bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain metabolite levels and language abilities in preschool children
Authors: Lebel Catherine , MacMaster Frank P. , Dewey Deborah
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Language acquisition occurs rapidly during early childhood and lays the foundation for future reading success. However, little is known about the brain–language relationships in young children. The goal of this study was to investigate relationships between brain metabolites and prereading language abilities in healthy preschool‐aged children.

Methods

Participants were 67 healthy children aged 3.0–5.4 years scanned on a 3T GE MR750w MRI scanner using short echo proton spectroscopy with a voxel placed in the anterior cingulate gyrus (n = 56) and/or near the left angular gyrus (n = 45). Children completed the NEPSY‐II Phonological Processing and Speeded Naming subtests at the same time as their MRI scan. We calculated glutamate, glutamine, creatine/phosphocreatine, choline, inositol, and NAA concentrations, and correlated these with language skills.

Results

In the anterior cingulate, Phonological Processing Scaled Scores were significantly correlated with glutamate, creatine, and inositol concentrations. In the left angular gyrus, Speeded Naming Combined Scaled Scores showed trend correlations with choline and glutamine concentrations.

Conclusions

For the first time, we demonstrate relationships between brain metabolites and prereading language abilities in young children. Our results show relationships between language and inositol and glutamate that may reflect glial differences underlying language function, and a relationship of language with creatine. The trend between Speeded Naming and choline is consistent with previous research in older children and adults; however, larger sample sizes are needed to confirm whether this relationship is indeed significant in young children. These findings help understand the brain basis of language, and may ultimately lead to earlier and more effective interventions for reading disabilities.
Dose‐dependent short‐ and long‐term effects of ionizing irradiation on neural stem cells in murine hippocampal tissue cultures: neuroprotective potential of resveratrol
Authors: Prager Isabell , Patties Ina , Himmelbach Katrin , Kendzia Eva , Merz Felicitas , Müller Klaus , Kortmann Rolf‐Dieter , Glasow Annegret
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Radiation therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of brain tumors, but neurocognitive deficits remain a significant risk, especially in pediatric patients. In recent trials, hippocampal sparing techniques are applied to reduce these adverse effects. Here, we investigate dose‐dependent effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on juvenile hippocampal neurogenesis. Additionally, we evaluate the radioprotective potential of resveratrol, a plant polyphenol recognized for its bifunctional tumor‐preventive and anticancer effects.

Methods

Organotypic entorhinal–hippocampal slice cultures from transgenic nestin‐CFPnuc C57BL/J6 mice, postnatal days 3–6, were irradiated on a X‐ray machine (4.5, 8, 12, and 16 Gy, single doses) after about 2 weeks. Nestin‐positive neural stem cells were counted at a confocal live imaging microscope 0, 2, 4, 14, 25, and 42 days after IR. Resveratrol (15 μmol/L) was added 2 hr before and 24 hr after IR. Proliferation and cell death were assessed by BrdU pulse label, 48 hr after and by propidium iodide staining 96 hr after IR. GFAP‐ and NeuN‐positive cells were counted 42 days after IR in cryosectioned immunofluorescence‐stained slices.

Results

The observed age‐related changes of nestin‐positive stem cells in the organotypic slice culture model resembled the reduction of neural stem cells in vivo. IR (4.5–16 Gy) led to a dose‐dependent damage of the neural stem cell pool in the dentate gyrus. No recovery was seen within 42 days after doses from 4.5 Gy onward. The decline of nestin‐positive cells was paralleled by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. The number of GFAP‐positive cells was significantly enhanced. No significant change was detected in the overall NeuN‐positive cell population, whereas the number of newborn, NeuN/BrdU double‐positive neurons was reduced. Resveratrol treatment reversed the irradiation‐induced decline of neural stem cells.

Conclusion

The neuroprotective action of resveratrol on irradiated hippocampal tissue warrants further investigation as a possible supplement to hippocampal sparing procedures.
Clinical and hemodynamic results after direct transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus pre‐implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty: A case‐matched analysis
Authors: Ferrera Carlos , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Garcia Eulogio , Jimenez‐Quevedo Pilar , Biagioni Corina , Gonzalo Nieves , Nuñez‐Gil Ivan , Viana‐Tejedor Ana , Salinas Pablo , Alberto de Agustin Jose , Almeria Carlos , Islas Fabian , Perez de Isla Leopoldo , Fernandez‐Perez Cristina , Escaned Javier , Fernández‐Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and midterm hemodynamic results of direct transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) without pre‐implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

Background

BAV was considered a mandatory previous step in TAVR procedures.

Methods

A total of 339 consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR were prospectively selected. A 1:1 matching was conducted, pairing age, prosthesis type (self‐expandable or balloon expandable) and size, and valve calcification grade (48% with moderate to severe valve calcification). Finally, 102 pairs (102 patients with previous BAV and 102 without BAV) were obtained.

Results

Direct TAVR was feasible in all patients without any crossover to BAV group. Device success was achieved in 91.2% and 90.2% of cases in direct TAVR and pre‐BAV groups (P = 0.810), respectively, without any differences in balloon postdilation rate and residual aortic regurgitation. The amount of contrast agent, acute kidney injury and myocardial injury was significantly lower in the direct implantation group (P < 0.05). No differences were found in 30‐day and 1‐year mortality between both groups (4.9% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.177 and 14.0% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.771, respectively). Hemodynamic parameters remained stable after 1‐year follow‐up in both groups.

Conclusions

Direct transfemoral TAVR without prior BAV was safe in patients with calcified severe aortic stenosis. Pre‐implantation BAV could be omitted in patients undergoing TAVR, without influence in procedure success rate, and subsequent patients' clinical course and valve hemodynamic performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute and long‐term outcomes of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Daniec Marzena , Nawrotek Bartłomiej , Sorysz Danuta , Rakowski Tomasz , Dziewierz Artur , Rzeszutko Łukasz , Kleczyński Paweł , Trębacz Jarosław , Tomala Marek , Żmudka Krzysztof , Dudek Dariusz
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the indications, short‐ and long‐term outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

A cohort of 112 patients with AS underwent 114 BAV procedures between October 2012 and July 2015 in two Polish interventional cardiology centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively collected within 1, 6, and 12 months follow‐up.

Results

BAV was performed as a bridge to TAVI (51.8%), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR, 5.4%), before urgent noncardiac surgery (8.0%), for symptom relief (33.0%) and cardiogenic shock (1.8%). Periprocedural, in‐hospital, 1‐, 6‐, 12‐month mortality were 2.7%; 8.9%; 8.9%; 16.9%; 22.3%, respectively. Serious periprocedural adverse events occurred in 18.8% of patients. After the procedure, mean aortic valve area (AVA) increased from 0.59 ± 0.18 to 0.82 ± 0.24 cm2, mean peak aortic valve gradient (pAVG) decreased from 94.0 ± 27.6 to 65.4 ± 20.0 mm Hg, mean aortic gradient decreased from 58.0 ± 17.8 to 40.5 ± 14.6 mm Hg, P < 0.05 for all. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from median (interquartile range) of 53.5 (30 − 64) to 60 (45 − 65)% after 1 month (P < 0.05). In patients with impaired left ventricle function (LVEF <40%), LVEF significantly improved (median increase of 16%) after 1 and 6 months (P < 0.05). At 12 months patients had higher AVA, pAVG, and LVEF as compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

BAV is a useful procedure in high‐risk AS patients, where achieved effects can be sufficient in bridging patients for TAVI/AVR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition‐Metal‐Modified Polyaniline Nanofiber Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Kezhong , Chen Lei , Sun Xiaolong , Wu Mingxing
Published: August 2016

Novel polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber counter electrodes (CEs) modified with different transition metal ions were synthesized and showed remarkable catalytic activity for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The PANI nanofiber–transition metal ion electrodes were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, current density–voltage curves, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization plots. The PANI CEs modified with Ni2+ and Co2+ exhibited low charge‐transfer and series resistances, which indicate high electrocatalytic activity toward the iodide redox shuttle. In contrast, the PANI CE modified with Mn2+ did not show much difference in its catalytic behavior, whereas the PANI—Cu2+ CE showed reduced electrochemical performance. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSCs based on the PANI–Ni2+ and PANI–Co2+ CEs were evaluated and they were found to exhibit power conversion efficiency of 4.70 and 4.57 %, higher than that of the pristine PANI‐CE‐based device (3.87 %). These easily fabricated PANI–metal composites with improved electrochemical activities are promising CEs for DSSCs to replace expensive Pt.
Enantioseparation of α‐Hydroxyallylphosphonates and Phosphonoallylic Carbonate Derivatives on Chiral Stationary Phases Using Sequential UV, Polarimetric, and Refractive Index Detection
Authors: Hamper Bruce C. , Mannino Michael P. , Mueller Melissa E. , Harrison Liam T. , Spilling Christopher D.
Published: August 2016

Chromatographic separation of the enantiomers of parent compounds dimethyl α‐hydroxyallyl phosphonate 1a and 1‐(dimethoxyphosphoryl) allyl methyl carbonate 1b was demonstrated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using Chiralpak AS‐H and ad‐H chiral stationary phases (CSP), respectively, using a combination of UV, polarimetric, and refractive index detectors. A comparison was made of the separation efficiency and elution order of enantiomeric α‐hydroxyallyl phosphonates and their carbonate derivatives on commercially available polysaccharide AS, ad, OD, IC‐3, and Whelk‐O 1 CSPs. In general, the α‐hydroxyallyl phosphonates were resolved on the AS‐H CSP, whereas the carbonate derivatives 1b and 2b were preferentially resolved on the ad‐H CSP. The impact of aryl substitution on the resolution of analytes 1d, 1e, 1f and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 was evaluated. Thermodynamic parameters determined for enantioselective adsorption hydroxyphosphonates 1a and 4 on the AS‐H CSP and carbonate 1b on the ad‐H CSP demonstrated enthalpic control for separation of the enantiomers. Chirality 28:656–662, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermodynamics of Multicomponent Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Antos Dorota , Piątkowski Wojciech
Published: August 2016

Thermodynamic models of multicomponent adsorption in liquid chromatography are summarized and reviewed. A general description of adsorption equilibrium is presented, which is followed by simplified approaches that can be adopted for practical applications. Synergistic and competitive adsorption effects accompanying chromatographic elution are illustrated and methods of their predictions are indicated. The influence of a mobile phase modifier on the retention behavior of chromatographed species is discussed. A manner of mathematical predictions of competitive adsorption of modifiers and solutes is presented. Also in this case the analysis starts with a thermodynamically grounded general description and ends with simplified models suitable for practical purposes of design and optimization of chromatographic separations.
Impact of Thermo‐Physical Data on the Modeling of High‐Pressure Polymerizations
Authors: Pflug Kristina Maria , Busch Markus
Published: August 2016

Modeling the high‐pressure polymerization of ethene is of vital importance in order to avoid costly high‐pressure experiments when it comes to process optimization and product design. However, closing the heat balance when modeling high‐pressure tubular reactors with a counter‐current jacket cooling is still difficult. In this contribution the influence of thermo‐physical properties – namely viscosity and heat capacity – on the simulation results was investigated. Various literature sources were evaluated and a variety of simulations were conducted, showing that both properties influence the resulting temperature profiles and conversions visibly, while the molecular weight distribution was not affected. Uncertainties of the heat capacity of 5 % could be compensated by varying initiator efficiency and fouling layer thickness within physically reasonable boundaries.
A novel fast dynamic optimization approach for complex multivariable chemical process systems
Authors: Liu Ping , Li Guodong , Liu Xinggao , Zhang Zeyin
Published: August 2016

A novel fast dynamic optimization approach is proposed for complex multivariable chemical process systems, where the control variables are parameterized with different non‐uniform time grids and are treated as optimal decision variables to obtain the optimal switching structures for tackling the shortcoming caused by the conventional uniform parameterization method. Meanwhile, an adaptive fast calculation approach is proposed to calculate the differential equations so as to decrease the optimization time. The gradient formulae of decision variables are therefore further derived so that the conventional gradient‐based optimization algorithm can be utilized easily. Two well‐known complex multivariable systems in engineering are tested as illustrations and are compared with other literature reports in detail, where the uniform discretization control vector parameterization (ud‐CVP) method is also developed as the comparative base. Numerical results show that the proposed method can achieve better optimization results with fewer parameters and lower computation costs.
Supercritical Fluid CO2 Technique for Destruction of Pathogenic Fungal Spores in Solid Clinical Wastes
Authors: Noman Efaq A. , Rahman Nik N. N. A. , Shahadat Mohammad , Nagao Hideyuki , Al‐Karkhi Abbas F. M. , Al‐Gheethi Adel , Lah. Tengku N. T. , Omar Abdul K. M.
Published: August 2016

The present study deals with the inactivation of fungal spores in clinical waste using the advanced supercritical carbon‐dioxide (SC‐CO2) treatment technique. The process of inactivation was investigated under different conditions of pressure, temperature, and processing time. The efficiency of SC‐CO2 was determined in terms of log reduction and inactivation rate of fungal spores. Almost 100% inactivation of initial fungal spores was obtained. Predicted and experimental log reduction of fungal spores was found to be 5.93 and 6.00, respectively, under optimal conditions (35 MPa, 75°C in 90 min). SC‐CO2 treated Aspergillus niger and Penicillium simplicissimum spores were examined using scanning electron microscopy which showed spore damage in the form of rupture, tear, and shape distortion. These damages confirmed complete spore inactivation when no renewed fungal growth occurred after the treated samples were cultured onto fresh media. The inactivation of fungal spores using SC‐CO2 and autoclave inhibits the production of lipase, cellulase, amylase, and protease enzymes. Thus, without addition of any chemicals, the SC‐CO2 sterilization method can be potentially used for the inactivation of microorganisms in clinical waste as well as in food and pharmaceutical products.
Laboratory Cultivation and Maintenance of Borrelia miyamotoi
Authors: Stone Brandee L. , Brissette Catherine A.
Published: August 2016

Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever tick‐borne pathogen found in Ixodes spp. (hard) ticks. In vitro culturing has proven difficult despite initial reports of cultures maintained in Barbour‐Stoenner‐Kelly‐II (BSK‐II) medium. The ability to culture in vitro opens many avenues for investigating the genetics and physiology of bacterial species. This unit describes methods for the maintenance and cultivation of B. miyamotoi in liquid medium. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Natural Vaccinia Virus Infection: Diagnosis, Isolation, and Characterization
Authors: Geessien Kroon Erna , Santos Abrahão Jônatas , de Souza Trindade Giliane , Pereira Oliveira Graziele , Moreira Franco Luiz Ana Paula , Barbosa Costa Galileu , Teixeira Lima Mauricio , Silva Calixto Rafael , de Oliveira Danilo Bretas , Drumond Betânia Paiva
Published: August 2016

Natural infections of Vaccinia virus (VACV)—the prototype species of the Orthopoxvirus genus, from the family Poxviridae and subfamily Chordopoxvirinae—cause an occupational emergent zoonotic disease that is primarily associated with the handling of infected dairy cattle. In humans, VACV infection is characterized by skin lesions, primarily on the hands, and accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, myalgia, headache, and lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of VACV is usually performed according to the methods described for other orthopoxviruses. This unit describes the methods utilized to obtain clinical samples, the serological and molecular techniques used for diagnosis, and the isolation methods and techniques used for molecular and biological characterization of the viruses. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Model for Merging Sections in Transportation Systems and Its Analysis
Authors: HOSHINO TAKAHIRO , TIAN CHUAN , KOMURO TAKAFUMI , TSUBOI KAZUHIRO , HAMAMATSU YOSHIO
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a model for merging sections in transportation systems and then analyzes traffic flow under this model. For this analysis, vehicles are represented by an idealized model based on a Markov chain model. Vehicles arrive at the merging section randomly in either of two inflow lines. When a vehicle arrives at the merging section, if no vehicle is present in the other line, then the vehicle must wait in order to connect with another vehicle on the other line before entering. In this merging section model, the queue length is restricted according to the travel time from the origin to destination. The mean queue length and mean queuing delay at the two inflow lines are explicitly derived here. The relation between the maximum queue length and the behavior of traffic is examined, and the obtained results clarify some characteristics of the proposed model.
Noninvasive and Continuous Hematocrit Measurement by Optical Method without Calibration
Authors: EKUNI SHOTA , SANKAI YOSHIYUKI
Published: August 2016

Hematocrit monitoring in an extracorporeal circulation apparatus is required for detection of adverse events such as hypotension and bleeding. Nevertheless, we have researched noninvasive and continuous hematocrit measurements using optical methods, it remains a challenge to measure absolute levels of hematocrit without calibration. The purpose of this study is to develop an optical hematocrit measurement method without calibration, and to confirm the effectiveness in in vitro blood experiments. We have developed an improvement method for dual wavelength and detector model by maximizing the difference of optical path lengths. Based on the proposed method, a measurement system has been developed. In the basic blood experiment, the correlation of hematocrit and calculated values by the proposed method has been confirmed. Then, we have conducted hematocrit measurement experiments with attachment errors and change of blood flow. The data indicate that the accuracy of the proposed method without calibration has been equivalent to that of an invasive method, which is employed in clinical practice. In conclusion, we have confirmed that the proposed method is effective for noninvasive and continuous hematocrit measurements.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Principal Component Analysis
Authors: MORI DAISUKE , YAMAGUCHI SATOSHI
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes novel artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithms for solving problems including interdependence among variables. ABC algorithms are one method of solving multivariable real number space optimization problems, in which the search space is a set of vectors constructed of variables. The main search process in the ordinary ABC algorithm creates a new solution vector by changing only one variable of the current solution vector. Therefore, the new solution vector is created along only one coordinate axis. This procedure, however, is not appropriate for solving problems including interdependence among variables. For such problems, a method that is able to change more than one variable of a solution vector at the same time is required. In our proposed methods, the original coordinate axes are transformed to linearly uncorrelated axes by using principal component analysis (PCA) in the searching process. Our ABC algorithms create a new solution vector along one of the axes transformed by PCA. Hence, from the viewpoint of the original coordinate axes, the new algorithms are able to change more than one variable. The proposed algorithms have been compared with the ordinary ABC algorithm by solving five benchmark problems. Through the computer simulation results, our algorithms were shown to have better performance for solving problems including interdependence among variables than the ordinary ABC algorithm.
Automatic Generation of Imaging Sequence for CD‐SEM Using Design Data
Authors: MIYAMOTO ATSUSHI , MATSUOKA RYOICHI
Published: August 2016

Critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD‐SEM) is widely used as a measurement tool of semiconductor patterns. It is necessary to set imaging sequence including corrections of imaging position and focusing of electron beam for the reliable measurement. Conventionally, addressing point (AP) and autofocus point (AF) suitable for these processing are selected by the hand and this is a drop factor of SEM operation rates. We propose a technique to generate imaging sequence from design data of the pattern layout. Proposed method calculates selection indices for pattern complexity, uniqueness, and so on from design data and selects AP and AF templates automatically based on these indices. For 901 evaluation points, success rate of SEM imaging by proposed method was 100% and generation time of imaging sequence was 18 minutes. Compared with manual selection (conventionally, it takes 10 several hours by using SEM), large reduction of operation cost can be realized.
Fundamental Study on a Mechanism of Faulty Outputs from Cryptographic Modules Due to IEMI
Authors: HAYASHI YU‐ICHI , HOMMA NAOFUMI , MIZUKI TAKAAKI , AOKI TAKAFUMI , SONE HIDEAKI
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the mechanism underlying faulty outputs from cryptographic modules due to intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI), which causes information leakage in electronic devices without disrupting their functions or damaging their components. We show this fault mechanism through experiments using the faulty ciphertexts and pulse injection to a specific round in the encryption process. The experimental results indicate that faulty outputs from cryptographic modules are caused by setup time violation in the cryptographic module.
Fabrication and Investigation of Carbon Nanotube Transistor by the Dip Coat Method
Authors: ICHIKAWA KAZUNORI , MATSUBARA AKIRA , SUDA YOSHIYUKI
Published: August 2016

We have proposed a convenient fabrication technique for a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) transistor. The dip coat method using a metallic solution was employed to deposit metal catalysts of CNTs on the source and drain electrodes on a SiO2‐coated Si substrate at a low temperature. This method does not require a vacuum system or a long process time. After fabricating the CNTs using chemical vapor deposition, we evaluated the morphology of the CNTs using scanning electron microscopy and their electrical properties as a CNT field effect transistor (FET). The CNTs formed bridges between the source and drain electrodes. The field effect mobility of the CNT‐FET was measured to be 3000 cm2/Vs based on the transfer curve. On the basis of the electrical properties, a CNT‐FET with high field effect mobility can be obtained.
Local Evolution of pH with Time Determined by Shear Force‐based Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Surface Reactivity of Anodized Aluminium
Authors: Etienne Mathieu , Rocca Emmanuel , Chahboun Najat , Veys‐Renaux Delphine
Published: August 2016

Shear force‐based scanning electrochemical microscopy is applied for pH monitoring during a sealing reaction at the interface between anodized 7175 aluminium alloy and a solution containing Cr(III) and Zr(IV) species. pH measurement is carried out with the electrode positioned near enough to the surface to be in the diffusion zone of the liquid/solid interface, in the reach of the surface‐generated pH modulating chemical species. The pH electrode is accurately positioned at the surface of the metal with shear force detection before the solution is loaded into the electrochemical cell at room temperature and the pH is monitored for 20 minutes. After a rapid increase, a maximum pH is reached. A good correlation is found between this in situ measured pH and the precipitation pH of metallic species contained in the solution. Interpretation of the results from in situ pH monitoring and open‐circuit potential of the treated surface allows to propose three distinctive steps during the sealing process: an activation of the alumina layer by its dissolution during the first minutes, which induces an increase of the interfacial pH, followed by a precipitation of the sealing products as soon as the precipitation domain is reached and finally a consolidation of the sealing layer during the next 20 min.
The Using Capacity of Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes in DNA Biosensors
Authors: Doğru Erkan , Erhan Elif , Arikan Osman A.
Published: August 2016

This study focuses on the application of a new electrode configuration for biosensing. An electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed based on the recognition of target DNA by hybridization detection with immobilized capture synthesized 15‐mer single‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) capture probe on a chemically modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME). The capture probe was covalently attached to amine‐labeled ssDNA using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N‐hydrosulfosuccinimide (NHS) modified CFME. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used to monitor the hybridization reaction on the capture probe electrode. The covalent immobilized capture probe could selectively hybridize with its target DNA to form double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) on CFME surface by using methylene blue (MB) as a hybridization indicator. The decrease of the peak current of MB, an electroactive indicator, was observed upon hybridization of the probe with the target DNA. The peak current of MB was found to increase in the following order: hybrid‐modified CFME, single‐base mismatch hybrid‐modified CFME, non‐complementary modified CFME. The results show that the developed biosensor has a good calibration range between 0.5 and 10 ppm, with detection limit of 0.72 ppm.
Experimental Investigation of Producing Brown's Gas using a Metal‐Plate Electrolyzer for Diesel Vehicle Applications
Authors: Wu Yimin , Xie Changjun , Burke Andrew , Zhao Hengbing , Miller Marshall , Warner Stan
Published: August 2016

The infusion of Brown's gas into a diesel engine can create faster, more efficient combustion, which can be produced by using an alkaline electrolyzer. Brown's gas consists of 2/3 hydrogen and 1/3 oxygen by volume, as produced by the alkaline electrolyzer. An experimental test setup for verifying the performance of an electrolyzer provided by Stan Warner was established in the Battery Laboratory at the University of California Davis. A series of tests were performed under constant current and pulse current modes. Analyses of the data indicate that the electrolyzer functions reliably at all current values. The Brown's gas production rate is found to be linear with current and in agreement with Faraday's Law. The electrolyzer meets the developer's claim of 3–4 L min−1 of Brown's gas production at 60 A. The calculated energy efficiency of the electrolyzer based on the high heating value of hydrogen is 61 % at 70 A. The performance and pulse characteristics of the Warner electrolyzer indicate it is well suited for use in diesel truck applications.
Colony impact of pesticide-induced sublethal effects on honeybee workers: A simulation study using BEEHAVE
Authors: Thorbek Pernille , Campbell Peter J. , Thompson Helen M.
Published: August 2016

Research on neonicotinoids and honeybees have changed focus from direct mortality to sublethal effects. In the present study, a published honeybee model, BEEHAVE, is used to compare induced colony level impact of pesticides including direct mortality, poor brood care, disorientation, and increased handling time in oilseed rape and sunflower crops. Actual effects on individual bees will depend on exposure concentrations, but in the present study large effects were enforced. In oilseed rape, poor brood care had the largest colony impact, because it created a bottleneck for spring build-up of the workforce, and colony impact for all effect types peaked 1 mo after exposure ceased. In sunflower, the later exposure changed the response so colony impact peaked during exposure, and the bottleneck was honey store build-up. In all scenarios, good forage mitigated effects substantially. It is concluded that field studies should continue at least 1 mo after exposure to ensure detection of ecologically relevant sublethal effects. The results indicated that even if a sublethal effect is difficult to detect in the field, subsequent ecologically relevant colony level impacts would be clear if studies are continued for 1 mo after exposure. Guidance for regulatory studies recommends extended observation periods, and published field studies already use extended observation periods, so it is concluded that current methods are adequate for detecting ecologically relevant sublethal effects. Although published laboratory and semifield studies conducted under controlled exposure conditions suggest that sublethal effects may occur, published field studies with neonicotinoid seed treatments, naturally foraging bees, and extended observation periods do not report colony-level effects, suggesting that in these studies no ecologically relevant sublethal effects occurred. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:831–840. © 2016 SETAC
Optimal‐cost repair in multi‐hop distributed storage systems with network coding
Authors: Gerami Majid , Xiao Ming , Skoglund Mikael , Shum Kenneth W. , Lin Dengsheng
Published: August 2016

We study the transmission cost of repair in a distributed storage system, where storage nodes are connected together through an arbitrary network topology, and there is a cost in the use of the network link. Contrary to the classical model, where there exists a link between a pair of storage node, in our repair model there might not exist a link between some pairs of storage nodes or it might be expensive to use. For that, we propose surviving nodes cooperation in repair, meaning that the surviving nodes as the intermediate nodes combine their received packets with their own stored packets and then transmit coded packets towards the new node. We show that surviving node cooperation can reduce the repair‐cost, the sum of the costs for transmitting repairing data between the surviving nodes and the new node. For the system that allows surviving node cooperation, we find the minimum‐cost codes in repair by firstly deriving a lower bound of the repair‐cost through an optimization problem and then proposing achievable codes. We show the gain of the proposed codes in reducing the repair‐cost in some scenarios. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidation of E,E‐bis(3‐bromo‐1‐chloro‐1‐propen‐2‐yl) chalcogenides and use of E,E‐bis(3‐bromo‐1‐chloro‐1‐propen‐2‐yl)sulfone in heterocyclization with primary amines
Authors: Martynov Alexander V. , Shagun Vladimir A. , Amosova Svetlana V.
Published: August 2016

Oxidation of E,E‐bis(3‐bromo‐1‐chloro‐1‐propen‐2‐yl) sulfide and selenide with hydrogen peroxide in chloroform/acetic acid or acetic acid affords previously unknown E,E‐bis(3‐bromo‐1‐chloro‐1‐propen‐2‐yl) sulfoxide, selenoxide, and sulfone. The reaction of E,E‐bis(3‐bromo‐1‐chloro‐1‐propen‐2‐yl) sulfone with primary amines in ethanol in the presence of NaHCO3 or Na2CO3 is found to lead not only to heterocyclization but also to alcoholysis of the chloromethylidene groups in the intermediate bis(chloromethylidene) derivatives of thiomorpholine‐1,1‐dioxides to afford N‐organyl‐2(E),6(E)‐bis(ethoxymethylidene) thiomorpholine‐1,1‐dioxides as final products.
Self‐disproportionation of Enantiomers (SDE) of Chiral Nonracemic Amides via Achiral Chromatography
Authors: Wzorek Alicja , Sato Azusa , Drabowicz Józef , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: August 2016

This article is based on a review of literature devoted to the phenomenon of SDE via achiral chromatography since the appearance of the seminal work of Professor Emanuel Gil‐Av. The discussed examples of chromatographic studies are related to amides derived from chiral amines and α‐ and β‐amino acids. We discuss the observed SDE magnitude as a function of a compound's structure, and composition of eluent and stationary phases, providing some mechanistic considerations. Particular emphasis is given to the aspect of SDE via achiral chromatography as an emerging unconventional enantiomeric purification technique.
Intraday Rallies and Crashes: Spillovers of Trading Halts
Authors: Cui Bei , Gozluklu Arie E.
Published: August 2016

This paper analyses a set of intraday rally and crash events at the firm level during the single‐stock circuit breaker program and documents the cross‐sectional spillover effects of such events on non‐halted stocks. We test whether such major price jumps, and subsequent trading halts, affect related stocks through the destabilizing eme price movements that trigger the circuit breakers at the firm level are accompanied by a massive surge in volume, spread and short‐term volatility, which gradually revert back to normal. Speculative strategies of arbitrageurs such as momentum and pairs trading cause cross‐sectional spillovers in volume and volatility during the trading halt. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universal safe procedure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy standardized by exposing the inner layer of the subserosal layer (with video)
Authors: Honda Goro , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Umezawa Akiko
Published: August 2016

An incorrect approach to the critical view of safety can cause bile duct and/or vascular injury. However, only superficial anatomical features have been proposed as surgical landmarks to initiate laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) safely in previous reports. Accordingly, we have proposed a novel surgical anatomical definition of the gallbladder wall, in which the subserosal (SS) layer is divided into the inner layer of the SS (SS‐Inner) layer consisting of vasculature and fibrous tissue, and the outer layer of the SS (SS‐Outer) layer consisting of abundant fat tissue. By dissecting the gallbladder along the SS‐Inner layer after exposure at a safe region, bile duct and/or vascular injury can be avoided, even in cholecystitis cases. Furthermore, recognition of this surgical anatomy reveals several aspects. In cholecystitis cases associated with severe fibrotic change, completion of LC by dissecting along the SS‐Inner layer is impossible, resulting in abandonment of regular LC. An abscess in the liver bed associated with acute cholecystitis usually forms in the SS‐Outer layer, thus, the gallbladder can be dissected easily. In the dome‐down technique, the right hepatic duct is endangered by whole‐layer dissection, in which the SS‐Outer layer is also removed. The proposed procedure should become the universal standard for LC.
Teaching Creative Process across Disciplines
Authors: Daly Shanna R. , Mosyjowski Erika A. , Seifert Colleen M.
Published: August 2016

While there is great interest in higher education about teaching creative process, there have been relatively few studies of how courses can facilitate the development of creative skills. The goal of this study was to document how college instructors structure courses intended to develop students’ creative processes. The study data included interviews from instructors and students using a critical case sample of fifteen courses at a single U.S. University. A qualitative analysis of the transcripts yielded a set of 14 pedagogical elements appearing across courses. Common elements were open‐ended projects and skill‐building activities, and less frequently, risk taking experiences and self‐reflection. The sample included undergraduate courses in engineering, education, the liberal arts, and the arts, and the elements observed were often shared across courses from different disciplines. These findings provide a diverse set of pedagogical approaches and opportunities for building creative process skills within undergraduate courses.
Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the determination of β‐agonist residues in milk by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Hongcheng , Lin Xin , Lin Tao , Zhang Yulong , Luo Yinglan , Li Qiwan
Published: August 2016

A simple, accurate, and highly sensitive analytical method was developed in this study for the determination of nine β‐agonists in milk. In this method, a new magnetic adsorbent of molecularly imprinted polymers/magnetic nanoparticles prepared by simple physical blending was adopted, which enabled magnetic solid‐phase extraction. Thus, the resultant material can be separated from the solvent rapidly and conveniently by a magnet. Two kinds of molecularly imprinted polymer/magnetic nanoparticles materials were fabricated, and the characteristics of materials such as the ratio, pH, amount, desorption, and regeneration were investigated. The analytes were quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometer operating in multiple reaction monitoring modes. The detection limit of the method was 0.003–0.3 μg/L, and the detection capability was 0.01–0.3 μg/L. The recoveries of these compounds were 65.7–114% at three spiked levels. Reproducibility represented by relative standard deviation was 11.2% or less. The method was successfully applied to the screening of real samples obtained from local markets and confirmation of the suspected target analytes.
Meniett device in meniere disease: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicenter trial
Authors: Russo Francesca Yoshie , Nguyen Yann , De Seta Daniele , Bouccara Didier , Sterkers Olivier , Ferrary Evelyne , Bernardeschi Daniele
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of portable Meniett low‐pressure pulse generator (Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, FL) in Meniere disease.

Study Design

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial carried out in 17 academic medical centers.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐nine adults presenting Meniere disease (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria) not controlled by conventional medical treatment were included. The protocol included three phases: 1) placement of a transtympanic tube and evaluation of its effect (if resolution of symptoms, the patient was excluded); 2) randomization: 6‐weeks treatment with Meniett (Medtronic Xomed) or placebo device; 3) removal of the device and 6‐week follow‐up period. The evaluation criteria were the number of vertigo episodes (at least 20 minutes with a 12‐hour free interval) and the impact on daily life as assessed by self‐questionnaires.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients passed to the second phase of the study: 49 and 48 patients received the Meniett (Medtronic Xomed) or the placebo device, respectively. In the placebo group, the number of vertigo episodes decreased from 4.3 ± 0.6 (mean ± standard error of the mean) during the first phase to 2.6 ± 0.5 after 6 weeks of treatment, and to 1.8 ± 0.8 after the removal of the device. Similar results were observed in the Meniett device (Medtronic Xomed) group: 3.2 ± 0.4 episodes during the first phase, 2.5 ± after 6 weeks of Meniett device (Medtronic Xomed) treatment, and 1.5 ± 0.2 after the third phase.

Conclusion

An improvement of symptoms was evidenced in all patients, with no difference between the Meniett (Medtronic Xomed) and the placebo device groups. The decrease in the number of vertigo episodes could be explained by an effect of the medical care.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:470–475, 2017
Polysomnographic outcomes following lingual tonsillectomy for persistent obstructive sleep apnea in down syndrome
Authors: Prosser J. Drew , Shott Sally R. , Rodriguez Oscar , Simakajornboon Narong , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Lingual tonsil hypertrophy is a common cause of persistent airway obstruction in patients with Down syndrome (DS) following adenotonsillectomy (T&A); however, little is known about the effect of lingual tonsillectomy (LT) on polysomnographic outcomes in these patients. Our objective was to describe changes in sleep‐related respiratory outcomes following LT in children with DS and persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following T&A.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

We included all children with DS who underwent polysomnography before and after LT at a tertiary care center from 2003 to 2013. Nonparametric analysis of variables was performed.

Results

Forty patients with DS underwent LT; 21 met inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 9.3 ± 4.3 years and 47.6% were female. The median apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was 9.1 events/hour (range, 3.8 to 43.8 events/hour) before surgery and 3.7 events/hour (range, 0.5 to 24.4 events/hour) after surgery. The median improvement in overall AHI and the obstructive AHI (oAHI) were 5.1 events/hour (range, −2.9 to 41) and 5.3 events/hour (range, −2.9 to 41), respectively (P <.0001). The mean oxygen saturation nadir improved from 84% to 89% (P =.004). The mean time with CO2 > 50 mm Hg, central index, and percentage of rapid eye movement sleep were not significantly different. After surgery, the oAHI was <5 events/hour in 61.9% and ≤1 in 19% of patients.

Conclusions

In children with DS, persistent OSA after T&A and lingual tonsil hypertrophy, LT significantly improved AHI, oAHI, and O2 saturation nadir. We recommend that children with DS should be evaluated for lingual tonsil hypertrophy if found to have persistent OSA following T&A.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:520–524, 2017
How the Election May Affect Union‐Free Employers
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: August 2016

It's been only six months since the National Labor Relations Board General Counsel put out a memo with his wish list of precedents he wants the Board to overturn—in each case, predictably, to the benefit of organized labor. He has already had success.
Bifurcation and stability of a Mimura–Tsujikawa model with nonlocal delay effect
Authors: Li Dong , Guo Shangjiang
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we investigate a Mimura–Tsujikawa model with nonlocal delay effect under the homogeneous Neumann boundary condition. By using Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, we investigate the existence, multiplicity, stability, and Hopf bifurcation of nontrivial steady‐state solutions bifurcating from the nonzero steady‐state solution. Moreover, we illustrate our general results by applications to models with a one‐dimensional spatial domain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emitter saturation current densities of 22 fA/cm2 applied to industrial PERC solar cells approaching 22% conversion efficiency
Authors: Dullweber Thorsten , Hannebauer Helge , Dorn Silke , Schimanke Sabrina , Merkle Agnes , Hampe Carsten , Brendel Rolf
Published: August 2016

Passivated Emitter and Rear Cells (PERC) are currently being introduced into mass production. The conversion efficiency of industrial p‐type PERC cells is limited by the emitter saturation current density of around 90 fA/cm2 of conventional homogeneously POCl3 diffused emitters. In this paper we investigate two alternative emitter formation technologies. The first approach named in‐situ oxidation inserts a short thermal oxidation in‐between the phosphorus silicate glass deposition and the drive‐in of a conventional homogeneous POCl3 diffusion thereby reducing the phosphorus surface concentration. The second approach named Gas Phase Etch Back (GEB) selectively removes around 40 nm of the highly doped surface of the POCl3 diffused emitter by the reactive gas phase of the wet chemical rear polishing bath. Whereas the conventional POCl3 emitter exhibits a phosphorus surface doping concentration of 3 × 1020 cm−3, the in‐situ oxidation and the GEB process reduce the doping concentration to 7 × 1019 cm−3 and 4 × 1019 cm−3, respectively. Accordingly, the emitter saturation current density is reduced to excellent values of 22 fA/cm2 (in‐situ oxidation) and 28 fA/cm2 (GEB) compared with 89 fA/cm2 for the reference POCl3 diffusion. Whereas the reference POCl3 emitter limits the PERC conversion efficiency η to 21.1% and the open circuit voltage Voc to 655 mV, the in‐situ oxidation improves the PERC current–voltage parameters up to 21.3% and 663 mV. The highest efficiency of 21.6% is obtained with the selective GEB emitter. When solving series resistance issues with the most advanced GEB emitter, the measured Voc and Jsc values would support PERC conversion efficiencies up to 21.9%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inequality in Local Digital Politics: How Different Preconditions for Citizen Engagement Can Be Explained
Authors: Lidén Gustav
Published: August 2016

Digital technologies have struggled to achieve more equal participation in politics, the so‐called “unresolved dilemma of democracy.” Previous research has emphasized the drivers of involvement in digital politics from an individual perspective, but studies looking at the general prerequisites of online engagement in politics are lacking. Not much attention has been directed toward the supply side, namely the online presence of political actors and the structures created by them. Applying a mixed‐method design, this article examines the supply of channels for digital politics distributed by Swedish municipalities. Quantitative data collected from municipality websites are used for both a description and explanation of the varying opportunities for involvement encountered by Swedish citizens as a result of where they live. Two extreme cases are then examined in depth in which preconditions for involvement are particularly weak. We find that significant variation exists between municipalities and that these patterns are explained primarily by population size, but also by economic conditions and education levels. The cases show how a lack of policies and unenthusiastic politicians creates poor possibilities for development. The findings also verify previous notions that without demand from citizens, in combination with internal ambition from politicians, successful provision of services for digital politics will be hard to achieve.