bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Epstein‐Barr virus–encoded micro‐RNAs as potential biomarkers for nasal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Komabayashi Yuki , Kishibe Kan , Nagato Toshihiro , Ueda Seigo , Takahara Miki , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: October 2016

Nasal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)–associated malignancy and is characterized by local invasion and widespread dissemination, with a consequent poor prognosis. Micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) play roles in the pathogenesis of several malignancies by regulating gene expression and have been recently identified as stable entities in serum. Here, we investigated the value of circulating EBV‐miRNAs as biomarkers for NNKTL. Sera of patients with NNKTL were subjected to miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–array analysis, after which serum EBV‐miRNA levels were verified using quantitative PCR. The latter analysis revealed high miR‐BART2‐5p, miR‐BART7‐3p, miR‐BART13‐3p, and miR‐BART1‐5p expression levels in sera of patients with NNKTL and indicated accurate values for discriminating patients with NNKTL from healthy controls. Levels of these 4 EBV‐miRNAs, which were secreted from NNKTL cells, significantly decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment. Furthermore, a high circulating miR‐BART2‐5p level was associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in patients with NNKTL. Our findings demonstrate that circulating EBV‐miRNAs, particularly miR‐BART2‐5p, may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with NNKTL.
Adolescent adaptation before, during and in the aftermath of the Great Recession in theUSA
Authors: Johnson Monica Kirkpatrick , Staff Jeremy , Patrick Megan E. , Schulenberg John E.
Published: October 2016

This study examines the impact of the “Great Recession” (from December 2007 to June 2009) on 8th and 10th graders in theUSA, using annual nationally representative data from the Monitoring the Future study. Historical changes in youth adjustment (self‐esteem, depressed mood, risk taking, aggression and property crime), school achievement (grade point average [GPA], time spent on homework and educational expectations) and structured and unstructured activities (volunteering, employment, sports and evenings out for fun) were examined between 1991 and 2014. Overall, there were only slight changes in mean levels of adjustment, achievement and most youth activities. However, the percentage of youth working during the school year did decline during the Great Recession. Several longer‐term trends were also evident, though not directly tied to the Great Recession. These include an increase inGPA, a decrease in time spent on homework, rising educational expectations and more time spent volunteering. Future work should assess how the shift to unpaid work activities (e.g. volunteering and internships) among youth is impacting the transition from school to work in the contemporary economy, and whether the Great Recession had deleterious impacts for younger children or among youth whose parents lost work or had their homes foreclosed.
The circular structure of values: The case of China
Authors: Heim Eva , Steinmetz Holger , Zeigenfuse Matthew D. , Maercker Andreas , Margraf Juergen
Published: October 2016

This study examined the circular structure of values in China. The circular structure is a central element of Schwartz value theory and visualises the idea that some values are similar while others conflict with one another. Whereas numerous studies addressed the question whether the circular structure of values can be generalised cross‐culturally, results for China are inconclusive. In this paper, we argue that taking a closer look at China provides a challenge to the circular structure and allows for drawing conclusions regarding the limits versus generalizability of Schwartz' theory. For this purpose, we first conduct a re‐analysis of Chinese data from a former meta‐analysis (Study 1) and second, present results from a large study of 10,652 Chinese college students (Study 2). Results of Study 1 revealed that graphical representation of the circular structure matched theoretical expectations but five out of six samples showed relatively bad fit to the theorised structure. By contrast, data in Study 2 showed a good model fit. As an overall conclusion, the circular structure is well supported in the Chinese context, and small sample sizes in previous studies might have caused the imperfect match to the prototypical circular structure.
Bioactive and inert dental glass‐ceramics
Authors: Montazerian Maziar , Zanotto Edgar Dutra
Published: October 2016

The global market for dental materials is predicted to exceed 10 billion dollars by 2020. The main drivers for this growth are easing the workflow of dentists and increasing the comfort of patients. Therefore, remarkable research projects have been conducted and are currently underway to develop improved or new dental materials with enhanced properties or that can be processed using advanced technologies, such as CAD/CAM or 3D printing. Among these materials, zirconia, glass or polymer‐infiltrated ceramics, and glass‐ceramics (GCs) are of great importance. Dental glass‐ceramics are highly attractive because they are easy to process and have outstanding esthetics, translucency, low thermal conductivity, high strength, chemical durability, biocompatibility, wear resistance, and hardness similar to that of natural teeth, and, in certain cases, these materials are bioactive. In this review article, we divide dental GCs into the following two groups: restorative and bioactive. Most restorative dental glass‐ceramics (RDGCs) are inert and biocompatible and are used in the restoration and reconstruction of teeth. Bioactive dental glass‐ceramics (BDGCs) display bone‐bonding ability and stimulate positive biological reactions at the material/tissue interface. BDGCs are suggested for dentin hypersensitivity treatment, implant coating, bone regeneration and periodontal therapy. Throughout this paper, we elaborate on the history, processing, properties and applications of RDGCs and BDGCs. We also report on selected papers that address promising types of dental glass‐ceramics. Finally, we include trends and guidance on relevant open issues and research possibilities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 619–639, 2017.
Control of Bone Anabolism in Response to Mechanical Loading and PTH by Distinct Mechanisms Downstream of the PTH Receptor
Authors: Delgado-Calle Jesus , Tu Xiaolin , Pacheco-Costa Rafael , McAndrews Kevin , Edwards Rachel , Pellegrini Gretel G , Kuhlenschmidt Kali , Olivos Naomie , Robling Alexander , Peacock Munro , Plotkin Lilian I , Bellido Teresita
Published: October 2016

Osteocytes integrate the responses of bone to mechanical and hormonal stimuli by poorly understood mechanisms. We report here that mice with conditional deletion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor 1 (Pth1r) in dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1)-8kb–expressing cells (cKO) exhibit a modest decrease in bone resorption leading to a mild increase in cancellous bone without changes in cortical bone. However, bone resorption in response to endogenous chronic elevation of PTH in growing or adult cKO mice induced by a low calcium diet remained intact, because the increased bone remodeling and bone loss was indistinguishable from that exhibited by control littermates. In contrast, the bone gain and increased bone formation in cancellous and cortical bone induced by daily injections of PTH and the periosteal bone apposition induced by axial ulna loading were markedly reduced in cKO mice compared to controls. Remarkably, however, wild-type (WT) control littermates and transgenic mice overexpressing SOST injected daily with PTH exhibit similar activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, increased bone formation, and cancellous and cortical bone gain. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Pth1r in DMP1-8kb–expressing cells is required to maintain basal levels of bone resorption but is dispensable for the catabolic action of chronic PTH elevation; and it is essential for the anabolic actions of daily PTH injections and mechanical loading. However, downregulation of Sost/sclerostin, previously shown to be required for bone anabolism induced by mechanical loading, is not required for PTH-induced bone gain, showing that other mechanisms downstream of the Pth1r in DMP1-8kb–expressing cells are responsible for the hormonal effect. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Association of serum vitamin D with osteosarcopenic obesity: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2010
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Lee Yunhwan , Kye Seunghee , Chung Yoon‐Sok , Lee Okhee
Published: October 2016

Background

Serum vitamin D levels have been reported to be associated with individual components of body composition. However, the relationship between serum vitamin D and combined indices of adverse body composition is largely unknown. This cross‐sectional study examined the association between serum vitamin D and osteosarcopenic obesity in a nationally representative sample of middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

We analysed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (IV and V) conducted in 2008–2010, consisting of 5908 (2485 men, 3423 women) aged ≥ 50 years. Serum vitamin D levels were determined by radioimmunoassay, and body composition was evaluated by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. The association between serum vitamin D levels and the number of abnormalities in body composition, including osteosarcopenic obesity, a low bone and muscle mass with concurrent high fat mass, was analysed by multinomial logistic regression adjusting for covariates.

Results

In men, after controlling for covariates, higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of the number of phenotypes of adverse body composition (P for trend < 0.05). Those in the highest tertile group of serum vitamin D levels, compared with those in the lowest tertile, were less likely to have adverse body composition, numbering one (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 0.92), two (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.73), and three (osteosarcopenic obesity; OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.67). In women, those in the highest tertile group of serum vitamin D levels, compared with those in the lowest tertile, were less likely to have osteosarcopenic obesity (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.93). Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in men was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of a higher number of adverse body composition, especially for osteosarcopenic obesity (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.42, 3.03). Vitamin D deficient women, compared with those having normal levels of serum vitamin D, were also more likely to demonstrate osteosarcopenic obesity (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.05).

Conclusions

A high serum vitamin D level in mid‐ and late‐life was associated with reduced odds of multiple adverse body composition, especially osteosarcopenic obesity, suggesting potential health benefits of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D.
One‐pot Syntheses of Some New 2,4(1H,3H)‐quinazolinedione Derivatives in the Absence of Catalyst
Authors: Mohammadi Ali Asghar
Published: October 2016

A facile, rapid and one‐pot procedure for the synthesis of some new 2,4(1H,3H)‐quinazolinediones is described. The method involves the one‐pot condensation of isatoic anhydride, primary amine and carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) in the absence of organic or inorganic catalyst. It affords the corresponding product in high yield.
Dendroclimatology and historical climatology of Voronezh region, European Russia, since 1790s
Authors: Matskovsky Vladimir , Dolgova Ekaterina , Lomakin Nikita , Matveev Sergey
Published: October 2016

Existing high‐resolution reconstructions of hydroclimate variability in Europe are lacking natural proxy data from European Russia. For this reason, developing new hydroclimate proxies for this vast region is crucial. It is even more important, because drought evidences from the forest‐steppe region of European Russia will elucidate the eastern borders of large‐scale meteorological events that had been covering large parts of Europe in the past. In this study, we provide new tree‐ring chronologies of Pinus sylvestris L. for the site in the southernmost natural pine forest in European Russia. Based on these chronologies, we develop a quantitative drought reconstruction and disclose the driest years in the region since 1790s. The reconstruction of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index explains 29–39% of instrumental period variability, it adequately tracks low‐frequency (30–50 years) variations of drought indices as well as extreme events. Collection of historical evidences from periodicals of the 19th century and other historical evidences helped to verify the new reconstruction. Using gridded precipitation reconstruction over Europe, we showed a possible existence of large‐scale hydroclimate events that had occurred in the East European forest‐steppe region in the 19th century. Possible connections of drought events in European Russia with Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Scandinavian teleconnection pattern are discussed. We argue that being a complex natural archive, ring width of pine in Voronezh region can be successfully used as an estimator of prolonged droughts (1–2 years).
The new Israeli feed safety law: challenges in relation to animal and public health
Authors: Barel Shimon , Elad Dani , Cuneah Olga , Shimshoni Jakob A
Published: October 2016

The Israeli feed safety legislation, which came to prominence in the early 1970s, has undergone a major change from simple feed safety and quality regulations to a more holistic concept of control of feed safety and quality throughout the whole feed production chain, from farm to the end user table. In February 2014, a new law was approved by the Israeli parliament, namely the Control of Animal Feed Law, which is expected to enter into effect in 2017. The law is intended to regulate the production and marketing of animal feed, guaranteeing the safety and quality of animal products throughout the production chain. The responsibility on the implementation of the new feed law was moved from the Plant Protection Inspection Service to the Veterinary Services and Animal Health. In preparation for the law's implementation, we have characterized the various sources and production lines of feed for farm and domestic animals in Israel and assessed the current feed safety challenges in terms of potential hazards or undesirable substances. Moreover, the basic requirements for feed safety laboratories, which are mandatory for analyzing and testing for potential contaminants, are summarized for each of the contaminants discussed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Paper‐based 1‐MCP treatment suppresses cell wall metabolism and delays softening of Huanghua pears during storage
Authors: Chen Yihui , Sun Junzheng , Lin Hetong , Hung Yen‐Con , Zhang Shen , Lin Yifen , Lin Ting
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Huanghua pear will lose its firmness quickly during postharvest storage at ambient temperature, and hence has limited storage and marketing potential. In this study, Huanghua pears treated with paper containing 0 (control) or 0.9 μL L−1 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) for 12 h, and then stored at (25 ± 1) °C for 30 days, were investigated for the effect on fruit firmness, cell wall composition and activities of cell wall‐degrading enzymes.

RESULTS

Huanghua pears without 1‐MCP treatment softened rapidly during room‐temperature storage and cell wall composition analyses showed an increase in water‐soluble pectin (WSP) and decreases in cell wall materials (CWM) and cell wall components such as Na2CO3‐soluble pectin (NSP), cellulose and hemicellulose. In contrast, the 1‐MCP‐treated fruits maintained higher firmness than the control; also, the treatment prevented the formation of WSP and reduced the degradation of CWM and cell wall components including NSP, cellulose and hemicellulose. 1‐MCP treatment also significantly lowered the activities of cell wall‐degrading enzymes such as pectinesterase, polygalacturonase, β‐galactosidase and cellulase during storage.

CONCLUSION

1‐MCP treatment can slow down the softening of Huanghua pears through reducing cell wall‐degrading enzyme activities and hence maintain the integrity of the cell wall structure. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship of the number and size of superficial groin lymph nodes with the stage of secondary lymphatic edema
Authors: Onoda Satoshi , Kimata Yoshihiro , Yamada Kiyoshi , Seki Noriko , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This study evaluated the relationships of the size and number of superficial groin lymph nodes with the lower limb lymphedema stage and thus examined the role of superficial lymphatic lymph nodes in secondary lymphedema development.

Methods

We determined the number and size of superficial groin lymph nodes using horizontal plane computed tomography (CT) and the lymphedema stage in the lower limbs of 25 patients with gynecologic cancer.

Results

The patients had an average of 2.92 (range, 1–7) superficial groin lymph nodes; the mean size of the 146 evaluated lymph nodes was 7.55 mm (range, 5–15 mm). In 19 of 25 patients (76%), the side with major edema contained fewer superficial groin lymph nodes. In total, 22 patients (88%) had fewer superficial groin lymph nodes or a smaller total lymph node size on the edematous dominant side.

Conclusions

In this evaluation of the link between superficial groin lymph node laterality and secondary lymphedema staging, we found that patients with large lymph node numbers and sizes tended to present with a relatively earlier stage of lymphedema. Our results therefore suggest that the size and number of superficial groin lymph nodes affect the lymphedema stage. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:940–946. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method development for separating organic carbonates by ion‐moderated high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Bhalkikar Anuja , Marin Chris M. , Cheung Chin Li
Published: October 2016

An ion‐moderated partition high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation and identification of common organic carbonates. The separation of organic carbonates was achieved on an ion exclusion column with an exchangeable hydrogen ion. An isocratic, aqueous mobile phase was used for elution and detection was performed with a refractive index detector. The developed method was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision and accuracy. All calibration curves showed excellent linear regression (R2 > 0.9990) within the testing range. The limits of detection were 3.8–30.8 ppm for the analyzed carbonates. Improvements in the peak resolution of the chromatograms were achieved by decreasing the column temperature. Addition of the organic modifier, acetonitrile, to the eluent was found to have insignificant effects on the peak resolution. The developed method was demonstrated for analyzing organic carbonate components in the electrolyte system of a commercial lithium ion battery.
Evaluation of a new carbon/zirconia‐based sorbent for the cleanup of food extracts in multiclass analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants
Authors: Han Lijun , Sapozhnikova Yelena , Matarrita Jessie
Published: October 2016

A novel carbon/zirconia‐based material, SupelTM QuE Verde, was evaluated in a filter‐vial dispersive solid‐phase extraction cleanup of pork, salmon, kale, and avocado extracts for the residual analysis of 65 pesticides and 52 environmental contaminants (flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) using low‐pressure gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. An amount of 180 mg sorbent per 0.6 mL extract in filter‐vial dispersive solid‐phase extraction cleanup was found the optimum in terms of achieving satisfactory removal of co‐extractives and recoveries of analytes, especially for structurally planar compounds. For analytes partially retained by Verde, normalization to an internal standard resulted in 62–107% recoveries. Addition of Verde to primary secondary amine and C18 in cleanup resulted in 38% more removal of gas‐chromatography‐amenable co‐extractives in avocado, 30% in kale, 39% in salmon, and 50% in pork. The removal efficiency of co‐extracted chlorophyll was 93% for kale and 64% for avocado based on ultraviolet‐visible absorbance. The developed method was validated at three spiking levels (10, 25, and 100 ng/g), and 70–120% recoveries with ≤20% relative standard deviation were achieved for 96 (83%) out of 117 analytes in pork, 79 (69%) in salmon, 71 (62%) in kale, and 75 (65%) in avocado.
Sialadenitis without sialolithiasis: Prospective outcomes after sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery
Authors: Delagnes Elise A. , Aubin‐Pouliot Annick , Zheng Melissa , Chang Jolie L. , Ryan William R.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To prospectively assess symptoms before and after sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS) in patients with symptomatic sialadenitis without sialolithiasis.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients with chronic obstructive sialadenitis without sialolithiasis (COSWS) completed the Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) questionnaire prior to SASDS and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Of 80 consecutive patients in a 20‐month period, 20 surveyed patients underwent SASDS for COSWS in 37 symptomatic glands. Major symptom improvement (> 10 COSS score reduction) was reported in 24 of 37 (65%) of all glands, including 14 of 21 (67%) of radioactive iodine (RAI)‐induced cases and 10 of 13 (77%) of idiopathic sialadenitis cases. A significant reduction in postoperative mean COSS scores was seen overall (12.6 points, standard deviation [SD] 19.3, P < 0.05 to a post‐SASDS mean score of 26.6). However, 19 of 37 (51%) glands demonstrated postoperative COSS scores above 25, denoting persistent disease. Mean COSS score reductions in RAI‐induced sialadenitis (12.4 points, SD 22.7, P < 0.05) and idiopathic sialadenitis (16.3 points, SD 13.7, P < 0.005) groups were significant, with post‐SASDS COSS mean scores of 30.6 (SD 19.8) and 20.8 (SD 13.8), respectively. Ducts with stenoses treated with dilation or sialodochoplasty showed significant COSS improvements of 21.1 (SD 17.9) and 12.4 points (SD 10.7), respectively (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, both the presence of stenosis and sialodochoplasty were independent predictors of complete or partial resolution (post‐COSS score < 25) and major symptom improvement (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

SASDS provides short‐term symptom reduction in patients with COSWS; particularly in RAI‐induced and idiopathic sialadenitis, and in duct stenosis amenable to dilation or sialodochoplasty. However, approximately half of the glands did not achieve meaningful symptom resolution.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1073–1079, 2017
Global lessons in graft type and pediatric liver allocation: A path toward improving outcomes and eliminating wait‐list mortality
Authors: Hsu Evelyn K. , Mazariegos George V.
Published: October 2016

Current literature and policy in pediatric liver allocation and organ procurement are reviewed here in narrative fashion, highlighting historical context, ethical framework, technical/procurement considerations, and support for a logical way forward to an equitable pediatric liver allocation system that will improve pediatric wait‐list and posttransplant outcomes without adversely affecting adults. Where available, varying examples of successful international pediatric liver allocation and split‐liver policy will be compared to current US policy to highlight potential strategies that can be considered globally. Liver Transplantation 23:86–95 2017 AASLD.
Study of LRRK2 variation in tauopathy: Progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration
Authors: Sanchez‐Contreras Monica , Heckman Michael G. , Tacik Pawel , Diehl Nancy , Brown Patricia H. , Soto‐Ortolaza Alexandra I. , Christopher Elizabeth A. , Walton Ronald L. , Ross Owen A. , Golbe Lawrence I. , Graff‐Radford Neill , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Dickson Dennis W. , Rademakers Rosa
Published: October 2016

Background

Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Unexpectedly, tau pathology has been reported in a subset of LRRK2 mutation carriers.

Methods

To estimate the frequency of pathogenic LRRK2 mutations and to evaluate the association of common LRRK2 variants with risk of primary tauopathies, we studied 1039 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and 145 corticobasal degeneration patients from the Mayo Clinic Florida brain bank and 1790 controls ascertained at Mayo Clinic. Sanger sequencing of LRRK2 exons 30, 31, 35, and 41 was performed in all patients, and genotyping of all 17 known exonic variants with minor allele frequency >0.5% was performed in patients and controls.

Results

LRRK2 mutational screening identified 2 known pathogenic mutations (p.G2019S and p.R1441C), each in 1 PSP patient, the novel p.A1413T mutation in a PSP patient and the rare p.R1707K mutation in a corticobasal degeneration patient. Both p.A1413T and p.R1707K mutations were predicted damaging by at least 2 of 3 prediction programs and affect evolutionary conserved sites of LRRK2. Association analysis using common LRRK2 variants only showed nominal association of the p.L153L variant with PSP.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the presence of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic LRRK2 mutations in pathologically confirmed primary tauopathies, albeit with low frequency. In contrast to PD, common LRRK2 variants do not appear to play a major role in determining PSP and corticobasal degeneration risk. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Direct thrombectomy as a salvage technique in free flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Hong Ki Yong , Chang Lan Sook , Chang Hak , Minn Kyung Won , Jin Ung Sik
Published: October 2016

Background

Breast reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer has become a widely used method. Despite a high rate of success, a compromised flap necessitating re‐exploration can occur. Here, we introduce direct thrombectomy as a flap salvage technique, and compared the results with conventional thrombectomy.

Methods

A total of 488 patients who underwent breast reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap between March 2009 and February 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Flap salvage was conducted by either conventional thrombectomy using a Fogarty catheter, or direct thrombectomy via either a side branch or additional incisions at the stump of the main pedicle at the distal end of the thrombus.

Results

Flap compromise necessitating re‐exploration due to extensive pedicle thrombosis was identified in 30 patients (6.1%). Direct thrombectomy was used in 9 patients, and conventional thrombectomy in 21 patients. Direct thrombectomy had a significantly higher success rate of flap salvage than conventional thrombectomy (88.9% vs. 47.6%; P = .049).

Conclusions

In the event of vascular thrombosis after free flap breast reconstruction, direct thrombectomy at the proximal pedicle stump beside the anastomosis opening appears to be an effective and reliable option that minimizes vessel trauma related to conventional catheter use. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:402–405, 2017.
Assignment of oxime and hydrazone configuration using 1H‐15N and 13C‐15N coupling measurements at natural abundance
Authors: Kline Mike , Pierce Dawn , Cheatham Steve
Published: October 2016

Measurement of 1H‐15N and 13C‐15N coupling constants at natural abundance is demonstrated to be a reliable and generic method to determine the configuration of oximes, hydrazines, and related systems. Data on 1H‐15N and 13C‐15N coupling constants on a variety of systems obtained at natural abundance confirm the geometric dependence of the measured 1H‐15N and 13C‐15N coupling constants. In addition, we summarize a simple “decision‐tree” for determining configuration based on practical considerations of sample quantity, solubility, and complexity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Professionals' Perceptions of the Effects of Exercise on Joint Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Halls Serena , Law Rebecca‐Jane , Jones Jeremy G. , Markland David A. , Maddison Peter J. , Thom Jeanette M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Although exercise is an important factor in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), research indicates that patients perceive that health professionals (HPs) are uncertain about the place of exercise in treatment and its relationship with joint damage. The present study investigated the perceptions of HPs regarding the effects of exercise on joint health in RA patients.

Methods

A questionnaire investigating perceptions of exercise and joint health was distributed via professional networks and websites. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to analyse questionnaire data and develop a focus group interview guide. Focus groups were conducted with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) of rheumatology HPs and analysed using framework analysis.

Results

A total of 137 rheumatology HPs (95 female; 27–65 years of age) completed questionnaires. CFA showed that a four‐factor model provided a marginally acceptable fit. Analysis of four focus groups (n = 24; 19 female; 30–60 years of age) identified five themes relating to HPs' perceptions of exercise and joint health in RA patients: ‘Exercise is beneficial’, ‘Concerns about damage to joints’, ‘Patients have barriers to exercise’, ‘HP knowledge differs’ and ‘Patients may think service delivery is vague’.

Conclusions

HPs were highly aware of the benefits and importance of exercise for RA patients. However, to remove the patient perception that HPs lack certainty and clarity regarding exercise it is important to ensure: (i) consistent promotion of exercise across the whole MDT; (ii) clear provision of information regarding rest, joint protection and exercise; (iii) HP education to ensure consistent, accurate knowledge, and understanding of the potential for conflicting advice when promoting exercise as part of an MDT. Copy © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2‐deoxyglucose inhibits induction of chemokine expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and adipose tissue explants
Authors: Grant Ryan W. , Boudreaux Jacqueline I. , Stephens Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine the influence of glycolytic inhibition on the adipocyte inflammatory response.

Methods

To determine the effect of 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DOG) on the inflammatory response, mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were co‐treated with 2‐DOG and LPS or TNF. To determine the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress on TNF‐induced induction of chemokines, adipocytes were pretreated with thapsigargin or salubrinal. Chemokine mRNA levels were determined using quantitative real‐time PCR, and secretion of CCL2 was determined by Western blot.

Results

2‐DOG treatment reduced the ability of LPS and TNF to induce CCL2 mRNA levels and reduced secreted CCL2 protein levels in a dose‐dependent manner. A similar pattern of mRNA regulation was observed for other chemokines. The attenuation of TNF‐induced CCL2 mRNA levels occurred regardless of whether glucose or pyruvate was present in the media, suggesting that mechanisms other than glycolysis might mediate the observed effects. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum stressor thapsigargin and the endoplasmic reticulum signaling activator salubrinal reduced chemokine mRNA levels similarly to 2‐DOG.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that 2‐DOG suppresses inflammatory chemokine induction in adipocytes. The effects of 2‐DOG do not seem to be linked to glycolysis but correlate with endoplasmic reticulum stress activation.
Modeling the potential of screen printed front junction CZ silicon solar cell with tunnel oxide passivated back contact
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wei , Hermle Martin , Benick Jan , Tao Yuguo , Ok Young‐Woo , Upadhyaya Ajay , Tam Andrew M. , Rohatgi Ajeet
Published: October 2016

Carrier selective passivated contacts composed of thin oxide, n + polycrystalline Si and metal on top of a n‐Si absorber can significantly lower the recombination current density (Jorear ≤8 fA/cm2) under the contact while providing excellent specific contact resistance (5–10 mΩ‐cm2); 25.1% efficient small area cells with photolithography front contacts on boron doped selective emitter and Fz wafers have been achieved by Fraunhofer ISE using their tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) approach. This paper shows a methodology to model such passivated contact cells using Sentaurus device model, which involves replacing the TOPCon region by carrier selective electron and hole recombination velocities to match the measured Jorear of the TOPCon region as well as all the light IV values of the cell. We first validated the methodology by modeling a 24.9% reference cell. The model was then extended to assess the efficiency potential of large area TOPCon cells on commercial grade n‐type Cz material with screen‐printed front contacts. To use realistic input parameters, a 21% n‐type PERT cell was fabricated on Cz wafer (5 Ω‐cm, 1.5‐ms lifetime). Modeling showed that the cell efficiency will improve to only 21.6% if the back of this cell is replaced by the above TOPCon, and the performance is limited by the homogenous emitter. Efficiency was then modeled to improve to 22.6% with the implementation of selective emitter (150/20 Ω/sq). Finally, it is shown that screen printing of 40‐µm‐wide lines and improved bulk material (10 Ω‐cm, 3‐ms lifetime) can raise the single side TOPCon Cz cell efficiency to 23.2%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenylene(vinylene) based fluorescent polymer for selective and sensitive detection of nitro‐explosive picric acid
Authors: Duraimurugan Kumaraguru , Siva Ayyanar
Published: October 2016

We report the synthesis of phenylene(vinylene) based blue light emitting polymer by atom transfer radical polymerization with very good yield. Their photophysical properties were studied systematically with increasing polarities of solvent and sensing of nitro aromatics in solution and in vapor phase. The sensory properties of the polymer were studied toward various nitroaromatic compounds like nitrobenzene (NB), nitrotoluene (NT), dinitrobenzene (DNB), dinitrotoluene (DNT), nitro benzoic acid (NBA), 3‐nitro benzaldehyde (3‐NBA), trinitrotoluene (TNT), 4‐nitrophenol (NP), and picric acid (PA) in solution state. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3800–3807
Tunable, concentration‐independent, sharp, hysteresis‐free UCST phase transition from poly(N‐acryloyl glycinamide‐acrylonitrile) system
Authors: Käfer Florian , Lerch Arne , Agarwal Seema
Published: October 2016

Poly(N‐acryloylglycinamide‐co‐acrylonitrile) (poly(NAGA‐AN)) copolymers were synthesized using reversible‐addition‐fragmentation transfer polymerization. In contrast to poly(NAGA) the thermoresponsive behavior of poly(NAGA‐AN) shows a narrow cooling/heating hysteresis in water with a tunable cloud point, depending on the acrylonitrile amount in polymer. Furthermore, we showed that there is no significant effect of the solution concentration on the cloud point and stable phase transition behavior in electrolyte solutions, which is presumable controlled by forming stable micellar like structures as a result of the block/graft‐copolymer structure. This is in contrast to poly(NAGA) which shows a strong concentration dependent cloud point in aqueous solution with a broad cooling/heating hysteresis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 274–279
Distinct modes in the evolution of interaction between polymer film and atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Bin , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiaolin , Yang Chunsheng , Liu Jingquan
Published: October 2016

Different modes are revealed and characterized in the evolution of interaction between an atmospheric pressure He/O2 plasma jet and the parylene‐C film deposited on a silicon substrate. In the initial mode, the plasma jet spreads on the film surface with the etching process layer by layer from the top to the bottom of the polymer film. Transition mode occurs with sudden change of discharge and plasma characteristics . Then coupled mode dominated the interaction process with the plasma confined in the etched hole and advanced lap by lap from inner to outer domain in the radial direction. To copper substrate, the same distinct modes were also observed. However, to the glass substrate, only layer by layer etching process was observed.
About the enhancement of chemical yield during the atmospheric plasma synthesis of ammonia in a ferroelectric packed bed reactor
Authors: Gómez‐Ramírez Ana , Montoro‐Damas Antonio M. , Cotrino José , Lambert Richard M. , González‐Elipe Agustín R.
Published: October 2016

Plasma reactions offer an attractive alternative route for the synthesis of a variety of valuable chemical compounds. Here we investigate the parameters that determine the efficiency of ammonia synthesis in a ferroelectric packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The effects of varying the operating frequency, the size of the ferroelectric pellets and the inter‐electrode distance have been systematically studied. Under optimised conditions nitrogen conversions in excess of 7% were achieved, higher than those previously obtained using DBD reactors. These findings are discussed with respect to variations in the electrical characteristics of the reactor under operating conditions and in the light of emission spectra obtained as a function of reactant flow rates. These encouraging results signpost future developments that could very substantially improve the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by means of DBD technology.
Quasi‐Neutral Modeling of Gliding Arc Plasmas
Authors: Kolev Stanimir , Sun Surong , Trenchev Georgi , Wang Weizong , Wang Haixing , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: October 2016

The modelling of a gliding arc discharge (GAD) is studied by means of the quasineutral (QN) plasma modelling approach. The model is first evaluated for reliability and proper description of a gliding arc discharge at atmospheric pressure, by comparing with a more elaborate non‐quasineutral (NQN) plasma model in two different geometries – a 2D axisymmetric and a Cartesian geometry. The NQN model is considered as a reference, since it provides a continuous self‐consistent plasma description, including the near electrode regions. In general, the results of the QN model agree very well with those obtained from the NQN model. The small differences between both models are attributed to the approximations in the derivation of the QN model. The use of the QN model provides a substantial reduction of the computation time compared to the NQN model, which is crucial for the development of more complex models in three dimensions or with complicated chemistries. The latter is illustrated for (i) a reverse vortex flow (RVF) GAD in argon, and (ii) a GAD in CO2. The RVF discharge is modelled in three dimensions and the effect of the turbulent heat transport on the plasma and gas characteristics is discussed. The GAD model in CO2 is in a 1D geometry with axial symmetry and provides results for the time evolution of the electron, gas and vibrational temperature of CO2, as well as for the molar fractions of the different species.
Clinical outcomes of levalbuterol versus racemic albuterol in pediatric patients with asthma: Propensity score matching approach in a medicaid population
Authors: Yuan Jing , Lu Zhiqiang Kevin , Zhang Yanjun , Wu Jun , Love Bryan L. , Schulz Richard M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Racemic albuterol and levalbuterol are used to treat acute episodes of asthma. The main objective of this study was to compare levalbuterol therapy to albuterol therapy on incidence rates of subsequent emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of asthmatic children who had pharmacy refills for levalbuterol/albuterol in the South Carolina Medicaid database in 2002–2011. Children receiving levalbuterol were matched to those receiving albuterol using propensity score matching technique. For ED visits and separately for hospitalizations, multivariable negative binomial regression was used to estimate the two group‐specific incidence rates and the incidence rate ratio (IRR).

Results

A total of 8,172 asthmatic patients aged 2–18 years were identified in the South Carolina Medicaid database. During the 12‐month follow‐up period, the levalbuterol group had fewer asthma‐related ED visits and hospitalizations: 939 (11.49%) children had asthma‐related ED visits (levalbuterol: 8.76%; albuterol: 14.21%), and 89 (1.09%) children had asthma‐related hospitalizations (levalbuterol: 1.07%; albuterol: 1.12%). Comparing the levalbuterol group to the albuterol group, the adjusted IRR estimate was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49–0.65) for of asthma‐related ED visits, and 0.93 (95%CI, 0.99–1.63) for hospitalizations. Children filling levalbuterol also had a lower IRR of all‐cause ED visit (0.88; 95%CI, 0.82–0.95), but similar IRR of all‐cause hospitalizations (1.08; 95%CI, 0.82–1.42).

Conclusion

This observational study of children aged 2–18 demonstrated levalbuterol prescription fills were associated with reduced ED visits, but not hospitalizations. Additional research may be necessary to assess this association. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:516–523. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical Properties of Composite AP/HTPB Propellants Containing Novel Titania Nanoparticles
Authors: Thomas James C. , Demko Andrew R. , Sammet Thomas E. , Reid David L. , Seal Sudipta , Petersen Eric L.
Published: October 2016

Modern chemical synthesis techniques have allowed for improved incorporation of nano‐scale additives into solid propellants. Various methods were implemented to incorporate titania nanoparticles into three representative ammonium perchlorate composite propellants (APCP), and the mechanical properties of each formulation were tested and compared to those of an analogous baseline. Advanced imaging techniques were applied to all particle synthesis methods to characterize particle size and particle network type and size. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed to measure propellant ultimate strength, ductility, and elastic modulus. In general, the addition of nano‐titania additives to the propellant decreased propellant strength and modulus, but improved ductility. Propellant formulations containing in‐situ titania exhibited an increase in ductility of 11 %, 286 %, and 186 % with a corresponding reduction in strength of 82 %, 52 %, and 17 % over analogous baselines. These trends corresponded to a simultaneous decrease in propellant density, indicating that when implementing nano‐sized additives, care must be taken to monitor the effect of the altered manufacturing techniques on propellant physical properties in addition to just monitoring burning rates. Tailoring of propellant manufacturing procedures and the addition of Tepanol bonding agent to an in‐situ APCP formulation fully recovered the propellant density and ultimate strength while retaining the enhanced ductility.
Investigation of Fireball Temperatures in Confined Thermobaric Explosions
Authors: Maiz Lotfi , Trzciński Waldemar A. , Paszula Józef
Published: October 2016

New composite metalized explosives were studied. The explosives consisted of two different types of macroscopic granular multi‐component RDX‐based formulations. In a 0.15 m3 explosion chamber, fireball temperature histories for numerous cylindrical pressed and layered charges made from the composites were determined using optical spectroscopy. For comparison, charges consisting of simple mixtures instead of the composites as well TNT and RDX phlegmatized (RDXph) charges were also studied. The influence of the structure of the macroscopic granular composite, the charge type (pressed charge or layered charge with an RDXph core), oxygen availability (air or argon atmosphere) and aluminum particle size on the fireball temperature and the combustion of the aluminum powder were determined. The measured temperatures were compared with the theoretical ones calculated by assuming different activity of the aluminum fuel.
Steady‐State control of open Quantum Brownian Motion
Authors: Sinayskiy Ilya , Petruccione Francesco
Published: October 2016

Open Quantum Brownian motion describes a Quantum Brownian particle with an additional internal degree of freedom.The quantum master equation for a free Open Quantum Brownian walker with two‐dimensional internal degree of freedom interacting decoherently with the dissipative environment is derived. Using the analytical solution for the moments of the position distribution of the Brownian walker, one finds that the steady state average position of the walker can be controlled by the strength of an external classical driving field.
Lessons from (co‐)evolution in the docking of proteins and peptides for CAPRI Rounds 28–35
Authors: Yu Jinchao , Andreani Jessica , Ochsenbein Françoise , Guerois Raphaël
Published: October 2016

Computational protein–protein docking is of great importance for understanding protein interactions at the structural level. Critical assessment of prediction of interactions (CAPRI) experiments provide the protein docking community with a unique opportunity to blindly test methods based on real‐life cases and help accelerate methodology development. For CAPRI Rounds 28–35, we used an automatic docking pipeline integrating the coarse‐grained co‐evolution‐based potential InterEvScore. This score was developed to exploit the information contained in the multiple sequence alignments of binding partners and selectively recognize co‐evolved interfaces. Together with Zdock/Frodock for rigid‐body docking, SOAP‐PP for atomic potential and Rosetta applications for structural refinement, this pipeline reached high performance on a majority of targets. For protein–peptide docking and interfacial water position predictions, we also explored different means of taking evolutionary information into account. Overall, our group ranked 1st by correctly predicting 10 targets, composed of 1 High, 7 Medium and 2 Acceptable predictions. Excellent and Outstanding levels of accuracy were reached for each of the two water prediction targets, respectively. Altogether, in 15 out of 18 targets in total, evolutionary information, either through co‐evolution or conservation analyses, could provide key constraints to guide modeling towards the most likely assemblies. These results open promising perspectives regarding the way evolutionary information can be valuable to improve docking prediction accuracy. Proteins 2017; 85:378–390. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the material quality of silicon ingots by aluminum gettering during crystal growth
Authors: Schön J. , Krenckel P. , Karches B. , Schindler F. , Giesecke J. , Stieghorst C. , Wiehl N. , Schubert M. C. , Riepe S.
Published: October 2016

We present a method for the purification of silicon ingots during the crystallization process that reduces significantly the width of the low charge carrier lifetime region at the ingot top. The back‐diffusion of impurities from the ingot top is suppressed by adding a small amount of pure aluminum into the silicon melt right at the end of the solidification. We study the aluminum gettering effect by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and Fei imaging. Furthermore, we present a model for aluminum gettering of Fe in the silicon ingot that is in agreement with literature data for aluminum gettering at lower temperature. The distribution of iron in the ingots with and without aluminum is fairly well predicted by a combination of this model with a model for Fe contamination from the crucible system. A simulation with varying Al content exhibits further potential for an increased yield of silicon wafers with high charge carrier lifetime. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)