bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkers Having a Crucial Role in Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Lu Jun , Jiang Feng , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: April 2016

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) comprised of a desirable monoclonal antibody, an active cytotoxic drug and an appropriate linker are considered to be an innovative therapeutic approach for targeted treatment of various types of tumors and cancers, enhancing the therapeutic parameter of the cytotoxic drug and reducing the possibility of systemic cytotoxicity. An appropriate linker between the antibody and the cytotoxic drug provides a specific bridge, and thus helps the antibody to selectively deliver the cytotoxic drug to tumor cells and accurately releases the cytotoxic drug at tumor sites. In addition to conjugation, the linkers maintain ADCs’ stability during the preparation and storage stages of the ADCs and during the systemic circulation period. The design of linkers for ADCs is a challenge in terms of extracellular stability and intracellular release, and intracellular circumstances, such as the acid environment, the reducing environment and cathepsin, are considered as the catalysts to activate the triggers for initiating the cleavage of ADCs. This review discusses the linkers used in the clinical and marketing stages for ADCs and details the fracture modes of the linkers for the further development of ADCs.
The Role of Galectin-3 in the Kidneys
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: April 2016

Galectin-3 is a 32- to 35-kDa member of the galectin family of b-galactoside-binding lectins, which is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain. Through its carbohydrate-binding function, it regulates cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. It also plays a complex, context-dependent role in the kidneys. During development, it promotes nephrogenesis and is strongly expressed in the ureteric bud and its derivatives. An increase in the concentration of galectin-3 has been reported to be associated with fibrosis of the kidneys. Elevated levels of plasma galectin-3 are also associated with increased risks of rapid renal function decline, incident chronic kidney disease, and progressive renal impairment, and also with cardiovascular end points, infection, and all-cause mortality in patients with renal function impairment. This review discusses a general survey on galectin-3 expressions in nephrogenesis, kidney injury animal models, clinical renal diseases, renal transplantation and the potential role of galectin-3 for treatment in kidney disease.
Shape-Selective Assembly of Anisotropic, Deformable Microcomponents Using Bottom-Up Micromanufacturing
Authors: Agarwal Gunjan , Livermore Carol
Published: April 2016

A technique for shape-selective directed assembly of anisotropic, deformable, chemically-identical microcomponents onto patterned rigid templates based on shape and size differences is modeled and demonstrated. The assembly method not only controls the selective placement of the components, but also aligns the components with the assembly sites. Unlike the assembly of isotropic (spherical) microcomponents, in which only size differences can be used to discriminate among chemically-identical components to achieve selective placement, differences in both shape and size can enable selectivity in the assembly of anisotropic (non-spherical) microcomponents. The present selective directed assembly is driven by shape-matching to a microfabricated template to provide selectivity, uniform chemical surface functionalization to promote assembly, and megasonic excitation to prevent assembly into poorly shape-matched binding sites. A theoretical framework quantifies the predicted selectivity of this approach and predicts that it will be effective for many material combinations, including hydrogels and bio-compatible polymers. Experiments demonstrate successful directed assembly of cylindrical, hydrogel colloidal microcomponents with 26 μm mean diameter and 50 μm length into silicon templates patterned with hemicylindrical assembly sites. During the assembly, tapered microcomponents with 150 μm length and a nominal diameter of 26 μm that decreases along the components’ lengths were successfully excluded from hemicylindrical assembly sites. These results provide the first demonstration of selective directed assembly of non-spherical microcomponents by this approach. The assembly shows high local yields in agreement with theory.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Brain-Targeted Thiamine Disulfide Prodrugs of Ampakine Compound LCX001
Authors: Xiao Dian , Meng Fan-Hua , Dai Wei , Yong Zheng , Liu Jin-Qiu , Zhou Xin-Bo , Li Song
Published: April 2016

Ampakine compounds have been shown to reverse opiate-induced respiratory depression by activation of amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors. However, their pharmacological exploitations are hindered by low blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and limited brain distribution. Here, we explored whether thiamine disulfide prodrugs with the ability of “lock-in” can be used to solve these problems. A series of thiamine disulfide prodrugs 7a–7f of ampakine compound LCX001 was synthesized and evaluated. The trials in vitro showed that prodrugs 7e, 7d, 7f possessed a certain stability in plasma and quickly decomposed in brain homogenate by the disulfide reductase. In vivo, prodrug 7e decreased the peripheral distribution of LCX001 and significantly increased brain distribution of LCX001 after i.v. administration. This compound showed 2.23- and 3.29-fold greater increases in the AUC0-t and MRT0-t of LCX001 in brain, respectively, than did LCX001 itself. A preliminary pharmacodynamic study indicated that the required molar dose of prodrug 7e was only one eighth that of LCX001 required to achieve the same effect in mice. These findings provide an important reference to evaluate the clinical outlook of ampakine compounds.
Novel Anthranilamide-Based FXa Inhibitors: Drug Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Yuan Jing , Fu Xiaoli , Meng Fancui , Zhang Shijun , Xu Weiren , Xu Yongnan , Huang Changjiang
Published: April 2016

Factor Xa (FXa) plays a significant role in the blood coagulation cascade and it has become a promising target for anticoagulation drugs. Three oral direct FXa inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for treating thrombotic diseases. By structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis upon these FXa inhibitors, a series of novel anthranilamide-based FXa inhibitors were designed and synthesized. According to our study, compounds 1a, 1g and 1s displayed evident FXa inhibitory activity and excellent selectivity over thrombin in in vitro inhibition activities studies. Compounds 1g and 1s also exhibited pronounced anticoagulant activities in in vitro anticoagulant activity studies.
Acute Sleep Deprivation Induces a Local Brain Transfer Information Increase in the Frontal Cortex in a Widespread Decrease Context
Authors: Alonso Joan , Romero Sergio , Mañanas Miguel , Alcalá Marta , Antonijoan Rosa , Giménez Sandra
Published: April 2016

Sleep deprivation (SD) has adverse effects on mental and physical health, affecting the cognitive abilities and emotional states. Specifically, cognitive functions and alertness are known to decrease after SD. The aim of this work was to identify the directional information transfer after SD on scalp EEG signals using transfer entropy (TE). Using a robust methodology based on EEG recordings of 18 volunteers deprived from sleep for 36 h, TE and spectral analysis were performed to characterize EEG data acquired every 2 h. Correlation between connectivity measures and subjective somnolence was assessed. In general, TE showed medium- and long-range significant decreases originated at the occipital areas and directed towards different regions, which could be interpreted as the transfer of predictive information from parieto-occipital activity to the rest of the head. Simultaneously, short-range increases were obtained for the frontal areas, following a consistent and robust time course with significant maps after 20 h of sleep deprivation. Changes during sleep deprivation in brain network were measured effectively by TE, which showed increased local connectivity and diminished global integration. TE is an objective measure that could be used as a potential measure of sleep pressure and somnolence with the additional property of directed relationships.
COMPARING TRADE-OFF ADJUSTMENTS IN CREDIT RISK ANALYSIS OF MORTGAGE LOANS USING AHP, DELPHI AND MACBETH
Authors: FERREIRA Fernando A. F. , SANTOS Sérgio P.
Published: April 2016

Due to the severe restrictions on access to credit resulting from the current economic climate, credit risk analysis of mortgage loans has been considered paramount for banking institutions and is currently accompanied by higher credit underwriting standards. In this paper, we present an empirical comparison of three decision support tools (i.e. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Delphi, and Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH)) in the specific context of trade-off readjustments in credit risk analysis of mortgage loans. We conducted a panel study with credit analysts and focused on five lines of comparison: ease of use; time-consumption; ease of applicability; accuracy; and overall evaluation. Results indicate that Delphi surpasses AHP and MACBETH in terms of ease of use, time-consumption and ease of applicability. As for accuracy, the differences obtained between AHP and MACBETH are not significant, and both methods perform better than Delphi. Most of the decision makers considered AHP the “overall best” approach.
FORMING DISK GALAXIES IN WET MAJOR MERGERS. I. THREE FIDUCIAL EXAMPLES
Authors: Athanassoula E. , Rodionov S. A. , Peschken N. , Lambert J. C.
Published: April 2016

Using three fiducial N-body+SPH simulations, we follow the merging of two disk galaxies that each have a hot gaseous halo component, and examine whether the merger remnant can be a spiral galaxy. The stellar progenitor disks are destroyed by violent relaxation during the merging and most of their stars form a classical bulge, while the remaining stars, as well as stars born during the merging times, form a thick disk and its bar. A new stellar disk forms subsequently and gradually in the remnant from the gas accreted mainly from the halo. It is vertically thin and well extended in its equatorial plane. A bar starts forming before the disk is fully in place, which is contrary to what is assumed in idealized simulations of isolated bar-forming galaxies, and has morphological features such as ansae and boxy/peanut bulges. Stars of different ages populate different parts of the box/peanut. A disky pseudobulge also forms, so that by the end of the simulation all three types of bulges coexist. The oldest stars are found in the classical bulge, followed by those of the thick disk, then by those in the thin disk. The youngest stars are in the spiral arms and the disky pseudobulge. The disk surface density profiles are of type II (exponential with downbending); the circular velocity curves are flat and show that the disks are submaximum in these examples: two clearly so and one near-borderline between maximum and submaximum. On average, only roughly between 10% and 20% of the stellar mass is in the classical bulge of the final models, i.e., much less than in previous simulations.
La France doit-elle agir seule ?
Authors: Chemillier-Gendreau Monique
Published: April 2016

La politique de la France, comme celle de ses partenaires au Moyen Orient, est engagée actuellement dans une impasse. Aucun État n’est en mesure de mener une action de nature à ramener la paix. Cette crise met en évidence l’échec consommé des Nations Unies et du mécanisme central de la sécurité collective. Le meilleur de ce que pourrait faire la France serait d’ouvrir la réflexion sur les moyens d’ouvrir une nouvelle étape des relations internationales marquée par une nouvelle organisation adaptée au monde contemporain.
La France et la négociation avec l’Iran
Authors: Nicoullaud François
Published: April 2016

L’accord sur le nucléaire iranien est le dénouement d’un long processus de négociations qui ont soufflé le chaud et le froid. La France a été particulièrement active sur ce dossier. Cet article revient sur le rôle de la France dans ces négociations en l’articulant au jeu de certains autres acteurs et en analysant son changement d’attitude diplomatique, passant d’un rôle de facilitateur à une approche pointilleuse.
Pour l’Europe et la France, le conflit israélo-palestinien est devenu secondaire
Authors: Aubin de La Messuzière Yves
Published: April 2016

Cet article s’intéresse au positionnement de la France sur le conflit israélo-palestinien pour constater que, actuellement, elle en fait moins sa priorité que par le passé. Pourtant les violences récentes rappellent que la question de Palestine demeure un épicentre majeur de la conflictualité internationale. Après avoir rappelé les derniers développements tragiques du conflit israélo-palestinien et sa centralité, l’article remet en perspective historique la diplomatie récente de la France sur cette question.
Paris et Riyad : un « partenariat de référence » ?
Authors: Levallois Agnès
Published: April 2016

François Hollande a tenu à son arrivée à la présidence à rééquilibrer les relations de la France avec les pays de la Péninsule arabique et, tout particulièrement, avec l’Arabie saoudite. Les convergences de vues sur les dossiers iranien et syrien sont un élément moteur de la relation sur fond de liens tendus entre Riyad et Washington. Mais les retombées économiques de ce partenariat diplomatique ne sont pas à la hauteur et la baisse du prix du baril remet en question des engagements pris par le royaume. La France qui compte sur la stabilité de ce partenaire stratégique se fait discrète sur la situation des droits de l’homme et prend garde à ne pas s’aliéner l’Iran, l’autre puissance régionale.
La France et la tragédie syrienne
Authors: Kodmani Bassma , Chagnollaud Jean-Paul
Published: April 2016

Après avoir connu un soulèvement civil en 2011, la Syrie est entrée dans une guerre civile dont les populations paient massivement le prix. Cette guerre revêt une forte dimension régionale et internationale et, dans cette arène, la France occupe une position importante. Au travers de cet entretien, Bassma Kodmani, très impliquée sur la question, analyse l’attitude française depuis le début du conflit, relevant sa constance mais également ses limites et ses erreurs.
Les interventions de la France dans les conflits en Méditerranée et au Moyen-Orient
Authors: Guillaud Édouard , Chagnollaud Jean-Paul
Published: April 2016

Cette interview de l’Amiral Guillaud permet de revenir sur les notions d’intervention et de puissance. Nourri par ses expériences de décisionnaire au plus haut niveau, l’ancien chef d’état-major des armées revient surtout sur les conflits en Afghanistan, en Syrie et en Libye pour révéler entre autres les tractations inhérentes aux jeux de puissance dont la France est de fait partie prenante.
La situation de la Palestine devant la Cour pénale internationale : un recours imminent ?
Authors: Aoun Alia
Published: April 2016

L’entrée de la Palestine à la Cour pénale internationale, début 2015, agita le monde politique. Après avoir mobilisé ses alliés dans une campagne de dénigrement visant l’institution internationale et usé de l’arme des sanctions financières contre l’Autorité palestinienne, l’Etat hébreu accepta discrètement, au mois de juillet dernier, d’entamer un dialogue avec le Bureau du Procureur. À La Haye, Fatou Bensouda procède à un examen préliminaire de la situation en Palestine. Le Statut de Rome, texte fondateur de la Cour, n’impose aucun délai au Procureur pour convertir l’examen préliminaire en enquête. La décision d’ouvrir une enquête doit se fonder sur une base raisonnable dont les critères sont énoncés dans le Statut. La situation dans les territoires et à Gaza satisfait-elle aux conditions légales ? Le refus de coopérer et les réalités sur le terrain peuvent-elles impacter le processus judiciaire ?
Le concept de pulsion dans le travail avec des patients somatisants
Authors: Perris-Myttas Marina , Hacker Anne-Lise
Published: April 2016

Au travers du développement de symptômes somatiques dans les dernières années d’une analyse, l’auteur propose d’examiner le matériel à la lumière du concept de pulsion comme union du somatique avec le psychique et comme vicissitudes de la constitution de la représentation.  – Elle montre ensuite la corrélation concevable entre le concept freudien de pulsion et celui d’éléments-bêta que Bion définit comme « sensations brutes » : le « purement physique ».
Laser Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mahamood Rasheedat Modupe , Akinlabi Esther Titilayo
Published: April 2016

Laser additive manufacturing is an advanced manufacturing process for making prototypes as well as functional parts directly from the three dimensional (3D) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of the part and the parts are built up adding materials layer after layer, until the part is competed. Of all the additive manufacturing process, laser additive manufacturing is more favoured because of the advantages that laser offers. Laser is characterized by collimated linear beam that can be accurately controlled. This chapter brings to light, the various laser additive manufacturing technologies such as: - selective laser sintering and melting, stereolithography and laser metal deposition. Each of these laser additive manufacturing technologies are described with their merits and demerits as well as their areas of applications. Properties of some of the parts produced through these processes are also reviewed in this chapter.
Laser Surface Processing for Tailoring of Properties by Optimization of Microstructure
Authors: Majumdar Jyotsna Dutta , Weisheit Andreas , Manna I.
Published: April 2016

Laser surface processing involves modification of surface microstructure and/or composition of the near surface region of a component using a high power laser beam. The advantages of laser surface processing over conventional equilibrium surface processing include rapid processing rate, retention of non-equilibrium microstructure, alloying in liquid state and development of processed zone with superior properties as compared to the same developed by equilibrium processing route. Microstructure plays an important role to control the final properties of the tailored component. In the present contribution, with a brief introduction to laser, and its application, the microstructures developed under optimum conditions by different laser surface processing will be discussed with the corresponding improvement in properties. Finally, a brief review of the future scope of research in laser surface processing will be presented.
Algunas reflexiones sobre el Análisis Estratigráfico Murario
Authors: Mileto Camilla
Published: April 2016

La estratigrafía aplicada al estudio del patrimonio arquitectónico se ha constituido en un instrumento de análisis verdaderamente útil, si no para entender completamente la evolución de la fábrica construida, sí para aprender a conocerla y respetar cada una de las intervenciones que conforman el monumento en la actualidad. Este artículo presenta un panorama de los conceptos fundamentales relacionados con la estratigrafía muraria y los ilustra a través de diversos ejemplos practicados en algunos edificios históricos.
Uncertainty budgets of major ozone absorption cross-sections used in UV remote sensing applications
Authors: Weber Mark , Gorshelev Victor , Serdyuchenko Anna
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Detailed uncertainty budgets of three major UV ozone absorption cross-section datasets that are used in remote sensing application are provided and discussed. The datasets are Bass-Paur (BP), Brion-Daumont-Malicet (BDM), and the more recent Serdyuchenko-Gorshelev (SG). For most remote sensing application the temperature dependence of the Huggins ozone band is described by a quadratic polynomial in temperature (Bass-Paur parameterisation) by applying a regression to the cross-section data measured at selected atmospherically relevant temperatures. For traceability of atmospheric ozone measurements uncertainties from the laboratory measurements as well as from the temperature parameterisation of the ozone cross-section data are needed as an input to detailed uncertainty calculation of atmospheric ozone measurements. In this paper the uncertainty budgets of the three major ozone cross-section datasets are summarised from the original literature. The quadratic temperature dependence of the cross-section datasets is investigated. Combined uncertainty budgets is provided for all data sets based upon Monte Carlo simulation that includes uncertainties from the laboratory measurements as well as uncertainties from the temperature parameterisation. Between 300 and 330 nm both BDM and SG have an overall uncertainty of 1.5 %, while BP has a somewhat larger uncertainty of 2.1 %. At temperatures below about 215 K, uncertainties in the BDM data increase more strongly than the others due to the lack of very low temperature laboratory measurements (lowest temperature of BDM available is 218 K).
Modelling natural electromagnetic interference in man-made conductors for space weather applications
Authors: Trichtchenko Larisa
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Power transmission lines above the ground, cables and pipelines in the ground and under the sea, and in general all man-made long grounded conductors are exposed to the variations of the natural electromagnetic field. The resulting currents in the networks (commonly named geomagnetically induced currents, GIC), are produced by the conductive and/or inductive coupling and can compromise or even disrupt system operations and, in extreme cases, cause power blackouts, railway signalling mis-operation, or interfere with pipeline corrosion protection systems. To properly model the GIC in order to mitigate their impacts it is necessary to know the frequency dependence of the response of these systems to the geomagnetic variations which naturally span a wide frequency range. For that, the general equations of the electromagnetic induction in a multi-layered infinitely long cylinder (representing cable, power line wire, rail or pipeline) embedded in uniform media have been solved utilising methods widely used in geophysics. The derived electromagnetic fields and currents include the effects of the electromagnetic properties of each layer and of the different types of the surrounding media. This exact solution then has been used to examine the electromagnetic response of particular samples of long conducting structures to the external electromagnetic wave for a wide range of frequencies. Because the exact solution has a rather complicated structure, simple approximate analytical formulas have been proposed, analysed and compared with the results from the exact model. These approximate formulas show good coincidence in the frequency range spanning from geomagnetic storms (less than mHz) to pulsations (mHz to Hz) to atmospherics (kHz) and above, and can be recommended for use in space weather applications.
Arctic Snow Microstructure Experiment for the development of snow emission modelling
Authors: Maslanka William , Leppänen Leena , Kontu Anna , Sandells Mel , Lemmetyinen Juha , Schneebeli Martin , Proksch Martin , Matzl Margret , Hannula Henna-Reetta , Gurney Robert
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Arctic Snow Microstructure Experiment (ASMEx) took place in Sodankylä, Finland in the winters of 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. Radiometric, macro-, and microstructure measurements were made under different experimental conditions of homogenous snow slabs, extracted from the natural seasonal taiga snowpack. Traditional and modern measurement techniques were used for snow macro- and microstructure observations. Radiometric measurements of the microwave emission of snow on reflector and absorber bases were made at frequencies 18.7, 21.0, 36.5, 89.0, and 150.0 GHz, for both horizontal and vertical polarizations. Two measurement configurations were used for radiometric measurements: a reflecting surface and an absorbing base beneath the snow slabs. Simulations of brightness temperatures using two microwave emission models, the Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) snow emission model and Microwave Emission Model of Layered Snowpacks (MEMLS), were compared to observed brightness temperatures. RMSE and bias were calculated; with the RMSE and bias values being smallest upon an absorbing base at vertical polarization. Simulations overestimated the brightness temperatures on absorbing base cases at horizontal polarization. With the other experimental conditions, the biases were small, with the exception of the HUT model 36.5 GHz simulation, which produced an underestimation for the reflector base cases. This experiment provides a solid framework for future research on the extinction of microwave radiation inside snow.
Global-scale modelling of melting and isotopic evolution of Earth's mantle: melting modules for TERRA
Authors: van Heck Hein J. , Davies J. Huw , Elliott Tim , Porcelli Don
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Many outstanding problems in solid-Earth science relate to the geodynamical explanation of geochemical observations. Currently, extensive geochemical databases of surface observations exist, but satisfying explanations of underlying mantle processes are lacking. One way to address these problems is through numerical modelling of mantle convection while tracking chemical information throughout the convective mantle. We have implemented a new way to track both bulk compositions and concentrations of trace elements in a finite-element mantle convection code. Our approach is to track bulk compositions and trace element abundances via particles. One value on each particle represents bulk composition and can be interpreted as the basalt component. In our model, chemical fractionation of bulk composition and trace elements happens at self-consistent, evolving melting zones. Melting is defined via a composition-dependent solidus, such that the amount of melt generated depends on pressure, temperature and bulk composition of each particle. A novel aspect is that we do not move particles that undergo melting; instead we transfer the chemical information carried by the particle to other particles. Molten material is instantaneously transported to the surface layer, thereby increasing the basalt component carried by the particles close to the surface and decreasing the basalt component in the residue. The model is set to explore a number of radiogenic isotopic systems, but as an example here the trace elements we choose to follow are the Pb isotopes and their radioactive parents. For these calculations we will show (1) the evolution of the distribution of bulk compositions over time, showing the buildup of oceanic crust (via melting-induced chemical separation in bulk composition), i.e. a basalt-rich layer at the surface, and the transportation of these chemical heterogeneities through the deep mantle; (2) the amount of melt generated over time; (3) the evolution of the concentrations and abundances of different isotopes of the trace elements (U, Th, K and Pb) throughout the mantle; and (4) a comparison to a semi-analytical theory relating observed arrays of correlated Pb isotope compositions to melting age distributions (Rudge, 2006).
ESTIMATING TORSION OF DIGITAL CURVES USING 3D IMAGE ANALYSIS
Authors: Blankenburg Christoph , Daul Christian , Ohser Joachim
Published: April 2016

Curvature and torsion of three-dimensional curves are important quantities in fields like material science or biomedical engineering. Torsion has an exact definition in the continuous domain. However, in the discrete case most of the existing torsion evaluation methods lead to inaccurate values, especially for low resolution data. In this contribution we use the discrete points of space curves to determine the Fourier series coefficients which allow for representing the underlying continuous curve with Cesàro’s mean. This representation of the curve suits for the estimation of curvature and torsion values with their classical continuous definition. In comparison with the literature, one major advantage of this approach is that no a priori knowledge about the shape of the cyclic curve parts approximating the discrete curves is required. Synthetic data, i.e. curves with known curvature and torsion, are used to quantify the inherent algorithm accuracy for torsion and curvature estimation. The algorithm is also tested on tomographic data of fiber structures and open foams, where discrete curves are extracted from the pore spaces.
Dual-wavelength intersubband electroluminescence from double-well active layers in InGaAs/InAlAs quantum cascade structures
Authors: Ren Fei , Wang Feng-Jiao , Liu Shu-Man , Ning Zhen-Dong , Zhuo Ning , Ye Xiao-Ling , Liu Jun-Qi , Wang Li-Jun , Liu Feng-Qi , Wang Zhan-Guo
Published: April 2016

Double-wavelength intersubband electroluminescence at ∼7 and ∼10 µm was obtained using a simple five-well quantum cascade structure. Electron injection from a common injector level to two neighboring emitting wells was realized by resonant tunneling or phonon-assisted tunneling, determined by the energy separation between the injector level E
0 and the upper-emitting levels under various bias electric fields. Such simple quantum cascade structures might lead to a new solution for dual-color mid-infrared lasers.
Reusable and Long‐Lasting Active Microcleaners for Heterogeneous Water Remediation
Authors: Parmar Jemish , Vilela Diana , Pellicer Eva , Esqué‐de los Ojos Daniel , Sort Jordi , Sánchez Samuel
Published: April 2016

Self‐powered micromachines are promising tools for future environmental remediation technology. Waste‐water treatment and water reuse is an essential part of environmental sustainability. Herein, we present reusable Fe/Pt multi‐functional active microcleaners that are capable of degrading organic pollutants (malachite green and 4‐nitrophenol) by generated hydroxyl radicals via a Fenton‐like reaction. Various different properties of microcleaners, such as the effect of their size, short‐term storage, long‐term storage, reusability, continuous swimming capability, surface composition, and mechanical properties, are studied. It is found that these microcleaners can continuously swim for more than 24 hours and can be stored more than 5 weeks during multiple cleaning cycles. The produced microcleaners can also be reused, which reduces the cost of the process. During the reuse cycles the outer iron surface of the Fe/Pt microcleaners generates the in‐situ, heterogeneous Fenton catalyst and releases a low concentration of iron into the treated water, while the mechanical properties also appear to be improved due to both its surface composition and structural changes. The microcleaners are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nanoindentation, and finite‐element modeling (FEM).
Microcephaly, dysmorphic features, corneal dystrophy, hairy nipples, underdeveloped labioscrotal folds, and small cerebellum in four patients
Authors: Kayserili Hülya , Altunoglu Umut , Yesil Gozde , Rosti Rasim Özgür
Published: April 2016

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) can occur as an isolated entity or part of a syndrome. PCH has been reported with facial dysmorphism, ocular anomalies, and genital anomalies, but the co‐occurrence of all four has not been previously described. We report on four patients, born to two consanguineous families that are not related to one another, with distinctive facial features (short forehead, laterally extended, medially flared eyebrows), corneal dystrophy, underdevelopment of labioscrotal folds, and nonprogressive PCH. In addition, the patients show hair extruding from the lactiferous ducts, which to our knowledge has not been described before. The parental consanguinity, affected siblings of both genders, and absent manifestations in parents, indicate an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance as most likely. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A highly efficient layered double hydroxide catalyst for direct ethoxylation of butyl acetate to oligo‐ethylene glycol butyl ether acetates
Authors: Zhang Jinchang , Shi Lei , Meng Yan , Fu Yang , Liu Zhaobin , Zhu Jianmin
Published: April 2016

A novel synthetic route that directly inserts ethylene oxide into butyl acetate without any labile hydrogen to produce oligo‐ethylene glycol butyl ether acetates is developed using an efficient acid–base bifunctional catalyst. The layered double hydroxide materials, which have structures similar to that of hydrotalcite, are synthesized using co‐precipitation methods. After modification by organic acid, the as‐prepared catalysts exhibit higher butyl acetate conversion and ethylene oxide catalytic activity with narrow ethylene glycol butyl ether acetate adduct distribution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemostatic activities of nano/microporous bilayer dressings in a femoral artery bleeding rat model
Authors: Karahaliloğlu Zeynep , Demirbilek Murat , Ulusoy İbrahim , Gümüşkaya Berrak , Baki Denkbaş Emir
Published: April 2016

Recently, an effective hemostatic dressing requirement has become a major problem in both the military and civilian world. Available hemostatic agents are too expensive, ineffective, unsafe, or complicated to use. Here, we evaluated the hemostatic efficacy of a nano/micro bilayer hemostatic dressing including a porous sublayer from chitosan (CTS) and bacterial cellulose (BC) and a nanofibrillar upper layer from silk fibroin (SF). In addition, several active agents rolled in coagulation cascade [vitamin K (Vit K), protamine sulfate (PS), kaolin (Kao), etc.] were doped to the sublayer of bilayer hemostatic agent and their activities were compared via in vivo and in vitro tests. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity test results demonstrated that BC/CTS, SF‐coated BC/CTS, and Vit K K/BC/CTS, SF/phosphatidylcholine (PC)‐coated BC/CTS showed higher LDH activity compared to standard gauze (p < 0.005). In a femoral artery bleeding rat model, SF‐coated PS/BC/CTS significantly reduced bleeding time (80 ± 0.3 s) compared to standard gauze and kaolin‐doped group (p < 0.005). Blood loss and mortality rate with 2.3 g and 37.5% SF‐coated BC/CTS and SF‐coated PS/BC/CTS showed increased efficacy in achieving hemostasis compared to standard gauze. All the prepared hemostatic dressings except for kaolin‐doped BC/CTS and standard gauze induced no inflammatory reaction in the tissue. All these data suggest that active agent‐doped BC/CTS/SF‐based bilayer hemostatic dressings have a great influence on the resulting hemostatic action. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43657.
Flexible shielding layers for solar cells in space applications
Authors: Feenstra J. , van Leest R. H. , Smeenk N. J. , Oomen G. , Bongers E. , Mulder P. , Vlieg E. , Schermer J. J.
Published: April 2016

The development of flexible, thin‐film, and high‐efficiency III–V solar cells enables the design of new flexible, lightweight solar arrays for space applications. A requirement for these solar panels is the replacement of the rigid coverglasses by a flexible shielding layer. In this work, three candidate materials based on commercially available polyimides and synthesized polysiloxanes for such a shielding layer are compared with respect to their ease of synthesis, transparency. Polysiloxanes based on methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) based siloxane (MBS) showed the best reproducibility in synthesis of layers of the required thickness of about 300 µm with sufficient transparency and was therefore selected for further analysis. It was demonstrated that the MBS material could be doped with Ce to increase the radiation hardness. Showing virtually no loss of volatile condensable components in outgassing tests it can be concluded that the properties MBS are found suitable for further space qualification testing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43661.
Crystallization behavior and morphology of polylactic acid (PLA) with aromatic sulfonate derivative
Authors: Nagarajan Vidhya , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri
Published: April 2016

This article provides a detailed investigation of crystallization behavior and morphology of polylactic acid (PLA) in the presence of a nucleating agent: potassium salt of 5‐dimethyl sulfoisothalate, an aromatic sulfonate derivative (Lak‐301). Isothermal crystallization kinetics of PLA melt mixed with Lak at concentrations of 0.25–1 wt % was investigated at a range of crystallization temperature, 140–150 °C. To gain further insight on the effect of Lak, nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), polarized optical microscope (POM), heat deflection temperature (HDT), and rheology were also performed. At 0.25 wt % Lak, crystallinity of PLA increased from 10% to 45%, and in 1 wt % Lak, maximum crystallinity of 50% was achieved. With 1 wt % Lak, crystallization half time reduced to 1.8 min from 61 min for neat PLA at 140 °C. The isothermal crystallization kinetics was analyzed using Avrami model. Values of the Avrami exponent for PLA with Lak were mainly in the range of 3 indicating a three dimensional crystal growth is favored. Crystallization rate was found to increase with increase in Lak content. Observation from POM confirmed that the presence of Lak in the PLA matrix significantly increased the nucleation density. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43673.
Analysis of traditional versus three‐dimensional augmented curriculum on anatomical learning outcome measures
Authors: Peterson Diana Coomes , Mlynarczyk Gregory S.A.
Published: April 2016

This study examined whether student learning outcome measures are influenced by the addition of three‐dimensional and digital teaching tools to a traditional dissection and lecture learning format curricula. The study was performed in a semester long graduate level course that incorporated both gross anatomy and neuroanatomy curricula. Methods compared student examination performance on material taught using lecture and cadaveric dissection teaching tools alone or lecture and cadaveric dissection augmented with computerized three‐dimensional teaching tools. Additional analyses were performed to examine potential correlations between question difficulty and format, previous student performance (i.e., undergraduate grade point average), and a student perception survey. The results indicated that students performed better on material in which three–dimensional (3D) technologies are utilized in conjunction with lecture and dissection methodologies. The improvement in performance was observed across the student population primarily on laboratory examinations. Although, student performance was increased, students did not perceive that the use of the additional 3D technology significantly influenced their learning. The results indicate that the addition of 3D learning tools can influence long‐term retention of gross anatomy material and should be considered as a beneficial supplement for anatomy courses. Anat Sci Educ 9: 529–536. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
Influences of Long‐Range Transported Air Pollutants on Atmospheric TSP Aerosol Compositions at Jeju Island of Korea during 2011–2013
Authors: Song Jung‐Min , Bu Jun‐Oh , Kim Won‐Hyung , Kang Chang‐Hee
Published: April 2016

Atmospheric total suspended particulate aerosols were collected at the Gosan site of Jeju Island during 2011–2013, and their major water‐soluble ionic and elemental species were analyzed in order to examine the chemical composition change and pollution characteristics change between Asian dust (AD) and non‐Asian dust (NAD) periods. The comparison of the aerosol compositions showed that the concentrations of soil‐originated species such as nss‐Ca2+, Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, Ba, and Sr increased by as much as 4.5–18.6 times during the AD periods. Meanwhile, the concentrations of nss‐SO4
2

− and NO3

−, typical secondary aerosol species, increased 1.2 and 2.5 times, respectively. On the contrary, NH4

+ concentration decreased slightly during the AD periods, probably because of the neutralization reaction of acidic ammonium ion with basic calcium carbonate. A comparison of ion balances suggested that the carbonate contents in AD are likely much larger than those of NAD. Based on a cluster back‐trajectory analysis, it was found that the concentrations of anthropogenic and soil‐sourced components, such as nss‐SO4
2

−, NO3

−, NH4

+, and nss‐Ca2+, increased when an air mass moved into Jeju Island from the China continent, but decreased when an air mass moved from the North Pacific Ocean.
Investigation of N‐Arylsulfonylimidazole as Novel Scaffold for Anticancer Agents
Authors: Subramanian Santhosh , Yang Hyun‐Sun , Manickam Manoj , Yun Jieun , Jung Sang‐Hun
Published: April 2016

To explore the possibility of isosteric replacement of imidazolidinone moiety of (S)‐1‐(1‐(4‐aminobenzoyl)indolin‐5‐ylsulfonyl)‐4‐phenylimidazolidin‐2‐one (1) for the anticancer activity, novel 1‐(1‐acyl substituted indolin‐5‐sulfonyl)‐4‐phenyl‐1H‐imidazoles 2 were prepared with varying the N‐acyl group on the indoline ring and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against six human cancer cell lines (renal ACHN, colon HCT‐15, breast MDA‐MB‐231, lung NCI‐H23, stomach NUGC‐3, and prostrate PC‐3). Among the analogs prepared, imidazoles with hydrophobic acyl substituents on indoline like cyclohexanecarbonyl (2e, mean 50% growth inhibition [GI50
] = 2.29 μM) or benzoyl with electron‐donating groups like 4‐methoxybenzoyl (2g, mean GI50
 = 4.11 μM) and 4‐aminobenzoyl (2a, mean GI50
 = 4.45 μM) exhibited relatively good cytotoxicity. Although imidazole moiety of arylsulfonylphenylimidazole 2 contains only hydrogen bonding acceptor property without a stereogenic center unlike imidazolidinone analogs, the high level of the activity of 2 proved that the imidazole motif is obviously good isostere of imidazolidinone moiety of arylsulfonylphenylimidazolidinone 1 for the anticancer activity.
Electroanalytical Investigation of 2,2′,7,7′‐Tetrakis(diphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene
Authors: Ko Eun‐Song , Park Ji‐Eun , Shin Ik‐Soo
Published: April 2016

Two voltammetric techniques, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronocoulometry (CC), were used to investigate the redox characteristics of an organic semiconductor, 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(diphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐TAD). The electron‐transfer characteristics of spiro‐TAD, including the formal oxidation potentials (E
o′), diffusion coefficients (D
o), and electron‐transfer rate constants (k
o′), were estimated by a combination of CV and CC measurements. The energy of the highest‐occupied molecular‐orbital could also be found from the quantitative relationship between the oxidation potential and the ionization energy.
Feasibility Study of a Planar‐type Sodium–Nickel Chloride Battery
Authors: Kim Seon‐Min , Lee Sang‐Min , Jung Keeyoung , Park Yoon‐Cheol , Cho Nam‐ung , Kim Hyun‐Soo
Published: April 2016

The sodium–nickel chloride (Na/NiCl2
) battery has many advantages over the Na–S battery, such as a higher operating voltage, ease of assembly in the discharge state, less corrosive cathode materials, a safer cell failure mode, and better tolerance against overcharging. In this study, to solve the problem of low electrical conductivity, a planar‐type Na/NiCl2
cell was designed by optimizing the cathode through the use of both Ni mesh and excess Ni powder. A β″‐Al2O3
membrane, which plays a role in the conducting path for Na+ ions, was glass‐sealed and attached to a thicker external α″‐Al2O3
ring. For carbon coating, the anode side of the membrane was covered with carbon paste. The prototype cell was operated successfully and showed excellent electrochemical characteristics in terms of high Na utilization and stable charge/discharge cycleability.
A phase I study of the human anti‐activin receptor‐like kinase 1 antibody PF‐03446962 in Asian patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Lee Kyung‐Hun , Kim Tae‐Min , Ohtsu Atsushi , Kim Tae Yong , Ikeda Masafumi , Yoh Kiyotaka , Gallo Stampino Corrado , Hirohashi Tomoko , Suzuki Akiyuki , Fujii Yosuke , Andrew Williams James , Bang Yung‐Jue
Published: April 2016

Preclinical studies suggest that ALK‐1 signaling mediates a complementary angiogenesis pathway activated upon development of resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐targeted therapies. Inhibition of ALK‐1 signaling may lead to disruption of tumor angiogenesis and growth. We report findings from a multicenter, open‐label, phase I study of the fully human anti‐ALK‐1 mAb PF‐03446962 conducted in Japan and South Korea, in Asian patients with advanced solid tumors. The dose escalation Part 1 of the study was based on a standard 3 + 3 design (n = 16). In Part 2, patients were treated with PF‐03446962 at 7 and 10 mg/kg (10/cohort), including patients with disease progression following prior VEGF receptor (R)‐targeted therapy. Primary objectives were determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of PF‐03446962. No dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) was noted in the 12 DLT‐evaluable patients. Treatment was well tolerated. The MTD for biweekly intravenous administration was estimated to be 10 mg/kg and the RP2D 7 mg/kg. Treatment‐related grades 1–3 thrombocytopenia was experienced by 27.8% patients. The most frequent nonhematologic treatment‐related AEs were grades 1–2 pyrexia and epistaxis. Four patients (3/4 with hepatocellular carcinoma) developed telangiectasia suggesting vascular targeting and in vivo ALK‐1 inhibition by PF‐03446962. Stable disease for 12 weeks or more was observed in 25.7% of patients and in 44.4% of those with hepatocellular carcinoma. ALK‐1 inhibition by PF‐03446962 may represent a novel antiangiogenic strategy for patients with advanced solid malignancies complementary to current treatment with VEGF(R)‐targeted inhibitors or chemotherapy.
Moving survivorship care plans forward: focus on care coordination
Authors: Salz Talya , Baxi Shrujal
Published: April 2016

After completing treatment for cancer, the coordination of oncology and primary care presents a challenge for cancer survivors. Many survivors need continued oncology follow‐up, and all survivors require primary care. Coordinating the shared care of a cancer survivor, or facilitating an informed handoff from oncology to primary care, is essential for cancer survivors. Survivorship care plans are personalized documents that summarize cancer treatment and outline a plan of recommended ongoing care, with the goal of facilitating the coordination of post‐treatment care. Despite their face validity, five trials have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of survivorship care plans. We posit that these existing trials have critical shortcomings and do not adequately address whether survivorship care plans improve care coordination. Moving forward, we propose four criteria for future trials of survivorship care plans: focusing on high‐needs survivor populations, tailoring the survivorship care plan to the care setting, facilitating implementation of the survivorship care plan in clinical practice, and selecting appropriate trial outcomes to assess care coordination. When trials meet these criteria, we can finally assess whether survivorship care plans help cancer survivors receive optimal oncology and primary care.