‐ (38.8%), middle‐ (43.9%), and high‐ (17.8%) SES women. Absolute protein intake was similar across low‐ (58.5 g), middle‐ (59.4 g), and high‐ (65.6 g) SES women (p = 0.12). Protein intake as a proportion of total energy intake was inversely associated with total energy intake only among middle‐ (r = −0.37,p = 0.02) and high‐ (r = −0.36,p = 0.01) SES women.

Conclusions

Consistent with the PLH, absolute protein intake was similar across SES groups. The relationship between the proportion of protein in the diet and total energy intake should be studied further in the context of real world conditions that may influence protein leverage.
Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol through a Highly Efficient Enzyme Cascade
Authors: Kuk Su Keun , Singh Raushan K , Nam Dong Heon , Singh Ranjitha , Lee Jung‐Kul , Park Chan Beum
Published: January 2017

Natural photosynthesis is an effective route for the clean and sustainable conversion of CO2 into high‐energy chemicals. Inspired by the natural process, a tandem photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell with an integrated enzyme‐cascade (TPIEC) system was designed, which transfers photogenerated electrons to a multienzyme cascade for the biocatalyzed reduction of CO2 to methanol. A hematite photoanode and a bismuth ferrite photocathode were applied to fabricate the iron oxide based tandem PEC cell for visible‐light‐assisted regeneration of the nicotinamide cofactor (NADH). The cell utilized water as an electron donor and spontaneously regenerated NADH. To complete the TPIEC system, a superior three‐dehydrogenase cascade system was employed in the cathodic part of the PEC cell. Under applied bias, the TPIEC system achieved a high methanol conversion output of 220 μm h−1, 1280 μmol g−1 h−1 using readily available solar energy and water.
Transfer demand prediction for timed transfer coordination in public transport operational control
Authors: Kieu Le Minh , Bhaskar Ashish , Almeida Paulo E. M. , Sabar Nasser R. , Chung Edward
Published: January 2017

Timed transfer coordination in public transit reduces passenger transfer time by providing seamless interconnected transfers. The problem arises when a Receiving Vehicle (RV) arrives to the transfer stop before a Feeding Vehicle (FV) carrying transferring passengers. Timed transfer coordination in operational control dynamically decides whether a RV is held at the transfer stop to allow transfers, or departs as scheduled. While transfer demand is essential for implementing timed transfer coordination, this variable is generally not available in public transit because of the lack of passenger transfer plans. The problem of acquiring this variable in real‐time has also received limited attention in the related literature.

This paper proposes a new method to dynamically predict the transfer demand. We anticipate the transferring probability from each individual passenger by examining historical travel itineraries. Three different types of models (simple analytical, statistical, and computation intelligence model) are developed to forecast the number of transferring passengers. Numerical experiments using observed Automatic Vehicle Location and Automatic Fare Collection data from South East Queensland, Australia show the accuracy and applicability of the proposed models in timed transfer coordination. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of school league tables in England 1992–2016: ‘Contextual value‐added’, ‘expected progress’ and ‘progress 8’
Authors: Leckie George , Goldstein Harvey
Published: January 2017

Since 1992, the UK Government has published so‐called ‘school league tables’ summarising the average General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) ‘attainment’ and ‘progress’ made by pupils in each state‐funded secondary school in England. While the headline measure of school attainment has remained the percentage of pupils achieving five or more good GCSEs, the headline measure of school progress has changed from ‘value‐added’ (2002–2005) to ‘contextual value‐added’ (2006–2010) to ‘expected progress’ (2011–2015) to ‘progress 8’ (2016–). This paper charts this evolution with a critical eye. First, we describe the headline measures of school progress. Second, we question the Government's justifications for scrapping contextual value‐added. Third, we argue that the current expected progress measure suffers from fundamental design flaws. Fourth, we examine the stability of school rankings across contextual value‐added and expected progress. Fifth, we discuss the extent to which progress 8 will address the weaknesses of expected progress. We conclude that all these progress measures and school league tables more generally should be viewed with far more scepticism and interpreted far more cautiously than they have often been to date.
The gut microbiome and the mechanism of surgical infection
Authors: Alverdy J C , Hyoju S K , Weigerinck M , Gilbert J A
Published: January 2017

Background

Since the very early days of surgical practice, surgeons have recognized the importance of considering that intestinal microbes might have a profound influence on recovery from surgical diseases such as appendicitis and peritonitis. Although the pathogenesis of surgical diseases such as cholelithiasis, diverticulosis, peptic ulcer disease and cancer have been viewed as disorders of host biology, they are emerging as diseases highly influenced by their surrounding microbiota.

Methods

This is a review of evolving concepts in microbiome sciences across a variety of surgical diseases and disorders, with a focus on disease aetiology and treatment options.

Results

The discovery that peptic ulcer disease and, in some instances, gastric cancer can now be considered as infectious diseases means that to advance surgical practice humans need to be viewed as superorganisms, consisting of both host and microbial genes. Applying this line of reasoning to the ever-ageing population of patients demands a more complete understanding of the effects of modern-day stressors on both the host metabolome and microbiome.

Conclusion

Despite major advances in perioperative care, surgeons today are witnessing rising infection-related complications following elective surgery. Many of these infections are caused by resistant and virulent micro-organisms that have emerged as a result of human progress, including global travel, antibiotic exposure, crowded urban conditions, and the application of invasive and prolonged medical and surgical treatment. A more complete understanding of the role of the microbiome in surgical disease is warranted to inform the path forward for prevention.
Alternatives to antibiotics for prevention of surgical infection
Authors: Ploegmakers I B M , Olde Damink S W M , Breukink S O
Published: January 2017

Background

Surgical-site infection (SSI) is still the second most common healthcare-associated infection, after respiratory tract infection. SSIs are associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates, and result in enormous healthcare costs. In the past decade, several guidelines have been developed that aim to reduce the incidence of SSI. Unfortunately, there is no consensus amongst the guidelines, and some are already outdated. This review discusses the recent literature regarding alternatives to antibiotics for prevention of SSI.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed to retrieve data on the prevention of SSI. The focus was on literature published in the past decade.

Results

Prevention of SSI can be divided into preoperative, perioperative and postoperative measures. Preoperative measures consist of showering, surgical scrubbing and cleansing of the operation area with antiseptics. Perioperative factors can be subdivided as: environmental factors, such as surgical attire; patient-related factors, such as plasma glucose control; and surgical factors, such as the duration and invasiveness of surgery. Postoperative measures consist mainly of wound care.

Conclusion

There is a general lack of evidence on the preventive effectiveness of perioperative measures to reduce the incidence of SSI. Most measures are based on common practice and perceived effectiveness. The lack of clinical evidence, together with the stability of the high incidence of SSI (10 per cent for colorectal procedures) in recent decades, highlights the need for future research.
Economic case for intraoperative interventions to prevent surgical-site infection
Authors: Gillespie B M , Chaboyer W , Erichsen-Andersson A , Hettiarachchi R M , Kularatna S
Published: January 2017

Background

Surgical-site infection (SSI) occurs in 1–10 per cent of all patients undergoing surgery; rates can be higher depending on the type of surgery. The aim of this review was to establish whether (or not) surgical hand asepsis, intraoperative skin antisepsis and selected surgical dressings are cost-effective in SSI prevention, and to examine the quality of reporting.

Methods

The authors searched MEDLINE via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Cochrane Central and Scopus databases systematically from 1990 to 2016. Included were RCTs and quasi-experimental studies published in English, evaluating the economic impact of interventions to prevent SSI relative to surgical hand and skin antisepsis, and wound dressings. Characteristics and results of included studies were extracted using a standard data collection tool. Study and reporting quality were assessed using SIGN and CHEERS checklists.

Results

Across the three areas of SSI prevention, the combined searches identified 1214 articles. Of these, five health economic studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of selected surgical dressings were eligible. Study authors concluded that the interventions being assessed were cost-effective, or were potentially cost-saving. Still, there is high uncertainty around the decision to adopt these dressings/devices in practice. The studies' reporting quality was reasonable; three reported at least 15 of the 24 CHEERS items appropriately. Assessment of methodological quality found that two studies were considered to be of high quality.

Conclusion

With few economic studies undertaken in this area, the cost-effectiveness of these strategies is unclear. Incorporating economic evaluations alongside RCTs will help towards evidence-informed decisions.
Network meta-analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical-site infection after groin hernia surgery
Authors: Boonchan T , Wilasrusmee C , McEvoy M , Attia J , Thakkinstian A
Published: January 2017

Background

First-generation cephalosporins (such as cefazolin) are recommended as antibiotic prophylaxis in groin hernia repair, but other broad-spectrum antibiotics have also been prescribed in clinical practice. This was a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of different antibiotic classes for prevention of surgical-site infection (SSI) after hernia repair.

Methods

RCTs were identified that compared efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis on SSI after inguinal or femoral hernia repair from PubMed and Scopus databases up to March 2016. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Network meta-analysis was applied to assess treatment efficacy. The probability of being the best antibiotic prophylaxis was estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis.

Results

Fifteen RCTs (5159 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were first-generation (7 RCTs, 1237 patients) and second-generation (2 RCTs, 532) cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (6 RCTs, 619) and fluoroquinolones (2 RCTs, 581), with placebo as the most common comparator (14 RCTs, 2190). A network meta-analysis showed that β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors and first-generation cephalosporins were significantly superior to placebo, with a pooled risk ratio of 0·44 (95 per cent c.i. 0·25 to 0·75) and 0·62 (0·42 to 0·92) respectively. However, none of the antibiotic classes was significantly different from the others. SUCRA results indicated that β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors and first-generation cephalosporins were ranked first and second respectively for best prophylaxis.

Conclusion

β-Lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors followed by first-generation cephalosporins ranked as the most effective SSI prophylaxis for adult patients undergoing groin hernia repair.
Impact of preoperative infection on outcome after liver transplantation
Authors: Bertuzzo V R , Giannella M , Cucchetti A , Pinna A D , Grossi A , Ravaioli M , Del Gaudio M , Cristini F , Viale P , Cescon M
Published: January 2017

Background

Bacterial infection in patients with liver failure can lead to a dramatic clinical deterioration. The indications for liver transplantation and outcome in these patients is still controversial.

Methods

All adult patients who underwent liver transplantation between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015 were selected from an institutional database. Characteristics of the donors and recipients, and clinical, biochemical and surgical parameters were retrieved from the database. Post-transplant survival rates and complications, including grade III–IV complications according to the Dindo–Clavien classification, were compared between patients with an infection 1 month before transplantation and patients without an infection.

Results

Eighty-four patients with an infection had statistically significant higher Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD), D-MELD and Balance of Risk (BAR) scores and a higher rate of acute-on-chronic liver failure compared with findings in 343 patients with no infection. The rate of infection after liver transplantation was higher in patients who had an infection before the operation: 48 per cent versus 30·6 per cent in those with no infection before transplantation (P = 0·003). The percentage of patients with a postoperative complication (42 versus 40·5 per cent respectively; P = 0·849) and the 90-day mortality rate (8 versus 6·4 per cent; P = 0·531) was no different between the groups. Multivariable analysis showed that a BAR score greater than 18 and acute-on-chronic liver failure were independent predictors of 90-day mortality.

Conclusion

Bacterial infection 1 month before liver transplantation is related to a higher rate of infection after transplantation, but does not lead to a worse outcome.
Vaccine development to preventStaphylococcus aureussurgical-site infections
Authors: Mohamed N , Wang M Y , Le Huec J-C , Liljenqvist U , Scully I L , Baber J , Begier E , Jansen K U , Gurtman A , Anderson A S
Published: January 2017

Background

Staphylococcus aureus surgical-site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of poor health outcomes, including mortality, across surgical specialties. Despite current advances as a result of preventive interventions, the disease burden of S. aureus SSI remains high, and increasing antibiotic resistance continues to be a concern. Prophylactic S. aureus vaccines may represent an opportunity to prevent SSI.

Methods

A review of SSI pathophysiology was undertaken in the context of evaluating new approaches to developing a prophylactic vaccine to prevent S. aureus SSI.

Results

A prophylactic vaccine ideally would provide protective immunity at the time of the surgical incision to prevent initiation and progression of infection. Although the pathogenicity of S. aureus is attributed to many virulence factors, previous attempts to develop S. aureus vaccines targeted only a single virulence mechanism. The field has now moved towards multiple-antigen vaccine strategies, and promising results have been observed in early-phase clinical studies that supported the recent initiation of an efficacy trial to prevent SSI.

Conclusion

There is an unmet medical need for novel S. aureus SSI prevention measures. Advances in understanding of S. aureus SSI pathophysiology could lead to the development of effective and safe prophylactic multiple-antigen vaccines to prevent S. aureus SSI.
Optical Control of DNA Helicase Function through Genetic Code Expansion
Authors: Luo Ji , Kong Muwen , Liu Lili , Samanta Subhas , Van Houten Bennett , Deiters Alexander
Published: January 2017

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a general DNA repair mechanism that is capable of removing a wide variety of DNA lesions induced by physical or chemical insults. UvrD, a member of the helicase SF1 superfamily, plays an essential role in bacterial NER by unwinding the duplex DNA in the 3′ to 5′ direction to displace the lesion‐containing strand. In order to achieve conditional control over NER, we generated a light‐activated DNA helicase. This was achieved through a site‐specific incorporation of a genetically encoded hydroxycoumarin lysine at a crucial position in the ATP‐binding pocket of UvrD. The resulting caged enzyme was completely inactive in several functional assays. Moreover, enzymatic activity of the optically triggered UvrD was comparable to that of the wild‐type protein, thus demonstrating excellent OFF to ON switching of the helicase. The developed approach provides optical control of NER, thereby laying a foundation for the regulation of ATP‐dependent helicase functions in higher organisms. In addition, this methodology is applicable to the light‐activation of a wide range of ATPases.
Large‐Pore Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vector for a Highly Cytotoxic Hybrid Platinum–Acridine Anticancer Agent
Authors: Zheng Ye , Fahrenholtz Cale D. , Hackett Christopher L. , Ding Song , Day Cynthia S. , Dhall Rohan , Marrs Glen S. , Gross Michael D. , Singh Ravi , Bierbach Ulrich
Published: January 2017

Large‐pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were prepared and functionalized to serve as a highly robust and biocompatible delivery platform for platinum–acridine (PA) anticancer agents. The material showed a high loading capacity for the dicationic, hydrophilic hybrid agent [PtCl(en)(N‐[acridin‐9‐ylaminoethyl]‐N‐methylpropionamidine)] dinitrate salt (P1A1) and virtually complete retention of payload at neutral pH in a high‐chloride buffer. In acidic media mimicking the pH inside the cell lysosomes, rapid, burst‐like release of P1A1 from the nanoparticles is observed. Coating of the materials in phospholipid bilayers resulted in nanoparticles with greatly improved colloidal stability. The lipid and carboxylate‐modified nanoparticles containing 40 wt % drug caused S‐phase arrest and inhibited cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells at submicromolar concentrations similar to carrier‐free P1A1. The most striking feature of nanoparticle‐delivered P1A1 was that the payload did not escape from the acidified lysosomal vesicles into the cytoplasm, but was shuttled to the nuclear membrane and released into the nucleus.
The Bonding Situation in Metalated Ylides
Authors: Scharf Lennart T. , Andrada Diego M. , Frenking Gernot , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: January 2017

Quantum chemical calculations have been carried out to study the electronic structure of metalated ylides particularly in comparison to their neutral analogues, the bisylides. A series of compounds of the general composition Ph3P−C−L with L being either a neutral or an anionic ligand were analyzed and the impact of the nature of the substituent L and the total charge on the electronics and bonding situation was studied. The charge at the carbon atom as well as the dissociation energies, bond lengths, and Wiberg bond indices strongly depend on the nature of L. Here, not only the charge of the ligand but also the position of the charge within the ligand backbone plays an important role. Independent of the substitution pattern, the NBO analysis reveals the preference of unsymmetrical bonding situations (P=C−L or P−C=L) for almost all compounds. However, Lewis structures with two lone‐pair orbitals at the central carbon atom are equally valid for the description of the bonding situation. This is confirmed by the pronounced lone‐pair character of the frontier orbitals. Energy decomposition analysis mostly reveals the preference of several bonding situations, mostly with dative and ylidic electron‐sharing bonds (e.g., P→C−−L). In general, the anionic systems show a higher preference of the ylidic bonding situations compared to the neutral analogues. However, in most of the cases different resonance structures have to be considered for the description of the “real” bonding situation.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis and Structure Confirmation of the Natural Dimeric Tetrahydroxanthenone Dicerandrol C
Authors: Ganapathy Dhandapani , Reiner Johannes R. , Valdomir Guillermo , Senthilkumar Soundararasu , Tietze Lutz F.
Published: January 2017

The first enantioselective total synthesis of natural dicerandrol C (1 c) as its enantiomer containing a dimeric tetrahydroxanthenone skeleton is described starting from the enantiopure chromane 6 which was obtained through a Wacker‐type cyclization with >99 % ee. For the formation of the dimeric skeleton a palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki reaction was used. The synthesis allowed the confirmation of the absolute configuration of the dicerandrols.
The Effect of Adenine Repeats on G‐quadruplex/hemin Peroxidase Mimicking DNAzyme Activity
Authors: Chen Jielin , Guo Yuehua , Zhou Jun , Ju Huangxian
Published: January 2017

The catalytic activity of G‐quadruplex/hemin is much lower than that of proteinous enzymes, so it is very important to increase its activity. Very recently, flanking sequences, which can be regarded as an external part of G‐quadruplexes, were found to enhance the activity of G‐quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. However, little is known about the effect of internal parts, such as loop sequences and linkers, on the activity. In the present study, adenine repeats were incorporated into several designed G‐quadruplex structures either in the loops, bulges, or linkers, and the constructed G‐quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme exhibit about fivefold improvement in peroxidase‐mimicking activity in some cases. The enhancement effect may result from the formation of compound I, protoporphyrin⋅FeIV=O.+, accelerated by dA repeats, which was demonstrated by H2O2 decay kinetics and pH dependency analysis. The novel enhancement methods described here may help in the development of high‐activity DNAzymes, illustrated by a dimer G‐quadruplex with flanking adenine at one end, a relatively long adenine run in one loop, and another adenine run in the linker.
Iridium‐Catalyzed and Ligand‐Controlled Carbonylative Synthesis of Flavones from Simple Phenols and Internal Alkynes
Authors: Zhu Fengxiang , Wang Zechao , Li Yahui , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: January 2017

Flavones are important natural products with diverse biological activities. In this study, a novel procedure for the carbonylative synthesis of flavones has been developed by using simple phenols and internal alkynes as the substrates. Various flavones were isolated in moderate to good yields with excellent regioselectivity and functional group tolerance by using an iridium catalyst system. Notably, this is the first example of direct carbonylative annulation of non‐preactivated phenols and alkynes to produce flavones, with the choice of ligand proving to be critical for the success of this transformation.
Impact of rotor temperospatial stability on acute and one‐year atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes
Authors: Balouch Muhammad , Gucuk Ipek Esra , Chrispin Jonathan , Bajwa Rizma J. , Zghaib Tarek , Berger Ronald D. , Ashikaga Hiroshi , Nazarian Saman , Marine Joseph E. , Calkins Hugh , Spragg David D.
Published: January 2017

Background

The utility of rotor ablation using commercially available systems as an adjunct to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is controversial. Variable results may stem from heterogeneous practice patterns. We investigated whether a prespecified protocol to determine temperospatial rotor stability improved acute and intermediate outcomes following rotor ablation.

Hypothesis

Protocolized rotor mapping and ablation, with prespecified metrics to determine temporal rotor stability prior to ablation, will improve short‐ and long‐term PVI/rotor ablation outcomes.

Methods

Patients undergoing PVI plus rotor ablation at Johns Hopkins during 2015 were included. The first cohort underwent rotor mapping and ablation at the operator's discretion, whereas the second cohort underwent protocolized rotor mapping, with ablation limited to temperospatially stable rotors. Both cohorts underwent PVI. Acute results (rotor elimination, atrial fibrillation [AF] termination), procedural data, and 1‐year outcomes were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients underwent ablation (mean age, 64.4 ± 9 years, male 81.5%, persistent AF 85.2%, long‐standing persistent AF 14.8%, mean AF duration 4.4 ± 4 years, repeat cases 51.8%, and mean LA size 4.6 ± 0.8 cm). In the protocolized cohort, rotors were reproducible in 83% (10/12) of cases in at least 1 chamber. Acute rhythm change was achieved in 8/27 (29.6%) patients. Sinus rhythm on presentation (62.5% vs 15.8%, P = 0.03) and higher total targeted rotors (3.8 ± 1.7 vs 2.5 ± 1.0, P = 0.02) predicted acute change. At 12 months, freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia was achieved in 5/15 (33.3%) patients in the first cohort and 5/11 patients in the protocolized cohort (45.5%; P = 0.53 for comparison).

Conclusions

Acute and intermediate results did not change with protocolized mapping designed to identify temperospatially stable rotors. Outcomes at 12 months were similar in both groups.
Optimizing in Vitro Impedance and Physico‐Chemical Properties of Neural Electrodes by Electrophoretic Deposition of Pt Nanoparticles
Authors: Koenen Sven , Rehbock Christoph , Heissler Hans E. , Angelov Svilen D. , Schwabe Kerstin , Krauss Joachim K. , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: January 2017

Neural electrodes suffer from an undesired incline in impedance when in permanent contact with human tissue. Nanostructures, induced by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of ligand‐free laser‐generated nanoparticles (NPs) on the electrodes are known to stabilize impedance in vivo. Hence, Pt surfaces were systematically EPD‐coated with Pt NPs and evaluated for impedance as well as surface coverage, contact angle, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and surface oxidation. The aim was to establish a systematic correlation between EPD process parameters and physical surface properties. The findings clearly reveal a linear decrease in impedance with increasing surface coverage, which goes along with a proportional reduction of the contact angle and an increase in ECSA and surface oxidation. EPD process parameters, prone to yield surface coatings with low impedance, are long deposition times (40–60 min), while high colloid concentrations (>250 μg mL−1) and electric field strengths (>25 V cm−1) should be avoided due to detrimental NP assemblage effects.
Heterostructured WS2‐MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets Integrated on CdS Nanorods to Promote Charge Separation and Migration and Improve Solar‐Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Reddy D. Amaranatha , Park Hanbit , Ma Rory , Kumar D. Praveen , Lim Manho , Kim Tae Kyu
Published: January 2017

Solar‐driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is important to bring solar‐energy‐to‐fuel energy‐conversion processes to reality. However, there is a lack of highly efficient, stable, and non‐precious photocatalysts, and catalysts not designed completely with expensive noble metals have remained elusive, which hampers their large‐scale industrial application. Herein, for the first time, a highly efficient and stable noble‐metal‐free CdS/WS2‐MoS2 nanocomposite was designed through a facile hydrothermal approach. When assessed as a photocatalyst for water splitting, the CdS/WS2‐MoS2 nanostructures exhibited remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen‐evolution performance and impressive durability. An excellent hydrogen evolution rate of 209.79 mmol g−1 h−1 was achieved under simulated sunlight irradiation, which is higher than the values for CdS/MoS2 (123.31 mmol g−1 h−1) and CdS/WS2 nanostructures (169.82 mmol g−1 h−1) and the expensive CdS/Pt benchmark catalyst (34.98 mmol g−1 h−1). The apparent quantum yield reached 51.4 % at λ=425 nm in 5 h. Furthermore, the obtained hydrogen evolution rate was better than those of several noble‐metal‐free catalysts reported previously. The observed high rate of hydrogen evolution and remarkable stability may be a result of the ultrafast separation of photogenerated charge carriers and transport between the CdS nanorods and the WS2‐MoS2 nanosheets, which thus increases the number of electrons involved in hydrogen production. The proposed designed strategy is believed to potentially open a door to the design of advanced noble‐metal‐free photocatalytic materials for efficient solar‐driven hydrogen production.
Parameters self‐tuning PID controller circuit with memristors
Authors: Lu Yimin , Liang Qianqian , Huang Xianfeng
Published: January 2017

To achieve the satisfactory control performance of a dynamic system using a proportion‐integration‐differentiation (PID) controller, it is necessary that the three parameters of the PID controller are set to values that suit the system to be controlled. Most current applications employ fixed setting parameters that are not adequate for nonlinear time varying systems with uncertainty and disturbances. In this paper, we use neuron weighted tuning functions to develop self‐tuning methods that can automatically tune the parameters of PID controllers. The weighting processes performed using voltage‐controlled memristors and current‐controlled memristor are discussed. It is proven that the output tracking error of a closed‐loop system controlled by the proposed controllers and the weight update rules governed by the memristors descends toward its minimum. A simulation and experimental verification of the performances of these controllers in linear and nonlinear systems are included. This proposed PID controllers are shown to be more robust than conventional PID controllers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An 8‐item short form of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire adapted for children (ChEDE‐Q8)
Authors: Kliem Sören , Schmidt Ricarda , Vogel Mandy , Hiemisch Andreas , Kiess Wieland , Hilbert Anja
Published: January 2017

Eating disturbances are common in children placing a vulnerable group of them at risk for full‐syndrome eating disorders and adverse health outcomes. To provide a valid self‐report assessment of eating disorder psychopathology in children, a short form of the child version of the Eating Disorder Examination (ChEDE‐Q) was psychometrically evaluated. Similar to the EDE‐Q, the ChEDE‐Q provides assessment of eating disorder psychopathology related to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge‐eating disorder; however, the ChEDE‐Q does not assess symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica, or rumination disorder. In 1,836 participants ages 7 to 18 years, recruited from two independent population‐based samples, the factor structure of the recently established 8‐item short form EDE‐Q8 for adults was examined, including measurement invariance analyses on age, gender, and weight status derived from objectively measured weight and height. For convergent validity, the ChEDE‐Q global score, body esteem scale, strengths and difficulties questionnaire, and sociodemographic characteristics were used. Item characteristics and age‐ and gender‐specific norms were calculated. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed good model fit for the 8‐item ChEDE‐Q. Measurement invariance analyses indicated strict invariance for all analyzed subgroups. Convergent validity was provided through associations with well‐established questionnaires and age, gender, and weight status, in expected directions. The newly developed ChEDE‐Q8 proved to be a psychometrically sound and economical self‐report assessment tool of eating disorder psychopathology in children. Further validation studies are needed, particularly concerning discriminant and predictive validity.
Climate changes and wildfire alter vegetation of Yellowstone National Park, but forest cover persists
Authors: Clark Jason A. , Loehman Rachel A. , Keane Robert E.
Published: January 2017

We present landscape simulation results contrasting effects of changing climates on forest vegetation and fire regimes in Yellowstone National Park, USA, by mid‐21st century. We simulated potential changes to fire dynamics and forest characteristics under three future climate projections representing a range of potential future conditions using the FireBGCv2 model. Under the future climate scenarios with moderate warming (>2°C) and moderate increases in precipitation (3–5%), model simulations resulted in 1.2–4.2 times more burned area, decreases in forest cover (10–44%), and reductions in basal area (14–60%). In these same scenarios, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) decreased in basal area (18–41%), while Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) basal area increased (21–58%). Conversely, mild warming (<2°C) coupled with greater increases in precipitation (12–13%) suggested an increase in forest cover and basal area by mid‐century, with spruce and subalpine fir increasing in abundance. Overall, we found changes in forest tree species compositions were caused by the climate‐mediated changes in fire regime (56–315% increase in annual area burned). Simulated changes in forest composition and fire regime under warming climates portray a landscape that shifts from lodgepole pine to Douglas‐fir caused by the interaction between the magnitude and seasonality of future climate changes, by climate‐induced changes in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, and by tree species response.
Predicting trait‐environment relationships for venation networks along an Andes‐Amazon elevation gradient
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Salinas Norma , Patrick Bentley Lisa , Shenkin Alexander , Chambi Porroa Percy O. , Valdez Tejeira Yolvi , Violle Cyrille , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Martin Roberta E. , Asner Gregory P. , Díaz Sandra , Enquist Brian J. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: January 2017

Understanding functional trait‐environment relationships (TERs) may improve predictions of community assembly. However, many empirical TERs have been weak or lacking conceptual foundation. TERs based on leaf venation networks may better link individuals and communities via hydraulic constraints. We report measurements of vein density, vein radius, and leaf thickness for more than 100 dominant species occurring in ten forest communities spanning a 3,300 m Andes‐Amazon elevation gradient in Peru. We use these data to measure the strength of TERs at community scale and to determine whether observed TERs are similar to those predicted by physiological theory. We found strong support for TERs between all traits and temperature, as well weaker support for a predicted TER between maximum abundance‐weighted leaf transpiration rate and maximum potential evapotranspiration. These results provide one approach for developing a more mechanistic trait‐based community assembly theory.
Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclic Carbonates by One‐Pot Reactions of Carbon Dioxide, Epibromohydrin, and Phenols, Thiophenols, or Carboxylic Acids Catalyzed by Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wu Shi , Zhang Yongya , Wang Binshen , Elageed Elnazeer H. M. , Ji Liangzheng , Wu Haihong , Gao Guohua
Published: January 2017

The one‐pot reactions of CO2, epibromohydrin, and phenols, thiophenols, or carboxylic acids catalyzed by 1‐butyl‐3‐[(3‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl]imidazolium bromide were investigated. Three kinds of cyclic carbonates with ether, thioether, or ester groups were synthesized under mild reaction conditions in good‐to‐high yields. Reaction‐mechanism studies indicated that the proton exchange between the alkoxide formed through the ring‐opening reaction of epibromohydrin with 1‐bromo‐3‐phenoxy‐2‐propanol plays a crucial role in this synthetic route. The catalyst 1‐butyl‐3‐[(3‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl]imidazolium bromide was transformed to the corresponding cyclic‐carbonate‐functionalized ionic liquid during the reaction. This transformation did not affect its catalytic performance in the reaction.
Thermoresponsive Corannulene
Authors: Mahadevegowda Surendra H. , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate herein that corannulene, a bowl‐shaped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, can assemble into larger supramolecular structures in water through a change in the solution temperature. This property is invoked through a simple five‐fold symmetric substitution of the corannulene nucleus with triethylene glycol units. Interestingly, an increase in the solution temperature, which triggers the assembly process, also enhances the fluorescence emission properties of the assembled materials. Although the emission remains very weak in solution, bright green luminescence can be observed in the fibrilar form. This unexpected and interesting behavior indicates that the corannulene nucleus presents a new motif for the design of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) based luminogens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a thermoresponsive nonplanar polycyclic hydrocarbon derivative that can respond to a thermal trigger and assemble into larger emissive structures.
Traffic‐aware overload control scheme in 5G ultra‐dense M2M networks
Authors: He Hongliang , Ren Pinyi , Du Qinghe , Sun Li , Wang Yichen
Published: January 2017

Due to a huge number of M2M devices expected to access the network simultaneously, congestion and overload of networks are the core challenges to the 5G ultra‐dense M2M networks design. In this paper, an optimal traffic‐load control scheme is proposed to overcome the challenges. Since the base station lacks accurate information about the traffic‐load of network resulting in an unachievable solution to the optimal control scheme in practice, we propose two different traffic‐load estimation schemes corresponding to the two different access protocols. For the first protocol that the collision devices are not barred by an access probability, we propose a markov‐chain based estimation scheme according to the collision state of network. For the second protocol that the collision devices are barred by an access probability, we estimate the traffic‐load using the number of success devices and the average number of new active devices in each slot. Both estimation schemes ensure that the practical control schemes are very close to the theoretical optimal control scheme. In addition, we prove that the optimal performances of the two protocols are exactly the same in theory. Finally, the simulation results exhibit our conclusion and show the superior performances of our proposed scheme.
Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic events from the Kuluketage block, northeast Tarim Craton: geochronology, geochemistry and implications for evolution of Columbia
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Lv Xinbiao , Cao Xiaofeng , Wang Yifan , Liu Wen
Published: January 2017

Banded iron formations (BIFs), granites and diabases are extensively distributed in the Kuluketage block of the northeast Tarim Craton. Here we report laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) zircon U–Pb ages and whole‐rock elemental data for these rocks. The detrital zircons from the BIFs show a peak age of 2.0–1.8 Ga with a weighted mean age of 1945 ± 10 Ma (MSWD = 0.77), and the zircons from the granite give an upper intercept age of 1974 ± 27 Ma (MSWD = 1.05). The trace element features suggest that the Asitingbulake granite, which belongs to the I‐type granite, may originate from the re‐melting of continental crust in a ~1.95 Ga collisional orogenic setting. Recently, the 2.0–1.8 Ga continuous magmatic and metamorphic events which are contemporaneous with the global orogenic event have been reported in the Kuluketage block and other massifs around the Tarim Craton (e.g. Central Tianshan, Dunhuang, Quanji, Altyn Tagh, West Kunlun). Based on the previous geochronological data, two 2.0–1.8 Ga orogens associated with the assembly of the Columbia supercontinent can be identified along the north and south margins of Tarim Craton: (1) the north Tarim Orogen, Central Tianshan–Kuluketage–Dunhuang orogenic belt and (2) the south Tarim Orogen, West Kunlun–Altyn Tagh–Aketashtage–Quanji orogenic belt. Additionally, this paper reports a new zircon U–Pb age of 1497 ± 21 Ma (MSWD = 0.96) from the Baowenbulake diabase dykes where the trace element features suggest that the parental magma of Baowenbulake diabases is derived from the mantle in an intra‐plate rifting or extensional setting. The ~1.5 Ga diabases from northwest Tarim corresponded to a major episode of mafic magmatism during the early Mesoproterozoic period identified in other crustal fragments of Laurentia, Siberia, Greater Congo, South China and North China Craton and probably belong to one of the three major large igneous provinces associated with the breakup of the Mesoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent. The data from this paper provide important constraints on the configuration of the Tarim Craton during the assembly and breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of red beds and paleosols in the Palaeoproterozoic Transvaal and Olifansthoek Supergroups of South Africa: provenance versus metasomatic controls
Authors: Land Jarred S. , Tsikos Harilaos , Cousins David , Luvizotto George , Zack Thomas
Published: January 2017

The Palaeoproterozoic Transvaal and Olifantshoek Supergroups of South Africa contain some of the earliest hematite‐rich sedimentary rocks (red‐beds) and paleosols on record. The origin of these rocks has been variously attributed to surface processes under an oxygenated atmosphere that post‐dated the ca. 2.3 Ga Great Oxidation Event (GOE). Interpretations of their geochemical signatures, however, have been inconclusive with respect to the causes of the apparent K‐enrichment that these rocks record. Here, we re‐visit the basal Mapedi Formation of the Olifantshoek Supergroup and the unconformably underlying Drakenstein palaeo‐weathering profile that develops against the Ongeluk Formation of the upper Transvaal Supergroup, and present new petrographic and geochemical data in an attempt to constrain the burial metasomatic history of these rocks. Apart from the strong hematitic nature and K‐metasomatic overprint seen in both the Mapedi Formation and Ongeluk paleosol, a curious and hitherto unexplored enrichment in high‐field strength elements (HFSEs: Ti, Nb, Y, Zr, REE, etc.) by several orders of magnitude higher than average shale characterizes the lower part of the Mapedi Formation as examined here. We show that such enrichments cannot be explained by normal source‐to sink weathering processes, unless an unlikely provenance of special geochemical composition (i.e. alkali igneous rocks) is to be invoked. We conclude that the HFSE enrichment, K‐metasomatism and evidently transgressive Fe‐oxidation effects in the Mapedi shales can only be accounted for via post‐depositional fluid‐rock interaction, possibly involving F‐bearing diagenetic brines. This opens the distinct possibility that such fluids may have also been implicated in alteration processes, enhanced Fe mobility and development of epigenetic hematitic iron‐ores as seen at the Transvaal‐Olifantshoek unconformity on regional scales. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.